CHAPTER 10: Forgive me brother, because I hurt you
A/N: Hey guys, back with another long chapter. Hope you guys had a wonderful week. This chapter continues our story further as Harry, Hermione and Ron investigate further into Nicolas Flamel as they find new information about him. Also you get to hear more about Harry's past and a teeny-tiny bit about the Dumbledore's. As always, Without further ado...…
Hogsmeade, New Year's Eve
The town of Hogsmeade was buzzing with high energy and there was an electricity in the air as people of all ages bustled about, having a grand old time as the pale moonlight shined brightly on them.
The streets were crowded as everyone struggled to get from one spot to another, pushing and prodding each other on their way to reach their desired destination.
That was not the case for one person though, as he made his way down the high street, which ironically was the most crowded. People gasped once their eyes landed on him before quickly clearing the path for him by moving to the side. They started whispering conspiratorially among each other once he passed them.
He silently thanked everyone by smiling graciously in return for their generosity. At least that's what he hoped was the reason and not because they felt obligated or even worse, did it out of fear.
"I can't believe it's him" one woman whispered to her friend while covering her mouth with her hand. "I've never seen him once here before"
"What do you think changed his mind?" her friend asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine"
His blue robes skimmed the snow as he took long strides before stopping a couple of meters behind a group of teenage boys who were all crouching down in a semi-circle and talking rowdily among themselves. They had their backs facing him and were completely oblivious to everything going around them as they kept sneaking glances ahead of them. Upon close inspection, he also noticed they were all holding a snowball in their glove covered hands.
He peered over his glasses as he followed their gaze. It was a fairly easy trail to follow as they couldn't have been more obvious.
His lips curled at the corner when his eyes landed on a group of girls, who appeared to be similar in age to the boys with varying differences in height of course, huddled around the lamp post at the corner of an intersection.
"C'mon, do it" said the boy with brown hair, looking at his blonde haired friend.
"Yeah, c'mon man. She's been staring at you all night" urged another friend.
"I don't know man. I don't think she'll appreciate it" the boy with blonde hair said, as he kept staring at the back of the head of the girl with wavy brown hair.
The girls were giggling behind their hands as they too kept sneaking looks over their shoulders, finding the antics of the boys to be utterly amusing. However, that all changed when a girl with wavy brown hair caught the eye of the person standing behind them when she was about to turn. Her eyes turned wide as a blush came over her cheeks.
"Oh don't be such a coward. Grow a pair. Look, I bet she's talking to her friends about you right now"
She turned back to her friends and said something they couldn't hear but the person behind them was fairly certain what it could be. His assumption was proved right when the rest of them turned their heads with shock written all of their faces.
Their eyes locked with his for no longer than a few seconds, in which he looked at them mirthfully, before they scattered around the corner and out of the view.
"What the-? Where did they go?" the blonde haired boy asked his friends as he kept staring at the spot where the girls were just standing not five seconds ago.
"She got tired of you that's what happened and now all her friends are gone too because you are too much of a chicken" harrumphed the boy with brown hair.
The boy with blonde hair turned his head towards his friend when he caught sight of a towering figure standing behind them from the corner of his eye.
He shifted slightly on the spot to get a better look at the person. He felt all the air in his body get sucked out as he found himself staring into a pair of twinkling blue eyes, shining with mirth, hidden behind the half-moon glasses that were sitting at an odd angle on a crooked nose.
"Aah!" he yelled, stumbling backwards before landing on his back. All the other boys turned their heads to look behind them and had a similar reaction to his.
"Pro-Prof-Professor Dumbledore Sir!" gasped the boy as he got up first then the rest of his friends who were still in shock.
Dumbledore chuckled merrily upon seeing their expressions, disbelief etched in all of their faces as they kept looking at him like they had seen a ghost. He tried to calm himself during which they all stood up and their faces were rapidly turning red from embarrassment once the shock had left their body as they realized what they had been caught doing by none other than the Headmaster.
Dumbledore wiped at his eyes as a few chuckles still escaped his lips before speaking. "Oh, I can't remember the last time I laughed so heartily." He paused as he swiped his eyes over all of them before stopping at the boy with the blonde hair. "I wasn't aware you were back, Cedric"
Cedric stammered a couple of times, as he kept looking at the ground before finding his voice. "I-I just arrived this evening Sir" He finished as he finally regained his courage to look up at him. "We all wanted to celebrate New Year's together" he said, indicating towards his friends, who were hiding behind him, their eyes still fixed on the ground.
"Good. Good" Dumbledore nodded, before his smile turned a little mischievous. "Are you sure there wasn't any ulterior motive involved" he asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Sir?" Cedric's forehead scrunched in confusion, not sure what the headmaster was getting at.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm quite certain that one Ms. Holbrook arrived today as well, right?" There wasn't a hint of mischievousness on his face or in his voice except the playfulness in his eyes, which Cedric, unfortunately didn't notice as his eyes turned as wide as saucers and his face depicting that of a tomato.
"Sir!"
"Oh, I'm sure that just must be a coincidence." He shrugged his shoulders before he started walking. Cedric was still in shock at what the Headmaster was implying, however true it may be, when Dumbledore stopped right beside them, his eyes expressing nothing but sincerity as he gave them a small smile.
