On The Other Side

A/N: First of all, thank you to all who are reviewing. It is very encouraging for me. I try to get this chapters out as soon as I can, though life can get very busy as you know. Hope you enjoy this one.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and make no money from the writing of this fiction.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Dinner was a somber affair as Harry contemplated his meeting with Voldemort. He had no idea what to expect. Happily, his giddiness from the side-effect of the potion had worn off, but left him hoping that his luck hadn’t worn off as well.

The Slytherins didn’t bother him with their usual annoying comments, sensing Harry needed to stay focused. He knew Draco was tying to catch his eye over the meal, but Harry didn’t want to get distracted at the moment. He didn’t know what had gotten into him earlier to make him snog Malfoy and bring each other off. Not that he didn’t enjoy it, but it now made things awkward now that he was sober. But he’d have to deal with that later.

Near the end of the meal, Headmistress Umbridge strode up to Harry at the table and said, “Mr. Potter, follow me, please.”

Harry couldn’t help scowling at her as he rose from his seat. He truly despised this woman back in his world. He hoped this Umbridge wasn’t as psychotic as the one back home. He followed her a few paces behind to her office, noting the glances of others, as if he was being led to his execution.

Harry inwardly vowed that he would not mess up the lives of James, Sirius and Lily in this world. He had to remember that this Voldemort was not the one he had to kill.

When they reached the Headmistress’ office, she turned to him and said, “You have special permission to use my floo tonight, Mr. Potter. When you return, please exit my office as quietly and quickly as possible.”

Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak civilly to her.

“Take some floo powder and go to Marvollo Palace,” she instructed. “Good luck.”

Harry grabbed a fistful and spoke, “Marvollo Palace,” stepping into the dark expanse of the floo. In a flash he found himself walking out into a lavish reception hall of black marble floors. The walls were covered in murals of war scenes and bloody rituals. Silver candelabras floated everywhere, lighting the way. They moved in formation, opening the path that Harry needed to take to proceed to the next room.

Harry continued on, feeling the enchantments placed all around him. The room buzzed with energy. As Harry stepped from the room into a corridor, he saw Regulus walking to meet him from the left.

“Good evening, Harry,” Regulus greeted, giving him an embrace.

“Hey,” Harry said in return. He could feel the stiffness in the greeting and realized that they were already being watched and observed, though Harry saw no one else around. He felt Regulus squeeze his shoulder in reassurance.

“This way,” he said, leading Harry down the corridor.

Harry looked from side to side at all the paintings they had passed and the people and creatures in the paintings looking back at him in curiosity.

They soon reached a set of double doors which opened on their own, allowing the two men to enter. The light was dim, except for the firelight that flickered on the walls, allowing Harry to notice they were in some sort of library. Volumes upon volumes of books lined the walls as far up as Harry could see. Regulus held out his arm, stopping Harry in the middle of the room as the door shut behind them.

“My Lord, Harry is here to see you,” Regulus spoke.

It was then that Harry noticed a man standing in front of the fireplace, his back to them. “Thank you , Regulus,” the man said. He turned about, observing Harry a moment, his hands clasped behind his back.

Harry took the moment to observe him as well. This Voldemort looked nothing like the deformed ‘snakeman’ back home. This one looked to be a man in his forties or fifties, with dark hair and piercing eyes. Harry realized that he appeared to be an older version of the Tom Riddle he had met back home in the Chamber of Secrets. Of course, this Voldemort had never died. He had never been brought back to life with a remnant of his soul, turning him into a hideous snake-like freak. Perhaps, this one’s soul was still intact. This ought to be interesting, Harry thought.

“Welcome to my home, Harry Potter,” Voldemort began.

Harry inclined his head slightly. “Thank you, my Lord,” he played along. It was far easier playing the loyal subject to Voldemort when they were so physically dissimilar.

Voldemort stepped forward, waving his hand to some chairs in front of the fire. “Please, sit. It is so refreshing to have someone other than a snake to speak our tongue to. I had thought all my relations were dead.”

