Chapter 26

Dad

Harry and Ginny returned to common room in the late afternoon. Ron and Hermione had not yet come to lunch which was an odd occurrence…especially for Ron who could eat enough food in one sitting to feed a small army.

As they walked inside they could hear Hermione banging on the boys dormitory door vigorously. The occupants of the common room who were mostly first and second years watched Hermione oddly and seemed to move further aside as she came traipsing angrily down the stairs.

Upon seeing Harry and Ginny she marched up to them, her hand clenched into fists.

"GET RONALD WEASLEY OUT OF THAT DAMN DORM HARRY POTTER!" she screamed. Her face was red with anger and she was shaking her fists brutally in the air.

Harry, taking a step back nodded surprised at her behavior.

He walked past Hermione and Ginny and up to the dorm. Knocking on the door, Harry saw Ron quietly open the door the slightest bit before pulling Harry in from his shirt collar.

"Ron! What are you doing?" Harry hollered at Ron. Ron stuck up his left hand and surely enough, he was holding Hermione's leather-bound notebook tightly.

Harry's eyes widened knowing what it was. He looked up from the journal and too Ron who was also red with anger just like Hermione.

"Why do you have that?" Harry asked. Ron was thick of course but Harry didn't think he was that stupid.

"I took it from Hermione and ran up here. I read some of it too and you want to know a secret Harry?" Ron asked through clenched teeth.

Harry gulped, "what?"

"Well, here we go," Ron opened the notebook and began to read.

Nineteenth of April, First Year, 1991.

Today was a pretty boring day. Ron and Harry have been having fun messing with some of the older students; particularly the third year Slytherin's. They seem to find pleasure in making their food blow up in their faces.

Harry still doesn't like me like that. I don't know why… maybe it's my hair but I mean look at his! It's absolutely gone wild on his head; quite cute actually. Maybe I should get my teeth straightened… you think Harry doesn't like my teeth? Or maybe it's because I'm too short? Or… I don't know. Oh, I have to go; Harry and Ron want me to come down… their talking about some stone of some sort. Mad the both of them.

Sincerely yours,
Hermione

Ron looked up from the notebook positively fuming.

"My girlfriend had a crush on you! FOR TWO YEARS!" Ron yelled throwing the journal at Harry.

"Ron that means it was from first and second year! That was almost four years ago! She liked you from fourth year and on! You are over-reacting!" Harry shrilly yelled at Ron.

Ron's face turned as red as his hair, "OH COME ON! I am not over-reacting! She liked you! A LOT!"

Harry was losing his temper now.

"RON STOP BEING SUCH A PRAT!"

Ron looked angrily at Harry who was now as red as Ron. Harry took the journal and walked out of the dormitory.

Locking the door, Harry stomped on down the stairs and looked at Hermione and Ginny. They were standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Did you just lock Ron in the dorm?" Ginny asked laughing. Harry found it not be funny.

"Yes I did. Tell Dean, Seamus, and Neville not to go up into the dorm until they have to go to sleep. Ron's too thick to know that he can easily open the door from the inside," Harry said bitterly. He turned to Hermione and handed her the journal roughly, "keep this thing away from the git. I'm going to go on the pitch."

Harry stomped out of the dormitory leaving Ginny and Hermione watching in his wake.

Harry was soaring. Flying was a way out of his troubles. He flew circles around the pitch furiously trying to get his anger out.

After flying and diving Harry aimlessly flew slowly around the pitch. Leaning back a bit on the broom, Harry let out a groan of anger. What was with Ron anyway? He was being so rash… it was second year!

And Harry had Ginny now.

As Harry turned his broom around, a flash of light flew past his face barely missing him. Harry looked down and saw lights flashing past his ear; his leg; his arm; his chest. One slicing charm managed to him. The force of the spell caused Harry to fly backwards off the broom.

Landing ten feet down, Harry let out a loud groan. The charm hit him squarely in the chest and he could feel blood flowing out freely. Someone came out of the darkness under the Ravenclaw team's tower that was used during the matches.

Harry saw the person come out in a mask and black robes; a death eater.

How did a death eater get into Hogwarts?

