Hello again, my fellow Fanfictioners! I hope this story finds you in good health and spirits :)) And yeah, I updated much later than I promised I would, and that's because this chapter took a lot of time to write XD Anywho, thank you for the support! You guys rock!
Also, I made some changes in chapter 11, so if you are a curious lad or lass, do check them out :D
Behold, the longest chapter of the story yet! It is gonna be a roller coaster ride, so sit back and enjoy ;)
Do review, follow and mark as favourite! See you soon!
"So, this is the place?" Hermione asked as she inspected the building.
"Yep, make yourself at home," said Ron, opening the door for his friends.
The much-awaited Hogsmeade visit had finally arrived and the trio found themselves in front of an ancient-looking pub in a desolated corner of Hogsmeade. The name of the place was the Hog's Head and was the very one Ron had put forward as a suggestion.
"Quite the opposite of the Three Broomsticks, I'd say," Harry remarked, as they entered the pub and surveyed it.
He was right. The inside looked even older and less taken care of than the outside. Tables and chairs made of rickety wood were set around the confined place, with a bar at the left side and a fireplace, alive with a roaring fire, on the right. The man behind the bar, who looked like the owner of the pub, eyed his new customers. He appeared to be the perfect fit for a place like the Hog's Head, as he was an old man with a long white beard, prominent eyes and a scowl set deep in his face. He seemed to look like a rougher version of Dumbledore.
"Nice pick, Ron," said Harry, as they took a seat on one of the tables closest to the fireplace.
"I told you nobody comes here," Ron smirked. It was true, because the place was almost deserted. There were two other customers besides them - one resembled a mummy, because almost every inch of his face was covered in bandages, and the other was a middle-aged wizard, smoking a pipe. The latter's eyes also seemed to be fixated upon Hermione.
The fire was the only good thing here for her, truth to be told.
"It's good," Hermione spoke up, growing more uncomfortable by the minute under the man's constant gaze, "But I wish the students would arrive quickly."
"It's only 8:15," Ron said, glancing at his watch, "And we told them to arrive by 9, so hold your horses."
"Let's order something while we wait," Harry suggested.
"You guys go ahead," Ron said, rising from the table, "I have to go meet Lavender. I promised her a date today."
"All right then. See you."
"See you."
With that, Ron left the pub.
"Do you want to order something?" Harry asked Hermione.
"A cup of tea would be nice."
Harry called the pub's owner to their table. He wrote down their orders - tea for Hermione and something called 'Frothyrum' for Harry, which the older man had prompted the younger one to order, promising that it's good.
Whilst he was giving their orders, Harry couldn't help but notice that the owner looked familiar. And that familiarity was puzzling him to another level.
He looks a lot like Dumbledore, he thought, as he watched the owner retreat to the bar. Maybe that is why he looks familiar.
He decided to tell Hermione this.
"Hermione?"
"Hm?"
"Doesn't the bartender look kind of familiar?"
She glanced at the said man and replied, "He resembles Dumbledore."
"That's what I think, too," Harry agreed. He would have added more if the peculiar look on Hermione's face hadn't stopped him.
She looked a bit...off. Her eyes were downcast, her cheeks were pink and her overall image presented the point that she was troubled.
"Is something wrong?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," she replied, shortly and without looking at him.
"What is it?"
This time she looked at him before responding, "That man two tables down from us? He keeps staring at me."
Harry had to look past her to see that man, and sure enough, he was gazing at Hermione with an unsettling expression on his face. He didn't acknowledge Harry at all.
"Such a creep," said Hermione, her eyes on the table, "But it's okay. He'll lose interest when the students will arrive."
"So you're just gonna let him stare at you?" Harry demanded in shock.
"It's best not to mingle with such people," Hermione told him, then continued with gritted teeth, "Though I want to gouge out his eyeballs or hex him!"
"Then do just that."
"No, I won't. It's okay."
"Hermione, this -"
"I told you!" she interrupted him, "It's all right."
But it didn't seem all right, not at all. Hermione looked supremely uncomfortable and apprehensive under the man's rude staring, and it was making Harry furious.
"No, Hermione," he declared, "This isn't going to continue. Not on my watch."
"Harry, no!"
But he ignored her and exclaimed at the stranger, "Hey, mate! Do you have a problem?!"
His outburst caused the owner and the other customer to look at him in bewilderment.
Meanwhile, Hermione had grabbed Harry's arm.
"Harry, please stop it! Calm down!" She begged. She was trying her best to prevent him from doing anything further because the last thing she wanted right now was him getting into a fight with that stranger, who looked utterly dangerous. But once again, Harry didn't listen to her and kept glaring at the man.
That man, however, regarded Harry with amusement.
"None, kid," he said in a croaky voice, "But that lady beside you might have."
Excuse me?! Hermione thought angrily.
"Well, whatever her problem is, it's none of your business!" Harry snapped at him, "So can you please look elsewhere?!"
"Look away from such an enticing sight?" the man said, in mock astonishment, "No way..."
That comment sent Hermione's hands to vigorously shake. This guy was unbelievably creepy.
And for Harry, it angered him so much that he stood up.
"I asked you politely," he retorted, infuriated, "Because I don't want to get my hands dirty."
Hermione's mouth dropped open. He did not just say that!
Unfortunately, the man had gotten up as well and was looking at Harry in a jarring way, "I'd like to see you try!"
That was more than enough. Hermione stood up, too and grabbed Harry's arm again, this time with a stronger grip.
"Harry, you will not fight this man – "
"He's asking for it," said Harry with gritted teeth.
"I don't want you to get into a fight with him!" she pleaded, "Please, just calm down!"
