************CHAPTER NINE***********
Draco Malfoy was in pain. Undeniable, unfathomable pain. All over his entire body, there was a throbbing that made him feel like he had just fallen 50 feet in a Quidditch mach, and then gotten pounded by a bludger in the head, several times. However, no matter how hard he just wanted to crawl under the sheets of the comfortable bed he was in, he wasn't even sure he could move.
He thought back to why he was in this torture, but found he could only remember vague details of the battle. Ony one thought plagued his mind. 'Why did I do it?' He knew he didn't want to join his father's league and become a minion for the Dark Lord, but he always thought he would just stay neutral, not become fighter for the light. 'It only proves,' he thought, 'its not as easy to be gray than I thought.'
Then his thoughts turned to more depressing matters. He would be kicked out of the Malfoy Manor. His family would disown him. True, his family had never been that great in the first place, but still, they were all he had. 'It too late now. What is done is done.' It was then that he made the effort to open his eyes.
Blinding Light! All he could see was white. As Harry got used to the luminosity he realized where he was. 'Not here again.'
He tried to remember in a daze what had happened to put him here. He had to admit he was in pain, but it was nothing compared to some of what had happened to him in the past. The cruciatus. Now that was pain. When the tree fell on him during a snow storm in Montana. That was pretty painful to. This feeling, however, was more uncomfortable than anything. He felt heavy, like something was weighing him down. When he looked down towards his feet, he started to realize why. He still had his had his shoes on. As he looked under the covers, he noticed that he had an entire battle outfit on. Having no memory of what went on after he collapsed during the battle, he only had one thought 'Where did that come from?' Feeling like he had spent enough time in the land of the unconscious, he felt on the table next to his bed for his glasses, and, after finding them, he slipped them on.
When he looked around the room, he saw many people, he assumed from the battle the day before. Next to him, he saw his long time archrival waking up also.
Draco Malfoy. Now there was another mystery. He had only met up with him once since his return, and he was so miserable. But yesterday he had tried to save his life. Harry didn't know what to think of this. Malfoy on the side of the light? He didn't think it was possible.
"Welcome to the world of the living, Malfoy."
"Shut up, Potter. Just because I saved your arse out there doesn't make up friends."
"I wouldn't expect it to Malfoy. I wouldn't expect it to."
"You didn't have to repeat yourself. I heard you the first time you idiot."
"Shut it, Malfoy. If your this unpleasant awake then go back to sleep."
"Ah I could, but then I wouldn't be able to annoy the hell out of you."
The fair-headed teenager was saved from a few choice words from the dark-headed one by the arrival of the headmaster.
"I see that the two of you are awake. How are you feeling?"
"Like I survived another round with that idiot hippogriff."
"That was your own fault, Malfoy. I'm feeling quite fine, sir. Do you think that, since I'm in here so much, I can get the Hospital Wing to be renamed to the Harry Potter wing?
"Alas, I'm sorry I can not. You see, there is one person who has been here more than you. And, with your, well, hiatus from school, I hope that you will not be able to catch up with him."
"Who would this mysterious injured person be, Professor?"
"I believe his friends called him Prongs."
At this Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Well then Headmaster, I wouldn't mind just simply the 'Potter Wing,' since it seems to be such a family tradition."
"We'll see Mr. Potter, we'll see," the old man replied chuckling.
"On a more serious note, I do have a question, though. Why am I still wearing this?"
"Well, Madame Pomfrey tried to remove both of your battle uniforms, but it seems that they are charmed so that only the owners can remove them. Your swords and, Harry, your staff could not be removed more than 10 meters from you either."
It was Draco who finally summoned the courage to ask what was nagging both the teenagers.
"Umm, sir? How can I put this nicely... What the bloody hell happened? And why do we have these outfits and stuff?"
The old man looked around the room, then got up and pulled the curtains around the two boys beds so that no one would be able to see them. He finally finished out the makeshift room with a strong silencing spell that he knew no one could break.
"We wouldn't want to be overheard, would we?"
The two teenagers looked at each other with curious expressions on their face and to their headmaster.
