Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, just borrowing from JK Rowling for my own twisted thoughts.
A/N: Thank you all for the reveiws. I know you are all quite mad at me for the last chapter. But we had to give Dramione a good row. I'm sure this will be the biggest fight they've had. And I promise to make things all better. :).
So Happy Reading!
Chapter 12:
Convictions
"Well Harry, shall we take this bloody git to the Hospital Wing? Or shall we show him some good ole respect for others, you know the 'Muggle' way?" Ron said angrily.
Harry knew what Ron was thinking. And at the moment Harry would like nothing better then to beat the ever-loving shit out of Malfoy. But if he showed up at the hospital wing with more injuries then McGonagall viewed, they would both be in deep shit.
"Unfortunately Ron, and as much as I would like to, we can't." Harry said.
They were holding Malfoy, each had an arm. They had begun exiting the Astronomy Tower. Harry in front holding Draco's left arm, with Ron trailing behind with a death grip on Draco's right. "But Harry, honestly what he did. And to our Hermione! That warrents a good arse kickin'."
"Yes and I very much agree with you Ron. But you didn't hear everything that was said in that tower. He didn't do it to hurt her. The snakes were not venomous. He did it to get Hermione alone, because he wanted to spend time with her." Harry replied. He was having a hard time keeping his anger in check and Ron wasn't helping.
"Well what if he slipped coming down from the tower? That wouldn't be so bad, now would it?" Ron was still trying.
"NO RON! This isn't up for discussion. We are going to take him to the hospital wing in the same condition McGonagall last saw him. We will not cause him harm. I refuse to continue fighting. I'm tired of fighting. So shut it!" Harry said through gritted teeth.
"Thanks Potter." Malfoy said it so quiet only Harry heard it. But it shocked him none the less.
They had reached the bottom of the tower and were making their way through the halls. The hospital wing wasn't far. Harry started moving faster. Being the smallest of the three it wasn't much for the two taller boys to keep up. Harry figured the faster they made it to the hospital the better.
"Geez, Harry! I see how you are. I won't forget about this Malfoy. And Harry your a right fair git, you know that?" Ron said.
"Think I'm a git do ya? Well that's fine Ron. Think what you'd like. But I would much rather see Draco get properly punished for this, instead of getting a beating he's likely to forget all to soon. So think what you'd like." Harry was furious now. Ron just didn't get it did he?
They reached the hospital wing. Inside waiting for him was Madam Pomfrey, Professor McGonagall and Hermione.
"Put him here, and get out." Pomfrey said pointing to a bed.
Harry and Ron pulled Malfoy to the required bed, and promptly left. Neither talking to the other.
"Can I please stay?" Hermoine asked.
Draco looked at her surprised. McGonagall nodded and said, "Yes, you should probably be here to hear his explanation."
Pomfrey went to work healing the nose Hermione had broken, and 'Scorgifying the blood away'.
"Mr. Malfoy, you will stay here until tomorrow evening. I want to be sure that nose heals properly. I'll leave you ladies to your investigation/terrigation." And she flitted off to her office.
"Now Mr. Malfoy, you have some serious explaining to do. And I suggest you start NOW!" McGonagall was furious but keeping it in check, just barely.
"Well you see, they were all making fun of me, and I really wanted to just be alone with Hermione. She's been somewhat avoiding me of late. And when I left the table I decided to do what I did. However, before you start screaming at me. I didn't make them venomous. You know professor there are two seperate spells, one that will bring inanimate objects to life, and then one that makes them dangerously alive. The one that makes them dangerous is Dark Magic. And I don't use it anymore, unless it's in defense and a last resort." Draco explained quickly before anyone could cut him off.
"Yes you are right about the seperate spells. I will see if Hagrid has release those snakes yet. If he hasnt, he can check them for venom, if you are right, your punishment will be gentle. If not, I'm afraid it will be severe." McGonagall replied.
"Now Miss Granger, did you have something to say to Malfoy?" She asked.