Harry walked to the comfortable armchair Voldemort had indicated and sat. Regulus stood nearby but did not sit. “I’m not sure I can speak it on demand. It requires a snake to be present.”

Voldemort sat across from Harry, looking amused. “You are speaking it now,” he replied silkily.

Harry’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He glanced at Regulus.

“He doesn’t understand anything we are saying to one another, unless you address him directly,” Voldemort added.

Harry shook his head. “I can’t tell when I’m speaking it.”

“Can’t you?” Voldemort replied. “Focus on your jaw. Say something to Regulus, then say something to me. Notice the difference.”

Harry turned his head to Regulus. “How are you?” he tested.

Regulus looked at him strangely and replied, “I’m fine, Harry.”

Then Harry turned his gaze back to Voldemort and said, “If you can understand me, step closer to my chair.” Regulus did not move.

The corners of Voldemort’s lips tilted upwards. “See? We have complete privacy.”

Harry nodded. “But it’s unnecessary. I do trust Regulus.”

“As do I. But we cannot control how we speak to one another. We will automatically speak parseltongue when face to face. That is the nature of our gift.”

“I see.”

“It appears you are of my line, Harry. When I first heard the news of this, I was quite surprised. This ability should not have escaped your father. Yet, he cannot speak it. Are you quite sure he is your actual father?”

“I’ve always believed so. We look a lot alike.”

“Hmmm… perhaps your mother had some lovers on the side. She was a filthy mud blood after all.”

Harry felt a stab of anger at the insult. He wanted to spit out a scathing rebuttal, but he had to remember the lives at stake. “Perhaps,” Harry replied, his teeth clenched tightly.

Voldemort looked amused. “Did I insult you?” The Dark Lord leaned forward in his chair, looking at Harry in interest. “Don’t be upset. It doesn’t matter anymore, not when you are of Salazar Slytherin’s bloodline. Our line trumps all, Harry, even over pure bloods. Remember that.” He leaned back into his chair, observing Harry.

Harry remained silent, trying to get his anger under control. The silence was uncomfortable.

After a few minutes, Voldemort said, “I see something in you, Harry. There is something very similar to myself. It’s your magic. I can feel it’s power and it’s potential.”

Harry could only guess that he was sensing the piece of Voldemort’s soul that resided inside himself. Of course it would feel similar. But Harry didn’t want this Voldemort getting any ideas about recruiting him. “I really don’t have any grand ambitions. I just want to live a normal life.”

“You’re lying to yourself, or perhaps to me. A Slytherin without grand ambitions? That is not possible. What do you fear?”

Harry knew he had to tread carefully. “A loss of freedom,” he answered, honestly.

“Freedom? What a naive concept. No one is completely free. The masses need guidance and control or chaos and ruin will result. Surely you can see that?”

“Yes, of course,” Harry lied, nodding. He might as well play the part. A little ass kissing to keep things good for James, Sirius, Regulus and Lily before he left this world couldn’t hurt. “I appreciate all you have done for me and my family, my Lord.”

“As you should,” Voldemort replied, mollified. “Yet, in light of the discovery of our relatedness, there may have to be a few changes.”

Fuck! Harry felt a ball of anxiety in his gut. Did he screw things up? “What sort of changes, my Lord?” He glanced at Regulus, who was blissfully unaware of what they were saying. By gods, he hoped he hadn’t ruined everything for the Potters and the Blacks!

“I’ve been thinking that someone will have to carry on our family line. It would be a shame to have all our power and abilities die out. I realize that up to this point, you have been under the impression that you would never have to marry if you did not wish to do so. But, I now require that you do marry and marry well. You’ll have a pureblood wife and continue our line with children.”

“What?” Harry was relieved and flabbergasted at the same time. This was what occupied the Dark Lord’s mind?

“You are listening, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Harry replied. “But, I’m not interested in women.”