"Potter, so nice to see you," the person behind the masked exclaimed in a calm voice. Harry knew that voice. He lifted his head slightly and took in the image of the masked figure. The person was small and plump. Harry could see beefy hands coming out of the robes and knew immediately who it was.

"Umbridge? What the hell do you want?" Harry asked exasperatedly. He did not want to see this woman.

Behind the mask Harry could see a satisfied smile spread across her frog like face, "I want you boy."

"Professor," Harry said coughing up blood. His cut we still bleeding and he could feel himself close to passing out, "I know that I am quite good looking but I'm still in school and you're really not my type."

The smile disappeared off her ugly face.

"Why you boy," she started but stopped as she heard voices.

"Harry! Are you out there?" Ginny's voice came from outside the pitch. Umbridge fumed and ran; waddled more so, to her previous hiding place and Harry could hear her mutter "portus" and she disappeared.

"Harry? Harry did you fa---," Ginny stopped as she saw Harry bleeding onto the grass.

"OH MY GOD! HARRY! WHAT HAPPENED?" She yelled running up to him. She fell to her knees.

"Death eaters can get into Hogwarts Gin, we have to tell Dumbledore," Harry whispered before passing out on the grass.

Harry awoke hours later lying in a bed. He noticed again that it was the hospital wing as he groaned. He hated this place.

"Hello again Mr. Potter, you manage quite well in not coming here for awhile. Not since Christmas, am I correct?" Madame Pomfrey questioned as she bustled around the boy.

Harry smiled, "I guess so. Normally, I'm in here at least six or seven times a year. Doing quite good this year I suppose. I'm assuming you miss my witty banter and good looking face?"

The nurse smiled at her most frequent patient.

"Of course, I do Potter. It's what I live for. On to business; I deem you healthy. Now that cut, cut you pretty deep so you are not to play quidditch for at least a week or two or until
that heals. I know, I know, I am the spawn of Satan for even mentioning such a thing as to not playing quidditch for that long of time but it needs to be done. Now take these potions in the morning and before you go to sleep to quicken the healing process," she said enjoying his expression as she mentioned not playing quidditch, "oh! And Professor Dumbledore requires you in his office."

Harry frowned but nodded and got up shakily. He walked out of the wing and straight up to Dumbledore's office.

Saying the password, Harry climbed the stairs. It nearly took him five minutes to get up there but he did it.

Harry entered the room and was surprised to see a meeting in session. Mrs. Weasley immediately ran up to Harry giving him a bone crushing hug, that was painful for Harry.

"Oh, Harry! We were so worried about you dear! Are you alright? Do you want something to eat? How about you sit down? OH! I know! How about some tea?!" she went on and on until Harry patted her on the back.

"No thank you Mrs. Weasley, I'm fine. I'll just sit down though," Harry told her. She nodded and guided him to a chair even though he insisted he needed no assistance. Sirius stood up and put an arm around Harry.

"You okay?" he asked shakily. Harry looked up into Sirius' gray eyes and saw much concern in them.

Harry smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, don't worry about me, just a cut anyway," he said trying to lighten the mood. It didn't seem to work.

"Ginny told us you were bleeding quite a lot Harry," Tonks expressed her concern for the boy. Remus held her hand and nodded in agreement.

"Harry, she said you fell off your broom and were bleeding madly… when we checked it was all over the grass," Remus said. Harry looked at his hands embarrassed that so many people were worried.

"Look, I'm fine. Let's talk about why you wanted me here," Harry voiced looking at Dumbledore who was quietly sitting behind his desk.

Dumbledore's eyes were hard and he nodded.

"Yes, yes. Now, Harry we would like to hear your account of what happened."

Harry nodded and told his story. It was short but he put in as much detail as possible. When he finished, Mrs. Weasley stood up and went to fire, ready to go take on the death eaters herself. It took Kingsley, Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie to put her back down in the chair.

"I see, now Harry, I am sorry to say that we will have to cancel all further quidditch matches for everyone. I know that it is a rash action but it must be done for the safety of the students. I will notify everyone tomorrow at breakfast. I advise you go to your dormitory Harry, Madame Pomfrey also informed me that you are to stay in bed all day tomorrow so I think Miss. Weasley would enjoy bringing up some food for you," Dumbledore told Harry, the twinkle returning to his eyes.

