CHAPTER 25: I Believe You

A/N: Welcome back, guys. No excuse, gonna go straight to the point. As you all know I finished my exams a month ago. Well, as a gift for my birthday which was a week after that, my dad bought me PS5. So yeah...…

Anyway, moving forward and learning from past mistakes that include, if you don't know how to play Assassin's Creed Valhalla, you should probably stop.

Regarding this chapter, It changes a few things and introduces us to new characters that will have prominent roles moving forward. So, without further ado...

The door burst open with such force that it almost broke the hinges, scaring all three occupants in the room as they jumped up in their seats and turned their eyes towards the loud intrusion.

A shocked gasp mixed in with relief and joy left two pair of lips as green eyes met brown before an ear-splitting smile enveloped both faces.

In less than a second Harry jumped on the bed and engulfed his aunt in a passionate hug.

"Oh Harry!" Petunia let out a choked sob as she tightened her arms around his body, locking her hands behind his back.

Madam Pomfrey watched their embrace with teary eyes before she busied herself with picking up an empty breakfast tray from the bed.

Dudley turned his gaze down after a few seconds as he felt a little uncomfortable. He didn't know if it was because he wasn't used to seeing someone else in his mother's arms or the fact that Harry's relationship with his mother had changed so much and he didn't know it.

Dumbledore too turned his gaze towards the ground, feeling he was intruding on a private moment but the smile that came over his lips when Harry and Petunia's eyes first locked still hadn't left.

Hermione, however, was feeling out of place, like she didn't belong here but that didn't stop her eyes filling with unshed tears as she couldn't turn her gaze from the embrace even if she tried. She didn't understand why watching two people hug, one of whom she had never met and knew nothing about, was making her so emotional.

She guessed it was primally because she had never seen Harry display such raw emotion before other than anger. She had never seen him so vulnerable. The protective wall he had built around him to make everyone seem that nothing affected him was finally showing some cracks and she was glad for it.

Tears escaped her eyes as she noticed Harry's body shaking and she realised that he was crying, silently. A sad smile came over her lips. Even in such an emotional state he was still trying to rain his emotions in and not letting them be loose. She felt her heart clench a little and turned around before walking out of the room.

She walked into the living room before stopping near the window that overlooked the quidditch field. She sniffled, staring at the clear blue sky through the window before wiping at her face.

A hand on her shoulder startled her as she turned around with a wide-eyed gaze and looked up at the blue orbs of the headmaster.

"You have questions" It was a statement, but she still felt the need to nod. "Walk with me"

Dumbledore turned around before taking small steps. Hermione stared at his tall frame for a second before she moved her feet. She crossed the living room and walked past the room she had exited not long ago but not before sneaking a quick glance inside.

The door was wide open, and her curiosity got the better of her. Her eyes landed on Harry's back, which she was happy to know wasn't shaking anymore before she moved her gaze and it locked with the woman who had her arms around Harry.

She turned her head the moment their eyes met. The connection was less than a second, but her gaze was so penetrating that she wasn't ready to handle it right now.

She walked behind Dumbledore in silence as they walked through the hallways before stepping out the front door and into the gentle breeze of the morning.

Dumbledore stopped and turned around till she reached him before commencing his walk again.

"What I'm about to tell you must be kept as secret, Ms Granger" Dumbledore started, as he inclined his head to look down at her.

She didn't need to know to look at him to know the seriousness in his tone.

At her nod Dumbledore continued "It is best for your and my sake that what I am about to tell you remains between us. Most importantly it is best for Harry's sake"

Once again, she gave a single nod of her head, but it seemed that in this case it wasn't enough reassurance for the headmaster as his eyes didn't leave hers and she felt that she couldn't break the contact even if she tried.

She didn't know how long they stayed like that but to her it seemed like an eternity. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced before and the only way she would ever be able to describe it would be that she wasn't in control of her body.

The connection broke and all her senses came back at once. Her breathing was normal, but she felt like she'd just run a marathon. She looked at Dumbledore wide-eyed who in return gave her a small smile in return followed by a wink.

"I believe you" he started walking before stopping after a couple of steps. He turned around to find her still standing in the same spot and in a state of shock. "C'mon now, Ms Granger, we've much to talk about and not much time to do it in"

…...

Meanwhile

Petunia pulled back from the embrace and held Harry at arm's length. She wiped his tear-stained cheeks with the pads of her thumbs.

Harry was at a loss of words; he had been waiting for this moment for so long that now that it was finally here, he didn't know how to begin.

Petunia smiled at him as she sensed his reluctance. "Your headmaster explained everything." her voice came in a whisper.

