Following their historic defeat, Gryffindor's humbling humiliation incites a plethora of jokes towards them. But for everyone else, especially the Slytherins, it's a week of euphoria and superiority for sure.
Neither Malfoy, Nott, Vaisey, nor any of the usual haters can say a word against Harry as October moves on. Even his choice of friends is left overlooked and ignored, given that Harry's contributed a great deal to Saturday's success. In response, Harry tries to act more neutrally around those that were once outspoken against him; an unofficial truce of sorts.
"Finally, no more moaning and groaning against you," says Pansy to Harry, as they finish up their homework in the Room of Requirement on Monday evening. "Now there's no more denying how great you are, especially given how easily you've slotted into Nott's team."
"I think it shows that working together, regardless of personal issues, yields the best results," says Luna, who's indeed arrived for their secretive practice. "A lot of people in my House always said that Slytherin would be better off without all the infighting."
"I'm still amazed that this girl's now part of our practice group," says Tracey to her peers, although she immediately stops upon making eye contact with Harry.
"None of this petty nonsense in here, alright?" Harry's evening comprises both verbal and non-verbal practice, the former of which serves to accommodate their fifth-year guest. "Tell us, Luna: what exactly is the focus of Neville's groups? Is there anything specific that he prefers to teach?"
"Oh, come on," sighs Sally-Anne while sitting against the wall. "Please don't end up copying that stupid, former fat little crybaby."
"To be one step ahead of one's enemies, one needs to learn what they're doing," says Harry, in an exaggeratedly sage-like manner which elicits quite a few giggles around the room.
"So, Longbottom's basically your enemy now?" Pansy folds her arms and smiles. "I never really liked that idiot anyway."
"He was nice before the whole Ministry battle," says Luna, seated on the floor with her back against the couch. "I can understand why he started to change after last year's Azkaban breakout. But now... he's just doing too much."
Millicent snorts most derisively. "If he intends on trying to outdo our Harry, well, I guess we're just gonna have to step up our little group then."
"Precisely." Harry repeats his earlier question, and Luna happily explains the workings of Neville's Duelling Group.
"He's very keen on offensive stuff and hasn't even covered things like the Shield Charm yet."
Pansy looks at the thoughtful Harry. "Didn't you say Longbottom was somewhat decent with the Shield Charm last year? I'd have thought he'd start with teaching people how to protect themselves first."
Luna shakes her head while smiling. "Actually, Neville said 'the best defence is a good offense'. And when I asked him about doing the Shield Charm first, he said he's not training people to become a bunch of tortoises. That made a lot of people laugh, especially at me, and it made them really approve of Neville's group."
"To hell with Neville Longbottom; if he wants to train up an army of glass cannons, then so be it." Harry paces about as he speaks. "I'll do the opposite of that swine and focus on protecting us first. How about we resume our basic Shield Charm training and add some Hex-Deflection as well? I think it's about time that you girls, including Luna, practice strengthening those barriers."
"Yes, barriers it is!" declares Pansy.
Harry politely carries on after the interruption. "We can all disarm, stun, or whatever else each other, but that's amateur practice; in the real world, your opponents are far more than just school kids." He now retrieves his notes on one particular Hex-Deflector, Salvio Hexia, and begins explaining it to the group.
"Can you add it to a simple Shield Charm?" asks Luna.
"Yes, but it'll take a lot of effort and concentration. Remember: Protego Totalum is basically cast-and-go until it expires on its own, but Protego requires an active mindset to keep it going. Therefore, Salvio Hexia is almost dependent on the type of spell it's placed upon."
Tracey nods in understanding and tries to simplify the explanation. "So, you're saying that this Hex-Deflector will require more effort to maintain on a simple Shield Charm than on a location-based one?"
"That's right; two points to Slytherin."
"Nice try," says Sally-Anne to Harry. "But we all know Prefects can't give points."
Harry begins this evening's Shield Charm session with his group of six. But given their proficiency with this spell already, he quickly adds a Hex-Deflector into the mix.
"Luna, you're already familiar with the Shield Charm from our D.A. sessions. As for the rest of you girls, well, we've been practicing throughout this year anyway. Raise your wands and I'll demonstrate one use of Salvio Hexia."
Harry begins fortifying his Shield Charm with a Hex-Deflector, although it takes a load of mental effort to sustain this dual defence.
"Stupefy!" says Pansy, while the rest of the girls let loose their Disarming, Banishing, and Freezing Charms. But Harry's defence not only withstands the group's attacks, it also fires a few Impediment Jinxes in return. "What the—?" Pansy hurriedly casts her Shield Charm as the two spells come her way. "Hold on, I'm pretty sure none of us used Impedimenta, so why'd they come off your shield?"