"Before we start, would either of you like a lemon drop?"
"No, sir."
"Well then, this all started over a thousand years ago with four people, whom also happen to be the founders of this school. I assume you know who they are?"
The boys both nodded.
"Very good. You see, all four of the founders were very powerful mages. For a while, they were also good friends, but after Gryffindor and Slytherin got in a fight, Slytherin left the castle and never returned. He died very soon after that, leaving behind a son, that he did not know he had fathered. That son had another son and that one a daughter, and the lineage comes down to one Tom Marvolo Riddle."
"Who sir?"
"I'm sorry, Draco. I forgot not everyone know his other persona. Tom Riddle is the one your father calls 'master.'"
"He's the Heir of Slytherin?!? I knew I should have just stayed neutral in this fight."
"Calm down boy! I'm not done with my story just yet! Don't give up hope before you know all the facts!"
Harry couldn't help but notice the pointed glare he got from the headmaster with that comment.
"As I was saying, that concludes the lineage of Slytherin. However, there were three other founders, all just as powerful as the one that left. Hufflepuff was a great seer. She could see that many years down the line, a descendant of Slytherin would claim to be the true heir and try to conquer the world. She voiced her concerns to Ravenclaw and Gryffindor and they assured her there was no way that he could not have appointed any true heirs to his lineage, since he did not know about his son before he died.
However, the three were still very concerned about the welfare of their descendants, since, even though he could not have a true heir, any offspring of his would still be very powerful. They didn't talk about the matter again for quite awhile, but the problem always hung in the back of their minds.
About a year after that, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, who had fallen in love, got married. A few years after that, Ravenclaw gave birth to twin daughters. They finally had a way to ensure the safety of the world. That day, Gryffindor put a charm on the eldest twin, and Ravenclaw to younger, so that, if the time ever the time arose that the Slytherin 's descendant caused enough trouble, the descendant of their twins would become true heirs, and in so doing, become mages with the strength of their ancestors.
However, there was a catch. In order for the two to unlock their powers, they had to vow to fight for each other, for the cause of the light. There is no way that this vow could be forged. It is as strong as any wizarding bond there is. I know you are both wondering why I have been trusting Mr. Malfoy with such secrets that could be a detriment to our cause. This is why. I truly appreciate your dedication Draco.
Back to the twins, the elder of the two married when she was twenty, to a man named Alexander Henry Potter. The younger married when she was 22 to a man named Caleb Ethan Malfoy. You see, young Mr. Malfoy, your family was not always associate with dark wizards. In fact, for many centuries, they were warriors for the light. It was forgotten by most that the name Malfoy had any connection to the founders. Likewise, the relationship with the name Potter. Your father, Draco, did not even know, seeing that your grandfather died without telling him.
In 1936, dark wizard, named Grindewald, claiming to have all the easy solutions to hard problems and infinite power came to being. He knew of the links that the Potter and Malfoy families had with the founder and hoped to get that power for his own use. He went to both your great- grandfathers as young men to try to convince them to join. His persuasion worked on Mr. Malfoy's father, but fortunately not Mr. Potter. For sixty years the Malfoy has been on the dark side. I am glad to see that you are staring to change the tides for your family, Mr. Malfoy.
So, as you've probably guessed, those outfits, swords and staff are gifts from your ancestors. I assume you remember that sword, Mr. Potter?"
Harry, who had stayed silent the whole time, found that no words could escape his lips. So instead, he only nodded.
"Those weapons are very powerful. I suggest that you both try to train with them and learn to use them to their full extent."
Finally Harry found his voice again.
"But sir, why do I have a staff when Draco doesn't?"
The old headmaster looked at him through his crescent glasses, and then put his elbows on his knees and his steepled fingers to his chin. Harry could tell he was fighting some sort of inner battle, his twinkle was gone, and he looked very sad. 'What could he possibly be keeping from me to cause this sort of reaction?'
"That I was truly not expecting, Harry. Many people tell me that I remind them of a distant ancestor of mine, I believe you know who Merlin is."
Not knowing where this was leading, Harry took the bait. "Yes, sir, I do."
