Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter characters.
CHAPTER Eight: Everything old is new again
No one had contact with Harry Potter since that fateful Saturday afternoon and the world was more concerned over his well being than the rapidly impending World Cup match between the Harpies representing England and the Dragon Wing from China's Hunan Provence, interestingly enough, captained by one Cho Chang at seeker.
Ginny ghosted through practices pale faced and stoic. Her appetite and sleep pattern were off and she rarely had spoken to anyone since that day. Her teammates were in little better shape.
Harry's selfless performance had been as greatly appreciated as it was humbling. On the whole, they felt that the wrong team was representing England at the World Cup.
Although they had petitioned the league for either forfeit or at the very least a do over, they were bound by league rules, and notwithstanding, the Harpies were the legal winner of game three with the Cannons.
Victory had left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Harpies organization.
Though Harry had yet to make an appearance, thankfully both Hermione and the Harpies received missives that he was indeed; alive and well.
His letter to the Harpies was gratefully read to the team by their captain, Gwenog Jones.
"In closing; I would like to express my envy for your entire organization and my fervent hope that the Harpies will smash the Chinese and allow the Cup to remain home, in England, where it belongs.
It has been my great honor to play against England's best and most stunningly attractive team…. including the red heads.
Good Luck at the World Cup!
Harry Potter
Gwenog Jones carefully folded Harry's letter and returned it to its envelope reverently.
"There you have it, you lot. Our own Harry Potter has tasked us with winning the cup. Are we gonna let the only Magical Knight in existence down?"
Adamant denials answered the Harpies' captain.
"I think it safe to say that each of us would like to keep a copy of this, but the original deserves to be placed in the team's trophy case, in a place of honor." she suggested to her sniffling audience.
Many heads nodded their agreement; those that didn't were still stunned by the man's gracious missive.
Later that evening, Hermione read a letter of her own to her gathered family summoned to hers and Ron's home at Godric's Hollow.
"Every one:
I'm sorry that I didn't send word sooner, but I've been recuperating out of the country and only learned recently of the speculation whether or not I survived the finals?
Obviously-I survived. I am well and currently working on some ideas I've had, but wanted to take a moment to reassure everyone that I am fine-really.
Ron- please tell the team that I'm sorry if I let them down, but I could never honestly be sorry how things turned out.
Hermione please tell Ginny that there's no hard feelings on my end and that I hope she's well recovered and working hard toward winning the cup- she 's the best chaser in the league- including Gwenog- though I'd rather she didn't impart that last to her Captain."
Hermione paused in her reading to smile warmly at Ginny who was scrubbing at her eyes and smiling beatifically through her sniffles.
"If anyone is wondering about the 'date thing' it was Gred and Forge's idea and in a moment of weakness I let them talk me into it."
"The Villain!" One of the twins gasped in alarm as both made a bee line for the door before their mother could throw a hex in their direction.
Ginny's chaser reflexes proved faster, however, and caught one or the other with a nice bit of transfiguration that gave one Snape's greasy black hair and the other the late potion professor's scowling visage, hook nose and all.
The entire family howled it's appreciation as Ginny twirled her wand and pocketed it with practiced ease before nodding her thanks for their show of appreciation.
Hermione continued reading…
"Don't listen to all that rubbish the newspapers are writing about giving me an award and all that tripe.
The outcome of my actions is more than reward enough in my book.
I'll be out of touch for a bit, but hope to back in time to watch Ginny earn the most valuable player award at the Cup finals.
Love to all,
Harry
"H-He won't be back in time for his birthday, then?" Molly stammered regretfully.
The finals was set for August 9th and if Harry wasn't going to be around till then, he would obviously miss celebrating his birthday, with the family, as they'd hoped.
None of them thought that was either happenstance or unintentional on his part.
The week preceding the World Cup match saw the Harpies training take a hundred and eighty degree turn. They drilled with fiendish intensity and though none of them voiced it, they all intended to win not only for themselves but for Harry Potter.
The day before the family was to take their international port key to China, Hermione received a cryptic letter that had her apparating to Hogwarts in a near heartbeat.
Hermione- Please, come at once.
M. McGonnagal
The only thing she told Ron was that if she wasn't back by tomorrow to take the port key with the rest of the family and that she would try and catch up.
Ron would have argued only Hermione put a finger to his lips and whispered:
"I think its Harry, Ron?"
Ron nodded. "Go. Let me know if there's anything, anything at all that I can do?"
Merlin- she loved this man.
Hermione hugged her husband gratefully, then apparated to the gates of Hogwarts and all but flew to the castle, heading immediately for the headmistress' office.
She found the gargoyle guardian already turned away from the entrance and raced up the circular stair that led to the headmistress' office.
A hurried knock proceeded her barging into the office before the Headmistress could voice admittance.
"Hermione" McGonnagal half smiled in relief.
"Where is he?" Hermione anxiously asked without preamble.
McGonagal motioned toward the armchair next to her desk. "Please sit down, dear."
Hermione fidgeted nervously. "Is he alright?"
Minerva smiled wanly. "For the moment, but he is soon to be in a tremendous amount of pain, and frankly, I'm not sure that even he can survive such an ordeal?"
Hermione's eyes widened in alarm. She gripped the edge of the headmistress' desk for not only support but to brace her trembling hands.
"How,… what?"
Minerva grasped her young friend's hand with one of her own.
"He arrived yesterday." She began to explain. "He ,… He asked Poppy to perform magical scar removal surgery, which as you know, forces the victim to relive much of the original pain for which the injury that produced the scar was suffered. Sometimes they even flashback and relieve the memory itself."
Hermione blanched, her face ashen as she slumped down into the previously offered chair.
"No….." she breathed out in anguish. "She's not going to…?"
"If she doesn't, he's of the mindset to go abroad and have it done by another. Poppy ,… she wouldn't trust another, not with Harry?" Minerva struggled to explain.
"Stubborn fool!" Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Quite" McGonagal agreed with a wan smile.
"C-Can his 'lightning bolt' scar even be removed?" Hermione questioned.
Minerva shook her head. "You misunderstand; he wants all of them removed."
"All.. of.. them?" Hermione repeated vacantly.
Minerva nodded.
"B-But,..Ron said there's dozens… he can't be serious?" Hermione gasped in a near shriek, stricken by the realization of the sheer magnitude of what Harry was intending.
After finally calming herself, Hermione brushed a lock of her chestnut hair behind her ear and asked where she could find her friend.