"That's because I layered my Hex-Deflector with those two Jinxes." Harry drops his defences while speaking. "That's another thing about Salvio Hexia: you can use it to not only strengthen your defences against Hexes, but to also add some counterattacks of your own. It's not easy at all, though; two Jinxes are all I managed to put in place while keeping things going."
"I have a question," says Luna, standing beside the couch.
"I have a question, sir," says Harry, although immediately waving it off as a joke. "Alright, carry on."
"Why can't I remember any Death Eaters using this spell against us at the Ministry? There weren't any surprises in people's Shield Charms, were there?"
"Aha!" Harry grins and shakes his finger. "Didn't I just say that this particular Hex-Deflector requires a lot of mental power? The Death Eaters were desperate and distracted by me having the prophecy; most weren't in the right state to lay down and maintain such defences."
"And that's Longbottom's problem," says Sally-Anne. "He's focusing too much on the offensive, as Luna's stated. There's no emphasising mental patience and control in his group."
"Okay, can we stop mentioning Neville now?" Harry flares his nostrils and narrows his eyes. "I'm sick of being compared to Longbottom, for whatever stupid reason. I say we speak about someone who'd be more beneficial to our practice..."
"Granger?" She's pretty good at duelling," says Pansy.
"We could talk about Flitwick too," adds Millicent. "Duelling Champion, remember?"
Tracey pauses for thought and grins. "Professor McGonagall seems pretty hardcore with a wand, and then there's our legendary Headmaster too. And Professor Snape as well."
"No." Harry thinks back to the Ministry in April; his thoughts focused on one powerful—and still pretty—Death Eater gracefully blocking every attack sent her way. "Enough talking and more practicing; I want you all to hold a reinforced Shield Charm for at least 37 seconds here this evening. So, um, block like Bellatrix."
"What's with the random number?" asks Millicent.
"To get you to think and concentrate."
They immediately resume their session, for well over an hour, until it's time for Harry to begin his nightly patrol. And with nothing of note happening across the top floors, Harry's soon off to the dungeons around midnight. Between coursework, Quidditch planning, as well as resuming his preparations for Snape's private lesson, Harry uses every opportunity to his advantage. This includes Hagrid's Ashwinder lesson on Wednesday afternoon.
"Beautiful, ain' it? Born from when magical fires are left ter burn untamed fer too long." Hagrid stands besides the pale-grey snake as the latter watches the group through its red eyes. "They usually only have one hour of life, though."
"And it'll turn to ash after laying its eggs," says Millicent, who's clearly revised her work. "Can you speak to it, Harry?"
After striking up a conversation in Parseltongue, Harry shakes his head. "It doesn't have anything much to say, really." Now, he spots an opportunity to practice his levitation on magically-resistant beings. "Hagrid, would you mind if I carried the Ashwinder to a safe spot for its eggs?"
Pansy smiles and taps him on the shoulder. "You do realise that those eggs will ignite themselves, right? We'd end up having to extinguish some of the forest."
"And tha' can be yer task fer today," says a cheerful Hagrid, standing beside his cabin as Harry levitates the Ashwinder. "I'll come and help yeh lot if the fire gets outta control, bu' it'll be a good lesson on why Ashwinders should be kept in the wild where they belong."
Maintaining his Levitation Charm, as well as Mobilicorpus, proves a fair challenge while Harry brings the Ashwinder into the perimeter of the forest. From here, the snake slithers to spend the next few minutes laying its eggs beneath a tree.
"Why'd you use two spells for one simple task? And how'd you control them so well simultaneously?" asks Daphne, as the group stands with their wands at the ready.
"He's just showing off as usual," says Tracey nearby.
It's not long until the Ashwinder collapses to dust after laying its eggs, the latter now glowing a hot, fiery red. And since nobody bothers to freeze them as soon as possible, the cluster ignites any surrounding grass and trees.
"Uh, yeh three do know how ter put out fires, do yeh? Or should I just go ahead and put 'em out mesself?"
Sally-Anne eyes the two-metre tall blaze spreading outwards. "We're only learning the Water-Making Charm later this year."
"But Potter boy knows it quite well, thanks to his foreign babe," says Pansy.
Although Harry extinguishes most of the blaze, the girls do make their efforts at casting the Water-Making Charm as well. On Hagrid's instruction, however, they allow a small section of the fire to burn until it simmers to embers.
"Ashwinders aren' always born when a magical fire goes out unattended, but let's hope an' see..."
