"Something is up with Ginny"
"Huh?" Neville had just emerged from the bathroom, toothbrush in hand. He frowned at Seamus who had just changed ready for bed.
"Ginny" Seamus said again. "She hardly ate anything at dinner and she's been in her room all evening."
Neville felt guilt flood through him, he hadn't noticed. He knew he had unfinished words with her, specially after the abrupt way he had left last night to go and see Harry. She had been struggling of course but Neville had been too focused on Professor McGonagall and her trip to find Ron and Hermione. He knew this could only be good for Harry, as his friendship was nothing compared to the trios.
It was great that McGonagall had found them, and he only hoped it was good news she had to pass back to Harry, goodness knows he needed it.
"I hadn't noticed" Neville admitted. "Is she still bitter about last night?"
Seamus shrugged. "I knew she was put out but I hardly expected her to hide away from it all" He confessed. "I mean, if anything I'd have thought she would have come fighting."
Neville nodded, this was making no sense. Ginny was never one to give up in a fight and although the DA thankfully had for now decided to act cautiously, he hadn't considered this would throw Ginny off like this.
"Is she not well?" He asked concerned.
Seamus only shrugged. "She looked fine earlier. Maybe she's mad with us?"
Neville nodded thoughtfully. "I wouldn't be surprised. Do you think we should go and talk to her?"
Ginny had been pretty stressed out recently and in all honestly, Neville could not blame her. He only hoped that when she finally could see Harry again she would calm down.
Seamus just shrugged again as he threw a load of stuff off his bed. "Maybe leave it till tomorrow, she might just need time to think things over" He reasoned.
"Just as long as she doesn't do anything drastic" Neville said bitterly. He made to get into bed but halted as their dormitory door opened.
They both turned and Neville opened his mouth on instinct before he quickly shut it again when he realised he didn't have anything to say. His eyes darted to Seamus who had frozen, his eyes wide.
Professor McGonagall had just walked into their room with a very tired looking Harry Potter.
Neville couldn't believe it, he hadn't expected Harry to be back with them so soon, he didn't think Harry was ready to face everyone just yet and this was horribly apparent already.
Harry was staring at the floor, standing completely rigid just behind McGonagall.
"Mr Longbottom, Mr Finnigan" McGonagall greeted them both her expression stern.
Neither of then replied so she continued.
"Mr Potter will be rejoining you in your dormitory" She explained. Neville was watching Harry again who still didn't react as he avoided their gaze. Seamus was still gaping as if he'd never seen Harry before.
She then turned to Harry and addressed him quietly, Harry only nodded not looking up, before she turned back to them.
"If there are any problems, come to me directly" McGonagall instructed moving to the door.
Harry was silent as he stood their awkwardly. Neville could only nod, he watched anxiously as Harry looked like he really wanted to be anywhere but in their dormitory.
It was as the door closed gently behind her that he finally found his voice as he automatically made to move towards Harry.
"Wow, I can't believe it-" He started, but he didn't get any further.
Neville grabbed Seamus's arm firmly, jerking him back sharply before he could even get close to Harry. His own heart was hammering as if he'd just ran a mile.
"What the-" Seamus started, almost ready to turn on Neville before his own eyes shifted back to Harry and he observed him properly for the first time.
Harry was looking anywhere but at them, he seemed to fight everything in his body not to turn and flee the dormitory.
Seamus seemed to struggle to form his own words as his eyes scanned Harry for the first time in months.
"I'm sorry" He began, turning back to Neville thankfully in understanding. Neville felt sick to know that only now would the DA truly understand what he had been trying to tell them.
"I...I'll go and get the others shall I?" Seamus began uncertainly.
"No" Neville cut across his friend sharply before he could even move. "Just go to bed Seamus" He let go of his friends arm as he made to move to his own bed. Harry was in no state to speak to either of them tonight, he looked completely drained even after the good sleep he had had last night, Merlin knew he still was exhausted.
Seamus stood startled. "You can't possibly mean...but Harry?" He gestured towards Harry who still hadn't moved an inch since McGonagall had left the room.
"Just shut up and go to sleep" Neville stated firmly, his eyes never leaving Seamus's.
Seamus turned and looked between Harry and Neville. Harry still didn't look up.
Neville wished Seamus would just give up.
Seamus only sighed as he gave up and moved towards his own bed before adding. "It's good to have you back Harry"
Neville sat down on his own now as Seamus abruptly got into bed and closed his drapes. Neville bit his tongue, he couldn't tell if his friend was annoyed or not.
However this was insignificant to helping Harry who seemed to force himself to move, before he too sat down on his bed. The lights immediately dimmed and as Neville lay down anxiously he didn't hear Harry close his drapes. Was Harry going to be joining them in classes now, he really felt like he should speak to the DA before they saw him in the morning. If anything to make sure they wouldn't harass Harry, particularly Ginny. Things had to be done in the right way, he was left to his own messy thoughts as he tried to plan what he should do in the morning. It was a long while before he fell into a restless sleep.
Xxxxxxxxx
Neville woke early to the sound of the howling wind. Seamus's snores told him that his friend was still fast asleep. It took a moment for him to gain his bearings and understand why he had a sense of dread and anxiousness creeping through him.
Harry. Neville sat up promptly only to be immediately greeted with an empty bed. Quickly he got up and dressed, Harry might already be down in the common room. However when he entered there was only a couple of third years sitting on the comfy seats, obviously stressing out over homework that had to be due that day.
Wasting no time he made his way down to the great hall, hoping he'd find Harry there.
As he entered he scanned the teachers table, both Snape and the Carrows were absent. Professor McGonagall was missing as well, but Professor Sprout waved happily at him as he walked in. He waved back before shifting his gaze to look for Harry.
He didn't have to look hard, most of the house tables were relatively empty and there were only a small scattering of people at the Gryffindor table. What did take him by surprise though was that Harry wasn't alone.
"Good morning Neville" Luna greeted cheerfully as Neville made his way over. She stood up making her way to leave. Neville glanced sideways at Harry, he was looking at Luna with an odd expression on his face, he still looked tired and Neville wouldn't be surprised to hear if he hadn't slept well at all, he also had some uneaten toast sitting in front of him.
"Morning" He said, trying to prevent himself from yawning, he was never up this early.
Before he could add any more Luna said cheerfully. "I'll see you later then" And promptly waved and immediately made her way back over to the Ravenclaw table. Harry was still watching her.
Neville sat down opposite him. He was curious as to what had grabbed Harry's attention so much but he didn't want to pry, so he only reached over and began buttering his own toast. He was glad that Luna was tuned in enough to give Harry some space, he had a horrible feeling he wouldn't get the same reaction from Ginny.
Harry didn't engage him in conversation so he didn't bother attempting to force one.
The Great Hall had been slowly filling up and Harry's presence had unfortunately not gone unnoticed. Whispers were buzzing about as people pointed and stared without even trying to hide their curiosity. Neville had never felt so self consciousness before, he knew it had always been like this for Harry who just sat there silently not touching the food still lying in front of him.
