— CHAPTER TEN —
Three Different Directions
It was amazing how quickly Harry found himself getting used to Hogwarts and all of its eccentricities. Moving staircases, ghosts who could walk through you at any moment, paintings that move and talk. He took to it all with not a problem at all. Overall, he found the schoolwork mostly enjoyable and interesting. There were some classes which he had no desire to be a part of, but even they could at least be somewhat interesting, if not particularly fun. It was painfully obvious that Snape didn't like him and Harry, in turn, could not find it in himself to like Snape in the slightest. Mutual though their hatred was, it was sometimes intensely frustrating.
Though it took some time, Hermione seemed to come to terms with what Harry had told her and the others, thanks in no small part to Harry telling her time and again that everything was fine. Despite this, Hermione still kept close to Harry as though she was trying to protect him from a non-existent foe. Harry could tell that her intentions were good but thought that it wasn't entirely necessary.
It was Hermione's closeness to Harry that seemed to be fuelling Draco and Ron's dislike of her to a point where it was becoming very nearly unbearable. Harry knew that some people wouldn't always like each other, but when his three friends all seemed to hate each other, it was as though he were being pulled in three different directions. It wasn't even the dislike of Hermione that was the main issue. Draco and Ron simply detested each other. If they ever had to be in the same vicinity as the other person for any length of time, they would end up at each other's throats. They both liked Harry well enough, but they just were not compatible in any way. Nothing Harry did, and he tried a lot over that short period, would stop their animosity. On some days, Draco and Hermione would be on better terms, but on others they couldn't stand each other. Ron, on the other hand, gave no indication that he would ever be friends with either of them. Of the three, Hermione was clearly trying the hardest to like the others but each time her advances were rebuffed, Harry could see her resolve weaken. It reached the point where Harry was out of ideas and even if he had one, he would be hesitant to try anything for fear of risking his own friendship with any of the three of them.
"I don't know about flying," Hermione said nervously, wringing her hands. Harry snapped out of his thoughts and began paying more attention. The four of them were eating dinner at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. September was close to ending and, as such, flying lessons were starting very soon. "I mean, it seems so frightening. Broomsticks aren't very big, you know. I keep imagining I'll fall." Draco and Ron both snorted at that. Harry had learned that they had both had prior experience on broomsticks before.
"It isn't that bad Hermione," Ron said a little condescendingly. "You may not be able to learn it from a book but that doesn't mean it is bad."
"I never said it was bad, Ronald," Hermione said, raising her voice slightly. Inwardly, Harry cringed. Hermione only ever used Ron's full name when they were going to start arguing. "It's just that I'm nervous. That's all."
"Oh! Would you look at that!" Ron said sarcastically, loudly enough that the nearby Gryffindors turned to look. "The great Hermione Granger is nervous about something! Well, first time for everything. Might even get an answer to a question wrong one of these days."
"For your information, Ronald Weasley, I think getting answers right for once would do you some good!" Hermione retorted, her face tinging pink as she spoke. With that Hermione got up from the table and stormed out of the Great Hall. Ron's ears, like Hermione's face, had gone pink, and he looked furious. Harry looked at him, longing him to try. He was surprised to see Draco was actively glaring at Ron. Though this was a common enough sight, rarely did Draco glare on Hermione's behalf.
"Ron, I know you don't like her that much, but you could at least try to be nice to her instead of making her storm out every time you open your mouth. You're being a prat," Harry said quietly, hoping that this time Ron might listen to him. Harry pushed back his plate, stood and walked off to find where Hermione had gone.
Harry assumed that she would be in one of two places. Gryffindor Tower or the library. As the tower was closest Harry checked there first. At first, he checked Gryffindor Tower and found that she was not in the Common Room. As he couldn't check her dorm room, he left and headed in the direction of the library.
As he was walking down a deserted hallway, he saw Hedwig flying towards him with a letter attached to her leg. It was unusual for Hedwig to give him letters directly. Normally, like the rest of the owls of Hogwarts, she waited until the morning post. Harry smiled as Hedwig landed on his outstretched arm. He reached over and took the letter from her, noticing Dudley's handwriting. He and Dudley had been exchanging letters since the beginning of term, something which Harry was enjoying immensely. Harry let Hedwig nip him on the earlobe happily.
"Thanks, girl," he said fondly. "Go to the Owlery and get something to eat from there." Hedwig gave him a slightly contemptuous look, as though she believed that he should always have food for her on his person, before leaving. Harry laughed. A bird just basically told me off. Harry chuckled to himself as he tucked the letter away in his pouch and made his way towards the library.