Harry's eyes turned wide in surprise. "He did?"

She nodded as a tear escaped her eyes. "He told me how brave you've been, coming to visit me every night to see if I woke up..." She sniffled before continuing. "I can't thank you enough-"

"I didn't do anything" he cut her off, shaking his head that was still grasped between her hands. "It was all Professor Dumbledore. He did everything, he took all the risks in bringing you hear. If he didn't you would still be in that hospital and-"

"He did what any good man with a good heart with his power and capabilities would have done. There may not be a lot of them in the world but there are still few...and your headmaster is one of the few and I would always been indebted to him but... What you-" she stopped and turned her head in Dudley's direction who was staring at them with teary eyes. "and you...come here my son" she held her left arm towards him and beckoned him.

Dudley jumped off his bed and onto hers in a flash before enveloping his mother in a hug. "What both of you have done requires far more courage than what Dumbledore, or Poppy, or I had to do or go through." She stared at both their faces as Dudley pulled back. "Never forget that"

She smiled when they both nodded their heads.

Harry fidgeted with the bed sheet as he racked his brain on how to ask the question that everyone seemed to be avoiding.

"What's the matter, Harry?" asked Petunia with a concern filled gaze.

He shifted his gaze towards her face before finally gaining the courage and opening his mouth.

"What would happen to Uncle Vernon?"

The words hung in the air like a feather, slowly descending its path as sobriety took over everyone's features.

Harry turned his gaze down to the bed, wondering if he should've brought it up.

"That's not for us to worry about" He snapped his head towards her, sensing Dudley doing the same. Her eyes fixed them with a determined look as she continued. "Not for either of you to worry about...Hopefully, the authorities will take care of that" she finished.

Both boys nodded their heads before Harry's eyes turned wide and he jumped of the bed but in doing so lost his balance and tripped over his feet.

"Ouch!" He groaned in pain as his back made first contact, taking the blunt of the impact before his head hit the floor.

"Harry!" Petunia exclaimed, just as Dudley started sniggering.

"I'm okay, I'm okay" he jumped to his feet. "I'm late for the match, I've to go now" The words came out in a rapid pace out of his mouth as he started heading towards the door.

"Match?" Petunia scrunched her eyebrows in confusion.

"I'm in the quidditch team" He said before adding. "You wouldn't know about it. It's a wizarding sport" He finished as he reached the door.

"Oh okay" she nodded before eyes went wide. "Wait, I know!" she exclaimed. "Isn't that the stupid game your dad used to play and apparently got injured in practically every game. Lily would never shut up about how much she hated that sport, and that was when she didn't even like your dad"

"Yeah" chuckled Harry. "The same one"

His smile disappeared when Petunia scowled at him.

"You've never been injured, have you?" Harry gulped nervously before a nervous chuckle escaped his lips.

"No" he squeaked in a small voice. "Gotta go, bye!"

He dashed out of the room before she could say anything else.

…...

"Where were you!" demanded Angelina Johnson, the new captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team.

"Sorry" apologized Harry, as he came to a halt and took deep breaths to bring his breathing back to normal. The team was standing before the closed the doors that led to the pitch, waiting for their names to be called out.

At the moment the announcer was calling out the names of the Slytherin team.

"And to finish up the line-up, the newest member to join the Slytherin team as their new seeker...DRACO MALFOY!"

The crowd went wild as Harry's head shot up, his eyes wide in surprise. "Malfoy!" he exclaimed.

"Believe me" started Fred.

"Equally hard for us to bear" continued George.

"Maybe not as hard. Considering Harry has a personal battle going on with the slick haired twig" said Fred

"Yeah, maybe. But it's good for us innit. One thing is for sure" paused George, as he faced his twin. "We know Harry will be up for the match"

The twins grinned at each other.

"Makes our job a lot easier." said Fred before turning towards Harry. "Aye Harry, finish the game as quickly as you can alright so we can get up to some mischief while the sun still shines"

The brothers chuckled.

"Would you two stop it" scolded Angelina, bringing an end to their laughter. "Stop putting extra pressure on him. Let him concentrate on his game" She then turned towards Harry and gave him an encouraging smile. "You just play to the best of your ability, Harry, and don't listen to what these two knuckleheads are saying"

"Hey!" exclaimed George.

"I resent that comment" protested Fred, as smiles grew on everyone else's face.

"Now, please welcome alongside me the Gryffindor team" announced Zorbin Miles, a sixth year Slytherin student, who was commentating today's match.

Harry felt himself growing nervous with every passing second. His palms were getting sweaty as a buzzing noise started going off in his ears. He didn't know what it was, but he felt like he did during his first ever match a year ago.