"Morning" Neville glanced up as Seamus slotted himself in beside him.
Neville only nodded as Harry's eyes darted up briefly before focusing back on the table.
"I just told Parvati and Lavender" Seamus said warmly smiling at Harry. "You wouldn't believe how much they screeched" He laughed.
Harry didn't react, so Neville forced himself to laugh nervously. Seamus seemed unphased as he asked Neville to pass the bacon.
Seamus then launched into conversation which Neville was only half contributing to, he kept glancing towards the door anxious for when Ginny would appear.
He also kept glancing around the hall, everywhere he looked people were staring in their direction, some of the Slytherin's only smirked at him. Neville guessed that with the teachers watching close by they didn't have too much to worry about. Some of the DA also caught his eye, Ernie gave him a distinct thumbs up from the Hufflepuff table, but didn't rush over to bombard them.
Sure enough when the hall was much busier Lavender and Parvati came bounding across, large smiles on their faces.
"Hi Harry" They greeted.
"I can't believe you're back" Lavender gushed excitedly. Harry still didn't respond.
Harry still didn't look up and Lavender immediately continued. "Are you okay?" She asked, her concern apparent.
Harry stood abruptly causing them all to jump slightly in surprise.
"Are you going?" Parvati began, however she didn't get another word in as McGonagall suddenly appeared.
"Mr Potter, a word please" She said curtly, before acknowledging them all with a quick nod. Harry didn't need to be told twice as he quickly left with her.
Seamus's jovially attitude immediately changed as his expression darkened as he rounded on Neville.
"What happened to him?" He immediately questioned, as both girls looked surprised.
Neville shook his head. "I don't know" He barely managed to whisper.
"He doesn't react to anything" Seamus continued, before admitting the blunt truth. "That's not right"
Neville knew this and was a bit frustrated, he had been trying to tell them this all week.
"What do you mean?" Lavender queried looking between them both anxiously. "Is he okay?"
"Of course he's not" Neville snapped. "And it didn't help with you blabbing about nothing as if everything is okay" He found himself hissing towards Seamus.
Seamus only raised an eyebrow. "As opposed to you who just sat there in silence." He countered.
Neville only glared at him, he too wanted to get up and leave the table now.
"I don't think it's a bad thing to distract him from the fact he's been with You Know Who all this time" Seamus continued to argue.
Neville almost rolled his eyes. "So avoiding it completely will do him good?" He jeered.
"You're talking about Harry."
They all glanced up surprised to see Ginny standing next to the benches.
"I...He" Neville began but Seamus cut him off.
"Harry's back in our dormitory" He explained. "He's with McGonagall just now but I'm sure you can see him later" He volunteered.
Ginny was oddly silent as she didn't move to sit down, she only stood there an odd expression on her face that Neville couldn't quite place.
There was an awkward pause before Ginny nodded slowly. "Okay" She responded and sat down quietly. Neville wondered if he should bring up the previous topic of the DA, but Ginny seemed to have other things on her mind as she ate her porridge in silence.
Xxxxxxxxxx
The rest of the day had been pretty uneventful Neville was quite pleased to admit. Their first lesson had been Muggle studies but thankfully Harry hadn't shown up to it. He had a horrible feeling that the Carrows would tear into him without mercy. Harry had however attended the rest of his classes for the day, sitting quietly at the back away from them all, almost as if he wanted nothing to do with them.
Fortunately the Slytherins had been for the most part okay to deal with, apart from the odd nasty comment in Harry's direction they hadn't really been given much of an opportunity to confront him. The teachers had continued with their lessons as normal and Harry had pretty much stayed away from people as much as he could.
Neville really wanted to sit down and talk to him, but again he knew he didn't really have anything to say.
At lunch time Harry had sat with them, or rather they had sat themselves around Harry, but he hadn't even attempted conversation. Neville had only vaguely recognised that Ginny had been absent once more. He wondered if he should go and find her, if she was up in the dormitory and didn't know then someone really should go and tell her.
He was currently sitting in front of the fire in the common room lost in his thoughts, Seamus, Lavender and Parvati were all currently attempting to do some particularly difficult potions homework and still Ginny hadn't appeared. The rain was now lashing at the windows when Harry re-entered the common room. It at once fell silent as if a large blanket had suffocated his ears as everyone shifted their attention to him.
"Hey" Seamus said standing up warmly. "Want to join us?" he questioned, motioning to the empty seat beside Parvati.
Harry stood in the doorway and glanced over at them only for the briefest of second. With the smallest shake of his head, he quickly moved on and up to their dormitory.
Neville watched apprehensively as Seamus suddenly frowned, sitting down slowly.
"We need a DA meeting" He said firmly to the others.
This Neville had suspected, he was surprised that no one had already suggested the idea already.
Parvati nodded, staring at where Harry had disappeared to.
"What do we do though?" Lavender asked, biting her lip in worry.
"We don't do anything" Neville said carefully as they all turned to him surprised. "The last thing Harry needs is us bothering him"
"Bothering him?" Seamus asked, looking at Neville surprised. "We're his friends, I would hardly say we're bothering him."
Neville sighed heavily. "That's not what I meant-" He began but Seamus was clearly on a different wave length as he continued.
"I think we have some more pressing questions to deal with right now" He began, catching Neville off guard, he continued before anyone could speak. "First off after this, you girls should probably go and find Ginny. I haven't seen her since breakfast" He added.
They both nodded. "I heard a sixth year say she's been in her room all day" Lavender rushed, as if pleased she had something to contribute.
Seamus nodded. "Fine, I think the other key question we really have to ask is, why did You Know Who keep Harry alive?"
Neville couldn't help but look at Seamus oddly, his own annoyance building. He hadn't expected him to get so to the point.
"What do you mean?" Neville said warily, anxious at the point Seamus was making.
"Come on Neville, we've got to be realistic here" Seamus said firmly, looking around at them all. "You Know Who doesn't do anything unless it's an advantage to him"
Lavender and Parvati clearly looked uncomfortable at the where the discussion was leading. Neville caught onto the implications as well.
"You think he's trying to convert Harry?" Neville asked carefully, he felt a deep chill inside him, he knew deep down that this was a very real possibility. What he didn't understand was why Harry was now at Hogwarts if that was the case, if anything they had more of an opportunity to fight for him.
"Who's to say that he hasn't already succeeded?" Seamus replied, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.
"He hasn't" Neville said furiously before anyone else could speak up.
"You don't know that" Seamus challenged. "Harry could be a double agent for all we know."
Neville wanted to curse him then and there. Harry had barely been with them a day and accusations were already flying round, just because Harry hadn't been pleased to see them didn't mean he was against them.
"I'm not the only one who's thinking it" Seamus finally concluded, leaning back and crossing his arms. He distinctly glanced around at girls who remained strangely silent.
