#I just posted 18

[into-the-midst]

Sneak Peek: Within the Hollow Crown 19

Spoilers if you haven't read Chapter 18!

“You’ll be scarred,” Harry said.

“Always.”

“I’m sorry,” Harry said again.

“Me too.”

Harry wrung his hands, still unable to break his gaze away from Draco. His lips were faintly tinged purple from whatever potions they had given him. The salve reflected the morning light coming in from the window over the bed, but also covered the full extent of what Harry had done.

He'd given Draco permanent scarring. Draco wouldn’t even be able to hide them. When people saw them, they would first see the direct result of Harry’s mistake.

“I’m so---”

They both turned at the sound of footsteps, and Draco’s eyes widened. He gestured wildly at Harry’s lap, where the cloak lay half visible. Harry made out Snape’s low drawl first, and understood the urgency. Snape had seen firsthand how near death Draco had been. Likely Hermione and Ron warned, Harry technically shouldn’t have been near Draco.

He put on the cloak and pressed back against the wall, hopefully out of the way of anyone who might approach the bed. Right as the door opened, he thought to kick Draco’s bag between his feet so it would also be hidden. Draco didn’t need to explain how he had gotten back his things.

“Because they’ll be gathered before dusk,” McGruder said. “There’s no time.”

McGruder and Snape approached the bed, and Draco averted his gaze.

“Dittany on the scarring?” McGruder asked.

When he stepped within arm’s reach of Harry, the scar on his head lit with pain. The surprise nearly resulted in a gasp, but he clenched his teeth, desperate not to give himself away. He knew this pain well. How many times had he felt it now? First year near Quirrell? Fourth in the graveyard? Fifth in the Ministry?

“As I said last night,” Snape said. “Dittany will only lessen the scarring.”

“I want it gone. You will do whatever that entails.”

“The Malfoys can source the best in cosmetic healing. When he returns home, they will find someone.”

McGruder flicked his wand. Whatever he had cast, Harry didn’t notice.

Because he knew that bone-white wand.

#I just posted 18 #so read that #then come back #sneak peek #spoilers #rough draft #i'm so excited