Disclaimer: Not mine. Belongs to a…sigh…published writer.
Chapter 12: Traitor
Ron was silent. The hand that had been mindlessly stirring his unwanted stew froze at Harry's words. Threw him out? For a moment, Ron was at a complete loss for words, not that that was all that uncommon. How could they? Wasn't there a law against things like that? It was strange, scary even, to think that the Boy-Who-Lived was actually homeless. Wizards and witched who had never laid eyes on him in real life would have given their wands just to be near him, and his own family was deserting him? Where was the justice?
As Harry watched his best friend freeze at his words, a whirl of thoughts blew through his mind. Even the most confident man, can be crushed by the stupidest things. Would Ron think that he really was a wretched excuse for a wizard? Someone not even his own family liked? Maybe he was disgusted. Maybe he wouldn't want to be friends with such a miserable boy. But even though Harry was somewhat afraid of Ron's silence, it was nothing compared to the guilt he felt when his best mate spoke, "Why didn't you tell me?" and cast his eyes once again down at the table. The betrayal Harry heard in Ron's voice was completely unexpected. Of all the reactions he had anticipated, this had been shoved far into the back of his mind. But as soon as he heard it, it came shooting forward with a knowing air.
Harry gulped. "Ron. I-I'm sorry. I didn't even think…I've just been really…" he could find no words to justify keeping such a thing from his friend, even for a short time. Ron was right. As much as Harry hated to admit it, he ought to have told him straight off. Perhaps he and Hermione could have helped him. Or at least commiserated over his sudden exile. He sighed as his conscience defeated him.
"I'm sorry, Ron."
Ron looked up, and gave him a pained smile, like he was hurt, but trying to get over it.
"It's ok, mate. I'm just a little, surprised I guess," his smile turned into a worried look, "Where are you gonna live?"
"I dunno. My aunt showed up and offered to take me; she said she'd leave my uncle. It was really unlike her, but I think she was probably just trying to feel less guilty about kicking me out," Harry said bitterly.
"Your aunt?" the tense air between lessened as Ron became seriously concerned. This wasn't a time to worry about why Harry hadn't told him. His friend needed him, he was there.
"I know," Harry nodded. What had been going on with Aunt Petunia exactly, he wondered. But, determined to focus on the problem at hand, he shook the thought away and looked at his best friend who had now entirely given up on his stew.
"So Dumbledore knows?" Ron asked.
"Yeah."
"What's he doing about it? What'd he say?"
"Well, he was the one who said that I couldn't live with Aunt Petunia…" Harry started but was cut off.
"WHAT? Why? He can't do that! It's not fair."
"Yes, he can," Harry looked around the Great Hall as students began to leave for their dorm rooms. Harry stood up and explained everything to Ron.
"My aunt is only part of my family. She isn't enough to protect me anymore. It's either all of the Dursleys, or none of them," noticing the somewhat confused look on his friend's face, he went on, "Aunt Petunia is related to me by blood. You know how powerful that is. Dudley is also blood. Both Uncle Vernon's and my aunt's. It's like having three rings linked together. Each is attached by the one before it, any they're all one long chain. It's sort of hard to explain…"
Ron nodded in understanding. Blood was a powerful thing. Especially in the wizarding world.
Upon arriving at the Gryffindor common room, Harry and Ron found Hermione sitting in the window seat that looked out onto the Quidditch pitch. A large leather-bound book sat on her legs and she was writing rather messily with her right hand, while turning the page with her left. She looked up at them only when Harry tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hermione, I've got to tell you something," Harry began, taking a seat by her feet.
Biting her lip, Hermione said, "Couldn't it wait until later Harry? I've really got to finish this essay. I won't have any time to work on it later."
"No. I've got to talk to you now," Harry told her firmly.
Sighing, Hermione looked at Ron helplessly, before closing her book and sitting back grudgingly, to listen.
"You know how, when you picked me up that day at the Dursley's, my aunt was strangely affectionate towards me?" Harry asked.
Hermione gave a small nod, twirling her quill impatiently and wondering if the conversation was going to take very long.
"Well, the reason she was, is because, that was my last day there."
"Umm…I know that, Harry," Hermione told him, rather confused about why she was telling her this.
"No. You don't understand. I'm not saying that that was my last day there until I go back. I mean that it was my last time…ever. They've thrown me out. I don't live there anymore."
Hermione hand stopped immediately. "What?" she whispered quietly.
"I'm homeless."
"How…how can that be? I mean, I know you have problems there, big problems, but I thought you had to stay there. It's safe. Protected," worry outlined her voice.
"I know. I was, but Uncle Vernon, he said I couldn't go back."
"How can that matter? They are your legal guardians!" Hermione was working up a temper as the injustice of the situation hit her. Always out to help the underdog.
"Yeah, but he said I couldn't. And for some reason, Dumbledore isn't pushing it this year. He said he'd find someone."
"What about your family, Ron?" Hermione questioned.
Looking somewhat uncomfortable, Ron opened his mouth to speak.
"I wouldn't, Hermione," Harry answered for his best mate, "I'd never force Mrs. Weasley to take care of me. She's got enough on her plate as it is, what with keeping Ron out of trouble, and helping Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley. She's always doing things for everyone. Besides, it's not protected."
Hermione nodded. Thoughts of her homework had flown out the window the moment she realized the situation. While work may be important, friends were more so.
"I'm going to the library," she announced. Harry and Ron shared a grin as their friend pushed past them with a determined look upon her face. Her forgotten books and parchment left on the deep red pillows under the window.
"That's her solution for everything, eh mate," Ron laughed. Somehow, Hermione's taking control of the problem had made it seem less serious. She was always figuring out the answer to everything.
