Nov 8
Over the weekend, Ron and Hermione visited Harry, leaving only at night. Fred also came by to visit Harry over the weekend, and the pair had a long talk. Harry at least now knew who the voices belonged to, his mother and Lord Voldemort. He heard his mother's attempts to protect him and Voldemort's laughter.
"Does he ever shut up?" Ron said, looking at Malfoy's imitations of Harry falling off his broom, ripping Harry away from his thoughts.
"Just ignore him, Ron," said Hermione. "It won't do you any good if you don't ignore him."
"Getting rid of that cat will be good for us," responded Ron.
"Guys, I just got out of the hospital wing. Can we not fight and enjoy breakfast?" Harry asked, looking back and forth at Ron and Hermione. The pair agreed and enjoyed their breakfast.
"What was the point of throwing the crocodile heart at Malfoy, Ron?" Hermione demanded as the trio walked away from potions class.
"You saw what he was doing!" Ron argued.
"And yet, Harry didn't throw anything! And you cost us fifty points!" Hermione countered.
"Whatever," grumbled Ron as he walked ahead. Ears pink.
"Can't you be easier on him?" Harry asked, and Hermione glared at him. He raised his hands. "Just asking, that's all," He said.
"I don't understand why he's the one losing his cool. You're the one being intimidated, and you're not throwing things at Malfoy," Hermione said, exasperated.
"I don't understand it either, but let's drop it and enjoy lunch, yeah?" asked Harry. Hermione huffed but agreed.
Ron was sitting by Sean and Dean by the time the pair reached the Great Hall. Harry sighed, and Hermione looked sheepish. "Sorry," mumbled Hermione, but Harry waved the apology.
"It's fine," Harry said as they sat down. "I think he's still feeling -"
"Resentful?"
"Yeah," Harry said. "Reckon he's still mad about me dropping Divination."
"But that was ages ago!" Hermione said.
"I don't think Ron's mad at me," said Harry, looking at Hermione with an eyebrow slightly raised.
"Oh!" Hermione said, realizing what Harry was implying. "But.." She started. "But I just the best for you," Hermione murmured. Harry couldn't help but smile.
"I know," Harry said. "Warding houses and such. Maybe one day it might help me. Who knows," He said as he bit into his sandwich. The two spent their lunch in comfortable silence with small smiles.
"If Snape's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again, I'm skiving off," said Ron as they headed toward Lupin's classroom after lunch. Ron hasn't looked at Hermione since Potion's class. "Check who's in there, Harry,"
Harry peered around the classroom door.
"It's Lupin," Harry whispered.
Harry and Hermione shared a look.
Professor Lupin was back at work. It certainly looked as though he had been ill. His old robes were hanging more loosely on him and there were dark shadows beneath his eyes; nevertheless, he smiled at the class as they took their seats, and they burst at once into an explosion of complaints about Snape's behavior while Lupin had been ill.
Professor Lupin smiled at the look of indignation on every face. He raised a hand to silence the class. "Don't worry. I'll speak to Professor Snape. You don't have to do the essay." The whole class sighed in relief except for Harry and Hermione, who done the essay. "But, of course, if you did do it, you will get ten points," Lupin said. This time it was Harry and Hermione who sighed in relief.
They had a very enjoyable lesson. Professor Lupin had brought along a glass box containing a Hinkypunk, a little one-legged creature who looked as though he were made of wisps of smoke, rather frail and harmless looking.
When the bell rang, everyone gathered up their things and headed for the door, Harry and Hermione went to the teacher's table and turned in their Werewolf essay.
"Nicely done, twenty points to Gryffindor," Lupin said. As Harry and Hermione turned to leave, Lupin's voice cut in. "Wait a moment, Harry," Lupin called. "I'd like a word."
Harry's heartbeat quickened. Was he in trouble? He glanced at Hermione, and she looked worried.
"I can assure you are not in any trouble," said Lupin.
"I'll be fine, Hermione," Harry said. She nodded and left.
"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked.
"I've about the match," said Lupin, as he started stacking books into his briefcase, "and I'm sorry about your broomstick. Is there any chance of fixing it?"
"No," Harry answered. "A tree called the Whomping Willow destroyed it."
Lupin sighed.