She found him on the astronomy tower wistfully looking over the castle grounds, reliving past memories of perhaps a better, certainly less complicated time when it was only school and a single prophesy hanging over his head.
"H-Harry…?" She called out faintly.
His back stiffened in recognition, but it was long tense moment before he acknowledged her.
"McGonagal", he hissed in exasperation, before adding dismissively "Go home, 'Mione."
"Harry, please,… please talk to me?' She begged taking a hesitant step in his direction, but he shuffled warily to the side, keeping the right side of his body toward her.
She reached a hand toward his right shoulder, but he shied away slightly, halting her reaching hand short of its goal and hurting her feelings in the process. She snuffled dejectedly, returning her hand to her side.
"I'm fine. Please go home. You've family waiting, a match to go to. It's a special moment for Ginny and the rest of them, don't waste your time here."
Hermione gently grasped his chin and slowly, pulled his resisting head around to look at her. The jagged scar along his left jaw that Ron had described came into view.
She gently brushed her finger tips along the track of the scar, smiling reassuringly as she did so.
"This doesn't matter. Only this," She patted a hand over his heart. "This is the only thing that matters. The love and courage that dwells in here shames the rest of us. Yet it gives us hope for what and who we could aspire to be."
Harry shook his head dejectedly."People may not always judge a book by its cover, but let's face it, 'Mione, they only pick up the book if the cover looks interesting. Horror stories with frightening covers are hidden in the back of the shop for a reason."
There was a grain of truth in that statement, one she found disgusting, albeit true.
Hermione's eyes flashed, but she controlled herself from snapping at him. She wanted to shake him till he saw reason, but only a calm head would prevail here.
"People read horror stories because they long to see good triumph over evil. They want to read about heroes; heroes that do whatever it takes to triumph, no matter what it costs them. Heroes inspire us, Harry."
Harry snorted and pulled his face away from her gentle eyes.
"I'm no hero, 'Mione."
Hermione reached up and ran her fingers thru his silken, raven black hair.
"You're the most heroic person I've ever seen or heard of, Harry. Children will be reading about you and your adventures long after our bones have turned to dust,… and well they should."
Harry shook his head dejectedly. "Adventure's a nice word that hides the truth of being cold, hungry and terrified as you struggle to do what's right. You fight so hard to survive that somewhere along the way the line blurs and you start to become the very thing you're fighting against. Look at Voldemort and what became of him? Snakelike features, pale, ghostly, horrifically frightening. He became a reflection of all the killing and pain he inflicted. I'm becoming the same. It's as clear as the scars on my body."
Hermione chewed her bottom lip in anguish. There was such a lost sound in his voice. They should have tried harder to find him. He's been suffering alone this whole time.
Not for the first time she cursed her sister in-law and the power she unknowingly had over Harry.
"Voldemort killed for pleasure and personal gain. You've only ever killed for self defense or the defense of others. There's a difference, Harry, and you know it. Voldemort wore the face he deserved to wear, he probably even relished it." she scoffed in disgust.
"You bear the scars of his evil, but not because you are evil, but because you care enough to try and do what's right, no matter how terrible the cost is to yourself. I admire you, as I've never admired anyone ever before. Even, Ron, as wonderfully brave and giving as he is,... He could never do what you do, Harry. No one could, not even Dumbledore. Please don't let yourself be hurt over this?" She begged brushing her fingers against his famous scar.
"God chose you, Harry. This is his mark, Voldemort merely wrote what God intended he write. This mark is a symbol of hope."
"It's a reminder of my mother's death, her sacrifice." he corrected.
Hermione staggered at that.
His pain was almost palpable. Thick and cloying, his anguish permeated the very air around them. It was stiflingly all consuming.
"D-Don't do this." she begged worriedly.
Harry shook his head sadly."I can't bear it anymore. I won't bear it anymore."
"H-Harry,… she didn't see a monster. Ginny saw someone she could love. Someone she does love." Hermione tried to argue, but he brushed her off, reminding her.
"She saw someone she pities. I- I could bear her hatred, but not her p-pity." his voice broke.
Harry began to cry. It was the second time in her life that she had ever seen him cry. The first was in a pensieve memory when he tried to take his own life, desperate to save the rest of them from the evil that was festering inside him. This time was worse, so much worse. He was lost and despairing.
Had Ginny really felt that way? Compassionate, perhaps even sympathetic, but pity?
She had no choice left. No argument would sway him so she played her trump card
"Please, don't do this. Pleased don't risk yourself, not like this? Please,… for me?"
Harry began to sob openly. His unspoken pain washed out of him in torrents of misery and loneliness.
"I- I'm s-s-sorry, 'Mione" he stammered out through his tears and her heart broke.
It was the first and only time he had ever denied her anything during their long friendship. His heart was Ginny's now, whether he knew it or not.
It was a long time before Harry calmed down and long pensive minutes before he began talking again. It was more to himself, than her, but she listened closely, hoping he might give her something to work with.
"I love this place, these people. So many young hopes and dreams echo within these halls. So many things for them to look forward to; I envy them, not having to worry about anything more pressing than grades, quiddicth and,...girls? No Voldemort running amuck destroying families. No dementors skulking in the shadows waiting for the chance to suck away your life force. No dragons, or trolls even." he paused to chuckle at the memory from their first year.
"Do you think they'll form the same kind of friendships, like we did?" he asked curiously.
"Maybe." She returned brushing a hand down his shoulder comfortingly. "But I doubt it. Ours was the kind of friendship that was forged in fire. The permanent kind that lasts forever and only gets better with time. Though I don't wish the circumstances on anyone, I wouldn't change it for anything. I have the three best friends that anyone could ever wish for. Not friends even, but family. The important kind of family, because it wasn't the kind you were born to, but chose."
Harry nodded his agreement. "I think so too, though sometimes I wonder how things might have turned out if it hadn't been for this scar, (he pointed to his forehead) and that troll in the dungeon?"
"Divine providence, Harry. We were meant to be together."
Hermione brushed her hand gently threw his hair, marveling in the knowledge of the simply pleasure such an act gave him, and secretly angered by the fact that she was perhaps the only person he felt comfortable enough to allow this simplest of contact with. There was a time when Ginny could touch him at any time and he never flinched in the slightest, in fact, quite the opposite. Harry was want to crave the contact with Ginny, and often would initiate the contact. She wondered if Ginny even realized how much she was missing out on? Seeing Harry like this, at ease, comfortable, thoughtful, it was such a pleasure.
