Chapter 20 - The Best Laid Plans

Hermione only had time to shout "McGonagall" up the stairs to Ron, before turning to try and head the Professor off. Ron had to think fast. He removed the restraining spell from around Harry's bed. Ron grabbed Harry's invisibility cloak and pull it over himself just in time, as the Professor entered the room.

"Mr Potter, Mr Potter" Professor McGonagall shook the boy on the bed, somewhat surprised that Harry Potter slept this soundly, "Mr Potter, wake up!"

"Wha… What? Aaargh" the boy on the bed said groggily as he opened his eyes and saw Professor McGonagall leaning over him.

"We received a message from your Uncle and Aunt. You need to pack, you are urgently needed at your home" Professor McGonagall told the seemingly half asleep boy.

"Pack, yes, got to get home" the boy said groggily as he stumbled from the bed. He couldn't get his bearings. Why was McGonagall here, and why was everything back the front in his room?

"Here let me do that for you" Professor McGonagall told him as with a wave of her wand Harry's clothes flew out of his cupboard and arranged themselves neatly in his trunk.

"Professor McGonagall!" Hermione's voice came in from outside, "can I see you for a minute."

"Hurry up and finish packing, I'll see you downstairs in 2 minutes, Mr Potter" Professor McGonagall said turning and walking out the door.

"What did you call me!" the boy said as he came more to his senses but it was too late, Professor McGonagall had left. Draco looked around. This certainly wasn't his Slytherin dormitory, and why did McGonagall call him Potter of all things. Draco was just beginning to think about these questions when out of thin air in front of him appeared the last person Draco remembered seeing before waking up in this strange place.

"Weasley!" Draco hissed.

"Malfoy, do exactly as I say or I'll do more than just stun you this time." Ron replied fiercely holding his wand on Draco. "Stand right there." Ron got two large flasks and a small bag and put them into Harry's trunk.

"Now I have a bit of a shock for you Malfoy." Ron continued as he opened his cupboard door to show the large mirror on the inside. Draco could see Harry Potter standing there. Draco looked around to see where Potter was. No one was there. Draco turned back and saw Potter in the mirror turn to face him.

"No it can't be." Draco said in horror as his hands felt his face. Potter's reflection in the mirror mimicked his movements perfectly. Draco could feel his face. It wasn't quite right and then his fingertips touched his forehead. The scar, the scar that everyone in the entire wizarding world knew instantly, was there deep in the skin.

"What have you done to me?" he asked Ron.

"Here, drink this quickly" Ron handed Draco a small vile. Draco downed it hoping it would reverse everything in this madness. It was sweet and rich and his insides felt a sudden warmth but nothing else happened. He looked at Weasley who stood there smugly still holding the wand on him.

"What was that?" Draco asked suspiciously.

"Oh, you might call that essence of Harry" Ron said smiling.

"I'll kill you, Weasley" Draco hissed.

"Not without a wand, Malfoy. Now listen carefully, you are going to walk downstairs in a minute and pretend to be Harry. I'll be right behind you under the invisibility cloak with my wand ready. Make no mistake Malfoy, I am prepared to do just about anything I have to do, to ensure no one finds out you're not Harry." Ron's face portrayed his resolve in this matter. Draco knew now was not the time to try anything. He would wait for his chance and then he would make Weasley pay for this outrage. Ron threw the invisibility cloak over himself and with a heavy prod got Draco moving out the door.

A few minutes later Professor McGonagall bundled Harry(Draco) into the waiting carriage with his trunk. (Ron had just time enough to scramble aboard unseen beneath the invisibility cloak himself before the carriage took off for the Hogsmead train station. Harry(Draco) was to catch the Hogsmead evening special to London.

Draco hissed "Weasley, you there?"

Ron's head appeared opposite Draco. "Don't worry Malfoy, I made it."

"So now we're alone, would you like to tell me WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" Draco shouted at Ron.

"Quite frankly, I'm not sure myself. We weren't expecting this. The plan was to keep you safely in the Gryffindor tower. Now we will just have to play it by ear. One thing is certain! For the next ten days, come hell or high water, you are going to be Harry Potter!" Ron said as he made himself comfortable for the ride to the station across from a Harry Potter that had a very sour look on his face.