A Decision
April 13th
As Harry was heading to school, he heard some kid ranting about the volleyball rally. Half-way through the school day, they were sent to the gym for the rally.
Harry and Ron watched as the students went against the teachers. Ron yawned, “Bloody boring.”
Harry nodded and noticed the girl, ‘Parkinson’ sitting off to the side. He felt ill thinking of the version of her in the Palace. He felt sorry for the girl. No matter what she did, she didn’t deserve to be seen like a doll. Especially by a teacher.
He heard a commotion and snapped his head just in time to see Crouch strike the ball. It was straight into a boy’s face. He heard gasping and whispering as people stared in shock.
Crouch rushed over, “Sorry!” He helped the boy sit up, “Someone, get the nurse!”
As the students rushed to do as told, Ron glared at the man. He turned to Harry, “Don’t worry, we’ll make him pay.”
After the rally finished, Ron was fuming. He paced back and forth with growing irritation.
“That asshole!” He ranted, “This whole rally is just some ego boost for that shitty-” He inhaled sharply, “We don’t have time for this.” He turned to Harry, “Let’s go find those students.”
Harry nodded.
They approached one of the boys, “Oi, Goldstein!”
The boy in question flinched and turned sharply to the pair. He had clear and visible bruising on his face. He narrowed his eyes, “What-What do you two want.”
“Where did you get that bruise?” Harry asked as gently as possible.
Goldstein looked uncomfortable and conflicted, “Just practice.”
Ron chimed in, “Looks bloody painful for ‘just practice’.”
Goldstein glared at him, “Maybe if you didn’t abandon football, you’d understand. Leave me alone.” He walked away.
“Bloody hell!” Ron slumped and turned to Harry, “Let’s split up. Y’know, cover more ground.”
Harry nodded and Ron told him the names of people to find. Predictably, no one seemed to want to talk to him. He was on to the last guy on his list.
“Look, I don’t know what you’re talking about! Is this about Longbottom? He just trains with Crouch more.”
“Longbottom?” Harry questioned and the boy fidgeted.
“Nevermind.” He rushed away. Harry pulled out his phone and saw he had a text from Ron.
No luck. Let’s meet up at the courtyard.
Harry quickly headed there. He seemed to get there first, so he waited.
“Hey, you!” Harry turned to see Parkinson standing with her arms crossed, “Can I talk to you?”
Harry was unsure, “Uh-”
“It’ll be quick,” She interrupted, “I want to talk about a couple things. Like how you lied about being sick the other day.”
“Um-”
“What do you want, Parkinson?!” Ron’s voice boomed. Harry looked over her shoulder as she turned to face him.
She scowled, “I couldn’t ask you the same, Weasley. What are you planning to do to Professor Crouch?”
Ron narrowed his eyes, “Oh, I get it. Since you’re all friendly with Crouch and all.”
She rolled her eyes, “This has nothing to do with you.”
“If only you knew what he was really like. You’d dump him on the spot.”
Parkinson narrowed her eyes, “What’s that suppose to mean?”
Ron seemed to realize his error and sighed, “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Well,” She began harshly, “Rumors about you two has already been going around. No one’s going to help you. Just warning you.” She walked away angrily.
Ron huffed, “Why does she have to be so agressive all the time?”
“She seemed…Annoyed,” Harry told him. Ron rolled his eyes,
“Yeah, she’s like that.” He shook his head, “Anyway, find anything?”
Harry shook his head before he paused, “Something about Longbottom spending extra time with Crouch.”
Ron’s eyes widened, “Longbottom…I always see him with a bunch of bruises, but I thought it was because I always see him trip and he is kinda accident prone. Let’s go talk to him!” He rushed off and Harry hurried to follow.
Thsy caught up to Longbottom before he could leave. Harry realized it was the boy Crouch hit with a volleyball this morning.
“You got a second?” Was all Ron asked, but the boy was instantly on guard.
