Quick disclaimer: This is my first time trying to do this. Don't expect awesome writing from me. You can criticize my writing, story, pace, or whatever. But please use constructive criticism. Telling me the story is trash without telling me why it does not help. If you think the story is good, also tell me why.
You will see parts of the books with some Harmony twist because I want to stick to canon as much as I want/can. This fic will be a 3rd-year re-write. I'll maybe do the later years. Right now, it seems like I am, but who knows. Hopefully, I won't start a new fic in the middle of writing this one, unlike a specific fic writer that I know. Without further ado, enjoy…. Or not. Oh, yea, also, all mistakes made by me, no beta reader.
Adios
Chapter 1
Aug 7th
Harry James Potter was lying on a very comfortable bed in the Leaky Cauldron but, he couldn't sleep. He met the Minister of Magic a couple of minutes ago and didn't expel or arrest Harry for blowing up his aunt like a balloon. That wasn't the reason Harry was awake, though. Oh no, Harry was awake because of what happened at the end of second year, The Hug as Harry likes to call it.
Why didn't Hermione hug Ron? Harry pondered. Not only did she run at me like a missile, But she didn't hug Ron! All Hermione and Ron shared an awkward handshake. Harry really wanted to hold her hand, but the Gryffindor side failed him.
Yet, after a few months, Harry thought about the hug he and Hermione had. He tried so very hard to ignore the hug as just that, a hug. But Harry couldn't because he's Harry Potter. Why did she only hug me? Ron is also her friend. Does she-
Before he could even think more, the sleepiness took over Harry, and his eyelids began to droop, but before he ultimately fell to sleep, he caught part of a song downstairs. "Hey, little train! Wait for me! I once was blind, but now I see."
Aug 8th
Harry woke up from a restful sleep; reaching over to get his glasses and then putting them on, he got up from his bed.
"Hello Hedwig, Good morning. How are you girl?" Harry asked his owl.
Hedwig clicked her beak happily and flew down to Harry's arm and nibbled on his ear before flying back to her stand. Harry chuckling at his owl's behaver, went into the bathroom to brush his teeth before going to enjoy his freedom from his-so-called-family. While Harry was eating his breakfast, his mind instantly wondered about Hermione, but he shook his head slightly and decided not to think about her for a while. After breakfast, he decided to wander around Diagon Alley, where he stopped by his favorite shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, where he saw a crowd form and decided to check out what was so appealing.
** THE FIREBOLT **
THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART RACING BROOM SPORTS A STREAM-LINED, SUPERFINE HANDLE OF ASH, TREATED WITH A DIAMOND-HARD POLISH AND HANDNUMBERED WITH ITS OWN REGISTRATION NUMBER. EACH INDIVIDUALLY SELECTED BIRCH TWIG IN THE BROOMTAIL HAS BEEN HONED TO AERODYNAMIC PERFECTION, GIVING THE FIREBOLT UNSURPASSABLE BALANCE AND PINPOINT PRECISION. THE FIREBOLT HAS AN ACCELERATION OF 150 MILES AN HOUR IN TEN SECONDS AND INCORPORATES AN UNBREAKABLE BRAKING CHARM. PRICE ON REQUEST.
"Huh." Harry mused, he was torn between wanting the Firebolt and his own Nimbus two thousand; he then decided that the Firebolt wasn't worth it as he never lost on his Nimbus, though he wished to have the Firebolt. There are more important things. Walking back to the Leaky Cauldron, looking at the time and saw it was 4PM, he decided to write a letter to Hermione and try to explain what just happened to him in the past day.
Dear Hermione,
How are you doing? I do hope you are doing well, Hermione. I'm not going to ask if you have done the homework because we both know you're done with it.
