Chapter 25:Fire, water and a stag
As Hermione started to make her way down to the lab, Professor Snape re-emerged just as grumpily as before.
"Miss Granger what are you still doing here?" Professor Snape sneered. Hermione looked confused as she handed him the hang over potion. "It's Mr Potter's turn to duel Flitwick today," he explained angrily as he snatched the vial out of her hand.
"I better be off then, sir, are you coming?" she asked grabbing her bag from behind the sofa.
"Miss Granger may I remind you that I have blue hair and blue skin!" he snapped at her.
"Sorry," she mumbled to herself as she left the room.
The entrance hall was already full as she pushed her way to the front to find Ron and Harry chatting excitedly.
"There you are!" Harry shouted over the many voices of the crowd. "We thought you'd forgotten or something!"
"Sorry I'm late got a bit caught up with things you know," she said smiling happily.
With a loud creaking the grand doors opened to reveal an overcast morning. Student and teachers alike made their way quickly to the stadium, all the while talking of what was to come.
"Harry are you ok?" Hermione asked as Harry's pace slowed down. He smiled cheerfully and pointed out Dumbledore standing by the arena's entrance. "I'll see you later and good luck Harry!" Hermione shouted as he jogged off through the crowd.
"Yeah good luck mate!" Ron said as Harry passed him.
"Come on let's get some good seats this time," Ron exclaimed as he started dodging his way through the gathering crowd. They barged their way up the stairs and took a front row seat.
"Ladies and gentleman, the battle is about to commence!" a loud voice said echoing throughout the arena. It looked like Dumbledore would be refereeing this match.
As Harry stepped out the whole arena exploded with noise, Gryffindor banners waved and lions could be heard roaring everywhere. Professor Flitwick soon followed, running merrily to one side of the arena as Harry approached the other.
Green sparks cascaded down off the arena's shield and the two competitors surged into action.
Professor Flitwick although small was extremely powerful and Harry was trying hard to maintain his shield. A gap in the onslaught gave Harry the one chance he needed as he shot a bright orange flame at Flitwick. The charms Professor easily put it out with a jet of sparkling blue water. Harry rolled and dodged Flitwick's spells repeatedly. Flitwick waved his wand in a circular motion and soon large rocks were flying around the arena in a cloud of dust. They battered Harry's shield once again and the dust was getting in his eyes. The dust settled slowly and Harry looked around bewildered. Professor Flitwick had disappeared completely. SLAM! Harry's shield buckled as it was hit from behind. He swirled round to find Flitwick smiling merrily at him. Maintaining his shield Harry backed as far away as he could from his charms Professor. It was time for a new tactic. With one swift flourish of his wand a blinding white light shot out of the tip. A silver stag cantered around the arena several times before charging at the small form of Professor Flitwick. The crowd gasped in astonishment as Flitwick's inner shield flicked yellow and sparks flew off it. The stag trotted obediently back to its master and then just as quickly as it had appeared it was gone. Harry had won!
"WOOOOO!" Ron bellowed jumping up and down.
The whole crowd started chanting and soon all that could be heard was Harry's name.
"Congratulations Harry!" Hermione shouted as she and Ron rushed towards him. "Your patronus was amazing!" she said laughing happily. Harry mumbled an embarrassed thank you as they led him out of the arena.
The Gryffindor common room was packed full when they arrived and butterbeers were soon being passed around. Harry had been lifted onto Fred and George's shoulders and they continued to parade him around the room for the next ten minutes. Gold and red streamers exploded everywhere and even the portraits were cheering loudly.
"Guys, let's go somewhere a bit quieter," Harry said to Hermione and Ron. They both nodded and headed out of the common room.
They wandered up to the defence against the dark arts corridor and soon found themselves having tea in Lupin's room.
"Well done Harry I particularly liked the use of your patronus," Lupin said smiling warmly at him.
"Thanks," Harry said shyly picking up his mug of tea. "Professor are you ok, its just you're a little pale?"
"I'm fine," Lupin said quickly walking over to the window. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.
"Ow, what was that for?" he said rubbing his side tenderly. Hermione frowned at him.
"It's the full moon soon," she whispered into his ear. He mouthed sorry to her as Lupin came back to join them. He did look paler and the scars on his face were more visible than usual. His hair was streaked with grey and his eyes seemed tired and haunted. He was constantly fidgeting with his hands and they were shaking slightly. Hermione gave the two boys worried looks.
"Professor maybe you should get some rest," Hermione suggested taking the tea cup out of his hand.
"Yes, yes maybe your right," he mumbled rising out of his chair.
"Thanks for the tea," Ron said as all three of them got up to leave. Lupin smiled wearily and went to get some rest. "Poor bloke," Ron whispered as they left the room. Harry nodded in agreement.
"Maybe we should tell someone," she said anxiously as they walked slowly down the corridor.
"He'll be fine Hermione, as you said he probably just needs a rest," Ron said.
"Come on I'll race you down to the Quidditch pitch!" Harry shouted from further ahead.
"You're on!" Ron replied, his footsteps joining Harry's as he streamed past Hermione. She laughed at the two of them and started to jog behind them.
"Wait up!" she shouted as Ron disappeared behind the corner.