CHAPTER 22: Dream all you Want

A/N: Sorry for the extra wait, guys. My final exams are coming up, that's why it took me extra 2 days to upload. Don't worry, my exams will be finished in couple of weeks so it may take me longer than normal to upload the next chapter but after that things would be back to normal.

Onto this chapter, I hope you enjoy it, I had a blast writing it. Got to do some real fun things with few characters. So, without further ado...

"POTTER! Get up this instant!" Harry's eyes shot open just a second before every hair on his body stood up and a chill ran down his spine. He let out an embarrassing squeal as his head shot up from the edge of the bed where it was resting peacefully not a moment ago before he jerked back in his chair, hitting the back of the chair a little to forcefully, making the chair tilt back and putting all the weight on its back legs.

He let out another embarrassing high pitch scream as the chair rolled backwards and he went along with it, landing on his back in an awkward position.

"Ow!" He groaned in pain before slowly freeing himself from the chair by moving his legs and rolling to his side. After taking a moment to make his head stop spinning, he pulled himself up and looked at the door, where a very irate looking Madam Pomfrey was standing with her hands on her hips and a mean scowl on her face.

His gaze then shifted towards Dudley, whose eyes were wide as saucer and was sitting with his back firmly pressed against the wall as he was clutching the blanket tightly to his chest.

Harry gave him a little wave awkwardly and he did the same with his mouth open.

"Merlin boy, you know how late you are, I thought you had already left for class half an hour ago, but here you are still snoring like it's nobody's business." Harry turned his gaze down towards the floor to avoid the glares she was sending his way. "I swear Potter, if I get in trouble because of your laziness then..." she huffed before continuing. "This is not to be taken lightly, you hear me. If anyone finds out about this, you have no idea how much trouble Professor Dumbledore will be in. Forget about me or you. Not only will he lose his job, but he could be sent to Azkaban" she said the last part in a furious whisper.

Harry looked up at her in shock. He had heard about Azkaban from Fred and George, from the stories they told, it seemed like the last place on earth he would want to be at.

"I'm sorry" His voice still hoarse from having just been woken up. "I promise this will never happen again"

"You better believe that young man" she huffed. "Now, off you go" she stepped to the side of the door.

He glanced at Dudley, expecting to see a grin or a smirk on his face but was really surprised, though he hid it well, when he saw him still staring at him in shock.

He left as quickly as he could, not wanting to anger Madam Pomfrey further.

It took him another twenty minutes before he reached the door to the Transfiguration room. Even though he ran all the way to the second-year boys' dormitory after leaving the infirmary, he opted to take a quick shower because how bad he smelled. He had slept in his clothes from yesterday that were half covered with grass and dirt and whole lot of sweat.

He didn't want Professor McGonagall to give him another detention because he had polluted her classroom with his terrible body odour. He knew he was going to get detention and since he was already late, another 10 minutes weren't going to matter much.

He stopped before the closed door and took a few deep breaths. After his heartbeat had slowed a bit and he felt it wasn't going to explode right out of his chest, he pushed the door open.

He cringed at the creaking sound of the door and inwardly threw every nasty curse he knew at it. He closed the door and turned around.

Every eye in the room was staring at him. He gulped and felt sweat forming at his forehead as his eyes found Hermione and Ron.

They were sitting at the front, no doubt Hermione's choice, he thought irritably as he would have to take the long walk. Ron gave him a polite smile, silently telling him that he knew what he must be feeling, which he would since he had been in his situation quite a few times. 'But never this late'

He could see the question in Ron's eyes, which he was trying to hide to support him. Hermione, however, weren't trying to hide anything. She had a frown on her face as her gaze pierced him, her eyes conveying what she was thinking.

"Mr Potter, how nice of you to finally grace us with your presence" McGonagall said sweetly. He could practically feel the sarcasm laced in every word of her sentence. He turned his gaze towards her and instantly wanted to look away.

He had seen her glare at him many a times before but never had he seen her this angry. Her pale skin texture was turning red from anger. 'This can't be good'

He half wished that it was Snape instead of her.

"Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to take a seat so I can continue my lesson!" Her voice got louder with every word and by the time she finished, he wanted to block his ears because it cut through his skin.

Not wanting to embarrass himself any further, he got his feet moving. He ducked his head as he walked, not wanting to see anyone looking at him.

"Nice one Potty" He heard the unmistakable voice of Malfoy say. He stopped when he reached the bench his friends were sitting on and took a seat as Hermione and Ron moved to give him space.

He placed his bag on the ground and took his transfiguration book out, while inwardly screaming for McGonagall to say something so that everyone would stop looking at him.

She did, but it wasn't what he wanted to hear. "Oh, and Potter, you will be serving detention tonight by cleaning the storage room at the back" He nodded his head, feeling that he got away with it. "And then tomorrow, you will be doing the same for the Potions classroom." His head shot up as he stared at her with wide eyes.

"You will do this for a week for all your classes. You will clean each and every storage room of all your classes. Except Astronomy" She added before she turned around and walked towards the board. "Now, as I was saying earlier..."

But Harry didn't hear any of it. He was still in shock at the punishment he got. "Detention for a week" He whispered to himself.

He felt a hand come and rest over his and he turned to look at Hermione who was taking notes with her other hand. Her eyes shuffling from the black board to her notebook. She laced her fingers together with his and gave his hand a squeeze.

