The Real Truth

Series 2 Chapter 15

The Real Truth
Series 2 Chapter 15

Harry was reading a particularly interesting book on parselmagic when Hermione peaked in through the door.

"Harry?"

He looked up from his book, "hm?"

"I... I need to talk to you."

Perplexed, Harry put the book down and sat up, "What's up Hermione?"

"Ummm...."

Hermione closed the door softly and walked in. She paused for a bit before deciding to sit down by Harry on the sofa.

"How did you deal with it all?" She asked in a quiet voice.

"What do you mean?"

"I- well... When you found out the truth... when you started to... change... how did you do it so easily?"

"You mean, when I found out that everything father said was true?"

Hermione gave a weak nod and pulled her legs up, rapping her arms around them and resting her head on her knees.

"Well... I guess I had been expecting it for awhile. I think by biggest turning point was when I found out Dumbledore had been lying about the prophecy. Ever since the Department of Mysteries when I refused to kill him I'd started thinking about everything. When I did, the first thing I wanted to do was stop. I didn't want to accept that my life might have been a lie, that I'd been lied to about everything. I just had to learn to ignore what was drilled into my head by Dumbledore and his followers. Like when I found out I was a wizard, I had to realize that I'd grew up with lies from the Dursleys. When I got my memories back they confirmed everything, and-... when- when I saw Dumbledore kill our mother... There was really only one thought crossed my mind. I wanted him dead. So it was that day that I decided I would join the dark side. So I could avenge her and kill Dumbledore along with father."

"But how could you possibly decide that?" Hermione asked, "Sure, he never turned out to be trying to kill you but he did so many other things. He's ruined countless people's lives, not to mention murdering Cedric-" She slapped a hand over her mouth.

Harry's jaw clenched and he took a deep breath.

"Harry- I so sorry! I- I didn't mean to say that! I-"

Harry held his hand up and took another breath. He turned to Hermione, a sad smile on his face, "It's fine Hermione. I know you didn't mean it."

Hermione nodded, they sat in silence for a moment.

"It was hard," Harry began, "Cedric meant a lot to me and after seeing him killed by Voldemort..." He shook his head, "There were times that I thought I'd be betraying him, having joined his murderer. Though, now, when I look back on it, I think it's what Cedric would've wanted me to do. He was the most loyal person I knew, typical of a hufflepuff, and if he'd found out about Dumbledore's betrayal while he was still alive, I think he would've supported me in joining our father."

Harry looked up. He missed Cedric a lot, he was a good friend even before they had started dating. Though Harry held no romantic feeling for him anymore, and when looking back, he'd only wished for the return of a good friend. Besides, he had Draco now.