It was their lack of words which as good as confirmed it. "Surely it's better that we take precautions then just assume otherwise?" He argued. "I mean, come on Neville, you've got to admit it. You said you're the something isn't right with Harry. Who knows what they've been doing to him?"
Neville knew some of Seamus's logic made sense which was why he was so defensive in his retort. But he had more faith in Harry which was why he was getting so fed up and frustrated with everyone.
"What do you mean, take precautions?" Neville snapped.
"Neville" Lavender started cautiously. "It's not a bad idea. We're currently taking an observational approach to everything, it wouldn't be totally a bad thing if we didn't tell Harry everything. He did tell on us about Malfoy remember and after today I really don't think he wants anything to do with us."
Neville glared at her. "If that's Harry acting against us then wouldn't you think he would be more secretive about the whole thing." He argued.
Seamus raised his own hands up defensively. "I'm just saying is all" He added. "It wouldn't hurt. I mean hell I know he's been through a lot, but why does that suddenly make us the bad guys."
"We're not the bad guys" Neville snapped. "Harry doesn't see it like that. He just needs time."
Seamus looked at him sceptically, but seemed to back down. "I hope so, because otherwise what the hell are we going to do?"
"Give it to the end of the week" Neville bartered "Tell the DA to back off until the weekend"
Seamus looked at him sceptically before nodding "Fine. But if things haven't changed-" He trailed off.
Lavender jumped up, pulling Parvati up beside her. "Come on" She muttered. "We'll go and find Ginny" She offered as they both disappeared. Neville was left silent, unable to answer Seamus, what were they going to do if Harry didn't get better?
It wasn't long before they returned, odd expressions on their faces. Neville glanced up anxiously.
Lavender said quietly. "She saw him the other day." Neville felt as if his insides had been turned upside down as he listened.
Xxxxxxxxx
He wasn't hungry but he forced himself to butter some toast.
Neville, Ginny and Seamus all slotted in beside him. He barely glanced up as he stared at the food in front of him, he didn't want to eat, he felt like it would make him worse, not better.
"How are you feeling Harry?" Ginny asked gently.
This already made Harry want to snap at her and walk away, but he forced himself to clench his fists and breath deeply instead, he didn't answer her, he shouldn't have to. After everything she had said to him the other day it made him angry that she was just acting as if nothing had happened. Not that he wanted do discuss it of course, he just didn't want to speak to her.
Seamus noticing Harry's lack of response immediately started talking about the latest charms homework. Ginny seemed reluctant to change the subject, as she sighed and engaged Seamus in conversation.
Harry could feel himself getting agitated. He didn't care for their conversation and he certainly didn't care for their company. Their voices were just piercing through him above the rumble of students in the great hall. He just wanted to be left alone.
Neville sat in silence beside him, eating his porridge in silence, occasionally shooting the odd glance towards Ginny. He hadn't remembered interacting with people had been so difficult. He missed Ron and Hermione terribly as he tried to focus on them. Anything to stop him running from the hall. He had to do this, he had to adapt, there was no other option. The more he blended in the better, then he could begin searching for the Horcrux without hassle. His wound on his chest had pretty much healed but this didn't stop the uncomfortable pain shooting through him as he took deep breaths. His scar had still been stinging painfully but he ignored it as he forced himself to take a bite of toast. The Horcrux, that was all that mattered, then he could get away from here. It was this thought that kept him still as he blocked out those around him.
Xxxxxxxx
Harry settled back into the routine that was his classes fairly quickly. He found it surprisingly relaxing, something to focus on, something to distract him from everything that was wrong with the school. His scar was still constantly bothering him but he found it easy to sit back in class and follow the notes. He wasn't allowed a wand of course and the teachers never asked anything from him. For that he was grateful. Non of the teachers had specifically told Harry not do his homework but he soon found out from his complete lack of handing any in that they didn't care.
Of course he still read up on his notes, he found the evenings easier to pass this way. Anything to stop remembering his current situation. He had been sleeping relatively okay, which he probably guessed was because he was so drained from attending his classes all day, not that he minded, it had been peaceful to be able to catch up on some sleep.
For the most part, the majority of people left him alone and he wasn't sure if it was because of how he was reacting to people or because if Neville had said anything to the DA. The Slytherins too had been oddly silent apart from the odd jab in his direction. For the most part, Harry thought he was doing well and that might have been because the teachers were keeping such a watchful eye on him.
It had been odd at first, but every teacher had managed to prevent him attending his classes with the Carrows that week. Madam Pomfrey had actually come up to him on several occasions and specifically told him that he needed to go to the hospital wing and under no circumstances was he to refuse. McGonagall had blatantly lied to Alecto's furious face one day telling her that as his head of house she required his presence on important matters. It wasn't until the Friday when Snape finally interfered, which Harry only vaguely registered as odd since he was meant to be meeting him that night anyway.
Harry was just leaving the Gryffindor table when he froze, he felt Neville do the same besides him, Seamus and Ginny had already left. Snape was standing in front of him his arms crossed expression cold.
"I believe you have not been attending some of your classes Potter" He said coldly. Harry couldn't reply, the manor flashed before his eyes and he felt his stomach twist painfully.
"Well?" Snape waited impatiently.
Harry looked down at the floor, the couldn't go back. Neville was still standing beside him.
Harry could only reply meekly, as he muttered "It won't happen again." He felt stupidly weak and pathetic, he couldn't even stand up to Snape when he was so terrified he would be forced away from the school.
McGonagall was there before Snape could say anything else. She placed herself directly in front of Harry protectively.
"What seems to be the problem Serverus?" She asked delicately, her stern gaze piercing.
"Mr Potter has been failing to attend two of his classes over the last week" Snape responded coldly.
"I can account for that." McGonagall said, her voice still oddly pleasant. "Mr Potter as you know has been in need of regular medical attention." She explained. "As a result, it cannot be helped if he fails to miss a few classes. If you have any problems with this then I suggest you speak to Madam Pomfrey."
Snape observed her carefully before he replied delicately. "It is not myself who has a problem with this arrangement."
Harry tensed, Voldemort was annoyed. The implications were clear.
"Then I'm sure you'll have no problem relaying what I have said" She responded, this time coldly.
"Oh I will" Snape said just as coldly. "Of course Mr Potter's health is of key importance." He mocked.
Harry could barely focus, he was visible shaking. Would he be removed from the castle for this, he didn't know.
"That won't be a problem Sir"
Harry jerked violently, focusing on Neville who had stepped forwards besides him, who was now glaring towards their headmaster.
Both McGonagall and Snape focused on Neville immediately, they both looked startled.
"Explain?" Snape demanded, his expression cold.
Harry couldn't tare away. He was locked on Neville's every word as he spoke.
"Harry won't be missing any more classes. I will make sure of that" Neville said firmly. "If he needs to go to the hospital wing I will take him out of class."