A warm feeling enveloped him and slowly he started to feel better with every passing second. A small smile came over his lips and even though he was slightly nervous by her reaction, he gave her hand a squeeze.

He didn't realise he was holding his breath till he saw her lips curve into a smile as she kept scribbling furiously and he felt the air leave his body as a warm feeling settled in his heart.

He turned his head towards the board and started taking notes, suddenly not dreading his weeklong detention overtly much.

…...

"So, where were you last night, mate? I didn't hear you come in and you weren't in your bed when I woke up" asked Ron as they exited the classroom.

"Oh, I went flying this morning" He said, mentally giving himself a pat on the back for coming up with such a goof excuse on the spot. "Couldn't sleep much last night and just felt like flying might help"

"Wouldn't that have an opposite effect?" Ron asked, furrowing his brows in confusion. "Flying will wake you up even when you're most sleepy, not the other way around"

Harry gulped and reminded himself to wait a little longer the next time before he starts congratulating himself. "Well, you know what I mean" He cringed inwardly at his bad response.

"Yeah, I do," said Ron, as he stared at the clear blue through the gap in the wall as they turned a corner.

Harry visibly relaxed and released a sigh of relief, thinking he got away with it.

"What took you so long last night, Harry?" asked Hermione from his other side.

'Well maybe not' he thought as he racked his brain for another excuse. "Umm...yeah, I just went for a stroll"

'Kill me now' He wanted to hit his head against the wall, repeatedly.

"Okay" she said, peering at him with a concern filled gaze. But Harry didn't hear the doubt in her voice but only the word that left her lips.

His shoulders relaxed visibly and a smile came over his face. Hermione's burrows furrowed at seeing his reaction. She turned her gaze to the floor when he turned his head in her direction, she didn't want to prod any further since she knew that he would only continue to lie if that was what he was doing, and she had a bad feeling that it was.

For now, she put that thought away and offered him a smile in return. Harry's smile widened before he turned his gaze forward as they started climbing the stairs.

…...

The defence against the dark arts classroom was filled with the student body of second years. Harry was doodling on his notebook with a grumpy expression on his face.

"Oh, would you quit being such a baby" huffed Hermione, sitting next to him.

"I'm not being a baby" he grumbled, almost childlike as he still didn't turn in her direction.

"Yes, you are!" she exclaimed. She rolled her eyes when he didn't respond and pulled on his shoulder.

Harry drew a line across the paper before turning towards her and giving her an annoyed look. "Why did you do that?"

"Because you weren't answering me!" Her eyes then averted to the paper. "And it's not like you were doing anything productive"

"Yes, I was! I am challenging myself" he said getting offended.

"There is nothing challenging about playing Tic-tac-toe by yourself if you're just going to let yourself win by drawing three circles in a row" She said, sounding perplexed.

Harry's cheeks turned red as he looked down at the grid he'd drawn, more specifically at the 3 Os he marked vertically in the middle with no Xs.

"Yeah well...I was trying a new strategy" he stuttered, still not looking at her.

A smirk grew on Hermione's face before she said "And how is this strategy going to help you when you play against someone, or do you just want to keep the competition to yourself"

He felt his cheeks burn from embarrassment. "No!...I'm...you know what. I bet I can beat you in no time" He looked up at her with a determined look.

A burst of laughter escaped Hermione's lips before she started giggling. A few moments later during which Harry's face turned from embarrassment to indignant, she looked back at him.

"Oh Harry, please don't do be silly" she said, after seeing that he was serious. "We both know that I would crush you in no time"

Harry gulped, as he noticed that any hint of humour was gone from her face. She was staring into his eyes intensely, challenging him to say otherwise.

"I don't like the stupid game anyway" he said lamely, not taking the bait, knowing that he would be embarrassed in front of the entire class if he did.

"Good" she gave him a beaming smile. Harry was getting slightly afraid with how fast she could change her mood. "Now, care to tell me what's bothering you, and don't say it's the front row"

"But it is, Hermione" he cried. "I don't know why you always have to sit at the front. In case you don't know, I don't like it. I never sit at the front. Teachers always point to students who sit at the front, because they know they have the answer to their question. Only smart students sit at the front and since I'm not one, I don't see why I have to sit here" He finished desperately.

"Because it will be good for you and because you're my friend and I told you to" she said casually.

"But Ron's not sitting here. Look, he's at the back, laughing because he knows he's safe" Harry shot his red-haired friend a dirty look because he felt betrayed.

His irritation grew when Ron let out a huge bark laughter at something Seamus said. 'That should be me' He huffed angrily.

"Because unlike transfiguration, this classroom has smaller tables, that's why. If the tables were as long as those, trust me Ron would be sitting next to you" She turned her head towards Ron and scowl came over her face. "He won't be so lucky in History of Magic class" She smiled smugly.

'She's mental' he thought, seeing the look of glee come over her face at the prospect that there would be no way for Ron to weasel his way out in the next class.

He was snapped out of his musings by the opening of the door on top of the spiral staircase. A huge cheer went around the room from all the girls, except Hermione, as Gilderoy Lockhart stepped into the room.

Harry was watching Hermione closely during the cheering and noticed that she so badly wanted to join, and almost did but held herself back for some reason. Instead, she settled on clapping, quite enthusiastically.

