CHAPTER 30: UNMASKING THE TRUTH
The Aurors, Katie, McGonagall, and the Trio arrived at the Defense classroom, the atmosphere thick with tension. They rushed up the stairs, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the corridor, and were met with a nightmarish sight.
The office was in shambles—walls scorched, furniture splintered, and debris scattered everywhere. A few burning Lockhart portraits hung limply on the walls, their once-smiling faces now twisted in agony. In the corner, fake wigs lay strewn across the floor, remnants of Lockhart's vanity.
They found Lockhart sprawled on the broken desk, buried under a pile of wood. The Aurors rushed over, their instincts kicking in as they quickly removed the debris.
As they cleared the wood, a grotesque image emerged. Lockhart's once-perfect hair was now a tangled mess, and at least ten of his bright white teeth lay scattered beside him. Blood oozed from his mouth, and bruises marred his once-flawless skin. A black eye and a crooked nose completed the picture of his defeat.
Next to him, a note lay crumpled, reading, "Gone to the Hospital Wing."
"You two," the lead Auror commanded, pointing at two of his colleagues. "Stay here. The rest of you, come with me to the Hospital Wing."
The Aurors nodded, and apart from the two left behind, the group sprinted down the corridor, adrenaline driving them forward.
They entered the Hospital Wing to find an unexpected scene. Daphne Greengrass sat beside Harry Potter on a hospital bed, her head resting on his shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around him. Harry's head lay on hers, both of them seemingly lost in a peaceful moment, unaware of the commotion surrounding them.
But what caught everyone's attention was the blood on Harry's hands, stark against his pale skin and hanging limply over his legs.
"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall called out, breaking the tranquility. Both Harry and Daphne jolted upright, their eyes wide as they registered the crowd of Aurors, McGonagall, and the Golden Trio staring at them.
"What happened?!" McGonagall demanded, her voice laced with concern.
"We came here to see Madam Pomfrey, but she's not here," Harry explained, his voice low and measured. "So we decided to wait for her."
"Are you both okay?!" McGonagall asked urgently, scanning them for injuries. "He didn't hurt you?!"
"No, but we thought it was better to be safe," Harry replied quietly, trying to reassure her despite the tension in the air.
"Harry!" Katie rushed over, enveloping him in a fierce hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She pressed a grateful kiss to his forehead, her relief palpable. "How did you know we were in danger?"
"I just kind of felt it, I guess," Harry shrugged, trying to downplay the situation but unable to hide the worry in his eyes.
"Mr. Potter," the lead Auror stepped forward, his demeanor serious but respectful. "When you're ready, I'd like to ask you and these two ladies a few questions."
"Alright," Harry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's get it over with." He glanced at Daphne, who looked shaken but resolute, and then back at Katie, who nodded firmly.
As they prepared to share their harrowing experience, the atmosphere in the room shifted from one of shock to determination. They would ensure that Lockhart faced the consequences of his actions and that the safety of Hogwarts would be restored once more.
Throughout the interrogation, Daphne remained quiet, only speaking when addressed. She knew that Harry didn't just "feel it," as he had told everyone else. She understood how he knew, and she felt a profound gratitude for it.
Daphne glanced around the room, observing the expressions on everyone's faces. Katie looked at Harry with an expression of deep appreciation, and Daphne understood why—he had saved them from a horrific fate. McGonagall appeared stunned, struggling to process the gravity of the situation.
The Trio regarded Harry with cautious eyes, as if he might suddenly get up and lash out. She could see that Hermione was caught in a limbo of disbelief, torn between hoping it wasn't true and grappling with the reality of what had occurred.
Ron's gaze bore into Harry, his expression a mix of concern and fear, as if he were staring at a potential Dark Lord. He exchanged glances with his brother, who looked equally perplexed. The three glanced at Harry's blood-stained hands, and Daphne felt a strong urge to look away, yet she couldn't tear her eyes from the vivid evidence of his battle.
They seemed like they wanted to say something but remained silent, likely aware that their presence was unwarranted. The adults were too engrossed in the unfolding situation to notice the tension swirling among the students.