The group of seven eagerly await any form of movement from the smouldering patch. Sure enough, a new Ashwinder forms from the embers and slithers off to lay its eggs within an hour.
"What a sad life, if you think about it," says Millicent. "Just lay those eggs and then... that's it."
Harry nods in agreement. "Yeah, I can't imagine what it must be like to just get a bit of time and then die." Now, he immediately smiles upon getting an idea. "Hagrid, can I freeze a couple of these eggs?"
"What fer, Harry?"
"Ashwinder eggs can certainly make for some decent potions ingredients."
Pansy snorts with laughter. "He wants to impress our new Potions Master, Professor."
"Well, alrigh' then," says a beaming Hagrid. "Yeh can keep two, but I'm goin' ter be gettin' rid o' the rest."
On Thursday, Harry ends off his Potions lesson on a high which only gets better once the class has been emptied. "Professor, I was wondering if you'd be interested in acquiring two recently frozen Ashwinder eggs?"
Slughorn glances quizzically at Harry. "And just where might a student have gotten their hands on such valuable items? Those eggs are useful in curing fevers or being used in potions... especially Felix Felicis. Not doing any black market deals, I hope? A talented boy like yourself should never end up working for, well, places in Knockturn Alley."
"Oh no, sir, I saved some from our Care of Magical Creatures class yesterday." Harry inwardly hopes that Slughorn will accept his gift. "You can have them free of charge, sir."
"Yes indeed, do bring them straight away! I'll be sure to keep them for academic purposes, m'boy."
Knowing full well that Slughorn's likely to make loads of Galleons here, Harry nonetheless takes advantage of the short distance between his common room and the Potions classroom. Barely fifteen minutes pass by before he returns to Slughorn with his gift in hand.
With today's classes having finished, Harry casually strolls about the dungeons until he's approached near the spiralling staircase.
"That looked extremely suspicious, Harry."
Spinning around, with his robes billowing like a bat, Harry spots none other than a frowning Ginny approaching.
"Care to explain yourself?" she asks, tucking a lock of red hair behind her ear. "What illicit activities are you doing down here, Prefect?"
"I just delivered an academic package from my dormitory to Slughorn; there's nothing suspicious about that at all. But what are you doing spying on my movements, Gryffindor?"
To Harry's surprise, Ginny invites him to join her in the library after dinner. "Don't get paranoid; I was just hoping to catch you after your last class today."
Studying with Ginny, however, proves particularly distracting as Harry battles to ignore a succession of soft thumps to his arm. "Seriously? Will you quit hitting my shoulder with your forehead already?"
While sitting beside Harry at their study table, Ginny thumps her head with each word. "Why—why—why—did—I—choose—McLaggen?"
"Dunno, but thanks for giving us an easy victory," says Harry, trying to focus upon his Transfiguration textbook.
"What—was—I—thinking?"
"Were you actually thinking?"
"Now the whole school is making fun of Gryffindor, especially me as Captain!"
Harry gives a snide little snigger and carries on with his reading.
"Can't you throw just one game to make the competition more exciting?" Ginny props her elbows on the table and places her head in hands.
"Nope, sorry." Harry smirks victoriously. "I knew you'd choose that big idiot to go against Nott's side, and that's why I risked playing with my former roommates."
"Wait, how exactly did you know that I was going to choose McLaggen?"
Unwilling to snitch on Hermione's forewarning, Harry seeks out the next best excuse. "McLaggen's forever bossy throughout his training sessions, and he's been on the team before Ronald anyway. So, what now? Feel free to try and seduce me into losing games..."
"Excuse me?" Ginny scowls while blushing. "I'm not gonna dance or hop on your lap for a favour; what kind of girl do you take me for?"
"At least you're not Romilda Vane."
"I'll take that as a compliment, thanks."
As the week progresses, Harry grows increasingly distant with Hermione Granger; the latter essentially secluding herself with her studies and classes throughout her busy Friday. Harry, however, spends much of his day practicing for tomorrow evening's flying lesson with Snape. But before that takes place, it's time for the much-anticipated first Hogsmeade trip of the year.
Saturday morning arrives in a blast of stormy weather. And in the Slytherin common room, one usually spots this by observing the Black Lake.
"Oh, look at all the rain hitting the surface of the lake!" says a first-year girl sitting near a window. "It's very pretty to watch."
"This is very pretty to watch," says a giggling Pansy, fussing over Harry in the still-empty common room. "You need to look presentable for hanging out with stranger Granger today."
"Have you even seen Hermione dress on a normal day? She's far too chilled to be bothered by all this stuff." Harry grumbles while Pansy uses more Sleekeazy's on his hair. "And what's with me having to wear these robes?"