Harry focused back on Snape. His eyes now unable to look away, would this be enough.
McGonagall looked as if she was going to say something but Snape only glanced at Harry.
"This is acceptable" Snape said firmly before he instantly turned and left without another word.
Harry let out the breath he was holding, although he couldn't stop the tremors running through him. He would still have to report to Snape in the evening regardless of the outcome just now, but for now it seemed to have stayed his initial problem. Perhaps Snape would speak to Voldemort before he would be removed. His thoughts raced in panic as they began to speak beside him.
"Mr Longbottom" McGonagall gasped. "Do you know what you've just done?"
Neville didn't get time to respond. "It's okay"
They both turned to stare at Harry, he had responded almost as if automatically. He had hardly spoken at all this week and his own voice seemed oddly distant.
"Harry" McGonagall said softly. "You know what the Carrows can do?"
Harry nodded, he hadn't yet told any of them that they were forbidden from hurting him, however the further he was from death eaters the better. He shook his head, remembering what Snape had strictly instructed him. "I can't break the rules."
"I'll take care of the Carrows" Neville promised.
Harry only nodded, knowing that he wouldn't really be able to do anything.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"The Carrows are the best classes in a way" Neville said, his gaze staring straight ahead.
Harry frowned as they continued walking. "What do you mean?"
"I mean they're the best for getting to Snape." Neville smirked, he hadn't said much either to Harry all week but now they were alone he seemed to open up. "They are fowl and disgusting, but they don't half get worked up when we stand up to them."
Harry froze and Neville stopped and turned obviously looking horrified at what he had just said, he immediately back tracked hurriedly. "You don't have to say anything Harry." He said sharply "Just ignore Alecto, she's a nasty piece of work. If anything happens I'll take the heat off you"
If Neville was trying to reassure him he felt anything but as he looked down, not knowing how to respond at first.
"They want me to?" He asked, trying not to get annoyed. It was obvious already from everyone's unspoken reactions and from what Neville had said before that they wanted Harry to act, and Harry could almost feeling himself drowning from the pressure as he tried to distance himself in every way he could.
Neville's hesitation was all he needed, he felt angry which nearly made him turn and leave then and there. It was only Snape's threat from this morning that kept his legs moving shakily towards the classroom.
"You don't have to say anything Harry" Neville repeated again.
But Harry wasn't listening, he didn't believe him, Neville couldn't promise anything, but Harry would do everything he could to keep himself away from the DA.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Harry entered the muggle studies class anxiously with Neville following close behind. Although he knew the Carrows wouldn't touch him without Voldemort's direct permission, he didn't like that fact that his every reaction would be reported.
"Ah, Mr Potter" Alecto sneered as her ugly face focused on his own "How nice of you to finally grace your presence in my classroom."
Harry didn't respond, as only glanced at her blankly before he quickly made his way to the back of the classroom. He sat down next to Neville and tried to ignore her mocking glare.
Harry ignored everyone as they slowly filtered into the room. Some of the Slytherin's smirked coldly at him, Harry watched them warily.
"Now class" Alecto wasted no time in saying as soon as they were all seated, she had a horribly nasty grin on her face. "Last lesson we were discussing the threats of Muggles to Wizarding society." She directed her own wand towards the board as the chalk began to move on her command. "There are some classic examples of wizards being drowned and burned alive due to the magic they possess." She continued. "Muggles cannot accept magical abilities and this is why they do not deserve a place on this earth." She lectured.
"Professor" Neville said raising his hand and Harry watched cautiously, her heart was already hammering uncomfortably. He just wanted to leave.
"Yes Mr Longbottom?" She asked coldly, clearly annoyed already that she had been interrupted.
"Are you not referring to ancient times?" Neville challenged. "Being drowned and burned alive is hardly modern."
Most of the students around the class muttered their agreement, however Alecto only smirked as some of the Slytherin snickered.
"Oh really?" She questioned delicately, before her gaze shifted straight onto himself.
Harry tensed as he looked down directly at the table, he didn't want to speak. He didn't want the attention on himself.
Alecto continued. "I think we have a prime example of Muggle abuse to a young wizarding child right in this room." She almost sang, it burned Harry's ears.
Harry clenched his fists, as if burned by her words, he tried to shut out her voice as he struggled to think of a way around this. Ron and Hermione knew the extent of the Dursleys treatment towards him but non of his other friends knew. It had never been the topic of conversation. He felt a bitter taste in his mouth, he knew exactly what was going to happen.
Neville lowered his own hand, Harry couldn't bare to look at him.
"Mr Potter" Alecto said suddenly, causing everyone in the class to swivel around to look at him.
Harry felt sick, he had always been used to peoples stares but he wanted them to look away, as if this would shield him from their penetrating looks.
"Perhaps you could offer us an example." Alecto began.
"No Professor" Harry forced himself to reply, he wouldn't look at her, he wouldn't look at anyone, he bit down on his tongue, not surprised when he felt the coppery taste of blood.
"Oh, perhaps I can elaborate" Alecto said all too sweetly. "Being starved and locked up for weeks doesn't count as abuse?"
Harry clenched his fists in anger, he would not respond, but the horrified looks his friends were giving him made him want to snap. Some of the Slytherin's were snickering and it burned him to the core. He felt ashamed and guilty to be angry at Neville. He had promised that this wouldn't happen.
"You lived in a cupboard, did you not?" Alecto said cruelly when Harry failed to speak up.
"Shut up" A voice interrupted, cutting through Harry's thoughts like a knife.
Harry flinched surprised at the anger next to him. Neville was standing up, glaring at their Professor.
She glared coldly at Neville. "I'm sorry if you find it hard to believe Mr Longbottom. But abuse by Muggles is very present in this day and age."
The classroom had gone deadly silent as they listened.
"You don't know what you're talking about" Neville hissed furiously.
"No?" She stepped forwards as Harry chanced a glance towards her, he wished he hadn't as she was looking directly at him, a cold smirk flitting across her ugly face. "Mr Potter" She began all too pleasantly. "Please can you list five examples of abuse you suffered from muggles directly because you were a wizard?"
Harry shifted his gaze away from her, locking it onto the side wall. He wanted to be anywhere but here, he wanted to be back in McGonagall's office, safe on her window sill. He couldn't do this.
Neville was still standing next to him, he had frozen, almost looking at Harry as if he hardly knew him.
"Now, Mr Potter. Of perhaps you would like a detention with the headmaster." She threatened. Why did Snape have to review his behaviour tonight of all days. He didn't yet completely understand his boundaries and for what reasons he be forced to return to the manor. Even if it was just for the weekend, Harry didn't think he would survive. The manor was not an option. It was out of pure fear that he spoke, pure fear that he forced himself to swallow his pride, he spoke quietly to the deadly silent room, ignoring the horrified faces of his classmates.