He figured it was because of him because just when it looked like she was about to open her mouth and scream like the rest of her gender, he saw the realization dawn on her face that he was sitting next to her and stopped immediately. If she was sitting with another girl than he was sure she would've joined in cheering with the rest of them.

"Well, hello my lovelies" shouted Lockhart, as he leaned on the railing. A collective sigh escaped all the girls, including Hermione's, mouth when Lockhart shot a grin, his porcelain white teeth shining in the sunlight entering through the windows.

A disgusted look came over Harry's face as he saw Hermione swoon. Her eyes had taken a hazy look and she was practically drooling.

He never wanted to see that expression on her face, ever, and not for someone like Lockhart, who in his opinion seemed arrogant and pompous. 'Not to mention that he is her father's age' He wanted to stick his tongue out in a gagging manner but restrained himself.

"So, who in here knows about me?" asked Lockhart as he turned towards the staircase. All the girls' hands shot up at once. Lockhart let out a boisterous laugh, that sounded like cancer to Harry's ears. Even in his laughter he could hear his arrogance. "Pardon my foolish question, of course everyone knows about me"

His eyes scanned the boys faces as he stepped of the last step and walked towards his desk. "You don't need to feel embarrassed boys, there is nothing to be ashamed about admiring a predominant figure such as myself" He finished with a wink and the room was once again filled with the yearning sighs of all the girls.

Harry didn't need to turn around to see the guy's reaction, he knew it would be similar to his, one of pure revulsion.

"Especially you, Harry" Harry snapped out of his musing and whipped his head in Lockhart's direction. "Since you know how it feels to be on the other side, like me" he winked at him.

Harry's cheeks turned red from embarrassment. In his mind he was thinking of all the ways he could strangle Lockhart's neck. He hated the attention, anyone who knew him knows that.

Lockhart turned back to face the class. "I'm sure you're all aware of mine and Harry's photograph together last week in diagon alley. Poor Harry was so nervous when I called him towards me, I thought he was going to pass out" He let out another pretentious chuckle while pointing at Harry. "But luckily, or I guess you could thank me he managed to not drop to the ground" He let out another chuckle that sounded obnoxious to Harry's ears. "Because I held onto him like a seeker holds on to the snitch, otherwise poor Harry would've been the mocking bunny of the entire wizarding nation."

He then turned towards Harry and did an extravagant bow, his golden robes flourishing behind him. "You're welcome, Harry"

Half the students started clapping as Harry's face grew a shade of purple that would've put his uncle to shame. 'That lying bastard. That's not what happened at all' he thought furiously as he picked up his quill and snapped it in half.

The only thing that kept him from jumping from his seat and march towards the Lockhart before he started pummelling him was Hermione's reaction. His fury tenfold when he watched her clap alongside all the other girls with a bright smile on her face.

"Hermione, why are you clapping? You know that's not what happened!" he whispered furiously.

She faced him and stopped clapping. "What do you mean that's not what happened?"

He wanted to roll his eyes, but his anger stopped him from doing it. "I mean you saw what happened and you know Lockhart's just bullshitting to make himself look good"

"Language Harry!" she gasped, frowning at him. "And he's not lying because I do remember you were really nervous while you were standing next to him"

"Yes, I was nervous because I didn't know what he wanted from me, and he didn't even wait for reply, and maybe you should get your eyesight check if you think I was about to faint because I can assure you that could not have been farther from the truth! You would've seen it too if you weren't staring at Lockhart with lovesick eyes, who is nothing but an arrogant, full of himself, pompous ass, like you're doing now."

Steam was coming out of his ears, but he didn't care as he kept glaring at Hermione, whose eyes had turned wide sometime during his rant.

His breathing slowly returned to normal as the red evaporated from his eyes. His ears became sensitive to all the other noises, or in this situation, lack there-of.

'No one's clapping anymore' was the first thought that registered in his mind.

A dreaded feeling formed in the pit of his stomach as the utter silence around him made him look around.

His eyes turned wide, and his face went pale as he watched everyone's eyes on him. A sharp gasp left his lips and he whipped his head in Lockhart's direction.

His suspicion was confirmed as he stared at the shocked face of the new defence against the dark arts professor.

He knew what was coming.

"Harry!" Lockhart whispered, scandalized, disbelief written all over his face, as if he couldn't believe what he just heard. Harry inwardly cringed as a look of betrayal replaced Lockhart's shocked expression.

"Just so you know, I'm already booked for detention for the next week"

…...

"Well, that's it for today's lesson" announced Lockhart, as the bell rang throughout the room. Students started putting their books and accessories back in their bags.

"So much for bringing books to class, don't know why everyone bothered" snickered Harry as he closed his notebook that had nothing written on it except a rather crude drawing of Lockhart's face. He put it back in his bag along with his quill that was held together with tape.

He turned towards Hermione to find her glaring at him.

"What?" he asked innocently, knowing full well the reason behind her cross look. He guessed she did too as his lips twitched at the corner.

"It's all because of you!" she grumbled, as she got up.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. If you hadn't been so rude and hurt Professor Lockhart's feelings by belittling his accomplishments, then he wouldn't have felt the need to waste the remainder of the class by relaying his heroic deeds, which everyone already knows about" She slung her bag over her shoulder and faced him.