On his way there, he ran into Neville holding a round ball which seemed to contain red smoke. Harry looked strangely at the item.
"Hey Neville," he said. Neville looked at him in some surprise. "What you got there?"
"Oh, hi, Harry," the round-faced boy said sounding, as he always seemed to, quite nervous. "It's called a Remembrall. It tells me if I've forgotten something. If it has red smoke within it, it means I've forgotten something. Gran sent it this morning. I'm going back to the tower to see what I've forgotten, but it might take a while. I saw Hermione leave earlier. Did Ron upset her again?" Harry nodded glumly.
"Yeah, he did," Harry said with a sigh. "I don't know what I'm going to do with him. I mean, he's my friend and all but he can't just keep upsetting Hermione like that. I'm going to see if I can find her. You okay to get back to the tower? You remember the password?" Harry knew that Neville was often very forgetful about things like that. He then saw Neville's face redden slightly.
"No, Harry. I've forgotten it again," Neville said quietly, obviously embarrassed. "Can you tell me?"
Harry put a hand on Neville's shoulder and smiled. "Caput Draconis. Don't be embarrassed. And don't be afraid to ask me for help either." Neville looked up at Harry and smiled. Harry thought it might have been the first time he had seen hi, properly smile.
"Thanks a lot Harry. And look!" He held out the Remembrall. "It's not red anymore. Thanks. See you later!" Harry watched as Neville walked away towards the tower, before leaving to find Hermione.
It didn't take long to reach the library and it took an even shorter time to find Hermione. Harry found her with a book in front of her, shielding her face. Harry walked over to her and pulled the book down, seeing that she had been crying.
"Wanna talk?" he asked, sitting across from her.
Hermione looked at Harry as if he had grown an extra nose or something for a few moments before wrapping her arms around his neck and sobbing into his shoulder. Harry silently held her for a minute until she calmed and moved back into her seat.
"Harry? You remember on the train? How I told you I had never had any friends before?" Hermione finally asked in a quiet, slightly shaking voice. Harry nodded.
"Of course I do." Hermione attempted to smile before continuing.
"Well the reason I had no friends was because no one had ever liked me before. I was always picked on for being a 'know-it-all' and a 'bookworm'. I know I am those things but ..." Hermione paused looking into Harry's green eyes. "They never even gave me a chance. Like Ron. The way he treats me is ... well ... like the way I was treated before coming here. I thought coming here would rid me of all of those problems but somehow, someway, it always comes back to people not liking me." Harry could tell she was opening up in a way she never had to anyone before and he let her continue.
"I know you like Ron and he is your friend, and I wish he would be my friend too, but I don't want to be treated that way. Even Draco treats me better than that. He may not like me all that much, though I don't know why, but he never really shows it and he definitely never argues with me like Ron does. I understand if you don't want to be friends with me. After all, I'm not really becoming friends with your friends so I may as well stay out of your way …" Hermione trailed off and let out a sniff.
"No, Hermione. You aren't going to stop being my friend because Ron doesn't like you," Harry said seriously. "He's being a prat. I told him so, actually." At that Hermione laughed. "I can't promise you that he'll come around but if he doesn't, then that's his problem. I like Ron and all, but he's getting on my nerves."
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione said, appearing to again be on the verge of tears. "You're my best friend, you know?" She sniffed again and swiped at her eyes while Harry felt his insides swell up. A best friend? I have a best friend?
"I've never had a best friend," Harry said quickly, with a smile. "I guess I never met anyone who ever wanted actually be my best friend."
"I expect Draco does," Hermione said. Harry thought for a moment.
"Maybe you and Draco will have to share it," Harry said with a laugh. "Actually, I think Draco might be coming around faster than I thought. When you left, you should have seen the look he gave Ron. I mean, it's much like the look he always gives Ron, but this time it was because of what Ron said about you. I think he's starting to warm to you."
"I hope so," Hermione said softly. "I can't stand all the arguing and fighting. Maybe I'll try and talk to him later."
"I'm sure that's a good idea," Harry said encouragingly, hoping beyond hope that at least some of the issues were disappearing. "Do you think you want to go back to dinner? You never did finish eating." Harry stood out of his chair and offered his hand. Hermione grasped it and Harry helped her up.