"No, Hermione. You don't get it," he replied, looking at her fully now, "I simply cannot stand it when someone disrespects you or makes you uncomfortable. It makes my blood boil."
With that, he turned back to face the offender. And for the next few seconds or so, Hermione didn't stop him.
His words had made her freeze on the spot, rendering her speechless. But alongside making her at a loss for words, they also had ignited a toasty fire in her, from her belly up to her chest, warming her to the core.
She momentarily looked at Harry...and suddenly wanted to kiss him. Kiss him passionately, regardless of possible aftermaths.
Luckily, Harry's shout caused her to come back into her senses.
"I am darn ready!" he was yelling, while also reaching for his wand.
But before anything disastrous could happen, the pub's owner stepped in, to Hermione's immense relief.
"Come on now. What's all this ruckus?" he said, addressing both men.
"He wouldn't stop staring at my friend!" Harry complained, glowering at the other guy, "He's making her uncomfortable!"
"Then I am afraid I'd have to ask you to leave," the pub's owner told the other man, giving him a menacing look. But the stranger was not having it.
"But these little rascals -"
"I don't care what these little rascals are doing!" shouted the owner, "Out! Out of my pub!"
The stranger glared at him and Harry in turns. Then mumbling profanities, he finally left the pub.
"This ain't no place for ladies," the owner said to Harry, "Or kids, in fact."
"A group is about to join us in a little while," Harry explained, "We chose your pub for our meeting because the Three Broomsticks is a bit - crowded."
The older man let out a "Hm!" of agreement, whilst staring at Harry in a contemplative manner.
"You're the famous Harry Potter, aren't you?" he asked, scratching his beard.
"Yes, sir. That's me," Harry answered, as he sat back down with Hermione, "Though a bad kind of famous these days."
"You mean the load of rubbish that is being printed in the newspapers about you and Albus?" the owner questioned. Hearing someone like the owner address Dumbledore as 'Albus' seemed odd to both Harry and Hermione, but the former pushed the feeling aside and asked, "You don't believe them?"
"Course not," the old man grunted, "A bunch of cowards, those people at the Ministry, I'd say. The return of You-Know-Who was inevitable. I could see it coming for years."
His answer earned a smile out of Harry. He was starting to like this bloke.
"Frothyrum for the gentleman and tea for the lady," the old man said humorously, setting their drinks on their table.
"Thank you," Hermione finally spoke up. She thanked him for the tea, yes, but she also thanked him for kicking that man out. He must have caught on because he smiled a grandfatherly smile at her with a twinkle in his eyes.
"He does look a lot like Dumbledore," she commented, as he went back to his bar, "The resemblance is uncanny."
"I agree," said Harry, taking a sip from the strange drink he had ordered.
"How is it?" Hermione asked, taking a sip from her own tea, which was delicious.
"Kind of good?" he replied, examining his mug, "Comes close to Butterbeer but isn't as good, but I can still get used to it, you know?"
"I know what you mean," she said, smiling at him.
For the next 10 minutes or so, they enjoyed and finished their drinks in silence, their minds fully occupied. Harry was thinking about what was going to happen a little while later; whether those students would arrive, or would he be able to live up to their expectations. Truth to be told, he was feeling nervous about the meeting and not even this warm drink could help calm his nerves down.
As for Hermione, her head kept echoing Harry's words about how he had said that he didn't like it when anyone bothered her. She was itching to ask him about it, although a part of her knew it was unnecessary. Still, Hermione wanted confirmation, to satisfy both her head and heart.
Therefore, as soon as their table was cleared, she went for it.
"Harry, I wanted to ask you something."
"Yeah?"
"Um, I was wondering…" she took a deep breath then continued, nervously, "I was wondering...if you really meant what you said earlier?"
"Said what?" he asked, confused.
"That it makes you angry when someone troubles me?" she finished, averting her eyes on the table, "Or makes me uncomfortable?"
"Yes. Absolutely," Harry answered at once. His response created a smile on Hermione's face, making her a lot happier, "Really?"
"Yes, really," he smiled warmly at her, "I detest it when anyone bothers you or upsets you. You can't imagine how angry I get whenever Malfoy insults you."
"How angry?" Hermione asked admiringly, enjoying every word.
"That it takes every ounce of my strength to not knock his teeth off," Harry answered, bitterly.
Hermione was amazed. That much?!
"I guess I feel that way because you're my best female friend," Harry sighed, his eyes on her, "Although you're no damsel in distress, I still feel like it's my duty to protect you."
I can be a damsel in distress, just so you can come and save me, Hermione thought, feeling ridiculously lovesick. And maybe that was the reason why Harry suddenly looked more handsome than he already was, in the firelight. Or maybe it was because she loved hearing him say such words about them. She tried her best not to sigh - which she had to resist because she now knew why he had readily started a duel with Malfoy that day.
"I know I've said this before, but I can't bear to see you hurt," Harry was now saying, the firelight making his emerald eyes that she so deeply admired, glimmer, "Or troubled. In any way."
Hermione's head was getting too clouded up as he said those words. Listening to him talk about how important she was for him made her feel...an odd feeling.
He made her feel...loved.
Suddenly, every cell, every being, and every part of her body urged her to kiss him. This time, she really, really wanted to kiss him. Ignore their friendship, the consequences that could follow, the setting of the situation and just flung her arms around his neck and kiss him. If not on the lips then on his cheek. It didn't matter because Hermione just wanted to let Harry know. She wanted him to know his worth for her and how deeply she was in love with him. She wanted him to know how she went to bed every night, imagining what it would be like to be his girlfriend.
But over the years, Hermione had learned self-control over herself, and it was this self-control that acted out in the nick of time, diminishing the foolish urges, no matter how strong they were.