"Missed meals" He said almost blankly, as he tried to force himself not to care. It seemed even the Slytherin's had frozen in their mocking, no one made a sound apart from Alecto who only said sharply.
"Continue"
"Manual labour" He repeated, again blankly, as if on automatic. It was the only way he could continue.
"Three more" She instructed tauntingly.
"Locked in-" Harry didn't get to finish. The was a loud bang as Harry jumped startled, his eyes swinging around the classroom to locate the reason for the interruption. Alecto had moved her wand high to counter the curse flying towards her. Neville was standing with his wand raised a furious expression on his face.
"Mr Longbottom-" She screeched, however she didn't get a chance to finish as he fired another curse towards her that she countered on instinct.
"Yes Professor, I'm sorry it was an accident" He responded calmly which would normally have made the students laugh, however there was nothing but a deadly silence.
"Class dismissed" She screeched. "Mr Longbottom, with me now." She demanded, her eyes glaring furiously.
"Of course Professor" He smiled light heartedly.
Harry was stunned, as his own heart raced uncomfortably. He didn't even think to turn and thank Neville as he left the classroom as quickly as possible, without looking back.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Harry knew the Carrows would be bad, but he hadn't imagined being humiliated in front of his classmates. They made him appear weak, he couldn't take the pitying stares as he had sat at lunch. The others had sat with him but he didn't want to speak to them. Neville had returned nearer the end of lunch supporting a large ugly black eye beginning to form on his face. He didn't look phased though as he gave Harry a small smile as they made their way to their next class.
Harry opened his mouth, before he closed it again, unsure of what to say. This was directly because of him, Neville had promised and Harry had allowed it to happen.
"Amycus isn't as bad as his sister" Neville tried to reassure him as they made their way up to the defence classroom. Seamus only gave him an odd look as if he disagreed before they entered for their afternoon classes.
Amycus wasn't there, but the Slytherins were waiting. Harry tried to ignore them as he made his way to the back of the class and sat down, Neville beside him.
At once someone walked forwards and broke the awkward silence.
"I don't get it" Parkinson said, her voice loud and obnoxious as she immediately addressed Harry "If you were abused my muggles so much then why don't you hate them?"
Xxxxxxxxxx
Neville swallowed awkwardly, he had never wanted a teacher to show up to a class so quickly before.
No one spoke, and Neville was shocked to see that the Gryffindor's were also watching Harry waiting for his answer.
Neville found his voice. "Get lost Parkinson" He hissed angrily.
She only sneered at him as some of the other Slytherin's laughed.
"Nice eye Longbottom" She jeered. "Suits you"
Neville didn't take the bait as he carefully held his wand. She noticed but didn't seem to care as she turned back to Harry.
"Well?" She demanded.
Harry was unmoving, fists clenched in front of him as he refused blankly to meet anyone's eyes. Neville felt his throat constrict, he had already failed on his promise to Harry early, but he hadn't expected it would be this bad, that his classmates would be as much as a challenge as the Carrows.
He made to open his mouth to retort to her once more but someone else beat him to it.
"That's obvious"
Everyone turned, including Neville to stare at Malfoy, he was leaning back lazily in his chair as if completely bored on the subject that almost everyone else was hooked on. Neville hated the fact the Gryffindor's wanted an answer, as if they needed one.
"Go on then?" Parkinson demanded, her eyes flashing furiously. "After all you know more then any of us and haven't said a damned word"
"Why should I?" Malfoy mocked, a smirk on his face. "If you're too stupid to work it out I'm not going to tell you." Neville was surprised to see some of the Slytherin's giving him unfriendly looks.
Parkinson fumed silently before retorting. "You're just boasting" She snapped. "Anyway" She added changing the subject. "You still haven't explained why you haven't told us anything."
Neville was impressed with Malfoy's own daring as he only raised an eyebrow. "It was the Dark Lords Orders, why do you need more of an explanation."
Some of the Gryffindor's gasped in shock, but Neville thought it was pointless. They all knew that anyway. They all knew that Malfoy had seen Harry when he was in confinement.
Parkinson didn't lose her ground. "Really?" She challenged. "You're just refusing to tell us?"
"He was in the dungeons" Malfoy said shrugging. "What more do you think I can tell you?"
Again it was Malfoy who caused the response from Harry who actually turned his head, his eyes shifting to stare at the blond. Neville wasn't the only one who noticed as most of the class had been locked onto the two of them.
However it wasn't Parkinson who managed to speak this time, unfortunately it was someone a lot closer to home who interrupted.
"Oh come on, we all know you know more then you're letting on" Seamus snapped, glaring at him. "So you may as well spill."
Malfoy leaned forwards on his chair, a smirk flitting across his expression on his face as he mocked. "Aww, has Potter not been speaking to you?"
Seamus nearly leapt forwards his wand at the ready. It was only because of Neville reaching forwards and grabbing his wrist did it stop the curses sparking off.
"Shut up Malfoy" Seamus hissed. "Just because Harry actually cares about what happens to your stupid neck doesn't mean you're safe"
Seamus turned to Harry equally furious. "I've spoken to Ginny by the way. So don't you dare deny it"
Neville found his voice. "What do you mean you've spoken to Ginny?"
He knew vaguely that Ginny had ran into Harry, but she had failed to go into many details. She had spent most of the week actually quite quiet, occasionally trying to speak to Harry. He didn't know anything that related to Malfoy
Seamus looked livid as he glared at Neville. "When she ran into Harry guess who else was there" He gestured towards the blond who was now just glaring at Seamus silently.
Harry had returned his gaze to his desk and he completely ignored everyone.
"What happened?" he found himself asking despite himself, trying to piece together everything. Ginny hadn't mentioned this, she had only said that Harry had not wanted anything to do with her and the DA, she hadn't mentioned a thing about Malfoy.
Seamus explained. "She ran into Malfoy and then Harry showed up and all but ignored her. He was more concerned about her hurting Malfoy?" He gestured towards Harry angrily.
Neville stared in horror as the Gryffindor's looked at Seamus, most of them looked concerned. The Slytherin's too seemed to have fallen silent as Parkinson flicked her eyes between Harry and Malfoy with suspicion.
It seemed everyone wanted to know, both Slytherin's and Gryffindor's, everyone wanted to know what Malfoy was refusing to tell everyone.
"Seamus-" Neville began but was interrupted.
"Neville, this is not normal" His friend said furiously gesturing at Harry who was frozen in place, his eyes locked on the desk in front of him. "Do you really think we should be encouraging this behaviour?" He challenged.
It was then that Harry finally spoke. After a whole week of pretty much ignoring everyone he looked up his eyes glaring, his head tilting to the side as he stared at Seamus.
"Not normal behaviour" Harry said coldly. Neville felt his insides freeze, Harry looked completely furious as he said quietly.
"What did you expect?" He hissed, a cold smile on his face.
"I..." Seamus faltered, clearly not expecting Harry to confront him after ignoring them all week.