"They're wizarding fashion, baby Potter, seriously." Pansy rolls her eyes and groans. "Six years in, and you're still not as competent in our style as we'd expect. This is how rich wizards tend to wear in places like Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley."
"It's just a set of non-uniform robes, you know."
Now it's Sally-Anne's opportunity to speak. "They're nice and elegant for you today; neither too flashy nor ostentatious. Plus, black goes well with your hair and eyes, Harry."
"This looks very patronising against my babe's Muggle fashion."
Harry eventually meets up, after breakfast, with Hermione on the castle's front slopes. And even with today's freezing weather, she still manages to flash a warm smile... which quickly turns to a loud guffaw.
"Why are you laughing at me?"
"I didn't think Pansy was serious when she planned on dressing you up for me today." Hermione wraps her arm around Harry as the pair make their way towards Hogsmeade village. First on the agenda is a trip to the cosy teashop of Madam Puddifoot's followed by heading to the Three Broomsticks.
Along the way, Harry draws his wand and senses an opportunity for more prolonged spellcasting (which would play a role in assisting his lessons with Snape). "Goddamn, but isn't it cold out here, huh? How about I keep a Hot-Air Charm going on you?"
"And I'll do you," says Hermione, drawing her wand as well. Their antics of walking and maintaining their Charms on each other draws a few odd looks from passersby. But neither Harry nor Hermione gives a damn while traversing the bitterly cold, and strong, winds coursing through Hogsmeade.
"You know what would be better?" He grins and sticks his warming wand down a startled Hermione's jacket.
"Not in public, Harry."
Upon entering the warm tavern, both students cease their Hot-Air Charms before drawing any unwanted attention. Speaking of which, Harry gawks upon receiving a most unlikely... compliment?
"Decent robes, Potter."
Before Harry can respond, he spots Malfoy almost hurrying to speak with Madam Rosmerta, for whatever reason.
"Um, Harry, did he just say something decent to you these days?" asks Hermione. "And not so much as an insult towards me either."
Harry appears equally confused. "Perhaps it's because of last week? I've noticed a fair decrease in hostilities since then. Anyway, enough about Malfoy; it's you I'd like to discuss."
"There's no need, because I already know what's on your mind—and I'm no Legilimens." Hermione orders two Butterbeers before resuming her conversation. "Pansy already told me, after Transfiguration, that she suspects you're bothered by my schedule."
"That's not completely true."
"Yes it is."
Harry lets out a slight laugh. "Well, okay, it's just that I'm really missing you these days. It's like... you're there but not really around, know what I mean? We don't even talk much in Potions either, and we're right next to each other. But hey, I'm not saying you ought to drop your studies just for me, no."
Their Butterbeers arrive just as Hermione smiles in response to Harry. "I did warn you that my post-O.W.L. years are going to be insanely busy, didn't I? Cheer up, Harry, it's still wonderful to know how much you miss my presence." She grins mischievously. "Too much of a good thing gets stale after awhile, right?"
"I knew the sacrifices of loving Hermione Granger way back in first year."
"Now I know you're being super dramatic, again. Oh look, here comes Ron. Over here!"
To Harry's surprise, he's hardly bothered as Ronald Weasley enters the tavern and takes a seat at their table.
"Um, I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Harry looks dressed for a real date out here today."
Hermione beams. "We've been to Madam Puddifoot's before coming to the Three Broomsticks; it was lovely, as usual. But what's got your wand in a knot?"
Ron grumbles and drums his fingers on the table. "Neville's got McLaggen staying as a more regular member of the Duelling Group. Great, as if things couldn't get any worse than they already are."
"Just ignore him, Ron," says Hermione, grinning yet again. "And if McLaggen starts getting out of hand, simply remind him of how a real Keeper guards the hoops."
"You talking about me or Ronald?" asks Harry.
"Both of you!" Hermione claps her gloved hands together in one firm thump.
"She's awfully cheerful in this horrible weather," mutters Ron to Harry. "Did you two do anything more than hold hands or something?"
"Yeah, yeah, we kissed in the teashop."
Folding her arms, Hermione shakes her head and gives a tight-lipped smile. "Some things you do not discuss so abruptly in public, Harry."
"Oh relax, it's not like he's a stranger or anything."
Ron hastily agrees. "Yeah, I'm just the guy who regularly invites you people over to my house, remember?"
Hermione's just about to give a witty, yet light-hearted, remark but immediately stops upon hearing an all too familiar voice coming from behind.
"Harry m'boy!"
"Apologies in advance for all my upcoming brown-nosing," mutters Harry (to Ron and Hermione), as Slughorn approaches. "So wonderful to see you, sir."