Voldemort grinned slightly, glancing at Regulus, his eyes sweeping the man up and down, before turning his attention back to Harry. “It seems that may run in our bloodline as well. But, no matter. You do not have to want her. Produce children and have other lovers on the side. Marriage for love is a muggle concept. Marriage is a contract only. A woman has your children and runs your household while you provide for the family. Who you love is a different matter altogether.”

“That doesn’t seem a very satisfying home life.”

“Are you questioning my laws?”

YES, Harry screamed inside his mind. “No, my Lord, I just rather live with men,” Harry amended.

“I understand your feelings well,” Voldemort replied. “But you must do your duty to our line. When you are eighteen, you will marry. You need not stay in her bed beyond impregnating her.”

Harry nodded. “Thank you, my Lord,” he played along. Happily, he would not be here when he was eighteen.

“I will keep this meeting brief, Harry. I know you have your studies to attend to. But, I expect you to come dine with me on Saturday evening. I wish to test out your other abilities and assess your strengths.”

Crap! “As you wish, my Lord,” Harry bowed his head.

Voldemort turned to Regulus. “Escort Harry back to Hogwarts and then return to me.”

Regulus bowed. “Yes, my Lord.”

“Goodnight, Harry.”

“Goodnight, my Lord,” Harry replied, standing and following Regulus out the door. When they were back in the corridor, Regulus made the quiet signal with his finger over his lips and led Harry back to the floo.

Regulus went with Harry through the floo and immediately threw up a privacy bubble around them in the headmistresses office. Luckily Umbridge was no where to be seen.

“What were you two hissing about?” Regulus started. “What happened?”

“Not much. He wants me to get married and continue the Slytherin bloodline.”

“He believes you are related, then? I thought as much. He didn’t try to read your mind? Did Severus give you the Foggy Mind potion?”

“No, not that potion, but another. And, no, he didn’t try to read my mind.” Harry stared at Regulus for a moment and continued, “You’re his lover, aren’t you?”

“I thought you had figured that out by now, Harry. Welcome to the grown up world.”

“How could you stand him?”

Anger crossed over Regulus’ features. “You better be grateful that I do! Do you really think we’d have the life we do if I didn’t? Think about it, Harry. Your father and my brother did NOT fight for him in the war. If our Lord did not favor me like he does, just where do you think we’d all be right now?”

Harry’s eyes dropped to the ground. “That’s awful. I’m sorry.” Harry shook his head. Regulus had to sleep with Voldemort to keep the family living well. “Things are even worse than I thought.”

Regulus chucked Harry under the chin and tried to give him a smile. “Hey there, cub. Don’t look so glum. There are worse things, you know. He‘s not cruel to me, at least, and I am his one and only. He doesn’t let anyone else get that close to him.”

Harry thought back to his knowledge about the other Harry and the fooling around with Regulus he had done. “He wouldn’t be too happy to find out about what we did…”

“Why do you think I was so nervous about him reading your memories?”

Harry nodded. “He wants to meet for dinner on Saturday to test out my abilities.”

The reassuring smile on Regulus’ face disappeared. “The worry continues, then? Tell Severus to start brewing more potion for you. Harry, if he continues to want to meet with you, we may want to consider having certain memories removed from you.”

“No way!”

“Think what is at stake!”

“We’ll continue with potions, all right? I don’t want my mind messed with.”

OOOOOOO

On his way back to the Slytherin tower, Harry contemplated the fact that when faced with this world’s Voldemort, he automatically spoke in parseltongue. He wondered why the same hadn’t happened in his world. Perhaps the fracturing of his Voldemort’s soul had changed him too much, or perhaps that fact that Harry carried a piece of the same soul, that the two souls didn’t recognize they were separate beings. It was like Harry was talking to himself whenever he had spoken to his Voldemort. That thought gave him chills. His own soul had to be inside too, hadn’t it?

As he stepped into the door of the common room, his thoughts heavy, he was bombarded by his group of friends, all asking him what had happened.