"Even though I may not appear to be, I can assure you that I am quite old and it's been many lifetimes since I was your age." Despite themselves the boys chuckled, which made Dumbledore's smile wider. "But Alas, I also once played the game of young love and let me advise you from my limited and small sample, whether you want to take it is entirely up to you. I always believed even from a young age that simply starting a conversation is a far better option than whatever foolishness one's mind conjures up during these situations.
It is a very delicate matter, love that is, and the more you complicate it, the farther you feel it getting away, so like many things in life, it is better to just keep it simple, and the easiest way to go about it would be to have a conversation over a beverage, whatever tickles your fancy" He finished, raising his eyebrow. Cedric's eyes turned wide at the Headmaster's last words. "One other thing I realized very early in my youth is that the female species are far more intelligent and sensible than us and most often than not they see right through whatever shenanigans we try to pull over them. Good luck" He winked at them before walking away, leaving them all dumbstruck as they stood rooted to their spots.
Dumbledore walked for another five minutes before stopping in front of a dingy looking pub. It had a worn out wooden sign hanging over the door with the words 'Hog's Head Inn' written on it. Hanging from the sign was a wild boar's severed head leaking blood onto the white cloth around it.
A wry smile came over the Headmaster's lips as his eyes scanned the place from top to bottom. "Some things never change" he muttered as he pushed open the door. The first thing he caught on was the smell. The scent was strong and musky but he wasn't expecting anything less as his eyes scanned the place. It was a lot bigger than it appeared from the outside and quite spacious too even as the place was filled to the brim. The noise level was deafening as most of the clientele were men, drunk, rowdy, unrestrained men. The women, however few they were, draping themselves over the men were who looked forward to nights like these. Dumbledore caught sight of a women wearing all black leading a man by his hand who was in no shape able to walk on his own up the stairs.
Sometimes even students and reputable women are seen in the pub but that's all due to its cheapness as they can't afford the prices at the Three Broomsticks.
The clinking of the bell acted as a sonorous as everyone turned their heads towards the door and instantly stopped doing whatever it was they were up to. The contrast from the ear deafening noise to the now pin drop silence was so evident that it made Dumbledore smile inwardly.
He cleared his throat. "I apologize for the interruption, please continue in your frivolities. Don't mind me." He said before heading towards the bar as everyone went back to their business.
He reached the bar. "Give me five" Aberforth shouted above the noise from the other side of the bar. Albus nodded before he walked towards the empty table at the far end corner. He took a seat and poured himself a glass of water before gulping it down.
"What are you doing here?"
Dumbledore put the glass down as he looked at the painting on the wall right in front of him. "To have a chat with my brother" he answered, as he closely examined the piece of art that showcased two warriors hugging each other as their swords pierced through one another. "Abe and his fascination with symbolism" he chuckled, which made the man on the next table turn his head around before he went back to staring back at his half-filled glass of firewhisky.
"If I didn't know any better I would say you came here all the way just for me"
Dumbledore's lips turned at the corner as he looked at him from the corner of his eye. "Perceptive as always"
"We all need to be"
Dumbledore hummed in agreement. "Yes, yes we should" He then looked at him properly as the man downed the rest of his drink in one gulp before slamming it down on the table. "But, maybe just for today, let your guard down and you might have a lovely night for once, something you have been depriving yourself for the last ten years"
"Even a moment's loss of concentration can cause great harm" said the man as he stood up before dropping a couple of coins on the table.
Dumbledore sighed as he closed his eyes momentarily. "Severus?"
Snape stopped a couple of feet behind him but he didn't turn his head. "Talk to him would you." He paused before adding. "And be gentle about it."
"Why don't you talk to him if you want it to be gentle" Even though he couldn't see his face Dumbledore knew Snape sneered those words just by his tone.
"You know why" Dumbledore said with an edge to his voice that only a very few have witnessed in their interactions with him.
A tension filled silence stretched between the men as they both stared downwards before Snape stomped ahead, pulling the hood over his head as he not so gently pushed through people that were in his path.
Albus was playing with the ring on his finger when Aberforth slammed a giant jug of firewhisky on the table before two mugs floating in midair landed softly on the table.
Albus raised his eyebrow at him before looking at the jug that was filled to the brim.
"What?" Aberforth asked as he took a seat. "At least enjoy yourself if you're out."
Dumbledore rolled his eyes before snapping his fingers. The jug lifted couple of inches of the table before it tilted just slightly as it filled his glass, before doing the same to Aberforth's glass.
Both men clinked their glasses before taking a sip. Aberforth wiped his beard with the back of his hand. "So, you're taking this whole reuniting bullshit seriously, huh, trying to make amends, I see"
Albus looked up at him after taking another sip. "Of course Abe. I want things to change between us"
Aberforth scoffed as he took another big gulp. "Yeah, I've heard that before"
"Haven't I apologized enough for that?" Albus asked as he leaned on his elbows.
"Apologizing isn't enough!" he shouted, but attracted no one's attention but the person sitting right across from him. "You used me." He was breathing hard now as he pointed a finger at his brother whose eyes shone with sadness.