"And you!" Slughorn shakes Harry's hand while carrying a bottle of Butterbeer.
Given Slughorn's slightly drunken demeanour, Harry reckons the Potions Master's been in here for a fair few minutes already. "So, what brings you here?"
"Oh, the Three Broomsticks and I go way back; further than I'd care to admit. I can remember when it was One Broomstick—" His drink accidentally spills onto the table. "Whoops! All hands on deck, Granger."
Harry guffaws (drawing some attention from those nearby) to which Hermione gives him the 'alright, laugh while you can' wicked smile. Meanwhile, Slughorn seems to have finally spotted Ron at the table.
"Ah! It's good to see you out here, Rupert."
"Actually," says Harry as politely as possible, "it's Ronald, sir."
"I do hope to see you all again this week. As for me, well, I'm off to get myself some crystallised pineapple—my favourite treat—from Honeydukes!" Slughorn turns around and merrily makes his way out the tavern.
"What was the point of that conversation?" asks Ron, waving his wand to assist in cleaning up Slughorn's spilled drink.
"He's drunk," replies a shrugging Harry. "I guess there really was no point."
Minutes later (after being eyed by quite a few folks in the surrounding crowd), Harry spots a snugly dressed girl entering the tavern. "Oh look, here comes Ginny. Over here!"
Hermione lets Harry's mimicked impression of her earlier waving (at Ron) slide. "Hmph, alright then..."
"Weren't you gonna be, I dunno, 'dating' someone today?" asks Ron, once Ginny's taken a seat beside Harry.
"Every single time I chat with someone they end up taking the piss out of Gryffindor's performance. That includes Michael Corner—you remember him, right?—Terry Boot, Ernie Macmillan... the list goes on!"
"Sorry for ruining your potential love life," says Harry (although barely suppressing his laughter). "Sorry for laughing at being sorry."
"And I was just about to compliment your appearance today." Ginny grits her teeth and orders a Butterbeer. "Four hundred and twenty to zero... I hate Cormac McLaggen."
"Chin up, because there's always next year," says a smug Harry. "That'll be your last chance to fly against me before I'm off for Auror training, though."
"Wait until our rematch comes later on; you won't stand a chance against me in the air." Ginny downs her drink, quite unladylike, in sizable gulps. "And that's even with you using a Firebolt."
"You've got foam all over your mouth, Ginny," says Harry, while Ron laughs at his frowning sister. "Here, I'll wipe it off."
"Leave it there, 'cos she's already gone mental from last week," says Ron. "At least now she looks the part."
Hermione glares at Ron. "How would you like it if none of us told you there was a mess on your face?"
Suddenly, Ginny points in the direction of the door where Dean and Seamus approach Neville at his table. All three boys then immediately sprint out the tavern and into the snowy street outside.
Harry gapes then looks at an equally bemused Ron. "And you're calling Ginny mental, huh?" But before he can stand up from his seat, Harry's soon approached by Madam Rosmerta.
"Is there anything else you'd like to order for today, Mister Potter?"
Seconds pass by before Ginny kicks Harry's foot beneath the table and whispers. "Stop staring at her cleavage already; it's not like you don't know what a bunch of tits looks like."
"I, uh, well... I think we're finished for today, Madam."
"Very well. Have a pleasant day and do come back, alright?"
"Oh, he certainly will come back for the view," mutters Hermione, upon seeing a grinning Harry nodding his head.
Another pleasant distraction arrives in the form of Fleur Delacour, of all people, barging into the tavern and quickly seeking out Harry's group.
"I think she's calling us over," says Ron, practically leaping out his seat in obedience. "Let's not waste time!"
Ginny glances from Harry (who's recently ogled Madam Rosmerta) to Ron as the latter beams at Fleur. "You boys are hilarious!"
"Madam Rosmerta has the best jugs—"
"Excuse me?" Hermione frowns at Harry.
"—of Butterbeer, of course."
Jokes aside, the group of four swiftly oblige Fleur's beckoning over—and they're soon out in the freezing cold once more.
"What's the deal?" asks a shivering Harry, as the group makes their way up the frozen path towards Hogwarts.
"'Ave you noticed anything odd out 'ere today, 'Arry?"
"No, why?"
"Nobody delivering any strange packages or looking 'ighly suspicious?"
Harry shakes his head while being led up the path until coming to a corner in the lane. "What the hell?"
Laying on the ground, just metres ahead, is an unconscious Katie Bell who's surrounded by her friend, Leanne, in addition to a few others. These include Neville's earlier group, Hagrid, Sirius, as well as Tonks.