You might've heard already, but I sort of ran away from Privet Drive after blowing up my "aunt, " I really didn't blow her up, though, more like she inflated like a balloon, and I'm staying here at the Leaky Cauldron. I met the Minister of Magic here where he was waiting for me, and I thought I was being expelled, but he explained that they didn't send people to Azkaban for blowing up their aunts and it was an accident His words, not mine. On the bright side, I can do my homework during the day. There's a new broom on sale, and it's supposed to be really fast, but I think it costs a fortune to get it.
From,
Harry
"Hey, Hedwig?" Harry got a hoot for an answer." Be sure that Hermione gets this, ok?"
Hedwig looked at him with an offended look that he would ever doubt her.
"Oh, and be sure to stay there so that Hermione writes a reply, ok, Hedwig?" Hedwig clicked her beak and took off. Harry watched Hedwig until she was gone, "Be start on the Homework, I guess." Harry mumbled to himself.
After a few hours, Hedwig returned with Hermione's letter, and Harry surprised himself when he noticed he has been working on homework for that long, and he saw it was time for dinner. Deciding that he would read Hermione's letter after eating dinner, Harry looked at the clock and saw that it was 7:15 PM, and after a quick thank you to Hedwig and feeding her, he went downstairs to eat. It was 7:24 when Harry went back to his room to read Hermione's letter.
Dear Harry
I'm doing really well, Harry. Thank you for asking. I'm more concerned about you, though.
"Course she is." Harry chuckled.
"You are right to think that I've done my homework, but I haven't finished all of it. Anyway, Harry, how bad was it there that you blew up your aunt Harry? Are you ok now? Do you need any help with anything? How can I help? I know you don't like asking for help, but please let me help Harry. And what's this about doing homework during the night?
"Bugger, shouldn't have said that," Harry said under his breath.
Did the Dursleys not let you do homework during the day? If so, Why? I'm going to try and convince my Mum and Dad to let us go to the Leaky Cauldron tomorrow to meet up and talk.
"Wait, What?!" Harry yelled out loud. Hedwig, who was having a peaceful time, barked out in discomfort. "Sorry girl." The young wizard said sincerely.
Is she really going to try and convince her parents for her to meet me in the Leaky Cauldron? I don't even know my feelings towards her, and she wants to meet up? Is she really going to try? Harry thought to himself in a panic. He then turned back to the letter and continued reading,
"Don't even bother with some white lie Harry James Potter! I will fish out the truth if you do. Can you also please not buy this broom, Harry? You already go fast enough on that Nimbus broom. I know you said that it costs a fortune for it but still. I don't want you on a faster broom than the one you already have." Please stay safe, and hopefully, we'll be able to see each other soon.
Love from,
Hermione
Harry needs to respond and tell her there is nothing to worry about.
Dear Hermione,
There isn't anything to worry about, Hermione. I'm safe; I don't want you to take time away from your parents to visit me.
From,
Harry
"You know what to do, Hedwig?" Harry half asked, half questioned. Hedwig hooted an affirmative and left.
Harry was now pacing back and forth in his room. Hermione will try and convince her parents to come tomorrow and talk. I didn't even say anything too bad in my first letter! I know she means well, but I don't want to take time away from her parents. We'll see how it goes if she does manage to convince them.
He looked at the clock and saw that it was now 8:45 and went to read since he had nothing better to do.Sometime later, looking at the time again, he saw it was 9:15 and went to retire for the night.
Aug 9th
Harry woke up and did his morning routine. Noticing Hedwig standing on her porch with a letter. Harry walked over, untieing the letter, and gave her food and owl treats. Looking back to the letter,
Dear Harry,
Don't even try to tell me there isn't anything to worry about; it's clear that your so-called family doesn't treat you well. And besides, I spend a lot of time with my Mum and Dad. I'm sure spending a few hours with you isn't going to hurt. They gave me permission if you haven't figured it out yet, Harry. Can we meet at 3:00 PM? See you soon Harry.
Love from,
Hermione
After reading the letter, Harry saw it was 7:45 and went to eat breakfast. After eating breakfast, he went to Diagon Alley, where he spent his morning and most of his afternoon. Looking at his watch, he saw it was 2:55 and walked back to The Leaky Cauldron.