He sighed in pleasure as she massaged the tension from his neck.
"What are you thinking?" she wondered.
"Not thinking, really." he sighed gratefully." Remembering, wishing."
Wishing?
"What do you wish?" She asked innocently, hoping for some bit of insight into this infuriatingly complex man.
" Oh,… I , well,… sometimes I wish things had turned out differently. Not us." he corrected immediately. "Just things, like,… it probably sounds stupid , but I guess I always thought that maybe I'd be an auror and eventually I could come back her and teach defense. Raise a family and get to see my own children and yours and Ron's come through Hogwarts together. We could talk about them and their antics on the weekends and family dinners at the Burrow."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at that, but kept silent as he continued.
"Spend holidays together, birthdays, anniversaries. You know, just everyday stuff like everyone else. I know it sounds silly, but it's what I always hoped for."
Hermione kissed his cheek, happy that he didn't tense from the contact.
"Not silly, wonderful. Ron and Ginny and I always hoped for the same things."
Harry tensed under her touch and she gasped realizing her mistake.
"Ginny" he growled under his breath. "What's she got to do with anything?"
Hermione's mind raced trying to think up something to deflect his ire, but in such close proximity, it would do no good. His empathic senses would know the duplicity behind her words the second it left her lips.
The truth then. The hard truth.
"Yes, Ginny, Harry. Don't think I don't know who your dreams of a family were with? It started the three of us, the Golden trio, but whether you want to admit it now or no, Ginny completed us, completed you. The three became four and we were better for it. You were better for it."
Harry rolled his eyes at that, angering her.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, mister! I don't suppose Ginny has anything to do with you being here? I suppose she never once entered your mind when you asked, no forced, Pomfrey to perform a procedure that could well kill you? Is there anyone in particular that you want to improve your appearance for, hmmm?" She drawled knowing, "Or are you just doing this for your own vanity? Being around Malfoy has warped your priorities.
Harry's eyes flashed emerald fire, but he wisely remained silent, though grudgingly so.
"Your doing this for her and you know it? Don't bother denying it, Harry." She held up a hand to stop him from interrupting.
"You could have done this at anytime, for any reason, if it really mattered to you that much. You didn't raise any qualms when you were with Susan. You loved her. I know you loved her, so why didn't it matter? Why now? What's so different now?"
"Susan is a healer, in case you'd forgotten? She was use to looking at ruined flesh without judging, without pity or revulsion. Besides, there was a lot less scars then."
Hermione scoffed at that. "What, a mere handful? What's that compared to all the rest?" she returned sarcastically.
Harry pulled away and waved his hand over his torso, vanishing his shirt.
"Go on- look!" he challenged; angrily displaying the ruin that marred his flesh.
"Voldemort was only the beginning. He's dead and gone, yet his memory still plaques my life. Every day I must look in the mirror and be reminded. Now I have to bear seeing it in Ginny's eyes,… and now yours too. You'll never look at me the same now that you know what's hidden beneath the morphing and glamour charms. Go on- LOOK!" he thundered.
His voiced echoed away across the castle grounds.
Hermione looked, she could not help but look. So much pain, so much suffering. It was written across his body as clearly as the pages of a book. Curse scars and burns. Ghastly jagged wounds inflicted by man and beast. Ron had been too kind in saying that it was "bad". It was horrific, but not because of how it looked but because of what each and every one of those wounds had cost him, and was still costing him. How could he even function, let alone play professional quidditch with such debilitating injuries? This couldn't continue.
"I see it, Harry, and I'm not afraid. I could never be afraid of you. They're just scars Harry. They don't reflect the man beneath them, at least not like you think. They're a testament to unfailing courage and devotion to the light. They're…"
"Touch them" he barked interrupting her.
Hermione placed her hand unflinchingly on his left side, caressing the worst of the lot- the wound he'd suffered in Voldemort's demise. Her eyes held only kindness and compassion.
"It doesn't matter to me, Harry." se gently reassured him.
Harry pulled back stunned by her response.
"T-Then why does it m-matter to her?" he stammered as he turned away , casting his anguished gaze across the horizon.
"Harry." Hermione huffed, surprising him. "Did you do to Ginny and the rest of her team what you just did with me? Did you frighten them with your temper, when their minds were already trying to process the cruelty of those many wounds? They're not healers. They're not used to seeing such things on a daily basis. They're young, impressionable, idealistic women, who only know quidditch and dating, and that's all they are ready for until the world forces them to grow up and see how things really are. Believe me, Harry, you changed their view of the world drastically, and I mean that in a good way."
Harry gaped at her momentarily trying to puzzle out the validity of her statement. The moment soon passed as he challenged.
"I suppose It's my fault that they barged into the locker when I was starkers? Frightened them?" he growled.
"They came bursting in all giggles hoping for a show and they got one alright, just not the kind they were expecting."
"I'm not claiming they were innocent in all this, but maybe in retrospect it's for the best that this is out in the open?" Hermione suggested.
"Yeah, sure." Harry groused rolling his eyes sarcastically. "I'm sure they've probably spread the word by now? I can just hear it: 'Can you show me the scar where the dragon clawed you ?' 'Harry, me boy, let's have a look at that sucking wound on your shoulder, I'd like to measure the bite radius for posterity's sake.' Maybe some creepy lab somewhere will want to do a study on curse wounds? They could poke and prod me and pump me full of a bunch of experimental potions, Who Knows ? They might even discover why I survived two killing curses. They could replicate it. Make it so a whole army was impervious. Wouldn't that be great?" he bit out sarcastically.
"Harry , please." Hermione returned witheringly. "They told no one. They'd never do that to you. Ginny made them all take magical vows. Not a one of them balked at the idea. They were glad to do it." she reassured him.
Ginny was around during the war. She must of seen…?"
"Must of seen what? You broke up with her to keep her from all of that and other reasons you well know. The family kept her out of it as best they could. She knew people were being hurt and killed, of course, but she never had to see it right before her eyes. She never had to hold a dying person's hand and lie to them by telling them they were going to be alright, or beg them to hang on a little longer despite their pain and the hopelessness of it all."
Harry turned away and ran his hands threw his hair like he did when he was frustrated.
The action gave her hope. She knew she was reaching him.
"Was it pity, Harry, or was it empathy Ginny felt the other day? She'd seen all those scars and wept over them when you lie in your coma. Was she revolted by the sight or by the thought of what you had to go thru to keep the rest of us safe? If she was ashamed; then no more than the rest of us for blindly allowing such evil to exist in the world."