"You think I can spend months with him and come out fine?" Harry questioned, his gaze glaring. He stood and stepped around his desk towards Seamus who automatically took a step back.
Harry only stopped, his mouth twisting into a sharp smile. "Did you expect that I'd want to fight for you?" He mocked.
"I would expect you to remember which side you're on" Seamus managed to say, his expression fearful. Neville felt a horrible stab, he had seen Harry act like this before, but this was only going to fuel everyone else's worries that he was against them.
"Shut up Seamus" Neville snapped. He didn't care if Harry suddenly became best friends with Malfoy.
Everyone thought Voldemort had been turning Harry against them, turning him into the next Dark Lord, they couldn't see beyond that to actually observe that Harry was suffering.
"Don't you start" Seamus fumed, swinging his gaze to Neville. "You can't even see what's happening here" He said as he gestured between Harry and Malfoy. "You think you're dealing with this the right way by just letting it happen?" He demanded, before swinging his eyes back to Harry, who was only staring at him with a deadly fury.
"I think Neville knows more then you about how to deal with me right now" Harry stated coldly.
No one dared move as Seamus only looked back at Harry angrily.
"Just because you talk to him and ignore the rest of us doesn't make it okay" He said back glaring.
However Neville was confused, what had Harry meant by he knew how to deal with him. He had spent more time with Harry sure, but he wasn't really doing anything, all he had been doing was keeping him company.
And that's when Neville felt a steely grip of understanding consume him as he stood rooted to the spot. He had been doing the same thing he always did when he was with someone who was shut off from the outside world.
That's why everyone else was struggling to communicate with Harry, they didn't know how. How could they, how could they understand when they had nothing to relate it to. Malfoy seemed to get it because he had seen Harry's suffering, the teachers understood because they had experienced so much more.
And Neville understood because of his parents. He knew from such a young age that people could be more then damaged then they appeared on the outside. He hadn't realised this before as he stared at Harry, this was why Neville was more cautious then Seamus was attempting to be, he had been doing it naturally. The mind was so delicate and Harry's had been ripped apart.
Like his parents, they had to be treated carefully, for even the small insignificant things could be catastrophically bad. Harry had been so unpredictable, but this hadn't forced Neville to react, he had just been there and that was all Harry needed, his silent company. It was whenever his mum panicked, he would just sit there in silence, holding her hand in comfort, and that was all she needed even if she didn't know it was him.
Everyone saw Harry and didn't see him covered in bruises or injuries so they automatically assumed that he was okay, that it was because of his own actions why he hadn't been even attempting to get on with them.
They didn't understand that Harry couldn't help it.
Neville spoke automatically, almost as if in a trance as he snapped back to Seamus.
"Ask me about my parents" He demanded between clenched teeth. He was not ashamed.
This seemed to throw everyone as Seamus opened his mouth wide, blinking confused.
"Huh?" He gaped, completely thrown by the change in topic. Harry too had turned to look at him surprised.
"Ask me about my parents" Neville repeated, trying to refrain from yelling. When Seamus failed to speak, looking completely lost Neville spoke.
"Ask me where they are?"
Seamus didn't speak, and Neville could barely find his voice now as he felt completely consumed in anger. The Gryffindor's only looked blankly at Neville.
"You don't know?"
It was Malfoy who had spoken, and Neville looked up surprised. Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins were looking at the other Gryffindor's in disbelief as if they were Muggles.
"As if you know" Seamus snapped back at Malfoy.
Malfoy gave him the coldest look. "You really are completely ignorant." He replied coldly. "The attack on the Longbottom's is one of the most infamous after the Dark Lords fall from power" He explained.
Neville kept his eyes locked on Seamus's as he turned to stare at him startled and completely shocked.
"They're in St. Mungos" Parkinson added. "They're insane" She said with very little emotion in her voice. Neville was so angry he didn't care how the Slytherin's delivered it.
Seamus looked completely lost and Malfoy spoke again.
"So yeah, I guess Potter is right." Both Neville and Seamus and the rest of the class swung around to Malfoy.
Harry too was watching the Slytherin carefully.
"The Dark Lord pretty much made Potter insane" Malfoy shrugged, as if it was of no concern to him. Neville felt himself go hollow despite the fact he knew this, it was terrifying to hear the blunt truth of it. "So it's no wonder that he doesn't mind Longbottom, he hasn't been acting like an idiot." He sneered. "The rest of you have no idea"
Before anyone had time to comment, before Neville or Seamus or anyone could speak, Amycus barged into the classroom.
"Sit down down" he demanded furiously. "And wands away." He hissed, failing to miss everyone's shocked faces.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Neville had skipped dinner and had just planned on going to bed, but it was Harry that made him stay.
"Can I sit with you?" He asked.
Neville nodded, not understanding why Harry wanted to stay. It had been an emotional wreck of a day. The common room was quite full, but he nodded regardless.
"I'm sorry." Neville began, as Harry frowned completely confused, he obviously didn't understand why was Neville apologising.
Neville continued. "I didn't realise you'd suffered so badly from your relatives." He said quietly. "I knew you hated them...but I thought they were still your family."
Harry stared at Neville, before replying bluntly. "I don't care for the Dursleys. They never wanted me."
There was an awkward pause, perhaps this wasn't what his friend expected.
"Did they really starve you?" Neville asked quietly.
Harry only nodded stiffly. "It doesn't matter" He said at last.
"Of course it matters" Neville started.
"It doesn't matter" Harry must have said it harsher then he intended but Neville immediately backed down.
Neville felt like he should speak to him, apologise for being so blunt, but he couldn't find the right words.
Harry had pulled out a book and was sitting contently on the small armchair. Stretching briefly Neville stood. "I'll be back in a minute" He explained, making his was to the bathroom.
Xxxxxxxx
Harry was reading a book when he realised someone was standing in front of him, glancing up he felt his insides twist uncomfortable as he saw it was Ginny. They had hardly spoken at all to each other. He watched her warily, surprised that she was smiling warmly at him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her smile.
"Thought you could do with a game?" Ginny said confidently as she moved a broomstick out from behind her.
The others looked up at surprise at the red head. It was obviously she was attempting to make up for their bad start the other day.
Harry stared blankly at her as if the concept was alien to him. Quidditch felt like a distant dream. He longed to say yes, he would give anything to fly again. Well almost anything, he tried not to let the fear show in his eyes.
"No thanks, I have a load of work to catch up on" He lied and tried to act as normal as possible as he turned back to his book, staring at the words blankly, his eyes unfocused. After today, he couldn't deal with anything more, it was unfair to Ginny as she didn't know but he couldn't help but want her to leave.
He knew Ginny was frowning at him but he couldn't bring himself to look at her.
"Since when do you say no to a game of Quidditch?" Ginny said, her voice was still warm but now it sounded confused. Harry almost made to move away from her then and there. It was only because of Neville was he attempting to adjust in the common room, that didn't mean he wanted to be harassed. It didn't give everyone permission to suddenly swarm him, at least Seamus, Lavender and Parvati had been okay since they had returned to the common room.