As soon as Harry walked a foot into the place, his vision was filled with bushy brown hair, and he heard a muffled "Harry!" Harry felt slim arms around him, hugging him and squeezing the air out of him."Need…. Air…" Harry managed to gasp out.
"Right! Sorry." Hermione responded with a slightly higher pitch than usual and with her cheeks painted a little pink.
As Hermione pulled away from the hug, Harry got a good look at her and noticed she had… more color.
"Did you get a tan, Hermione?" He asked before Hermione had a chance to say anything.
"I...My parents and I went to France for a couple of weeks and got back on the 6th," Hermione answered. But anyway, Harry, are you alright? Are they treating you well here? Do you need anything? Are you in-"
"Hermione," Harry interjected, and Hermione fell silent. "I'm fine. Yes, they treat me well, and what I do need right now is food, and I'm wondering if you would like to join me?" Harry ended with a small cheeky smile. Hermione narrowed her eyes a little but agreed. Sitting across from each Harry couldn't help but notice Hermione's hair also changed.
"Hermione?" Harry interrupted her rant about how nice France was and blinked before responding.
"Yes, Harry?" Hermione responded.
"Did you cut your hair? I mean, your hair still covered my eyes, but it barely goes past your shoulders." Harry said while looking at her questioningly.
"Uhm... Yes, I did cut my hair. Why? Do you n-" Hermione tried to ask.
"No!" Harry cut her off. "No... I mean," Harry took a deep breath and continued on. "I was just wondering. But, if it makes you feel any better, I always liked your hair, Hermione." Harry explained.
"Oh… Thanks," Hermione said weakly with a faint blush and refusing to meet his gaze. Why is she blushing? Does she- before Harry's thoughts got full steam,
they were cut short byHermione awkwardly cleared her throat, "Have you been doing your homework, Harry?" She asked, clearly trying to change the subject.
"Yeah, actually, yesterday while waiting for your first letter I was working on it. I was surprised because I worked for 3 hours. And when I was with Dursley's, I was also doing the work." As soon as Harry mentioned the Dursleys, he noticed that Hermione was wearing a deep scowl on her face.
"Speaking about the Dursleys, what's this about doing homework at night?" Hermione asked him. Looking at him, daring him to lie.
"Uh... Hermione, it doesn't mat-" Harry tried to explain.
"Of course it matters, Harry," Hermione interjected forcefully. " Did they force you to not do work during the day?
Harry looked into her eyes and saw a determined look on her face, realizing there is no way out, he told her. " The reason why I did homework during the night is that the Dursley's hate anything and everything that has to do with magic, and if they heard the sound of the quill scratching on the parchment, they would flip out. I have to be careful for them to not hear it, so I pause every few seconds." Harry ended his explanation while looking at the floor. After a few seconds of painful silence, he looked up and saw Hermione looking at him softly.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said softly. She reached over and put her hand on top of his. " I'm sorry that you have to live with them, Harry," At Harry's shrug, she continued. "the fact that you have to your homework like that really bugs me the wrong way, if they get mad over that, I don't want to know what else they can get mad at," Hermione said.
"I know it does, Hermione, but can we talk about literally anything else? I won't have to deal with them for almost a year," Harry thought for a moment and got an idea. "Want to walk around Diagon Alley with me?" Harry asked with a hopeful tone. "I can buy you a few books if you want." He added.
Hermione's eyes narrowed a bit before nodding slowly. Putting a few sickles and knuts on the table courtesy of Harry, the two made their way into Diagon Alley.
"Oh, I should warn you, it's quite busy around this time. For the one day that I've been here before someone showed up, people are always coming in and out. Especially in the afternoon." Harry suddenly said before tapping the third brick from the trash bin's left, standing back as the archway into Diagon Alley opened in the wall.