Now that Hermione came back to her senses, she was ashamed to find how stupid she was being! She couldn't kiss Harry out of nowhere! That'd be so inappropriate, not to mention awkward!
Nevertheless, after such sweet confessions, she felt like she had to show her appreciation for him in some way - which preferably involved being intimate.
Hence, she scooted near him and laid her head against his shoulder, taking in his wonderful scent.
"Thank you," she finally said to him, "You're amazing."
Harry smiled at this fond gesture. Her hair was presenting a nice sight. Those pretty brown curls that splayed from his left shoulder, where her head was resting, down to his chest had a very pleasant scent about them.
Even though it was a very odd feeling, Hermione's aura felt like home to Harry. Here was the girl who had saved him countless times, who made his life significantly better, and who was always there by his side. It made Harry think how lucky he was to have a girl like her in his life.
However, he knew that Hermione didn't realize her actual worth, and that made him keen to show her how important she was for him. And he felt like even if he told her that a million times, it still wouldn't be enough.
Currently, though, she felt like sunshine to him. She was enveloping him in a comfortable warmth that even the fire couldn't offer.
But it wasn't enough.
Hermione blushed crimson when she saw Harry put his arm around her to pull her closer to himself. Being this close to him felt so nice, that she had to try very hard to not bury her face in his shoulder blade. That wouldn't be right.
"Hey, Hermione?" Harry whispered so the comfy ambience they had created among themselves couldn't be disturbed.
"Yes?" she whispered back.
"You're amazing as well," he said, making her cheeks turn pink, "I don't know how to put this into the right words...but you're very important to me."
"Oh, Harry…" she sighed, feeling like her heart just doubled in size.
"You do so much for me, that I think I would have to spend a lifetime to pay you back," he said, smiling a little.
"No, you don't have to pay me back," she immediately replied, "In fact, paying me back is out of the question. You do so much for me, too, Harry. And I feel like I have to return your favour. And that's what we're doing...returning favours."
"I suppose you're right. Besides, I'm just doing my duty," he replied, winking at her friendlily. That wink caused her cheekbones to hurt so much...that it felt like they would break.
"In conclusion, I wanted to say," Harry continued, because Hermione couldn't answer him, not with the roller coaster ride he had made her get on, "You're superb, Hermione. You're absolutely brilliant."
Oh Merlin...how much she wanted to kiss him at that moment, nobody could fathom - except for Hermione and her enamoured heart.
It wasn't difficult to understand that she dearly loved this part of Harry - when he was being open about his feelings, particularly towards them. These kinds of moments made Hermione feel as if they were made only for her and Harry, and any third person, including Ron, simply couldn't fit in.
And these moments were her favourite moments.
They also made her doubt everything, yet created a ray of hope - because they led her to believe that Harry might, just might, like her back.
No, no. He doesn't have any romantic feelings for you, remember? Her mind suddenly said.
But she wanted to think otherwise.
What if he does like me back? Hermione wondered, wallowing in the feeling of Harry's arm around her, But isn't confessing for the same reason I'm not?
It really did seem like the perfect time to tell him about her true feelings.
Oh come off it, Hermione, her mind said again, You don't act on presumptions!
It was true. She took calculated steps everywhere.
But, a girl can dream...can't she?
Meanwhile, Harry was observing Hermione, noticing that she seemed lost in thought. He wondered what she was thinking about...what just happened or what he just told her? Or perhaps about the upcoming meeting?
He mused over the fact behind why she decided to snuggle with him. Knowing her, he could tell that she was doing it to calm him down before this meeting. 'Returning favours' like she was talking about. And to his surprise...it was actually working.
Facing a possibly large number of people who would look upon you as a teacher instead of their fellow student was no joke, and that was why Harry was feeling stressed out. But Hermione nestling close to him, allowing him to bask in her radiating body warmth was unbelievably comforting and they were setting his wits and nerves in place and calming his jitters down. This effective strategy of hers made him glad that she implemented it.
Amidst his musing, Harry spied Hermione's hand lying on the table. Without thinking, he found his own hand reaching forward and securing it.
With her heartbeat quickening in her chest, Hermione watched as Harry intertwined his fingers with hers. She absolutely loved holding hands with him
She gazed at their joined hands and then impulsively looked up at him, to see that he was already looking at her.
"Cozy, isn't it?" Hermione blurted out, immediately feeling ridiculous.
"Oh, very," Harry replied, giving her a grin, "I like what you're doing. It's really working, Hermione."
"Doing...what?" she asked with confusion.
"You're doing this to help me calm down, right?" he said, absentmindedly drawing circles on the back of her hand, "Before this big meeting?"
Hermione's face was about to exhibit utter bewilderment, but she stopped herself in the nick of time and instead answered, "Yes, Harry. I know how nervous you must be feeling," she gave him a small smile, "And I wanted to pacify you in some way. Snuggling in front of this fire seemed like the perfect idea."
"Well, you thought right," Harry said, "Because it's working wonders! I feel like I can take on this meeting more effectively now."
"That's great!" Hermione smiled weakly.
"Yeah," Harry replied, looking at his best friend adoringly, "Thanks, Hermione. You're always looking out for me."
"It's nothing," she said, resting her head on his shoulder again, "I'm just doing my duty."
The comment made Harry smirk. Damn, she's clever.
Looks like it wasn't the right time, after all, Hermione thought, meanwhile, sadly. But she decided to ignore this disappointment and snuggled even closer to Harry. The sensation it was creating was absolutely pleasing for her, and him, too. So, both of them wanted that pleasure for as long as it lasted…
Time went by at the speed of light and before they knew it, the huge grandfather clock set on a corner of the Hog's Head struck 9. By now, the almost mummy had also left the pub, making it even completely empty and more advantageous.