Harry didn't look at her as he replied blankly. "I'm not in the mood" He continued to avoid her gaze.
"Come on" This time Harry could tell her impatience was wearing thin, stupid Weasley temper he thought bitterly.
"I don't want to" Harry said his own voice raising, why couldn't she drop it. He shouldn't have to spell it out to her that he just wanted her to leave him alone.
"Harry" She sounded frustrated "When is the last time you rode a broom?" She questioned "A game of Quidditch will do you wonders."
Harry knew this, but he felt his own temper rising, perhaps that what made everything worse, out of all people he would have thought she'd be one of the few to understand. That she would actually be able to help him.
And then she said the few key words that made him snap.
"It's only a game of Quidditch"
Harry almost threw away the book as he gripped it tightly, trying to contain his anger. "Only a game of Quidditch?" He said coldly, now looking up to glare at her coldly "Is that what you think?" He hissed.
Harry could see the cross look on her face now as he stood up opposite her, he was unaware of the silence that had fallen across the common room. His whole attention was on Ginny.
"Yeah sure let's go and play Quidditch and see what he has to say about it" Harry snapped, his own voice barely holding steady.
"Since when do you care about what Snape has to say?" Ginny said equally coldly "You really think he is going to care about whether you play Quidditch?" She challenged.
Was this meant to be her trying, Harry thought bitterly, somehow what she was saying was meant to make everything better and suddenly they would be okay.
Harry's fist clenched in frustration, she didn't get it. She understood nothing of what had happened to him over the past months. It was if she was deliberately ignoring it. Quidditch was not worth the risk.
"Fine" Harry snapped angrily "You wait here while I go and ask Voldemort if I can bloody go and play Quidditch" Harry's voice surprisingly held steady as it carried across the whole common room as everyone listened in shock.
Ginny stilled her expression faltering. Harry didn't care that everyone was staring at him in horror, he was fixed on Ginny, demanding that she answer him.
"He doesn't own you Harry" She said her voice softening but this only made Harry angrier.
"Why the hell do you think I'm here?" He snapped "Because I have a choice?" He demanded.
Ginny's gaze shifted away from him, almost as if embarrassed for saying what she truly thought aloud. She opened her mouth to say something, it was so quiet Harry barely heard it, but he felt hollow and angry.
"You have no fight in you any more"
Harry felt his words fail him as his chest compressed, he could hardly breath. He couldn't believe he'd heard those words from Ginny. It felt worse because he could see the pained expression on her face.
He tore his gaze away from her as he stormed past and left the common room without so much as a backwards glance.
Xxxxxxxxx
Neville returned back down the stairs and to the quiet in the common room. Confused, his eyes slid across to Ginny who was standing awkwardly in front of an empty seat.
He felt a horrible lump form in his throat as he asked to the silent room. "Where's Harry?"
No one said anything, the silence stretched on. "Ginny?" Neville pressed urgently. His heart rate rapidly increasing as he panicked.
She remained silent a broomstick grasp in he hands before her eyes looked towards the common room entrance. Tears were flooding down her face.
Neville swore as he raced out the common room. Harry couldn't have gone far, he hurtled down the corridor, he reached the end and looked left and right. He swore as he raced off to the left, it was way after curfew, he had to find Harry before the Slytherin's did.
He tried to push the panic out of his mind, he should have asked for Seamus and the other for help but that was too late now, he didn't have time to turn back.
He stopped out of breath, deciding whether to take head towards the room of requirements of down in the direction of the entrance hall. Harry might have wanted to go outside, however it was more likely that he would seek the comfort from the room of requirements, he could be safe and hidden there. Deciding to head towards the room of requirements he sprinted right around the corner and straight into Professor McGonagall.
She looked startled "Longbottom?" She asked abruptly "You shouldn't be out of the common room" Neville didn't waste any time, relieved that he had found someone to help, trying to catch his breath he said desperately and hurriedly.
"I can't find Harry"
At once McGonagall's expression changed and Neville heard the worry in her voice as explained.
"Mr Potter has to report to the headmaster around this time" She instructed. Neville gaped, he hadn't known that, but something told him that was not where Harry had gone.
"I don't think he went to Snape" He rushed. "He left the common room in a hurry..."
Her stern gaze pierced right through him, but thankfully she just nodded in understanding.
"What happened?" She questioned.
Neville shook his head, he honestly didn't know what to explain, something had obviously occurred between Ginny and Harry and that had been enough for Harry to flee. "I don't know, he left the common room minutes ago" He admitted, eager to get moving as quickly as possible, they had to find him.
"Who else is out looking for him?" McGonagall asked urgently.
"No one" Neville said shaking his head, a part of him wished the others had taken the initiative to look for Harry after he had left the common room.
Her expression darkened as she raised her wand. Her cat patronus leapt forwards at once and immediately sprinted away without a second glance.
"With me" She said as she hurried forwards, her wand lighting the darkened corridors.
"The Slytherin's are over on the east side" She explained, not breaking her stride, "The Carrows on the west"
Neville felt his heart sink, they were on the north side of the castle now. "Shouldn't we be heading to the west?" He said anxiously
She shook her head, not looking at him as she scanned the hallway in front of them "The Slytherin's are likely to be more irrational and unpredictable. I have alerted Professor Sprout, she will deal with the Carrows"
Neville nodded as he rushed along beside her. Harry couldn't get caught, they had to find him.
Xxxxxxxx
Harry was shaking with rage as he continued to walk blindly away from the common room. He felt suffocated in there, he just had to get out, in his furious state he had just left. Ginny had just summed up what everyone had been thinking, what everyone had been talking about behind his back, what Neville had refused to admit. The DA just wanted him to fight, they didn't care that he had been through hell, they just wanted their stupid war.
Harry truly realised what they all had been thinking, he had seen it in Ginny's accusing stare, heard it in Seamus's stupid allegations in class earlier.
Everyone thought Voldemort had been turning him against them. Turning him into something a lot more sinister, turning him into a monster. It was like second year again when the whole school had thought him to be Slytherin's heir but so much worse, without Ron and Hermione to keep him together he truly felt completely isolated. He was surprised that he had managed to deal with class earlier, he had just wanted to punch Seamus in the face.
He wasn't aware of where his feet were leading him, his vision was blurry, his body shaking. He just kept moving as if everything depended on distancing himself. Hogwarts had never felt so alien to him before, he felt like such an outsider, unable to adapt to his familiar surroundings. He knew he should be reporting to Snape just now but he couldn't force himself to turn around, he just wanted to get as far away as he could.
He didn't even acknowledge the voices moving towards him, Harry was in a totally different mind set as he failed to noticed the group moving towards him. Only when a wand was shoved in his face did he only finally react lifting his gaze up and halted his steps.