He was sure of one thing though, part of his nervousness had to do with facing off against his arch-rival.

C'mon, you got this. You've seen him fly and you're better than him

He took a deep breath and felt the thumping of his heart slow down and his hearing return to normal just as the announcer shouted "HARRY POTTER"

Startled, he looked around and noticed that he was the only one standing.

With a final nod to himself, he walked out of the shed and onto the field. The entire Gryffindor side of the stadium was going wild, and he started feeling confident once again as a small smile crept up on his face.

He mounted his broom and flew high into the air, above the rest of the players, except one. The moment he stopped ascending; his eyes locked with Malfoy's. After a few seconds both players gave a curt nod to each other, their way of saying 'good luck'.

Upon Madam Hooch's whistle the match began and not a second too late players were zooming past each other as bludgers were sent flying.

Harry observed the game from his position, not yet moving as he looked around for the golden ball. He watched from the corner out of his eye that Malfoy was doing the same thing.

"Copycat" he scoffed, as he shifted his gaze to the side.

"Where have you been?" asked Ron, as Hermione came to his side.

She wiped a strand of hair out of her face before turning towards him. "I had to go to the loo" she said.

"Oh okay. So, did you find Harry?" he asked, before turning towards the match. He eyed the scoreboard that hadn't changed from the last time. Slytherin lead the game 70-20.

"Hmm-mm"

He turned towards her once more when she didn't elaborate further. He raised an eyebrow as he noticed he had never seen her more interested in a quidditch match. "Hermione?"

"Hmm" she kept her eyes on the game.

"What did Harry say?" he asked, getting irritated by her lackluster responses.

"He's good with it" she answered evasively.

Ron's eyebrows shot up in his hairline. "Really?" he asked, amazed and shocked by her answer at the same time.

"Hmm-mm. Look, I think Harry's moving"

He ignored her try to move on from the subject, mainly because he knew Harry hadn't moved an inch. If he did, he would've known by the change of noise in the crowd. He was sure of one thing now though; she was lying, and he had to know why.

"Hermione, you're lying" subtlety had never been his strong suite.

She whipped her head in his direction, staring at him like a deer caught in a headlight. She opened and closed her mouth multiple times without emanating any sound.

"Umm..."

"Oh, dear merlin! That bludger has Harry Potter's name written all over it"

They both whipped their heads towards the game and tried to seek out Harry. "There!" pointed out Hermione.

Ron shifted his gaze to where she was pointing. His eyes turned wide as they landed on Harry, who was swishing one way or another on his broom to get the bludger of his back.

"Oh my god!" whispered Hermione, but loud enough for Ron to hear. Her hands flew to cover her mouth as Harry barely turned just in time to avoid getting smashed on the head by the bludger.

"What's wrong with it!" she cried out, breaking Ron out of his shock by shaking his shoulders violently.

"I don't know!" he shouted over the crowd that was going ballistic right now.

…...

Up in the air

Harry angled his broom towards the ground before levelling it once it was a meter from the ground. He looked over his shoulder, his eyes turning wide from fear as the bludger was closing the distance between them. He put extra pressure on the handle to make the broom go faster even though he knew it was already at max speed.

He swirled on the spot and did a 180, almost falling of the broom but somehow keeping his balance.

SMASH! THUD!

He didn't need to look behind to know that the bludger just smashed through the lower part of the stand, nor did he needed to turn to see that it was now right behind him.

He jerked hard on the handle and angled the broom towards the sky, hoping to gain some distance on the wretched ball but to his horror it had the opposite effect as the Nimbus 2000 lost some acceleration while ascending towards the sky.

He looked over his shoulder to find the bludger almost touching the tail. He turned his head back around and closed his eyes, knowing this was it and waiting for the impact.

But it never came.

Something else happened though, something extraordinary, something he wasn't aware of.

A loud gasp went around the stadium that made him open his eyes and look around. The first thing that registered in his mind was that he wasn't moving, he was frozen in the air with the broom still angled towards the sky in the exact same spot when he closed his eyes.

He looked over his shoulder with a baffled expression and his eyes turned comically wide as they landed on the rogue bludger that was still only a hair's width away from brushing against the tail but similar to the broom was frozen in its spot.

Harry looked around the stadium and noticed that everyone's expression mimicked each other's, shock and disbelief etched on everyone's faces, including the staff.

That's when he saw it, or in particular saw him.

Dumbledore's right hand was stretched towards him, palm pointing straight at him. His expression was the embodiment of concentration.

Harry furrowed his brows as he watched Dumbledore slowly close his palm into a fist and realized that he was once again moving.