An Auror snapped a picture of Harry's hands before they started cleaning away the blood. Just then, Madam Pomfrey emerged from the shadows, her expression shifting from confusion to alarm as she was briefed on the events. Without hesitation, she transitioned into her nurse mode, meticulously inspecting both Harry and Daphne from head to toe.
Later, the Trio returned to the common room alongside Katie, who had received a calming draught from Madam Pomfrey. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken thoughts, and the weight of the day's events lingered in the air.
"Did... did Harry really save you?" Hermione asked, her voice barely above a whisper as they settled into the familiar warmth of the Gryffindor common room.
"Yes," Katie nodded emphatically, her eyes lighting up with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "It was amazing—totally and absolutely terrible, but amazing. Harry burst into the room, grabbed Lockhart, and started beating the snot out of him."
"What's wrong with him, and why did he hit him?" Adrian asked, concern etched across his face. "He knows that magic exists for a reason."
"Well, he used the Disarming Charm and probably another one to open the door, but that was it," Katie explained, shrugging slightly. "But in his defense, his girlfriend and I were in trouble, so I doubt he was thinking straight."
"Did you see all the blood on his hands?" Ron interjected, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"No, I was too busy looking into his eyes," Katie replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "Of course I saw the blood on his hands. But honestly, I don't care. He wasn't hurt, and he saved me and Daphne. I'm not about to judge him for having bloody hands."
"Still, it's just... intense," Hermione murmured, her brow furrowing as she processed everything. "Harry is usually so composed. It's strange to think of him like that."
"He did what he had to do," Katie asserted, her voice gaining strength. "He was there for us when it mattered. That's what counts."
"Yeah, but still," Ron said, glancing towards the fireplace where Harry had settled, his expression thoughtful. "What if he starts losing control? What if he keeps doing things like that?"
"He won't," Hermione replied firmly, crossing her arms. "Harry isn't a danger. He's just... protective. We've seen it before."
Adrian nodded slowly. "I hope you're right. It's just a lot to take in. But I guess we should all be grateful he was there."
"Absolutely," Katie agreed, her voice softening. "We all owe him a lot. And I'll make sure to thank him properly once things calm down."
As they settled into their usual banter, the shadow of the day's events began to lift slightly, replaced by the warmth of friendship and camaraderie. Yet, deep down, they all knew that Hogwarts would never feel quite the same again and that Harry would carry the weight of his actions with him for a long time.
"I can't believe Professor Lockhart did that," Hermione whispered, though everyone could still hear her. "He's a professor."
"Hermione, the world isn't that simple," Katie sighed, her expression a mix of frustration and sadness. "He's a professor, but he's also a person. An arrogant, selfish, evil jerk of a person. I can't believe I never noticed, but then again, neither did most other people."
"Probably because you were too interested in his face," Ron commented, a smirk forming on his lips.
"Ron!" Hermione smacked him on the back of the head, her voice sharp yet playful.
"No, he's right," Katie said, surprising them all. "He has about as much tact as a Bludger, but he's right. We were all too busy looking at his fame and money to notice he was useless. We ignored the fact that he was a terrible teacher because he was Gilderoy Lockhart. I'm not making that mistake again."
The next day, Harry made his way to breakfast, with Daphne clinging to his right side and Rose on the other. As they entered the Great Hall, the atmosphere shifted; students turned to stare at them, whispers rippling through the crowd. They were not surprised—rumors spread quickly at Hogwarts.
"What are you all looking at?" Daphne demanded loudly, her voice echoing through the hall. The students quickly looked away and returned to their breakfasts, an air of unease settling in. Daphne had little patience for the judgment; she had just been saved by Harry and was not in the mood for scrutiny.
The trio made their way to their seats and settled down. Luckily, Malfoy wasn't there yet, giving them a chance to eat in relative peace. They focused on their meals, trying to ignore the lingering stares and hushed whispers from the surrounding tables.
Once they finished, they stood up to leave when they were suddenly approached by the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Katie, Angelina, and Alicia, the Chasers; Fred and George, the Beaters; along with Keeper Oliver and Seeker Rachel, formed a semicircle around them. Rose shrank back a bit, while Daphne and Harry inclined their heads towards the group.
