Harry Potter and the Order Of the Phoenix [92]
“Your situation did not just improve,” said Professor McGonagall to Harry. “Why are there two of you?”
“Well professor…” started Harry. He decided to go back to his original story that he, Ron, and Hermione had created them as copies for one of their dates to go with to a dance. Professor McGonagall didn’t buy this story as easily as the others did.
“There have been no dances announced Mr. Potter,” she said. “What made you think there was one?”
Harry should have expect that. Of course a Hogwarts teacher would know that there were no planned dances! Seeing that he was having trouble, Ron spoke.
“There was a rumor,” he blurted out. “A rumor that a dance was coming up. I guess our dates just wanted to be sure they had us!” He gave a weak laugh, and Harry and Hermione tried to join in, but they were too worried about what Professor McGonagall’s reaction was going to be.
“I cannot imagine anything more foolish than what you did,” she said. “After the spider attack two days ago, you would think that people would be more alert in what they do! How long have you had these clones?”
“Just a few hours,” lied Harry.
“Well then, no serious damage could have been done. Why are you making so much racket then?”
“Well, we realized that we have no way to get rid of them once we’re done with them,” said Harry. “We don’t want to kill them, and they can’t stay, so we’re stuck.” Professor McGonagall shook her head.
“You three, well… six rather, have no idea how many times this predicament has come up, especially in this school.”
“You mean this has happened before?” asked Harry, curious.
“Oh, countless times!” she exclaimed. “In fact, the year just before you three arrived, we had a situation exactly like this.”
“Well what did you do?” asked Hermione.
“We sent the clones off to the Ministry of Cloning of course!” she said.
“What’s that?” asked Harry.
“They keep clones of people there. They watch over them, and let them live out their natural lives as best they can. They sometimes change their appearance, and send them out into the world if they think they can handle it.”
“I don’t want to be sent to some kind of zoo!” said Harry’s clone. “Where I’m changed around and evaluated!”
“Would you rather die then?” asked Professor McGonagall. Harry’s clone immediately closed his mouth, and shook his head.
“Well then, we should try and get you out of here as soon as possible, we don’t want another panic. You three,” she pointed to the clones, “see me in my office in a few minutes, I will have the Knight Bus ready.” She walked out of the common room, but before she stepped out, “Weasley and Potter! Get to bed now! You have a game tomorrow!” She closed the door.
“Well then,” said Harry’s clone, “I guess this is goodbye.”
“I’m really sorry,” said Harry.
“No, don’t be,” said his clone. “While my existence may only be only a copy of another, I at least have an existence, and I can be thankful for that.”
That response took Harry by surprise, and he didn’t say anything as his, Ron’s and Hermione’s clone walked out of the common room to Professor McGonagall’s office. When the door closed, Ron gave a sigh a relief.
“Oh man, am I glad that went well,” he said.
“I can’t believe I didn’t remember about the Ministry of Cloning,” said Hermione. “Even though they’re not too well known, I still should have remembered. I guess I have to study my History of Magic more.”
Harry and Ron shook their heads, and walked up to their dormitories. Harry got dressed, and collapsed on his bed. As he did, he heard something crinkle, and dreaded what it was. He got up, and saw that he landed on a piece of parchment. Harry picked it up, and read it. It said: “I still know what you did, Potter, and you’ll pay for it tomorrow.”
Harry groaned, crumpled up the paper, and collapsed on his bed again, falling asleep almost immediately.
* * *
Harry