Sorry that I haven't updated this in a while, i haven't really had the chance to get to a computer, plus I've been pretty busy this week. Anyway in this chapter Harry and Ron get their revenge on Malfoy. I have realised that this story is going a bit slowly, so I'm going to speed things up a bit.
If you don't recognise the spell, it's because I made it up. I got it from ultio ultionis which basically means avenging, punishment or revenge.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Harry Potter and any related characters, places etc. That all goes to the lovely J.K. Rowling.
"Are you sure this is going to work?" said Ron sceptically to Harry who was leafing through a rather thick book, with the look of utmost concentration upon his face.
"Positive," stated Harry, looking up from the book to grin at his best friend.
"So the plan is, we put the hex on Malfoy in the potions lesson just before lunch, along with a time delay spell and then say the passphrase so the hex takes effect?" asked Ron.
"Yep and the spell is ultio ultionia and as I've said before it's a revenge spell. All you do is point your wand at Malfoy and whisper the spell, while thinking clearly what you want to happen, I'll do the time delay spell," said Harry chuckling slightly.
"Malfoy is so going to get what's coming to him," sniggered Ron.
Harry nodded and smiled grimly "He certainly is, now come on we've got potions in ten minutes,"
And with that both boys left the library at a run and down towards the dungeons. They got to the classroom with five minutes to spare.
"Late again Potter? Tut tut, this is simply not good enough. Ten points apiece from Gryffindor.
Harry threw Snape a dirty look and made his way over to where Hermione was sitting, watching them disapprovingly. They both flopped down in their seats and didn't talk for the whole lesson, casting furtive looks to Malfoy every now and then.
Hermione eyed them suspiciously "What are you two upto?" she hissed.
Ron tapped the side of his nose and smirked.
"All in good time 'Mione," he said.
Hermione just huffed and went back to her potion, ignoring the two mischievous boys, who were still stealing glances across the classroom at Malfoy.
As Snape called the end of the lesson, Harry nudged Ron and mouthed "Now," jerking his head in the direction of Malfoy. Grinning wickedly, Ron shifted closer to Malfoy with his wand half hidden. Both at once the boys pointed their wands at Malfoy and whispered the respective curses.
They then exchanged smirks and went back over to where Hermione was bottling and labelling her potion.
"What are you two up to? And I want an answer this time," said Hermione sternly, putting her hand on her hips.
Harry and Ron exchanged a glance and gave her a look that clearly said 'later'.
Admitting defeat, Hermione just shook her head and handing Snape her potion she left the classroom.
Grinning at each other, Harry and Ron followed her to the great hall and flopped down on the Gryffindor table. To Harry and Ron's delight, the great hall was busy today; all of the tables were full, including the teachers table.
Harry kept his gaze fixed on Malfoy as he ate his roast beef sandwiches, as did Ron. They were counting down in their heads until the gleeful moment when the prank spell would activate.
Harry tapped Hermione on the shoulder and jerked his head towards the Slytherin table where Malfoy sat. At that moment there was a loud bang and Malfoy was engulfed in a thick purple smoke. Finally the smoke cleared, revealing a very bemused and very naked Draco Malfoy.
The hall was silent for a moment, before erupting into raucous laughter. Even the teachers were having a hard time keeping a straight face (With the obvious exception of Professor Snape, who had a face of thunder) Malfoy looked confused as to why everybody was laughing at him. He looked down, let out a girlish scream and fled from the hall.
Chancing a glance up at the staff table when the laughter had died down to whispers, Harry saw the teachers in deep conversation, glancing every now and then towards the Slytherin table with amused twinkles in their eyes. Harry's eyes travelled further along the staff table and settled onto where Professor Lupin usually sat, Harry felt slightly concerned when he saw that the chair was empty.
As the day progressed, all anyone could talk about was the magnificent prank that had been pulled on the bully that was Malfoy.
"He so deserves it," muttered one Hufflepuff fourth year to her friend as Harry and Ron passed on their way to DADA.
Chuckling gleefully at the success of the prank, Harry and Ron entered the classroom along with Hermione.
"You guys did it didn't you," said Hermione soflty, eyes sparkling.
"Yup," said Ron, not even bothering to deny it.
Hermione giggled and pulled her defence book out of her bag, Harry and Ron followed suit. Only then did Harry notice that Professor Lupin hadn't arrived yet. Swallowing his worry, Harry turned to Hermione who seemed to be thinking along the same lines as him.