Harry blushed and nodded getting up from his chair. He winced in pain and walked out of the room before Mrs. Weasley could get to him. He could hear her yelling at Arthur to let her go. Harry chuckled and slowly but surely made his way to the common room.

When he came in, Ginny was pacing in front of the fire nervously biting her nails. Hermione sat on one of the couch with Ron on the opposite. He kept trying to make feeble attempts to talk to her but she would shoot him the death glare and he would immediately shut up.

"Gin, you're going to run a hole in the floor," Harry said weakly. Ginny was startled and ran to him cautiously hugging him.

"Oh Harry! Don't you ever worry me so much again! Do you hear me? Now you get up to bed and change! NOW!" Ginny was practically pushing him up the stairs. Ron was about to speak up when Hermione intervened.

"Harry, Ginny and I will take care of you. Don't worry, just rest okay?" Hermione told him giving him a hug much to Ron's displeasure.

"Okay Hermione, but if you guys get all naggy I may have to make a run for it," Harry joked. Hermione chuckled and said goodnight.

When Harry had changed, Ginny came into the dorm and quietly sat on the side of his bed. She looked at him and pulled the duvet up to his neck.

"Now, Harry, I know it's really early but I think you really should get some rest," Ginny said soothingly to her boyfriend. Harry smiled tiredly and nodded turning to his side. Ginny sat with him until Harry's breathing became steady and deep. She kissed him on cheek and took off his glasses.

"Sleep tight my sweet prince."

The morning after the attack on Harry, Ginny had a tray of food with her that she levitated behind her. Walking quietly up the boys dormitory stairs, she opened the door and blushed as she saw Harry shirtless in his bed, his arm hanging off the side. Putting the tray on his nightstand she brushed the fringe away from his forehead and looked at him warmly. He was so cute when he was sleeping.

Harry looked quite young when he was asleep. Ginny couldn't help but smile as he mumbled something and hugged his pillow.

Ginny looked out the window and at the magical clock that resided in the dorm. It was getting late and she needed to get to class. Kissing Harry on the cheek again, she quietly walked out and closed the door.

When Harry awoke again, it was late. It seemed to be afternoon and Harry was startled to see breakfast on his night table. The tray was filled up with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and an assortment of different items that made his mouth water.

Harry sat up felt a chill go up his spine. Merlin, it was cold. He pulled on his shirt and pulled the covers up on his body while grabbing his food. Digging in, Harry smiled. He never slept late. It felt good to actually not feel tired. At the moment, he would be in Hagrid's class talking about some harmful animal.

Looking around, he decided to do something while he was alone. Grabbing the box from under his bed, Harry pulled out his mother's wand. He examined it closely looking it over and around. It was well made; obviously Olivander made it.

His mother probably used this hexing his father; during classes; fighting death eaters; she probably used it the night she died.

Harry pushed the thought out of his head fell back on his pillow. He put the wand back into its box and decided to just close his eyes for a moment… only a moment…

Ginny came back at lunch to find half the food on the tray completely gone and Harry asleep… sadly, with his shirt back on.

Ginny once again quietly walked towards Harry and switched the trays. Putting the breakfast tray on the ground, Ginny grabbed the box Harry was holding. The engraving on the top told her that it was Harry's mothers. She smiled. She knew all to well that if Harry could get his hands on anything to do with his parents, he would cherish it for the rest of his life.

Ginny's smile fell off her face as she thought of Lily and James Potter. They were right under Harry's nose and they didn't even bother to tell him. No one did. It bothered her so much to know he was still going on each and every day thinking that he had no parents; that they died because of him.

Ginny came out of her thoughts as Harry shivered. She put a hand on his forehead and felt that he was getting a fever. She frowned and quickly pulled the covers over his chest. She put a warming charm on the covers and sheets hoping that would help. Standing up, she looked at him one more time and left the room.

Harry felt sick. He felt weak and he was just so cold. He awoke again except now he didn't want to sit up. He just layed there looking off through the hangings.

