A/N: I wished I owned Harry Potter. Alas, I do not. Ms. Rowling, I'd be happy to take it off your hands.
A/N: Betting you didn't think Akira would be the 4th POV, however short it was. I think that Harry wouldn't go back to the Gryffindor common room, not if he had to go through all the students twice. I think that would have broken him even more. Now let's see if anyone can put him back together.
Looking at the original story tags, I realize I tagged Harry, Hermione Fleur and OC (which is Akira, if you haven't pegged that). It was incredibly frustrating to be limited to 4 characters when I want to explore so many players to tell a more diverse story. While the French witch will certainty become a more integral piece of the story from this moment on, I'm not sure she will deserve being tagged for a little while longer, which is my bad. I needed a lot of chapters to start building out Harry's Hogwarts friends, and I'm not going to really increase how I'm using small increments of time, so Fleur won't jump to the forefront right away.
But if you wanted to see her as a central character along with Harry, Hermione, and Akira, it will get there by the end. That is not to say I will start ignoring other characters I have developed like Daphne or Dean. But I had a plan for certain characters when I started that, and it hasn't changed too much as I write this.
One other note. I have nothing but respect for people that write with accents for foreign characters (that is not sarcasm, that's real respect). I don't have the concentration or skill to do it and maintain even the slightest semblance of my writing style. If you want to imagine poor pronunciation that's fine, but for example Krum will be able to pronounce Hermione's name with no problem.
Chapter 18: Not Alone
November, 1994
"He's not in there anymore?" Cedric asked.
"Nope," Akira said. "He's actually doing better, though I think your idea is good. To be honest, I'm shocked you go this many people." Akira looked at the veritable crowd of people behind Cedric.
"He has more friends than he thinks," Cedric said. "He deserves even more. He deserves the entire school. You were right. The stuff he has had to go through to make someone want to die…"
"It's worse than anyone knows," Akira said quietly. "That's why the response was so visceral. Wait a minute…" His eyes scanned over the crowd and he beckoned over Hermione.
"Yes Professor Hayashi?" Hermione asked.
"Harry said over the summer he came to your bed every day when you had been petrified and talked. He told me he basically poured his heart out, didn't keep anything a secret. I didn't tell him at the time because there was no point, but you could hear and remember all of that, right?" Hermione nodded. "You know who his only magical living relative is?"
"You, and his grandmother?" Hermione asked. "Yes."
"Look, I feel like you are trying to keep something a secret, so how about I take everyone to wait in a classroom on the 5th floor?" Cedric asked. "We'll wait until curfew if we need to. Try and get Harry down there."
"We'll try," Akira said, and Cedric slowly led the crowd away. "You remember what Harry said about his aunt, uncle, and cousin?"
"Oh god, is that why he reacted like that?"
"Probably," Akira said. "His fear of rejection and hatred is deeply ingrained in him. Right now his best friend might be the only person who can get Harry out of that. But only if you can say you love him and mean it."
"Love?" Hermione looked horrified, and Akira sighed to himself. Teenagers were such a hassle sometimes.
"Just as a friend, not as a girlfriend," Akira told her patiently and Harry's best friend visibly relaxed. If the situation had not been dire, Akira would have found her reaction funny. If she had no thoughts in that direction, then she would have brushed it off. Harry and Hermione were clearly interested about each other, but the reasons they had both come up with as to why they should stay friends actually made perfect sense. A relationship between the two of them was unlikely to work out in the long run by Akira's estimation, but his concerns were more immediate.
"Yeah, then I can say it."
"Tell it to me, then. Pretend I'm Harry," Akira said, and Hermione gave him an odd look. "It has to be convincing."
"Harry, I'm your best friend and I love and believe you," Hermione said, and Akira could see that there was more than friendship there. This was not something to deal with at the moment. Akira suspected that if he had not seen other female friends in Harry's friend group there would be heartbreak in the future, but luckily that was not a problem. Regardless, Hermione was convincing, and that's all that mattered
"Wow. If that was a lie, you are one of the best I have ever seen," Akira conceded.
"It's not a lie," Hermione said, her eyes flashing.
"Let's go then," Akira said and started walking back to his room. "We've got to get Harry moving. Minerva has had a little success, but not enough. I lied to Cedric. He is barely eating and drinking and he hasn't responded to a word we said."
"What about bringing his relatives and torturing them in front of him?" Hermione asked, and Akira could tell she was partially serious.