"But you're wrong, Hermione. I didn't know about his, how did you put it" He placed his hand under his chin in contemplation before snapping his fingers. "Oh yeah, heroic deeds. I know you got quite bored about hearing him talk about how he single handedly caught 50 dark wizards who just happened to be strolling around the street he was walking in after he finished his dinner at 'The Bourbon of magic'. Did I forgot to mention that he said it is the most expensive restaurant in the world and that they have a seat specifically for him that no one is allowed to sit at.

I also loved hearing about how he once defeated Dumbledore in a friendly duel. I mean you have to admit, friendly or not, that makes him probably the most powerful wizard, right?" He tried to control it but, in the end, couldn't hold it any longer. Laughter burst through his lips as he tilted his head back and amused himself till his laughter died down and he wiped at his eyes.

He looked back at her to find her staring at him with an unreadable expression. He didn't like it though.

The toothy grin he had been sporting vanished from his face, replaced by a wary look.

His shoulders tensed as she walked towards him and stopped till there was only a foot's difference between them. Her eyes never left his and he was starting to feel uncomfortable.

"I hope that someday you accomplish all the things Professor Lockhart has already accomplished. But I don't hope for the day when some 12-year-old calls you a liar and mocks all you have ever achieved because I know that would crush you and I don't ever want to see that"

He felt like he had been slapped across the face by her words and there was nothing vicious or hurtful about them. Only the truth.

"My mother used to say to me, she still does occasionally. That 'Strive for greatness and if you work hard, you'll always achieve it. But never stomp over other people to achieve it and most importantly, never make excuses about other people's success. You don't know them; you don't know how they got there or what they had to do to achieve their end goal. Underestimating anyone is the biggest mistake you could ever make, no matter how they appear'.

I have memorized it to memory by now and I still don't fully understand it." She paused for a moment. "I hope it doesn't take you as long"

She turned around and without another word, started walking towards the door.

Harry watched her leave, his eyes following her till she exited through the doors. He blinked his eyes couple of times before noticing that everyone had already left.

"Everything alright, Harry" He whipped his head around and saw Lockhart looking at him with concerned gaze. "You seemed lost there for a minute"

Harry shook his head. "I'm okay"

Lockhart nodded and went back to storing his medals that he had taken out to show everyone in the gold-plated box.

Harry's eyes followed his every movement as Hermione's words kept repeating in his head.

"Oh, and Harry" He shifted his gaze to his face as Lockhart turned towards him. "I almost forgot to tell you this, but I requested Professor McGonagall to remove your detention duties." He lifted the gold medal box as a wry chuckle escaped his lips. "This was just a ruse. I just disclosed the real reason why I went back to my quarters a second ago."

He shook his head as he put the box back on the table. "She didn't budge from her decision though I'm afraid, but" a slow smile crept over his features as he continued. "She did reduce the punishment. Now, you only have to serve 3 days instead of a week. And guess what?" He paused dramatically as wide grin stretched his mouth. "No more cleaning. You just have to study for 3 hours each night with myself, Professor McGonagall and Snape" He finished giddily.

Harry barely controlled his mouth from falling open. He couldn't believe it. 'Only 3 days of detention. And no cleaning. I could just finish my day's homework' He wanted to jump and cheer when he remembered something.

Snape.

'Crap. 2 hours with Snape. How am I going to survive that' He though grimly but quickly pushed the thought aside. He could survive 2 hours with him since he had been let off, big time.

He looked back at Lockhart to find him staring at him with a huge smile. Guilt washed all over him as he remembered what he had said about him before being reminded once again of Hermione's words that still cut a gash in his heart.

He felt ashamed and didn't like himself very much in this particular moment. In fact, he almost hated himself as much he hated Malfoy because what he said about Lockhart is something Malfoy would say. Not him, or at least he didn't think so until he proved himself wrong.

"I'm sorry, professor" he started but stopped when Lockhart lifted his hand and shook his head.

"No need, Harry. Trust me, I understand. It's not the worst I've heard being said about me. Not by a long shot, actually" He chuckled. It seemed forced to Harry. "So, don't you worry because you couldn't hurt me even if you tried, alright"

Harry opened his mouth, but Lockhart stopped him again. "Uh, uh, off you go now. Oh look, lunch's already begun" He exclaimed, looking at his watch.

He grabbed the box sitting on the table before heading towards the staircase.

Harry watched him climb the stairs two steps at a time before he disappeared behind the door.

He slung his bag over his shoulder and headed towards the exit.

…...

Night, Transfiguration Classroom, Detention number 1

Harry let out a fake yawn but unlike his previous attempts, this one failed to get McGonagall's attention as well. He stole a glance at her face. Her eyes were fixed on the parchment before her and there was a slight frown on her lips, not dissimilar to Hermione's when she was studying.

His thoughts drifted back to his bushy haired friend and their interactions after what she said to him in the defence against the dark arts classroom.

He would be lying if he said that he wasn't a little, or in this case a lot wary of their next interaction, he remembered when he was on his way to the great hall for lunch. But all his doubts and fears were for nothing as the moment he sat opposite her in the great hall, it was as if their last talk hadn't even happened.

There was no awkwardness between them, and he didn't feel like she was avoiding him at any moment, which was his biggest fear. Their conversation flowed like fine wine, and he figured that she didn't want to talk about what happened during class, so he didn't bring it up.

That is until during the end of their lunch break, she shot him a significant look followed by a secret smile when Ron was babbling about the new seeker hired by the Chudley Cannons.