"Will people even arrive?" Harry wondered out loud, staring at the door.
"They will. Just wait," Hermione assured him.
As if on cue, the door swung open, revealing the first student of these classes. Luna Lovegood walked inside the pub, greeted the two dreamily, and took a seat by herself on one of the tables in the back.
After her, a pandemonium gradually arose.
Parvati Patil, her sister Padma, and the latter's friends were the next arrivals. Hermione was delighted to see that Padma's whole group of three friends had agreed to attend this meeting. They were followed by their Hufflepuff fellows; Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbott and two other students, who were further followed by Neville, Dean and Seamus. Next came in the Creevey brothers, Colin and Dennis, with two other friends, who were followed closely by Ron and Lavender, both looking flushed from the snow ("I saw the coolest objects for taking an awesome revenge!" Ron declared, excitedly). Fred and George entered next, with their best friend, Lee Jordan, and some other guy from their year.
The room was filling up and Harry was astonished to find that so many people had decided to come, but even more were yet to arrive.
The door opened again to let Ginny, and her group of four friends, to enter the premises, all laughing and talking merrily. They were joined shortly by two unfamiliar Ravenclaw dudes.
"Who are they?" Harry asked.
"That's Terry Boot," Ron answered, who had joined them at their table, "Got in a scuffle with him once. Don't know the other."
"Padma invited them, probably," Hermione said, watching the girls in the Gryffindor Quidditch team arrive.
After them, the door opened twice more. Once, to reveal Justin Finch-Fletchley, Susan Bones and Zacharias Smith, from Hufflepuff. And the next…
Both Harry's and Hermione's faces registered utter shock simultaneously, as they saw who the new arrivals were.
Giggling and talking merrily with her group of four friends, Cho Chang had somehow gotten to know about the plan and had decided to attend the meeting.
Cho Chang...was here.
Hermione was speechless. She couldn't fathom it. I didn't invite her! Then who did?
Harry was thinking along the same lines because he asked in a stunned voice, his eyes wide, "Who invited...her?"
Ron looked at his face and hollered with laughter, "Look at you! Relax, she's just a girl."
"Just a girl?!" Harry repeated, still shocked, "She's..." but he trailed off, at a loss for words. Somebody inviting her wasn't actually what surprised him, rather it was the fact that she had shown up, and with her whole group. It meant that Cho believed him and didn't think he was a liar.
Beside him, Hermione was becoming more and more enraged. Seeing Cho here when she specifically didn't invite her was disheartening. This meant that Hermione now had to endure her in these classes...
"She wasn't invited! Who invited her?!" she repeated Harry's question, but with exasperation.
"Probably some Ravenclaw that you see here," Ron said, "Jeez, Hermione. Calm down."
"I am calm!" she retorted.
While they were having this conversation, a commotion was taking place in the rest of the pub. Laughing and conversing with their friends, almost every student had ordered something. Some wanted that Frothyrum, some tea, some coffee and some hot chocolate. The poor owner was running back and forth to take everyone's orders. Honest to Merlin he had never received this many customers all at once before!
Meanwhile, at the head table, Ron asked, "Should we yell 'Shut up' to quiet them down?"
Harry shook his head, "No need. They'll settle down on their own."
Sure enough, they did. Within fifteen minutes, the room plunged into a pin drop silence. Hermione took it as her cue to stand up and start the meeting.
"Hello, everyone!" she began, "First of all, we would like to thank you for dedicating a bit of your time during the last Hogsmeade visit to come here. We are very glad to find that you people see value where it should be seen, and thus have the same views as us."
Feeling nervous and shaky, she took a deep breath before continuing. She didn't have such an audience before where every pair of eyes were on her. That's why she had already written and memorized this speech and was trying to deliver it as naturally as she could.
"As we are all aware, the Ministry is stirring up trouble at school by interfering in matters it shouldn't meddle with. Which is why things have taken a turn for the worst. Since they don't know the first thing about teaching -"
"Hear! Hear!" someone shouted from the group, causing a ripple of excitement. Hermione beamed at the sight.
"Since they don't know the first thing about teaching," she resumed, her confidence boosting up, "They sent a woman like Dolores Umbridge to teach the most important course nowadays. And because of her theory-based curriculum, we are not actually learning anything about how to defend ourselves if certain circumstances were to arise."
"And as if her teaching wasn't already sitting well with us, she now also had to be appointed as the 'High Inquisitor' of the school, a title that has never been used at Hogwarts before, according to 'Hogwarts: A History'. This title is giving her the unfair rights in doing what she thinks is appropriate, which is exactly inappropriate for us. Therefore, it is safe to say that Umbridge is not only a horrible teacher, but a horrible human being as well."
Hoots and cries emitted out of the onlookers at this. All three of the planners grinned and Hermione went on, with a firm voice.
"So naturally, one day, we had enough. I mean, like everything has a limit, this whole idiocy has one, too. We thought about something that could help us learn actual Defense Against the Dark Arts, and we came up with the perfect plan."
"I mean, if you think about it properly, who is the best candidate to teach a subject like Defense Against the Dark Arts? Someone with experience? Someone who has faced dangerous forces and fought them? How about someone who has faced dementors, werewolves, dragons, murderers and You-Know-Who himself, and came out alive each time? Wouldn't you call that a perfect candidate for this subject?"
A murmur of admiration coursed through the audience. Hermione smiled.
"Yes, people," she said, "I'm talking about Harry."
At this, Harry felt his face burn. Hermione was making him sound like a legendary figure, even if everything she had said was completely true.