You see Harry, a year after Grindewald came to your great-grandfather, Mr. Potter and I had become very close friends. That year, both of our wives gave birth, the Potters to a son, and to Aurora and I, a daughter. Shortly before I defeated Grindewald, death eaters attacked and killed both of the Potters parents. Thankfully, their son, Ryan survived and Rose and I took him in and raised him. When my daughter and Ryan were twenty, they got married, and soon after they had a son names James. Twenty years later, James and his wife, names Lily had a son, Harry. You, Harry, are my great- grandson and, by the looks of it, Merlin's true heir. That staff would be the staff of Merlin."
Harry didn't hear any of the last part. For him Dumbledore's speech ended at the part that he reviled that he was Harry's great-grandfather. Why didn't he tell him this before? Did he know the hell that Harry went through all those years with the Dursley's? And hoe he made him go back there summer after summer saying that they were his only relatives? For five long years Harry had been at Hogwarts! And never a single word!
"Harry, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I didn't feel that you were ready."
There was only silence from the dark-haired boy though. He had no emotion on his face, and looked to be deep in thought.
"Harry."
"Harry?"
"HARRY!"
Finally the boy looked at him, but he stilled stayed in silence.
"Harry, I have to go now, but there will be a meeting with Fawkes tonight at 9. After that, we can talk, okay?"
Harry still stayed still for a few moments, then finally nodded his head. The headmaster then stood up, took off the silence charm, moved the curtains back, then headed out the door.
There was a long silence between the two boys. They had both been given so much information about their past. Too much information about their past. Finally,
"Pot-Harry, are you alright?"
He got no response.
"HARRY!"
The boy turned sharply to Draco with a helpless look in his eyes, then somehow, forgot to breath.
"Harry, you need to breath."
Draco wished he hadn't said that when Harry started gasping in breaths at a quick pace.
"Madame Pomfrey! Hurry! Quick!"
Within seconds the nurse was at his side muttering a calming charm.
"Calm down Mr. Potter! What has got you so worked up?"
He finally took his first words. "Nothing Madame Pomfrey. I'm fine."
"Well, you surely didn't look fine, but I'll take your word for it. You two need some more sleep. You drift back off, and I'll be in my office if you need me." And with that she strode off.
"Harry, are you really ok?"
"I'll be fine, Mal- Draco, I'll be fine."
*~^~*
Harry didn't know how long he had just sat there. He heard Dumbledore say something about meeting Fawkes at 9, he could only assume that meant an order meeting, so he nodded his head.
Then he felt his chest clamp down. He couldn't breath! Then almost instantaneously, he could breath again, but he in his excitement, he started breathing too fast. This was not good. He heard Malfoy call for the medi-wizard and he felt very thankful for that act. Then, Madam Pomfrey came over, and suddenly he could breath again.
"Calm down Mr. Potter! What has got you so worked up?"
Like she really wanted to know. "Nothing Madame Pomfrey. I'm fine."
Then Draco talked to again, and he only made small talk, not having the though capacity to do anything different. He felt trapped, like he couldn't get out. People had been lying to him all his life! He only wondered it Sirius and Professor Lupin knew about this, too. They were his father's best friends. He had to get out of here. He wanted out of this place. Why did he come back in the first place? Why did he come back to warn the people who had lied to him. Using all of his strength, Harry got out of his bed and started to make his way to his room. As he walked out of the Hospital Wing, he noticed Ron and Hermione waiting in chairs, most likely for visiting rights. He didn't want to talk though, he wanted to leave. He could hear them calling him, and then following him.
When he made it to his room, he got out his trunks and started packing.
"Harry! What the hell do you think you're doing? You are not leaving me again."
"Yes I am, Hermione. I don't belong here. I belong in a place where people don't lie and try to kill me all the time."
Then, for the first time in a very long while, he heard his other best friend speak.
"Harry, please don't leave again. Whatever it is we can work through it."
"Like bloody hell we can! How would you feel if you just found out you had another relative living, and you had had to like with idiot muggles all you childhood, made to work like a servant. You wouldn't want to work through it, would you?"
