ready to go?' The Headmaster sounded so calm, so completely at ease, that Harry wanted to punch him in the face. Wanted to send another stream of memory at him, the same one racing through Harry's mind right now. Wanted to see him flinch.
But none of that would help Ron.
Swallowing down his fear, Harry nodded. 'I . . . okay. Floo?'
Nodding, Dumbledore rose and gestured for Harry to precede him to the fireplace.
'I . . . don't you think it would be better if you went through first?' Harry grimaced at the shakiness in his voice, but plowed on regardless. 'If Malfoy's there, he might . . . I mean . . . I would rather you were there first. In case he tries anything.'
'Of course, Harry.' Dumbledore laid a hand on his shoulder, and it was all Harry could do not to leap away from him. 'Don't worry. No one will hurt you. There's no need to be afraid.'
Harry looked away. He wasn't just afraid; he was
But maybe, after their 'talk' last week, Dumbledore was more anxious about Harry's frayed nerves than usual. Maybe he wanted to be the comforting type now, a role Harry had decided a long time ago was never going to happen, not for him. He knew Dumbledore just wanted him as a weapon to fight Voldemort. That was his own role, and he had pretty much accepted that, despite what he told Severus. And for Dumbledore to now get all mushy on him . . . well, that just wasn't on.
Still, it wasn't like he wanted to argue about it either, and if Dumbledore wanted to be 'caring' and all, then Harry would use it. 'I'd feel much better if you'd go first, sir,' he said.
'Very well. But come through immediately afterwards. It's very important, for Weasley especially.'
'Yes, sir. Of course.'
In seconds, the Headmaster had called out, 'Ministry Inquisitor's Office' and gone through the Floo, with the packet of Ron's letters to him gripped in his hand. Harry stared at the fireplace, and took a handful of Floo powder with a shaking hand. He wasn't sure what lay on the other side of this ride, but he would be willing to bet it wasn't just about Ron.
Holding his breath, he stepped into the fireplace, threw the powder down, and called out the destination.
When he tumbled from the fireplace into the little office, and pried his stinging eyes open, the first thing he saw was Lucius Malfoy, with his wand pointed at Harry's head. Right beside him, wand steady and wearing a grim smile, was Albus Dumbledore, doing the very same thing.
TBC . . . .
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A/N: My apologies. I've been a bit under the weather lately and so have not been getting chapters out with anything like my usual speed. I do appreciate everyone's continued support of this story.
Sorry for the cliffie, honest, but each of the next few chapters will likely have one, as we close in on the climax of the tale. I hope this chapter explained the situation adequately; let me know if there is any confusion. I should have the next one out early next week.
*Chapter 38*: Chapter 38
Walk the Shadows – Chapter 38
By jharad17