Harry stood, still shaking as he stared coldly at the group of Slytherin's. He was too tired to deal with them, to frustrated to care.
He made to move past them, ignoring the wand, not caring what their reactions would be.
"Ahh Potter" Crabbe said stepping forwards and blocking his path raising his wand slightly "That was quite some entertainment in class today" He mocked as Goyle laughed stupidly beside him.
Harry didn't move or say anything, as he finally turned his full attention to them as he carefully observed their wands.
Anxiously Harry tilted his head towards Malfoy but didn't say anything as he watched them carefully.
Crabbe and Goyle noticed and sniggered.
"What you think he'll save your skin like last time?" Crabbe mocked, jabbing his own wand towards Malfoy, before back to Harry.
Harry once again didn't say anything as he didn't take his eyes off Malfoy's. He alone knew the risks in threatening Harry, he knew what Voldemort had commanded and sure enough Malfoy took this as his cue.
"You're not allowed to hurt Potter" Malfoy hissed pushing Crabbe's wand down and glaring fiercely at Harry, as if resentful that he had had to defend him once again. "I told you before" He hissed angrily towards his friends. Harry only watched, holding himself as still as he could as he observed carefully.
However Crabbe only sneered at Malfoy, who had now moved and was deliberately standing in front of Harry his own wand raised against his friends.
Harry shifted back, watching anxiously, his heart racing, this was bad, all thoughts of Ginny had disappeared as he stared at Malfoy defending him.
"You're nothing any more" Crabbe snapped at Malfoy, furious that he was blocked from his target "Your family are nothing" Goyle beside him laughed mockingly.
Malfoy didn't take the bait, instead he stood there defiantly, his stance ready to fight.
"If you value your own life then leave now" He hissed raising his own wand in warning.
"I don't think so" Crabbe said coldly, as he eyed Harry who was standing behind Malfoy. "You think you know everything, just because the Dark Lord trusted you regarding Potter"
Harry stayed deadly still, he didn't know if Malfoy could take on both of them.
"The Gryffindor's are right" He said glaring between the two of them. "There's something you're both not letting on" Crabbe jeered, obviously annoyed that he didn't get it.
"So go on talk" He demanded towards Malfoy, who only sneered in response.
"What more do you want to know" Malfoy sneered. "I said everything I know."
"You said that earlier as well" Crabbe retorted.
This time the blond didn't speak and Harry wasn't surprised, if he was going to take on both of them he needed his full concentration.
Crabbe and Goyle raised their wands and Harry felt his insides freeze as Malfoy raised his left arm.
Everything happened so quickly and fluently as time seemed to slow for Harry as moved forwards desperate.
"No" Harry's voice sounded terrified but he didn't care as Malfoy moved to press Voldemort's mark. Nothing mattered but stopping him. Harry just caught hold of Malfoy's arm in complete panic and at the exact same moment Crabbe's Crucio hit him. Screaming he barely registered as his grip let go and he fell to the floor his body protesting in agony, writhing against the floor.
"Stop" Malfoy was yelling, Harry was barely aware as the pain surged through him, he couldn't focus as his body shook. He didn't even register when Malfoy moved his wand and blasting Crabbe back against the wall. The curse stopped abruptly and Harry struggled to move or pull himself up, the pain still lingering. His thoughts dizzying.
It took Crabbe no time at all to recover as he rounded furiously on the pair of them.
Harry forced himself to stand as Malfoy purposely placed himself protectively in front of him once more. This time he didn't move his hand towards the Dark Mark on his arm, but only held his wand steady.
Crabbe sneered mockingly towards them and it was apparent that he had no problems with targeting his friend. Both Crabbe and Goyle moved as one, slicing their wands down through the air.
Harry had no time to react as the sickening crunch of Malfoy's head collided against the stone wall. At once there was dark red. It stained the wall as if someone had painted it carelessly, it coloured the blonds hair as he sank motionless to the floor.
Harry felt as if the floor had been ripped out from under him as he couldn't tare his gaze away from Malfoy, he was completely unable to acknowledge the threat of Crabbe and Goyle as they turned their attention back on him.
Malfoy wasn't moving. He was lying completely still as Harry's thoughts spiralled into panic. He automatically made to move towards him but halted as Crabbe spoke coldly.
"Now Potter" Harry froze and turned to glare at him, complete hatred burning in his eyes. Crabbe held his wand firmly, his hand now steady, as the other wiped away his own blood from the damage that Malfoy had initially caused. Goyle only summoned Malfoy's own wand towards himself fluidly.
"On your knees" Crabbe demanded coldly. Goyle didn't make a sound, he was only staring at Harry a savage smile on his face, victorious that they had corned their prey.
Harry didn't move. He felt angry and sick as he held his arm behind his back and slowly began to lift his left sleeve.
He didn't want to, he felt disgusted with himself as his own hand hovered lightly over Voldemort's mark. But Malfoy was losing blood rapidly, the wound on his head could already be fatal, he didn't have a choice.
He shook as his fingers hovered above it. He couldn't tare his eyes from the lifeless body. There was nothing else he could do. Nothing.
"Now Potter" Crabbe snapped, sending a hex towards his knees.
Harry gasped in pain as he slammed onto the floor, hissing as they burned. He nearly lost his balance as his hands fell forwards, away from the Dark Mark.
Crabbe and Goyle both laughed but Harry couldn't stop focusing on Malfoy. Blood was still seeping from the Slytherin's head. He had to press the Dark Mark, for both his own and Malfoy's sake. He had to report to Snape under any circumstance that he had been threatened or hurt and he knew with certainty that Voldemort would find out regardless.
He closed his eyes, hating himself as he moved his arm around and pressed his fingers down firmly so that they could see clearly. It turned deadly black.
Harry felt sick as he felt his scar throb painfully. Voldemort knew.
He tore his gaze away from Malfoy to see Crabbe and Goyle staring at his arm in complete and utter horror. It took them only seconds to flee, each of them not wasting time as they turned and vanished from Harry's sight. Their retreating footsteps echoing through the corridors.
Harry fell to his knees beside the Slytherin. He could only see blood as his hands shook, he felt sick as he carefully moved his fingers across Malfoy's soaked head. He flinched as he saw the gaping wound. His eyes wide in horror.
His scar was burning so fiercely that he almost passed out from the pain. How long would it take Voldemort to find him, he didn't know if Malfoy would last that long, he looked really bad.
Harry moved his hands and pressed them weakly against Malfoy's head, anything to stop the blood for pouring out more then it already was, flooding across the stone floor in a deep pool.
Harry could do nothing but sit frozen in terror as he waited.
Oops, this chapter sort of sprouted arms and legs. I'm very sorry if it's too long but I didn't really want to split it up...
Also I'm sorry Seamus isn't written with an Irish accent, I think that would be pretty difficult to get right...
I do hope you enjoyed this chapter, please let me know what you think. Thanks for reading and reviewing as always!