He remembered feeling dread creeping over him when she looked at him with that penetrating gaze of hers, reminding him that she wasn't ignoring what had transpired earlier but choosing not to bring it up because there was nothing more to be said.

He got all that from the smile she gave him after, which he reciprocated.

He chuckled inwardly as he recalled her shocked expression when he told her about what Lockhart did to reduce his detention.

If it wasn't for Ron yelling 'WHAT' that gathered the attention of everyone in the great hall, her expression would've been what he remembered most from that moment.

He shook his head and chuckled as he remembered Ron being scolded by McGonagall in front of everyone.

"Anything you would like to share with me, Mr Potter"

He snapped out of his musings as he looked up at McGonagall with wide eyes. She was staring at him over her glasses with her eyebrow was arched in a questioning manner.

"Umm...nothing. Sorry" He smiled politely, hoping that would get her to back down.

"It seems you've been apologizing a lot since you came back. Perhaps you should think about why that is" she gave him a pointing stare.

He dropped his gaze and nodded his head.

"Good. You may leave now" His ears perked up before he stood up and hastily started packing his belongings. "I hope you finished all the work you were assigned for today. It wouldn't do you well if you did nothing but daydream as I would hate to give you another detention for lagging in your studies as they should be your topmost priority"

He had half a mind to tell her that it was night, not day, so it would be nightdreaming, not that he was doing it, at least not for the first 15 minutes.

He slung his bag over his shoulder and almost ran out of the room.

McGonagall shook her head as she heard his running footsteps coming from the corridor.

"Why two in a lifetime?" she muttered as she went back to reading the parchment before her. "Married the smartest witch of her age, but the boy still had to follow the trail his father left behind"

…...

He hoped he wasn't late as he approached the door to the hospital wing. He was under the invisibility cloak, so he didn't have to worry about getting caught.

He pushed the door and drew a breath of relief as it opened. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him before removing the invisibility cloak and tucking it under his arm.

He looked around and saw that all the beds were empty as he made his way towards the spiral staircase.

He climbed the last step and walked over to the door that held Madam Pomfrey's workstation. He placed his hand on the knob and tried to turn it, but it was locked.

'Crap. I'm late' He knocked on the door and waited. Minutes passed by but she didn't come. Defeated, he turned around and started heading towards the stairs. His feet dragging across the concrete floor.

He was about to put his left foot on the first step when he heard a noise coming from behind him. In less than 2 seconds, he was standing next to the door. A huge smile came over his lips as he heard the rustling sound of the lock being opened before the door was being pulled back and out came Madam Pomfrey's face as her body hid behind the door.

She rolled her eyes when they landed on him. She opened the door fully and motioned him to get inside.

It took him a moment to move his feet as he was in shock that she let him in without arguing. He thought he would have to beg and plea with her.

Since he knew his way by now, he didn't wait for her and almost ran towards the door on the opposite wall.

He walked through the door and into the narrow corridor that was more like a cave. The only light coming from the lamps, lit by candles, that were hanging in mid-air.

After walking for a minute, he reached the end of the cave and opened the door. He didn't bother closing it since Madam Pomfrey was right behind him.

He walked towards the last door on the wall when a voice stopped him.

"Hello Harry," he whipped his head to the left and saw Dumbledore sitting on the sofa in the living room. His eyes turned wide when they landed on Dudley sitting right next to him, but he didn't acknowledge his presence for his gaze was focused on the cards haphazardly strewn across the table before him.

He realized he was playing exploding snap or trying to figure it out, it seemed by the look of concentration on his face.

"Professor" he replied politely before walking over to them. He took a seat on the armchair across from them.

"How long have you been here?"

"Oh, just a few hours" he said casually.

"A few hours!" he gasped in shock.

"I wanted to speak with you and thought just to wait here. Plus, Dudley was up and quite bored, so I thought I'd keep him some company" An amusing smile came over the headmaster's mouth as he glanced at Dudley, who was now staring at the cards with a scowl.

"Ah! This game is so stupid" he exclaimed, as he tore his gaze from the table and finally noticed Harry sitting in front of him. "When did you get here?" his voice sounding more annoyed than he intended it to.

Harry understood, he knew how frustrating the game could be, especially if you've never played it before.

"Just now"

"I thought you weren't coming today" replied Dudley.

"Oh no, I just had detention. That's why I was late" his eyes turned wide when he realized what he'd said.

He watched as a huge smile came over Dudley's face before he started laughing while pointing his finger at him. "You got detention on your first day back"

Harry glared at him, but it only made him laugh harder. He turned to look at Dumbledore and frowned when he saw that he was trying to hide a smile and was doing poor piss job at it.

"Alright that's enough!" he said loudly.

Dudley stopped laughing but a few chuckles still escaped his lips. "Oh, I can't wait to tell mom when she wakes up"

An uncomfortable silence settled around them as the two boys looked away.

"Dudley, why don't you go and see if Madam Pomfrey needs your help. I'm sure she will appreciate it" Dudley gave a slight nod without looking at Dumbledore and left.

Dumbledore waited till he closed the door behind him before turning towards Harry, who was staring out the window into the night sky.

"Now," He turned his head and faced Dumbledore. "Tell me everything"

He took a deep breath and opened his mouth.

…...

His eyes were trained on Dumbledore as he stroked his beard with a contemplative expression.