"Therefore, we decided that Harry should teach us Defense Against the Dark Arts instead of that lousy woman," Hermione went on, " Him sharing his surviving skills with each one of us will be a remarkable improvement both academically and practically. And I'm sure all of you agree and believe him. Now, all of this led us here - to this meeting where I'm happy to say that our first step in learning something useful and paying back Umbridge has been initiated."
"Let's think about it for a second," Ron began, as Hermione sat back down, "Besides having the worst teaching style to ever exist in the history of mankind, Umbridge and her goons are also the most cowardly people I have ever known. Why, you may ask? Well...that's because they straight up deny You-Know-Who's return, even though enough evidence is present to make them think otherwise! That's a huge cowardly move, I'd say."
The crowd hollered in agreement at his speech, as shouts of anger for Umbridge and the Ministry surfaced. Ron was doing a good job in stimulating the group.
As he spoke on, Harry observed the people listening to him in bewilderment. He still couldn't fathom the fact that so many people wanted him to be their teacher. And at such an important subject! He couldn't decide if he should feel proud of himself or terrified, since everybody was depending on him now. But one thing was for sure - revenge was a dish best served cold.
But there was another, much more profound thing that kept nagging him. For as long as both Ron and Hermione spoke, everyone's eyes and attention was fixed on them. But there was one exception both times - Cho Chang was looking only at him.
He couldn't understand why she was so continuously staring at him. Was she trying to observe her future teacher as thoroughly as she could? Determining whether he was right for this position or not? Because after all, she was a Ravenclaw.
But something about her gaze wasn't contemplative or evaluating, which he saw when he accidentally locked eyes with her. It was...a soft gaze. It was the kind of a gaze he had reserved only for her. So, could she actually ... like him back?
Oh, come off it, Harry, his mind told him, that observing theory sounds more plausible. He had to agree.
But whatever her reasons were, Harry wished Cho could avert her eyes somewhere else at least once. He didn't like attention and he certainly didn't like being constantly watched. Even if it was from a girl he liked.
Cho's stare also reminded him of something else. Hermione must have felt a thousand times more uncomfortable under a strange man's gaze, and Harry was glad he came to her aid.
At that thought, he absentmindedly glanced at his best friend - to find her furiously scribbling something on the parchment before her. Hermione saw him looking and immediately smiled, then whispered, "Listing everybody who showed up."
Harry nodded in understanding and focused on the group again. He was startled to see that Cho was still looking at him. What was he supposed to do?
Thankfully, Ron was nearing the end of his speech.
"That's why I urge you to try your best," he declared, "Try your best at these classes. Because that will show Umbridge and her band of goblins who actually are the worthy ones."
The whole group cheered, with Fred and George being the loudest, as Ron sat back down again. This meant that now it was finally Harry's turn.
Taking a deep breath, he stood up and looked at the group. Everyone was leaning forward, all prepared to listen to him with rapt attention.
"Hello, everyone," he began, as confidently as he could, "As you may all know, I'm Harry Potter, and I'm going to be your teacher for these very special classes. First of all, I'm so grateful to find that all of you think that I'm good enough to be your teacher, at the most crucial subject right now. I promise you all that I'll put all of my potential into making you as skilled in defending yourself against the Dark Arts as I hope I am."
"Moving on, I'll be teaching you all kinds of spells and enchantments that came in handy for me in dire times. These include jinxes, hexes, charms and even proper wand techniques and movements, so you all can know what tactic you need to apply if you ever got into a difficult situation."
"Some of these spells may already be taught to you by our qualified teachers, unlike Umbridge, but there are some spells that I was taught especially, which helped me a lot while I was facing You-Know-Who and his followers, or just life-threatening events. Therefore, I think it's vital that I teach them to you, as well."
Harry took a short pause to survey the crowd properly, then began again.
"These sessions will be held between classes or on weekends. But there won't be a proper schedule, lest someone gets suspicious and we risk expulsion. They will be held at random, but at times when almost all of us will be free, which is why we'll try arranging them on the weekends."
"A place for these classes hasn't been decided yet. We're looking for an area which is secluded and cannot be found easily, but we didn't have any luck yet. If you have some suggestions, please feel free to put them forward. I assure you that we'll have a proper place for these classes before the first session, which will take place shortly after we all have arrived back at school. I'm sure these classes will exceed our expectations."
The group applauded as he finished his speech. Harry smiled at them and added, "Now, any questions?"
At this, everyone in the group started looking at each other, seeming like they wanted to know who was going first. Ernie Macmillan placed himself in that position because he raised his hand feebly.
"Yes?" Harry asked, wondering what kind of question he might have.
"I just wanted to confirm...did you really face You-Know-Who and his followers last year?" Ernie asked, amazement tracing his voice, "And escaped the scene fully alive?"
Harry gave him a small smile and answered, "Yes. Yes, I did. Or else I wouldn't be standing here in front of you."
A few people laughed. Ernie smiled back nervously.
However, Harry really hoped that no one else asked about last year because the topic of Cedric might stir up and he didn't want to talk about him, especially since Cho was in the room.
One of Padma's friends raised her hand next.
"You really created a fully grown Patronus at the age of 13?" she asked, grinning.
"I had to chase those dementors away," Harry replied, "Or else I would have been dead. So, yeah."
A buzz of admiration filled the crowd. Hermione smiled proudly at Harry, although he couldn't see her.
"You saw You-Know-Who rise again in front of your own eyes?" Dean Thomas asked.
"Yes I did," Harry sighed, remembering the event all too well, "They had to take some of my blood to make that happen."
Another round of "Ooohs" filled the air.
After Dean, a string of questions started occurring at once. All of them were about Harry escaping the Dark Lord and his other achievements. He tried his best to answer each question accurately, without mentioning Cedric at all. Thankfully, no one asked about the dead boy directly.