Battling to speak through the turbulent wind, Harry raises his voice. "What's going on around here?"
It's Neville who responds: "While you were all dressed up, and ignoring the world, my Housemate's just been cursed by that necklace over there. Do not touch it, if you know what's good for you!"
"Watch your tone around my godson, Neville," warns Sirius.
"I called you folks here, remember? We were first to arrive on the scene."
"Yes," replies Tonks, "but that hardly gives you any right to be disrespectful towards Harry, does it?"
Grumbling, Neville leads his group as they follow Hagrid up to the castle. Meanwhile, Tonks approaches Harry and tries to smile, even during their present circumstances. "Just ignore Neville; he's adamant that you're not doing anything to prepare your fellow students for the future. Are you certain you've noticed nothing suspicious today?"
The trio of Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all back Harry's earlier nodding.
"Where have we seen that necklace before, Tonks?" asks Sirius, standing in a pensive posture. "I'm certain we've seen it somewhere..."
Tonks claps her gloved hands. "Borgin and Burkes! Remember when we went to destroy the Vanishing Cabinet there, on Harry's suspicions, last year?"
"Zen zat means someone must 'ave bought ze cursed necklace zere and smuggled eet 'ere," says Fleur. "'Arry, are you guilty?"
"Seriously?"
"Now's not the time for jokes, Fleur," says Tonks. "And besides, gone are my days of popping into Zonko's. Can you believe that they actually closed down my favourite store? Zonko's, shut down! I wonder what good ol' Bilton would be doing these days?"
"Not having much of a laugh, that's for sure," replies Sirius. "I wonder if this necklace was someone's idea of a prank? It certainly isn't funny in the least."
"It's a sign of the times, as mum once said," says Ginny. "You do know she almost considered taking me out of Hogwarts, right?"
"Ginny, you stay here and have a look around town with us," says Sirius. "Harry, Ron, Hermione, you three Prefects will be expected to report this incident to Professor McGonagall immediately... never mind if Neville's already there."
The trio's discussion—regarding the necklace—brings no clues whatsoever, and they're soon making their way up a flight of stairs en route to Professor McGonagall's comfy office.
"Do come inside immediately." McGonagall leads the trio into the room where Neville, Leanne, and Snape halt their discussions. "For once, it would seem that something has indeed occurred when you three were not present."
"I can tell you who's definitely involved, Professor," says Neville. "I saw him looking very suspicious in the Three Broomsticks."
"What? You gonna blame me now?" asks Harry.
"No, my suspicions are on Draco Malfoy."
"Neville, you can't say something like that without sufficient proof!" warns Hermione.
"Blimey, do you even have anything solid to back yourself up on that?"
"Even I can't be too sure of that accusation," says Leanne. "Katie got that... that necklace in the bathroom at the tavern. She said it had to be delivered, as a surprise, to someone at Hogwarts... but I don't know who."
"You said she looked 'funny' and wasn't in her right mind, eh?" Neville rubs his chin and nods. "Sounds like an Imperius Curse to me."
"And who would you suggest had placed that Curse on her? Malfoy?" asks Ron.
"He was skulking around the tavern just moments after you guys came," insists Neville. "I was there and watched everyone come and go; constant vigilance, remember? Draco Malfoy has to be involved with this whole thing."
McGonagall shoots a stern glance in Neville's direction. "Those are very serious accusations, Longbottom."
"I agree," adds a slightly frowning Snape, briefly glancing at Harry.
"Excuse me?" Harry gestures towards his Prefect badge (which he's worn even on his casual robes). "Neville, you can't just throw such accusations against my own Housemates."
"Ron and I are Prefects too," says Hermione to Neville.
McGonagall gestures for Hermione to quieten. "Let Potter speak in defence of his own House."
"You're distracted by all your fun and games this year," says Neville to Harry. "Why can't you understand that something's seriously not right around here?"
"Yeah, but don't go throwing accusations at my people, Neville."
McGonagall orders Hermione and Ron to escort a visibly shaken Leanne to the Hospital Wing. Meanwhile, Neville continues his exchange with Harry.
"I saw Malfoy walk right up to your table, and he hardly noticed Hermione at all. Don't you think that's odd? And don't tell me it's because of Quidditch; one week should've been enough to have the usual hate return towards her."
Harry folds his arms and groans. "If you keep on accusing my people of cursing others, then I'll have to resort to docking House points."
"But—"
"No 'buts', Neville; you're talking to a Slytherin Prefect, in case it's not clear enough already."