“Weasly,” He looked at Harry, “And you, too. What do you want?”
“Is Crouch abusing you?” Ron said bluntly. Longbottom looked taken aback.
“Of-Of course not!” He stammered.
Ron was undeterred, “We saw him spike you this morning!”
Longbottom turned red, “That’s-I’m just not good at the game!”
“You look really bruised up.” Harry piped up. The boy darted his eyes as if to make sure no one was around.
“I-”
“What’s going on here?” Crouch’s voice boomed, “Longbottom, aren’t you coming to practice?”
Longbottom shrunk in on himself, “I-I’m not feeling well-”
“Maybe you should just quit,” Crouch suggested and the boy’s eyes widened.
Ron stepped forward, “He said he’s not feeling well!”
“I-I’ll go.” Longbottom spoke and Crouch grinned,
“Good. And, as for you two,” He turned to Harry and Ron, “You two are on thin ice. Stop acting out. And, Potter, the Headmistress told you to stay out of trouble.”
“You have a good spike.” Harry couldn’t help but comment.
Crouch narrowed his eyes, “Just don’t get in my way.” He turned back to Longbottom, “Go get dressed.” He stalked off.
Long bottom turned back to the other two, “Proving he’s abusing us won’t solve anything. No one cares. You, of all people, should understand.” He walked away as Ron’s breath hitched.
“What now?” Harry asked.
Ron breathed in, “I’ll try to get them to tell us tomorrow. It’s all I can do, after all.”
4/14
In the courtyard, Daphne walked up to Pansy, who sat at a bench. Daphne looked tired and had a bruise above her eye.
Pansy looked concerned, “That bruise-”
“It’s just from practice!” Daphne rushed to say.
Pansy pursed her lips, “Are you sure you’re not being pushed too hard?”
Daphne shook her head, “Volleyball’s the only thing I’m good at…” She trailed off.
“Daph-” A ringing cut her off.
“Shouldn’t you get that?”
“It’s just my part-time job,” Pansy told her before frowning slightly, “...I think.”
Daphne frowned, “I should go, anyway. Practice.”
Pansy bit her lip, “Daphne…Be careful.” She watched sorrowfully as her best friend walked away. She sighed and answered her phone.
“Today’s not good.” Pansy said as she watched Daphne’s retreating form, “I don’t feel very well.”
—-
As Harry headed up to the roof that afternoon, he saw a somber-looking girl in his path. She looked up.
“Oh, am I in your way? I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright.” Harry placated.
She looked him up and down, “Oh, you must be the new student…” She trailed off.
Harry braced himself for a comment about how he was a criminal when she spoke up, “Don’t let those comments get to you.”
“What?” Harry was stunned.
“My friend has rumors spread about her as well. No one deserves that.” She smiled, “I have to go to practice, but I’ll see you around.”
When he met up with Ron, his friend was visibly frustrated, “They all said the same thing! Crouch must’ve told them something!”
“What are we going to do? We can’t go to the cops or anyone else.” Harry asked.
Ron huffed, “We have to do something!”
Something came to Harry’s mind and he smirked, “How about we punish the king?”
Ron blinked, “You mean that other world’s Crouch?” He contemplated for a moment, “Could we really-”
“I finally found you!” That familiar high pitched voice spoke.
Ron looked around, “Did you hear something?”
A pure white cat jumped up onto the table in front of them, “Did you really think I’d let you go without you paying me back?”
“...Hedwig?” Harry asked.
Ron looked at him, “The monster cat?”
“I’m not a monster nor am I a cat!” The cat jumped.
Ron jumped, “The cat talked!”
“I said I’m not a cat! This just happened when I came to this world!” Hedwig said as she licked her paws.
Ron looked dumbfounded, “You have a phone?”
The cat seemed to roll her eyes, “I don’t need a phone. I’m just that good!”
“How can you talk?” Ron asked.
“How should I know?!” Hedwig shouted back.