"Harry, love, what are you talking about?"
"You know that great headmaster everyone is so damn fond of? He just happens to be my great-grandfather."
"What?!?!?"
"You heard me. And after all these years he never told me! After being with him all those time in his office, he couldn't just say 'Oh! And Harry! You're my great-grandson!'"
"Harry, maybe he had a good reason! Did you give him explain?"
"He said we could talk tonight."
"Why don't you wait until then to make you decision. I don't want to lose you again, Harry."
"She's right, mate. I haven't even gotten a chance to apologize for the git I've been, and already you want to split!"
"It's alright, Ron. I shouldn't have left in the first place. I just couldn't take the stress anymore. Although I don't regret it. I loved where I was. It's the most serene, calming place in the world. I don't blame you if you'd never want to talk to me again. I do apologize to you, though. I've been trying to write a letter to your parents, but I just can't. After all they did for me I feel awful."
"You should! My mother nearly went nuts after you disappeared. When she heard you cam back, she sent me four owls asking to hear from you. The last one said something about coming to Hogwarts to personally ream you out for leaving. I'd be glad that you didn't get a howler from her. I want to see what she does when she does get her hands on you. Merlin only knows!"
Ron, thinking he was keeping the mood light, let loose a small laugh. But he couldn't help but notice how Harry flinched when he said the name Merlin. 'Strange' he thought.
Hermione was also trying her own way of keeping the man she loved calm. She gave him a soft kiss on the lips then started on her own tirade.
"Harry, give him a chance. Did you ever think of how much it probably hurt his to keep it a secret? He probably did this to keep you safe. Everyone already wants to kill you, think of how much worse it would be if they knew you were related to one of the strongest wizards in history."
Harry seemed to look like he was actually thinking it all through. Maybe he did over react.
"You're right, Hermione. I'll give him a chance."
"That's great, Harry. When do you have to be there?"
"Nine"
"That gives you time to change out of those ridiculous clothes and take a nap then. Does Madame Pomfrey know you're gone?"
"No," Harry said sheepishly.
"Ron, go and tell her that he's in his room so she doesn't worry."
"Sure."
"Wait Ron! Thanks. For everything."
"Sure mate. Anything." And with that, the redhead walked from the room, bending over when he was outside, obviously to pick up his wand.
"Alright Harry. Time to bath and change."
"Yes, mummy."
"Don't get fresh with me, young man!"
*~^~*
When Harry was in the bathtub, he finally let himself think calmly about all the events. Hogsmeade was not supposed to be attacked according to his dreams. He wondered how much 100 less death eaters changed the dark lords plans. That was the reason he came back, was to report on his vision, but now that information was useless.
After drying himself and changing himself into a pair of pajamas, Harry stepped back into his room. Hermione had already left, but there was a note on his bed saying to get some sleep. He noticed it was six hours until the meeting, so he planned to do just that. He laid down on his bed, and for the first time in his entire life, hoped for a vision from to dark lord or even a twinge from his scar.
However, he didn't have to wait long.
***********************
A/N My eyes hurt... I wrote way too long on this. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter! I really wish more people would review... Are that few people actually reading the story? Or are ya'll just too lazy like me :) I know how it goes, but I'm starting to review more, so so can ya'll.
A special note to m4x: Umm.. ya.. no... You see, I'm a native born Texan. For 20 years I've lived in Smalltown County Texas. So, by my birthright, I'm allowed to say ya'll all I want to. Along with a few other contractions, like Ain't. ya'll isn't even that bad! It's a legitimate contraction made from you and all. Ya'll get it?
"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation
in every sense of the word" - Author John Steinbeck
Another special note for BlackDragon: I tried to make Ron darker, I really did! But no matter how I tried, my fingers made him good. If I do another story after this one, I won't let get my fingers get ahead of me. I actually didn't expect his chapter to be like it turned out to be, but some how it did. I really enjoy your reviews :)
I'm sorry for my Texas Tirade guys, I'm just really really Texan. I was brought up that way, and some things never change :)
And for the tenth time, DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Draco Malfoy was in pain. Undeniable, unfathomable pain. All over his entire body, there was a throbbing that made him feel like he had just fallen 50 feet in a Quidditch mach, and then gotten pounded by a bludger in the head, several times. However, no matter how hard he just wanted to crawl under the sheets of the comfortable bed he was in, he wasn't even sure he could move.