He looked behind to see the bludger rooted to its position. He was now a good 10-15 feet away from the bludger before he turned his gaze back towards the headmaster.

His fist was entirely closed now, as were his eyes. Not a second later the bludger exploded into smithereens, and another round of shocked gasps was heard around the stadium.

He sensed more than felt the force holding his broom in position was gone now and he moved towards Dumbledore.

"Professor" he said in a ragged breath. "Wha-what was that? I mean, what just happened?" he stopped next to the railing.

"It seems someone cursed the bludger, Harry. Who, I'm afraid I don't have the answer for that... yet" Dumbledore finished as his eyes raked all around the stadium.

Harry nodded his head. His gaze turned towards the other staff members whose faces were ashen white with fear, including McGonagall. Even Snape seemed a little disturbed if his expression was to be relied upon.

"If I could have everyone's attention, please" Dumbledore's voice was heard all around the stadium, with the help of the sonorous charm, his wand pointed towards the side of his neck.

"Due to what had just occurred, I have decided to end the match" A collection of boos was heard all around, and for once Harry disagreed with Dumbledore.

The match couldn't be ended, not before a clear winner had been decided, and more importantly not before it was decided who was a better seeker, Malfoy or him. If he was honest with himself, he only cared about the last part, even more than beating Slytherin, he was more determined to best Malfoy.

He didn't care if he was being selfish, or more importantly that he very nearly could've seriously been injured or worse, dead, didn't seem important to him.

"But Professor-"

"Not now, Harry" Dumbledore stopped him, removing the wand from his throat and speaking only to him. "I'm afraid you don't get a say in this matter. So please, I would request you to trust me on this" he finished with a raised eyebrow.

Harry opened his mouth to protest but stopped at the shake of Dumbledore's head.

"I've already made my decision"

Harry's shoulders deflated with disappointment. Not caring for anything else that Dumbledore had to say, or anyone else for that matter, he angled his broom towards the ground before zooming towards it at a breakneck speed.

A second later his feet were on the ground, and he holstered his broom on his shoulder and made his way towards the locker room with every single eye in the stadium watching him till he disappeared into the tunnel.

Students were quietly murmuring amongst each other, some intrigue by what made the Gryffindor star seeker leave the field in a tantrum, some excited as it gave them something new to gossip about, some believing that he needed to be taught proper manners, a few genuinely worried and concerned about the boy who lived, and, a couple, with one in particular already on their way to see what was bothering their friend and what made him react the way he did, though one of them believed she already knew the answer to that, but she didn't want to think about it because it only made her more angry at him.

"This match will be considered a tie with both teams gaining equal number of points, that will be half of what a winning team gets" Dumbledore announced, as the booing returned, although not as viciously as previously. "But" continued Dumbledore. "If the situation pans out such that both teams are in the contention for the cup by the end of the season, then the match will be rescheduled"

"Yaaay!"

The crowd cheered raucously, including the players who were eager to battle each other once more.

Dumbledore placed his wand back in his pocket before turning around. "Boy, he's going to be trouble as he grows up" he murmured.

"You could say that again," said McGonagall. "Disrespecting you no less. If Lily were alive, she would've smacked some sense into that boy's head. I mean the gall-" she huffed.

Dumbledore smirked as they started moving. "You're forgetting one thing, Minerva"

"What's that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"He's as much James's son as he is Lily's." chuckled Dumbledore.

McGonagall harrumphed. "That boy has not shown one attributing factor that resembles his brilliant mother. But never shies away from reminding everyone who his father was" she scowled.

"If I remember correctly, there was a time you spoke his name with the same admiration as you do hers" he said softly.

He turned to her when she didn't reply but didn't say anything further. They descended the stairs and reached the ground before continuing towards the castle.

"That was before he got himself killed" Her words stopped him dead in his tracks.

He watched her leave, rooted to his spot and momentarily stunned to move by the words spoken by his deputy head of chief.

…...

Hermione and Ron sprinted their way towards the grassy field outside the stadium towards the Gryffindor locker room.

"There!" shouted Hermione, finger pointing straight ahead towards a figure strutting his way towards the castle.

"Harry!" she screamed, as they got closer to him.

Harry turned his head in their direction before stopping, a frown marred on his face, though she could tell he was portraying that look before his eyes landed on them.

She reached him just after Ron, who she could tell was running slower because of her. She put a finger up indicating, give-me-a-moment, before bending her back and putting her hands on her knees as wheezing noises escaped her mouth.

She looked up to see Harry's frown turn deeper as his eyes were trained on her. She knew what he was going to say before he even opened his mouth.

Ron was nervously looking between them.

