Dec 19
While Harry knew Hermione was right, he couldn't kill someone in cold blood. He couldn't stop feeling empty and sluggish. He didn't want anyone near him right now, not even his best friend. He skipped breakfast, opting to look at his photo album Hagrid got him.
As he looked at his parent's wedding photos, Harry saw him. Sirius Black, the best man. Standing right next to James Potter and Lily Potter, all three of them, smiling and laughing. Sirius looked young and not at all as the pictures from the Daily Prophet. He was beaming and had a twinkle in his eyes that rivaled Dumbledores. His face wasn't sunken and waxy but handsome. Had Black already been in league with Voldemort? Harry thought to himself. What could Sirius have gained by killing my family? He thought sadly, but anger quickly filled Harry. Angry at Sirius for making his life a hell hole for the past thirteen years. Sad at losing the one thing Harry always wanted, a loving family. Harry doesn't understand why it's so hard for him to have one thing go right. Angry tears filled up Harry's vision.
Someone knocked on the boy's dormitories. "Go away," Harry said, wiping his tears. He doesn't want to talk with anyone.
"Are you seriously going to lock yourself?" Harry heard a muffled voice.
"Yes!" Harry said sharply.
"I'm coming in."
"What part of go away don't you understand?!" Harry said irritably.
Hermione walked in with a concerned but determined face. "The part where my best friend needs my help."
"Go away," Harry repeated weakly, not looking at her.
"No," Hermione said firmly. "The fact that you're not looking at me pretty much says you need my help."
"No, I don't," Harry stubbornly said.
"Then why do you look so horrible?" Hermione asked. "Did you even sleep a wink?"
Harry stayed silent, hoping she'll go away if he stayed silent long enough.
"I'm not leaving if that's what you think if you stay silent," Hermione said as if reading his mind. "Talk to me, Harry. Bottling it up will do you no good."
That did it for Harry.
"What do you want to say, Hermione?" Harry snapped. "Do you want me to say how Sirius killed my family because he was working for Voldemort!? Or how Sirius made my life a hell hole for the past thirteen years? Or maybe how Sirius is godfather?! Or how he wants to do me in!?" Harry said, getting louder and louder while Hermione watched impassively. "Or maybe how I went somewhere quiet trying not to be noticed as I'm crying and sobbing because I had a bad day at school when I was with the Dursleys?" He said, a little emotionally before regaining the steel in his voice."Oh! I know! Maybe how people have no idea how to catch THE PERSON WHO SOLD MY PARENTS OUT TO VOLDEMORT!" Harry said, roaring the last part. He slumped onto his bed, closing his eyes, hoping Hermione leaves. "What do you want to me say?"
He was wrong. Harry felt slim arms wrap him softly. "You've said enough," Hermione said softly. "Oh, Harry," She said softly, tightening her hug.
"I don't deserve you," Harry croaked out, his stubbornness broke as he leaned into the hug. Hermione chuckled softly.
"I can say the same thing," Hermione whispered.
"Now you're just laying it on thick," Harry mumbled.
"Shut up and enjoy the hug," Hermione said.
"Yes, ma'am."
Hermione broke the hug after a few minutes of hugging. "Better?"
You can always kiss my forehead again. Harry thought. He looked at Hermione, who was blushing like a tomato, and Harry groaned. "You heard that, didn't you?" He asked, to which Hermione nodded. There was a pause before Hermione shyly kissed his forehead.
"Better?" Hermione repeated, her voice a pitch higher.
"Loads," Harry responded, getting Déjà vu.
Hermione cleared her throat. "Lunch is starting soon. Go take a shower," Hermione said in her bossy voice.
Harry smiled and mocked saluted. "Yes, Professor Granger," He said before dashing to the shower, leaving an amused Hermione.
It didn't take long for Harry to come down the common room. He saw Hermione curled on an armchair reading. He cleared his throat, making Hermione jump. "Harry!" Hermione said in surprise.
"Ready for lunch?" He asked with a smile.
Hermione nodded and got up, book under her arm. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Are you going to study during lunch?" He asked as they got out of the common room.
"I want something to read," Hermione said defensively.
Harry raised his hands. "Just asking is all."
"Ron was worried about you, you know," Hermione said after a silence.
"Really?"
"Yeah, asked me what was happening with you," Hermione explained.
As the pair reached the Great Hall, they nearly ran into Ron.
"Harry! There you are," Ron said, recovering first. "I've been worried, mate. You didn't look like yourself yesterday."
Harry blinked. "Erm... Thanks, I'm ok now," Harry looked around. "Where is everyone?"
Ron looked alarmed. "It's the first day of the holidays, Harry."
"Oh," Harry said sheepishly.
"Anyway," Hermione cut in. "I'm quite famished, and I'm sure you are too, Harry."
Harry nodded, and Hermione led the way.