Harry appeared uncertain. He wanted to believe her.
"Please, please don't do this, luv? Please don't put yourself thru this needlessly. Wear your glamour if you must, but personally I'd rather you didn't. I'm that proud of you. We all are, Ginny included."
Harry scrubbed at his eyes and worried at his hair.
"T-They hurt, 'Mione. All the time. Every moment of every day they ache and pull. I-I thought about doing it sooner. I wished I had so that none of this would have ever happened, but ,…Ginny,… Ginny just made it so much worse. I-I've never been handsome like Ron, but I've never thought of myself as ugly either. I did that day though. I felt ,…. I felt unworthy, vile…."
Hermione brushed at her eyes as she moved forward and pulled his trembling form into a hug which he gratefully accepted.
" A-Alright, Harry." She soothed. " But only do as much as what's absolutely necessary so that you can move freely without pain. Don't try and do the killing scars, please? I-I couldn't bear it if anything happened. You know the risks. Trying to remove the killing curse scars could make you relive it all over. You could die! Please, luv. Please, don't…"
" Alright, 'Mione." He agreed, soothing her fears.
She pulled back and looked into his eyes. " W-Would you do just one thing more?"
She asked hesitantly, wary that she was pressing him farther than was prudent considering how tightly strung he was already.
Harry nodded reluctantly.
" Would you wait just a few days until after the World Cup?"
Harry blanched at that.. " I,.er, I wasn't planning on attending the match actually." He confirmed her suspicions.
" But,Harry,.. It's the cup? It would mean ever so much to every one if you'd come. Ginny wants you there."
" She said that?" He asked skeptically.
" Well, no,… but I know she wants you there, we all do."
Harry pulled back and worried his hand through his hair." I don't know…?" He hesitated.
" Please, Harry. You'll regret if you don't. I know you will."
"I,.. I already gave away my tickets to Draco and Abigail. I can't very well ask for them back?"
Hermione quirked an eyebrow. "Well for goodness sake, are you Harry Potter or aren't you?" She huffed, reminding him of his fame, wanted or know.
Harry rolled his eyes. She knew he hated trading on his fame, and besides, there was always a hidden cost for doing so.
" I'll wait till after the cup, but that's it 'Mione." he agreed .
Hermione squealed and thru herself into his arms kissing his cheek and thanking him.
PEKING CHINA
The talk of the town in the days proceeding the Cup match was not the match itself, but the that the world famous Magical Knight was not only staying at the Hilton International, but that he had agreed to an impromptu performance at the traditional Cup Ball scheduled for the night before the match.
Harry was afforded the honor of a tour of the Chinese Ministry, points of interest around the city of Peking and finally to sit in on the Dragon Wing's practice, accompanied by his state appointed interpreter and liaison, who reluctantly abdicated the role to the Chinese Vise Minister Tang Lui, at the minister's personal insistence.
Draco and Abigail had insisted upon accompanying him for security purposes, once they'd learned of his arrival. Both had been somewhat put out that he hadn't deigned to inform them of his change in plans to attend the Cup and Ministerial Ball celebration.
Harry, at first had been honored that the Vice Minister had requested the privilege to accompany him on his tour. He later found that the Vice Minister had a hidden agenda of his own, that Harry did not find to his personal liking.
Harry and company had enjoyed the sights immensely and found the food and people delightful, the only down side to the day was in the person of Tang Lui. The vice minister had made several disparaging comments at Harry's expense in his native tongue throughout the day. Unbeknownst to the Minister, Draco Malfoy spoke Mandarin Chinese and had grudgingly passed on said comments to his patron.
Harry chose to let the comments slide, though his escort was becoming increasingly tense over the situation.
One such comment delivered during the wing's practice session.
The minister and personal secretary, Lei Su, a petite young woman that the Minister shot an occasional look that Abigail found very unsettling, considering the Minister's position of authority.
They were watching the Wing's practice form the Minister's personal box which was nearly at a level adjacent to the height of the chaser's play.
The vise minister was watching the play with a casual interest, though his eyes settled lasciviously in the direction of the wing's seeker. A vindictive glare on his face, the minister off handily commented to Harry via his interpreter."I'm reliably informed that you are acquainted with our seeker from her school days abroad. Tell me, does she sit a stick as well as you remember?" The vice minister's asst. blushed in embarrassment as she delivered the minister's comment in English"
The jibe was delivered to be as impolite and personal to his person as well as Cho's.
Harry eyes flashed emerald fire momentarily, but he quickly reigned in his temper, it wouldn't do to be the cause of an international incident, by hauling off and cuffing a high ranking Ministerial official, however much he deserved it.
Harry nodded his head in Draco's direction. "Both Draco and I played seeker against Cho for our individual houses. Cho was one of our school's finest quidditch players and I'm sure I can speak for Draco when I say that it's no surprise to see her excelling at the professional level. The Harpies seeker will have her work cut out for her in trying to match Cho's level of play."
" Indeed." Draco added complimentarily.
The vise minister arched an already imperiously high eyebrow on his narrow face.
"I'm sure you exaggerate for our seeker's sake." he returned after his interpreter delivered Harry and Draco's comments.
"One cannot expect a mere woman to be able to compete with a man on a level playing field, that is of course, unless he is less than adequate as a man to begin with?"
The interpreter seemed to apologize with her eyes, but ventured nothing of herself on the matter. She was obviously held in subservience and completely at the Minister's personal beck and call.
Abigail bristled at that, seeing that neither Harry nor Draco were going to defend their selves, she delivered a scathing challenge of her own before either Draco or Harry could stop her.
"They're more man than you, though that's not saying a lot as the afore mentioned Cho Chang is more man than you, you arrogant twit!"
Harry shot her a warning glare already sensing the danger as the Vice Minister's interpreter delivered Abby's comments.
The minister's face darkened before his aide could even deliver the entirety of as Abby's comments he leaned forward and spoke in perfect English: "In China women know their place as you shall see."
The vice minister stood from his seat and clapped his hands together just once and the play on the field came to an abrupt halt, followed shortly by Cho Chang flying down to the Ministry box.
Cho bowed deeply to the Minister, but did not speak directly to him, instead she spoke in Chinese to the Minister's aide, who interpreted needlessly to the waiting Vice Minister.
The minister held out his ringed hand, imperiously waiting. Cho Chang meekly shuffled forward, kissed the Minister's signet ring and dropped to her knees and prostrated herself before the Vice Minister, his aide following suit.