"Hermione, how many times have I told you to not do that" Even his anger sounded more irritable which she figured had more to do with what happened earlier.

With her eyes fixed on him she missed the look of jubilation that came over her redhead friend's face.

"Yes!" shouted Ron, startling both of them before they turned towards his beaming face. "You guys are really talking" He clapped his hands together before continuing. "I wasn't sure when Hermione told me that she spoke to you" He paused, his face twisted into confusion as he glanced in Hermione's direction. "She was being all weird about it" His eyes shifted towards the ground, missing the glance that was shared by his friends. "But that doesn't matter now" Ron waved his hand casually as the smile reappeared on his face. "We can chalk that to Hermione being her usual weird self"

He missed the death glare Hermione sent his way as she stood back to her full height as Ron walked over to Harry before clapping him on the back. "Good to have you back, mate." he said before leaning forward and whispering conspiratorially. "You have no idea how hard it was for me listening to her whining and whinging and bossing me around all day. I mean" He sneaked a look in Hermione's direction before facing Harry again. "She got even more Hermione-er than usual"

Harry couldn't help it, he started snickering along with Ron.

"That both makes no sense and does at the same time" chortled Harry as their laughter grew in volume.

Hermione was about to open her mouth to give them a piece of her mind but closed it shut. A small smile was trying to form at her lips which she tried hard to keep at bay. She didn't want to ruin their fun just after their reunion. Even though Ron never stopped speaking with Harry, there was still a friction created between them because of her fight with Harry and she knew he tried every waking hour to patch up their friendship. So, she decided to let him have this, for now.

She walked over to them and their laughter instantly subsided as they noticed her presence. She hid the smirk that was fighting to make its way across her lips as she turned to Harry. "Care to tell us what that was about" she asked.

He let out a sigh before answering "You know what it was about" He finished, turning his gaze away.

"I do" she said. His eyes flew back to her as she continued. "And I'm not happy about it." She lifted her hand when she saw him opening his mouth. "Let me finish"

He closed his mouth and gave a nod.

Her eyes turned soft before she continued. "It was quite disrespectful what you did, Harry, and you know it as well. I mean you should consider yourself lucky that you're not expelled"

"C'mon, Professor Dumbledore would never expel me, and you know it" he dismissed offhandedly.

"That shouldn't make you abuse his care for you so recklessly. Honestly Harry" she paused as her nostrils flared in anger, glaring at him. "You're better than that...you should know better than that" she emphasized the last part.

"She's right"

They all turned their heads at once.

Cedric was walking in their direction with his hands in his pocket, a Hufflepuff scarf around his neck. "You should know better than that" he said, stopping next to them. "I would go far as to say that your behaviour today warranted a detention, if not worse" he raised an eyebrow at Harry before nodding his head.

Harry turned his gaze down as his shoulders sagged, realisation of his actions slowly withering its way in his head. He nodded his head after a few moments. "You're right" He lifted his head before continuing. "I'll apologize to Professor Dumbledore"

"Good" smiled Cedric, giving him a hard thump on the back that nearly dropped him to the ground. He turned and took a few steps before stopping and looking over his shoulder. A smirk on his lips as he said, "It's good to see the gang back together again" He winked before leaving.

They turned back to each other as a sharp gasp left Hermione's lips. "Oh my god, Harry! I almost forgot. What happened today?" she asked in a high-pitched voice.

Harry's features hardened as he resumed his walking towards the castle, Hermione, and Ron walking on either side of him. "I don't know" He said after a while. "Even Professor Dumbledore didn't know what or who was behind it but..." He trailed off.

"But what?" inquired Hermione when he didn't elaborate.

"I think it's related to why we couldn't get through the barrier at King's cross" he said just above a whisper.

Ron's brows furrowed in thought before he replied. "I think you may be right, Harry" Harry and Hermione turned looked at him as he continued. "I mean I haven't heard of this sort of thing happen before, so I doubt it was one of the Slytherin students since they have never done it before" he concluded.

"I don't think that's a valid point," The boys shifted their gazes towards Hermione as she continued. "Not here, at least, because at the moment more than half the school believes Harry is the heir of Slytherin, not to mention that they also think he is the one who is behind Justin being petrified. So, it doesn't necessarily have to be a Slytherin student. It could be anyone from Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff or even-" she stopped, lifting her eye sideways towards Harry.

"You can say it, Hermione, trust me I would. Right now, I don't trust anyone, not even Gryffindors"

…...