"Where d'you suppose Professor Lupin is?" Harry said, trying to hide the concern in his voice.
Hermione noticed this and smiled kindly "I'm sure he's fine Harry," she said, squeezing Harry's hand gently under the table.
"I heard he's ill," blurted Ron, ever the sensitive one.
Harry paled slightly "Who from?" he said shakily, as students began entering the classroom, chatting amiably.
"Heard McGonagall say OUCH!" exclaimed Ron as Hermione had just kicked him under the table.
"What the bloody hell was that for 'Mione," snapped Ron, rubbing his shin as people stared.
Hermione quelled him with a look and comprehension dawned on his face.
"But I'm sure he'll be fine," said Ron guiltily.
Harry nodded and turned towards the front of the classroom. The door opened with a bang and Professor Snape strode in, in a foul mood as usual. He slammed the door shut and turned to face the class.
"Turn to page 394," Snape snarled, leaving no room for argument. Sighing audibly, the class did so.
Harry however, did not comply.
"Where's Professor Lupin Sir?" Harry said loudly.
Snape turned to Harry and his lips thinned "Professor Lupin cannot teach today as he is sick, now no more questions," snapped Snape.
Groaning inwardly, Harry flipped to the page, but his confusion grew when he saw the name of the chapter.
"Werewolves? But were supposed to be learning about Hinkypunks and Redcaps," said Hermione
"Quiet," said Snape warningly, scowling at Hermione.
Sighing audibly, Hermione turned back to her book.
"Now who can tell me the difference between an animagus and a werewolf?" said Snape in hiss drawl.
Hermione's hand shot up immediately, missing Harry's face by mere inches.
"No one? How very disappointing," said Snape maliciously.
"Please Sir an animagus elects to turn into an animal, a werewolf has no-"
"Miss Granger this is the second time you have spoken out of turn, do you like the sound of your own voice or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all," Snarled Snape.
Hermione looked down at the table, tears filling her eyes as the Slytherins sniggered and the Gryffindors glared at Snape.
This didn't seem to bother Snape, he just continued on with the lesson as if there'd been no disruption.
-xxx-
"That great git," shouted Ron, almost foaming at the mouth.
"Just ignore it Ron," said Hermione firmly, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"No. He has no right to insult you like that," Ron exclaimed, clenching his teeth.
"Ron, just leave it," said Harry softly.
Ron took one look at Harry's face and relented. As they entered the great hall, there was a great deal of chatter, people were pointing and whispering at him.
"Er guys what's going on?" said Harry nervously, eyeing the Slytherin table in particular.
"Nothing," both Ron and Hermione exclaimed quickly, too quickly.
Harry narrowed his eyes as they sat down at Gryffindor table.
"Oh really? I know when you're lying, so tell me the truth." said Harry, crossing his arms and eyeing them sternly.
Hermione sighed loudly "Fine everyone knows about your condition," whispered Hermione.
Harry's heart clenched painfully and he found it hard to breathe. Everyone knew?How was that even possible?, the only people who knew were Ron, Hermione and the teachers. People must have seen him going to the hospital wing on a weekly basis, or his pale complexion, the large bags under his eyes, his skinnier than usual frame or the fact that his hair was thinning. Or perhaps someone had let slip.
"How did they find out?" said Harry shakily, hands shaking with anger.
"I don't know Harry," said Hermione sympathetically, putting a gentle hand on his arm.
"I'm fine guys, I'm going for a walk," said Harry, jumping up suddenly.
Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but was cut short at the look Ron gave her.
As Harry left the hall, he tried desperately fight the tears that were threatening to engulf him. He ran down countless corridors and shortcuts until he slid down the wall, put his head in his hands and cried. If only Professor Lupin wasn't poorly, he could really do with a hug right now, Harry thought miserably.
-xxx-
As the week progressed, Harry went about his routine in a melancholy state. Something that didn't go amiss from his sharp eyed professors. Harry often snapped at people who asked nosy questions or stared at him.
On Thursday, Harry's mood lifted slightly with the return of Professor Lupin at the staff table, that good mood didn't last long however. He, Ron and Hermione were taking a stroll around the icy lake, when a most unwelcome voice floated over.
"Oi Potter!"
Gritting his teeth, Harry turned around slowly to a smug looking Draco Malfoy.
"What do you want Malfoy," spat Harry.
"Not a lot, just wanted to congratulate you on the fact that soon you will be dead," drawled Malfoy, while Crabbe and Goyle guffawed heartily.
