Thread: Heir To the Throne - a Harry Potter FanFiction

Heir to the Throne CH 21 The Blame Game Harry wasn't sure for how long he stayed down in the Chamber of Secrets, reading and re-reading the letter that his mother had left for him. When he finally ventured out of the bathroom it was ten minutes to curfew- not that Harry really cared about curfew anyway- but it did mean that the halls should have been quiet and mostly empty. Instead it was filled with students all crowded around one blood stained spot muttering about attempted murder, or maybe suicide, perhaps assassination. What's going on? Harry demanded scowling as he looked around, his blood going cold as he spotted the prone form of Draco laying rather crooked on the cold stone floor with blood seeping slowly out onto the flagstone, looking sickeningly beautiful as it filled the cracks between, as Harry felt something inside of him tremble as if it was going to snap. Draco...DRACO! Harry felt as if the world had slowed down, terror in the back of his mind as horror filled the rest of him as he shoved through the crowd to kneel next to him, feeling the tears begin to well up and then travel down his face in slow motion as Harry gently stroked Draco's pale flesh. He couldn't tell if Draco was any paler, but his lips where rather pink, had they always been that pink? Or where they paler? Harry couldn't focus enough to tell. Ha..Ha... Draco's eyes fluttered open, unfocused and one drifting in the wrong direction but he was awake. That was good, Harry knew that was good, he just had to keep Draco awake, uncaring of everyone standing around, watching with horror filled gazes. All of the Weasley children mingled at the outskirts of the group, Ron looking particularly pale and guilty. Shh Draco, don't try to talk. Harry whispered, stroking Draco's cheek again. It's alright, just lay still, someone's gone to get Madam Pomfry already, your going to be fine, alright? he demanded smiling as he kissed Draco's cheek, uncaring that his lips came away tinged with blood. You'll see, everything will be alright... he swallowed thickly as Draco closed his eyes. No, NO! Draco Goddamn you! You have to stay awake! Harry ordered, stroking Draco's hair out of his face. Please! Please I need you Draco! I NEED you, you can't die on me. PLEASE! Harry begged, pleaded and to his immense relief Draco's silver eyes forced their way open again, blinking slowly at Harry who began to outright sob. Please, Draco...Don't die... Harry pleaded, Draco offering Harry a small smile, as if trying to reassure the other, carefully reaching up and stetting his hand on Harry's cheek. l..ove....you... Draco muttered, sounding so tired, tired and in pain that Harry broke out into a fresh wave of agonizing tears clutching the hand to his face and nuzzling it. You'll be alright, and we'll find whoever did this to you I swear it! Harry promised gently stroking Draco's hair again. It's all going to be alright I swear it! You're going to go to the hospital wing and then we'll find the bastard that did this I promise. he whispered, almost sounding more like he was trying to reassure himself rather than Draco. We...Weas..ley... Draco whispered as Madam Pomfry arrived, ordering everyone out of the way. Snape hot on her heels looking horrified, both standing there for a moment staring in horror at the sight before them, both shaking themselves out of the stupor as Draco's eyes slid closed Harry's head whipping around at the name of Draco's attacker, fixing on Ron who continued to stare at Draco's still form. You...you... YOU FUCKING BASTARD! Harry shrieked, driving himself to his feet and rushing Ron who looked startled,scared and even a little confused as Harry tackled him, the brunette's fist already moving, striking Ron across the face before anyone, even Ron, could register what was happening. Harry don't!A random voice yelled, it was background noise to Harry who felt a hot white rage boiling at the very center of him, turning everything white hot with it as he reared back and struck Ron again. All the time yelling, screaming, he wasn't sure what, nothing made sense anymore, all that mattered was hitting Ron, punishing him for hurting Draco. Murdering him for hurting Draco. He shrieked when he felt hands gripping him, Blaise, and Neville, yanking him off of Ron, babbling something in his ear, trying to get him to calm down, but Harry was insane with rage, senseless with fury and