He was getting more and more anxious with the passing of each second. He hoped that Dumbledore wasn't angry with him for not telling him about Dobby when they were at the burrow.

After what seemed like an eternity to him, but in reality, was only a few seconds, Dumbledor spoke.

"What do you think?" he asked, turning his eyes towards Harry.

Harry was taken aback by his question. He wasn't expecting Dumbledore to ask for his opinion. He simply wanted answers, and he knew that if anybody had them, it would be Dumbledore.

"Umm...I don't know, sir" he started.

"Surely you must have some thought, right?"

Harry wasn't sure if he did, or specifically something that sounded smart and not stupid.

"Never be afraid to voice your thoughts, Harry. No matter how ridiculous they may seem" said Dumbledore with an encouraging smile.

Harry was once again baffled by how he always seemed to know what he was thinking. "I think it was because of him that we couldn't get through the platform. I don't see any other reason."

"I agree"

Harry's shoulders relaxed at hearing that. Knowing that Dumbledore was thinking the same thing, made him feel good about himself, and a little smug too.

"Do you know why he would do that, sir? I mean, why would he warn me in the first place. It doesn't make any sense" he said with a furrowed brow.

Dumbledore nodded his head as he leaned forward. "It doesn't make much sense to me too, Harry. But I can assure you that no harm will come to any students, I promise you that" he said determinedly.

Harry gave a nod as Dumbledore continued. "As for the house elf, what was his name again?"

"Dobby"

"Dobby, I would see if I can find some information about him. But it would be hard if he is a house elf because their allegiance is kept in secrecy and under oath. No one, not even the ministry records the information regarding what house or master an elf serves" he finished.

"But, what does it mean, sir? Have you ever heard something like this happen before, I mean is it common behaviour for an elf to warn somebody of an upcoming danger or was it just a prank?" He voiced, what had been bugging him since Dobby's arrival.

"No Harry, I can assure you it was no prank. It is not in an elf's nature to do something like that. They consider such trivial things beneath them. As for have I ever heard or seen this happen before, no, but then again, you're no ordinary wizard are you" He gave him a wink at the end, accompanied by a small smile.

Harry's own lips curved at the corner before he turned his gaze to the table between them.

"Well, I best get going" Dumbledore stood up. "I think it would be best if you did too, Harry. Your aunt is still sleeping and she wouldn't be waking up today. It would only fill your heart with grief and sadness to see her. Why don't you come back tomorrow and save yourself tonight's heartache"

Harry contemplated his words as he looked at the door that hid her existence. He knew if he went in, he wouldn't be able to go back to the dormitory, at least not until Madam Pomfrey kicked him out.

He heaved a sigh and turned towards Dumbledore who was staring at him with his hands folded at the front.

"Okay. I'll come back tomorrow"

…...

Night, Defence Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Detention Number 2

"So, Harry, tell me, are you having fun?" Lockhart lifted his head sideways towards him. He had a huge grin on his face. "I mean, surely, this must be a thousand times better than doing homework right. I wish I had a teacher as cool as me" He chuckled airily.

Harry's own lips turned wide as he gave him a toothy grin.

"I am sir,"

For some reason Lockhart's arrogance didn't bother him as much as it did yesterday. That may be because he helped reduce his detention. But another part of his brain said that it may have to do with the fact that Hermione's infatuation with him took a big dip after today's lesson.

He fondly remembered the permanent scowl that was etched on her face during the duration of the lesson.

It seemed Lockhart wasn't done with relaying stories about his bravery and accomplishments yesterday, for he did the same thing today, and it irked Hermione to no end.

'I can't believe two lessons have passed and we have yet to learn anything. Other teachers are already assigning assignments and setting dates for tests. I mean I get that he felt the need to justify all he had achieved yesterday, but spending two lessons on it-" She shook her head in disbelief and picked up pace to their next class, leaving him and Ron behind.

He remembered they turned to each other and shook their head, laughing at the fact that nothing could trump Hermione's education in her life, and certainly not a crush.

He was brought out of his musing by Lockhart waving his hand in front of him. He shook his head and lifted his gaze towards the eccentric professor.

"You went back to another of your dreams, Harry" he chuckled.

Harry's cheeks tinged pink as he replied. "Sorry, sir"

"Oh, it's all well and good, Harry. What's life without dreams" He leaned in before continuing. "A reality that would never live up to the one you create in your dreams. So, I say dream along, my boy. Infact, dream all you want" He gave him a friendly pet before going back to signing his fan mail.

Harry watched him sign his moving photographs. He had a huge smile on his face and Harry hoped he would be this happy when he grew old and had a job that he loved.

"C'mon now Harry, you're slowing down. Those fan mails aren't going to reply themselves" He chuckled before a look of pure glee came over his face. "Can you believe how happy my fans would be, Harry. When they open the mail and see that not just me but you, the Harry Potter, saviour of the wizarding world, slayer of the dark lord, has also signed and written a few kind words for them." He clapped his hands together happily and shook Harry's shoulder jovially.

Harry never liked whenever someone said those words about him, the lofty praises meant nothing to him and he never wanted to hear them, not because he felt he was above it all but because he believed he didn't earn it. He was just a lucky kid who was receiving accolades that belonged to his parents, or the people who actually fought in the war.