He looked at his nightstand to find a newly stocked tray. He wasn't hungry though. He had conflicting feelings. He was hot one moment then freezing the next.

Harry slowly closed his eyes and fell back to sleep.

"Hey guys," Ginny said sitting down at the table.

Hermione looked up and said a quick hello and went back to her book. Ron looked at Hermione angrily and nodded his hello.

"I think Harry is sick, when I went to give him lunch he was shivering and had a bit of a fever," Ginny mentioned worriedly.

"Harry this. Harry that! What about Ron?" he said angrily before walking out of the hall.

Hermione watched him go furiously and turned to Ginny, "he's being such a git to poor Harry. He's really sick?"

"I'm not sure, when I bring him dinner we can see how he is feeling. It was probably my imagination anyway," Ginny told Hermione reassuringly. Hermione and nodded and the two ate the rest of their meal in silence.

When Ginny and Hermione next checked on Harry, they found him feebly staring at his hangings. It was now night and all classes ended.

"Harry?" Hermione asked walking up to him and feeling his forehead. He was extremely warm.

"Hey Hermione, hey Gin," Harry whispered.

"Harry? What happened? Are you sick?" Ginny asked fervently tucking in his blankets.

"Maybe, I feel really cold," he whispered to her. He couldn't seem to give his voice volume.

"Oh Harry. We'll get you to the hospital wing. No, we'll get Madame Pomfrey up here," Ginny said to Harry before sprinting out of the room.

"Hermione?" Harry asked.

She smiled down at him and took his hand, "yeah Harry. I'm here."

Harry gave her a half smile, "I hear you fancied me in first and second year."

"Well," she said blushing, "yes I did but you were just so darn cute Harry."

Harry chuckled, "still am pretty cute, if I say so myself."

Hermione smiled at her best friend. He was sweating and he was very pale. Something was wrong and Harry needed help.

Harry was beginning to feel weaker and weaker by the moment. He could feel Hermione's hand holding his own. She was warm.

He felt another shiver go up his spine. He couldn't pick up his head when people began walking inside his dormitory. His eyes were becoming heavy and blurry images were in front of him.

"Oh my lord, what happened?" a voice said. Madame Pomfrey went up to Harry and felt his forehead. He was burning up at a fast rate. She couldn't understand. What was happening?

"I don't know! Ginny said when she checked on Harry he was sick! So we went up here to check on his after dinner and he was positively sickly looking. Then Ginny went to get you and I think he's getting delirious," Hermione said quickly.

Someone else walked into the room. It must have been someone they didn't expect because Ginny and Hermione gasped.

"What are you doing here?" Ginny asked angrily.

"We needed to come see him. Madame Pomfrey said she needed help and we decided we should," a man's voice said firmly. Harry could only make out the outlines of the people. One was a tall man with glasses. His hair… it was black. Then there was a woman next to him watching him intently. She had long hair that matched Ginny's and she had a very petite figure.

"He won't know who you are. He is burning up with fever," Ginny said to them standing in front of Harry.

Harry could see the man nod and the woman took hold of his hand. They seemed familiar but Harry couldn't quite place it.

"We need to get him to the hospital wing. Stay here with him. I'll alert the Headmaster to have a short lock down so we can get him to the wing safely and without any disturbances," Madame Pomfrey informed them. Taking one last look at Harry she bustled out of the room and down the stairs.

Only moments later an invisible loud speaker came on and the occupants of the dorm could here Dumbledore's strong voice.

"Will everyone, staff and students, please come to the Great Hall immediately? We are having a lock down for approximately five to ten minutes. Thank you," his voice said then it was quiet.

Madame Pomfrey came in and instructed the man to take hold of Harry. Picking him in his arms, Harry got a closer look at the man.

He was wearing circle-shaped glasses like his own and his hair was impossibly messy. The woman walked up next to them and took his hand giving it a kiss. She had green eyes; just like Harry did.

"Okay, no one is down there," Hermione said from the doorway.

The man nodded and began walking out of the room.

Before Harry felt himself loosing consciousness the man looked down at him and Harry knew who he was.

"Dad?"