"I know that tree. They planted the Whomping Willow the same year that I arrived at Hogwarts. People used to play a game, trying to get near enough to touch the trunk. In the end, a boy called Davey Gudgeon nearly lost an eye, and we were forbidden to go near it. No broomstick would have a chance."
Harry didn't know what to do with the information. Another question came to his mind, and he swallowed with difficulty. "I'm guessing you heard about the Dementors, too?"
Lupin looked at him quickly.
"I did," said Lupin. "I've never seen Dumbledore so angry; none of the teachers haven't. The Dementors are growing restless. They want to go on the grounds. I suppose that's the reason you fell?" Lupin asked, looking at Harry.
"Yeah," answered Harry. The question he wanted to ask since day one burst out. "Why? Why me? Why not anyone else? Am I-"
"You are not weak," Lupin interrupted with such conviction that Harry closed his mouth. "You have experience horrors your classmates can only dream of," Lupin said, sitting down on his chair and motioned Harry to sit across him. "You don't have to answer this, but what do you hear when you're near those Dementors?"
Harry again swallowed. "I hear my mum begging Voldemort to spare me, but he didn't, he killed her, and then he laughed," Tears threatened to come out of his eyes. He shut them and took a few deep breathes to calm down. "That's what I hear, my mum's last moments," said Harry as he slumped back onto the chair. Harry suddenly got a thought. "Are there any spells against Dementors?"
Lupin looked startled for a second before regaining composure. "There are certain defenses one can use."
"What defenses?" Harry asked. "Can you teach me?" Harry asked hopefully.
Lupin was silent for a moment before he answered. "Harry, this spell is very difficult and tricky, not many full-grown wizards and witches can do this spell. Not only do you need the wand movement and incantation, but you need to have very strong emotions, and on top of that you need to have the power to do this spell," explained Lupin.
Another silence ensued them. Harry mulled over what Lupin said. I want, no- I need to try and do this. Harry looked at Lupin with determination. "I need to try, Professor. I may not have someone nearby the next time a Dementor comes around," Harry knew he was pleading, but he needed to know this spell. "But if nothing else, I want to this for Hermione. My greatest fear can very well come true! You said it yourself, they are going restless. How do I know they aren't going to attack Hermione and…" Harry trailed off, having no clue what Dementors do. "What exactly do they do?"
Lupin sighed. "Dementors suck the soul out of anyone, leaving an empty shell of what a person once was."
Harry felt a cold chill wash over him. "That's what they do?" Harry croaked out. "That's what they can do to Hermione?" He asked, and Lupin reluctantly nodded. "Sir, you need to teach me this, please, We have those things outside of our school!" Harry implored.
Lupin looked at Harry. "Alright," Lupin said softly. "I'll try and help. But it'll have to wait until next term, I'm afraid. I have a lot to do before the holidays. I chose a very inconvenient time to fall ill."
Harry slumped onto the chair again, but this time in relief. "Thank you, sir," He said. "Is there anything you wanted to talk about?" Harry asked after a moment passed between them.
"Yes, actually," Lupin responded. "You see, Severus held a meeting last Friday. Which was unusual because he has never called for one since I have been here. He told us a rather intriguing story; the edges around your eyes went red in his class."
Harry gulped. "Did he say why they went red?" Harry asked. Lupin shook his head. "Course he didn't," Harry mumbled, finding it convenient. "He insulted Hermione to the point where she was almost crying and I snapped. I didn't know my eyes or some parts of it could turn red."
"So this has never happened before?" Lupin asked for clarification. Harry shook his head. "Interesting," Lupin mused.
"Do you have any idea what happened, sir?" Harry asked.
"I have no idea," Lupin said bluntly. "I don't know if this is some magic we don't know about or something else entirely."
"Do you think Dumbledore will call me into his office?" Harry asked, feeling like this was a bigger problem than he thought.
Lupin furrowed his brows. "No, I don't think he will."
Harry internally sighed.
"I have taken up enough of your time, Harry. You are free to go," Lupin said. "Enjoy the rest of your day. And good work with the essay."
Harry got up, flushing by the complement. "Thank you, sir. Today's lesson was fun," He said, leaving the class.
Harry saw Hermione curled on an armchair reading as he walked into the common room, and Hermione looked up as to sense Harry and smiled at him. He sat next to her, and the pair fell into silence. "Hi," Harry said softly, deciding to break the silence.
"Hey," Hermione responded softly as well. "How did it go with Professor Lupin?"