"Actually not the worst idea. We'll keep that in reserve, but I might try and save some of that for after we get Harry out of this funk and just do it for my own fun and entertainment. I hadn't thought of visiting the Dursleys." Akira knocked on the door and he heard it unlock.
"Hermione?" Minerva asked. She looked wrung out, Akira realized. This is probably harder on her than anyone. She probably felt responsible, and in a way she was even though Akira wasn't about to appropriate blame to her. Akira sat at his desk and fished out a drink as Hermione went over to the bed and sat next to a blank eyed Harry. "Will this work?"
"I hope so," Akira said as Hermione sat there patiently, obviously hoping Harry would acknowledge her presence. "If not, there is only one other person who Harry trusts a similar amount, the guy I was talking about last night. But getting him involved would be a problem, so I'd like to avoid that."
"We need to do whatever possible to help Harry!" Minerva protested.
"Minerva, does the name Nambung mean anything to you?"
"The notorious killer and assassin? I've just heard rumors," Minerva said. "He is said to be unstoppable and a monster in battle."
"You aren't wrong," Akira said, forced to agree with the assessment. "Well, he trained Harry this summer and they formed a kind of father-son bond since they had similar childhoods. He could get Harry out of the funk. And then he would kill all the headmasters, all the other contestants, and anyone who got in his way so that Harry would win by default and wouldn't have to compete. Even Dumbledore wouldn't stand much of a chance against Nambung if he was in a killing rage. He's a little irrational and tends to reach for his wand before thinking, especially when it comes to people he cares about. From what I've seen, Harry at the top of a one person list of people who need his protection who he cares about."
"You are being dramatic, right?" Minerva said, looking at Akira's face looking for humor.
"No, that's pretty accurate," Akira said, and Minerva's face went white. "He's unstoppable when he's angry. So we'll try other options first."
"Harry, I am here for you," Hermione was saying over and over again.
"Hermione?" Harry croaked after a few minutes and the entire room felt silent, all turning to Harry. "Where am I?"
"Harry, are you ok?" Hermione asked, her eyes filled with concern. Harry slid across the bed and bumped his shoulder with hers. "You don't remember what happened?"
"Not really," Harry said. "I was walking out of the great hall after Barty Crouch said I had to compete and when I went past the Hufflepuff table one of them said something really nasty. I looked at Ron for support and I just saw hatred in his eyes." Harry shuddered a bit and Minerva sat next to him and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I just kind of blacked out. How many days has it been?"
"Only one," Akira told him.
"I missed class an entire day!" Harry said, jumping to his feet. "A Monday, no less! Snape is going to kill me."
"Dumbledore is actually taking this seriously, or at least he is after a few professors laid into him," Akira said. "He spoke to Barty Crouch about what the tasks are, and after hearing about them, all the champions are except from class. I would suggest you go to class when you have the opportunity, but you don't have to go to any class you don't want, and if you want you don't have to take end of year exams."
"That's a comfort," Harry said, even if his voice was tinged with total despair. It would be tempting to skip every potion class, but he knew that wouldn't be good. At least one of his worries was gone.
"If there are subjects you don't feel comfortable with at the end of the year, Remus and I can catch you up over the summer," Akira told him. "Granted, most people don't have two professors offering to help them every summer, but no point in not taking advantage of your special circumstances. There is one other thing that Dumbledore said."
"More surprises?" Harry said with a grimace.
"This is a good surprise," Akira told him. "Every student can choose one professor or their headmaster to help them prepare for the tasks. Obviously he will not directly tell you about the task, but Dumbledore is more than willing to be the person supporting you. He will probably give you hints by working on skills that will be useful for the next tasks-"
"Not Dumbledore," Harry told Akira, quite forcefully. It had been an impulse, but the moment it left Harry's mouth he was sure. He would not choose Dumbledore as his supporter. "I want someone else."
"I suspected you might say that," Akira said with a half-smile. "I'll work out a curriculum for you to make sure you keep up with your studies and are adequately prepared."
"One moment," Harry said as he glanced at Hermione, whose face did not contain her surprise at Harry's refusal to take the headmaster's assistance. "I assume Cedric asked you to be his support."
"He did, but I suggested Flitwick," Akira told Harry.
"No, you should agree," Harry told Akira. Harry could tell his brother was both surprised and a little hurt. "Akira, I would love to have you assisting me. But we are going to meet every morning anyways, and we can do a little magic when I am taking a breather. Cedric is a good guy, and if you work with him it might facilitate him and me working together."
