Polyjuice

Chapter 10: Who did it?


At breakfast Tuesday the headmaster announced that he would be interviewing everyone who was at the duel personally to find out what happened, unless the person who cursed Hermione came forward on their own.

Ron and Harry sat together at the Gryffindor table talking about what happened.

“I didn’t mean to hit Hermione” Harry repeated for the fifth time. “I was trying to hit Malfoy.”

“Why did you use the cutting curse Harry? Were you honestly trying to kill him?” Ron asked.

“I was just angry Ron. I guess I lost control.” Harry replied.

“Lost control? Hermione almost died” Ron whispered.

“Well, she didn’t. Dumbledore said she is going to be okay.”

“So that’s it? You’re not going to tell the headmaster what happened?” Ron questioned.

“They’ll throw me in Azkaban. I can’t go to jail Ron. I’m the savior of the wizarding world. Terrible things will happen if I am locked up and can’t fight Voldemort.”

“I think all this savior shit is starting to go to your head” Ron said, getting up from the table. “I’m going to see Hermione.”

***********************************

Ron felt terrible lying to Harry. He did plan on going to see Hermione, but he had to speak with the headmaster first.

“Lemon drop.” The gargoyle guarding the stairs to Dumbledore’s office moved aside and Ron ascended the stairs.

“Good morning Mr. Weasley. To what do I owe this visit?” Dumbledore asked.

“It’s about last night sir….I know who hexed Hermione.” Ron said slowly, sitting down across from Dumbledore. “I don’t know where to start.”

“How about the beginning. I believe Harry challenged Mr. Malfoy to a duel last night at dinner.” The headmaster prompted.

“That’s right. Harry was pissed off that Ginny was hanging around the head common room with Hermione while Malfoy and Zabini were there. The last straw was when Harry saw Ginny sitting with them at the Slytherin table for meals….”

“Go on Mr. Weasley.”

“Everyone was waiting in the forrest when Malfoy showed up. We took cover in the trees and I counted thirty paces. Malfoy dodged a ‘stupefy’ from Harry and then disarmed him with non-verbal spell. Then he sent a bat bogey hex at Harry and grabbed his wand. Malfoy put Harry’s wand in his pocket and the Slytherins started cheering because he won.”

Ron’s face was read and he was starting to sweat.

“….I told Harry I was sorry he lost, and he asked for my wand. I didn’t know what he was going to do. I swear, or I wouldn’t have given it to him. Harry cast the curse that almost killed Hermione with my wand. After it happened he told me he was trying to hit Malfoy.” Ron said quickly. “At breakfast he said he wasn’t going to turn himself in, because they would throw him in Azkaban and he wouldn’t be able to face Voldemort.”

The headmaster stroked his beard with his hand. “This is most unfortunate. I will need your memory of the event Mr. Weasley.”

“Yes headmaster.” Ron placed his wand to his head and drew the silver memory thread out, placing it in a pensive Dumbledore provided him. “What is going to happen to Harry?”

“I am afraid that is out of my hands. He almost killed a student using a forbidden curse. He will be put on trial and most likely sent to Azkaban for a time.” Dumbledore answered.

Ron nodded. “Headmaster, I would like to visit Hermione and tell her what happened. May I be excused from DA?”

“Of course Mr. Weasley. I will excuse you from your classes today. However, I need to warn your that Mr. Malfoy and Mr Zabini will be in the hospital.”

“Thank you headmaster. I am going to apologize to Hermione so I don’t think they will be a problem.”

***********************************************

Ron was slightly shocked at the sight that greeted him. Hermione was in the center of a hospital bed, wrapped in Malfoy’s arms. Blaise was on the other side of her with one leg between hers. Hermione stirred as he sat in the chair next to the bed.

When Hermione woke she felt warm and safe, despite the pain lingering in her body. While the pain potion was strong, it still didn’t take away all the pain of her injuries. She stretched her arms above her head and felt the bed shift under her. She smiled when she opened her eyes and saw Blaise lying in bed with her. She snuggled back into Draco who was spooning her.

“Hey Mione.” Ron greeted when he saw her open her eyes.

“Ron?” She asked, looking over Blaise.

“Yeah. I came to say I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting.

“It’s okay Ron. I knew this was going to take awhile for you and Harry to get used to. What happened last night?” Hermione asked.

“After the duel, Harry asked for my wand and cast the cutting curse at Malfoy. It hit you instead. I just came from Dumbledore’s office, and Harry is probably going to go to Azkaban for awhile.” Ron answered. “You should have seen the look on his face Mione. Malfoy had his back turned when Harry cursed him. I think he was trying to kill him.” Ron said sadly. “As much as I hate the guy, I would never curse him when his back was turned.”

“Are you sure it was Harry?” Hermione asked with a note of skepticism.