"Went well," answered Harry. Hermione quirked an eyebrow as to silently asking for more information. "We talked about how and why the Dementors affect me so much."
"And why is that," She asked a little hesitantly.
So, Harry told her everything he and Lupin discussed, leaving a semi-shocked Hermione.
"He's going to teach you how to drive the Dementors off?" Hermione asked, and Harry nodded. "I'm a tad jealous," Hermione said with a small pout, making Harry laugh. "Maybe there's something about it in the Libary," mused Hermione.
"You're telling me you haven't checked the Libary yet about it?" Harry questioned.
She shook her head. "Haven't had the time."
The two spent the rest of the day together and forgot about soul-sucking creatures.
Dec 6
"...Hermione, please understand why." Harry pleaded. He and Hermione have been arguing about Harry going to Hogsmeade next weekend. Harry wants to go because he doesn't want to think about Black. He just wants to have a normal day. Hermione on the other hand, says it's too dangerous to go with the Dementors and Sirius Black after him.
"For a few pieces of candy? What if Black comes after you?" Hermione asked
"He's not going to attack with Wizards and Witches walk-"
"And how do you know that?" Hermione demanded. "Black would just need one decent shot of you, and he would fulfill what he wants."
Harry sighed. Both of them can be extremely stubborn. He thought for a moment. "Ok, how about this. I go using my invisibility cloak, and we meet up somewhere where there aren't a lot of people." Hermione stood quiet for a moment while Harry took the chance to press on. "And I need to relax for a moment. Ever since Ravenclaw destroyed Hufflepuff, Oliver has been ruthless with practices," said Harry tiredly, surprising himself and hoped Hermione didn't see it. "I go this once, and I'll never go again," Harry desperately threw in seeing Hermione's face unflinching and that got Hermione's eye.
"You promise?" Hermione asked. At Harry's nod, she let out a small huff. "Fine, just this once. I suppose I can do Christmas shopping for Mum and Dad," Hermione said, a small smile forming on her lips. "One question though, how on earth are you getting to Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked. "Last time I checked, we go on carriages."
"I'll think of something," Harry said distractedly. "I was thinking we meet up after an hour of you getting to Hogsmeade. Where the shrieking shack is."
"Fine," Hermione said after she thought it over.
The portrait hole at that moment opened up, and Professor McGonagall had walked in with parchment in her hand and put it up on the Gryffindor notice board. "If you staying here during the holidays, you must sign this form," said McGonagall.
Harry sighed as he got up, not noticing Hermione do the same. Turning around after signing his name, Harry was startled to see Hermione waiting in line. She took the quill from Harry's hand and signed the form. Harry, in shock, stood still before Hermione dragged him away. "Hermione?" He asked dumbly.
"Yes?" Hermione answered patiently, sitting down and opening a book.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked, not being very specific.
Hermione looked up at Harry and blinked. "Reading a book," said Hermione, showing Harry the book.
"That's not what I meant," Harry said in annoyance. "Why did you sign the form to stay here?"
"I have to use the Library," Hermione lied after a moment of thinking. "You know, with me taking more classes and all."
"Right," Harry said, not believing for a second that's why she's staying.
"Oh!" Hermione said in surprise. "Look, Ron is also staying," Hermione said, pointing at Ron.
"Right," Harry drawled.
"Harry!" Ron said, walking towards Harry and Hermione. Harry sighed and put a fake smile as he turned around.
"Hey, Ron," Harry said with fake enthusiasm. "You staying here too?"
"Yup, don't want to deal with Percy over the holidays," Ron said, completely ignoring Hermione. "Can't wait for the holidays, I need a break from all the work," He said, walking off to the boy's dormitories.
There was silence. "Wow," Harry finally said. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you and Ron are ignoring each other," Harry said, very confused.
Hermione stayed silent.
"Why are you guys fighting again?" Harry asked, sitting next to Hermione.
"He still hates Crookshanks, and I'm not going to apologize for what my cat does naturally," said Hermione, giving Harry and pointed stare. Harry raised his hands in defense.
"Just forgot, that's all. With Dementors and such," Harry defended himself. "I already know why you guys are staying here," Harry said after silence fell upon them. Ignoring her sputtering about staying to use the Library, Harry moved on. "And I appreciate you guys staying here to keep me company."