Harry and party were stunned by the display, especially at seeing their fellow Hogwarts seeker acting the slave to the pompous git.
He glowered arrogantly at Harry's party. His thin lips curled back in a cruel snarl as he demanded:
"You see, everything in it's proper place. Since you meek English cannot control your women properly, I shall take it upon myself to make of them an example. You have insulted my exalted person not only with your offensive presence but by daring to carry a sword upon your person. I demand satisfaction for the insult you made on my person."
Harry interrupted trying to head off a disaster that would have international ramifications. "I'm sure Ms. Vance misspoke herself and would certainly like to apologize for her unintended slight? Wouldn't you, Miss Vance? " Harry glared at his subordinate.
" Like hell I will." Abby snorted.
"The arts of war are the providence of men, not the playthings of women. In China your husband or patriarch would have to answer for your uncouth behavior and you would then be suitably punished in accordance with their wishes. Such a transgression would either see you banished from you family home or be tortured unto death for the dishonor such behavior shames your family by. Though it behooves me to waste the effort on your unworthy person, I shall be generous and afford you a quick death by way of the steel that you so laughingly display at you hip- a child who plays at being a man." he sneered.
Abby grasped the hilt of her cold forged blade in a white knuckled grip and growled. "Name the time of your demise, swine?"
The Vice Minister chuckled in a way that rose the hackles on Harry's neck. His empathy told him the Minister was only too pleased by this event.
"As I don't want to be falsely accused of demoralizing the English side, noon the day after the match shall be acceptable and allow sufficient time for you to set your affairs in order and make peace with your heathen gods."
The minister swept from the box in a swirl of his silken robes, his aide hurrying after obediently.
Abigail and Draco rounded on him but he held up a hand silencing them before they could begin. Harry rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger in a futile attempt to will away the day's tension.
He eyed a sad faced Cho Chang rising haltingly to her feet and reached out a gentle hand to help her by the arm.
She winced in pain at the contact.
Harry immediately released his hold, but let his empathy flow out. What he sensed both shocked and sickened him, but it would have to wait to be addressed.
"Why do I have the feeling that we just blindly fell into a Manchurian trap?" he asked his once girlfriend.
Cho shook her head sadly, her once short hair now reached her mid back. He found it a strange coincidence that a seeker would wear her hair long and flowing as it would be a distraction in the air.
" Oh, Harry. I wish you hadn't come, though I'm relieved to see you." She sighed mournfully.
" Nice to see you to, Cho" Harry chirruped, but shot her a lopsided grin so that she'd know he was only teasing.
"When you made the semi finals I had hoped it would be your team coming to China, but when you lost I was devastated ,… now though I dare to hope, my worst fears are realized."
Harry rubbed his chin thoughtfully. " Explain, please?"
Cho tilted her head around Harry, nodding her chin meaningfully toward Draco and Abby as she greeted politely.
"I'm surprised, but heartened by the company you now keep, Draco. It is a vast improvement over Crabbe and Goyle."
"Vast" Draco echoed his agreement. " Many things have changed since we left Hogwarts. In my case things worsened before they dramatically improved. I have Harry to thank for that. I know hold an honorable position to which I am as equally happy as I am proud."
Harry quirked an appreciative smile.
Cho looked up into Harry's green eyes, marveling at how much he'd changed since school.
"You've grown." she remarked with a smirk.
Harry nodded as he casually brushed a strand of her long hair off Cho's shoulder. "Your hair as well. Isn't it a bit distracting flying with your hair out, not that I don't approve the change?" he amended with a charmingly delivered compliment.
Cho blushed prettily, but her pleasure faded quickly in the face of current events.
"My betrothed prefers it this way." she explained simply.
"Your betrothed? Are congratulations in order?"
Cho's face drew pensive.
"I see." Harry intoned shallowly, understanding at last.
He turned to Draco and ordered:"You and Abby are to transfer your things and return to my suite at the Hilton. Take the spare room down the hall from my own. Talk to know one during the transfer. Order anything you like from room service. Spare no expense making yourselves comfortable. I'll be along as soon as is prudent."
"Yes, Lord Knight" They answered in tandem. Sensing the tension coming from Harry, neither wanted to argue the point and moved to obey his wishes.
"And, Abby?" Harry garbed Vance's arm gently turning her toward him. "Though I don't condone your actions, I can't help but admire the opinion expressed nor the courage with which you expressed yourself. You are a credit to your sister family and your sex. Let no one tell you differently." Harry gently bent forward and kissed Abigail's brow.
" T-Thank you, Harry." She blushingly stammered her gratitude.
Harry passed her toward Draco's waiting presence. "Be careful and take care of each other." he gently warned them.
Draco nodded. "You too. Call us if we're needed."
Harry nodded and turned back to Cho.
Once Draco and Abby left the box, he asked: "I take it the Vice Minister is your betrothed?"
Cho nodded dejectedly, showing no surprise by his deduction. Harry was always quick to unravel a mystery.
"Just how much trouble have we blindly let ourselves be drawn into?" he questioned worriedly, sensing the trap was about to spring shut.
"My betrothed is a greedy, cruel and jealous man."
"Why in the world would you even consider marrying such a man? It can't be for the money, you must make a good living as a quidditch pro? Political gain?"
"I make nothing as a quidditch player here. No more than room and board is provided. M-My family betrothed me to Lui, there business has suffered since the former British Minister raised the trade tariff to fund the auror corps during Voldemort's last war. We were happy in Britain despite the danger. Most of our family's holdings were centered in Asia, thus when the tarriffs increased we were forced to return here to salvage what we could. Almost all of our trading is in Asia now and that is at the pleasure of Lui's business concerns. Were he to tighten his fist more than he has already, my family would lose it's business in it's entirety. Bankruptcy would follow."
"So your family sold you to appease him?" Harry snarled distastefully.
"Better me than the alternative. If father's business fail, my sister's would lose their jobs and would find themselves in my situation. It is our duty. I am the eldest, thus it falls to me first. If I made the sort of money quidditch provides in Europe, I could provide a comfortable means for my family should the worst happen, but here, in this culture? A women here is next to worthless, a brood mare; suitable only for providing sonsand heirs, and many of them. That is to be my fate, once the Cup is over. Once we are wedded, my intended will force my retirement from quidditch. I will become what my country cosiders a proper nobleman's wife: A gilded bird in a gilded cage. Before then, I have only the hope of a Cup win to provide me one glorious memory to last me thru the dark years ahead. One small triumph that my future husband could not ruin as he surely will the rest of my life."
