57. Flying
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in a compartment of the Hogwarts Express. The train roared as it made its journey towards the train station. Outside of the window, they could see little due to the mist, giving the illusion that the train ran on air alone.
Barely seen through the fog was nothing but water and forest. That sight brought a measure of comfort to Harry. Pushing up his glasses, Harry took in the rhythmic sound of the train.
Hermione reached from across her seat and placed her hand on his knee comfortingly. "I know a lot has happened, but are you holding up alright?"
"Yeah, some crazy stuff has happened," Ron, added in hurriedly.
"I'm not fine," Harry admitted curtly. "The Minister of Magic is calling me and the other champions confused children. The other schools think we're cheaters. Voldemort is back and they're worried about a silly glory match. Now I'm ostracized in the school, again." Harry let a sigh escape his lips as he leaned back. "You know, Dumbledore says this happens because it's easier to blame me then face facts."
Hermione nodded emphatically, "While it is true, that doesn't mean it's acceptable. They all should know better. Ignore them, we know you're right and will support you."
Harry didn't respond immediately, but instead returned his sights to the window. As he visually swept the landscape, his eyes shined as bright as a star. Wisps of magic danced around, giving him a relaxing dance.
Feeling better, he finally responded, "I'm lucky to have you two. I know I can be difficult to know sometimes, especially with all the trouble that comes my way."
Hermione smiled, while Ron looked away with a mixture of embarrassment and guilt.
Harry continued. "I don't have the easiest time making friends. I guess, I'm sometimes quick to judge. To be honest, I didn't have many friends before coming to Hogwarts. Actually, I only had one." A small, but sincere, smile parted his lips.
Ron rose an eyebrow, while Hermione gushed.
"For a long time, Teleute was my only and best friend. She was so warm and accepting. Nothing seemed to really put her down and she didn't listen to all the nasty rumors people spread about me. Now, I compare everyone to her. I never realized how special she was and wanted that same relationship with my other friends. You two aren't an exception. Ron, Hermione, I'm sorry."
Hermione had a complex expression as she seemed to fall silent. Moments passed where only the sound of the train broke the silence. "I forgive you, Harry. It's not like I'm the best friend ever either." She refused to meet their eyes. "You two know how I get sometimes. Things have to makes sense or I'll freak out. Books and knowledge have always been there for me, even when people failed. I know I shouldn't keep harassing you about your magic, but it just doesn't make sense. Everything needs to make sense to me. Your magic goes against my studies and it frustrates me to no end. Maybe… deep down… I want to enjoy magic like you, but that's just not me."
"Hermione's not the only one. It's just… you're bloody Harry Potter. I would love to have your fame," Ron admitted with a bitter expression. "You can't step out of dormitories without being the star of the show."
Harry looked unpleased but allowed Ron to continue.
"But can you blame me? I'm… just Ron Weasley. Just another in a long line of Weasleys. Everything worth doing has been done in my family and Ginny wins because she's the daughter Mum always wanted. What do I have?" A derisive snort escaped his lips. "Wizard Chess. My claim to fame is a board game."
"That's not true Ronald," Hermione began.
Ron solemnly shook his head, "When you were named champion, I don't think I ever felt to so angry before. A life-challenging tournament could've been my mark on Hogwarts and I thought you took that chance away from me. I know, it's stupid and you never asked for the life you lived."
"Then why did you help?" Harry finally asked.
Ron flashed a guilty smile, "It should've been because you're my mate and I'll always be there for you, but it wasn't. I realized that you wouldn't have put your name in the cup. You don't care about money, you barely like any of the other students, and there wasn't any magical reward. The Harry I knew would want nothing to do with it." He failed to look Harry in the eyes as his hands trembled, "I remember when we saved Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets. I never felt so terrified. Ginny was dying, I was fighting You-Know-Who, and a basilisk was chasing you. Bragging about it didn't feel nearly as good as I thought it would. What I'm trying to say is I was being a right prat and I'm sorry."
Even though Ron and Hermione expected anger, or worst hurt, Harry merely shook his head wryly. "Teleute once said that pain and anxiety was a part of any relationship, romantic or otherwise. If there wasn't, the people weren't putting forth the effort to truly connect. We three are a thick lot, but I don't think it's all that bad, because in the end I think we're all trying." He paused as he looked outside of the window, all was obscured by the fog, but he smiled all the same, "Who knows, maybe it's all up from here."
The trio's laughter was tentative at first until it grew more sincere, each one feeling a weight easing off their chests.