Harry smiled. Hermione certainly did seem to rely on the library. As if all the world's answers lay in those books. Hidden away, only waiting to be found, by her of course. The two friends both looked more at ease as they sat down in their room, minutes later, to begin their homework. With Hermione in control, failure didn't seem possible. She find someway for Harry to stay with someone.
***
The next day at lunch, Dennis Creevey and a few of his friends, made their way down to Harry's end of the table. Harry's nerves were slightly frayed with the younger Gryffindors' constant badgering, but he tried to grin and bear it. Finally, after much addressing to his schedule, he consented to help them with Defence Against the Dark Arts in two nights time, in the astronomy tower. The gaggle of students left him to his mashed potatoes and pumpkin juice just as the infamous Malfoy appeared next to Hermione, who had joined Harry and Ron both in the morning and for lunch.
The blond Slytherin looked upon her as a disgusting slug he was being forced to touch.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" she asked, not bothering to look him in the eye. She focused instead, the Professor Artemisia, who was talking to Professor Dumbledore at the Head Table.
Somewhat disturbed by her ignoring him, he tried to sound as menacing as possible, but failed, "Look at me, Mudblood."
Hermione sighed, as she was rather intrigued by the seemingly intense conversation that was going on between the headmaster and the Dark Arts professor, but she tore her gaze away and looked fearlessly into the eyes of her enemy.
"What?" she said coldly.
Harry and Ron watched in slight apprehension as Hermione faced the evil Malfoy with apparent audacity. They had to admit: she was not letting him bully her around this year.
"I've just come from McGonagall's office. She wanted me to give you this," he held out a small piece of parchment and dropped it into the palm she opened for him. Having done his duty, he stalked off, visibly annoyed to have had to do something even remotely nice for the filthy Muggle-born.
Hermione watched Malfoy walk away, slightly suspicious of his actions. It wasn't everyday that he would willingly deliver anything to her. Even for a teacher. The Transfigurations professor must have been pretty strict to get the Slytherin to play messenger for her. Strict, and desperate.
Hermione unfolded the parchment and read what was written.
I must speak with you immediately. I am in my office.
Hermione frowned. What could be so important that couldn't wait until after class? She shrugged, but stood up and slung her book bag over her shoulder and told the boys that McGonagall wanted to talk.
As she walked through the empty halls to her favourite teacher's office, the silence disturbed her. She didn't like walking around on her own very much. It was eerie. Especially in the Hogwart's castle.
She quickly opened the door upon her arrival and stepped inside. Hermione looked around the room. Neat and orderly, just like her. That was perhaps why McGonagall was her favourite teacher. They were so much alike. Parchment was stacked tidily on one corner of the dark, oak desk; a quill lay beside a well of ink. The shelves were stuffed with books. Large volumes of everything imaginable, that made Hermione want to pull them all down and read them right then. Portraits of well known witches and wizards decorated the stone walls. Some were resting lazily in chairs, while other were having heated arguments in low tones with other pictures. Hermione strained to hear them, but it was as if they had been muted.
Professor McGonagall was standing by the window wringing her hands nervously; an action that set Hermione on edge. McGonagall was rarely nervous. Hermione took a seat on the stiff, blue-cushioned chair that sat in front of the desk. Professor McGonagall took her own seat and tried to steady her hands.
"Ms. Granger," she began, "No doubt you are wondering why I asked you here so urgently."
Hermione nodded. Yes, the thought had crossed her mind. Only someone with no other choice would send Malfoy with a note for her.
"I am going to put this bluntly. There is a traitor among us. One of our students."
A/N: Yay!!! Finally! After many afternoons practicing volleyball, I finally have time to write. It took me forever to get back in the swing of things, but I did. And I started getting into the big conflict. Ooooh, who is the traitor? Malfoy? Lavender? Could be anyone!!!! What will happen to Harry? So many questions. Anyway, I want to apologize for making you wait so long for this chapter. I came to school and for a while I didn't even have internet and then I got it and blah blah this whole big mess. But now it's working. However, I am going to be honest now and say that I find it very doubtful that I will continue with the same speed I had updating this summer. My school promises to be very full of work. Anyway, I will try to post as much as possible. Hope you liked this chap. I kinda did. ***All my chapters are screwed up so I'm not sure which reviews I should be answering but hopefully I get em right.
Von: I'm SOOO glad you approved of my nice little cliffhanger. I hope I didn't disappoint you too much with Ron's reaction. I wasn't going to have him give up on Harry at all, because it just didn't fit. Ron's so forgiving. Snort, chuckle!! HAHA, yeah right. I just wanted him to be this time. K so I hope I answered your questions about the blood thing. I'm still not quite sure who I'm going to put him with, but have no fear, he will be homeless for quite a while yet. Thanks for reviewing!!!
Princess55: Lol, yeah boarding school. It's my fourth high school. I like to travel. It's fun. Sorry for taking so long to update. I kept thinking about it, but I was a little stuck on ideas for a while, but now that I have thought, I have a few stored away for some boring chapters to spice em up a bit. Thanks for keeping up with the reviews!
Wytil: 14 DAYS!!!!?????!!!! SERIOUS!???? How can that be? Are you sure we're talking about the same power outage here? Well, anyway, mine wasn't so bad, I pity you though. Hope you liked this chap and I'm glad you're still reading this.
Samantha: Ahh, you're a nice reviewer. Noticing my originality. Or, my going for it anyway. Yeah, I'm a big cliché disliker. BIG. I got that from a writing course I took. Now, I always try to find new ways to say things, in case you haven't noticed, as some of them are kinda strange. I try to dabble in most of my plots, since I have many, but sometimes it's hard. Like this chap, I didn't really. Just the main one. I wanted to get some action going. As for who Harry is going to stay with, let's hope Hermione comes up with something, eh? Lol, ok I know that was corny.