Harry was surprised that she had not broken down in tears as she was want to do during her school years. She'd aged, matured, but that wasn't the reason. She was beyond tears, resolved to the bleakness of her fate.
"Can the betrothal be broken?"
"That is where you come into the picture ,Harry." Cho suggested.
"I don't follow."
'In a fit of anger when my betrothed was being particularly cruel and demeaning; I- I made the mistake of mentioning that you and I once dated, compared you two even, and, well, my intended suffered by the comparison."
Harry's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "But we hardly even went out. The relationship was over before it even had a chance to begin. I was git and you were still grieving. There wasn't anything for you to compare him to?"
"But he doesn't know that" Cho intimated. With a churlish grin.
"So you threw me under the bus, eh?" Harry scowled
"I'm sorry , Harry, but there was no way for me to warn you. His servants monitor my every communication. I am little more than a slave in his house. I dared hope that if we were lucky enough to be matched against your team, I would have this opportunity to ask for your help, though I've no reason to expect that you would or could help me? But,… if it were anyone that could, it would be you Harry, so,…Please?"
Now she did allow a single tear to trail down her porcelain cheek. Her eyes glittering black pinpoints of despair tinged with the slightest trace of hope.
Harry turned toward the stadium in contemplation. His eyes scanned the now vacant pitch. Apparently the entire team had abandoned waiting for Cho and left for the day. They appear to survive at the whim of their governmental officials. They but rattle the chains of oppression and the entire team jumps to obey.
This communist based country appeared to be little better than the embodiment of what Britain would have become under Voldemort's rule; a faceless, hopeless society that survived at the whim of it's self appointed officials. In England such ideals flowed from the pure blood mentality, here the government promoted from within and ruled all.
He was but one man and one man could not hope to topple such oppressive ideals in a single generation, but perhaps he could make one small difference. All it takes is but the fall of a single domino to start a chain reaction.
Harry turned back to his anxiously waiting friend, once girlfriend. His mind nearly made up. He had plans of his own, duties that would require his attention that were coming to fruition. If he could only find a bit more time?
Of Course! Silently he thanked the powers that be for showing him the way, now if he could but pull it off.
"I will do all in my power to help you, but my assistance comes at a price?" He both promised and warned.
The tension never quite drained completely from Cho's face though she appeared noticeable relieved she was still somewhat pensive. "B-But I have no way to repay you Harry? I don't have any money of my own ,my family's business is barely struggling along and even that will undoubtedly fail should I defy my intended, not to mention my family will disown me for dishonoring them. I have only myself and….I….Oh?" Cho's words trailed off as she caught and misunderstood the gleam in Harry's eyes.
Sensing her anxiety. Harry immediately reassured her. "Do you think so little of me that you would assume I'd have you exchange one life of indentured servitude for another? Does one misery seem more appealing than another to you?" Harry scoffed indignantly, not bothering to keep the insult he felt from his voice.
Chos' eyes lowered and she snuffled her apology ashamedly.
"Y-You have always been an h-honorable man, Harry. I'm s-sorry."
He nodded his head curtly in acceptance.
"Do you trust me?" he asked firmly.
Cho nodded her head without reservation. "Yes, Harry."
"Then this is what I need you to do on your end." he doubled and tripled the privacy wards around the stadium box, taking great pains to ensure their privacy as he detailed what he wanted from her.
"That's all?" she asked incredulously.
"That's all." he confirmed.
"But, Harry, that's nothing. How can you possibly…?"
Harry waved her off. "Just those two things should suffice. They may seem like nothing of consequence, but I 'm guessing they'll have the desired effect we'll need to get the ball rolling once the groundwork has been laid. There's only two days till the Ministerial Ball. Let nothing I do shock you at the Ball. You must appear receptive, captivated, expectant even." he cautioned.
"T-That won't be too difficult." Cho blushed faintly at her forwardness.
Harry brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek fondly.
"Were you to see the real me, you may not think it so." he cautioned.
Her questioning eyes shot up at that, but he had already disappeared in a burst of flame, leaving only glimmers of ash floating in the air at his passing.
Harry reappeared at his Hilton suite of rooms in a flash of crimson fire.
He hit the ground walking, pulling off his formal robes and casting them aside indifferently, calling out to this cohorts as he moved briskly to his own room.
Draco came stumbling out into the hall pulling a towel pulled around his trim waist. Harry could hear the distinct sound of female giggling coming from the door he'd just nervously vacated in his haste to answer Harry's call.
Harry quirked an eyebrow at Draco attire and the distinct blush that suffused his face as he halting came to attention.
" My , er,.. apologies. As you were lieutenant, and, ah,.. Give my regards to Corporal Vance when you see her, along with my apologies that I'll have need of the two of you in a half, er,.. an hour from now."
Draco nodded. " Yes, Lord Knight, and,…. T-Thank you. " Draco stammered before bolting back the way he'd come.
A delighted exclamation heralded his arrival, but cut off to happy murmuring when the door closed behind him.
Twenty minutes later a crimson faced, Harry Potter, cast several silencing charms in the direction of Draco and Abby's room as apparently the two had been remiss attending to such details in their zeal.
Harry sighed wistfully. Though he was happy for the two, he was that much more saddened by his own circumstances.
He allowed himself only a few moments melancholy, before placing a floo call to his goblin contacts at Gringotts, after which he began to formulate the details of the rudimentary plan he'd alighted on when considering Cho's dilemma.
Lost in his thoughts he'd never registered the approach of his friends till Abigail cleared her throat meaningfully.
Harry stopped his pacing and shifted his eyes in Draco and Abby's direction. Both appeared freshly showered as Abby's shoulder length blonde hair was still damp around the edges, testament to a hastily applied drying charm, and Draco's shirt was damp and miss buttoned from being thrown on in a hurry while the owner was still wet from the shower.
"Fix your shirt." Harry pointed out blandly, enjoying the pink tinge of embarrassment that stained his friend's cheeks.
He raised a questioning eyebrow toward Abby who was sniggering at her partner's reaction.
"Is that fresh strawberries I smell?" Harry asked curiously, noting this was the scent she always wore in the morning after getting ready for the day.
She had the good grace to look suitably abashed.
Once Draco was finished and paying attention, Harry outlined what he needed from each of the them.