"Harry, that is a really good idea," Hermione said. She was impressed that Harry could think so clearly moments after emerging from a one-day coma. Whatever he had done that summer, he was much more emotionally grounded. The scars of his uncle, aunt and cousin's treatment were still heavily imprinted, but he was stronger now, and smarter. It showed in his classwork, his interactions, and although he was impulsive as ever with his actions, his speech was always a little slower, as if Harry was taking the time to choose every word. Hermione thought it was a good look on her best friend.
"I thought so," Harry said, happy he had Hermione's seal of approval. "Grandma Minnie, I was hoping you could be my support. Obviously you can help with transfiguration, but I also figured as Deputy Headmaster you might be able to wrangle some assistance from other professors if need be. Outside of Snape, I bet they would all be willing to help the poor little fourth year."
"Harry, that is surprisingly devious!" Akira exclaimed.
"Well, the hat thought I was supposed to go to Slytherin," Harry said. Minerva McGonagall gasped in surprise. By her estimation, Harry was what Godric had imagined when he founded Gryffindor for those who had bravery in the face of fear or adversity. Even before their familial link had been discovered, Minnie had always been proud of Harry. No matter what happened and what punishment he faced for his recklessness, his bravery seemed to be critical to the safety of the school every year. She had failed to keep her students safe every year since Harry's first year, but Harry had come through unscathed and has saved many other students where she failed. Now it was time to repay the favour, even if his placement in Gryffindor had not been as fated as she had once thought.
"Of course I will be your support," Minnie told Harry, and she released his shoulder and could not stop herself from hugging the young boy. Harry did not hug her back, but he did not try and break away from the contact, which made Minnie hopeful. Maybe Harry was closer to recovery than she had thought. That would be very important, not only for Harry's mental strength, but also because the first task was less than a month away.
"Harry, there is something else," Hermione said. She had almost forgotten everyone who had been with her earlier with all the information Akira had dropped. Even as she spoke, she was trying to think what classes Harry might skip, and how she could help organize her homework so that she could best assist Harry.
"Hermione, is this important?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "Come with me, if you trust me."
"Hermione," Harry said, a deep scowl crossing his face as he stood, "if you ever say that again, even in jest, I will be extremely upset at you. I trust you no matter what." He couldn't believe that even with all that was going on that Hermione might doubt his trust in her for even a second. He realized that Hermione was actually a little nervous that he might think even she was against him, and some of Harry's nerves and fear floated away. He would always have Hermione with him, and that was enough. No matter who hated him, supported him, or ignored him, he would always have Hermione. He would always have a best friend who would stand at his side to face anything which is all he could wish for.
"Withdrawn," Hermione said with a tentative smile, and Harry clapped her on the shoulder. Just like that, the tension in the room coming from Harry's bad mood and the worry of his best friend and family was alleviated.
"Onwards then," Harry said and followed Hermione out the door. Akira hesitated by the door, but Professor McGonagall held him back. He looked at her curiously, but she shook her head.
"Harry is smart, even if he doesn't always show it in class. If we go, Harry might not believe that his friends are as earnest as we believe. Plus, if we are not there they will speak more freely. That may hurt Harry, but he needs to know who his real friends are."
"Well, I hope no one there speaks badly of Harry. Woe betide anyone who meets with Harry but doesn't support him. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Hermione and Cedric."
"So I am not the only one who sees it?" McGonagall asked, her eyes sparkling with a hidden smile.
"No," Akira told her, "and Professor Sprout noticed it as well. I was going to intercede, but I think that part of being older is letting the young make the mistakes we all made."
"Well, I would hope that unplanned pregnancies and children out of wedlock are not in our students future."
"Indeed." Akira opened a cupboard and with a swish of his hand a bottle of fire whisky and two cups floated onto his table. The bottle tipped over and both cups were filled. "To Harry."
"Yes," McGonagall said, and then shut the door.
"Hermione, it's almost curfew," Harry said, looking down at his watch. "While I'm sure some people might be understanding, Filch and Snape would love to attack me if they found me out of the tower."
"Well, I doubt they would attack all of us," Hermione said, opening the door and ushering Harry through.
"All of us," Harry started to say, and then his eyes widened. His mouth continued to move but nothing came out.