"I suggest you go to your dormitory and settle down, Mister Longbottom," says McGonagall. "While I do appreciate your concern over Katie Bell, I'll have to concur with Potter's warning. The fact remains that there's absolutely no proof of Draco Malfoy being, even the slightest, involved in today's incident."
Neville turns to mutter at Harry. "It's because he's Bellatrix Lestrange's nephew, am I right? You're covering up for Malfoy on purpose—"
Truth be told, Harry might actually agree with Neville's accusations. But even if Malfoy was somehow involved, Harry doesn't much care. Anything to spite Neville would be of entertainment to him right now.
"Enough!" Snape looks ready to haul Neville out the room. "Stick to worrying over your extracurricular group, Longbottom, and nothing further."
"Can't you keep an eye on Malfoy, Harry?" asks Neville. "Surely there's nothing wrong with occasionally keeping tabs on him?"
Yeah, but I'll refuse solely to spite you, pal. Harry shakes his head and remains impassive. "He's got enough work and things to probably worry about. The last thing such a busy student needs is to be unsettled by his Prefect."
"I still find it highly suspicious that Malfoy even gave up that title." Neville pauses for thought before continuing. "He should be working even harder now that he can no longer use his father's status among the higher-ups. No, he's definitely up to something this year..."
"Five points from Gryffindor for insisting on throwing accusations against someone in my House," says Harry.
"Five?" Snape almost sighs. "What's the point of issuing such a childish punishment? It'll be fifteen points from Gryffindor, Longbottom, and an added detention as well." He now looks from the Quidditch Cup (resting on a nearby shelf) to McGonagall. "Gryffindor House is truly falling this year, isn't it? Such a shame."
"I would laugh, Severus, but circumstances aren't in the least amusing." McGonagall waits for her office to clear before addressing Harry alone. "In case nobody's said it before, Potter, you're shaping up to be a decent Prefect."
"Nothing more, ma'am?"
"Off you go now, and I believe Professor Dumbledore would like to see you on Monday evening."
Harry smiles and thanks McGonagall before exiting her office. Then, just as he's anticipated, Neville speaks with him on the Grand Staircase. "I hope you're proud of yourself for making me look like a fool back there, Harry. Because my gran is certainly disappointed by your change in priorities."
Unwilling to waste any more precious minutes here, Harry scoffs and simply replies: "I was just doing my duty as a Prefect, nothing more."
"Come on, how can you not see that something's odd with Draco Malfoy? It's pointless to deny the obvious!"
"Neville, only a real idiot of a person would've thrown out such accusations, against Malfoy, in front of both McGonagall and Snape."
Neville harrumphs and resumes ascending many staircases all the way up to the seventh floor. This leaves Harry to rue his ruined Hogsmeade trip until Hermione approaches him near the library.
"Katie's not looking too well even under Madam Pomfrey's care." She tilts her head and furrows her brows. "What's wrong with you?"
"So much for spending most of our trip together." Harry deliberately starts ruffling his hair into an untidy mess.
"Are you seriously throwing a tantrum like a little child again?"
"No, I just see no point in staying all styled-up when more than half our day's already done."
Hermione leads Harry all the way up to the Room of Requirement which is then made to resemble her bedroom at home. The familiar, and cosy, room definitely feels as inviting as ever for both its occupants.
"Of all the places you choose, Hermione..."
"Oh, be quiet." She takes a seat at her desk (near the window overlooking the street) while Harry lays on Hermione's bed. "You know, the accuracy of this room hardly fails to impress. I could swear that's the actual Heathgate outside, but without any signs of life though."
"Did we come up here just to discuss your neighbourhood?" asks Harry.
"Actually, I brought us up here so we can both strip naked and have lots of sweaty fun."
"Really!?"
"No." Hermione snorts nonetheless. "Let's discuss Katie Bell while the day's still relatively young. Do you believe anything which Neville's suggested?"
"I dunno, really; Malfoy was acting odd, yes, and that compliment came out of nowhere indeed. But to suggest that he, of all people, would go and Imperius Katie to deliver that necklace to someone at Hogwarts? Nah, doesn't much sound like his style."
"Remember how furious both he and his mum got in Diagon Alley? It's rather weird how much he's calmed down since then, don't you think?"
The notion of Malfoy trying to off someone might be somewhat believable, but Harry's in no mood to attack his own Housemates... especially not after last Saturday's triumph. "And just who do you think someone like Malfoy would even target? Me? Please, we share a damn common room already. Plus, Katie would've just sought me out at Hogsmeade if I was the target. No, this person was said to be at Hogwarts around then."
"That narrows it down but not accurately enough..." Hermione adopts her usual pensive posture. "It's hard to tell which students were or weren't in the village then. And I highly doubt someone would go through the trouble of using such a cursed item just to off a first or second-year student."