He thought back to why he was in this torture, but found he could only remember vague details of the battle. Ony one thought plagued his mind. 'Why did I do it?' He knew he didn't want to join his father's league and become a minion for the Dark Lord, but he always thought he would just stay neutral, not become fighter for the light. 'It only proves,' he thought, 'its not as easy to be gray than I thought.'
Then his thoughts turned to more depressing matters. He would be kicked out of the Malfoy Manor. His family would disown him. True, his family had never been that great in the first place, but still, they were all he had. 'It too late now. What is done is done.' It was then that he made the effort to open his eyes.
Blinding Light! All he could see was white. As Harry got used to the luminosity he realized where he was. 'Not here again.'
He tried to remember in a daze what had happened to put him here. He had to admit he was in pain, but it was nothing compared to some of what had happened to him in the past. The cruciatus. Now that was pain. When the tree fell on him during a snow storm in Montana. That was pretty painful to. This feeling, however, was more uncomfortable than anything. He felt heavy, like something was weighing him down. When he looked down towards his feet, he started to realize why. He still had his had his shoes on. As he looked under the covers, he noticed that he had an entire battle outfit on. Having no memory of what went on after he collapsed during the battle, he only had one thought 'Where did that come from?' Feeling like he had spent enough time in the land of the unconscious, he felt on the table next to his bed for his glasses, and, after finding them, he slipped them on.
When he looked around the room, he saw many people, he assumed from the battle the day before. Next to him, he saw his long time archrival waking up also.
Draco Malfoy. Now there was another mystery. He had only met up with him once since his return, and he was so miserable. But yesterday he had tried to save his life. Harry didn't know what to think of this. Malfoy on the side of the light? He didn't think it was possible.
"Welcome to the world of the living, Malfoy."
"Shut up, Potter. Just because I saved your arse out there doesn't make up friends."
"I wouldn't expect it to Malfoy. I wouldn't expect it to."
"You didn't have to repeat yourself. I heard you the first time you idiot."
"Shut it, Malfoy. If your this unpleasant awake then go back to sleep."
"Ah I could, but then I wouldn't be able to annoy the hell out of you."
The fair-headed teenager was saved from a few choice words from the dark-headed one by the arrival of the headmaster.
"I see that the two of you are awake. How are you feeling?"
"Like I survived another round with that idiot hippogriff."
"That was your own fault, Malfoy. I'm feeling quite fine, sir. Do you think that, since I'm in here so much, I can get the Hospital Wing to be renamed to the Harry Potter wing?
"Alas, I'm sorry I can not. You see, there is one person who has been here more than you. And, with your, well, hiatus from school, I hope that you will not be able to catch up with him."
"Who would this mysterious injured person be, Professor?"
"I believe his friends called him Prongs."
At this Harry couldn't help but laugh. "Well then Headmaster, I wouldn't mind just simply the 'Potter Wing,' since it seems to be such a family tradition."
"We'll see Mr. Potter, we'll see," the old man replied chuckling.
"On a more serious note, I do have a question, though. Why am I still wearing this?"
"Well, Madame Pomfrey tried to remove both of your battle uniforms, but it seems that they are charmed so that only the owners can remove them. Your swords and, Harry, your staff could not be removed more than 10 meters from you either."
It was Draco who finally summoned the courage to ask what was nagging both the teenagers.
"Umm, sir? How can I put this nicely... What the bloody hell happened? And why do we have these outfits and stuff?"
The old man looked around the room, then got up and pulled the curtains around the two boys beds so that no one would be able to see them. He finally finished out the makeshift room with a strong silencing spell that he knew no one could break.
"We wouldn't want to be overheard, would we?"
The two teenagers looked at each other with curious expressions on their face and to their headmaster.
