CHAPTER 26: A new life

A/N: Welcome back, guys. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday. I'm having a blast with watching the Ashes and movies and playing games. So, about this chapter. A lot of thought went into it. Some of you might consider it a bit slow but I felt it needed a bit change of pace. Anyway, won't waist more of your time so without further ado...

"What! No way!" yelled Rebecca. Her eyes wide in shock as they were locked on to Snape who was staring back at her in his usual cold demeanor.

"She's right" David walked next to her before putting an arm around her shoulder. "I'm not going back, not there" his jaw slacked in determination.

Snape sighed as his eyes roamed the open vastness around them. They were standing on a green mountain hilltop, near the edge of a cliff that overlooked the sea. The chilly cold air whipped his shoulder length hair in every direction, making him appear even more menacing than normal.

He intwined his hands behind his back and started pacing at a leisurely pace. "I'll get back to that in a minute. Firstly, let me tell you what your stupidity could've and still could cost you"

They both squirmed nervously on the spot as they watched him walk circles around them.

"Posing as muggles" Snape held up his right index finger. "Performing in villages, and small towns all around the country because you were worried it wouldn't gain much attention" He lifted a second finger as he shrugged one shoulder. "Which wasn't half bad but-"

He stopped walking and turned to them.

"You had this brilliant idea to take the show to the most populated, biggest, city in the country. I'm assuming the reasoning being that you could make more in a few acts than what you did in weeks" He lifted a third finger as he took a step forward. "Not only did you break countless International Statue of Secrecy laws that could, would, and should lock you up for the rest of your lives, that is, if they don't decide to hell with it all and just lock you in a cell with a dementor but-"

He took another step forward as he lifted his fourth finger. "you diminished the reputation of our entire race and embarrassed every single witch, wizard, elf, dwarf and every other creature with a magical core in them as if we're nothing more but amusement for muggles to clap and cheer for like good little children"

"But they don't know that-"David exclaimed before he was cut off.

"I don't give a damn if they know it!" roared Snape, his nostrils flaring and his breathing ragged.

Rebecca jumped in fear as a whimper escaped her lips.

"I know!" Snape pointed towards him before pointing at him. "You know" He pointed at Rebecca. "You know. We know!"

They hung their heads in shame as Snape took deep and calming breaths.

"Well, we only did it because we were running out of money" reasoned Rebecca. "I swear, we thought long and hard about it" Her gaze turned downwards as she took a ragged breath. "But then…it got tougher. We were living on the street-"

"Ryla don't- "

"I'm not ashamed" she glared at David, who nodded after a moment before looking away. She turned back to Snape who was staring at them with curiosity in his eyes.

"We were eating out of dumpsters" Her voice broke as tears gathered in her eyes. "No one would give us a room. People would take one look at us before they would slam the door in our face" She looked up as her face twisted in despair.

"I didn't want to steal or…worse…"

David lowered his gaze as Snape glanced at him.

"I know what we did is wrong, on so many levels, but you have to understand…. please…" Tears rolled down her face that she wiped with the back of her hand. She let out a bitter laugh before she added. "Plus….it doesn't change our fate. The ministry was going to put us in Azkaban if they ever caught us anyway" She shrugged her shoulders.

"Serving 10 years in Azkaban as opposed to a lifetime is like comparing brewing a boil-cure potion to a Polyjuice potion" said Snape.

His words brought a smile to Ryla's lips. "Good to know you haven't lost your sense of humor, professor" she said with a smile.

"Most would beg to disagree" quipped Snape, making her chuckle. "Since when have you been using these fake names?" he asked.

Ryla frowned deep in thought. "Well…. we have been going by David and Rebecca since we started doing the magic show but…. before that we were changing names and appearances every week"

"Hmm" nodded Snape, as he resumed his pacing. "You need to understand that if I can find you after a night's worth of research than it is a child's play for the ministry"

"The ministry doesn't know us like you do" Ryla cut him off, a ghost of a smile on her lips. "We know you still followed our movements. You can deny all you want but I always believed it"

Snape raised an eyebrow at her as she shrugged her shoulders.

"As that maybe you should consider yourself immensely lucky that at this precise moment the ministry doesn't consider you worth hunting but…..." He stopped pacing and looked at them. "You need to stop this clown show right away"

Ryla gave him a curt nod.