"Hey Harry," Neville said, stepping forward from the group. He looked around, but the group remained up against the wall. "Ok, I guess I'm the spokesman for the group. We just wanted to say we believe you didn't enter the tournament. Anyone who knows you knows you wouldn't want this. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you ever need me, you know I have your back. Now and forever." He extended his arm and Harry gripped his hand.
"Really?" Harry asked, his voice quivering a bit as he looked over the group. Harry might have guessed that even though Ron was furious, some people might support him. But the size of the group was overwhelming. Neville and Dean, Susan and Hannah, Lavender, the Weasley twins and course Hermione, who had moved up behind him. Even Cedric and Jason were present, Cedric with a rueful grin on his face.
"Now and forever," Neville said. "I always have your back and I will always be your friend."
"We all do," Lavender said, surprising Harry. "You are many things, Harry but you are not a liar."
"I'd like you to survive," Jason said, another surprising speaker. "If you die, I think that my chances of learning the Patronus charm would be non-existent." Cedric elbowed him hard in the side. "Ouch!"
"Sorry for that, Harry," Cedric said, stepping past his friend to stand next to Neville. "This is a really nasty surprise, but I promise you that while it might take a bit of time to bring everyone around, all of Hufflepuff will support you as well. Besides," Cedric whispered as he leaned in "if one of the challenges is a basilisk I'll need some advice."
"Who would make sure Ron gets our pranks?" One of the twins said while the other threw his arm around the speaker. "We always have your back."
Harry looked over the group of friends who stood before him and crumpled to the ground, tears flowing down his face. He simply couldn't believe that these people would stand up for him. It was one thing to support him silently, but for so many people to support him in front of their schoolmates caused Harry to really lose it. He could barely look up to see the people crowding around him, most of them with real concern.
"It's okay," Harry said, trying to compose himself. "These are happy tears."
"Good," Hermione said, crouching down next to him and putting her hand in his. "I won't let my best friend die because of a stupid tournament. We will get through this."
"Yeah," Fred and George said in concert. "We are in too. We'll prank all the other candidates out of school." They realized who was in the room and quickly turned to Cedric.
"Not you Cedric," one twin said.
"You are a decent enough bloke," the other said.
"We learned a long time ago not to mess with Puffs."
"But don't mess with an adopted Weasley," they said, speaking in concert again.
"Good to know some of the Weasley clan are still with me," Harry muttered darkly.
"I'll talk Ron around," Hermione said quietly, but Harry didn't respond. He didn't know if he wanted Hermione to do that, but that was an issue for another time. The tears were almost gone from his face, but eyes were a little red rimmed.
"Cedric, I talked to Professor Hayashi." Harry said, standing up, trying to get his reeling feelings under control. "He will be your support. I know you really respect him, and I'm sure you two will be great competition."
"Wow, Harry, I don't…" Cedric said, lost for words.
"I think what my friend is trying to say is thank you," Jason said, returning Cedric's earlier elbow."
"I would have gotten there eventually," Cedric growled at Jason and tried to shove him but Jason jumped out of the way. Harry couldn't help a small laugh from escaping and soon the whole room was laughing.
"Well, we better get back before curfew," Dean said after everyone had laughed for a few seconds. "Don't need to give Snape an excuse to dock points." The room murmured in agreement and Harry smiled. Hermione reached out and grabbed his sleeve as Harry gestured for the twins to stay. Soon only the two 4th year Gryffindors and Weasley twins were in the room.
"Guys, I wouldn't prank either of the champions," Harry told them. "Fleur has this weird power I don't recognize, and I think Krum might have been supporting me before I kind of lost it."
"We just want to even the playing field," one of the twins said.
"Just be careful," Harry told them. "Let me feel them out first."
"Harry's right," Hermione said, surprising herself. Anything that might help Harry would be great, but once again, his acumen surprised her. "They might learn who is pranking them, and your friendship with Harry is well known. No need to turn potentially allies or neutrals into enemies."
"You are the boss," the other twin said with a mock salute. "We'll prepare some things just in case, if that's ok. Malfoy was being extra obnoxious today, so maybe we will use him as a test subject."
"I'd never say no to that." One of the twins seemed to notice something, and nudged the other. The second twin's eyes widened, and he nodded to his brother.
"We'll get out of your hair. Try to stay out of trouble for a little while," The twins said in concert and then almost bolted out the door.
"You didn't have to stay," Harry told Hermione.