"Before we start, would either of you like a lemon drop?"
"No, sir."
"Well then, this all started over a thousand years ago with four people, whom also happen to be the founders of this school. I assume you know who they are?"
The boys both nodded.
"Very good. You see, all four of the founders were very powerful mages. For a while, they were also good friends, but after Gryffindor and Slytherin got in a fight, Slytherin left the castle and never returned. He died very soon after that, leaving behind a son, that he did not know he had fathered. That son had another son and that one a daughter, and the lineage comes down to one Tom Marvolo Riddle."
"Who sir?"
"I'm sorry, Draco. I forgot not everyone know his other persona. Tom Riddle is the one your father calls 'master.'"
"He's the Heir of Slytherin?!? I knew I should have just stayed neutral in this fight."
"Calm down boy! I'm not done with my story just yet! Don't give up hope before you know all the facts!"
Harry couldn't help but notice the pointed glare he got from the headmaster with that comment.
"As I was saying, that concludes the lineage of Slytherin. However, there were three other founders, all just as powerful as the one that left. Hufflepuff was a great seer. She could see that many years down the line, a descendant of Slytherin would claim to be the true heir and try to conquer the world. She voiced her concerns to Ravenclaw and Gryffindor and they assured her there was no way that he could not have appointed any true heirs to his lineage, since he did not know about his son before he died.
However, the three were still very concerned about the welfare of their descendants, since, even though he could not have a true heir, any offspring of his would still be very powerful. They didn't talk about the matter again for quite awhile, but the problem always hung in the back of their minds.
About a year after that, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, who had fallen in love, got married. A few years after that, Ravenclaw gave birth to twin daughters. They finally had a way to ensure the safety of the world. That day, Gryffindor put a charm on the eldest twin, and Ravenclaw to younger, so that, if the time ever the time arose that the Slytherin 's descendant caused enough trouble, the descendant of their twins would become true heirs, and in so doing, become mages with the strength of their ancestors.
However, there was a catch. In order for the two to unlock their powers, they had to vow to fight for each other, for the cause of the light. There is no way that this vow could be forged. It is as strong as any wizarding bond there is. I know you are both wondering why I have been trusting Mr. Malfoy with such secrets that could be a detriment to our cause. This is why. I truly appreciate your dedication Draco.
Back to the twins, the elder of the two married when she was twenty, to a man named Alexander Henry Potter. The younger married when she was 22 to a man named Caleb Ethan Malfoy. You see, young Mr. Malfoy, your family was not always associate with dark wizards. In fact, for many centuries, they were warriors for the light. It was forgotten by most that the name Malfoy had any connection to the founders. Likewise, the relationship with the name Potter. Your father, Draco, did not even know, seeing that your grandfather died without telling him.
In 1936, dark wizard, named Grindewald, claiming to have all the easy solutions to hard problems and infinite power came to being. He knew of the links that the Potter and Malfoy families had with the founder and hoped to get that power for his own use. He went to both your great- grandfathers as young men to try to convince them to join. His persuasion worked on Mr. Malfoy's father, but fortunately not Mr. Potter. For sixty years the Malfoy has been on the dark side. I am glad to see that you are staring to change the tides for your family, Mr. Malfoy.
So, as you've probably guessed, those outfits, swords and staff are gifts from your ancestors. I assume you remember that sword, Mr. Potter?"
Harry, who had stayed silent the whole time, found that no words could escape his lips. So instead, he only nodded.
"Those weapons are very powerful. I suggest that you both try to train with them and learn to use them to their full extent."
Finally Harry found his voice again.
"But sir, why do I have a staff when Draco doesn't?"
The old headmaster looked at him through his crescent glasses, and then put his elbows on his knees and his steepled fingers to his chin. Harry could tell he was fighting some sort of inner battle, his twinkle was gone, and he looked very sad. 'What could he possibly be keeping from me to cause this sort of reaction?'
"That I was truly not expecting, Harry. Many people tell me that I remind them of a distant ancestor of mine, I believe you know who Merlin is."
Not knowing where this was leading, Harry took the bait. "Yes, sir, I do."