Draco instantly complied and apparated away to the international portkey.
Abby held back a moment and seemed to be nervously considering something.
Harry quirked a curious eyebrow. "Abby?" He prodded gently.
" Lord Kni,.. H-Harry,… You're not doing this just because of me are you? Because if you are you don't need to. I can take care of myself." she added confidently trying to ally is fears.
" Abby,… Tang Lui is a sword master, one that has twenty years of training and practice on you, but despite that I'd still match your metal against his any day."(It was a lie, but I needful one if he was to insure her survival).
Abigail swelled with pride at that.
"What's happening now is happening in part because an old friend needs my help, but mostly it's happening because this is the sort of thing that finds me whether I seek it or no. Fate seems to have a way of weaving me into it's pattern. I don't like it, but there it is.I'm going to try and help a few people that need help, while putting a tyrant in his place and maybe if I'm lucky I'll take care of a couple of other concerns in the process without hopefully damaging my reputation beyond repair, such as it is."
Harry looked so vulnerably when he said that last, it shook her to see him this way.
" Harry,… what..?"
Harry waved her off."No more questions, now. We have little enough time to prepare as it is?" he reminded her.
Abby reluctantly nodded and apparated away to follow the tasks he'd set her, leaving Harry to make a visit he was dreading.
Harry left his suite and took the elevator down a single flight to floor reserved for visiting dignitaries. Normally , he be sequestered here, but since his family had an extensive interest in the hotel line, he was afforded the more plush accommodations of the owner's suite. He didn't care a whit about the extravagance, just the privacy.
He knocked on the door of the Presidential suite.
"Harry?"
Molly Weasley looked both excited and pensive at his having arrived at her hotel door.
"I need to see the Minister on official business, Molly?" he asked with more cool formality then he intended.
Molly's face dropped slightly. "Oh, of course. Do come in, Harry." Molly ushered him into the room.
"Arthur should be finished with his floo calls home to the Ministry by now. It seems he can't get a moment's peace some days." she chided. "I'll let him know you're here." Molly informed him politely. Leaving the room to retrieve her husband.
It pained him, this rift that opening between them. If his hasty plans came to fruition then that same rift would most likely widen further.
"Harry" Arthur called out as he was pulled into the room by his curious wife.
"Minister." Harry acknowledged formally.
Arthur Weasley smile disappeared under the cool formality with which Harry greeted him. He'd thought to never hear his children address him in such an indifferent manner.
"You asked to see me?"
Harry nodded.
Molly began to excuse herself, but Harry reassured her that it was acceptable for her to remain.
"I see little difference to your receiving this information from Minister Weasley after I leave or firsthand now."
Molly nodded her acceptance and offered him a seat.
"Thank you, no, I'd prefer to stand. I think better on my feet." he explained, though he could see by her expression that his refusal saddened her.
"I'll come right to the point, shall I? It has come to my attention that international trade tariff were increased by the former Ministry during the second war with tariff appears to have caused undue hardship on several concerns and as a result losing valuable tax galleon by losing business instead of generating more capital thru raised taxes on those that were able to weather the storm and remain. I would like this tariff abolished and any other war time measures that have undoubtedly caused other such hardships; ones that are obviously unneeded now that the war is well over. I would, of course, be willing to make a reasonable contribution to the Ministry to offset any budget concerns such a move might cause and have asked the Goblins to look into ways for the Ministry to generate new revenue that would be both beneficial to the Ministry, but also to the public trust."
Arthur Weasley's eyebrows raised notably, before he schooled his features and asked with political ease.
"Might I enquire into the reason for this sudden interest in Britain's economic structure?"
"You may." Harry returned vaguely. "However, my reasons are my own and are of a more personal nature, though that has little bearing on the fact that the tariff appears unjust and now, unnecessary." he defended his position.
"Does this personal nature entail furthering your own ends within the trade market? Perhaps establishing a monopoly on trade within the Asian sector?" Arthur Weasley had the audacity of accusing him of furthering his own ends.
Molly Weasley looked stricken by her husband's suspicious accusation, but otherwise kept silent.
Harry bristled.
"I have no interest in any such undertaking and resent the implication, sir." he growled.
"Such antiquated laws made by an already corrupt government headed by one of the greatest bunglers of all time at Minister- FUDGE, should have been expunged the minute Amelia Bones, took office. I came here today in good faith to try and establish the process to rectify a bad situation that has placed undue hardship on decent families, one of which to whom I have pledged my services. More than that I cannot say further. I am reliably informed thru the Goblins that this particular tariff has actually lost more revenue than it was intended to glean. Probably yet another one of Fudge's under the table dealing with Luscious Malfoy, as I'm told that his own import -export business concerns cornered the British market soon after the tariff drove off all the competition. I wonder how many galleons Fudge received as "campaign contributions" for destroying families as he aided Death Eaters and thereby did even more damage." Harry sneered disdainfully amidst the alarmed gasp of Molly Weasley.
Arthur had the decency to look suitably abashed, but the look didn't last long as he near instantly morphed back into politician mode.
"I will,of course, look into the matter when I return to England and see what measure can be done to rectify the situation, however, you mentioned a, er, contribution to offset expenses?
Harry smirked at that. The job of minister must've been cursed at one time or another.
"The tariff was designed to generate capital in excess of 60,000 galleons a year, but in actuality it has lost nearly one and a half times that in lost revenue, over the four year time span that it has been enacted. I purpose immediate cessation of the tarriff and a Goblin commission to further investigate other such money pits as well as other avenues for creating new opportunity for both the public and private sector.
"A Goblin commission?" Arthur Weasley questioned hesitantly. "Such a post will generate unrest, if not be opposed outright by many of my opponents both in the ministry and wizengamot." he balked at the idea.
"Are you the minister or aren't you?" Harry chided, before softening his position with the concession.
"If it will set your mind at ease, Bill could be part of the commission as he is, after all, a Gringott's trust officer?"
"T-That would ally some concerns, yes." Arthur reluctantly agreed.
"Then I should like to pledge the sum of twice the tariffs lost revenues with an additional hundred thousand galleons to offset costs incurred by the position. Shall we say a nice round half million galleons to defray costs and allow for any incidentals that I'm sure I've not covered by my limited financial experience?"
"T-That is most generous, Harry." Arthur Weasley commented. "But forgive me, if I still can't help but wonder about your motives regarding this matter?"
Harry scowled his displeasure. The post is definitely cursed.