“I’m sure Mione. I was standing right next to him when he did it. I had to give the headmaster a pensive of the whole thing….Can I get anything for you?”

“I think I’m good for now. Thanks Ron.”

Madame Pompfrey walked in frowning and walked to the bed. She poked Draco and Blaise. “Get up. I need to check Ms. Granger.”

The boys moaned in protest as they got out of bed.

“Draco, Blaise” Ron nodded in greeting.

“Ron” Draco answered.

“Out! All of you!” Poppy yelled.

****************************************
Twenty minutes later Hermione was sitting on the couch in the head common room next to the fire with Draco, Blaise while Ron told them what happened.

Hermione was resting against Draco trying to keep him calm.

“That son of a bitch. I’ll fucking kill him.” Draco said, trying to get up.

Hermione kept him on the couch. “Draco, please let it go. He is going to be tried and probably end up in Azkaban.”

“Sorry love.” Draco said.

Hermione’s stomach rumbled and Draco laughed. “I’ll go get us some breakfast.” Draco said standing up.

Hermione looked pleadingly at Blaise. If Draco ran into Harry before the aurors picked him up there would be trouble. Blaise got the message and stood also.

“I’ll go with you to the kitchen in case you need help carrying anything,” Blaise said. “You and Ron can catch up while we’re gone.”

************************************************

Classes were going on so Draco and Blaise made their way to the kitchen without running into anyone. Draco tickled the pear and the door swung open. The house elves had three large baskets sitting on a table by the door.

“For Miss Hermione” Dobby said, pointing to the baskets.

“Thank you” Blaise said, picking up the first two baskets. Draco picked the last one up.

When they left the kitchen the hallways were flooded with students. Blaise sighed as he caught sight of Harry walking toward them.

“What did you do with Hermione, Malfoy? I just went to check on her and Madame Pompfrey said she was with you.” Harry spat.

“Hermione is no longer your concern. I’ll tell her you said you’re sorry for trying to kill her last night.” Draco sneered.

A small group of students gathered when they heard shouting.

“There is nothing here to see.” Blaise said. “Go to class.” The students left, disappointed that they didn’t find out what was going on.

Harry opened and closed his mouth several times before he spoke. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Malfoy.”

“You son of a bitch.” Draco said, dropping his basket on the floor.

Draco ran at Harry, punching him in the face. The force of the blow knocked Harry onto his back and Draco followed. Blaise set his baskets down and watched as Draco sat on top of Harry and punched him repeatedly in the face. Blood was pouring from Harry nose and a cut above his right eye.

“That’s enough Draco.” Blaise said, catching Draco’s arm as it was pulled back to hit Harry again.

Draco allowed Blaise to help him up.

“Stay away from Hermione” Draco hissed, followed up by a hard kick to the side of Harry’s head.

************************************************

Hermione sighed in relief when she heard the portrait open. She looked over her shoulder and saw that neither of her Slytherins appeared injured. As they got closer, Hermione saw a little bit of blood on Draco’s right hand.

“What happened?” Hermione asked.

“We ran into Potter when we were leaving the kitchen.” Blaise answered. “He will be okay Ron,” Blaise said at the look on Ron’s face.

Draco set his basket down on the table between the couch and chair, handing Hermione silverware.

“I’ll make a plate for you” Draco said slowly.

Draco returned with all of Hermione’s favorite foods piled high and a can of Coke. “I don’t know what this is, but the elves packed it instead of pumpkin juice.” Draco said handing her the can.

“Oh, try one Draco. Muggle Coca Cola is the best!” Ron said excitedly.

Draco shrugged, and picked up a can.

*****************************************************

“Harry Potter?”

Harry turned around at the voice calling his name. “Yes.”

“Please accompany me to headmaster Dumbledor’s office.” The man said.

Harry shrugged and turned around to follow the man, rubbing the side of his head gently where Draco kicked him.

“Ah, Harry” the headmaster said.

“Headmaster. What is this about? I’m late for class.” Harry replied.

“I’m afraid you won’t be attending any more classes today Harry.” Dumbledore replied, turning to the other man standing next to Harry.

“Sir?” Harry questioned the headmaster.

“Mr Potter” the other man cleared his throat, “it has come to our attention that you attacked another student last night...A Miss Hermione Granger I believe.”

Harry paled at the mysterious man’s words.

“My name is Ben Hill. I am an auror, and am here to take you into custody until your trial.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about…” Harry tried.

“Please Harry. Don’ make this more difficult than it is. We have a pensive from an eyewitness.” Dumbledore explained. “Please go with Mr Hill.” Dumbledore stood and retreated to his private room, leaving Harry alone with the auror.

“Your wand please Mr Potter.”

Harry handed his wand over and followed the auror back down the stairs and out to the front gates where they apparated.