Ron looked to Harry, “You hearing this?”
Harry shrugged, “...Meow?”
“This is no time to joke!”
“You guys are having a rough time about this, aren’t you?” Hedwig interrupted, “I heard you talking about witnesses.”
Ron narrowed his eyes, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Hedwig moved closer, “You know, I can help you.”
Distantly, the three heard a faculty member talking to another, “I heard a meow! The cat’s gotta be somewhere around here.”
“This just seems like busy work.”
“Meow?” Ron questioned, “Does that mean only me and Harry can hear you?”
“Seems so.”
“What the hell is going on?” Ron muttered before carrying on, “Are you serious, though? About helping us?” He seemed to realize something, “Maybe we should head up to the roof.”
He picked up Hedwig by the scruff, “Stuff her in your bag.”
“Don’t be so rough!” She complained.
Harry did what he was told and they headed up to the roof.
After Hedwig got out of the bag, she continued, “Harry was close when he implied you could use the other world to ‘punish the king’. You’ll need to attack his castle.”
“What do you mean?” Ron asked.
Hedwig rolled her eyes, “That castle is how Crouch views this school. While he doesn’t know what happens in there, it’s still deeply connected to the depths of his heart. Therefore, if the castle disappears, it would still impact the real Crouch.”
Ron crossed his arms, “What will happen?”
“A Palace is the physical manifestation of a person’s desires. So, if the castle would disappear…”
“His desires would too.” Harry realized. Hedwig seemed to grin,
“You catch on quick,” She said.
Ron’s eyes widened, “So he’ll become good! …Still, isn’t that letting him off easy?”
“If we erase the Palace, we’ll effectively forcing him to have a Change Of Heart. But just because his desires disappear, doesn’t mean his crimes will. With his Change Of Heart, he’ll be unable to bear the weight of his crimes and he’ll confess himself.”
“That’s possible?” Harry asked as Ron’s face filled with amazement.
Hedwig seemed to be amused by their reactions, “And, with the Palace no longer standing, he’ll forget what we did there too. There will be no trace of our involvement when we take him down.”
Ron grinned, “You are the best cat ever!”
Hedwig scowled, “I’m not a cat!” She gave a slight smile, “But thank you.”
“How do we get rid of the Palace?” Harry asked.
“We have to steal its Treasure.” She informed them, “I’ll tell you more once you two agree with the plan. It is the most valuable thing I have, after all. So? What do you think?”
Ron rubbed his neck, “Well, we have no luck with witnesses…”
Harry nodded, “We have no choice.”
“Wait!” Hedwig exclaimed, “There is one more thing you need to know before you make your choice.”
The two leaned forwards.
“If we erase the Palace, the distorted desires of its owner will no doubt be erased along with it. However, desires are integral to survival. It’s how we have the will to function everyday. If it were to vanish, they’d be no different than someone who's completely shut down. They might even die if no one helps them. So-”
“They might die?!” Ron shouted. Harry’s eyes had widened at the thought of killing someone, “Would their death be our fault?”
“Are you not prepared to take that risk?” Hedwig asked, tone completely serious.
“What do you think?” Ron turned to Harry.
Harry bit his lip, “I don’t want to kill him.”
Ron nodded, “I agree. Even if he’s-”
“It’s not like anyone will find out!” Hedwig interrupted.
“That’s not the point!” Ron shouted. Harry nodded, “We can’t just do whatever we want! We’d be no better than Crouch!”
“Isn’t this the only option you have?” Hedwig sighed, “I’ll come back later. Make sure of your decision by then.” Hedwig left, leaving the two boys behind to ponder.
Ron sighed, “Let’s talk about this tomorrow. I can’t even think right now.” Harry nodded and they both headed to their respective trains.
As Harry got off his first train, he headed to his last. That’s when he heard a familiar voice shout.