“He believes I’m his relative and he wants me to marry and carry on the family line,” Harry announced, simply, not really vested in the plan since he wasn’t planning on being around for very long.

“That’s it?” Blaise asked.

Harry shrugged. “That’s the gist of it, yeah. And he wants me to come to dinner on Saturday to test my abilities.”

“Blimey Harry, you have to back?” Gregory asked.

“That’s huge, Harry,” Theodore stated. “He’s interested in you. Maybe he wants you to be his heir, or maybe your offspring.”

Harry glanced at Draco, who sat listening quietly, not giving away any of his feelings on the matter.

Harry shook his head. “I don’t think he’s the type to want to pass on his position anytime soon. I’m sure he’ll probably find a way to live forever if he could.”

Blaise frowned. “There are rare ways to extend your life greatly, but I don’t think living forever will ever be possible.”

Harry thought about the Horcruxes back home and how Voldemort could keep using them to come back. That would be a lot of lives, perhaps 600 - 700 years worth. That would be far too many to have that madman around. Hopefully, this world’s Voldemort did not know of that magic. He didn’t seem psychotic, just very full of himself and his laws. Yet, Harry had the feeling that he probably seen the best side of the Dark Lord tonight, probably due to the luck potion he had consumed. If he was always so cordial, then this world wouldn’t be so frightened of him.

“That’s about it, so I’m heading off to bed,” Harry announced.

“Seriously, Harry?” Theodore asked. “We’ve been waiting around all evening to hear what happened and all we get is a few statements?”

Harry sighed impatiently. “Nothing much happened. I walked into the room. We sat down together and talked in parseltongue. Oh, I did find out that when I’m speaking to him, I automatically speak in parseltongue. Then he insinuated that I might be a bastard of his line, but that it didn’t matter because Salazar Slytherin blood is the most prized blood of all, even above pure bloods.” Harry looked around at their faces, inwardly gloating that he got one in on those pure blood prats. “Then, he said I’d have to marry at eighteen and continue the line because I guess he doesn’t want to do it himself. Last of all he asked me to return on Saturday for dinner. That’s it.”

Harry gazed at each one of them in turn, but they were silently contemplating what he had just said. “Any more questions?”

“Now you are better than us?” Crabbe scoffed.

“Shut up. That’s not what he said,” Draco snapped.

“You wanted to know what he said. Now you know. Happy? Goodnight.” Harry turned and left the common room for his bedroom, thankful that he didn’t have to share with anyone.

OOOOOO

Just after midnight soft knocking sounded on Harry’s door, waking him up with it’s persistence.

Harry wrapped a robe around himself and went to the door, opening it he saw Draco standing close, leaning against the frame. “Can I come in?” he said quietly.

“Draco…”

“Not for that.” Draco clarified. “It’s just that I’m worried for you.”

Harry sighed, opening the door more and letting the blonde in, smelling the fresh scent of soap that someone carried when they had just showered. Harry was wary of leading him towards the bed and led him to the chairs by the fire instead.

As they both sat, Harry asked, “What’s on your mind?”

“I don’t know what our Lord’s intentions are regarding you. Asking you to come back in order to test your abilities… is troubling.”

“Why?”

“Because, the way I see it, there are two possible reasons for it, one good and one bad. The good one is that he is considering you for his heir and plans to give you an important position if you are worthy.”

“And what’s the bad one?”

“He’s afraid you may be a threat to him and will have you eliminated if your powers prove too great.”

Harry nodded. “I have thought that as well.”

“Harry, do you think…,” Draco stumbled with words, “what I mean is, just how powerful do you think your blood is? Do you think you could do the things he does?”

Harry shrugged. “I don’t really know all he can do, so how can I answer that?”

Draco nodded. “True enough, but maybe it would be wise to hold back a bit on Saturday, just in case. If he loses interest in your abilities, then the most you’d have to do is reproduce for him.”

Harry shook his head, smiling.

“What?” Draco asked, wondering.

“I’m not use to you being so concerned for me.”