"Of course, Harry," Hermione said. "You're my best friend."
For some reason, Harry felt empty. Harry knew he and Hermine are close, and he'd be a fool not to know that. But Harry felt like he wanted to be more than a best friend. What could be more than a best friend? Harry didn't know. His thoughts were cut short by Hermione.
"Harry? Are you ok?" Hermione asked with a worried frown.
"I'm fine," Harry said. "What is it?"
"Want to do homework together?" Hermione asked with hopeful eyes. Harry couldn't say no.
After fifteen minutes, Harry saw Hermione biting her lower lip but withdrew from saying anything. "Harry?" Hermione said hesitantly.
Harry looked up.
"You ok? You seemed a little down today." Hermione said.
Harry gave a little uncommitted nod. "Bad memories around this time," He said absentmindedly, reading what he wrote on his assignment. A few seconds went by before his brain caught up to what he said. His eyes widened in shock. "Cause- you know- um-" Harry stuttered, Hermione's glare didn't help.
Hermione crossed her arms with a lethal glare." And why do you have bad memories?" demanded Hermione.
"Hermione…" Harry pleaded. Harry has kept his 'home' life somewhat a secret. He didn't want his friends, especially Hermione, to look at him differently. He didn't want her to think he was weak.
Hermione's glare somehow got more lethal.
Harry gulped. "Can- can we not talk about it right now?"
"If not now, when?" Hermione responded. "Don't think I haven't noticed you haven't said anything about your home life," She said softly, adopting a concerned look.
Harry tore his gaze away from Hermione as his eyes welled up with tears. He took a shaky breath. "Well… around this time, the teachers always said it's a great time to be around family or something like that. But every time I went to Privet drive, I didn't see family. All I see was people who hu- don't love me. And they made that pretty clear. Who don't care about me. Who they won't waste a penny on me. Who..." Harry trailed off, not being able to speak any longer.
There was a silence. Harry didn't realize he was crying before Hermione gave him a tissue. "Sorry," Harry mumbled, not looking at Hermione as he wiped his tears.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione softly said before wrapping Harry into a soft embrace, quite different from her normal hugs, but Harry appreciated it nonetheless. "I'm sorry you have to live with them," Hermione said after a minute of hugging.
"It's not your fault," Harry responded.
"Can't I just say it for my own sake?" Hermione lightly teased as she pulled away, giving Harry a small watery smile. Harry returned the smile.
"I guess, you can if that's what you want," Harry said, teasing back, and the teenagers fell into laughter, the tension going away.
The pair were interrupted by a nervous-looking Neville walking up to them. "H-hello."
"Alright there, Neville?" Harry asked, a little confused.
"Is- is it alright if I study you guys?" Neville asked nervously.
Harry looked at Hermione, and she gave a subtle shrug. "It's no problem at all," Harry said with a smile.
Neville gave the pair a small, relieved and nervous smile.
"Anything, in particular, do you need help on, Neville?" Hermione asked.
"Um... Defense would be a good start."
"It so happens we have the best Defense student here, right, Harry?" Hermione said in an innocent tone. Her eyes going wide with innocence as well.
Harry stared at her before realizing what she said. He rolled his eyes but had no irritation behind it. "I'm rubbish with the theory part, I only want to use the spell," said Harry. Harry grumbled something incoherent about theory.
"What was that?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes at Harry.
"What was what?" Harry repeated, fighting off a smile. Out of the corner of Harry's eye, he saw Neville watching with some amusement.
"I heard you say something under your breath," said Hermione, crossing her arms. "Want to repeat it?"
Harry remembered Hermione gets flustered when she gets a compliment. "Sure," He said. "You're the best student in our year by far," Harry said with a smile.
As Harry predicted, Hermione blushed like a tomato and tore her gaze to the floor. "Shut up, Harry," Hermione whispered, though she had a small smile.
Harry laughed softly as Neville looked on with full amusement.
The trio studied together, with Hermione helping Neville occasionally.
I'm back.
Sorry for the month of not uploading. I literally have no excuse. Also also sorry for the short chapter, but I promise the next would be a longer one…. Whenever that might be.
Thank you for the follows and favorites. It means a lot.
Also also also, My friend LakeWalker17 is working on his own story. It would mean a lot to me if you checked out his story. Harry Potter and the Tournament of Shadows. He's also a newbie writer like me.