𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The Decision

Dusk loomed over the castle grounds. The great golden orb was now beyond the mountains that skirted about the Hogwarts property, causing the building and its surrounding tributaries to be cast into shadow. The students, who had been out on the ground while the sun shone now made their way back to the comforting warmth of the great halls.

One such person, who diligently fell into line behind the others, was none other than Harry Potter.

It was unusual to see him out and about without his right and left hand, Ron and Hermione.

His shoes were covered in a thin layer of mud caused by the rain the previous week.

He would be the last person to admit he actually felt guilty regarding Draco's sudden illness which had caused him to be stuck in the infirmary for the past week. Today, finally, the boy had awoken, and, from what he had heard, his foul temper had not returned along with him.

His eyes, dark and brooding, scanned the grounds in search for his two friends, hoping he could avoid them and get to the common room in piece and quiet and actually attempt to get some sleep tonight. He quickened his step.

As he did so, he berated himself, although with not much success.

I did everything the directions told me to do, even Draco made sure of that! The boy knows that I'm horrible when it comes to Potions.

His brows furrowed together, and he sighed. This wouldn't get him anywhere.

Noticing that his stomach was grumbling (and had, in fact been doing so for the past hour) he redirected his route so that he could swing by the back kitchens to find some food without actually having to go into the Great Hall and socialize with everyone as they ate, pretending everything was fine.

The corridors were dark and deserted, and Harry presumed most of the students (including Ron and Hermione) were now down in the Great Hall feasting upon turkey and ham and treacle tarts and pumpkin pie.

Turning left on his heal, Harry sighed and reached up as he began to tickle the green pear and watched in fascination as it began to turn into a doorknob. It never ceased to amaze him these elements of magic. He had been in the magical community for six years now, but it still held that innocence to him which made it so amazing.

Opening the door he was greeted by a flood of scents, including that of roasting ham, apple pie, and mashed potatoes. His mouth was watering by the time he actually managed to find a house elf that he could tear away from making food and his stomach was grumbling with even more painful gurgles.

"Um, Excuse me?" he questioned, leaning over the small creature that looked up at him with great beady eyes, a slight sweat shining off his brow.

"Yes, sir, is there anything Thibbly the house elf could for you, sir?" His hands were covered in a mixture of flour and cinnamon.

Smiling nervously, Harry continued, "Well, I was wondering, is Dobby about?"

Thibbly's great eyes blinked and became slate gray and he replied in a stiff, strained voice, "We house elves do not speak of Dobby today. Dobby, sir, has taken a...," he paused, and gulped, and continued in a whisper, his eyes darting, "a day off."

Thibbly flashed an apprehensive glance towards the fireplace where Winky was sobbing in the ashes, her face smeared with soot and tears.

Flushing, Harry shuffled about, and continued, "Well then. I, erm, I see. Could it be possible if you have any leftovers?"

"Leftovers? But Mr. Harry Potter needs more than leftovers! We must make him food especially!" Thibbly exclaimed, setting off towards the backrooms where Harry noticed a great burst of flame emit from a frying pan.