Sure enough, Harry was right about Diagon Alley being busy with Wizards and Witches. Hermione looped her arm around Harry so they wouldn't be separated. Harry turned his head to the left gave her a questioning look, but Hermione only gave him a smile. Does she know what's she's doing? Harry thought. Shaking himself of that thought, he asked, "So, where do you want to go first Hermione?" Just as Hermione opened her mouth, Harry quickly added, "Please don't say book store."
Hermione blushed a faint pink and flicked his shoulder, "You're a prat," Hermione said, trying to sound stern, but they both could tell she failed. "Where do you want to go first then, ? You are, after all, the expert of Diagon Alley." Hermione playfully asked Harry.
"Actually, I do have a place we can visit, Ms. Granger," Harry responded with an equally playful tone. "It's called Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor." Harry Continued.
"Ice cream? Harry, you do know my parents are dentists, right?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I know that your parents are dentists Hermione, you can just get the smaller bowl. It's not going to rot your teeth, Hermione. The ice cream is delicious too."
Harry reasoned with her. But Hermione still looked skeptical. " Please Hermione?" Harry pleaded. After a few seconds of silence, Hermione gave in and nodded while Harry whooped in delight. Hermione fell into laughter seeing Harry's antics.
When the pair got by the door, Harry held it for Hermione " Ladies first." Harry said with a smile. Hermione murmured a quiet "thank you." the pair went inside and plopped themselves by the window, and sat across from each other. Harry got a medium bowl while Hermione got a small one and talked to each other for half an hour. When they finished the ice cream, they roamed Diagon Alley for a while before Harry looked at his watch and saw it was 4:15 PM,
" Right, Hermione? When do your parents pick you up?" Harry asked her.
"Around 6, why?" She answered
"It's 4:15 right now, and I know how long you want to stay in the book store, so I want to give you at least an hour in there before we leave. Sounds fair?"
To say Hermione was stunned was an understatement. Harry has been more thoughtful today than she has ever seen in 2 years. She could only nod numbly in her shock while hoping that her face didn't show how red it felt. But with the way Harry was smiling, she doesn't think she's right. "Brillant!" Harry exclaimed. Why is she blushing like that? Harry thought but quickly told himself to save it for later.
When they stopped by the door of Flourish and Blotts, Harry held the door again for Hermione with a smile. Hermione regaining her wits together from earlier thanked him before rushing to the books. Laughing at her antics, Harry looked at the Quidditch books to see if they were worth buying.
After an hour of searching, Harry only found two books worth purchasing and went back to the shop's front and saw Hermione waiting. "Hi, Harry!" Said a very thrilled Hermione
"Hello Hermione, you look happy." Harry couldn't help but smile back at Hermione.
"I am! I got two books about Arithmancy, two about Transfiguration, and one about Defense Against The Dark Arts. They are fascinating subjects!" Hermione said excitedly.
Harry thought her excitement was adorable. Woah, where did that come from? Harry thought to himself. Internally shaking himself, he returned to the real world. He looked around and found where to buy the books. "C'mon, let me buy the books," Harry said.
"Oh no, Harry, I know you said you would bu-"
"But nothing Hermione, I said I was going to buy them, and I'm going to do just that." Harry interrupted,
"You don't have t-" Hermione was once again cut off by Harry,
"I know I don't have to, but I want to Hermione," Harry took her hand and held it while he looked at her and spoke softly but firm. Please let me buy the books, Hermione."
She looked at him for a while and thought. This is a very different Harry than usual. Before sighing and saying, "Fine, Harry, but I'm buying my own books next time," Hermione said
Harry grinned at her. "Not going to happen, ," Harry said in a teasing tone. "If you're going to be walking with me around Diagon Alley, expect that I will be purchasing everything. You're already taking time out of your day to come and visit me; the least I can do I to buy what you want."