You see Harry, a year after Grindewald came to your great-grandfather, Mr. Potter and I had become very close friends. That year, both of our wives gave birth, the Potters to a son, and to Aurora and I, a daughter. Shortly before I defeated Grindewald, death eaters attacked and killed both of the Potters parents. Thankfully, their son, Ryan survived and Rose and I took him in and raised him. When my daughter and Ryan were twenty, they got married, and soon after they had a son names James. Twenty years later, James and his wife, names Lily had a son, Harry. You, Harry, are my great- grandson and, by the looks of it, Merlin's true heir. That staff would be the staff of Merlin."
Harry didn't hear any of the last part. For him Dumbledore's speech ended at the part that he reviled that he was Harry's great-grandfather. Why didn't he tell him this before? Did he know the hell that Harry went through all those years with the Dursley's? And hoe he made him go back there summer after summer saying that they were his only relatives? For five long years Harry had been at Hogwarts! And never a single word!
"Harry, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I didn't feel that you were ready."
There was only silence from the dark-haired boy though. He had no emotion on his face, and looked to be deep in thought.
"Harry."
"Harry?"
"HARRY!"
Finally the boy looked at him, but he stilled stayed in silence.
"Harry, I have to go now, but there will be a meeting with Fawkes tonight at 9. After that, we can talk, okay?"
Harry still stayed still for a few moments, then finally nodded his head. The headmaster then stood up, took off the silence charm, moved the curtains back, then headed out the door.
There was a long silence between the two boys. They had both been given so much information about their past. Too much information about their past. Finally,
"Pot-Harry, are you alright?"
He got no response.
"HARRY!"
The boy turned sharply to Draco with a helpless look in his eyes, then somehow, forgot to breath.
"Harry, you need to breath."
Draco wished he hadn't said that when Harry started gasping in breaths at a quick pace.
"Madame Pomfrey! Hurry! Quick!"
Within seconds the nurse was at his side muttering a calming charm.
"Calm down Mr. Potter! What has got you so worked up?"
He finally took his first words. "Nothing Madame Pomfrey. I'm fine."
"Well, you surely didn't look fine, but I'll take your word for it. You two need some more sleep. You drift back off, and I'll be in my office if you need me." And with that she strode off.
"Harry, are you really ok?"
"I'll be fine, Mal- Draco, I'll be fine."
*~^~*
Harry didn't know how long he had just sat there. He heard Dumbledore say something about meeting Fawkes at 9, he could only assume that meant an order meeting, so he nodded his head.
Then he felt his chest clamp down. He couldn't breath! Then almost instantaneously, he could breath again, but he in his excitement, he started breathing too fast. This was not good. He heard Malfoy call for the medi-wizard and he felt very thankful for that act. Then, Madam Pomfrey came over, and suddenly he could breath again.
"Calm down Mr. Potter! What has got you so worked up?"
Like she really wanted to know. "Nothing Madame Pomfrey. I'm fine."
Then Draco talked to again, and he only made small talk, not having the though capacity to do anything different. He felt trapped, like he couldn't get out. People had been lying to him all his life! He only wondered it Sirius and Professor Lupin knew about this, too. They were his father's best friends. He had to get out of here. He wanted out of this place. Why did he come back in the first place? Why did he come back to warn the people who had lied to him. Using all of his strength, Harry got out of his bed and started to make his way to his room. As he walked out of the Hospital Wing, he noticed Ron and Hermione waiting in chairs, most likely for visiting rights. He didn't want to talk though, he wanted to leave. He could hear them calling him, and then following him.
When he made it to his room, he got out his trunks and started packing.
"Harry! What the hell do you think you're doing? You are not leaving me again."
"Yes I am, Hermione. I don't belong here. I belong in a place where people don't lie and try to kill me all the time."
Then, for the first time in a very long while, he heard his other best friend speak.
"Harry, please don't leave again. Whatever it is we can work through it."
"Like bloody hell we can! How would you feel if you just found out you had another relative living, and you had had to like with idiot muggles all you childhood, made to work like a servant. You wouldn't want to work through it, would you?"