"Hello, Harry," Katie said quietly, her voice sincere. "Hello, Daphne."
"Hello," Daphne replied, her gaze steady. "Are you okay?"
"It's better," Katie admitted, her expression softening. "How about you?"
"The same," Daphne responded, her tone cautious but grateful.
"We wanted to thank you," said Angelina Johnson, stepping forward. Her sincerity was palpable.
"Really, we appreciate everything you did to help her," added Alicia Spinnet, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Look, sorry if I sound like a jerk or something, but I went into that room to save Daphne," Harry replied, his voice steady. "Saving Katie was just a bonus."
"Yeah, but would you have saved me if you'd known I was in danger?" Katie asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and seriousness.
"Yes, I would have, but…"
"Well, I don't see what the problem is," interrupted Fred, his grin infectious. "Do you, George?"
"No, I'm pretty sure I don't see a problem either," George replied, winking at Harry. "You wanted to save your girl."
"The lovely Miss Greengrass," Fred added, nodding dramatically.
"You saved her."
"And our friend," George chimed in.
"Our team is our family," said Oliver Wood, stepping forward with a firm expression. "And you saved one of us. We are really grateful."
"It was nothing," insisted Harry, a modest flush creeping onto his cheeks. "I did what anyone else would have done."
"Ha, sure," snorted Rachel, crossing her arms in playful disbelief.
"Harry," said Daphne, her eyes narrowing slightly with amusement, "just accept the damn thanks."
"Fine," sighed Harry, looking back at the Gryffindor team. He knew arguing was pointless at this point. "You're welcome, I guess."
"Ah!" George placed a hand dramatically on his chest, feigning shock. "Group hug!" He shouted, his voice booming with excitement.
Rose jumped out of the "hugging zone," eyes wide with surprise, and Daphne followed suit, quickly stepping back. But Harry wasn't fast enough. Katie grabbed him and pulled him into a tight embrace, laughter spilling from her lips as she hugged him.
The other Chasers joined in, surrounding Harry in a flurry of warmth and gratitude. Fred and George, not to be left out, piled on next, their playful banter filling the air. Oliver joined in, enveloping them all in the camaraderie of their shared experience. Harry stood there, bemused but secretly touched by the overwhelming show of support.
As they finally pulled away, laughter echoed around the Great Hall, and for a moment, the earlier tensions seemed to dissolve in the warmth of friendship. Harry exchanged a glance with Daphne, who wore a half-smile, her eyes sparkling with both amusement and pride.
"Now, that's how you say thank you," Katie declared, grinning widely as they stepped back, looking at Harry with newfound respect.
"I'm not a girl!" Malfoy sputtered, his face flushed with indignation.
"Really?" Harry replied, barely holding back laughter. "Because the way you whine and complain sounds just like a spoiled brat. I thought Slytherins were supposed to be cunning, not just annoying."
Malfoy clenched his fists, eyes narrowing dangerously. "You think you're clever, don't you, Potter? Just because you saved a couple of girls doesn't mean you're some kind of hero."
"Is that what this is about?" Harry shot back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Jealousy? You think that just because you wear that shiny badge of being a pureblood, you're somehow better than everyone else? Newsflash: It doesn't mean a thing if you're a complete tosser."
"Enough!" Malfoy yelled, his voice echoing through the Great Hall. "You don't know anything about me!"
"Right," Harry replied sarcastically. "Because flaunting your family's wealth and throwing around insults is such a deep and complex personality trait."
Malfoy stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. "One day, Potter, you'll regret crossing me. You're just a nobody with a stupid scar who thinks he's something special."
"Scars are pretty cool, actually," Harry said, leaning in mockingly. "But I wouldn't expect you to understand that. You've never been in a real fight, have you? Just huddled up behind your daddy's money, waiting for someone else to do the dirty work for you."
"I've had enough of this!" Malfoy snapped, his face a mask of fury. "You're nothing but a charity case, a joke!"