"Forgive me brother, because I have hurt you" he said solemnly.
"NO. Why should I?" Aberforth shouted, before leaning closer to him and growling his next words "I stood by you when no one did. When you became the Headmaster, I was right by your side, shoulder to shoulder, happy for you because I knew what it meant to you, when no one supported you. I was the first one to join your army when most hid away." He breathed deeply through his nostrils before continuing. "I was the only one who believed you when you said that Black was innocent"
"Abe-"Albus put his hand up but Aberforth slapped it away.
"Not only that but I forgave you when you forgot that you also had a brother for seven years. I was happy" Albus raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I'm not ashamed to admit it." Aberforth shrugged his shoulders before continuing. "I was just happy that you finally spoke to me again that I was blindsided by your intentions. You used me. Your own brother, why, not because you missed him or wanted to know how he was doing, but because of that HAG!" He roared.
"Abe please, leave her out of this-"Albus pleaded but he was once again cut by his brother.
"Why should I? It's all because of her. Everything. SHE TORE OUR FAMILY APART" He yelled before whispering "How could you do that to me? I-I even forgave you for Ari-"He couldn't finish as he broke down in body wracking sobs.
By now everyone in the pub was staring at them. Albus covered his brother's hand with his before turning his head in everyone's direction. "Please leave us alone and I won't repeat myself" His voice was low and filled with emotion but still loud enough for everyone to hear as they scattered out of the pub in no time.
Albus waited till his brother's sobs had quieted down somewhat before speaking. "Abe, look at me. Look at me" he urged.
Aberforth wiped at his eyes with his sleeve before he lifted his head. "No more lies. I promise." He took out his wand before continuing. "But as you said just saying it isn't enough and I've always believed actions speak louder than words. That's something we can both agree on can't we brother" he smiled wanly. He held the wand between their hands before giving it a flick and murmuring an incantation. A thin rope of flame shot from his wand and wound its way around their hands like a wire.
Aberforth's eyes turned wide as he realized what he was doing. "Wha-What are you doing?"
"I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, vow that I will never ever lie to you for as long as life still lives in me and that I will make it high on my list of priorities to make our relationship as it was when we were young." He took a shaky breath before continuing. "When we were happy... before everything turned to shit"
Aberforth thinking the vow was made tried to pull his hand back, but he could not. He looked up at his brother in confusion who had his eyes cast downwards. "I also promise… that if it's in my power, I will accompany you to Godric's Hollow every Sunday morning to our sister's grave"
A gasped left Aberforth's lips as Albus looked up at him with his eyes shining as a lone tear rolled down his cheek.
Both brothers looked at each other for a few moments before a small smile tugged at their lips and they stood up in unison before leaning over and embracing each other in a tight hug.
"High on your list of priorities?" Aberforth said after a while as they broke the embrace but still had one arm on his brother's shoulder. There was a small smirk on his lips as he continued "Still playing the game of words brother"
Albus's eyes twinkled as he replied, "You know it's the one I'm good at" Both men chuckled as they sat back down before Albus filled both their glasses.
Even though the Hog's Head was mostly privy to rambunctious behaviour from the ill-disciplined clientele whose main purpose was to tell dirty jokes to keep up their reputation, the conversation that was taking place right now between the two men was as sophisticated and enlightening that could be found in the poshest of places as they reminisced about their past, the past that was good.
…..
Harry was sitting cross legged on the floor with his hands under his chin. Even though he had been sitting for over an hour, staring at his parents who were now sitting down and watching him, who was with them in the mirror, he did not feel the necessity to stand up and stretch his body because he was in such a happy place as Ron liked to call it. He never thought that he would ever be so jealous of himself but at the moment he did not envy anyone more in his life than the person in the mirror who looked exactly like him.
He tilted his head as he copied his mother's reflection, even though it wasn't one because reflections could only be of things that are outside the mirror and not stuck in it. He tried to shake his head of these thoughts because they did nothing but make him depress.
Ron found him the day after they found the mirror sleeping on the cold floor because he didn't show up back to the dormitory and it was after midnight. Since then, he had been coming every day but also promised Ron that he would be back by ten.
Even though he never said it, Harry could see it in Ron's eyes that he wanted to stop him from going after the second time. Harry was glad he didn't voice his thoughts because they would have got into a huge fight.
He felt that no one could understand what he was going through, so he didn't want anyone's advice, however well they meant by it.
He smiled when his dad turned his head from looking at 'fake Harry,' as he liked to call him, to staring into his eyes.
He felt shiver run down his spine and air leave his body as he gasped loudly. This had never happened before. Sure, they had looked at him before but never like this. He felt as though his dad was finally seeing him. His eyes turned wide, and he stood up when his dad gave him a sad smile as if he knew what he was thinking.
He took a couple of steps towards the mirror and raised his hand to touch it. His fingertips were only an inch from the surface.
"Don't"
"AAH!" Harry screamed as he turned around. He put a hand over his heart as he glared at Snape who seemed unperturbed by his reaction as he stood with his hands behind his back.
"You should never do that" Harry said through clenched teeth.
Snape raised an eyebrow before speaking. "Would you've preferred if I put my hand on your shoulder" He paused as Harry continued to shoot daggers at him. "I thought not"
"How did you find me?"