completely unreasonable. All he cared about, was that Ron wasn't nearly hurt enough yet, the boy somehow only suffering a bloody nose, a split lip and a black eye. Harry must had missed his face at some point, it didn't matter, Harry could fix that as soon as he got free of Neville and Blaise. Harry Stop It! Blaise ordered, struggling to restrain the boy who lived, who was clawing and spitting things in parseltongue, fighting to attack Ron who had crawled away from Harry, looking as panicked as Harry looked insane. Ron staggered to his feet, looking almost disoriented, blinking at the sea of accusing eyes with a sense of welling panic. Ron... Ginny whispered, her voice horrified. Ron did you do that!? she demanded watching as Harry was sedated by Severus, a stunning spell first, and then a sleeping potion to keep him out, Blaise and Neville panting as they nursed bruises and scratches, and even bite marks. ...No. Ron whispered, his eyes fixing on Draco with a feeling of illness. ...No I didn't.... but he knew no one believed him, who would believe him after something like that? It wasn't me. but he sounded more like he was trying to convince himself, rather than anyone else. ...It wasn't me... he muttered swallowing thickly as he watched both Harry and Draco lift onto invisible stretchers and float away to the hospital wing. Ron trembling as he turned away from Snape, who was ordering Ron to the hospital wing for an examination. He didn't need an exam, he needed to find a dark corner to curl up in and die. Mister Weasley. the twinkling eyes of the headmaster where not so twinkly when he looked down at Ron over his crooked nose. I need to have a word with you. all Ron could manage was a nod. ------------------------------------ It took forever for Harry to drag himself out of the smothering darkness of depression and unconsciousness, fighting the sleeping potion tooth and nail and slowly clawing his way to the surface until he finally reached the bright light that was the Hospital Wing. Groaning as he rolled onto his side. His hand hurt, a lot, flexing his fingers, he winced as he felt bone grating against bone and waves of utter agony rushing through him. He'd broken his fist, he must have struck the stone floor a few times instead of Ron's face. The lucky little bastard had missed a good few of Harry's strongest punches. Harry swallowed thickly, and slowly began to sit up, ignoring the dizzy waves that floated around inside of his head. Looking around he frowned a little trying to find Draco, or Madam Pomfry, or Blaise, or Neville...someone who could tell him how Draco was. Awake already huh? Neville asked, slipping out of a curtained bed, Draco's bed if Neville's ashen face was any indication. or should I say finally? he teased smiling at Harry. You've been out for three days mate. he admitted sitting next to Harry's bed. Snape was worried he overdosed you. Harry stared at Neville for a long moment, confused. Three days? How could he have been sleeping for three days when Ron wasn't nearly bloody enough, when Draco was hurt, when he felt that white hot fury eating him alive even now? How could he have slept for three days and left Draco to suffer alone!? Why had no one woke him!? Why did no one seam to understand!? Harry?Neville asked, looking a little nervous when Harry's mood seemed to darken almost instantly his head tilted a little. Ha..Harry? Hows Draco? Harry finally asked, looking at Neville who bit his lip, looking upset. He...well he... he hasn't woken up yet. Madam Pomfry said he might never wake up. Neville admitted looking as sad as Harry felt. and before you get all pissed off, Ron is in Dumbledore's custody right now, so you won't be able to kick his ass even if you do manage to make it all the way to the Gryffindor common room. Harry seemed to deflate at the news, a deep sulking depression welling up inside of him as he let off a small sob, covering his face with his hands as he curled up, hiding his hands in his knees as he began to sob. As if he was trying to hide the fact that he was crying. Neville wasn't sure what to do, but he gripped his Gryffindor courage by the reins and hesitantly pulled Harry into his chest, letting harry sob out his fury and his grief into Neville's chest. He cried himself to sleep again, giving into the dragging hold of the sleeping potion still flitting through his veins. He woke again much later, when it was dark and quiet. Everyone was gone, Madam