Hermione once again was shocked. What happened that changed him so much? Was it the Basilisk? We didn't have a lot of time to speak before we went home. Whatever happened changed Harry Potter. Hermione thought to herself. Sighing deeply, "okay, Harry, I appreciate it. But I do have my own money, you know. Thank you, though." Hermione said.
Harry brushed her off and muttered a "Your welcome," and went to purchase the 7 books. After buying the books, they went to walk back to the Leaky Cauldron. Walking in, Harry looked at his watch.
"Right then, it's 5:20 right now, which means we have 40 minutes before your parents pick you up. What do you want to do, Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione thought for a moment before answering. " Can we just talk?" Harry nodded and motioned to the table to sit. And the two did just that. They talked to each other about everything and anything for 40 minutes. When it was finally time for Hermione to leave, they shared a hug. " Remember Harry, I'm going to visit once a week," Hermione told him after breaking away from the hug but still having her hands on his arms.
"Yes, I know Hermione. Once a week, I won't forget, I promise." Harry said with a grin. Hermione rolled her eyes before sharing one last hug. She told him to take care and left. Harry was tired but happy as he went upstairs to his room. After an hour of reading, it was time to go downstairs to eat dinner. Following dinner, Harry decided to retire for the night, where he had a small but immovable smile on his face.
And so, once a week, Hermione visited Harry. During one week, though, she visited him twice in the week.
Aug 28:
Since Harry and Hermione got their letters with the booklist for the upcoming year, Hermione decided to meet up at noon and spend a couple of hours shopping. They went to the Apothecary to replenish his store of potions ingredients and discovered that their school robes were a few inches short on the leg and arm and visited Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and bought new ones.
Most importantly, the pair had to buy his new schoolbooks, including two for Harry's new subjects, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination for Harry but for Hermione. Arithmancy, the Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination were hers.
"Uh… Hermione? Are you sure you want to take all those classes?" Harry asked her. "You're brilliant and all, but that's a lot of classes. And I think it's going to be a lot of pressure on you, Hermione." Harry said, a little concerned, looking at Hermione and seeing how many books she bought.
"Thanks for your worry Harry, but I'll be fine," Hermione said, trying to comfort Harry; however, he still looked a bit troubled with how many classes Hermione is taking but dropped the subject.
"Right," Harry said slowly. "Want to head back and put down our books?" He asked. At Hermione's nod, they went and headed back into the Leaky Cauldron. The two agreed on having a quick lunch before exploring Diagon Alley once again.
When Harry and Hermione returned to the Leaky Cauldron, Harry looked at his watch and saw they have been exploring Diagon Alley for two and a half hours, and it was time for Hermione to go. "See you on the Hogwarts express then?" Harry asked her when she was about to leave.
"What? Oh! I forgot to tell you, I'm going to visit on the 31st, actually." Hermione told Harry
"Oh, brilliant!. See you in 3 days then?" Harry said with a grin.
"Yes, see you in 3 days, Harry." Hermione said while wrapping him with a hug.
Aug 31
Harry woke on the last day of the holidays, thinking that he would at least meet Ron on the Hogwarts Express tomorrow. He got up, dressed, went for a last look at the Firebolt, and was just wondering where he'd have lunch, when someone yelled his name and he turned.
"Harry! HARRY!" Hermione was running towards him and gave him a huge hug. Behind her was Ron looking incredibly freckly, who looked at them weird before grinning at him.
"Finally!" said Ron, grinning at Harry. "We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you'd left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkin's, and —"
"Hermione and I got our school stuff last week," Interrupted Harry. " and how come you knew I was staying at the Leaky Cauldron?"
"Dad," Ron said simply. " Anyway, did you really blow up your aunt Harry?" Ron asked Harry. "Dad told me what happened and why you were staying here." Ron looked at Harry, ready to laugh if it was true.
" I didn't mean to!" Said Harry, while Ron was roaring with laughter. "I just lost control. She was saying that my mum and dad were drunks, and I just- just lost it." When Harry finished, Hermione held his hand and squeezed it while looking at him with concern.