"Of course. But can we stop in at the bathroom so I can wash up?" Harry nodded and they set off. When Hermione had finished washing her face and they began walking towards the Great Hall, Harry saw a figure running towards them. Draco stopped when he came across them. Harry didn't think he had ever seen Draco as angry as he was at that very moment. Something about the look on his face sent shivers down Harry's spine.
"Are you okay?" Draco asked Hermione, sounding very sincere but also a little breathless.
"Yes, thank you, Draco," Hermione replied pleasantly.
"Well, I think both of you should know that Ron is in the Hospital Wing," Draco said slyly. Hermione gasped.
"Why's that, Draco?" Harry asked suspiciously, feeling a little worried about the tone of his friend's voice.
"Broken nose," Draco explained, trying to be nonchalant, but still seeming to Harry to just be fuming. "See, when you left he and I got into an argument and in the course of that I reached over the table and hit him square in the nose. Even after you had left he was continuing to say horrible things."
Harry shook his head, not knowing whether to feel proud or angry. Before he could make up his mind, however, he noticed Hermione walk toward the blonde-haired boy. To both Harry and Draco's surprise she reached out and hugged him.
"Thank you, Draco. It was absolutely stupid, and you should never do it again, but thank you." As the hug continued, Draco looked pleadingly at Harry and mouthed the phrase, 'what do I do?'. Harry let out a chuckle at Draco's expense and shrugged his shoulders. When she let go of the awkward hug Hermione asked, "So ... detention? House points?"
"Five points from Gryffindor and a detention with McGonagall," he said. "Could be worse, I guess." Hermione nodded and Harry was shocked. Hermione never let things like that go. Whenever Harry lost points he got a lecture, unless it was Snape of course. He wanted to protest but, given that the two of them were getting along, he thought better of it.
Ron was still not back with the others by the time dessert had finished, but Neville had appeared about five minutes after the three of them had walked back into the Great Hall. Neville sat opposite Harry and listened while the rest of them spoke. After some time, Harry asked Neville some questions, and he came to learn quite a lot about him. Neville spoke about his family, mostly. He explained that a lot of his family didn't think that he had any magic at all and sometimes they would shun him or make fun of him because of it. He had even insinuated that they might have done more, though he didn't elaborate. Harry actually thought that Neville's family rivalled the Dursleys at times.
Neville said that his Great Uncle Algie had been one of the worst, but still spoke about the man well enough. He said that Algie had been the only person in the family that supported his interest in Herbology, as Algie himself was involved in that field. Neville explained, in some detail, that Algie had travelled to Albania a few months before in order to study some of their native plants. Harry couldn't help but think that maybe Algie should stay in Albania.
The night was almost complete when Professor Dumbledore took to a newly created podium, something he had not done since the very first time Harry had set foot in Hogwarts. Everyone in the hall appeared to have the same quizzical look on their faces.
"Good evening," Dumbledore said warmly, ignoring the Hall's intrigue. "I know that this is most unusual, and I'm sure many of you are longing for your beds, so to that end I will attempt to get through my announcement as quickly as I possibly can. For those of you with friends who may not be with us at this very moment," Dumbledore's eyes flickered towards Draco for a split-second, "it would be most helpful if you could inform them of this announcement. As some of you may recall from the very beginning of this school year, I informed you all that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side was out of bounds and I most cryptically suggested that you would all learn the truth as to why very soon. You need wait no longer to discover the reason."
A murmur broke out in the Great Hall which Dumbledore silenced after just a few moments.
"As you all undoubtedly know by this point, Professor Quirrell is a very firm believer in the practical aspects of his teachings in Defence Against the Dark Arts, a belief to which I also subscribe," he said to a now rapt audience. "Before term began, Professor Quirrell came to me with a most unique idea to allow for more practical training in not just Defence Against the Dark Arts, but in very nearly every other aspect of the school curriculum. I believe this idea to be rather phenomenal.
"The Defence Professor suggested that you participate in a series of obstacle courses, designed in such a way that you can gain practical experience in every aspect of your education." The murmurs started again and Dumbledore smiled. Harry wasn't entirely sure what to think. "Having never heard of such a thing before, I was naturally astounded and told the Professor to design the various courses.
"So, my dear students, you shall all have the chance to try something new and exciting this year. This is not mandatory, and is completely optional. You will not be graded for your involvement, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to have practical experience. You may all sign up in groups of four, no more and no less, though all four must be from the same year group, as the courses will all be specifically designed to cater for your individual skill levels. You may, however, all be from different Houses. The courses will be set up in various areas around the school and each group will be tasked with getting as far through the course as they possibly can in the fastest possible time. The group in each year to get the furthest through the obstacle course, in the quickest amount of time, will earn their team ten points and each contributing member of the group will also earn twenty points for whichever House they happen to represent."