As Harry began eating his bacon, sausages, eggs, toast, and treacle tart on the side, he noticed a friend missing. "Do you guys know where Hagrid is?" Harry asked his friends, concerned for his giant friend.
"Maybe he's busy," Ron said.
"I guess," Harry said noncommittally, his concern not wavering. "Maybe I should visit him, just in case," Harry mused.
Hermione bit her lip. "Wouldn't it be dangerous with the Dementors around?"
Harry blinked at her, not expecting it. "The Dementors can't go onto Hogwarts grounds," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"Oh, alright," Hermione huffed. "But we're waiting when we're done with lunch, especially you, Harry. You missed breakfast," She said in her bossy voice that left no argument.
After the trio finished lunch, with Harry feeling very full, they walked to Hagrids hut. Harry knocked on the door, but no one answered the door. Harry and Hermione shared looks. "Hagrid!" Harry called out. "Are you in there?"
There was a sound of heavy footsteps then the door creaked open. Hagrid stood there with his eyes red and swollen, tears splashing down the front of his leather vest.
"You've heard?" he bellowed, and he flung himself onto Harry's neck.
Hermione and Ron had to save Harry from Hagrid as he was twice the normal man's size. The two led Hagrid to a chair.
"Hagrid, what is it?" Hermione said tiredly.
Hagrid let out an uncontrolled sob as he pushed a letter to Harry's chest. It looked like an official-looking letter. Harry began to read it out loud.
Dear Mr. Hagrid, Further to our inquiry into the attack by a Hippogriff on a student in your class, we have accepted the assurances of Professor Dumbledore that you bear no responsibility for the regrettable incident.
"Well, that's okay then, Hagrid!" said Ron, clapping Hagrid on the shoulder. But Hagrid continued to sob and waved one of his gigantic hands, inviting Harry to read on. Harry glared at the redhead for talking too soon.
However, we must register our concern about the Hippogriff in question. We have decided to uphold the official complaint of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, and this matter will therefore be taken to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. The hearing will take place on April 20th, and we ask you to present yourself and your Hippogriff at the Committee's offices in London on that date. In the meantime, the Hippogriff should be kept tethered and isolated.
There followed a list of the school governors, but Harry had no desire to read them.
Silence followed when Harry finished the letter.
"We can build up a defense," Hermione perked up. "We can help you claim Buckbeak is innocent."
"Would yeh do tha'?" Hagrid asked.
"Yeah!" Harry spoke. "I can't believe they're doing this. Do you suppose this is Malfoy trying to do something because of last year?"
"Maybe," Hermione mused. "That doesn't matter right now. We need to show Buckbeak is innocent."
"Don't say we have to go to the library," Ron groaned.
Hermione crossed her arms. "I'm not going to force you to go, Ronald."
"I'm going as well," Harry said, causing Hermione to smile at him. "Buckbeak is innocent, and I don't Malfoy to kill an innocent animal."
"Thank yeh both," Hagrid said.
"Thank us when we win this case," Hermione said. "We should go. We'll catch you later Hagrid, stay strong."
The trio walked out of Hagrid's hut and went to the library.
"Ugh," Ron said. "There's nothing here that can help us."
"We just need to keep looking," Harry said, losing a bit of faith every second they don't find anything.
"Dinner is starting. You're welcome to join me," Ron said, walking out of the library.
Harry sighed, rubbing his forehead. He looked across the table at Hermione and saw her nose deep into a book. "Hermione," he called out to no avail. "Hermione," he called out again. "Hermione!" once again, nothing. Sighing, he reached over, putting his fingers under her chin, making her look at him. She made a surprised sound and blushed ferociously with wide eyes. "Dinner is starting soon. We should get something to eat," Harry said.
Hermione nodded and packed her things fast.
Harry wondered what just happened.
Dec 25
Harry woke up on Christmas day, excited. He and Hermione made it their mission to prove Buckbeak is innocent for the past four days, with Ron joining them sometimes. Taking a quick shower, he walked to the common room only to be greeted with a bone-crushing hug. Hair filled Harry's vision. "Hermione?" sputtered Harry.
Hermione pulled back, beaming. "Happy Christmas!"
Harry couldn't help but smile back. "Happy Christmas, Hermione," He said softly.
"I've your presents here," Hermione said hurriedly, dragging Harry to a sofa. She bent down and grabbed her present, handing it to Harry. "I hope you like it."
Harry opened the present and saw they were clothes.
Hermione fidgeted with her shirt. "I hope you like it," She repeated. "I know it's not something huge, but I've seen you wear those hand-me-down clothes and thought you deserved better than that, so I owled my mum and dad to see if they would buy the clothes. I don't know what your size is, so I just guessed and -"
"Hermione," Harry cut in, ending her nervous babble. "I love it," He said, causing Hermione to have a small smile. "No one has ever given me clothes, well, aside from the Weasley jumper, but then again, that's something for the holidays, isn't it. What I'm trying to say," He said, laughing nervously. "It'll be nice having something else to wear for a change."