“We’ve been friends a long time.” But Harry was thinking of the other Malfoy. The one that hated him. “Yeah, suppose so,” Harry replied. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Draco nodded, rising from his chair. “Goodnight, then,” he said, turning to leave.

Harry stood too and said, “Hey, Draco, wait. About earlier today…”

Draco turned at the door to face Harry again. “Yeah?”

“It’s just that… I was on that potion. And I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about me.”

“And what idea would that be?”

Harry shifted on his feet, hating to bring it up at all, but it was better to have it out now. He didn’t want to string anyone along when he was leaving soon. “You know… that I’m interested in being more than friends.”

Draco stepped toward him. “I wasn’t going to bring the matter up tonight, but since you decided to, then I’ve got this to say.” He pushed Harry back against his tall bedpost, pinning him against it.

Harry was so surprised that he didn’t know how to respond until Draco’s lips descended on his. At first he tried to push him away, but the blond was such a good kisser and it felt so good being surrounded by the heat of his body and his arms wrapped around him, that Harry melted into the embrace, snogging him back deeply.

The kiss seemed to go on forever until Draco moved Harry and shoved him back onto the bed. Draco stood at the edge of the bed, observing the obvious tent in Harry’s pajama bottoms and the flush look of desire on Harry’s face.

He grinned knowingly and said, “Yes, Harry, it’s apparent that you only want to be friends.” Then he turned and made his way to the door.

“Where are you going?” Harry asked, hoarsely. Malfoy had definitely won this round. Harry was so turned on, he was willing to play the slut tonight and damn the consequences.

“I’m leaving you to contemplate what a bad liar you are,” Draco smirked, slipping out the door.

“Fuck!” Harry swore, his hand slipping down into his bottoms. If he didn’t get out of this place fast, he was going to lose his virginity to Malfoy of all people!

OOOOO

Harry lingered after potions class the next day, hoping to speak alone with Severus Snape. Snape immediately caught on and shut the door behind the last student, casting a privacy charm.

“Harry,” he began, “tell me of your meeting. Did our potion work?”

Harry nodded. “Yes, it worked fine. Maybe too well.”

“How so?”

“I didn’t expect him to be so… cordial. We sat and talked. He didn’t use any magic against me.”

Snape released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “That is well, then. What did he speak of?”

“That I’m of his line and he wants me to continue it. Oh, and he wants me to return on Saturday night to test my abilities. I’ll need another potion, please.”

Snape sat down in his chair, looking frustrated. “That potion I gave you is very rare and hard to reproduce. I don’t have another sitting around.”

“Can you make more? I can help you if you wish.”

“Not by Saturday. It takes many months to ripen the proper ingredients, if you can find them at all. And it takes a very careful eye and brewing skill.”

“What should I do?”

“I may know someone with a Foggy Memory potion already made. I don’t like placing my trust in other people’s potions, but we don’t have the three days required to brew our own.”

“We should consider brewing some for future meetings. Just in case this is not to be the last.”

Severus stared at Harry, thinking. “Why do I have the feeling that you are hiding more from the Dark Lord than just your dislike of him?”

Harry looked away from Snape’s penetrating glare. “Everyone has secrets.”

The room grew uncomfortably silent and Harry could feel Snape’s hesitation. That man wanted to know, but at the same time, he didn’t. “Would you consider these secrets dangerous?” he finally asked.

Harry turned his gaze back to the professor. “Yes.”

Severus hesitated a moment, staring into Harry’s eyes, and then nodded. “Very well, I shall help you in any way I can.”

“Thank you.”

Harry stood to leave the room. Turning at the door, he said, “You don’t want know more?”

“The less I know, the better for all.”

Harry nodded. “Thank you for giving me your rare potion. Were you saving for something else?”

Snape did not answer Harry and Harry had the feeling that the conversation was over for now.