The Hall had been buzzing for some time, but now there was a lot of chatter, which Dumbledore let die down before continuing with his announcement.
"Now, onto the actual obstacle courses," he said, and all sound stopped. "There will be seven courses set up around the school at various points over the period of the school year. These courses will be set up in the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, the Dungeons, the Black Lake, the Quidditch Pitch, the Grounds themselves and the third-floor corridor on the right hand side. The only course that will remain the same for all Year groups is the third-floor corridor, which is why I have told you all not to go there beforehand, so as to not have any foreknowledge of what is to come. Upon the completion of that particular course, you will get a spell put on you so that you cannot tell anyone about it who has not already seen it for themselves. This spell will wear off at the end of the year and will, of course, have no ill effects on you. As this course is the most dangerous, we have determined that the older students will participate first so that the younger students can have more of a chance to complete it by learning more throughout the year.
"While there are no set dates for when these Obstacle Course days will be, you can be assured that they will happen once a month and be on a Sunday," Dumbledore said. As it appeared that he was wrapping up, the Hall was in discussion again as he continued. "There will be no Obstacle Courses in January, as it is a holiday period, but there will be one in May a week or two before your exams. If you wish to sign up, see the boards in your common rooms. The sign-up sheets are there. The first of the courses will take place two weeks from this Sunday. Thank you all for your patience. If you so choose, you may now head back to your dormitories."
With that, Dumbledore sat down among the loud buzz of students talking at once. Harry looked straight to Draco and Hermione silently asking them, 'are you game?' and got two eager nods of approval. Harry was ecstatic. There was one problem, though.
"Well, that's three out of four," he said quickly. "We need a fourth. As much as I want to, I don't think we should include Ron. He doesn't like either of you two, probably more so now that you broke his nose, Draco." Draco beamed and Hermione muttered something that sounded oddly like 'Boys!'. Neville, who had not heard about the incident, looked shocked.
"You broke Ron's nose?" Neville asked Draco nervously. After Harry, Hermione and Draco explained everything that had happened Neville looked surprisingly angry. "Sounds like he deserved it. Hermione is the nicest girl I know," Neville said loudly before blushing, realising that Hermione was right next to him. "Not that I know many girls that well." Harry suddenly had a brainwave.
"Hey Neville," Neville looked up at him expectantly, "are you going to do this obstacle course thing?" Neville looked thoughtful for a minute before shaking his head.
"I don't think so Harry. I mean, whoever had me would be at a huge disadvantage," he said sadly. "I'm terrible at spells and making potions. I'm sure you noticed."
"Well, Neville, I have to talk to Ron before making a final decision but if he's still a massive prat I think it would be great if you were on our team," Harry told him as Hermione nodded quickly. Draco looked slightly apprehensive but still nodded.
"Yeah. I think you would be alright," Draco said slowly. "Besides, that way we can keep it all Gryffindor without needing Weasley or Seamus. As funny as he is, Seamus has a tendency to blow things up with even the simplest charms." He then let a broad smile cover his face. "At least you only blow things up in Potions." Neville looked slightly hurt.
"Well ... yeah ... but ..."
Before Neville could keep going, Draco realised his mistake.
"I was only teasing you," he said quickly. "I didn't mean anything by it."
Neville looked at Draco uncertainly for a moment before nodding. Harry wasn't sure if Neville really believed Draco at all.
When they left the Great Hall, Harry decided to check on Ron. Hermione and Draco both agreed that they weren't the best people to see Ron. Neville, however, had told Harry he would go with him. As they walked, Harry and Neville discussed the obstacle courses and what they might include. By the time they had reached their destination, their predictions were becoming outrageous, and the two of them were laughing very hard. Neville's last suggestion was that they might have to retrieve a dragon's egg from an actual dragon's nest. Both of them thought the mere idea was ludicrous.
The Hospital Wing was white. It was the only way Harry could describe it. The walls and floors were varying shades of white, but white still. Even the sheets on the beds were white. As a result, Ron's red hair stuck out like a sore thumb. Madam Pomfrey informed them that Ron was fine, but she still needed to perform a routine check before allowing him to leave her care. She decided to allow the two of them to have five minutes with Ron. The reception the two of them got was less than warm as Ron scowled at Harry the moment he saw him. Harry tried to keep his face impassive as he looked at his friend.