"Actually I did," Hermione said, gesturing Harry out the door. "Listen, you know I'm not her biggest fan," Hermione said as she led him down the corridor. "But she was the first person to come up to me, and the biggest surprise. She didn't want to join the big group, but I just figured…" Hermione trailed off as she neared the classroom at the end of the platform.
"Hermione, I don't have the faintest idea what you are talking about," Harry told her.
"Just be careful," Hermione told him. "I don't know if she is sincere or just trying an angle. I'm am pretty sure, but with Slytherin you never know."
"Hermione," Harry started, but then his eyes widened. "She came up to you?" There was almost a tangible longing in his voice. Hermione silently sighed, and her crush on her best friend faded away, realizing that if Harry could start to develop feelings for a girl he had known for less than 3 months, it would never happen for her. She would be his best friend, always, but she would let those other feelings that she had pushed down since second year die, as painful as it would be.
"Here is your cloak," Hermione said, taking the cloak out of her bookbag. "Don't be too late. We will need to start planning your class schedule and support sessions with McGonagall tomorrow." She gave him a tight hug and then turned to walk up to the tower. There was a tiny tear in her eye but she made sure Harry didn't see and picked up her pace the moment she was out of sight. She glanced back once but Harry's eyes were glued on the door.
Harry took a deep breath, and then slipped into the room. The lights were off, but there were a few candles lit. The gentle light caught on the blond hair as the girl turned around and Harry's heart started to beat a little faster. Daphne was looking at him curiously and they both stood there silently for a moment. Then Harry took a half step towards Daphne and she raced across the room throwing herself into Harry's arms.
"Harry!" Daphne cried out, as Harry's arms enfolded her. "When did you get so strong?" She joked as she pulled back a little, and their eyes met. Daphne leaned forward and their lips met. Harry stiffened for a second and Daphne instantly pulled back. "Oh god, I'm so sorry. I just couldn't stop-" Daphne cut off with a small squeak as Harry leaned in and kissed her back.
It was a short tentative kiss as Daphne pulled back again to give Harry a small smile. Then she returned to kiss him again, and as Daphne's arms tightened around him during their third kiss Harry felt his knees start to go weak. He slid his mouth away and put his head on Daphne's shoulder, holding her gently. He breathed in the scent of her hair and her hands tightened around him.
"So was this always your plan?" Harry asked as they sat, Daphne leaning into Harry's chest. She tilted her head up, pursing her lips in thought. Harry simply couldn't resist and he leaned in to kiss her again.
"You stop that," Daphne said with a laugh as she pushed him away after a few seconds. "We have to talk about this, about us and I can't think if you keep kissing me."
"Ok," Harry said, a cold hand settling over his heart. Daphne felt him tense and turned to Harry, trying to keep her face blank. But she couldn't help it as she met Harry's eyes with her own and a small smile broke out.
"Harry, look, I just don't know what I feel. I just know I have never felt it before, and if we are going to be…something, and I want us to be something, this is going to be complicated."
"Daphne, true magic results from courage of the heart," Harry said. "I like you. I like you as a friend and as a girl. You make me feel brave and you make me happy. Right now, the tournament is gone, my friends and teachers are gone. Right now, it is me and you. Do you like me?"
"I don't know!" Daphne replied. "I think I do, but Harry, there is a lot going on. I was so worried when I heard your name, and then Hermione came and talked to me. Then you were standing there and I just wanted you to know that I care about you. I love being your friend, but I'm not sure I can do more."
"We can take it slow," Harry told her. "I'll always be your friend, Daphne. If you don't want this, I won't be hurt or offended."
"I don't know if I want this," Daphne admitted. "but when I think about Granger or Bones kissing you, it makes me furious!"
"Hermione and Susan?" Harry held back a laugh. "I think you are way off base, Daphne."
"Harry, you are such a guy." Daphne leaned back into Harry's chest to hide her eyes. Harry was smart, courageous, sweet and everything she could want in a boyfriend. If that was all there was, she would brave the hatred of her house to be with him, even if her closest friends would understand. But she didn't want to make unnecessary enemies if they broke up, and Susan Bones would be a dangerous enemy when she got older and realized what having the Bones name meant. She definitely did not want to get in between Harry and his best friend either, or ever have Granger turn her ire towards her.
"What does that mean?"