OOOOO

As Harry left the potion’s classroom, the dungeon corridor had thinned a bit. The students walking it’s length would be the ones considered ‘low-borns’ in this world. Harry had the feeling that one or more of the other houses were situated down here in the dungeons as Slytherin House had been in his world. Except, the dungeons in this world looked more neglected. No paintings on the walls. Just hard, leaking, stone blocks with torches to light the way.

Curiosity got the best of Harry, and instead of taking the stairs out of the dungeons, he found himself following behind a group of Ravenclaws going deeper down the dank corridor. Harry had to put his arm over his nose at the horrid smells coming from the toilets that he passed. He pinched his nose and stuck his head in the door of the boy’s restroom, noticing the smashed toilets with dripping plumbing which were no longer in use. Instead the floor had buckets of feces and urine overflowing.

Harry quickly backed out, leaning against the corridor wall, trying to gasp for air. That was the most disgusting thing he had ever seen! Why would this be allowed? A rat squealed by his feet, startling him.

When he looked up, Ron Weasley was passing by, scowling at him.

“Ron?” Harry couldn’t help saying.

Ron turned and glared at him. “What do you want?”

“What are you doing down here? Where are you going?”

“To my room, you idiot.”

“Gryffindor is down here? I thought it might be Ravenclaw.”

Ron grimaced, shaking his head as if Harry was a complete moron. He turned and continued walking further down the corridor.

Harry caught up to him. “Wait a minute. Sorry. I’m not trying to be an arse. I really want to know.”

Ron turned and shoved Harry, causing him to hit the wall. “Get away from me. I’ve had enough of your shit. I’m not falling in one of your traps again. Where are your friends hiding this time? Eh? You think I’m stupid?”

Harry looked at Ron incredulously. It seemed the old Harry had also been quite the bully. No wonder Ron was looking at him with such hatred. Harry shook his head, “No, I don’t think you’re stupid at all.”

“Leave me the fuck alone,” Ron shouted, hurrying away.

Harry stared after him, stunned. He truly hated the other Harry now. How could anyone further abuse the students that were already so outcast? Look at the conditions they lived in. Harry, sitting in his own tower room, enjoying such comfort and opulence, while others were living with rats, feces, urine, and cold dampness.

Groups of other unfortunates passed Harry, hurrying by him as if they were afraid he strike them. And suddenly, a girl was standing next to him, a pleading look on her smudged face.

“Ginny?” Harry whispered.

“Please don’t tell on my brother. Please.”

“What do you mean?”

“He shouldn’t have pushed you like that. Or yelled at you. Please don’t tell. I’ll… I’ll do anything for you if you don’t tell.” She looked down at her feet in shame.

Harry had to stop his hand from lifting and stroking the tears on her cheeks. “I won’t say anything,” he promised. “And you don’t have to do anything for me, except maybe talk to me a minute.”

Her eyes raised to his, confused. “Talk?”

“Can you tell me about the other houses. Are you all down here?”

“Yes,” she nodded, wondering why he didn’t already know this.

Harry knew he should just shut up and forget about the troubles of this world. He knew finding out more would only make him care more. But, it wasn’t in him to turn his back on the suffering of others, especially when the ones suffering resembled everyone he loved back home.

“Is there enough room for you all?”

“What do you mean?” Ginny asked.

“Do you have your own bedrooms at least?”

Ginny shook her head, looking at Harry as if he had gone mad. “Bedrooms? We have blankets on the floor.”

“What?!” Harry exclaimed. His fist clenched, imagining himself slugging Umbridge on her fat mouth.

Ginny backed up a step, fearful of Harry’s angry expression.

Harry calmed down immediately when he saw her expression. “No, wait, I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at Umbridge for allowing this. No one should be treated this way, especially children.”

“GINNY!” a loud voice yelled down the corridor. Harry turned his head to see Ron stalking back toward them, angrily. “Stay away from my sister or I’ll kill you!” Ron yelled, raising his fist as he approached.

Ginny launched herself on her brother, pushing him back. “Ron, no, they’ll punish you. We were just talking.”