"So … I hear Draco hit you," Harry said, his voice flat.
"Nah, mate. I slipped over and hit his bloody fist with my nose," Ron said sarcastically, glaring at Harry. "What do you think happened? Of course he hit me!"
"Well, come on Ron, he had a reason," Harry said with a hint of steel in his voice.
"Oh yeah? And what's that?" Ron asked, sounding angry and bitter.
"Maybe because of what you said about Hermione," Harry said angrily. "I found her crying in the library."
"Well then, what I said must have been true," Ron said, with a bizarre hint of pride in his voice. "Otherwise it wouldn't have hurt her. Not surprised she ran straight to the library, mind you. Of course she'd go there. It's her natural habitat."
"Hermione's the nicest girl I know," Neville said suddenly before Harry could say anything to Ron. Probably for the best. Harry didn't want Madam Pomfrey to kick him out. "You lay there making fun of others when you got put in the Hospital Wing from a punch? You're weak. And pathetic."
Harry had never heard Neville speak like this before. With a sense of purpose and indignation. Ron turned a shade of purple that would have rivalled even Uncle Vernon's best efforts.
"I'm weak and pathetic, am I?" he spat. "At least I can actually do magic, you Squib!" Ron's voice seemed to exude hatred as he spat that last word. The room went deathly silent. Though he didn't know what the word meant, he was certain that it wasn't nice. All of the purpose and indignation fled Neville in that moment, and Harry heard him sob once before turning and running out of the room. Harry rounded on Ron and looked deep into his eyes, Harry's own looking like emerald fires blazing in his sockets.
"You ... stay away from my friends or you will live to regret it," Harry said quietly, his voice harsh. "Neville was right. You are weak. Maybe you would be better off making friends with Blaise Zabini. He's more your type, I think. Stay away from me." After one final look into Ron's now fearful eyes, Harry turned and strode quickly out of the Hospital Wing leaving a very pale Ron behind. As he got out of sight he broke into a run, heading towards the Gryffindor Tower hoping nothing had happened to Neville.
When he got to the portrait of the Fat Lady he heard sobbing and saw Neville sitting on the stone floor leaning against a wall with his head in his hands. Harry sat next to him and put an arm around Neville's shoulders.
"It's alright. Why didn't you go inside?" he asked quietly, all the anger of just a few minutes before having left him almost entirely.
Neville muttered something that Harry couldn't make out but he assumed he said 'I forgot the password again'. Harry stood up and pulled Neville with him. He looked at the Fat Lady who said to them, "Tough night, I take it?" in her high-pitched voice.
"You have no idea. Caput Draconis," Harry said sadly and the portrait swung open. Harry looked at Neville. "You good to go mate?" Neville nodded mutely, no longer crying and Harry helped him into the Common Room as he was a little too short to get in by himself.
When they got inside they instantly spotted Draco and Hermione talking together on chairs near the fire. Hermione took one look at Neville, appeared to instantly know something had happened and leapt to her feet and ran forward and hugged him. Neville's eyes bulged and Harry couldn't help but let out a laugh. He even saw Draco trying to stifle a laugh of his own. Hermione lead Neville to a chair near the fire and sat in one herself before Harry sat in another. Neville still looked upset and was carefully studying the red carpet. Hermione noticed this and directed her next question solely at Harry.
"What happened?"
Harry recounted the whole conversation with Ron. Draco and Hermione were furious before Harry had even gotten to the part about what he had said to Neville.
"And then he went on about Neville and even called him ... a Squib," Harry said quietly watching Neville the whole time who showed no reaction. Hermione and Draco, however, had more than enough emotion.
"How could he?" Hermione breathed. "Neville isn't a Squib. Anyone can see that."
"Bastard," Draco muttered. Normally Hermione didn't like that type of language but she let it fly, Harry noticed. Draco looked at Neville and put a hand on Neville's forearm to get his attention. Neville looked up glumly. "Neville, he's wrong. Don't listen to him. He's an absolute prat. Don't even pay him the slightest bit of attention." Neville just looked at Draco, amazed.
"He could be right you know," Neville said morosely. "For years, my own family thought I was. A Squib, I mean. And ever since coming here I can't even perform the smallest spells that well. Even my colouring spell in the first Defence class was weak and that's one of the easiest spells to do," Neville sounded shaky and almost frightened. "You saw it. I was the worst in the class."