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione responded, throwing her arms around him. "I didn't know if you were going to hate or not."
Harry gave a small laugh as he hugged her back. "I doubt I'd ever hate something Hermione Granger gifts me."
Hermione pulled back, once again beaming.
Ron walked down the stairs with Scabbers in his jacket pocket. "Happy Christmas, Harry!" Ron said enthusiastically. "Happy Christmas, Hermione," Ron said politely.
"Happy Christmas, Ronald," Hermione said flatly.
Harry rolled his eyes, they have not gotten along the whole year, and Harry didn't see them making up soon.
"Presents!" Ron said, opening up his present from Mrs. Weasley.
"Another sweater from Mum… maroon again… see if you've got one," Ron asked Harry. Harry had. Mrs. Weasley had sent him a scarlet sweater with the Gryffindor lion knitted on the front, also a dozen home-baked mince pies, some Christmas cake, and a box of nut brittle. As he moved all these things aside, he saw a long, thin package lying underneath.
"Harry?" Hermione called out. "What's that?"
"I dunno."
Harry carried it to a table and ripped the parcel open, and gasped as a magnificent, gleaming broomstick rolled out.
Ron also gasped and dropped his socks as he walked over to the table, wanting to have a closer look.
"I don't believe it," Harry said hoarsely.
It was the Firebolt Harry saw people line up outside the Quidditch store. While Harry didn't want it at the time, during his stay at Diagon Alley, he now had no broom, and the Firebolt was perfect. He could feel it vibrating and let go; it hung in midair, unsupported, at exactly the right height for him to mount it. His eyes moved from the golden registration number at the top of the handle, right down to the perfectly smooth, streamlined birch twigs that made up the tail.
"Bloody hell," Ron said, "Who'd you reckon sent it to you?" He asked in a hushed voice.
"I dunno," Harry said, stunned.
"Is there a postcard?" Hermione asked, white as a ghost, not looking thrilled or intrigued at the Firebolt.
"What's the matter with you?" Ron said.
"I don't know," said Hermione slowly, "but it's a bit odd, isn't it? I mean, this is supposed to be quite a good broom, isn't it?"
Ron sighed exasperatedly. "It's the best broom there is, Hermione," he said.
"So it must've been really expensive…"
"Hermione, what are you saying?" Harry asked, a small pit of unease forming in his stomach.
"Who cares?" said Ron impatiently. "Listen, Harry, can I have a go on it? Can I?"
"I don't think anyone should ride that broom just yet!" said Hermione shrilly.
"Why?" Harry asked, the pit growing.
"What if Sirius Black sent in the broom?" Hermione asked, locking eyes with Harry.
"What?" Ron and Harry said simultaneously as Harry immediately leg go of the broom.
The pit inside Harry has reached all over his body.
"That's ridiculous, Hermione!" snapped Ron.
"Is it?" Hermione bit back. "Harry has had his fair share of Quidditch-related accidents, and what if in the next match the broom hexes him off? People won't bat an eye because, 'Quidditch is a tough sport, it's a shame what happened.' " Hermione said in a mocking voice with the last part.
Ron's ears turned pink. "Well, how do you propose he got a Firebolt?"
"He escaped Azkaban, Ron," Harry said, looking at the broom wearily. "I'm sure stealing a broom is child's play."
Ron's face turned red. "Siding with her now, are we?" He snapped. "Ever since you stayed at Diagon Alley, you've been siding with her on everything! She tells you to drop Divination, and what do you do? You listened to her!" Ron was now letting out his anger. "And you're always defending that bloody cat she bought! It's like my opinion doesn't matter! Hermione says one thing, and you immediately agree! You've been ignoring me this whole year! You've also been reading those bloody books in your free time! Is she turning you into some bookworm, now? Or another know-it-all?! Does she have you under some kind of spell?!" Ron asked, getting louder and louder.
"Don't be stupid," Harry said with gritted teeth as he felt some guilt creep up.
"Stupid, am I, now?!" Ron asked loudly.
"You're certainly acting like one!" Harry said sharply, glaring at the redhead.
There was a silence as Ron and Harry glared at each other.
"Fine," Ron spat. "Listen to the know-it-all," He said, walking out of the common room.
Harry slumped onto the sofa and rubbed his temples. Everything is going too fast. They were supposed to have fun, not having arguments. "Harry?"
He looked up at Hermione. "Give me a couple of hours," He said. "Everything is going too fast. I'll see you at lunch," He said, walking to his dorm, leaving Hermione alone.
