The Chamber of Desire [ Tomarry

What He Doesn't Know...

Harry walked down to the Charms classroom in slight turmoil. He might feel like this was his fault, but he didn't want to apologize to Lockhart. Harry was smart. He knew that if he apologized, Lockhart would think that he had the authority to do something worse to Harry. It's bullshit.

As he walked, he could hear the portraits asking him if he was alright. Knight Cadogan even offered to behead anyone who hurt him. Harry smiled softly while telling them that he had read a sad part of a book and wanted to tell Tom. They didn't seem to believe him, but they left him alone.

Walking through the door to Charms was like entering the gates of hell. His hair was still wet, he was wearing Tom's jumper and yoga pants, and Harry didn't know whether or not his eyes were bloodshot. They mustn't be— Tom didn't notice that he cried.

'Or he didn't care,' a tiny part of his brain said. Harry quickly shut it down.

Everyone's eyes were on him as he walked slowly up to Lockhart's desk. His arms were wrapped insecurely around his waist, and his teeth were biting at his lips. When Harry stepped in front of the desk, he desperately wanted to swipe everything off of the top, but he decided (sadly) not to.

"I'm sorry for storming out of class," Harry grumbled.

Lockhart chuckled. "One more time, but with enthusiasm, then maybe I'll forgive you."

This made Harry pissed, but he quickly squeezed his hand into a fist. "I'm sorry for storming out of class," he said, trying to sound confident, but he definitely heard his voice shake.

Lockhart smiled. "Good. I think I can let you off with a tiny warning for now. Next time, it'll be a detention."

Harry frowned deeply. 'They're allowed to give detentions?'

Without saying anything, Harry walked back to his rocking chair. He actually felt mentally defeated.

~

As soon as class ended, Harry was the first one out the door.

"Mate!" Ron yelled at him, seeing as Harry had been running for a bathroom.

Harry turned around to see all his friends running after him. "Yes?" He asked.

"Are you okay? Merlin, I never thought I'd want to punch a teacher," Hermione spoke angrily.

Fred huffed. "I second that. Actually...I think I've punched a couple teachers before..."

Everyone started speaking at the same time, and even though they were in one tiny area, the sound seemed to echo. After thirty seconds, everyone died down when they heard Neville ask about what Tom was going to do about it.

Harry looked around at all his friends' expectant faces. Of course, they weren't expecting to see Lockhart anymore— this event had totally made them lose their faith in him. "He's..." Harry started. "He's... I didn't tell him."

"You...what?" Ron asked, staring at Harry in disbelief. "But Harry, he—"

"I know what he did," Harry cut off, "and I know what he did wasn't right. If I let Tom fix this for me, I won't feel any satisfaction in fixing this for myself. I'm nineteen now, and I've got to fix my problems on my own."

"Harry, I understand, but he'd care if he knew." Draco signed, looking worried.

Harry sighed. "He was the one who told me to apologize."