Great Hall, Night

"So, let me get this straight" paused Ron, as they walked through the doors of the great hall, having just finished their dinner. The corridor was crowded as students were walking back to their houses. He waited till they turned a corner and started climbing the staircase to the first floor before continuing. "You want us to pluck a hair out of Crabbe and Goyle's head while you're making the potion" he finished.

"No Ron," Hermione rolled her eyes exasperatedly. "As I mentioned it not just five minutes ago, it has to be done after the potion is made. The potion itself will take a month to brew. But firstly, I will have to get the ingredients which won't be an easy task let me tell you considering that everything I need is in the potion's lab which is basically where Professor Snape spends most of his time when he is not teaching, so I don't know how I'm going to get them"

"Don't worry about that" started Harry, as they looked at him. "I'll get them for you" he said as they reached the first floor.

It looked that Hermione was about to question him before realization dawned on her. "Right...but you must be careful, Harry" Harry gave a nod as they continued walking. "On second thought, I'll come with you"

"What! Hermione, no- there's no need, plus that will only slow us and risk the chance of getting caught more" he protested.

"No, it won't, you going by yourself is far riskier. You always end up getting in trouble or barely escaping in time" she said sternly.

Harry looked at her disbelievingly. "You don't trust me" he said accusingly.

"You're right, I don't" she deadpanned.

Harry glared at her as she turned her gaze forward, not paying him any attention before his shoulders sagged "Fine" he grumbled.

They reached the staircase to the second floor and started climbing before reaching the top. "I'm going to visit Professor Dumbledore, apologize for my earlier behaviour. I'll see you guys in the common room If you're still up otherwise tomorrow morning," said Harry.

"Okay" Ron shrugged his shoulders before continuing towards the 3rd floor staircase. He turned around when Hermione didn't join him. "C'mon Hermione"

She was biting her lip while looking at Harry.

"Don't worry, he's not going to get himself in trouble" Ron said, rolling his eyes.

"I'll be up. We need to talk" she whispered to Harry.

He replied with a curt nod, aware of Ron's eyes on them.

"C'mon Hemione!" whined Ron, stomping his foot.

"Coming!" she yelled back. "Don't need to behave like a child" she snapped as she walked over to him.

"Why not, when I'm a child" said Ron as she reached him. "Though a fairly smart one" he added.

"That's up for debate" quipped Hermione.

Harry smiled as they continued to banter before walking the other way.

He lifted his hand to knock.

"Come in, Harry" His fisted hand stopped in mid-air before he shook his head in bewilderment and opened the door before walking inside.

He saw Dumbledore sitting behind his desk before closing the door behind him.

He walked towards the desk before stopping a few metres away and stood with his hands behind his back. He turned his head down, not sure on how to approach this. He had never done much apologizing in his life, so this was all a bit new to him.

He lifted his head to gauge the headmaster's expression and felt slightly at ease to see one side of his mouth lifted. "Professor"

"Yes Harry" Dumbledore leaned his elbows on his desk. "How may I help you"

"I'm-I'm sorry" he stuttered.

"Hmm" hummed Dumbledore.

Harry was starting to feel nervous again when Dumbledore didn't say anything else, feeling like he messed this all up.

"Apology accepted"

His eyes turned wide as the words registered in his mind. "Really" he asked, after finding his voice.

"Really" smiled Dumbledore.

"Just like that?"

"Just like that" Dumbledore shrugged his shoulders, the smile still in place.

Harry nodded. "Thank you, sir. It won't happen again."

"I believe you, Harry"

His words struck a chord with Harry, and he was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.

He believes me

"Goodnight" The words were barely out of his mouth before he stormed out of the room, not even waiting to hear Dumbledore's reply.

He didn't stop running till he reached the hospital wing. He took a few deep breaths to regain his breathing before opening the door and walking inside. He climbed the staircase before knocking on the door to Madam Pomfrey's office.

As he stood there waiting patiently, he realised that in his hurry to leave the headmaster's office, he forgot to ask Dumbledore about the rogue bludger and if he found out who was behind it.

He could hear footsteps on the other side of the door as they got closer before the door opened. Madam Pomfrey sighed as her eyes landed on him. "I thought that now your aunt's up you would stop this. But I guess that's too much hope for James Potter's son"

She sidestepped and indicated with her head to get inside. "Well, c'mon then, some of us have to sleep to work properly in the morning" she quipped as he walked through.

He was about to open the door before he realised something and instead knocked on the door.

"Come in" came Petunia's voice.

He twisted the knob and opened the door. An instantaneous smile came over his lips as he saw his aunt sitting on the bed with her feet crossed at the ankle. Dudley was snoring softly tucked to her side. She had one arm around his shoulder.

She gave him a toothy smile as she beckoned him with her free hand.