"I need your word Zabeen" said Snape as his gaze remained locked on to Ryla. His answer came in the form of a long sigh.

"How are we going to survive?" Zabeen asked as he walked over to him. "We can't step into our world and no one in the muggle world is hiring us"

"That's why I'm here"

"What" scoffed Zabeen before anger took over his face. "By sending me to my death"

"By asking you to help save the lives of students at the school you held the most dear to your heart" His eyes shifted towards Ryla before snapping back to Zabeen "Before it was replaced, of course"

Zabeen growled before he moved away and kicked a piece of rock.

"I wouldn't be here if I had any other option. Dumbledore's desperate. There have been rumors going on that the board members are looking to replace him"

"Surely not" gasped Ryla as her eyes turned wide. "That's the worst idea I've ever heard"

"Why don't they just shut the school and send the students back home. Clear this mess and then bring them back" added Zabeen, as he looked at the huge wave crashing into a large boulder neat the edge of the beach.

"The board wants to avoid that any cost. They fear no parent will send their children back. It would send a wave of panic to all the parents, muggle or not, not to mention the reputation of Hogwarts would be tarnished" answered Snape before he added. "Of course, they won't have an option if this escalates. That's precisely why I'm here"

"How many kids have been petrified, professor?" asked Ryla in a soft voice.

"2"

"Merlin" she whispered.

"I can offer you both protection and work"

Zabeen and Ryla's head whipped towards him.

His gaze shifted from to another before settling on Zabeen. "You do this and leave the rest to me. You can come back to our world"

Ryla and Zabeen looked at each other wide-eyed.

"You promise" Zabeen turned to Snape.

"Zab no."

"Ryla-"

"I'm not letting you go back there. That is why we're here in the first place and you want to go back" she finished incredulously.

"Yes!" he shouted. "If it means we can leave this shithole of a life behind us, then us" He walked over to her and cupped her cheeks. "We can start again. Back in our world. A new life." He touched his forehead to hers.

"What if something happens, something bad" she sniffled as a tear rolled down her cheek.

He pulled away and quite dramatically pointed towards his chest. "What! To me. Oh, c'mon honey. I expected more faith from you" he grinned as a chuckle escaped her lips.

He wiped the tear from her face before turning around to face Snape who was gazing at the ground.

"I'll do it" he said, walking over to him.

Snape lifted his gaze and nodded.

"Good"

"Are you sure that no one else can do it. I mean surely Dumbledore- "started Ryla before she was cut off.

"Dumbledore can't be seen anywhere near the area let alone inside the castle. It's an illegal site that serves as the base of the largest crime syndicate. No one break the wards without alerting every guard which in turn would expose Dumbledore or anyone else. The only way through is through the main doors. Surely you knew that Ryla or have you finally succumbed to his stupidity" he pointed at Zabeen who rolled his eyes.

"Funny" he replied sarcastically.

"Here's what I need" Snape took out a photograph and showed it to Zabeen. It was a moving picture of a flower with purple petals and a white bud"

Zabeen took the photograph from him and examined it closer. "Yeah, I've seen them" he looked up at Snape with a frown. "These are used to make Cathlock" he said, waving the picture.

"I'm well aware" drawled Snape.

"What's Cathlock?" asked Ryla, as she walked up to stand beside them.

"It's only the most powerful drug. One whiff of it and you're set for the day" replied Zabeen as he looked at her. "But it's only for those with enough gold to spare. The rich purebloods. I remember once dropping a package at the Zabini's mansion. Whoo!" He shook his head mirthfully. "All these uptight purebloods were doing things far dirtier than a scum in knockturn alley"

"What use is it to you, professor?" Ryla asked Snape.

"The plant is called Tursip. It only grows on the mountain where the castle has stood for the last 5 centuries. Luckily for Marco, his ancestors made all their fortune once they discovered it and realized it's worth. Now, he's keeping up the family tradition. But what they don't know is that it also has other uses. The root of the plant can be used to make a draught that provides protection to one's vision"

"How did you figure that?" asked Zabeen.

"Many years ago, when I was young and meddling with different potions"

"Yeah, but how did you come across the Cathlock?" Zabeen smirked as he knew he caught him.

Snape sneered at him as Zabeen's grin widened.