Truth to be told, all of these questions were making Harry realize that he really was more skilled in Defense Against the Dark Arts than he let on. That thought earned an inward smile from him, leading him to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could actually pull this off.
As the last of the questions got answered, Harry declared, "I hope you all are satisfied. Let's move on -"
"I want to say something," someone called from the crowd. It was Terry Boot from Ravenclaw, who was looking at Harry with narrowed eyes.
"Yes? What is it?"
"You actually created - a fully grown Patronus - at the age of 13?!" Boot said, with disbelief.
"I already answered that question. I did," Harry answered, nonchalantly.
"That's ridiculous," said the Ravenclaw, leaning back in his chair, "I'm calling bullshit."
At this, Ron immediately stood up, "Do you have a problem, mate?"
But Harry stopped him and asked Boot, "So you don't believe me? Why's that?"
"Well, it's obvious, isn't it?!" Boot replied, addressing the silent crowd, "It's a highly advanced spell that even professional wizards struggle with. And you expect me to believe that you can produce it perfectly and can drive a lot of dementors away with it?!"
"It is a highly advanced spell, yes," Harry replied, as calmly as he could, "But with a little bit of practice, everyone here will be able to do it."
"Pfft," said Boot, rolling his eyes, "That's obvious. If you can do it, so can everyone. But don't expect me to believe your pack of lies."
Ron didn't hold back this time. He marched forward and stood before the offended boy, "How about you get out of here? No one is forcing you to stay."
"No," Harry said, grabbing Ron's arm, "It's okay. I think what Terry wants here is proof." He turned his sharp eyes at Boot, "Don't you?"
The Ravenclaw got on his feet and sized both Harry and Ron up, "Yes. Proof is what I want. Conjure your Patronus right now."
The silence in the pub was too loud - until Hermione exclaimed shrilly, not being able to resist any longer.
"I saw him cast the spell! I'm a witness! Harry doesn't need to give you proof!"
"And why would I believe you?" Boot replied, narrowing his eyes at her.
"That's enough!" Harry shouted, causing both of them to look at him, startled, "If Boot wants me to cast the spell right now, I will. It will also show you all what a proper Patronus should look like."
Murmurs of excitement erupted amongst the crowd at this. Even the pub owner looked on with interest. However, Hermione and Ron looked at Harry anxiously, as he prepared himself for the Patronus Charm.
Come on, you can do this, he told himself, eyes closed. You saved yourself and Dudley's life from an ambush earlier this year, remember? This charm is next to nothing for you.
Yes, he believed in himself. He could do it.
The only problem? There was no dementor in sight.
I can imagine one, though.
Concentrating very hard, Harry opened his eyes and bullied his brain into thinking that a tall and dark hooded figure was in the very room, and was coming towards him with the lingering dread that he would hear his mother's cries again.
Grasping the first happy memory that came to his mind - cosying up with Hermione just some moments ago - Harry raised his wand and bellowed at the imaginary dementor, "Expecto Patronum!"
Instantly, a bluish-white light emerged from the tip of the wand, which manifested into a beautiful stag.
The whole group stared wide-eyed at the magnificent creature, as it galloped across the room, passing through the onlookers as if it was a ghost.
"Well, I'll be darned," said the pub's owner, making Harry and Ron grin, which they were already doing because the look on Boot's face was priceless.
The group kept vociferating in amazement at Harry's Patronus whilst it ran back and forth, trying to find a dementor, poor thing.
But it was nearing the end of its tricks. With one final burst of speed, it ran headfirst into a wall and disappeared into a wisp of smoke.
The whole pub burst into applause and whoops of joy at such a spectacle. Ron patted Harry's back with appreciation while Hermione squealed, "I am so proud of you!"
As the applause died down, Harry turned to Boot, restraining to display smugness, "Now do you have your proof?"
The other boy remained speechless. Everyone, especially Ron, was doing their best to fight their laughter.
"Well, then...since now that is done and dusted," Harry announced, as everyone resumed their positions, "Hermione has something to say."
"Yes," she replied, standing up, "I want to introduce to you the method of how all of you will be notified for these classes."
She held up a Galleon, stirring up confusion in the crowd, and went on, "Each one of you will be given this Galleon, and no, it's not a real one. When a class is scheduled, these Galleons will heat up so that you can be notified about it. Therefore, make sure that you always keep it in a place where you can feel it."
"Now, please form a line to sign your name on this sheet and get your Galleon."
At her words, the group bustled about and chattered away as they obeyed and formed a very irregular queue, but queue indeed, in front of the head table.
Harry was in charge of overseeing the sign-up sheet, while Hermione handed out the coins and cast "Geminio!" on them for duplication. Ron didn't want any more duty so he chatted with Dean and Seamus as their turns got finished.
Everyone that came up to the sign-up sheet complimented Harry on the wonderful Patronus he had created. Terry Boot even apologized to him when he turned up, and Harry forgave him instantly. Everything was going well. The number of names and houses was gradually filling up the parchment. Ron and Harry were talking and laughing with the members while Hermione was duplicating her coin, until it was Cho's turn - the person Harry was the most anxious to meet.
"Hi, Harry!" the Asian girl greeted, as soon as she got her turn, "That was a beautiful Patronus. I was simply awestruck."
"Thanks," he said, smiling at her.
"When I first heard about the meeting, I immediately decided to attend it," she went on, ignoring the sign-up sheet in front of her, "I even convinced my friends to come, as you can see. Because I have no doubts about you being a great teacher!"
"Thanks a lot," Harry replied, not knowing what else to say and feeling stupid about it.
Besides him, Hermione grew more and more impatient.
"I never believed the rubbish the Ministry was saying about you," Cho babbled on, being oblivious to everything but Harry, "Because I know that you are as brave...as you are charming."