He walked over and perched himself on the side of the bed. Her hand instantly enveloping his small one. "Poppy told me the match got cancelled" she whispered.

He nodded his head.

"I asked her why, but she didn't say anything except that it was best for my own health that I didn't know" she continued to whisper as a frown came over her face. "Tell me, is it related to you"

Harry turned his head to the side before looking back at her.

…...

"So yeah, that's it"

Petunia's eyes were wide as saucers and her face had lost some of its colour. Her mouth was half open in shock as she kept staring at him. "But why-why would someone do that" she whisper yelled before looking at Dudley to see if her voice had woken him up.

She turned back to face Harry after confirming that Dudley was still asleep.

Harry shrugged his shoulders in response. "I don't know. No one does" A scowl came over his face as he continued. "But I will find out"

"You will do no such thing"

He snapped his head in her direction. "What?"

"Let the teachers or whoever is in charge handle it" she said sternly before shaking her head in disbelief. "I mean what is wrong with this school. Putting students' lives in jeopardy. I mean you could've died" she finished shrilly, her eyes blazing with fury. "I'm going to talk with Dumbledore right away"

She lifted the cover from her lap and her arm from under Dudley's head who shifted a little in his sleep.

Harry's eyes turned wide as she put one leg on the floor and grimaced slightly. "Oh, I feel a little dizzy, but I'll be alright. Infact, I think a little walk is all I need" she was about to lift her other leg when Harry stood up and started pushing her back on the bed.

"No! Aunt Petunia, you can't walk. You need rest. Plus, you can't go anywhere else, remember" he said in a desperate voice.

After more pushing and pleading, he was finally able to make her understand the implications of what might happen if she stepped outside these quarters.

"Oh alright," she rolled her eyes as she slipped back under the covers.

Harry let out a relieved sigh as he dropped to his knees beside the bed and laid his elbows on top of it.

"And there goes my hope that you would be more like Lily at least when you were in school and not like that buffoon of that father of yours" she said dryly.

Harry's lips tugged at the corner as he looked up at her. "You knew how my dad was at school"

She gave him a tired look before answering. "You need to understand something. Even when she hated your father, your mother never stopped talking about your father."

A chuckle escaped Harry's lips which mad Petunia smile before her expression sobered up. "But tell me this, has anything else of this sort happened to you before or have you gotten into trouble before or was this the first time."

Harry gulped nervously as he stared into her piercing gaze. "No, of course not" He said with a forced smile, hoping she wouldn't notice anything about it.

"Hmm, good" she nodded, and he dropped his head on the soft mattress in relief.

…...

Harry entered the Gryffindor common room and headed straight for the staircase to the boys' dormitories.

"Harry"

He stopped short and turned towards the fireplace where Hermione was standing next to the sofa. "Oh, you're still up" he said.

She nodded as he walked over to her.

"What's up?" He asked, as he stopped a few feet away from her.

She was biting her lip nervously as her eyes roamed the carpet beneath the table between the sofa and the armchair. She lifted her head and met his eyes. "I just wanted to talk about...well..." she shrugged her shoulders.

An uncomfortable silence settled between the pair as Harry shifted his feet on the carpet. He had a feeling what she wanted to talk about.

"Professor Dumbledore told me everything"

Harry's head snapped up in surprise at her words. "What?" he gasped.

She nodded as her lower lip started to tremble and her eyes started to moisten. "Oh Harry!" she took two steps before flinging herself at him.

"Ooof!" Harry felt his breath give away for a moment at the impact as his arms went around her in instinct, holding her in place as her feet landed on the ground.

She pulled back a few seconds later and hastily wiped at her eyes. "It's terrible what happened to your aunt and what you had to go through all this time and..." She sniffled before continuing. "Oh, I must have been a right nuisance to you the whole time. If only I had known" Her voice broke at the end.

"Yeah, but you didn't know, Hermione" Harry put his hands on her shoulders. "So, it's not your fault" He smiled before turning serious. "But you can't tell anyone, Hermione"

"I know" she nodded. "Professor Dumbledore made me promise as well, so don't worry I won't tell anyone, not even Ron" she added.

"Thanks" smiled Harry, dropping his arms to his side.

"It would also make it easier for you now to visit your aunt as I can cover for you" she said as they started heading towards the staircase.

"Yeah, I didn't even think about that" replied Harry as they separated at the staircase. "Good night" he smiled.

"Good night" she smiled in return before both climbed their way to their dormitories.

…...

Trafalgar Square, Night

The surrounding area was bustling with people as exciting energy radiated from each soul either walking, sitting, running, or doing whatever they felt like in the shopping district.