Ryla stepped in between them. "But how is it going to help in this situation?"

Snape shot Zabeen one last glare before turning towards her. "It is Dumbledore's belief that whatever is causing the students into a state of petrification is related to their vision"

She could tell that he wasn't telling them the entire truth but didn't push him further.

"Now, you've all the details you need, how fast can you get it"

Zabeen looked up at the starry sky as he contemplated. "I need a few weeks, maybe 4" he said.

Snape nodded. "Get it before the winter holidays so I can work on the potion in the break"

"I would have to do a mission first to prove my loyalty and as punishment for running away before he lets me inside the castle"

"Fine" said Snape, before he took out a galleon from his pocket and handed it to him. "Once you're done, rub this three times clockwise and I'll know. I'll apparate to you right away unless I'm busy and you'll wait"

Zabeen nodded as he pocketed the gold coin. "What about her?" He indicated towards Ryla.

"She'll have to live on her own for the time being" At seeing Zabeen open his mouth in protest he continued. "I can't bring her to our world yet, not until you're back but…."

He fished inside his robes and took out a pouch. "She'll be alright" He handed her the pouch that she tentatively grabbed.

She opened it and peered inside. "This is too much" she gasped, looking up at Snape.

Snape lifted his hand up but said nothing.

Ryla's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you" she stammered, her voice thick with emotion.

"No need to get sentimental"

She nodded before turning around and wiping at her eyes. Zabeen stared at her back before turning towards Snape. "Thanks" he muttered.

Snape nodded before he apparated with a pop.

…

Hogwarts, Madam Pomfrey's quarters, Night

Harry and Dudley were sitting across from each other at the windowsill, both staring at the quidditch field through the window.

"And that's called a goal post" Harry said, while pointing with his finger. "You get 10 points if you score through any of the 3 posts" he finished and turned back to face his cousin.

Dudley had a frown on his face as he gazed for a moment longer before turning towards Harry. "So, it's the same number of points?"

"What do you mean?" asked Harry with a furrowed brow.

"I thought you would get more points if you score through the middle one, since it's in the middle…" he shrugged.

"No" Harry wanted to roll his eyes at his logic but refrained from doing so.

Petunia watched them from the sofa with a smile on her face as she paused in her knitting momentarily.

All three turned their heads as they heard the main door open and close followed by the sound of footsteps.

Madam Pomfrey came into view from behind the wall that held the bookshelf. Her eyes roamed around the room before settling on Petunia.

"My, you're nearly finished with that" she motioned with her head at the almost finished sweater laying on Petunia's lap.

Petunia looked down at it before lifting her head back towards her. "Well, I had a lot of time to kill" she smiled.

"If you need anything else, just let me know" Madam Pomfrey said as she walked towards the bookshelf situated at the right corner of the room.

"I will Poppy, thank-you," said Petunia.

Madam Pomfrey picked up a book before walking back. She stopped when she reached the small table next to the sofa and turned towards Harry. "I think it's time you head back too, Mr. Potter" she raised an eyebrow and inclined her head a little.

Harry nodded his head having understood her meaning.

The news of another student being petrified had sent the whole school into a whirlwind. He remembered not fully believing it when Neville told them this morning at breakfast until Professor Dumbledore himself stood up at the staff table and confirmed the horrible news.

A shiver ran up his spine and every hair on his body stood up as he recalled how everyone's eyes turned towards him just as the words left the headmaster's mouth.

All throughout the day he kept looking over his shoulder every few minutes. It was the first time he truly felt there was a danger to his life. It didn't help that just yesterday someone had jinxed the bludger to kill him.

He wasn't surprised when Madam Pomfrey didn't let him in and told him to go back to the dormitory right away, scolding him that after recent events he should know better than to be out of the common room at night. However, he finally managed to persuade her after much begging.

Harry shook his head and tried to calm his racing heart as he came back to reality before looking up at Madam Pomfrey.

"Okay" he said.

She eyed him for a second longer before turning around and leaving. The sound of the door opening and closing a few seconds later reached their ears as Petunia turned towards Harry.

"What was that about?" she asked with a frown.

"Oh nothing" lied Harry as he stood up and walked towards her.

He could tell she didn't believe him and was about to open her mouth when a loud yawn from Dudley got her attention and gave him a few much-needed seconds to think of a better lie.