“Can you leave me alone?!” He turned to see Parkinson talking angrily on the phone, “I told you, I’m not feeling well…”
Suddenly, her eyes widened, “That’s not what we agreed on! Some teacher you are! This has nothing to do with Daphne!”
The person on the other line seemed to hang up and Parkinson leaned against the wall, distraught, “Daphne’s starting position.”
Harry hesitantly walked up to the girl, “Are…you alright?”
“Do I look alright?!” She snapped before her eyes widened, “Wait, were you listening?”
“I didn’t mean to-”
“Haven’t you heard of privacy?” She then sighed, “No, I was out of line. I’m sorry.” She wiped her eyes, “How much did you hear?”
Harry hesitated, “Something about a friend.”
“Daph…” She trailed off before turning defensive, “Look, it’s none of your business!” She hurried off.
Harry was concerned. She didn’t seem in any state to get home safe. So he did the one thing he could think of. He rushed after her.
When he found her, she was sobbing in an alleyway. When she saw him, she gave him a tense look, “What? Here for gossip?”
“You look like you need someone.” He told her honestly.
She looked at him, tears in her eyes, “Why? Why do you care?”
Harry looked around, “Let’s go somewhere safe.”
As they sat down at the table in a nearby empty cafe, Parkinson folded her arms, “I don’t have anything to say. It was just an argument.”
“With Crouch?” Harry couldn’t help but ask.
She sighed, “So you heard everything.”
She took a deep breath.
“You’ve heard the rumors, I’m guessing? About me…And Crouch. They say me and him are…” She didn’t need to finish for Harry to understand the implication.
“You were right, though, that was him on the phone…”
Pansy seemed to avoid Harry’s gaze.
“I-I didn’t want to give him my number. I used every excuse in the book, but,” She bit her lip, “He was persistent.”
Pansy took a sip of water, but Harry could see her hands were shaking. He didn’t dare interrupt her, though.
“He wanted me to come to his house today, but I refused.” She sounded almost guilty.
“Then, he threatened to take Daphne off the team.” She sniffed, “She loves Volleyball and…I love her.” She confessed.
“I tried for so long not to tell my friends. They mean well, but they’d just make it worse. And the teachers don’t care. Plus, the students would say I was asking for it. Or no one would believe me.” She brushed tears from her eyes.
“I thought I could handle it on my own. But I can’t take it anymore! I hate him!” Harry was glad that no else was at the diner to judge her.
“I just-What do I do?” Pansy stared at Harry, almost pleadingly. Harry clutched his hands, having no answers to give the crying girl.
She quickly looked away from him, “I-I’m sorry, this isn’t your problem. I don’t even know you!” She let out a little wet laugh.
“Maybe, that’s why you told me,” Harry told the girl, “Because, I can’t exactly judge you.”
“Maybe.” She agreed before looking back at him, “You’re not really like the rumors portrayed you. Are you really a bad person?”
Harry gave a crooked smile, “I-I’m bad to the bone!” He joked and she laughed.
“Okay, you're too dorky to be bad!” Her laughing subsided and she sighed, “I just wish he’d…forget about me, y’know?”
“Maybe he can.” Pansy laughed again,
“I wasn’t being serious! I know it’s not realistic.” She stood and grabbed her water. As she went to leave, she paused, “Thanks, by the way.”
—
Daphne was heading home for the day when Longbottom approached her.
“Greengrass, are you leaving?”
She nodded, “What do you want?”
He rubbed his arm, “Mr. Crouch is asking for you…” He trailed off, “He’s in the PE faculty office.”
“What did I do?”
He hesitated, “I don’t know, he didn’t say. I have to go.” He ran off, leaving Daphne alone with her dread building.
—
Sirius sighed when he saw Harry come in, “You’re late. I was worried something happened.”
Harry winced, “Sorry, trains got delayed.”
Sirius nodded, “Well, go get some rest.”
Harry did as he was told and hoped tomorrow would prove to be a better day.
How wrong he was.