Lunch was insufferable as Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat away from each other. Hermione looked anxious as Ron was either glaring at Hermione or Harry. Trelawny said something about thirteen people, and if someone got up first, they would die. Harry got up to leave, not wanting to be near her, and she shrieked loudly, causing Harry to wince.
"My dear! I'm afraid your days are numbered!" Trelawny said dramatically.
Harry blinked. "Cool…." He drawled.
"I doubt it will make much difference," said Professor McGonagall coldly, "unless a mad axeman is waiting outside the doors to slaughter the first into the Entrance Hall."
Harry cracked a smile, and even Ron laughed while Professor Trelawney looked highly affronted.
As Harry walked to leave, he stopped by where Hermione was sitting. "Are you coming, or are you going to tell McGonagall about the Firebolt?" He said with a smile. He chuckled at Hermione's surprised look. "We've been friends for three years, Hermione. You didn't think I would have guessed what you were thinking?"
"You don't hate me?" Hermione asked nervously.
"No!" Harry exclaimed, drawing attention to him. "No, I don't hate you over some stupid broom." He said in a lower voice. "You didn't answer my questions, though. Are you coming or telling McGonagall?"
"I was going to tell McGonagall," Hermione said.
Harry nodded his head. "I'm going up, going to spend some time thinking about how it could have been if the Firebolt wasn't hexed."
Hermione smiled. "See in a minute."
Harry sat on the sofa, looking at the Firebolt, thinking how he was the owner of one of the greatest brooms to exist for a few moments before doubt crept up.
Professor McGonagall walked in, with her lips looking thinner than Harry has ever seen. "Is this it?" She asked beadily, walking over to the fireside and staring at the Firebolt. "Miss Granger has just informed me that you have been sent a broomstick, Potter."
"Yeah," Harry said. "There wasn't any message or postcard."
"I see," McGonagall said. "I'm afraid I will have to take this, Potter."
"Sure," Harry said flatly. He got up and handed McGonagall the Firebolt. "How long will it take for me to get it back?"
"I'm no expert, but around a few weeks is my guess," She said. Harry nodded as she left with the broom. Harry looked at the broom wistfully before turning his gaze at the fire, staring at it blankly.
"Harry?" Hermione called out hesitantly.
"Yeah?" Harry said, not looking at her.
"Are you ok?"
"I don't know, Hermione. The day started well with your present….." Harry trailed off as his eyes went wide. "Your present!" He exclaimed.
"What?" Hermione said, bewildered.
"I forgot to give your present!" Harry said as he looked around. He eventually found Hermione's present. "Have you heard of Jane Austin?" He asked, his mouth moving faster than his brain." Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Of course you have. How many stories do you own?"
Hermione looked at Harry weirdly. "I only have Emma. Why?"
Harry grinned at her excitedly. He gave her the present. "Why don't do you open it and find out?"
Hermione looked at Harry wearily before she opened the present. Her eyes went wide with shock. She opened her mouth a couple of times, but nothing came out. She shook her head. "Did you just buy me her famous six novels - oh!" She said in surprise. "You've also included Juvenilia!" Hermione said, opening it. "How much research did you do?"
Harry looked sheepishly. "I also wrote to your parents, they said how much you love Emma, and you wanted to get her famous novels, but all of them are sold out where you guys live," He shrugged. "I thought I could buy - Hermione!" He exclaimed as Hermione threw her arms around him.
"Oh, Harry!" Harry heard Hermione's muffled voice. She pulled back to look at him. "Thank you, I love it," She said sincerely.
Harry nodded absentmindedly, not listening to her words as he got lost in her chocolate brown eyes. He wondered what he did to deserve someone like Hermione. Someone so caring and kind and... That was his like thought before his mind went blank. He barely registered Hermione was also looking at him. Harry didn't know that Hermione was also getting lost in his eyes. He flickered his eyes to her lips on instinct as the two were leaning in, not they knew that.
They heard the portrait open, and the pair jumped away from each other, blushing dark red. Ron walked in and glowered at them both, seemingly not noticing their faces, and walked to the boys' dormitories.
"Right," Hermione basically squeaked. She cleared her throat. "Thank you for the presents, Harry."
"Yeah," Harry said in a high-pitched voice. As he also cleared his throat, he remembered something. "Your parents also sent in a family photo inside one of the books."
"Oh," Hermione said awkwardly. "That'll be nice to frame," She said. "I'll be right back," Hermione said after a moment of silence as she picked up her present and sprinted to the girls' dormitories.
Harry sat back down. He almost kissed his best friend. He almost kissed Hermione Granger. The brilliant, smart, kind, and beautiful girl.
Oh, Harry thought as his brain caught up. Well, shit, what do I do now?
Here is the Christmas chapter!
Hopefully, you guys enjoy it.
There's an Eminem reference in there somewhere.
I don't think I bashed Ron too hard here. I might not like him, but I have the restraint to not bash him to hell and back.
Once again, thank you guys for the support.