TW: Domestic Abuse

Hermione's words stuck with Jillian. She knew that Hermione was right about at least one thing, as soon as girls knew that Harry was ready to start dating, every single girl in Hogwarts would be after him, including some that were probably already in relationships as well. It definitely wouldn't come as a surprise to Jillian if Cho Chang were to suddenly make herself available.

"Have you talked to him yet?" It was late that same night, it was almost time for Jillian's lesson with Harry and Professor Lupin, and Jillian was in the Ravenclaw common room with Luna and Padma, telling them about what Hermione had said, and Jillian shook her head in response to Luna's question.

"I mean, Hermione's not totally wrong," Padma stated. "Especially about how ninety percent of the female population is going to be after Harry. I feel bad for the poor bloke."

Jillian shook her head again. "I haven't said anything to Harry, mainly because I'm terrified. I mean, I don't even know what I feel yet. Let's say that I do have romantic feelings for Harry and I tell him. What if he doesn't feel the same way? Then not only would I have my heart broken, but I would completely ruin our friendship, which is already in jeopardy because of the whole thing with Sirius Black."

"You two still haven't resolved all of that?" Padma asked.

"No. I mean, I can see his point of things. His parents are dead, and all of the evidence points towards Black as being responsible for leading you-know-who right to them."

"So what's the big deal then?"

Jillian let out a sigh as she stared into the fireplace. "Something just doesn't feel right about it. I don't know, I'm probably just being stupid."

"What does your heart tell you?" Luna asked. "I've found that if I can't trust my head, my heart is the best way to go."

Jillian went silent for a couple of minutes as she thought. "I think that Sirius Black is innocent. James Potter was his best friend, Black showed no signs of even wanting to associate himself with you-know-who." Suddenly, Jillian realized what time it was, and she stood up. "Wish me luck." She said gloomily. "It's time for my lesson with Harry and Professor Lupin."

"Everything will turn out alright, Jillian," Luna said. "You'll see, just give it some time."

"Yeah, thanks, Luna."

Jillian trudged into the Defense classroom, and to say that the air between her and Harry was awkward was a severe understatement. The tension between the two students was so thick that you could cut through it with a knife. Harry didn't even so much as look at Jillian as they waited for Professor Lupin to show up.

Jillian bit her lip, and she was considering leaving the classroom when Professor Lupin entered. He looked between Harry and Jillian, heaving a deep sigh. "You won't be able to cast a Patronus Charm properly with the negative energy that you two are radiating towards each other."

"It's not my fault!" Harry replied heatedly. "She-"

"No one is right or wrong here, Harry, you have a difference of opinions, that's all. And if you are going to be rude to Jillian because her opinions are different from your own, then what does that say about you as a friend?"

Harry opened his mouth to retort, but then he realized that Professor Lupin was right. He had reacted terribly towards Jillian, and for what? Because they thought differently about one man? Harry looked at Jillian, a guilty expression on his face. "Professor Lupin is right Jillian, I've been a terrible friend to you, I'm sorry."

"Harry..." Tears sparkled in Jillian's eyes. For a brief moment, Harry thought that maybe Jillian wasn't going to forgive him, and she would have every right to that. If the places were reversed, Harry wouldn't forgive himself, either. But then Jillian launched herself at him in a hug, and as Harry wrapped his arms around her, he realized that everything was going to be alright between them.

"Well then, now that that's settled, let's get to work." Professor Lupin rubbed his hands together. "Now, since Harry's Boggart is a Dementor, that is why we are working on the Patronus Charm. The Patronus Charm is a powerful spell, and it is also one of the only spells that will work against a Dementor. Jillian, since your fear is different from Harry's, I want you to try and focus on the Dementors, get an image of one in your head, otherwise, the Boggart will get confused and will try to switch between your fears."

Jillian nodded her head. Just focus on the image of a Dementor, how hard could that possibly be?

Harder than Jillian had originally thought, as it turned out. When Professor Lupin released the Boggart, it focused on Harry, turning into the shape of a Dementor. As Harry was about to shout the incantation for the Patronus Charm, the Boggart looked at Jillian, and changed into the shape of her father.

"Freak!" He shouted at her, and Jillian stared up at him, too scared to even move a muscle. "You're an abomination, I should just kill you right now, it would make everyone's lives ten times better!" Raising his hand, he hit Jillian across the face.

"Riddikulus!" Professor Lupin shouted, and the Boggart changed into a little kitten. Professor Lupin walked over to Jillian, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Jillian didn't respond, and Lupin shook his head. "Let's get you to the hospital wing, have Madame Pomfrey give you a tonic."

"What's wrong with her?" Harry asked as Professor Lupin guided Jillian out the door.

"She's in a combined state of fear and shock," Lupin explained as they walked down the hallway.

"Can't you just give her some chocolate? That's what you've given me."

"That's because your Boggart is a Dementor, a Dementor sucks the happiness out of you, and the chocolate sort of replaces it. Jillian's Boggart is something much different than yours, and I think that hers strikes a little close to home."

Professor Lupin had seen some facial resemblances in Jillian and the man that the Boggart had turned into. He thought that maybe the man was her father, or perhaps an uncle. What must this man have put her through to make her so terrified of him?

Madame Pomfrey insisted that Jillian remain in the hospital wing for the remainder of the night. "As for you, Mr. Potter, I think that it's high time you got to bed, Professor Lupin seems to have forgotten that it's a school night."

Professor Lupin chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Come along Harry, I'll walk you back."

"Who was that?" Harry asked as they walked back towards Gryffindor Tower. "That man that the Boggart turned into? Jillian was terrified of him."

"I really don't know, Harry." Professor Lupin had his suspicions, but he wasn't going to tell Harry about them. He was, however, going to Dumbledore with his concerns, and maybe an investigation could be done. "Everyone has their own unique fears, Harry, and everyone has those fears for specific reasons. It's not our job to dig into those reasons. If Jillian wants you to know about the things that she's afraid of, then she'll come to you, but don't press her or you'll scare her off."

"I'd be surprised if she ever wanted to talk to me again."

Professor Lupin placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I may not know a lot about the relationship that you and Jillian have, but I know that she holds you close to her heart. That's a special thing, Harry, and it's not something to take advantage of. Jillian forgave you this time, but she may not forgive you so easily the next time."

"I'll make sure that there won't be a next time," Harry said determinedly, and Professor Lupin chuckled softly. "It's been a long night, why don't you try and get some sleep? Tomorrow you can go and check on Jillian's condition."

Harry nodded his head before entering the common room. he had really hurt Jillian, and he was going to make sure that it was something that he never did again.