"Funny," Harry said, unfazed. "Coming from the heir of a family known for their lack of actual skill and a penchant for pathetic insults. You should look in the mirror, Malfoy; you might learn something about who's really the joke here."
"Don't you dare talk to me like that!" Malfoy hissed, taking a threatening step forward.
Daphne moved slightly closer to Harry, a fierce look in her eyes. "You really should watch your mouth, Malfoy. You're not scaring anyone here, least of all Harry."
"Stay out of this, Greengrass," Malfoy snapped, pointing an accusing finger at her.
"Why? Because I'm a girl? Or because you know you can't win against me and Harry?" Daphne challenged, her voice steady. "You're all talk, Draco, just like your father. Nothing but a bully hiding behind your family name."
"You'll regret that, Greengrass," Malfoy warned, though his voice lacked the conviction it had earlier.
Harry leaned in, his expression serious. "You're just proving my point, Malfoy. All bark and no bite. Why don't you take your pathetic little ego and go back to your table? We have better things to do than listen to your drivel."
Malfoy glared at them for a moment longer, his eyes flashing with anger, before turning on his heel and storming away, the air around him thick with resentment.
As he left, Katie let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "That was brilliant, Harry! You really know how to get under his skin."
"Yeah, well, it's not hard," Harry replied, shaking his head. "He's like a toddler throwing a tantrum when he doesn't get his way."
Daphne looked at Harry, a smile breaking through her previous tension. "You really know how to handle him. I could watch you do that all day."
"Thanks, but I'd rather not have to deal with him again anytime soon," Harry said, a hint of exhaustion creeping into his voice. "Let's just focus on Quidditch and the fun stuff, yeah?"
"Agreed," said Rose, nodding enthusiastically. "We've got a match to prepare for, and I want to see you flying out there, Harry. You're going to crush it."
"Don't forget, we have to practice harder than ever," Oliver added, clapping a hand on Harry's shoulder. "This match is going to be ours."
"Did you just throw a sock at me?" Malfoy exclaimed, looking thoroughly outraged as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Yep," Harry replied, grinning from ear to ear. "Just thought you might need a new fashion accessory, since you seem to love getting dressed up so much."
"Who throws socks?" Malfoy fumed, glaring at the offending garment on the ground as if it were a snake ready to bite.
"Apparently, I do," Harry shot back. "But let's face it, you've got enough people to dress you up. What's one more sock in your life?"
Daphne laughed, and even Rose had to bite her lip to suppress a giggle. "Honestly, Draco, you should really consider a new look. Maybe something that doesn't scream 'I'm a spoiled brat'?"
"Shut it, Greengrass," Malfoy sneered, his face reddening further. He kicked the sock away as if it were a venomous creature.
"Aw, did I strike a nerve?" Harry asked, still enjoying the moment. "Don't worry, Draco, you can always borrow my other sock. I've got plenty to spare. Just be careful—those are limited edition!"
Malfoy was about to retort when his mother, Narcissa Malfoy, stepped forward, her expression cool and composed. "Draco, come along. We have important guests to meet," she said, casting a disapproving glance at Harry and his friends.
"Can't you see I'm busy?" Malfoy whined, trying to shake off the embarrassment.
"Busy? I see you throwing socks like a toddler," Narcissa said, her voice low but firm. "If you want to sulk, do it in the carriage."
"Fine," Malfoy grumbled, sending a final glare at Harry. "I'll get you back for this, Potter. You'll regret it."
"I'm sure I will," Harry replied, waving dismissively as Malfoy stomped off to catch up with his mother.
"Wow, you really got under his skin," Daphne said, still chuckling. "I've never seen him look that flustered before."
"Just another day in the life," Harry said, shrugging nonchalantly. "Besides, he makes it too easy. It's almost unfair."
As they moved through the station, Harry felt a renewed sense of freedom. The tension from the recent events had started to fade, replaced by the excitement of returning home for the holidays.
"You know, I think you should keep throwing socks at him," Rose suggested, a smile lighting up her face. "It seems to work well."
Harry laughed. "I might just have to add that to my repertoire. The next time I see him, I'll have a whole arsenal of socks ready."