"But Neville, the point isn't that it was weak," Draco said. "The point is that it still worked. It wouldn't have worked at all if you were a Squib. Plus, you have a wand. Squibs don't get wands. They wouldn't work for them," Draco said. At Draco's words Neville's face seemed to regain colour and he even looked happier. Hermione spoke next.
"Yeah, Neville. I don't even think Hogwarts accepts Squibs. Ron and your family are absolutely wrong," she said with a smile. Neville began to beam before Harry spoke.
"Yeah, mate. You'll be fine," he said with his most reassuring smile. "We'll help you out. I bet you just need to believe in yourself a bit more. Do that and you'll get loads better." Neville beamed. "Feel better now?" Neville nodded.
"Thank you so much. All of you. I'll try to not let Ron or my family get to me anymore. But how will you help me?" he asked, raising his eyebrows slightly.
"Well, that's obvious, isn't it?" Harry asked with a smile while Neville looked perplexed. "We'll teach you everything you need help with. Well, everything that we can do. In return, all we ask is a little help with Herbology. Okay. A lot of help with Herbology. I'm not good with plants." Harry laughed and soon all four were.
"Where though?" Neville asked when the laughter died down. "The Common Room's too small and it's always busy. The dorms are even smaller."
"We'll come up with something," Harry said. "We'll talk to Professor McGonagall about it. She might be able to help. Actually, speaking of, I should probably go through some things with you. Draco and Hermione already know, so it's only fair that you know as well. Not tonight though. Saturday will be good. Tomorrow we'll go and see McGonagall to see what we can do for you."
As Harry finished speaking, Ron entered the Common Room through the portrait hole. Harry glared at him, as did Hermione, Draco and Neville. Harry thought it must have been that which made Ron look utterly frightened. He walked past them and almost ran up the stairs to the Dorms.
Some time later, before he went to sleep that night Harry decided to read the letter he had received from Dudley earlier.
Harry,
I can't believe you actually get to go to a school as awesome as Hogwarts. I mean, it sounds like the most brilliant place ever. I know if I had a choice I would be there in a heartbeat. But I better not let Mum and Dad hear me saying that.
I hope that Snape guy isn't giving you a lot of grief. He sounds really evil. Although, what do you expect from someone who spends his days in the dungeons? You said that he is also the Head of Slytherin? That's the House where all the bad ones go right? Bet I would have been there had I gone a few months ago, wouldn't I?
I'm glad to hear your friends are doing well. Although, it sounds like that Ron guy is a bit of a git. But you are really the authority on people these days, aren't you? I'm probably wrong about him.
By the way, I cannot thank you enough that you told your Headmaster that I was not to blame for everything that had happened to you and I want you to know how sorry I really am about all of that. I want you to let your friends know that as well. I hope to meet them someday. Maybe one of them can come and stay sometime in the holidays? Nah, I doubt it. Mum and Dad wouldn't have it.
Speaking of Dad, I thought I would let you know that he went to the Doctor yesterday and he was told that if he didn't start treating himself better he would have a heart attack. It made me really think about myself as well as him but he remains adamant that nothing is wrong. I hope so.
School is going well and I thought you should know that I have a new friend. I took your advice and made friends with a boy in my year who looked pretty frightened actually. His name is Chris Ludlum. He lives close so I can see him heaps. I don't think he has had many friends before. Thanks again Harry.
By the way, this owl of yours is very smart. She always waits for me to be alone in my room before showing herself. I think she knows what Dad would do if he saw her. Eat her probably!
Anyway, I have written enough. I hope you write soon.
Dudley.
Harry put the letter in his magically expanded pouch, which he carried everywhere with him, and made a mental note to write back tomorrow after the meeting with McGonagall.
Harry felt a sense of pride when Dudley had mentioned his new friend. In fact, Harry recognised the name as a boy he used to play with whenever Mrs Figg took him to the local park. Chris Ludlum was the closest thing Harry had to a friend for many years and when Mrs Figg told him they were moving away, Harry was rather upset. For months afterwards he missed Chris. He was glad that Dudley was doing something for his old friend.
Harry was one of the last ones left in the Common Room when he left to go to bed in the dorm. When he got up there he saw that Draco was asleep. As was Ron which was good because Neville wasn't. He changed into his pyjamas and he and Neville talked for a while before Neville said he needed to sleep. Harry also felt tired by that point, so he put up no resistance. He didn't sleep well that night. He once again saw the familiar green light and heard the high-pitched cackle. He hadn't had the dream since before his meeting with Dumbledore.