"It's not funny, Ronald!" said Hermione sharply. " I'm surprised Harry wasn't expelled."
"So am I. Fudge kinda explained why I wasn't, but forget expulsion, I thought I was going to be arrested!" Said Harry, raising his voice a bit. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Ron. "Your dad doesn't know why Fudge let me off, does he?"
"Probably 'cause it's you, isn't it?" shrugged Ron, still chuckling. "Famous Harry Potter and all that. I'd hate to see what the Ministry'd do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, they'd have to dig me up first, because Mum would've killed me. Anyway, you can ask Dad yourself this evening. We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too! So you can come to King's Cross with us tomorrow! Hermione's there as well!"
"Mum and Dad dropped me off with all my Hogwarts stuff." Said Hermione. Beaming at Harry. She has a nice smile. Harry thought.
"Look at this," said Ron, pulling a long thin box out of a bag and opening it. "Brand-new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail-hair. And we've got all our books —" He pointed at a large bag under his chair. "What about those Monster Books, eh? The assistant nearly cried when we said we wanted two."
" Can we walk around Diagon Alley?" Hermione cut in before Ron could say another word. She looked at Harry pleadingly. " I've got 10 Galleons, and I really want an owl. Harry's got Hedwig and you've got Eroll-"
"Eroll's the family owl," Ron interrupted. " All I've got is Scabbers." He pulled his pet rat out of his pocket. "And I want to get him checked over," he added, placing Scabbers on the table in front of them. "I don't think Egypt agreed with him."
Scabbers was thinner than usual, and its whiskers had a definite droop.
" That works out well, doesn't it?" Harry said. "Hermione buys her owl, and you see if they have anything for Scabbers. Cmon, There's a magical creature shop just over here," said Harry, who knew Diagon Alley very well by now.
After visiting the shop and Hermione not getting an owl, buying a cat called Crookshanks that very nearly attacked Scabbers.
"Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!" said Ron.
"He didn't mean to, did you, Crookshanks?" said Hermione.
"And what about Scabbers?" said Ron, pointing at the lump in his chest pocket. "He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?"
"Ron, your rat tonic," Said Harry, giving him the tonic. "I mean, can you really blame Crookshanks Ron? It's a cat. And besides, Crookshanks will sleep in Hermione's dormitory, and Scabbers will sleep in ours, right?" Harry reasoned with Ron while they were walking back to The Leaky Cauldron.
"Thank you. Harry," Hermione said, flashing him a bright smile. "Poor Crookshanks, the witch said he'd been in there for ages; no one wanted him."
"Wonder why," said Ron sarcastically as Harry quietly snickered.
Walking into the Leaky Cauldron, they found sitting at the bar, reading the Daily Prophet.
"Harry!" he said, smiling as he looked up. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, thanks," said Harry as he, Ron, and Hermione joined Mr. Weasley with their shopping.
"They haven't caught him yet?" Harry asked as he saw a familiar picture of Sirius Black on the newspaper.
"I'm afraid not Harry," Mr. Wealsey said, looking greatly gloomy. "The Ministry pulled us all off our regular jobs to try and find him, but….you can see our luck." He finished.
After that, Harry got to greet the rest of the Weasley's starting with Percy being pompous while Fred and George were the comedy duo they are. Ginny can barely mutter a hello without blushing, making Harry sigh.
Sitting down to have dinner, Hermione was to his left while Ron to his right. Fred across from Harry and George across from Hermione, Percy across from Ron with Mr. Weasley sitting at the end of the table to Harry's left and Mrs. Weasley to his right.
" So, Harry, a little birdy told us-" George started, or Harry thought it was.
"That you blew up your aunt like a balloon. What we are wondering if it's true," Fred finished. Harry looked at the twins with a hint of unease.
"Uhm… yeah, I did," Harry started but was cut off by laughter from the twins." I didn't mean to!" Harry added on quickly.