"Excuse me, the sign-up sheet is waiting," Hermione quickly talked over her, hoping that Harry didn't hear the compliment. Unfortunately, judging by the pink tinge in his cheeks, he had.
Cho threw a cryptic grimace at Hermione, before bending down to sign her name. But that didn't stop her from talking.
"I'm looking forward to these classes so much!" she declared, sweetly, "I think they're going to be so helpful for all of us."
"That's the plan, to be helpful," Harry said, trying to grasp for words but saying lame things at the end nonetheless. Being this close to Cho, with her talking in his favour, had made him tongue-tied.
On the contrary, Hermione was feeling super frustrated with the girl. Gosh, can't she just move away?! she thought, glaring at her from the corner of her eye. Her arrival was one thing, but seeing her sweet talk with Harry was downright the worst, especially since the almost non-platonic moment Hermione had shared with him.
"You're so noble, Harry," Cho purred, batting her long eyelashes, "Cedric would have been so happy! He would have quickly joined this club!"
That was the last straw.
"I hate to interrupt, but you're holding up the line," Hermione told her, almost snapping.
Cho again threw her a dirty look, this time not bothering to hide it. However, the people behind her were also becoming annoyed.
"Fine, I'm going," she declared, almost gritting her teeth at Hermione, but her features quickly turned to a smile as she addressed Harry, "See you!"
"Bye," he replied, barely audible. He was relieved that Hermione had interrupted Cho at the best moment because the last thing he wanted right now was to be reminded of the reason why he could see thestrals.
The rest of the occasion went fine. People seemed very happy and excited about attending these classes, which is why the three considered the initial step of their plan to be a complete success - as they sat talking about it, alone again in the pub, over a delicious round of Frothyrum.
"40 students!" Hermione declared, beaming and holding the sign-up sheet in front of her, "We recruited 40 students for these classes!"
"Damn, that's quite a lot," Harry said, "Do you think I'll be able to teach 40 students?"
"Without a doubt," Hermione answered, giving him a sincere smile.
"42, mate," Ron said, before chugging his Frothyrum. He had taken an instant liking to the drink as soon as he first sipped it. "You're forgetting me and Hermione."
"Oh you guys won't be a problem," Harry dismissed, "It's just that...I've never met some of these students in my life before. Will I be able to make them skilled at such a difficult subject?"
"Yes, you will," Ron said, then added with a smirk, "Just think of Umbridge. She's the real culprit here."
It took Harry a second to catch the reference, but when he did, he smirked back at Ron - and both boys burst into laughter. Their contagious glee caused Hermione to emit a few chuckles, too.
"Nevertheless, you shouldn't worry, Harry," she assured him when the laughter subsided, "You've been taught an awful lot these past years, and now it's your turn to teach. Pass on that knowledge."
"I see your point," Harry replied, but couldn't say anything more because the pub's owner had approached their table.
"Well I'd say," he declared, beaming behind his white beard, "That was one heck of a Patronus! The last time I had seen such a perfect one was Merlin knows how long ago!"
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, contented.
"And only some clever noggins can think up such ideas," the old man went on, looking from one smiling face to the next, "No wonder it's the famous Harry Potter and his friends. Private classes! Those prats deserve it."
"I totally agree," Ron replied, then held up his almost finished Frothyrum, "Also, this drink is super delicious! But I can't quite catch the ingredients..."
The owner started to chuckle, "That's because it's my secret recipe, son. Garnished with a hint of magic. But I can't go around revealing my secret, now can I?"
"Of course you can't," Ron answered, nodding in understanding.
"What's your name, sir?" Harry asked, politely. He knew he'd be coming to the Hog's Head more.
"Just call me Abby. Everyone does," the owner answered, just as the scraggly witch, the other customer besides them, called for him.
"Well, I'll leave you three to your discussion," said Abby, but Hermione suddenly spoke up, "Wait, sir!"
All three men looked at her with confusion as she reached for her purse and started rummaging.
"I wanted to pay you for the order that stranger took," she explained, producing some coins, "He didn't pay you. So please let me cover -"
"Oh, no, no, young lady," Abby countered, "Don't embarrass me like that. He was also disturbing you, which was rude of him."
"But I insist -"
"No," he held up his hand, "Don't bother." The fixedness in his voice made Hermione give in.
"Okay, but thank you so much, sir," she told him, giving him a grateful smile.
"Don't mention it," he replied, smiling back, before going over to the witch.
"Please don't ask what happened," Hermione suddenly declared, as Ron was looking too curious, "Because I don't want to recount it."
The ginger head's mouth dropped open, "But you're keeping it from me!"
"Trust me, Ron. You don't want to know," Harry said, with such finality in his eyes that Ron gave up.
"Ugh, okay," the latter grumbled, "It's just that I hate it when you two hide something from me."
Both Harry and Hermione let out exasperated sighs at this.
"It's not even important so quit fussing," Harry said.
"It was just this stranger," Hermione added, looking at Ron in an I-don't-get-you-face, "And he was bothering me. Harry was about to fight him but Abby kicked him out before that could happen. The end."
"Oh," Ron said - then smirked at Harry, "Couldn't pass up the opportunity to become the knight in shining armour, huh?"
Hermione burst into a fit of giggles.
"Oh, shut up," Harry said, rolling his eyes, but then smiled a bit, "You would have done the same."
"Can't say that for sure," Ron grinned. Hermione's laughter suddenly ceased.
"Well, that's not surprising," she said, crossing her arms across her chest and pretended to be mad at him, "You never cared about me."
"Of course I care about you," he replied, before taking a casual swig from his drink, "Which is why I would have let you stand up for yourself."