But he didn't mind it as much when Lockhart said it. He knew he was doing all this for someone else, his fans or whatnot, he was trying to put a big smile on other people's faces, which in his opinion was completely unselfish and a generous act and if he could contribute to it even a tiny bit, even if it was because of the title associated with him that he hated, then he would do it.

So, with that thought, he went back to signing his name on the picture of Lockhart flying through the mountains on his broom.

…...

Night, Potions Classroom, Detention Number 3

His fist was hanging in the air, an inch from the door. 'C'mon, don't be a coward. It's not like he can do anything. He probably won't even talk to you.' After struggling with himself for another few seconds, he finally gathered the courage and knocked thrice.

He barely had to wait a second before he heard "Come in"

He took a big gulp and tried to calm his racing heart as he opened the door and stepped inside. He closed the door behind him and saw Snape sitting behind his desk and writing on a piece of a parchment.

He looked at the empty desks and wondered if Snape would mind if he sat at the end. Thinking it couldn't hurt to try, he walked over to the desk closest to him and took a seat. He looked up at Snape who was still working his quill furiously.

Either he didn't notice, or he didn't care. Harry thought it was the latter but it didn't matter to him as he took out his potions book and started working on the homework that was assigned today in class.

He worked fast, hoping if he finished it earlier, he could still make it to dinner on time. Unlike his previous two detentions, that were set after dinner, today's was set an hour before the feast.

On one hand he was happy about it because that meant that he could go straight to see his aunt and spend more than 10 minutes before Madam Pomfrey tells him it's time to leave.

Yesterday, he arrived even later than the day before.

He wasn't anticipating that signing Lockhart's fan mail would take nearly 4 hours. He didn't have the heart to tell him that he had to leave and couldn't come up with a good excuse. He tried to fake yawn multiple times, but every time he did it, Lockhart would shove another goblet of the horrible coffee he made in his direction. So, after his seventh time, he stopped doing it.

Plus, he figured it was the least he could do to thank him. So, it was a very irate Madam Pomfrey that greeted him when he knocked on the door.

After pleading with her to just let him see his aunt for a second, she finally let him through with a roll of her eyes.

Dudley was already asleep when he got there and before he knew it, Madam Pomfrey was shoving him out of the room.

He dropped his quill and stretched his fingers while arching his back. It was done. He didn't know how much time had passed but it didn't seem nearly as long as his previous two detentions. He looked at Snape to find him leaning back on his chair with his arms folded at his front and his head was tilted back. His eyes were closed, and he had a peaceful expression on his face.

It was weird to look at him without a frown on his face. It didn't seem natural. He watched as the parchment he was working on dropped to the ground as a gust of wind entered the room through the open window.

He got up and walked over to the front of the room. He crouched down and picked up the parchment and looked at it.

He didn't understand any of what was written on it. Words like lycanthropy, wolfsbane potion, draught of the living dead, made no sense to him.

He turned around and nearly jumped a foot in the air when he saw Snape staring at him. "It dropped to the ground; I swear. I only came to pick it up and to put it back on the table" He added hastily. He didn't want thief to be added to the names Snape thought of him.

"Relax Potter, what's written on that parchment is way beyond your intelligence, or ever will be" Snape said as sat up straight.

Harry relaxed, before the full meaning of Snape's words registered in his mind, and he scowled internally but kept his mouth shut.

He handed him the paper before turning around and walking towards the desk he was sitting at. He was about to put his homework in his bag when a thought struck him. He looked at Snape and saw him staring at his desk with an unreadable expression.

He walked over to him with his homework in his left hand.

He stopped in front of him as Snape looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I was wondering if you could check if I answered the questions correctly you assigned for homework"

Snape stared at him for a moment before holding his hand out. Harry handed him the parchment.

He watched with slight anxiousness Snape read through his work with frightening speed.

Snape shook his head before looking up at him. "5 questions are completely wrong, 3 are partially right, and 2 are correct" he stated, handing him the parchment back.

Harry's shoulders sagged and he turned around. He had only taken two steps when Snape stopped him.

"Would you like me to help you?"

He whipped his head around in disbelief. Snape was offering him help. It had to be a joke, but the more he looked at his face, the less he believed it.

He was looking at him with a serious expression. He and Snape may have had their differences, but the one thing he always admired about him was that he never took sides or acted unfairly to other houses.

He offered help to other houses as much as he did his own and was equally strict to everyone. It didn't matter who got on to his nerves, everyone paid equal price, and he always wanted everyone to reach their top level.

It was his motto, which he gave them practically during every class.

'I don't have to like you, infact I don't. But what I do like is seeing that my effort and hard work of an entire year didn't go to waste, because let me tell you that nothing would make me angrier. So, I say this if you need help, see me, I don't care how stupid the question is, I don't care if you're embarrassed, all I care about is your grades. I don't want my reputation to suffer because of your incompetency'

He thought about it for a second, he could leave and get to dinner in time and have plenty of time to visit his aunt, or he could let Snape help him with his homework and he wouldn't have to worry about him deducting points of him in class tomorrow. He had already contributed his fair share to Gryffindor losing points since the start of the school year, and it had only been 3 days.

"Okay" he replied and walked over to him.

"Bring a chair over here" Snape said.

He did so and took a seat next to him. He handed Snape the parchment which he put on the table.

For the next half an hour, Harry worked on his homework, with Snape correcting his every mistake.