"Don't be so impressed by your stealthiness Potter, you still have a long way to go" Snape drawled in his annoying tone that Harry hated.
"The mirror is to be removed from here" Harry's eyes turned wide, and he was about to respond but Snape didn't give him the chance. "So, leave and go back to your dormitory and never come back here because you will find nothing but dust and rackety old chairs that would break if you laid a finger on them"
"But why?" was all he could produce. He knew how childish he was sounding but he didn't care.
"That is none of your concern. Now Leave" Snape glared at him, which normally would've made Harry run away from him but in the current situation just made him even more angry.
"You know I thought you were decent even if you can be a git sometimes" Snape's eyes turned wide at his proclamation as Harry continued. "I always held some respect for you because however bad you acted towards me or my friends, you were at least fair." He hastily wiped at his eyes as they started filling with tears and he wasn't going to cry in front of him.
"But now I see why everyone hates you. You're just a sad man who finds enjoyment in seeing others suffer because he knows that he will be alone all his life and that no one loves him." Harry walked towards him and stopped a couple of feet before him as he craned his neck to look him in the eyes. "Yeah, I heard what everyone says. That you don't have any friends, no family, you're always alone. Even tonight, when everyone is with friends and enjoying themselves, you're all alone. Pathetic" he said the last word disgust before storming past him and out of the room.
Snape closed his eyes as his shoulders sagged a little. He opened them back up and looked at the mirror. He kept staring at it for a few seconds before his eyes turned soft. "He truly is your son" he said to the person in the mirror.
…..
A month later, Library
Harry and Ron were sitting at their table at the far corner of the library, doing what had become a daily ritual by now, looking through books to find information on Nicolas Flamel. Their silence was interrupted by none other than Hermione, who slammed a book onto the table.
"I'm so stupid" she exclaimed, before taking a seat opposite them.
"You don't have to remind us about that. We agree" Ron cowered under the glare she sent her way.
"Don't test me today, Ron, I warn you" Harry, wanting to know what Hermione was going to say, quickly interjected between them.
"Why do you say that Hermione? And I don't agree with Ron, by the way" He added, blushing under the smile she sent his way.
"Thanks Harry. Anyway, as I was going to say before I was rudely interrupted" She paused turning her head in Ron's direction who rolled his eyes dramatically. "That we've been looking at the wrong section all along"
"What?" Yelled Ron, before he was shushed by Hermione. "You mean to tell me that for the past, I don't even know how many months now, that we've been searching in the wrong section"
"Yes, that's precisely what I am saying, and don't you roll your eyes on me Ronald Weasley because I've done that enough for all of us."
"So, is this the book with information on him?" asked Harry, getting his hopes up.
"Yes" Hermione smiled before she opened it to a page somewhere in the middle.
She pointed her finger towards a passage. "Here" before she started reading. "Nicolas Flamel" she whispered, so that no one could hear them. "Is the only known maker of the Philosopher's stone?"
"The philosopher's stone?" whispered Harry.
"Yes. Listen to this. The Philosopher's stone is a legendary substance with astonishing powers. It can transform any metal into pure gold and produce the elixir of life which will make the drinker immortal, and the only stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist, who last year celebrated his 665th birthday." She looked up from the book and found both staring at her with wide eyes.
"I bet that's what Fluffy's been guarding on the third floor. That's what under the trapdoor" she finished.
"Wow" breathed Ron.
"We have to see Hagrid. Now" said Harry, as he got up.
…
They were briskly walking down the grounds towards Hagrid's hut. "Hermione? You forgot to mention how you found about the book?" asked Harry as he looked at her.
"Oh, that right" A smile came over her lips as she got excited to tell her friends about her discovery. "This morning, during breakfast, Seamus was showing his latest chocolate frog card of Prof. Dumbledore to everyone, and by accident I looked at it and saw none other than Nicolas Flamel's name on it. It read that they worked together on Alchemy but didn't elaborate any further. So, I went and searched the books under the alchemy section and found it."
"That's it!" exclaimed Harry, startling the other two. "That's where I read his name too"
"Great, would've been a lot more helpful if you'd have remembered it earlier" murmured Ron.
"But why wasn't Professor Dumbledore's name not in the book. I mean, if they worked together, wouldn't his name have been mentioned in it" questioned Harry, looking at Hermione.
"I'm not sure Harry" Her brows were knitted together in a frown as she seemed deep in thought. "Maybe he didn't want his name attached to it or maybe they don't speak anymore"
Harry nodded his head as they reached Hagrid's hut. Harry stepped forward and knocked three times on the door.
"Who is it?" yelled Hagrid from inside. There was a wariness in his voice which made Harry frown in confusion.
"It's us Hagrid"
"Only people who ever come to your place" murmured Ron.
"Ron!" Hermione looked at him in disapproval.
"Alright, I'm sorry"
There was a clanking noise before the door opened an inch and they saw Hagrid peek through it.
"What are you three doin' here? Don't you have classes?"
"It's Sunday Hagrid." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Oh, right" he said sounding embarrassed.
"Can we come inside?" asked Harry, taking a step forward.