Pomfry in bed, Draco's curtains still firmly closed and Neville and Blaise in their own dorms, pacing restlessly in terror that Draco was going to die. Harry, my boy. a soft, worried voice came from Harry's bedside, Harry flinching before relaxing, turning to look at Dumbledore. Professor.. Harry muttered, swallowing thickly as he stared at the headmaster, Dumbledore smiling gravely at him. Harry we need to talk you an I. he admitted softly. about what happened when Draco fell. he looked startled when Harry snarled. You and I both know, sir... that Draco did not 'fall' off that balcony. Nor did he jump, Draco would never commit suicide like that...he was PUSHED sir, and you know it! yes...but not by Ronald Weasley. Dumbledore stated calmly, Harry hissing in furious parseltongue, the tone so venomous even Dumbledore wanted to cringe. Harry, I questioned him in front of Severus, using the strongest truth potion Severus had. Dumbledore explained calmly. Ronald Weasley did not push Draco. There are ways around the Truth Potion Professor. Harry hissed bitterly, his eyes alive with rage. Ron's been going on for WEEKS about how Draco was corrupting me! How Draco was taking me away! How Draco had to be 'dealt with!' don't you DARE tell me this wasn't Ron's fault! If the bastard didn't push Draco himself then he told someone else to do it! and Harry would not be convinced of otherwise, unless Draco himself woke up and told Harry otherwise. Dumbledore sighed and nodded as he patted Harry's knee. Alright my boy. As it stands, he will be staying in my personal quarters until all of this is settled, to make sure that he does not run afoul of anyone also intending to take revenge. he explained. If Mister Weasley did indeed push Draco, then he will be sent to Azakaban as is proper. he promised. but until we can be one hundred percent certain that it was Ron, no action will be taken against him. Bullshit! It was him and you know it! You KNOW it was him! Harry shrieked, glaring at him violently. Just leave! Get out of here! Harry demanded, searching for his wand or something heavy to throw, the paintings on the walls quivering. Alright Harry, alright. Dumbledore stated with a small, sad sigh. Please try to calm your temper alright? People can't help you, or Draco, if your going to be shaking the walls every time you see them.. he nodded to Harry and left, Harry just snarling as he ripped the blankets off his legs and headed over to the curtained area, carefully slipping inside and carefully sitting on the stone floor next to the bed. Draco.. Harry whispered, gently resting his head on Draco's hand. Don't worry Draco, I'll make sure he suffers for doing this to you. he promised smiling a little as he nuzzled the others hand. I'll make sure of it. he promised smiling as he kissed Draco's lips, which were as cold as stone, his face as motionless as rock. He reminded Harry of the marble statues he had once seen in a muggle museum. It was not a comforting thought. He crawled back into his own bed and went back to sleep, awaiting the day that Draco would wake up and tell them all what had happened so Harry could beat the shit out of Ron without getting in trouble for it. Harry was amazed he hadn't already gotten in trouble, he supposed temporary insanity was a good excuse not to get in trouble. When he woke there where voices again, Pomfry, and someone else...someone Harry knew but couldn't quite place. He forced his eyes open and examined the visitor, Ginny Weasley! oh...she was probably there to scold him for beating up her brother too, but instead of scowling when she saw he was awake, she adopted a worried, expression. Oh Harry you're awake! Good you weren't the last time I came to visit. she admitted shaking her head. Oh harry i'm so sorry about Draco! If I had known what Ron was going to do I would have stopped him! her dark green eyes filled with tears as Harry stared at her startled. What do you mean? Harry demanded, scowling a little as Ginny fidgeted nervously. oh, well uhm... you see he's been going on for the last couple of days about having a plan... she admitted. I didn't bother thinking about it too much, I never did care what the older students where doing but... I mean.. I never thought he would stoop to something like this! she admitted staring down at her hands. I hope you won't hate me too for this... she admitted softly. I don't think I could handle it if you hated me too. So it really had