The streets and shops were tinted orange because of the light emanating from the lamp posts standing tall above them.

His hands were entwined behind his back as he slowly walked towards a small opening next to a line of shops. He was dressed in a black suit, unlike others around him who were wearing a more casual attire which was best suited in a place and night like this.

He seamlessly made his way through to the front of the crowded semi-circle line. He looked around to notice everyone's eyes glued forward before turning his own gaze ahead where a young man, who looked anywhere between 19 and 21 was juggling seven balls at once.

At the end of his routine, he took off the hat atop his head as the balls one by one went in it, not bouncing even once.

The crowd cheered and clapped as he bowed. He had shoulder length curly brown hair that were bouncing in every direction.

"Thank you, you're too kind" he shouted before sending flying kisses in a group of girl's direction who giggled as a red shade came over their cheeks.

"Now, for my next act I'm going to levitate my lovely assistant here in the air. Rebecca, if you would please" He beckoned the girl who was sitting on a stool behind him next to a sidewall. She was similar in age to him and had blonde waist length hair.

She waved to the crowd while grinning widely as she walked towards him. She stopped next to him.

"As you can see, there is no wire attached to her" he rotated her a few times and waved his hand over her head a couple of times.

"Don't go overboard" she whispered close to his ear before he pulled back.

He winked before facing the crowd again.

"Are you all ready?"

"Yes!" The crowd cheered.

"I said, ARE YOU READY!"

"YES"

The man dressed in a suit looked around and noticed that the crowd had almost doubled by now.

"Alright then, let's end this show with a banger, shall we? Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is David and I present to you the final act of the David and Rebecca show. It's been our pleasure hosting you tonight. Enjoy"

Another round of applause went around as David and Rebecca did a bow before standing straight back up.

"Don't forget to take pictures, Todd?" The man in the suit looked to his left, where a pair of teenage boys were holding a camera in their hands. "I want to know how he does this trick" said the boy with the blue jacket.

"We've tried it before Ryan" said Todd, rolling his eyes as he lifted the camera over his face. "I doubt we're going to catch him this time"

"Just look for any sign of wire"

The man shook his head before turning his gaze back to the act.

David had taken out a wooden piece of wood from inside his coat. It was about 10 inches long and was fairly thin.

He walked a few steps away before turning back towards Rebecca. "Now, some of you already know this as I can see a few familiar faces" said David, that earned him a cheer from a handful of people.

"But the rest, say it along with me...Wingardium Leviosa"

"Wingardium Leviosa" everyone said in unison along with David as he had his stick pointed at Rebecca the entire time.

Everyone gasped loudly as Rebecca's feet lifted off the ground and she slowly ascended a few feet in the air.

"You're going overboard" Rebecca said from the corner of her mouth as she smiled at the crowd.

Sound of clicks was heard all around as people took as many pictures as they could.

After a few seconds more, Rebecca slowly descended back to the ground.

The noise was deafening as everyone cheered and clapped.

David and Rebecca gave an extravagant bow before they parted and picked up two magician's hats and headed in opposite direction to collect money.

The man in the suit waited patiently as he knew that because of his position in the crowd they would stop before him at last.

"Thank you, thank you, oh, you're so kind, darlin" David said, after an elderly woman dropped a 20-pound note in the hat.

Both performers stopped before him in unison. "Oh, we meet again, honey" David smiled as he looked at Rebecca. She, however, wasn't paying him any attention. Her mouth was open in surprise and a look of shock was etched on her face.

David furrowed his brows in confusion before he turned his head straight and his eyes landed on the man Infront of him.

A second later his expression was similar to Rebecca's as he gasped "Professor Snape"

"I think this shall suffice" Snape drawled before tossing a galleon in the hat. "What, you think that by changing your names to muggles I wouldn't be able to find you" he drawled out.

A slow smirk came over Snape's mouth as he watched the pair turn their shocked faces towards each other for a moment before facing him again.

"Time to get back to the real world"

…...

Harry, Hermione, and Ron entered the great hall and took their seats in the middle next to Neville, Seamus and Dean. Hermione looked around and a frown came over her face. "Why is it so quiet here? Normally, breakfast is a lot noisier"

"Didn't you hear?" Neville leaned over and whispered. "Colin Creevey was found petrified last night"

A sharp gasp left all three of their lips as they looked around and noticed that everyone's eyes were glued to Harry.

"What is going on?" he muttered, as his eyes locked with Malfoy's who was sitting on the other end of the hall.

This time around, both second years instantly averted their gazes.

A/N: As always guys, post your comments and let me know your thoughts. I love hearing from you so bring it on and I will see you on the flip side.