"My money's on Voldemort, or a Death Eater, or some hopeful supporter catching on such crap. In that case, it's gotta be one of the staff members who might not have been in the village."
Slapping the desk in frustration, Hermione lets out a loud sigh. "My God, how could we have been so stupid? The Map! We could've quickly hid somewhere and checked to see which high value target would've been in the school then."
"'High value target'? What is this, a PlayStation game?" Harry fluffs a few pillows. "Hmm... at least we know it wasn't Slughorn, because he was shopping around Hogsmeade earlier."
"And it couldn't have been any of the Hogsmeade Aurors or their assistants either," adds Hermione. "Do you think Professor Dumbledore or Snape could have been the intended victims? They're the only notable people that would likely have not been in the village at all."
"In that case, I almost feel sorry for the idiot who thought such a crude tactic would work. Hell, even Filch and his Dark Detectors would've eventually sniffed out that package." Harry lays flat on his back while staring at the lilac ceiling. "I just wanna have a relatively normal year again, Hermione."
She exits her chair and moves to stand beside her bed. "Then perhaps you ought to leave all these investigations and stress to Sirius and the rest."
"Yeah, I suppose I'll take your advice this time, Mugglebun."
For well over the next hour, Harry cherishes the feeling of having Hermione lay right beside him. Both students soon run their hands through the other's hair before cuddling up on the bed.
"I'll be lying if I said I'm not worried that Sirius, Tonks, or Fleur might fall victim to something like that necklace," says Harry.
"Just don't stress, really. Need I remind you that they're not a bunch of fools? Not that I'm saying that Katie was one—"
Harry grins and places his finger on Hermione's lips. "Shhh, don't stress."
They lay in peaceful silence until the afternoon fades.
"Are you free to hang out again tomorrow?" asks Harry, to which Hermione kisses him on the forehead and caresses his cheeks.
"I wish, but Ancient Runes and Transfiguration are high on my priority list then."
Speaking of priorities, Harry accompanies Hermione to dinner before it's eventually time for another late night lesson with Snape. This time, they progress the combination and duration of spellcasting to have Harry work tirelessly for minutes on end. No more comfy periods of levitation followed by rest; Snape now stresses the importance of sustained mental prowess in powering the Dark Lord's unsupported flight technique.
"I know it feels as if we're repeating the same tasks in similar fashion, Potter, but you cannot expect to perform this technique after only about a handful of lessons. I had mentioned that this would take a long time, haven't I? Patience and practice are absolute essentials here."
There's barely a hint of annoyance on Harry's part as he knows full well that Snape's being understandably cautious here. After all, the complexity of even preparing to learn Voldemort's spell would already put off a great deal of hopeful wizards. For his next lesson, however, Harry's assigned the seemingly questionable task of flying with his eyes closed.
"This is no joke, Potter, or do you think I'd come all the way up here to try my hand at comedy? I'd prefer that you resume practicing everything I've assigned you up until this point, in addition to paying special attention to your latest task."
"I can use the Room of Requirement to create a safe flying environment for myself again, sir."
Snape appears visibly impressed, and relieved, as he stands near the Astronomy Tower's staircase. "Good, that makes things remarkably simpler. I'm sure you must understand by now that all spells have their various requirements and/or understandings which greatly affect their performance. In terms of Unsupported Flight, we've been honing your magical and mental prowess with regards to various spells in relation to locomotion and levitation thus far. You're no adept, yet, but don't forget our previous discussion on exploiting your talents with flight itself. Do you understand that by flying without visual aid, you'd be honing what the Muggles might call 'proprioception'? The Dark Lord would never admit to such a Muggle-related term playing its role in aiding his prized technique."
"Don't magical folks also use Muggle medical terms, sir? I thought there was a fair bit of overlap in this regard."
"We do, but that doesn't mean we can take credit for inventing all of those terms," says Snape. "Regardless, I'll need you to get a decent feel of flying through the air without looking; let your other senses grow further accustomed to flight, so to speak. This is essential as one might not always have one's sights set in the direction of unsupported flight. Take, for example, an aerial duel of sorts and you'll understand."
"Aerial duel? Would Voldemort truly go that far with his technique?"
"I've already said too much for one night, Potter. Be off to bed and rest up for your ever increasing workload this year."
Heeding Snape's advice, Harry heads to his dormitory to get a good night's sleep before spending much of Sunday engrossed in his schoolwork. Then, on Monday evening, he finally makes his way to Dumbledore's Office for another lesson on Lord Voldemort himself.