"Marvelous, Harry, truly!" George said, still laughing
"Fantastic, Harry! Making us proud!" Fred stated, wiping a tear from his face.
"Boys, that's enough," Mrs. Weasley remarked.
"But Mum-" George started.
"We want to hear the story!" Fred continued.
"Absolutely not!" Mrs. Weasley snapped. Harry was grateful because he did not want to tell the story of how he blew up his "aunt." He felt Hermione grab his hand under the table, gave it a small squeeze with a small smile. Harry smiled back at her.
"Fine," the twins said simultaneously. "Dad, "How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow?" Fred asked as they dug into a sumptuous chocolate pudding.
"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars," said Mr. Weasley.
Everyone looked up at him.
"Why?" said Percy curiously. Harry was also curious. He looked at Hermione to see if she had any idea, but she shrugged. Looking back at Mr. Weasley, hoping he would give an explanation.
"It's because of you, Perce," said George seriously before could answer. "And there'll be little flags on the hoods, with HB on them—"
"— for Humongous Bighead," said Fred.
Everyone except Percy and Mrs. Weasley snorted into their pudding.
"Why are they giving us cars, Father?" Percy asked, glowering at twins who were snickering.
"Well, as we haven't got one anymore," said Mr. Weasley. Hermione glanced at Harry and gave him a pointed look. "and as I work there, they're doing me a favor…"
His voice was casual, but Harry couldn't help noticing that Mr. Wesley's ears had gone red, just like Ron's did when he was under pressure.
"Good thing, too," said Mrs. Weasley briskly. "Do you realize how much luggage you've all got between you? You are all packed, aren't you?" Harry and Hermione smirking, they looked at Ron, knowing full well he hasn't packed.
"Ron hasn't put all his new things in his trunk yet," said Percy in a long-suffering voice. "He's dumped them on my bed." Ron frowned at Percy.
" I can help you pack, Ron." Harry offered, trying to help Ron.
"Excellent Harry, thank you, dear. You'd better go and pack properly, kids because we won't have much time in the morning," Mrs. Weasley called down the table.
"Thank's, mate," Ron whispered to Harry.
"Yeah, no problem," Harry responded.
After dinner, everyone felt very full and sleepy. One by one, they made their way upstairs to their rooms to check their things for the next day. After a goodnight hug from Hermione, Harry went to his room when he heard angry voices through the wall and went to see what was going on.
The door of number twelve was ajar, and Percy was shouting.
"It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing —"
"I haven't touched it, all right?" Ron roared back.
"What's up?" said Harry.
"My Head Boy badge is gone," said Percy, rounding on Harry.
"So's Scabbers's Rat Tonic," said Ron, throwing things out of his trunk to look. "I think I might've left it in the bar —"
"You're not going anywhere till you've found my badge!" yelled Percy.
"I'll get Scabbers's stuff. I'm packed," Harry said to Ron, and Harry went downstairs.
Harry was halfway along the passage to the bar, which was now very dark, when he heard another pair of angry voices coming from the parlor.
"… makes no sense not to tell him," Mr. Weasley, Harry recognized, was saying heatedly. "Harry's got a right to know. I've tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating Harry like a child. He's thirteen years old and —"
"Arthur, the truth would terrify him!" said Mrs. Weasley shrilly. "Do you really want to send Harry back to school with that hanging over him? For heaven's sake, he's happy not knowing!"
"I don't want to make him miserable. I want to put him on his guard!" retorted Mr. Weasley. "You know what Harry and Ron are like, wandering off by themselves — they've ended up in the Forbidden Forest twice! But Harry mustn't do that this year! When I think what could have happened to him that night, he ran away from home! If the Knight Bus hadn't picked him up, I'm prepared to bet he would have been dead before the Ministry found him."
"But he's not dead, he's fine, so what's the point —"
"Molly, they say Sirius Black's mad, and maybe he is, but he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible. It's been three weeks, and no one's seen hide nor hair of him, and I don't care what Fudge keeps telling the Daily Prophet, we're no nearer catching Black than inventing self-spelling wands. The only thing we know for sure is what Black's after —"
"But Harry will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts."