"Mostly , because it obviously needs doing, but also because it will serve to help a friend's family recover from economic crisis that the former Ministry is responsible for having created, not only for them but many others like them. If it will further set your mind at ease, I will make my personal financial holdings available for Bill's scrutiny as a show of good faith that I have no designs toward furthering my own ends in this. I am not, Lusciuos Malfoy and do not appreciate being considered as such by people I thought family." Harry snapped.
Arthur blanched , his wife gasped worriedly next to him.
"Harry,… Try looking at it from my perspective? You came here to my personal room, not my office, and asked me for a political favor, one that is brokered with a monetary gift albeit to the Ministry and not my person."
"The place and time of my request is regrettably inconvenient for either of us, but expediency leads me to make the offer. Personally, I don't care a whit if you accept my offer or no, I have other means at my disposal, though this one would be the most beneficial over all and the most expedient. I did not come here to grovel- I already had my fill of that on one other occasion as I'm sure you recall?"
Arthur's face paled dramatically at Harry's reference to the occasion of his having asked for the right to court Ginny and having been soundly rebuffed by his person.
"P-Please, have a seat and let's talk about this?" Molly suggested from her place next to her reeling husband.
"No- Thank you. You have made your position quite clear. While it is regrettable that the occasion and my subsequent humiliation have come to light, I see no reason to belabor the point? Your answer was "No" and I accepted your decision, there is nothing more to say, is there?" Harry outlined with a stony disinterest that broke all of their hearts, especially his own.
Molly left the room in tears, neither wizard moved to intercede.
Harry's eyes tracked her departure wanly "I suppose, if anything, it is regrettable that I can't seem to cast a better memory charm?"
"On the contrary, it took an entire team of Obliviators to counter the one you put on me." Arthur complimented.
Harry nodded. "I'll give you till the morning after next to make your decision that should give Bill a reasonable amount of time to peruse my financial records. I'll contact the Goblin's informing them to give Bill complete access." That said, Harry turned to leave, but Arthur's call halted him before he made it half way to the door.
"There's something else, though it has nothing to do with present business?"
"Oh?" Harry turned toward Arthur expectantly.
"I'd like something from you"
Harry sneered disgustedly at the man. "Of course you would." he acknowledged incredulously. "Are all Minister's Slytherins in disguise?"
Ignoring Harry's intentional insult, he asked flatly,"I want you toconsider leaving England and not return."
Harry's face betrayed nothing of his inner rage.
"You and yours have managed to take my family, my future, my love and even my life a time or two, why am I not surprised that you now want to evict me from my home?" he spat back venomously.
"I could have you arrested for an attack on my person by way of that memory charm? You would be tried and sentenced to Azkaban for treason." Arthur threatened without the slightest intention to follow thru on it. It was merely a bargaining he knew that Harry wouldn't be bluffed was only adressed as a show of benign intent.
Harry smiled a cold, knowing smile. He sensed the lack of intenion on Arthur's part, but played along as he didn't like the track of the conversation to begin with.
"You would find arresting me difficult, Weasley. Holding me in a cell- nigh impossible, if I did not wish to stay. Placing me at Azkaban would only lose you your prison. All that is contingent upon evidence which you don't have and can't get."
Harry wiggled his fingers for emphasis. "No wand, remember? No wand to prove I even cast the charm and I wouldn't rely on testimony that would incriminate myself under veritaserum as you'd have no grounds to detain me in the first place and secondly; I'm rather confident my occulomency screens could nullify the effects of the serum.
That said; Never threaten me again, Minister." Harry's eyes flashed emerald fire.
Arthur shook his head dejectedly. "I don't need to threaten you, Harry. All I need to do is ask and I know you'll do your best to acquiesce. I'm asking, Harry?" He added regretfully explaining:
"Sooner or later you're going to get one or possibly all of my children killed as a result of one of your adventures." He stressed, explaining further.
"I do what I must to protect my family, even if that means banishing you from your own homeland without regard to your personal rights. I do not ask this lightly. I think myself an absolute and total bastard for even having considered this, let alone ask it, but I'm still asking it of you?"
"And if I refuse?" Harry asked flatly, stunning the man. Harry had never refused them anything before, no matter how costly to himself.
"I could make your request contingent upon your acceptance of mine?" Arthur countered.
"You'll come to regret that." Harry begrudgingly agreed.
"I already regret it, Harry."
"Do not call me by my first name; you no longer have the right." Harry demanded.
Arthur nodded haltingly, pain filling his eyes.
"There'll be no memory charms to protect you this time, Weasley." He vowed.
"I don't need one, because I know you'll never divulge the reason of your leaving." Arthur intimated confidently.
Harry's eyes flashed. " You're wrong! I won't go quietly into the night. Whatever debt you mistakenly think I still owe your family is long since paid, with interest.
He ground his teeth. Magic swirled dangerously around them fighting for release, but Harry held it at bay by the merest thread of his will.
"Any leaving on my part, whether I do or no, has no bearing toward that which I tasked your precious Ministry to enact after Ron's wedding."
Mr. Weasley paled, but nodded his understanding.
"You still have until Halloween to make it so. I shall remain in England until that date to settle my affairs and pay my last respects to my parent's gravesite- this is nonnegotiable. You will repeal the tariff I've indicated and make any and all changes the Goblin commission decides are for the best interest of Magical Britain- also nonnegotiable." Harry snapped out his demands.
Arthur nodded his acceptance.
"After which I shall consider my options, if leaving is in my best interest then I shall do so, but of my own accord. If I leave; I shall not set foot in Britain as long as you remain minister. If I leave I will not contact YOUR FAMILY. You will come to regret your demand-MINISTER. For even though I may leave of my own accord, I shall not lift a finger to aide you and yours no matter what you are beset by, once I am gone from Britain's shores. If I am to have no home, no country, than neither am I beholden to one."
Arthur nodded. "U-Un- Understandable"
The magic swirling around them crackled a last time and cooled in accordance with Harry's demeanor. The rage he'd felt now passed, replaced by cool indifference.
Harry paused at the door and cast back a look of sheer contempt.
"I should have done better had I accepted Draco's hand that first day at school and never met Ron. I've at last come full circle and now may right that wrong. I find it ironic that Draco has proven a steadfast friend and those I once placed above all others see me as a pariah, not fit to even share the same ground they live upon."
Harry slammed the door behind him as he left.
Arthur Weasley wept bitter tears, regretting already his further having let himself be talked into this course.Prophecies are but the predictions of madmen!