been Ron. Harry had known it, the fucking little bastard had done it and everyone knew it! He'd been going on for weeks about dirty Draco and his corrupting ways. Had been talking about a plan for days before it had happened.... Harry knew it had been Ron. He scowled darkly and Ginny winced at his sour expression. I'm sorry Harry i'll leave... she muttered sadly, Harry grabbing her arm before she could even get out of her seat. no, Gin it's alright...please stay. Harry didn't want to be alone. Being alone made bad things happen, being alone made him remember, being alone, made him remember how utterly furious he was at everything. So, Ginny stayed, and Harry and her talked about various things until Draco and Blaise came to see them. A week passed, Ginny told him all about Ron's recent suspicious behavior, only further infuriating Harry as the story was backed up by several others, Gryffindor's, Huffelpuff's, even a few Ravenclaw's told him that Ron had been planning something, been complaining about Draco and Harry, been sulking in dark corners. It made Harry utterly furious that he was the only person who seemed to know for a fact that it was Ron who had hurt Draco. Ginny stayed by his side almost constantly, trying to cheer him up, trying to distract him, trying to make him laugh and sometimes she even succeeded. Harry was very glad she was there, she kept him steady and calm as he saw almost constant reminders that Draco was laying in a bed, dying. Harry was glad she was there, to keep him from going insane, she was his best friend, save for Blaise and Neville who often took Harry out into town for a good strong butterbeer or fire whiskey, or even a mulled meed when they could get away with it. Despite all of that Harry felt lost, and troubled as he walked the halls of Hogwarts without Draco, feeling a welling depression welling up inside of him. He couldn't last without Draco. So long as there was a chance that Draco would live, harry thought he would be alright...but if Draco died...he knew he was not going to be far behind. So he was thrice as glad when Neville and Blaise burst into the library late one evening, interrupting his tutoring of Ginny to inform him that Draco had woken up. He raced through the halls, bowling over anyone who dared to get in his way and rushed into the Hospital wing, where Draco was sitting...sort of, he was propped up by what looked like hundreds of pillows, sipping a nutrition potion, which was held by Neville, through a straw. DRACO! Harry cried out, diving for the other side of the bed, picking up the others hand and feeling it. Warm, Draco was WARM, Draco was BETTER! Draco was AWAKE! He felt like singing at the top of his lung, felt like dancing, he felt like kissing Draco all over, dragging him into an empty cupboard and shagging him senseless! But instead, he burst into relieved tears and pulled the other into a tight hug, so relieved to have him back. Harry, I can't breath! Draco complained, Harry laughing at the common complaint as Harry wiped his eyes and released Draco so the poor blond could finish the nutrition potion. Calm down Harry, I know I've been asleep for a while but i'm alright now. he promised smiling at Harry. so fill me in? he ordered his head tilted as Harry nodded. We have Ron in custody! Harry stated calmly. I gave him a good few hits, but they pulled me off before I could actually damage him too much, but I think I might get in a few more good punches! I've made friends with Ginny, she and Blaise and Neville where about the only things that kept me from going insane and blowing up the castle while you where out.. and I...Dray? What's wrong? You look upset... Harry, Ron isn't the one who pushed me. Draco stated, staring at Harry who gaped at Draco. He... he isn't!? But.. but he had a plan! And he's been trying to 'deal with you' for weeks! I.. I don't... Harry, Ron hasn't been trying to do me in, he's been meeting with me secretly for several weeks to decide if I had you under imperio or a personality changing potion. Draco explained looking rather amused. He's been 'dealing' with me by talking to me and trying to make me let you go of whatever spell or potion I had you under. he explained Harry's eyes wide and horrified. But.. I punched him! HARD! he complained. I punched an innocent person! Oh my god! he paused. wait...then who pushed you!? You said Weasley... Yeah, that's because it was.... and there, he infuriatingly hesitated.