"NO!" yelled Hagrid in panic, which made them all take a step back. "I mean now's not a good time. Why don't you come some other time?"
"But Hagrid it's important," urged Hermione.
"I'm sure it can wait till tomorrow" He was about to close the door when Harry spoke.
"We know about Nicolas Flamel!"
Hagrid closed the door behind him before looking at them. "How did ye' find about Nicolas Flamel?"
"That's not important, what's important is we know what Fluffy's guarding. It's the philosopher's stone" Hermione said.
Hagrid's eyes turned wide in shock. "You three will find yourself in big trouble, if you keep up with this, ye' hear me"
"Hagrid, do you suspect anyone who wants it for himself?" asked Harry.
"No, as I told you before- "He was cut off by a sound that came from the back of the room.
"What's that noise" asked Hermione, turning around.
"Oh, he's up" Hagrid stomped his way across the room. They watched him lift off the blanket that was covering something near the corner. Their eyes turned wide when they saw exactly what it was hiding. It was the baby dragon they saw months back when they last visited Hagrid.
"Hagrid?" Hermione's voice cracked in fear as she pointed at the dragon, which was now a lot bigger than she remembered. "What's that?"
Hagrid turned around as he picked up Norbert and walked towards them. They all huddled together and backed into a corner. "Oh, don't be afraid. I have trained him so he wouldn't hurt anyone. Ain't that right Norbert?" He tickled the dragon under the chin before looking up at them with a smile. "You want to touch it?" He said taking a step forward.
"NO!" They screamed in unison, backing further away.
"Oh alright. Don't mind 'em Norbert" He said talking to it. "They'll get around"
"Hagrid!" shouted Hermione, making him look at her. "Why haven't you gotten rid of it? You promised you would" she finished, panting hard.
His shoulders sagged as a sad expression crossed his face. "I tried; believe me I did. But no one wants to buy a 'stolen' dragon" He harrumphed making quotation marks with his fingers. "I repeated many times, that I won it fair and square" He shook his head before continuing. "So, I had to keep it. I couldn't abandon it. I thought about dropping it in the forbidden forest but figured that wouldn't end well, for any of the creatures living there and there was nothing else I could do" He shrugged his shoulders.
Harry took a step forward as he held onto Hermione's hand with Ron right behind them as they approached with cautiousness.
"Hagrid" started Harry, stopping in front of him. "You could get fired for this. Please, get rid of it quickly before anyone finds out" pleaded Harry.
"That's what I've been tryin' to do, Harry, but no one wants him" Hagrid's eyes filled with tears as his features twisted in agony.
"I know someone who will take it" They all looked at Ron as he nodded his head. "My brother Charlie, I can send him an owl right now. I'm sure he would agree"
"Really?" Hagrid's eyes lit up as he looked at with him with hope.
"Of course, he'd be more than happy" He paused as he looked at Harry and Hermione before turning to Hagrid. "If that's what you still want"
"He does" answered Harry as he looked at Hagrid who had his eyes downcast. "Don't you Hagrid?"
After several silence filled seconds, Hagrid lifted his face and nodded solemnly. "Okay"
Harry gave him a small smile as his body relaxed visibly.
….
Later that night, Hagrid's Hut
Hagrid was sobbing messily all over Norbert as he hugged the dragon to his chest, which made Harry look away out of disgust. He didn't want to say it to hurt Hagrid's feelings, but the truth was that he hated that dragon, mainly because that he feared it could be the cause for his friend's expulsion from the school.
"Hagrid!" Hermione whispered loudly. "We should leave."
"Alright." He put Norbert back in his cage before charming it to make it lighter for them to carry "Here. It weighs as much as a blade of grass now" he sniffled.
"Thanks Hagrid" smiled Harry. "Don't worry, maybe someday you can see him again."
Hagrid's lips curved slightly at hearing this. "Yeah, maybe." He wiped at his eyes. "C'mon, you better get going now"
Harry walked out with Hermione to where Ron was keeping watch under the invisibility cloak.
"Ron?" he asked, looking around.
Ron pulled the cloak to reveal his face. "Over here" he waived, standing a few feet to his right. Harry and Hermione walked over to him before getting under the cloak and making sure that it covered them. "Alright then, let's move," said Harry.
It wasn't easy with the three of them under the cloak that also included carrying a dragon but somehow, they managed it as they reached the top of the stairs to the astronomy tower.
Hermione pushed open the door before they carefully moved ahead, looking around them to see if anyone was around.
"I think we're safe" murmured Harry.
"Okay" whispered Hermione, before they took off the cloak. Harry put the cage down before he walked over to the concrete wall that was a metre high and reached his waist. He put his elbows on it and let the cool air hit his face as he leaned slightly.
"Oh" he heard Ron groan as Hermione came to stand beside him, putting her hands on the wall.
A few seconds later Ron walked up to stand on Hermione's right.
No words were spoken between them as they stood in peaceful silence, simply admiring the view. From the starry night to the shining lake down below that seemed so far from where they were standing.
"It's so peaceful up here" Harry looked at Hermione as she continued with a small smile on her lips. "It's weird how we've been here so many times for our astronomy lessons but…... I don't know…maybe it's just because there is only us and no one else but…" She let out a sigh. "I don't even know what I'm saying anymore"
"I think I've an idea" She turned to face Harry, as did Ron.
