Chapter 4
Back to Hogwarts
I did not just cast that curse. I didn't.
The quiet in the compound was telling though. All Harry could do was stare as the other Death Eater helped Malfoy to his feet. Although Harry lacked the power to do the curse properly, especially without a wand, Malfoy had been thrown four feet.
Malfoy leveled a glare at Harry that was a combination of surprise and contempt.
"Oh, dear," said Voldemort. "Harry, have you lost your temper again?"
Harry's anger was still there but now it was accompanied by fear. Now was as good a time as any to test Snape's theory and Voldemort's assurances.
"That's not all I've lost, Voldemort. I'm out of patience as well," said Harry. "I'm leaving."
Harry started walking towards his tent to get his stuff. He only made it half way when he was hit with the full impact of the Cruciatus Curse. Intense, all-consuming pain pierced every inch of his body as he fell to the ground, screaming.
When it stopped, he rolled over and took a couple of deep breaths. He felt Voldemort approaching and struggled to his feet, shaking. Harry turned to face him just as Voldemort reached him.
Voldemort grabbed his face.
"Harry," said Voldemort. "I warned you what would happen if you lost your temper again."
Harry could only stare into those red eyes. The pain was so great. And it was getting worse. Harry's legs were shaking and when they finally gave out, he hit his knees. Voldemort was still holding on, holding his face up so he could see Harry's face.
"How bad is it, Harry?" said Voldemort. "Is it worse than the Cruciatus Curse? So bad you can't even scream."
Voldemort raised his other hand and reached towards Harry's face. The pain was building. Harry felt his whole body screaming out in anguish. Harry stared into those red eyes and felt the hand grow closer. Harry knew what Voldemort was going to do.
Voldemort's finger touched the scar and it felt as if Harry's soul had exploded. The scream was ripped from his lungs and he didn't even feel the ground as he hit it. Voldemort had released him but the pain was still coursing through him.
Harry wasn't sure how long he laid there. Someone approached and bent to one knee before him.
"Potter?" It was Snape.
It took every ounce of strength but Harry managed to push himself to his hands and knees. He felt liquid running down his face. Was he crying? He didn't doubt it. He put a hand to his face and opened his eyes. Complete blackness.
"Potter?" called Snape again and this time Harry looked up. "Good God," Snape muttered. "Harry, can you get up? You're bleeding."
Harry? Snape had never called Harry by his first name in his life but Harry wasn't concerned with blood. He took a deep breath. "I can't see," said Harry.
"All right, Harry. Just hang on. I'll be right back."
Snape returned a few seconds later.
"We have to get you to Hogwarts," said Snape. "And I mean immediately. You'll have to apparate yourself there. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"I don't have the strength," said Harry.
"You have too or you'll bleed to death," said Snape. "Focus and you'll make it."
Harry closed his eyes again. This is worse than a nightmare! He concentrated, trying to picture the Gryffindor common room. The atmosphere around him felt different but Harry couldn't stay conscious long enough to figure out where he ended up.
****************8
Harry ached all over. It felt like ever fiber of his body was bruised. He tried to lift his arm and every muscle in him protested. He groaned in response but considered at least he wasn't dead.
"Harry?" The voice was Remus Lupin's. "Harry, can you hear me?"
"Yes," said Harry weakly. "Where's Sirius?"
"Sirius is still out looking for you. We're trying to get a message to him," said Remus. "You're very lucky Hermione is such a fanatic about facts. If she hadn't gone back to the tower to get a book, you could have bled to death."
"You mean I'm not dead?" said Harry. "This isn't Hell."
"That isn't funny, Harry," said Remus.
Harry wanted to say that Voldemort would have thought it was but didn't think Remus would have appreciated it. The thought of Voldemort made Harry groan again. "Tell Sirius if I ever lose my temper, he has every right, and my permission, to thrash me."
"Severus told us what happened," said Remus. "It's lucky for you that he convinced Voldemort to let you come back here."
"Severus Snape," said Harry. "You can tell Professor Snape that his debt to my father is paid in full and I am now in his debt."
"Well, as honored as I am to have famous Harry Potter in my debt," Harry heard Snape say, "Save the gratitude for later. I have the potion for your eyes and I'm afraid it's going to hurt."
"More pain," muttered Harry. "Oh good."
"No more than you deserve for the worry you put us through," said Remus.
"I'm sorry," said Harry. "Next time I'll do what I'm told and not what I think is best."
"Wise advice," said Snape. "Are you ready?"
"I guess," said Harry. He felt Snape lean over him and place a drop of liquid into each of his eyes. Harry blinked a couple of times, absorbing the drops. Harry screamed, feeling as if white hot pokers were thrust into his eyes. His hands covered his eyes.
The pain only lasted a second though and Harry took a few breaths to recover.
"Nasty stuff, Professor," said Harry.
"Well, let's see if it worked," said Snape.
Harry moved his hands and blinked a few times as light filled the room. Everything was a blur and he automatically reached for his glasses. He slid them onto his face and peered around.
"Potions," said Harry. "Bottle fame, brew glory, stopper death – and make a blind boy see."
"So you do pay attention in my class," said Snape.
"I do," said Harry. "And the drops worked."
"Good," said Snape. He turned to the door. "You can let them in now."
Mrs. Pomfrey open the door and Ron and Hermione ran in, both of them busting with questions.
*****************
They were sitting in the grass near the lake. Harry had just told them everything. He laid down on his back, letting them absorb it. It had been three days since he had woken up in the hospital and although he felt pretty good, he was still weak and tired easily.
"So, you're the heir of Gryffindor," said Ron looking more impressed than jealous. "No wonder you're rich."
"I inherited it, Ron," said Harry. "It isn't like I earned it. I can't help what I was born as. The same as I can't help that my name happens to be Harry Potter – a fact I'm starting not to like at all."
"You wouldn't actually join him though, would you, Harry?"
Harry looked up at Ron. "Join Voldemort," said Harry. "The wizard who murdered my parents, has been trying to kill me since I was a year old, who now treats me like his favorite pet and derives great satisfaction in seeing me in agony? That Voldemort? Of course. I'm looking forward to it."
Ron laughed. Hermione looked horrified.
"Oh, Harry," said Hermione. "It just doesn't seem fair. All the stuff you have to deal with."
"Well as long as I have you two to help me, I guess I'll do all right. And I have a back up plan."
"You do?" said Ron. "What is it?"
"I'll change my name, move to Bulgaria and play Quidditch with Viktor Krum."
"Now that's a bloody brilliant plan," said Ron.
Harry laughed. Staring up at the sky, he was the first to see Hedwig circling. Harry sat up. He got the feeling it wouldn't be good news. Hedwig settled on Harry's out-stretched arm and held out her leg. Harry took the note off and Hedwig soared away.
I hear you are recovering well, Harry. I'm sure it won't be long before I see you again. Don't forget I still have your wand, your broom and your owl.
Oh, and, Harry, you don't happen to be missing a large black dog, are you?