"Harry, love, what are you talking about?"
"You know that great headmaster everyone is so damn fond of? He just happens to be my great-grandfather."
"What?!?!?"
"You heard me. And after all these years he never told me! After being with him all those time in his office, he couldn't just say 'Oh! And Harry! You're my great-grandson!'"
"Harry, maybe he had a good reason! Did you give him explain?"
"He said we could talk tonight."
"Why don't you wait until then to make you decision. I don't want to lose you again, Harry."
"She's right, mate. I haven't even gotten a chance to apologize for the git I've been, and already you want to split!"
"It's alright, Ron. I shouldn't have left in the first place. I just couldn't take the stress anymore. Although I don't regret it. I loved where I was. It's the most serene, calming place in the world. I don't blame you if you'd never want to talk to me again. I do apologize to you, though. I've been trying to write a letter to your parents, but I just can't. After all they did for me I feel awful."
"You should! My mother nearly went nuts after you disappeared. When she heard you cam back, she sent me four owls asking to hear from you. The last one said something about coming to Hogwarts to personally ream you out for leaving. I'd be glad that you didn't get a howler from her. I want to see what she does when she does get her hands on you. Merlin only knows!"
Ron, thinking he was keeping the mood light, let loose a small laugh. But he couldn't help but notice how Harry flinched when he said the name Merlin. 'Strange' he thought.
Hermione was also trying her own way of keeping the man she loved calm. She gave him a soft kiss on the lips then started on her own tirade.
"Harry, give him a chance. Did you ever think of how much it probably hurt his to keep it a secret? He probably did this to keep you safe. Everyone already wants to kill you, think of how much worse it would be if they knew you were related to one of the strongest wizards in history."
Harry seemed to look like he was actually thinking it all through. Maybe he did over react.
"You're right, Hermione. I'll give him a chance."
"That's great, Harry. When do you have to be there?"
"Nine"
"That gives you time to change out of those ridiculous clothes and take a nap then. Does Madame Pomfrey know you're gone?"
"No," Harry said sheepishly.
"Ron, go and tell her that he's in his room so she doesn't worry."
"Sure."
"Wait Ron! Thanks. For everything."
"Sure mate. Anything." And with that, the redhead walked from the room, bending over when he was outside, obviously to pick up his wand.
"Alright Harry. Time to bath and change."
"Yes, mummy."
"Don't get fresh with me, young man!"
*~^~*
When Harry was in the bathtub, he finally let himself think calmly about all the events. Hogsmeade was not supposed to be attacked according to his dreams. He wondered how much 100 less death eaters changed the dark lords plans. That was the reason he came back, was to report on his vision, but now that information was useless.
After drying himself and changing himself into a pair of pajamas, Harry stepped back into his room. Hermione had already left, but there was a note on his bed saying to get some sleep. He noticed it was six hours until the meeting, so he planned to do just that. He laid down on his bed, and for the first time in his entire life, hoped for a vision from to dark lord or even a twinge from his scar.
However, he didn't have to wait long.
***********************
A/N My eyes hurt... I wrote way too long on this. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter! I really wish more people would review... Are that few people actually reading the story? Or are ya'll just too lazy like me :) I know how it goes, but I'm starting to review more, so so can ya'll.
A special note to m4x: Umm.. ya.. no... You see, I'm a native born Texan. For 20 years I've lived in Smalltown County Texas. So, by my birthright, I'm allowed to say ya'll all I want to. Along with a few other contractions, like Ain't. ya'll isn't even that bad! It's a legitimate contraction made from you and all. Ya'll get it?
"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation
in every sense of the word" - Author John Steinbeck
Another special note for BlackDragon: I tried to make Ron darker, I really did! But no matter how I tried, my fingers made him good. If I do another story after this one, I won't let get my fingers get ahead of me. I actually didn't expect his chapter to be like it turned out to be, but some how it did. I really enjoy your reviews :)
I'm sorry for my Texas Tirade guys, I'm just really really Texan. I was brought up that way, and some things never change :)
And for the tenth time, DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.