"Well yes professor. But I - well -um." Hermione was being shy. which was unusual.
McGonagall figured it was something she didn't have to hear. "I will just leave you to it. But please do no more harm Hermione. I will deem if you need punished for this after further investigation. We simply cannot resort to physical violence."
Hermione responded with her head down, "Yes professor. I understand. And will accept whatever punishment you see fit."
"Well I must talk to Poppie before I depart. Behave please children." And she swept away.
"Look, Hermione-"
"Draco, I'm-"
They'd both spoken at the same time. "Go ahead"
"No you first." Draco replied.
"Well what I was going to say, well its a number of things actually.
1. Do not ever turn my hair to snakes again. Even if it turns out they weren't venomous that was a foul thing to do.
2. If you want to spend time with me alone, just ask. I may surprise you and say yes.
3. I'm sorry I broke your nose. I was just surprised and angry, and I seem to have a knack for punching you.
4. Do you really love me?"
She said the last at a whisper, and she refused to look at him when she said it. Instead looking at the crisp white sheet that was laid over him.
"Well I have a few things to say to, in response to you.
1. I didn't make them venomous, but your right it was wrong. I apologize.
2. And it wasn't your hair, it was the toy snakes you'd put there.
3. I didn't figure you would say yes if I asked. We argue more than talk.
4. It's ok that you broke my nose, Pomfrey does a great job at mending bones.
5. Yes I really do."
They both got quiet. Neither knowing what to say.
Meanwhile:
"Hagrid, did you release those snakes yet?" McGonagall had practically ran to his home.
"Ah, professor. I know ya tol' me ta get rid of 'em straigh' away. But they really are misunderstood creatures. So I was 'aving a quick look at 'em. They are still 'ere. Sorry." Hagrid looked guilty. Which was funny because he's a giant but still he was so kind hearted.
"Oh, no. That's perfect Hagrid. Really. I need you to check, and see if they are venomous. Mr. Malfoy claims he used the spell that doesn't make them dangerous." McGonagall responded.
"Well, I already did that." McGonagall looked surprised, so Hagrid continued. "You see, Professor Slughorn wanted me ta go ta Diagon Alley and get 'im some for 'is stores. Potions and all that. And I figured with 'em already here. I'd just get it from these. But unfortunately I still have ta make a trip. Mr. Malfoy was right. These snakes ar' not venomous." Hagrid explained.
"Well that's good and bad news I suppose. Wonderful for our Hermione and Draco, but unfortunate that you must make the trip anyway. Thank you so much Hagrid. I must get back to the children."
She turned on her heel to leave, and Hagrid went back inside.
"Harry, I still don't see why we couldn't pulverize him! He deserved it!" Ron was still carrying on. And Harry was getting tired of it. They were in their common room and it was pretty much empty.
"Look Ron. We would get into trouble as well. I want to finish my last year here with out any really big fights. I'm sorry if that bothers you. We have been fighting for far to long. Amongst ourselves as students. The ministry gave us a reason not to. Aren't you tired of fighting? Don't you just want to try for a little happiness? And Draco did what he did because, well, I'm sure he's just as messed up as we are about some things. I want to give him the benefit of a doubt." Harry just kept going. "If we find out later that he did makes those snakes dangerous, then we'll pulverize him. But not until then. UNDERSTOOD?"
"FINE! But I swear if anything happens to Hermione again, I won't wait for you to help. I'll do it myself." Ron answered. And turned away.
"Just go pout about it Ron. I need to think." Harry waited for a response but when he turned, Ron wasn't there. Obviously having went to sulk.
Ok. Thats the end of chapter 12. Hope you guys like it a bit. I know its shorter than normal. But I'm going to try to update sooner. Please review and let me know what you think of how things are developing. And to me Harry has always been the more sound thinker, Ron the feeler, especially when anger is involved. Except in 5th yr when Harry was mad all the time. and they found out it was a link to old Voldy. But anyway. please press the button in the middle of the screen. Yep there, review! Happy Reading!