“Get out of here, Ginny,” Ron struggled to get her off.

“No, you can’t do this,” she cried.

Harry held up his hands, backing away. “Look, I just wanted to talk. I’ll go now, all right?”

“You better,” Ron yelled, struggling to get past his sister. “I better not see you down here again.”

Harry hurried out of the dungeons, his heart beating rapidly. What the fuck was going on in this castle? The gap between rich and poor, high born and low born, was so wide. There was no middle ground. There was no concept of fairness or equality. The living conditions were absolutely terrible for the other houses, so bad that the thought of it, and the smell of it made Harry want to vomit.

Harry leaned against the wall when he made it upstairs, breathing deeply of the fresher air. He heard Delores Umbridge cackling in the next room and Harry felt his body stiffening in anger. That insane bitch! How could she laugh in the midst of all the suffering she was in charge of.

Harry felt his hand move to his wand as he walked purposely toward the room he heard his nemesis in. He stopped in the doorway, glaring at her in hatred. He hated everything about her. The stupid pink bow and frilly dress, her high pitched sing song voice, which gave the air of a gentle femininity that Harry knew was all a ruse. There was nothing gentle about Delores Umbridge. Under all that pink and lace, was an ugly, acidic, vindictive, and hateful soul.

She was standing there with a group of Slytherin girls, laughing as if they were amusing her greatly with their conversation, until she noticed Harry standing there with his wand out, glaring at her with anger.

Her face fell to one of concern. “Harry? Is there something wrong?”

“Everything is wrong,” Harry hissed, teeth clenched. He was so fucking angry at the moment, he wondered if he could stop himself. And actually, he had no desire to stop himself.

The Slytherin girls backed away from Umbridge as she removed her own wand, still trying to keep the calm. “Now, now, Harry. I don’t know what has happened, but let’s not be hasty. Let us discuss things civilly. What has upset you so?”

“You, you have upset me,” Harry growled. “What kind of place do you run here, Umbridge? It’s disgraceful!”

Umbridge stiffened her back. “Watch your tone with me, young man. I am losing my patience with you.”

“I lost my patience with YOU a long time ago, you bitch,” Harry spat.

Delores’ eyes widened as she raised her wand, but Harry was quicker to the draw.

“Expelliarmus!” he cast, making the headmistresses wand fly out of her hand and clack loudly against the wall.

The students in the room had now completely backed away, looking at Harry as if he were crazy.

But Harry had already passed the threshold of caring. His anger was like a red hot fuel pump, filling him with power and overriding his reason. He stepped closer to the shocked woman, pointing his wand at her. “Crucio,” he cursed.

“Noooooo,” she cried between her screams of agony, as she fell to the ground.

“Experlliarmus!” another voice yelled from behind him, and Harry felt like a faucet that had just been turned off when his wand left his hand. He spun around and saw Snape behind him, pointing his wand and looking at Harry with immense confusion. “Are you mad?”

Harry was breathing hard as he looked from Snape, back to Umbridge struggling to get up from the ground, then back to Snape. Like a balloon deflating, he felt his power reside along with the red hot anger he had felt moments before. What on Earth caused him to lose control like that?

“Incarcerous,” another voice called out. Harry felt invisible ropes wrap around his body, holding his arms and legs stiff. He fell over onto the ground.

“Take him to the infirmary,” Severus said, quickly, before Umbridge could compose herself enough to scream out a harsher order. “He clearly is not in his right mind at the moment.” Whatever had happened to Harry, Severus knew that the best thing would be to blame it on a potion accident, or perhaps a hex. He followed behind Harry’s levitated body, glancing back at Umbridge as other professors were circling to help her to her feet. He hoped he could make up something believable.

“What have you done?” he mumbled next to Harry’s ear.

Harry closed his eyes, looking pained. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

OOOOO

A/N Hope you enjoyed this chapter. There will be more Harry and Draco coming up as well as the fallout from Harry’s little display above.

Please send me a review. I love hearing from you. Thanks!