"Really?" she asked.
He nodded his head as he looked at the moon, hiding behind the clouds before looking at her with a boyish smile. "But I don't know how to explain it either" They chuckled as the wind picked up slightly.
Hermione turned to Ron. "What time you said your brother will come, Ron?"
"Should be here any time now" he responded before they fell into silence once again.
It was a couple of minutes later that Harry spoke which made Ron and Hermione turn their heads sharply in his direction. "I've been alone all my life" Hermione looked at him with wide eyes, wondering what he meant by that statement and slightly afraid of where this was going. Ron, on the other hand stared at him with confusion written all over his face.
They both stayed silence, waiting for him to continue, which he did after taking a deep breath. "Even though I lived in a house with three other people. Even though one of them was my age. Even though one of them was my mum's sister. I was always alone"
He shifted his gaze from looking at the lake to the forbidden forest that was in the opposite direction. Hermione had so many questions she wanted to ask, but for now kept her mouth shut.
"I was beaten up a lot" he heard a gasp to his right but continued. "By my cousin, who has always been a lot bigger than me and hit me for no other reason but just because he could. I guess It gave him some sort of happiness.
My uncle would whip me with his belt if I ever spoke against him, something I did a lot and couldn't help myself from not doing
Even though my aunt never hit me, her words hurt me a lot worse than any of the physical abuse I took because…. Because it was always about my parents." He let out a hollow laugh. "She told me that they were drunks who died in car accident"
"WHAT!" exclaimed Ron. Harry looked at him to see his face red with anger. He nodded with a sad smile as he caught a slight glimpse of the tears on Hermione's cheeks and quickly looked back at the forest. Fearing if he looked at her, he wouldn't be able to continue.
"It wasn't until I turned 9 that things changed. Dudley and his gang were getting ready to beat me up once again when I lifted my hand to protect myself, waiting for the punch but it never came. I opened my eyes and saw them lying on the floor, crying in pain.
I didn't know what happened and I didn't wait to find out but after that he was afraid of me. The same thing happened with my uncle too and he never hit me again.
I didn't know what it meant then, but I figured it out when I got off the train and saw the castle for the first time. You see, between the time I found out that I was a wizard and coming to Hogwarts, I was so scared that every night I would wake up at night with nightmares about this school that I heard so much about from Hagrid and Prof. Dumbledore.
I was afraid of stepping into this new world. Even though my experience in diagon alley was fairly positive, it did nothing to calm my nerves.
Anyway, as I was saying that it all changed when I saw the castle and almost instantly all my worries vanished and I wasn't afraid anymore even though I didn't realize it at the time, except the sorting ceremony and the usual nervousness that I'm sure everyone has when they join a new school. I don't know what it was, but I felt like I belonged here, that this is where I'm supposed to be"
He then turned to Hermione whose tears had dried by now and was looking at him curiously. "When you asked me at the start of the year why I'm so insistent on finding out regarding this whole thing with the third-floor corridor and what it is that's Fluffy's guarding or who's trying to steal it" At Hermione's nod, he continued. "Because I've always been like that. I just didn't know it till I got here. My… My parents fought for what they believed in, what they believed was right, and I want to do the same. I believe terrible things will happen if we don't stop the person who is trying to steal the stone. I'm sure you probably think I'm crazy for saying all these things, but this is just how I feel, and I want to thank you guys for believing in me because believe me it helped me a lot knowing that someone didn't think there was something wrong with me"
He didn't look at his friends after he finished his long speech but kept on looking at a random spot on the ground. It wasn't until a hand in his shoulder made him turn his head and lock eyes with Hermione. Her eyes were once again filled with tears but there was a large smile on her lips. "I believe in you, Harry. Ron does too" She added, looking over her shoulder at him.
Ron nodded his head emphatically with a smile. "Absolutely mate"
"Always" whispered Hermione, that made his eyes prickled but he kept his tears at bay.
"Thanks" he whispered hoarsely.
Hermione grabbed both their hands, a content smile on all their faces.
"So," said Ron, looking at them with a grin. "You too must be excited to get into the final of the duelling competition"
Harry and Hermione groaned in unison. "Ron, please, you really need to work on your timing" chastised Hermione.
"What?"
"Plus, I don't want to talk about that. I don't even know how I beat Hannah, but I think my luck's run out," said Harry.
"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione. "Would you stop putting yourself down. You were brilliant, as always and I'm sure you'll do fine against Blaise too"
"I really hope you jinx Malfoy's ass into next year, Hermione. Merlin, I hate him" growled Ron.
"Yeah Hermione, you have to beat his sorry ass. I just want to see that smug smile be wiped from his arrogant face"
"I'll do my best but no pressure guys" she chuckled.
"Oh look" yelled Ron. Harry and Hermione looked to where he was pointing in the sky and saw a small blur steadily getting bigger as it got closer. Even from so far away Harry could recognize the sound of a broomstick whizzing in the air.