"It means that you are incredibly dense when it comes to how girls feel about you," Daphne said, hiding a patient smile. "I wouldn't have stood a chance if Granger could be up front with her feelings, but the fact I talked to her and she still dropped you off here means that she isn't ready, and I am not going to give her a chance to steal you back. As far as Susan goes, she was probably willing to wait until you approached her. This was my only chance to steal you away. I'm sure you will be too busy with the tournament to continue our lessons."
"Well, if that's why you kissed me it was a bit premature," Harry told her. "I had no intentions of stopping our lessons. That being said, it was a pretty amazing first kiss."
"That was your first kiss?" Daphne asked in both shock and amazement. "No way."
"Why is that so unbelievable?" Harry was a little hurt by the surprise in Daphne's voice. He didn't think he came off like a womanizer, and if that was why Daphne had kissed him, this relationship of more than friends might be over it began. Harry knew he had been lying when he said if Daphne didn't want to be more than friends he would be fine. It would absolutely crush him, and while he was sure Hermione and Akira would help him get over it, he didn't know if he could still be friends with Daphne if she turned him away, not after those kisses.
"I swear, Harry Potter, you will be the death of me!" Daphne said, but then glanced at her watch. "Harry, it is 5 minutes until curfew! I don't have to tell you how bad it will be if we are caught after curfew."
"Fine," Harry said, standing up and helping Daphne to her feet. "But we are not done with this conversation."
"No we are not," Daphne stated, and then leaned in and gave him a very serious kiss that made Harry's knees weak again. "You really don't know that almost every girl in the castle would kill to be in my place right now?"
"I really don't," Harry replied honestly. This was certainly news to him. Daphne narrowed her eyes for a second, but seemed to relax and Harry was happy she seemed to believe him.
"Look, I need a few days to sort out how I'm feeling, but do me a favour and don't be alone with Granger or Bones until I come talk to you."
"Daphne, I really like you," Harry said. "But if you are going to dictate how I spend time with my friends, then as much as it hurts me we are going to just be friends."
"I would never ask you to not spend time with them," Daphne explained. "They are both really smart and wonderful girls, and if I can't get up enough courage to be your…girlfriend," Daphne and Harry both blushed a little at the word "I wouldn't mind if you went out with either of them. But just for the next few days, so I can think this over carefully. For my peace of mind, ok?"
"I won't promise anything I don't know I can't keep," Harry admitted. "But I promise I will try, and if I am with them it will be in public, not in a broom closet." He grinned at Daphne who punched him gently in the arm. "Now get going." Daphne started down the corner and Harry watched her go. She finally disappeared out of view and Harry slumped to the ground, a little exhausted.
"I don't know if I am a good or bad brother for not going into the classroom," Akira said as he ended his disillusionment charm. "It seems you have a little lipstick on you," Akira observed and Harry couldn't keep the grin off his tired face. "So, Greengrass is your girlfriend now?"
"She doesn't know," Harry explained. "She wants a few days to think about what she wants."
"And what do you want?" Harry paused to think for a moment. The moment he had seen Daphne waiting for him he had just reacted, done whatever felt natural. Now he finally had a moment to think through his own feelings. Akira waited patiently as Harry took a deep breath and let the lake form in his mind.
"Right now, I want to go to bed," Harry said, and Akira laughed. "But tomorrow, I want to go up to her in front of the entire great hall and kiss her. I want to tell her that as crazy as it is, I trust her almost as much as I trust Hermione. That I would make an enemy of the entire Slytherin house just to get one day to hold her hand around school. That's crazy, right?"
"Yes, it is," Akira told him. "There are some Slytherin you don't want as enemies, some that don't really hate you. I know he is on the quidditch team, and this isn't the year to send overtures to most of the snakes given everything going on, but you might consider, at the end of the year, talking to Adrian Pucey. Right now I think they all hate you."
"I always listen to your advice, but you sure have some bizarre ideas sometimes," Harry said and they started walking back to the dormitory. "I guess he doesn't cheat too much when we play Slytherin.
"Harry, just so you know I'm not letting the fact you skipped practice this morning slide." Harry nodded ruefully. "Tomorrow at 6:30." Harry nodded as he reached the portrait of the Fat Lady and said the password. Akira walked off down the corridor and Harry walked into the common room.
So much had happened in the past 24 hours, Harry would need a few days to grapple with it all and come to terms. But as he settled into bed, he felt better than normal. He thought about his grandmother, his brother, his friends, and Daphne, whatever they were. And Harry realized what this weird feeling was. It was hope.