Harry felt as if he had been punched in the stomach.
"You foul cockroach," snapped Hermione, standing in front of Harry.
"How dare you insult me, you filthy little mudblood," snapped Malfoy and diving forwards he drove his fist into Hermione's face.
Harry saw red and he and Ron both dove at Malfoy and once again punched every part of Malfoy they could reach.
"You just don't give in, do you?" shouted Harry as he punched Malfoy in the face.
"We thought you'd have learnt your lesson when your pasty little body was revealed for all to see," snarled Ron.
"Harry, Ron! Just leave it! I'm fine!" exclaimed Hermione, rubbing her jaw.
Harry and Ron reluctantly stepped away from a groaning Malfoy and allowed Hermione to lead them away from the three Slytherins and into the castle.
"What were you thinking?" shouted Hermione, rounding on Harry, once they'd got into the entrance hall
"I was sticking up for you!" exclaimed Harry angrily.
"Be that as it may Harry, Malfoy won't give in until he can get you back," said Hermione, exasperatedly.
"Oh just shut up!" snapped Harry.
"Oi don't talk to her like that she's trying to help!" snapped Ron, glaring at Harry.
"Fine, i'll just leave you two to it," said Harry angrily and with that he stormed away, fighting back tears.
Harry tore through the corridors in a foul mood until he came to the DADA classroom. Sighing loudly, he entered and waited for the rest of the class and Professor Lupin.
As the rest of the class and Professor Lupin entered, Harry's heart sank when Ron and Hermione elected to sit as far away from him as possible (something that didn't go unnoticed by Professor Lupin) Swallowing a lump in his throat, Harry turned to face the front of the classroom.
When the lesson ended, Ron and Hermione left the classroom quickly, without so much as a second glance at Harry.
"Harry could you stay behind please?" came Professor Lupins concerned voice.
Sighing inwardly, Harry sat back down and waited for the class to filter out before slowly approaching Professor Lupins desk.
"Harry what's wrong?" said Professor Lupin softly.
Harry swallowed another lump in his throat and looked down at his feet.
"Nothing, I'm fine." said Harry hoarsely.
Professor Lupin stood up and strode around his desk, coming to a halt in front of Harry.
"You can tell me Harry," he said gently, putting his hands on Harry's shoulders.
Tears stung Harry's eyes and he kept his head down so Professor Lupin wouldn't see. Sighing slightly, Professor Lupin waved his wand and the lock clicked.
"Harry is it Ron and Hermione?" said Professor Lupin gently.
That did it for Harry, he suddenly burst into noisy tears, and his body shaking as the sobs wracked his body. Professor Lupin took his hands from Harry's shoulders and pulled him into a hug. Harry buried his face into the crook of Remus' neck and just cried and cried and cried.
He vaguely felt Professor Lupin walk backwards slightly and then sit down; he then proceeded to pull Harry onto his lap and continue to hold him in his arms.
Harry felt himself telling him everything, how everyone now knew his secret, about the stares and whispers, about Malfoy and about his fight with Ron and Hermione. Harry clutched a handful of Remus' robes as he tried desperately to calm down.
When the tears subsided, Harry stayed in his professors arms and sighed contentedly. This was what he had needed all along, a nice warm hug.
Harry rested his head on Remus' shoulder and whispered hoarsely.
"I'm sorry,"
"Hey don't be sorry Harry, there's no shame in crying. OR needing a hug for that matter," said Remus gently.
Harry nodded into Remus' shoulder but said nothing.
"Now I'd suggest you go get something to eat Harry," Remus said gently.
Harry nodded and slid reluctantly off Remus' lap.
"Harry in future if something is bothering you; I want you to come to me. I will always lend an ear and a shoulder," said Remus, smiling gently at Harry.
"Thanks Uncle Remus," muttered Harry and he made to leave the room.
"Oh Harry? How about on Saturday,me and you go down to Hogsmeade?"
Harry's eyes lit up as he opened the door of the classroom.
"Yes please!" he exclaimed excitedly.
"Good I shall arrange that then. See you tomorrow Harry" Remus said kindly.
Harry nodded, smiling and left the room. Now all he needed to do was find Ron and Hermione, and apologise.
Chapter 23 done! Hope you enjoy. Quick question which relationship would you guys prefer to see for Harry?; Harry/Hermione or Harry/Ginny? I'm more inclined towards Harry/Hermione but would like your opinions.