241Chapter Sixty-Two
The Rumour Mill
Hogwarts:
'What is it? What's happening do you think?'
'No idea, probably Malfoy just throwing another one of his tantrums.'
'I dunno, did you see Zabini's face?'
'Did you see the blood?'
'Wait, blood? Where was the blood?'
'Are you kidding? It was all over Zabini's robes. I think—shit, sh, here they come.'
'Merlin, do you see that?'
'Bloody hell, what happened do you think?'
'He looks dead.'
'Is that…is that Potter?'
'Hey, did you hear about the fight in the Slytherin dorms?'
'No? There was a fight?'
'Pfft, a fight? More like an assassination attempt.'
'What d'you mean?'
'Only that there was blood everywhere.'
'Shove off, you're pulling my leg aren't you?'
'No, seriously! I was talking to a second year who was there and they said it looked like someone had died in there.'
'What happened?'
'The sixth years had some sort of fight in one of the dorms.'
'Bloody sixth years. Bet it had something to do with Malfoy, right?'
'And Potter. He was there.'
'What? In the Slytherin dorms?'
'That's what they said.'
'Merlin. Was he hurt?'
'I'm not sure. Apparently a whole bunch of them ended up in the Hospital Wing. Including Potter.'
'Well, in fairness, when isn't Potter in the Hospital Wing these days?'
'I thought he was still there.'
'Apparently not. Apparently he was downstairs murdering Slytherins.'
'Did you hear?'
'About what?'
'Potter tried to kill Malfoy.'
'What? No way.'
'Way. He's in the Hospital Wing. They're trying to patch him up but he might not make it.'
'Shove off.'
'No, I'm serious! I saw Snape rushing upstairs this morning. He was covered in blood.'
'Bloody hell, really?'
'Really. It was kinda scary. I'm telling you, he looked dead.'
'Hey, did you see what happened this morning?'
'No I missed it! I only saw the aftermath.'
'Damn, I was hoping you could tell me what happened. Was there really as much blood as everyone is saying?'
'More. I tell you, I'll be surprised if one of them doesn't die.'
'But what happened?'
'I heard they kidnapped Potter and tried to kill him.'
'No way.'
'I heard Potter stormed in there and just started flinging curses around.'
'Oh bullshit, that didn't happen.'
'How would you know? You said you weren't there.'
'Yeah but I'd have heard something if that was true.'
'Well then how did Potter get there?'
'No idea. Look, all I know is that afterwards, that dorm looked like a pig had been slaughtered there.'
'Oh gross, that's a nice image.'
'Well it's true.'
'Oi guys, guess what, did you hear what Potter did to Malfoy this morning?'
'I couldn't care less what Potter and Malfoy have done now, frankly I'm more concerned about my Defence assignment. Snape assigned us fifteen inches. Can you believe that? What an ass.'
'Yeah and word is he heard about that poll going around about Slughorn being the better potions teacher so you just knowhe's going to be a total nightmare this week.'
'Seriously guys, shut up, this is important.'
'Important?'
'You realise the world doesn't actually revolve around Potter and Malfoy.'
'Guys! Potter tried to kill Malfoy!'
'Wait what?'
'Hang on, how the hell could Potter kill Malfoy when he's up in the Hospital Wing right now? I heard he hasn't left his bed in days.'
'Well apparently he has. Apparently he was down in the Slytherin dorms murdering other students.'
'That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.'
'No seriously, first he tried to kill Malfoy, and then he went after the other sixth years. He was a mess. I was talking to a seventh year and there was blood everywhere. Apparently Potter just went psycho.'
'I don't believe you.'
'Whatever. It happened. I told you he was cracked.'
'Hey, did you hear about Harry?'
'Yeah, yeah, I know all about Harry and Romilda. There's no need to rub my face in it.'
'What? No! He was almost killed this morning.'
'What?'
'Yeah. There was some sort of attack. He almost died.'
'Hang on, you're saying Harry is…that Harry's…well is he okay?'
'Yeah. I mean, well, no. Apparently someone is dying, but no one knows who it is.'
'Oh my god.'
'Yeah. Word is that he was pretty messed up. I heard there was this big fight but I mean, have you seen all the accidental magic he's been pulling lately? I half wonder if he didn't do it to himself.'
'God I hope he's okay.'
'You owe me ten sickles.'
'What're you talking about?'
'It finally happened. Malfoy and Potter had a huge fight. They're in the hospital wing.'
'Well, that's not exactly unusual now is it.'
'Yeah, but this was like, a full on fight. Malfoy tried to take out Potter, only Potter got to him first.'
'What? You're cracked.'
'Nah, it's totally true. I told you, it was only a matter of time before one of them went crazy. Potter was all—'
'Oi, what the hell are you saying about Harry?'
'Shit. Um. Just that…that apparently…'
'Apparently what? Look if you're spreading rumours about Harry—'
'Ron! Ron come on we have to go, it's Harry.'
'What? What d'you mean?'
'I'll explain on the way now come on.'
…
'Bloody hell that was close.'
'Pfft. Close my ass. I could've taken him.'
'Ha! Puh-lease. Weasley would've creamed you.'
'Please, we have to see him.'
'No.'
'Please! You haven't heard what they're saying. Just…just let us see him for five minutes? Please?'
'I've already given you my answer. Now, go back to your dorm. I have patients to attend to.'
'Can't you even tell us if he's okay?'
'I'm sorry but I can't.'
'But—'
'No.'
'—I'm telling you I don't know anything, okay? By the time I heard about it everything was over.'
'Bullshit. You always know what's going on.'
'Well this time I don't, alright? Now if—'
'Oi! Parkinson!'
'Oh for the love of Merlin…Look, Weasley, before you ask, I don't know anything, okay?'
'Not even who was hurt?'
'I…no.'
'You're lying.'
'Why would I lie about that?'
'Fuck I don't know, because you Slytherin's get a kick out of making people beg? Come on just, grow a heart and tell us what you know. I'll pay you if that's what it takes.'
'You couldn't afford to pay me. Now, if you'll excuse me, but you aren't the only one with friends you're worried about. I have to go.'
'But—'
'Do you know anything?'
'No.'
'Not even if it's true?'
'No.'
'Are you okay?'
'…No.'