Go Out With A Bang

Harry exited Slughorn's compartment quickly after they were dismissed. Goddamn Slughorn. Who the fuck did he think he was, inviting Gryffindors and Slytherins to the same compartment? What a dumbass, not to mention quite a loser. Now he would barely have time to carry out his mission before the train got to Hogwarts.

Indeed, Harry had been too nervous to say much in response to Slughorn's repeated attempts to make conversation. He had been jittery ever since Dumbledore picked him up that night. Harry had been careful to not give himself away. It turned out that Dumbledore only wanted to use Harry to get Slughorn to take back his old Potions job. Harry had been a little pissed off at that. At least now he didn't feel too bad about going behind the old man's back.

With Ron and Hermione, it had been more difficult, especially when they were discussing the upcoming school year. They were talking so excitedly, and Harry had to force a few smiles here and there, knowing that there wasn't going to be any school for him anymore. They had noticed, along with Mrs. Weasley and everyone else, that he was a little on edge. Predictably, they attributed his behavior to Sirius death. They all figured he would get over it in time. No one knew that he was already past the breaking point. No one suspected a thing.

As Harry walked back to his compartment, presumably to change into his robes, he went over the plan one last time. It was a simple thing really, but he couldn't help himself. He had to get it right the first time. First, he would go back to his compartment to get the gun. Then, he would walk to the Slytherin sixth-year compartment, which was on the opposite side of the train. Open the door. Kill Malfoy with a shot to the head, reload while everyone is still shocked, then put the gun to his own mouth.

Harry walked into his compartment. Neville and Luna were there, talking. He strode over to his trunk. Then, blocking their view with his body, took out the shotgun and wrapped it in his invisibility cloak. He felt a tinge of sadness as he realized he would never use the cloak again. It had been his dad's. He got up and held the gun against the side of his body and went to the door.

"Where are you going, Harry? We got to change soon."

Harry didn't turn around. "Just going to the bathroom, Neville. I'll be back soon." Goodbye, he muttered under his breath. He was going to miss that kid.

He closed the door and started walking. As he made his way through the train, people stared at him in wide-eyed shock and tried to get a closer look at him. He had been in the news again over the summer, of course. He was used to the stares. It usually bothered him, but this time, Harry was surprised to find that he didn't mind at all anymore. He raised his chin a little and put on a slight smirk as he marched down the train, adrenaline rushing through his veins. If people wanted to look, he'd let them. If people wanted to whisper behind his back, he'd let them. Shit, he'd give them something to talk about this time.

He got to the right compartment. He could see everyone inside through the window. Crabbe, Goyle and Zabini were closer to the door. Malfoy was lying down in Pansy Parkinson's lap further away from Harry. This would complicate things. He would have to shoot around the three hulking brutes to get to Malfoy. Just great. He knelt down for a second to catch his breath. He breathed out deeply through his mouth. Alright, don't think, just do it, he said to himself. And go out with a bang.

He got up and opened the door to the compartment, clutching the invisible gun in his hand. Everyone inside stared at him for a second, confused.

"Are you lost, Potter?" Malfoy sneered.

"No." He threw off the invisibility cloak and raised the gun. Everyone's mouths dropped. "Bye Malfoy." He pulled the trigger as Goyle lunged at him. Pansy shrieked.

Harry stared. Goyle was writhing on the ground, screaming and clutching his stomach as blood gathered on the floor beneath him. He reloaded, fumbling to get the bullet out of his pocket. He was about to aim at Malfoy when he saw someone about to hit him. On reflex, he turned and fired, hitting the kid in the face. Blood spurted everywhere as Crabbe flew backwards and hit the wall.

Harry stepped forward towards Goyle, who was still screaming. "Shut up!" he shouted, momentarily forgetting why he was there. He thought of all the times the big oaf had bullied him over the years, reloaded, and blew Goyle's head off. He smiled slightly in amazement as he looked at the destruction beneath him.

Screams came from outside the cabin, bringing Harry back to reality. He looked up. Malfoy was in the corner of the compartment, screaming for help and clawing at the walls in desperation. Shit. Harry grabbed another bullet and brought the gun up again.

The world suddenly spun as he felt something smash into the back of his head. Harry reeled for a second, and looked up at Blaise Zabini, who had both fists cocked. Zabini lunged at him, leaving him no time for escape. The taller kid was too fast. Another fist slammed into Harry's nose, and he screamed in pain, dropping the gun and clutching his face.

Harry fell to the floor and then tried to get up, but several bodies knocked him down as more people ran into the compartment. Harry heard lots of screams and shouts nearby and tried to wrench himself free, but there was too many of them and they were all on top of him. His cheek was pressed painfully against the floor. He flailed his arms wildly to no avail, and soon they were pinned down at his sides.

After awhile, he gave up struggling and gritted his teeth in frustration.

Only one thing was for sure now. He was fucked.