The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

Professor McGonagall

Harry and Carson walked to Professor McGonagall's office, Harry still angry about what had happened, and Carson still trying to recover from the memories replaying in his head. When they arrived, Harry nearly kicked the door down and waltzed in, Carson following behind.

McGonagall looked at the two in wary, as she took the note from Harry after he nearly forced it into her hands.

"Is this true? Did you shout at Professor Umbridge?"

"Yeah. She called me a liar!"

"My dear boy, do use your common sense! Umbridge is reporting directly to Fudge. She is here to...interfere...with Dumbledore. And things could get much worse, trust me. Use with caution, always Potter, Marshall. Do not mess with Dolores Umbridge, she is dangerous. The order's hands are tied at Hogwarts, Harry, Carson. If you get too deep into trouble, we may not be able to get you out. Do you understand?"

"Yes Professor."

"Good. Off you go Potter, Mr. Marshall please stay a minute."

Harry exited the room as Carson sat down in a chair, facing the professor.

"Mr. Marshall, if you so ever need to talk about the...graveyard, please do not hesitate to come to me. I can tell you still have some hard feelings to deal with about that night." Professor McGonagall told the boy, as she got up to escort him to the common room. Carson followed her and before they left the office, suddenly enveloped her in a hug, one she returned back immediately.

"Thank you professor. Can I stay another minute? I don't think I'm ready to go back. Not yet."

"Of course Mr. Marshall, let all of it out." Professor McGonagall reassured, as Carson started talking about that night.

"I felt the pain of the curse. Not right away though, only after I had come back. Every time someone brings it up or I think about it, the pain comes back. The pain, It's worse than the cruciatus curse professor. And now whenever I walk down the halls everyone stares and starts whispering about me. Like I'm a freak." Carson stated, as Professor McGonagall nodded, encouraging him to continue. She had truly felt bad for the boy. He didn't deserve to have all of this happen to him.

"I was just a pawn, the whole year. I was entered in a competition that killed me, one I had no interest in. Dumbledore could've done something! He's Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard! There could've been some loophole that meant we didn't have to have done this. But he made us compete, all year. Just to get to Harry. Madam Pomfrey gave me a dreamless sleep potion, but they only work for the night, during the day if someone brings it up all of it comes back. I just want to forget about that night. But I cant." He vented, and Professor McGonagall sat in silence, letting him get it all out.

"I wonder what would've happened if I didn't go with Harry. Like what if he took the cup by himself? Nothing would be too much different. I wouldn't have all this pain and a scar on my chest. Harry would've come back but without me dead. I wouldn't have minded losing."

"Carson, you are very brave. Most people would not have been able to have done what you did. You did quite well in the tournament, and you came back to life. You are a true Gryffindor. You stayed with Mr. Potter and fought with him. That sets you apart, most people would've taken the portkey back. You stayed loyal to your friend."

"That makes you special Carson." Professor McGonagall told him, as a smile crept up on his face.

"Thank you."

"Now, I suggest you head back to the common room. I expect Miss Granger is worried."