"We thought Azkaban was perfectly safe. If Black can break out of Azkaban, he can break into Hogwarts."
"But no one's really sure that Black's after Harry —"
There was a thud on wood, and Harry was sure Mr. Weasley had banged his fist on the table.
"Molly, how many times do I have to tell you? They didn't report it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night Black escaped. The guards told Fudge that Black has been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the same words: 'He's at Hogwarts… he's at Hogwarts.' Black is deranged, Molly, and he wants Harry dead."
There was a silence. But Harry has heard enough, forgetting the rat tonic. He just wanted to go into his room and think, not looking where he was going, he bumped into Hermione.
"Sorry!" Harry said, still trying to process everything he heard. Hermione looked at Harry like she was examining him. After a few seconds.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Hermione asked him. "You're looking pale." She said. Reaching to grab his hand. " And your hand is clammy."
" Sirius Black is after me!" Harry blurted out before he could stop himself. Hermione blinked, trying to process what Harry just said.
"What?" Hermione asked incredulity.
"C'mon, all explain in my room," Harry said. Leading her by the hand to his room. And so, Harry explained everything he overheard.
"Oh, I do not like the sound of that. "He's at Hogwarts?" He made it really obvious, Harry. He's after you." Hermione said, sitting criss-cross on Harry's bed. Harry groaned, moving back and hitting the back of his head on the bed's headboard.
"Why can't we have a normal year? In first year, there was the Philosopher's stone business, and last year there was the Chamber of Secrets fiasco, and now this year, there's a dangerous raging murdering lunatic after me." Harry whined.
"It's going to be ok, Harry." Hermione tried to reassure him." Okay, right now, it doesn't look ok, but they will catch him, Harry." She said quickly at Harry's raised eyebrow.
Harry looked at her for a moment before sighing deeply. "I hope so, Hermione," Harry said. He looked at his watch and saw it was late. " You should probably go, it's pretty late, and we both need sleep. I'll walk you out." Harry told Hermione. After another good night's hug, Harry went to his bed. Before he went to sleep, I'm not going to be murdered, Harry told himself, then he drifted off.
Sept 1
Hermione woke Harry the next morning with a cup of tea. Harry got dressed and was just persuading a disgruntled Hedwig to get back into her cage when Ron banged his way into the room, pulling a sweatshirt over his head and looking irritable.
"The sooner we get on the train, the better," he said. "At least I can get away from Percy at Hogwarts. Now he's accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of Penelope Clearwater. You know," Ron grimaced, "his girlfriend. She's hidden her face under the frame because her nose has gone all blotchy…"
After eating breakfast, everyone got in the Ministry cars, where Hermione sat to his left and had the window to his right. After a few minutes, Hermione interlaced her hand with his with a shy smile and a faint blush. Harry gave her a grin, and she blushed more. She looks cute when she's blushing. Harry thought to himself before looking out the window.
King's Cross's journey was very uneventful compared with Harry's trip on the Knight Bus. The Ministry of Magic cars seemed almost ordinary. Though Harry noticed that they could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernon's new company car certainly couldn't have managed. They reached King's Cross with twenty minutes to spare; the Ministry drivers found them trolleys, unloaded their trunks, touched their hats in salute to Mr. Weasley, and drove away, somehow managing to jump to the head of a fixed-line at the traffic lights.
In King Cross, they split into pairs with Harry and Mr. Weasley, Percy and Ginny, Fred and George, Mrs. Weasley and Hermione, Ron went alone.
Before getting on the train, Mrs. Weasley kissed all her children, including Hermione and Harry. While Harry was embarrassed, he was pleased. Mr. Weasley wanted a quick word with Harry telling him to not look for Sirius Black.
Harry Potter got on the train for another year of Hogwarts.