In less the thirty seconds they could finally make out the person who was sitting on the broom before he stopped right in front of them. He had short hair, a buzz cut, and had broad shoulders unlike the rest of his brothers who were lankier in stature.
"Alright there, little brother" grinned Charlie, showing his pearly white.
"Don't call me little" snarled Ron, shooting daggers at him which made Charlie's grin even wider before he looked at the other two.
"I presume that you're Hermione" he said pointing at Hermione who nodded her head in a polite manner before turning to Harry. "And you must be Harry"
Harry nodded his head with a small smile.
"Pleasure to meet you both" he gave them a charming smile that made Hermione's cheek turned pink. Harry caught her eye and raised an eyebrow in question which made her blush darken before she averted her gaze.
"So do you have the dragon?" he asked.
"Of course, we do otherwise why would we be standing so late out here? We're not mad" Ron bellowed over the wind as he walked back to pick up the cage.
"Ron?" Charlie said, scratching his forehead. "Just hand me the cage before I change my mind and come over to give you a whack on the head"
Harry seeing Ron's face turning red quickly went over to him and grabbed the cage before he further embarrassed himself. "Let it go mate" he said to him before turning towards Charlie. "There you go" he said handing him the cage as he drifted closer to them.
Charlie grabbed the cage of his hand before taking out a small pouch from his pocket and placing it under the cage. He tapped the top of the cage with his wand and Harry's eyes almost popped out as the pouch sucked the cage inside.
He put the pouch back into his pocket before looking at them.
"I read about that spell!" shouted Hermione in excitement before a frown appeared on her face. "Though I forgot the incantation." She said chewing on her finger.
"I'm sure it'll come back to you from what I've heard about you" Hermione looked away to hide her blush. "Well, I shall bid you farewell now, stay safe and take care of my little brother would you"
"CHARLIE" screamed Ron, taking his wand out which Harry hastily grabbed from him, thanks to his seeker reflexes.
Charlie laughed as he took off, waiving at them from over his head.
Ron was breathing heavily, and his face was red in anger.
"Ron?" said Harry, putting an arm around his shoulder and guiding him towards the door. "Let's get back. Oh, and here's your wand mate" Ron put the wand back in his robes as he calmed down a tad.
"Ughh! I hate him"
"You should really work on your anger Ron" Hermione said, as she walked ahead of them. "That was really foolish what you were about to do" she added snootily.
"Oh, give me a break, Hermione" he rolled his eyes.
"Hey, let's all calm down and try and get back to the common room safely huh? How's that for a plan" interjected Harry.
"I never took you for a plan first act later guy Harry" remarked Hermione, as they reached the bottom of the stairs and continued ahead.
"What do you mean by that?" He walked over to her, forgetting all about Ron. He noticed that she was trying to hide her face from him.
"Hermione? What do you mean by that?" he whined a child, which made Ron who was walking behind him look at him amusedly.
Hermione couldn't keep up with her act any longer as she turned towards him with a large grin "I don't know. This is you basically. Act first, no matter the situation and then think about it afterwards, which is to repeat the same thing next and not be like ohmyod we just got killed, let's make a better plan next time"
She saw Harry's eyes twitch as he looked at her in disbelief before she bursted into laughter with Ron following her.
No matter how hard he pretended to seem offended he couldn't do it as a few chuckles escaped his lips before he too joined them and laughed his heart out. It made his heart happy that he could joke with his friends about stuff like this and that they were comfortable enough to do the same with him which was a testament to their friendship and how far they've come.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?"
The laughing stopped immediately as they all turned their heads in the direction of the voice, their eyes wide in fear as they landed on Filch, who was standing with a lamp in his hand and a nasty smirk on his face. His cat, Mrs Norris, was wagging its tail as it crawled towards them at a slow pace, never blinking once.
"Oh, this shall be fun" snickered Filch, displaying his rotten yellow teeth.
Harry gulped, fearing what could the old fool had in his mind as punishment for them.
…..
"Utterly disappointed" they all hung their head low in shame as Prof. McGonagall continued to reprimand them for breaking the rules. Harry could hear Hermione sniffling right next to him. He looked up to see McGonagall close her eyes as she released a tired sigh, it was well past midnight, before she trained her eyes on them.
"This must never happen again, or the consequences would be a lot serious, I hope you understand"
"Yes Professor" they said in unison, nodding their heads to show they took this warning seriously.
"Good, you will be notified of your detention tomorrow morning. For now, go back to your dormitories and straight to bed, and believe me I'll know" with that she sauntered back to her quarters, as they stood there for another few seconds before making their way to the common room in silence.
…
The following night, Entrance Hall
Harry was leaning his head against the wall as he stood with his back to it, eyes closed, twirling his coin between the fingers.
"Is that a sickle?" Harry opened his eyes before turning his head at Ron who was sitting against the opposite wall with his hands around his knees, looking at his with narrow eyes.
It took Harry a moment to understand what he was referring to. "Umm no, it's a penny" At Ron's frown he elaborated further. "Muggle currency"
"Oh" He nodded his head. "Wait how come I've never seen it before?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I always have it in my pocket and take it out whenever I'm bored"
They heard footsteps coming around the corner before Hermione's face popped into view as she marched towards them. Harry noticed she was muttering something with a scowl on her face. He caught some of it as she got closer but didn't stop as she walked right by him. "I hate her, I hate her"
"Umm, Hermione?" he asked with apprehension.
