Outtake

A/N: Outtake from A Darker World Book One - please read that and the prologue first

That first morning of classes gave a Harry a lesson in controlling in his temper. The majority of teachers had cool attitudes towards him because of his House and his father's name. As Harry, Daphne and their guards left their Charms class and headed towards the Great Hall for lunch they made a minor detour to the girls' bathroom. Daphne went in alone. Ten minutes later she returned with anger flashing in her eyes and her lips compressed into a tight line.

'Parkinson,' she said to Harry when he raised an eyebrow at her.

'Empty?' Harry queried.

Daphne nodded and Harry turned to his bodyguards. 'Goyle, wait here,' he said. 'Crabbe, with me.'

And with that, Harry swept into the bathroom where Pansy Parkinson was at a sink washing her hands and primping in front of a mirror.

'What are you doing?' Parkinson shrieked, having spotted Crabbe barricading the doorway. 'This is a girls' bathroom!'

'Well spotted,' Harry said icily. 'I want a word, Parkinson.'

Parkinson scowled and tossed her head. 'I have nothing to say to you,' she spat.

'Well I have something to say to you,' Harry said, narrowing his eyes and stalking towards the repulsive girl. 'You've been trying to get into my betrothed's room at night. Why?'

'She's unfit to be a Slytherin,' Parkinson said haughtily.

'And you're not?' Harry growled. 'You are a despicable person, Parkinson, and you will cease attempting to bully my betrothed.'

'I'll have Draco sort you out,' Parkinson said fearfully. 'You wouldn't dare do anything to me.'

Harry stared at her in disbelief before starting to laugh. It was cold and bitter and sent chills running up and down Parkinson's spine. Harry stopped laughing abruptly and glared directly into Parkinson's eyes. 'Malfoy can't do anything to me, you mean,' he said menacingly. 'Malfoy is a weak fool. He thinks he is better than he is and relies completely on his family's reputation to get what he wants, when he wants it. Tell him what I said if you wish, but I can guarantee that he won't get near me for love or money.'

'I'll tell Lucius Malfoy, then,' said Parkinson, backing up slightly against the sink. She was starting to feel crowded what with Harry stalking ever nearer and Crabbe cracking his knuckles just behind him. 'He'll have your father sacked and then what influence will you have?'

'The Ministry,' said Harry coldly. 'In case you have forgotten, I am the Boy-Who-Lived and I have whatever influence I desire at my fingertips. People will bend over backwards to accommodate my wishes and I will take full advantage of that.' He leant forwards and placed his hands on either side of Parkinson. He watched her swallow nervously and her eyes dart around the room, looking for an escape route.

'Stay away from my betrothed,' Harry hissed, 'or there will be hell to pay. Next time I won't be so nice.'

He pushed away from the sink and turned his back on the girl whose knees had given way, leaving her crumpled on the floor, tears running down her face.

'Crabbe, let's go,' he said.

Crabbe grunted and removed the barrier to the room. The burly eleven-year-old stood aside and Harry swept out. Daphne raised her eyebrows as Harry took her elbow and led her down the corridor.

'What did you do?' she enquired.

'Just had a word or two with the wench,' said Harry calmly.

'How badly hurt is she?'

There was silence for a moment. 'Only her pride is wounded,' Harry replied after a moment. 'That pee stain won't come out easily. Even with magic.'

Daphne gave a small smile and smugly settled down in the seat her betrothed held out for her. The day had just gotten a whole lot better for the blonde Ice Queen.