This time, Hermione actually got mad at him.
"Stand up for myself?" she echoed, narrowing her eyes at Ron, "You didn't know the situation or you would have -"
"Maybe we should change the topic," Harry put in, "This is getting a bit too...tensed."
Hermione sighed and leaned back, "Okay."
"You two really need to tone it down," he continued, looking at his friends in turns, "You argue a lot."
"Yeah well, that's because Hermione needs to learn to take a joke," Ron said, shrugging.
"Or maybe that's because you've never understood me properly!" Hermione snapped.
"Stop it, you two! Just this once!" Harry exclaimed in a vexed hushed tone, "I've been a victim of far too many of your arguments, but today I am in no mood to tolerate them."
"Fine," Ron grumbled.
"Sorry, Harry," Hermione said.
"It's okay," he replied. The silence that followed was too loud, and Harry had to say something to break it.
"So, the meeting was something else, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," Ron answered, inspecting his empty mug, "The best part of it was showing Boot up."
"True…" Harry said. Judging by the look on his face, Hermione knew exactly what he wanted them to say. Or specifically, wanted her to say because she was the one who experienced it first-hand.
Oh, the things we do for the people we love.
"It definitely was something else," Hermione agreed, then added with a small smile, "For starters, Cho couldn't stop looking at you, could she?"
As expected, Harry went bright red at her words.
"She wasn't looking at me!" he attempted to counter.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Oh, please. She had her eyes on you the entire time. Not to mention the way she was talking to you afterwards."
"If she was sweet-talking, then she definitely likes you," Ron put in. Hermione nodded at him, "She was obviously sweet-talking."
"Then that settles it," Ron declared, smirking, "She's into you, my dude."
"That she is," Hermione said, cradling her cheek in her hand and feeling like a boulder had set itself in her stomach.
Harry ran a hand through his hair and smiled, "I believe it's too soon to say such stuff. Let's not jump to conclusions."
Ron gave him a look, "Whatever you say, professor."
After some minutes, they paid for their drinks, said goodbye to Abby, and finally left the pub. The cold wind and snow outside greeted them harshly, making them instantly miss the comfortable warmth of the place they had left behind.
Back on the busier side of Hogsmeade, the trio trudged along the streets that were swarming with Hogwarts students, talking among themselves. Until something caught Ron's eye.
"Whoa!" he yelled, his face showcasing surprise, "Is that the Chudley Cannons' merchandise I see?"
Harry and Hermione followed his gaze, and sure enough, the store he was looking at was displaying instances of bright orange material.
"Seems like it," Harry remarked.
"They never had these in Hogsmeade!" Ron exclaimed yet again - and rushed off to the targeted store before anyone could get another word in.
Out of habit, Hermione made to follow him - but Harry held her back by grabbing hold of her hand.
She looked at their conjoined hands and then at him, puzzled.
"I want to tell you something," he began, "But I wanted Ron out of the picture."
Hermione's mouth dropped open, "What? Why?"
"He only would have made fun of us, or me for that matter," he answered, "So, I thought it would be better to talk about this in his absence."
Her heart started to pound furiously. What does he want to tell me?
"It's probably nothing but...I felt like I needed you to know it," Harry continued, looking a bit sheepish.
"Needed me to know what?" Hermione asked. Just tell me already!
"Well, remember that Patronus I had created?"
"How can I not?"
"When I created it, I thought about...us," he said.
Now she was truly perplexed. "About us?"
"Yeah. I mean..." he trailed off to look at their joined hands, then went on, "The memory of snuggling with you in front of the fireplace - it created that Patronus. I know it sounds ridiculous but I had a feeling that I should let you know about it."
Hermione felt like her heart had just melted into a puddle.
"Oh, Harry..."
"I sound stupid, I know," he grinned.
She shook her head, smiling, "Of course not. It's very nice to hear that, so thank you for letting me know. But..." she trailed off, biting her lip.
"But?" he asked, surveying her face, which looked whiter and more flushed due to the cold.
She let her eyes direct themselves towards his. They looked even more entrancing in the afternoon sun, appearing as if they were two precious green stones glinting underneath it.
"But the dementor," she went on, "A dementor wasn't present. Which means..."
"That must be one hell of a happy memory," he finished for her, smirking.
That sentiment made Hermione's features break into a demure smile. A sudden wave of affection for Harry coursed through her body and before she knew it - she had flung her arms around his neck and had enveloped him in a hug.
"I'm so glad I can make you that happy," she said, her voice muffled because of his coat.
Harry was momentarily surprised by her sudden embrace, but he got over it quickly and wrapped his arms around the small of her back, pulling her even closer to himself.
"You light up my life, you really do," he murmured in her hair. Hermione beamed against his shoulder and hid her face more firmly there.
But their hug lasted only for some seconds.
"Oi! We are in the middle of a street!"
Ron's voice ringing out at them made them step away from each other, with Hermione furiously blushing and Harry appearing nonplussed.
When the redhead approached them, he narrowed his eyes at Hermione, "What were you hugging him for?"
"She was feeling sorry for me," Harry answered before she could, "I was talking about the extra burden that came with these classes and she couldn't help but pity me. Isn't that right, Hermione?"
"Absolutely," she replied, smiling at him.
Ron, however, didn't look convinced. But before he could say anything else, Harry had jumped in with a question, "So, are you planning to buy any of that merchandise?"
That did the trick. Nothing interested Ron more than talking about his favourite team of his favourite sport.
They listened to him ramble on and on with enthusiasm, and the rest of their Hogsmeade visit seeped into that.
For all three of them, it was a great visit. But for Hermione, it was exceptional. And judging by the constant smile she had on well into the day, it was quite clear why.