She turned around in surprise before her eyes found him. "Harry!" She looked at Ron who waived at her. "Oh. Sorry I didn't see you guys" she walked up to him before leaning against the wall.
"Who do you hate?"
"Oh, there is this ghost of a girl in the girl's bathroom. She is just so annoying!" she stomped her foot in frustration.
"Okaaay" Ron added as he shared a look with Harry who shrugged his shoulders.
Hermione let out a yawn, covering her mouth with her hand before blushing deeply at Harry's raised eyebrow. "Sorry, with the classes and then finishing essays for both Transfiguration and Potions, it's just been a tiring day"
"Hey, you don't have to tell me, I'm just as much tired and I didn't even do the essays" Hermione giggled as she let out another yawn.
"I'm sure you'll be well awake during detention" remarked Ron with a cheeky smile.
"Gee thanks Ron didn't know you were so excited to serve detention" said Harry sarcastically.
"Hey, I'm just saying. At least it's outside and not cleaning up one of the rooms. That's the worse" Ron grumbled with a scowl.
Harry stared at him in amusement for a second before replying. "Had a lot of experience serving detentions Ron? Is there something you've been hiding from us buddy? You know you can tell us right, it's not like we're going to make fun of you or anything. Isn't it right Hermione?" he turned towards her, silently pleading with her to play along, which she agreed on with the smile she sent his way.
"Of course, so what did you do?" She furrowed her brows in contemplation. "You know now that you mentioned it, History of Magic classroom did look a lot cleaner today"
"Yeah, I agree, is that what you were doing when we waited for you in the common room yesterday?" asked Harry, trying really hard to hold in his laughter.
There was steam coming out of Ron's ears at this point as he glared at them. "Sod off" he growled.
The dam was broken as Harry and Hermione broke into peals of laughter. Ron mumbled something as he turned his head away, not enjoying the turn of conversation.
"Alright, keep quiet!" Filch stood at the archway, staring at them with his usual look that resembled a glare. "Let's see if you're still laughing after serving your detention" he chuckled at the end that made a chill ran down Harry's spine.
"Follow me" he barked before turning around and walking as they followed him.
Harry looked around the grounds, wondering what their detention was going to be.
"Oh look, Hagrid!" exclaimed Hermione, making him turn his head forward. Hagrid was standing not too far from them, with a crossbow in his hand. Fang was scuttling around behind him, sniffing the ground.
"Don't get so chummy, young lady. Wait till you hear what it is you'll be doing" he turned his head around, shooting Hermione a nasty smile, which made her walk closer to Harry.
"Hi Hagrid" harry greeted him with a smile that Hagrid returned.
"Hiya Harry, Hermione, Ron." He then turned to Filch with a neutral look on his face.
"You can leave now Argus. I got it from here"
"Wasn't going to stay anyway. Make sure you take good care of them." He looked to his right towards Forbidden Forest. "Don't want them to get lost" he said the last word looking at Hagrid before cackling as he walked away.
Hagrid, seeing the look of fear on all their faces as they stared at the forbidden forest, stepped in front of them and blocked the view.
"Don't worry 'bout what that fool says, alright! I don't know why Prof. Dumbledore doesn't fire him."
"Hagrid?" stuttered Ron. "Are we going into the forbidden forest?" he looked at him with fear written all over his face.
"Yeah" upon seeing their faces turn white he added. "But we're not really going into the forest you see because it's huge and we're just going a little way in." he finished, hoping that will calm them.
"But why are we going?" asked Harry.
"Unicorns"
They all looked at him in confusion. "What?" asked Ron.
"A unicorn was found dead last week but I didn't think much about it at the moment. But today as I was walking Fang in the evening, he smelled something and followed the trail. It was unicorn's blood. Fresh, which means another one has been injured or worse killed. Either way we need to find out what's causing this" Harry noticed the vice lip grip Hagrid had on his crossbow and there was a determined look on his face.
"Alright" he spoke, squaring his shoulders in the process before looking at Ron and Hermione who nodded their heads as well.
"Good, stay close to me" he warned them before heading towards the forest. They reached a small opening and were about to enter it when a sharp pain shot through Harry's scar, and he yelped in pain.
"AAH!"
"Harry!" Hermione and Ron were by his side in no time as they each put a hand on his shoulder to steady him. Harry grimaced as the pain slowly went away. He had his hands on his knees as he took deep breaths. This hadn't happened to him since Halloween night and a bad feeling came over him as he wondered what it meant.
"I'm okay" He tried to assure them as he stood back up from his leaning position.
"Are you sure" asked Hermione, as she kept looking at him worriedly, still keeping her hand on his arm.
"Yeah" he smiled, which came out as a grimace. "Don't worry about me" His assurances did nothing as they all still looked at him with concerned eyes.
He avoided their eyes as he stared into the depths if the forest. Marching on he said" Let's get this over with"
A/N: Once again guys, post your comments as I love to read them. Not much else to say except that things get a bit out of the hand in the next chapter. I'll see you guys soon. Till then, take care.