"Please do," Daphne chimed in. "It would be glorious to watch. Maybe we can start a whole 'Sock Attack' club."
"Count me in!" Rose agreed, and the three shared a laugh as they made their way out of the train station, the sunlight illuminating the winter sky.
With the Malfoys fading into the distance and the warmth of friendship at his side, Harry felt an exhilarating rush of freedom. The world was unpredictable, but with his friends, he knew he could face anything—and maybe, just maybe, he'd enjoy throwing a few more socks along the way.
"What do you think you're doing, Potter?!" Draco Malfoy shouted, his voice tinged with disbelief and indignation.
Harry turned, an amused grin spreading across his face. "Do you need a new master?"
"No, I don't need a master!" Draco retorted, his face turning a shade of red.
"I wasn't talking to you; I was talking to him." Harry pointed emphatically at Dobby, the house-elf, whose eyes widened as he clutched a sock in his tiny hands. The entire Malfoy family stopped, their gazes fixed on Dobby.
"Master has given Dobby a sock," Dobby said quietly, his face lighting up with a smile. "Dobby is free."
Harry chuckled. "And what about that, Dobby? Do you want to be my house-elf?"
"Yes, yes!" Dobby exclaimed, nodding vigorously as he walked over to Harry, his large ears flapping with excitement.
"You cost me my servant!" Lucius Malfoy snapped, his voice low and dangerous as he pulled out his wand, his eyes narrowing at the gathering crowd that began to murmur.
"No, Malfoy, your idiot son cost you your servant. I'm just the guy who gave him the tool for it," Harry shot back, standing tall despite the tension radiating from the Malfoy patriarch.
Lucius growled, his grip tightening on his wand, but as he sensed the onlookers, he lowered it. Instead, he turned sharply, grabbing Draco by the ear and beginning to drag him away. "Come on, you little fool! You've embarrassed our family enough today!"
"Ow! Let go! It hurts!" Draco protested, squirming in protest, his voice a mix of anger and pain. Harry had to resist the urge to laugh at the sight, finding some twisted pleasure in Draco's discomfort.
As they moved past, Narcissa Malfoy's eyes caught Harry's. He held her gaze, bowing slowly and dramatically, relishing the moment. She huffed disdainfully and turned away, her head held high, as if Harry were beneath her notice.
"Dobby," Harry turned to the house-elf, who looked at him expectantly. "I want you to go and wait until I call for you."
"Master Harry Potter is so nice," Dobby said, his voice full of adoration. "Unlike Adrian Potter," he thought to himself, recalling the harsh treatment he had endured from Harry's uncle.
"I'm not a nice person, Dobby; I freed you because I promised someone I would," Harry replied honestly. "But now that I'm your master, I'll take care of you. Go and come back when you're called."
"Yes, great master Harry Potter," Dobby responded, his excitement bubbling over. If it weren't for the glee in his voice, Harry might have wondered if Dobby was trying to be sarcastic.
With a pop, Dobby vanished, and Harry turned to find an amused Daphne and Rose watching him, a twinkle of admiration in their eyes. Rose took Harry's hand, and Daphne slipped her arm through his, leading him toward their parents.
"Are we sure about this?" Harry asked, glancing back nervously. He felt like he'd asked that question a million times already.
"Yes, Harry, please just stay with us for the summer," Daphne said earnestly, her brows knitting together in concern. "I would feel so much better if you were in our house instead of living in the hell you're living in."
"Hey, it's not that bad," Harry countered, but his voice lacked conviction.
"Harry, you're coming willingly with me or in a full-body lock; your choice," Daphne replied, crossing her arms with an amused but firm expression.
Harry grinned, feigning a dramatic sigh. "Oh, someone definitely wants to spend more time with her boyfriend."
"Oh, ha ha," Daphne said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "But seriously, I've already spoken to Mum and Dad about owl post. They both agree you can stay with us."
"Are you okay with that, Rose?" Harry asked, looking down at her. Rose furrowed her brow slightly, deep in thought, before breaking into a smile and nodding eagerly.
"Okay then," Harry said, feeling a warmth spread through him.
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