"I'm going to bed" announced Dudley as he headed towards the room he shared with his mother.

"Good night, Dudders. I'll be just a moment," said Petunia.

"Good night" said Dudley before walking through the door and closing it behind him.

"I should go to, getting late" Harry said in a rush before he started walking.

"Wait!"

He stopped and closed his eyes, cursing under his breath before turning around.

Petunia was staring at him with a serious look before she said "This isn't over. We will talk about this tomorrow."

Harry nodded his head as he sighed inwardly. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he may not be able to visit her tomorrow, or for the near future as he clearly remembered Madam Pomfrey telling him 'Just once' after she finally relented and let him in.

"Alright then" Petunia said, smiling at him. "Good night"

"Good night"

He turned around and took a couple of steps.

"Oh Harry!"

"Yeah" he turned around once again.

"Who was that girl I saw yesterday that came with you?" she asked.

"Oh, she's Hermione. She is my friend" he said.

Petunia smirked before saying. "Friend huh?"

"Yeah" Harry nodded his head, completely oblivious to his aunt's teasing. "She's a muggleborn, meaning her parents are just like you."

"Oh really" exclaimed Petunia, her eyebrows rising. "So, she's like Lily you mean"

"Umm…. yeah" Harry said, having never thought about it like that before. "Like mum"

"Hmm" nodded Petunia before a teasing smile grew on her lips. "I would like to meet her. Why don't you bring her tomorrow?"

Harry's eyes turned wide, and he started stuttering. "Wha-why-I mean she's…." he trailed off, racking his brain to politely decline his aunt's request.

"And she's already seen me so it's not like we need to worry about that, right? I mean I'm sure Dumbledore would've already told her since she was here." A thoughtful expression came over her face. "She must be a pretty close to you if he trusted her enough to tell her about me" she murmured before turning towards Harry and smiling. "So, bring her tomorrow, okay"

He felt like the last part wasn't a request but a statement. Oh man, what am I gonna do? He nodded solemnly and Petunia's smile turned even wider.

"Great" she clapped her hands. "Can't wait to meet her tomorrow" she stood up and took a couple of steps in his direction before laying a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah" responded Harry with a forced smile before he turned around and left.

He reached the portrait of the fat lady and looked around. Seeing no one around he pulled the invisibility cloak off him and said the password.

"Pinching needle"

The door opened and he walked through, holding the cloak under the crook of his arm.

The sound of scribbling reached his ears as he walked further into the room and saw Hermione hunched up in her seat on the sofa and scribbling furiously.

"Hermione"

"AAH!" She jumped up in her seat, sending her parchment and quill to the floor. "Harry!" she glared at him as she stood up. "You scared me" she bent down and picked up her stuff before placing it on the table.

"I just said your name" Harry said in a deadpan voice. "I don't know how else I should've called you without you waking the entire school up"

"I didn't wake the entire school up" she whispered furiously, glaring daggers at him. "You should be more considerate"

"I'll keep that in mind. Next time I'll sneak up on you, since you prefer that option more than someone calling your name" he said in a bored tone.

Hermione's cheeks tinged pink as she flushed while sending him a death stare.

"So, umm, you ready" Harry asked awkwardly when she just kept glaring at him.

"Yes!" she clenched through gritted teeth. She closed her book before walking towards him.

"I still think you shouldn't come" he said as she stopped next to him. "It's dangerous for you"

"Oh, and I think you believe it's not for you" she said sarcastically, still sounding pissed.

"Yes, it's not because I'm not a muggleborn so don't even argue with me on that since you know you can't"

"Yeah well, I'm still not letting you go by yourself so you can stop trying" she snapped. "Now shall we continue or do you have anymore reasons to stop me"

"Yeah, I got a few but since I know you're stubborn enough not to listen to any of them, I'm not gonna waist anymore time" he quipped.

Hermione's nostrils flared angrily as her breathing got heavier.

Harry, sensing he may have provoked her a little too further, headed towards the portrait hole. He stopped when he reached it and turned around to see Hermione still rooted to her spot, as she stared at him with nothing but more malice.

"Could you hurry up, some of us like to sleep for more than a few hours"

His words had their desired effect as Hermione stomped her way towards him. She stopped before him, and he had just a mini second to realize what was happening as she pulled her right arm back before punching him on the shoulder with all her might.