He was ashamed to admit that he felt quite dumb, as Snape practically did his homework for him. All he did was write the words that were coming out of the potions professor's mouth.

He started packing his stuff and avoided looking at Snape. He didn't want to see the look of disgust or worse a smirk on his face because he couldn't understand the basic concepts of Flobberworm Mucus and its uses in potions.

He couldn't stop his head from looking up when Snape cleared his throat and caught his eye.

"Are you friends with Ms Granger, or not?" he asked in his deep baritone, taking a second's pause between each word. His permanent scowl was back on his face as he stared up at him.

"Umm...yeah" He didn't know what else to say. 'Where is he going with this'

"Let me get this straight" Snape started, resting his chin on top of his hands. "You are friends with someone whose intelligence far exceeds anyone her age I've ever known or come across. Yet," He raised an eyebrow and continued. "For some baffling reason, which I don't understand, you're so incompetent that you would even put your father to shame, and more than anything else, that thought troubles me the most"

Harry felt his cheeks turn red from embarrassment. He had never felt so low, so bad about himself. He just wanted the ground to swallow him and save him from further embarrassment.

But then his eyes shot up when he remembered another name Snape mentioned when he calmly told him that he was the worst student he had ever taught.

"My father was bad at potions, too!" he asked, surprised. Even though it was nothing to be proud of, it still filled his heart with warmth that this was another thing he shared with his dad.

"That wasn't a compliment" Snape said through gritted teeth. "But yes" He added after a moment.

"I really like defence against the dark arts, and I get really good marks in it. Only Hermione got better marks than me last year. Was my dad really good in it too?

Snape was taken aback by his enthusiasm to such a nonsensical question. It threw him off guard and he wasn't expecting it. Harry was staring at him with hopeful eyes, but he realized that the hope wasn't if he would answer his question, but rather was his father good in the aforementioned class

Harry watched as he turned his gaze to the table, but no words came out of his mouth. Disappointment was starting to fill him, and he realized that he wouldn't get his answer.

He was about to turn his head when he saw movement from the corner of his eye and turned his head to see Snape nodding his head.

"He was..." Snape trailed off, but it was enough confirmation for Harry.

He wanted to jump, and fist pump the air.

"Thank you!" he said happily before sobering up. He was having an inner battle with himself whether he should voice his next question. He knew Snape was the only person he knew who was in the same year as his parents and at one point was really close friends with his mother.

Even his aunt mentioned that if he wanted to know more about his parents, he should be asking him. But she didn't know that they weren't on the best speaking terms.

'What do I have to lose. If he says no, nothing changes. But if he says yes...'

He walked closer to his desk to gain his attention, but his gaze was still locked on the table. "I don't really know anyone else who grew up with them, and I've learnt all I could from others who knew them"

He paused as Snape whipped his head towards him. He could see it in his eyes that he knew where he was going. They were full of apprehension, fear and regret?

He had never seen him look so vulnerable.

Marching on, he continued. "But they didn't grow up with them, only seeing them from afar. My aunt...my mom's sister, she said that you were close friends with her. Infact, she said that you were her only friend and that if anyone could tell me about her, or my dad, it would be you."

A smile came over his lips as he remembered a story his aunt told him. "She told me this story when you and dad came to mom's house on her birthday during her last year and had a big fight on the street. She said that all the neighbours saw it and that later both you and dad wiped everyone's memory and that mom was crying"

He didn't mention that the fact he knew Snape and his mother had a falling after that because he didn't show up to her wedding. It could be that his aunt may have mentioned the reason and he just forgot about it. But something tells him that it must have been significant.

He saw Snape's eyes turn even wider by the time he finished. A look of disbelief written all over his face as he continued to stare at him in shock.

Harry was getting quite nervous, his hands were getting sweaty, and he felt he couldn't handle the tension any longer.

"It's okay. I'll just leave. Sorry." He turned around and slung his bag over his shoulder and almost ran out of the room.

He kept on running when he reached the corridor. He didn't know which direction he was going in, he just wanted to get as far away as possible.

He stopped to take a break. He braced himself against the wall as he tried to control his ragged breathing. Sweat was rolling down his forehead and he knew it wasn't from the running, because he didn't feel tired, at least not physically.

Slowly his breathing returned to normal as he leaned his head against the wall and savoured the coolness the stone radiated through his body.

His eyes were closed, and he stayed in that position, not yet wanting to leave. He knew at this point he wouldn't be able to make it to dinner, that is if it wasn't already done.

That's when he heard it. His eyes shot open, and he pushed away from the wall with fear written all over his face. A chill ran down his spine and he looked around and saw that the hall was empty except him. Was his mind playing tricks on him. 'But it felt so real'

A gasp left his lips when he heard it again and he knew it was real.

He looked everywhere, from the ceiling to the ground, every corner his eyes could reach.

The voice was getting louder as it kept repeating the word.

It didn't even sound human to his ears. It was loud yet it seemed to be whispered. He blocked his ears with his hands, but it did nothing.

It felt like the sound was coming from far away and at the same time, right next to him.

He made a run for it when he heard it one more time, the word ringing in his ear, and he could do nothing to stop it.

"KILL, KILL, KILL"

A/N: As always guys, post your comments and let me know your thoughts. Once again, I may be late by a day or two to upload the next chapter but things would go back to normal after that. I may even start uploading 2 chapters in a week, who knows. Take care and I'll catch you on the flip side