They stared at each other with contrasting emotions on their faces. She was still glaring at him while his face was devoid of any emotion except a hint of tiredness and boredom.

"Ouch"

They made their way through the corridors in silence, as they stopped and looked before entering a new hallway.

Harry's right arm had almost gone numb as it dangled by his side. He tried lifting it to hold the cloak so he could rest his left arm for a while but that just brought excruciating pain which he somehow managed to not show even though it brought tears to his eyes.

They stopped before the door to the potion's classroom.

"Well," Hermione arched an eyebrow. "Are you going to open it or not?" A hint of annoyance in her tone.

"Why do I have to done everything?" Harry grimaced in pain as he tried to move without moving his right arm. "Last I checked you had the same number of hands and legs as me." He grumbled.

"I'm very well aware of that, thank you very much. In fact, I think it would do you good to remember what I can do with my hands" She whispered angrily before lifting her right hand up, curled into a fist.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Really" he said tonelessly. "I've seen 4-year old's hit harder than your joke of a punch" he retorted.

"Your eyes beg to differ if the tears in them are something to go by" she said smugly as a smirk curled at her lips.

Harry was glad she couldn't see his cheeks turn red because of the dark, he felt embarrassed enough that she had caught onto his pain.

"Whatever" He huffed with as much masculinity as he could muster before turning away and twisting the knob.

He looked around before pushing the door open just enough for them to quickly scramble through. Their eyes went straight to the front of the room, and both relieved a sigh of relief upon seeing the chair behind the table empty.

"C'mon, quick. I don't want to chance our luck" Hermione pulled on his hand as she ran forward with Harry almost losing his balance.

"Oh great, now you want to take the lead. Brilliant" Harry said sarcastically.

She scowled at him over her shoulder before looking ahead. Harry rolled his eyes as they ran past the teacher's table towards the door at the corner of the back wall. Harry put his hand on the knob and tried to twist it but couldn't do so.

"It's locked!" He exclaimed, lifting his hands in the air. "Great, all this for nothing" he kicked the door in anger. "AAH!" He yelped in pain as he dropped to the floor and rolled around while holding on to his shoe.

He took a sneaky glance in Hermione's direction to see her reaction and was immensely disappointed by it.

She was staring at him tiredly and with no sympathy on her face.

It only prompted him to double down on his pain. "Oh! My foot. It's broken!" He yelled, desperately trying to hold back the tears for the second time in less than 10 minutes.

Hermione blew on a strand of hair that had fallen over her face before she shook her head in exasperation.

"Would you stop being such a baby!" she bent down and put her hands on his shoulders to stop his movement. "Your foot is not broken"

Harry immediately stopped screaming and glared at her. "And how would you know that, last I checked you're not a healer"

"I know" she said calmly before a smirk graced her lips. "Why aren't you screaming anymore? Surely if your foot was broken you wouldn't have been able to stop, take it from someone who has seen how a person reacts when their foot is actually broken" She scowled at the end as the smile vanished from her face. "Now, get up!" She said shrilly as her nostrils flared. "Your pathetic excuse of acting has already wasted more time than it would've taken us to take everything we need"

She didn't even bother helping him stand up as she stood up and turned around before walking towards the door. She took her wand out from under her robe and pointed it at the knob. "Alohomora"

There was a clicking sound before Hermione turned the knob and pushed the door open. She looked over her shoulder towards him still lying on the ground.

"Could you hurry up, some of us like to sleep for more than a few hours" She repeated his sentence from earlier before disappearing through the door.

Harry had this enormous urge to hit something. He had never felt more embarrassed as he did in this particular moment, not to mention he felt like throwing an huge tantrum until Hermione begged and pleaded with him to stop, after she had apologized profusely, of course.

"Harry! Get in here, right now!"

He shot up and grumbled to himself about 'insensitive friends' as he dragged his feet towards the backroom.

He saw her kneeling on the floor as she rummaged through several different plants as he entered the room and looked around.

It was a tightly packed room with barely enough space for to fit more than two people. He inclined his head and gasped. The walls stretched to almost the same height as the great hall and he could barely make out the ceiling. A ladder was leaning against the opposite wall and it stretched to height of the ceiling.

"Would you shut your mouth and help me?" Hermione's reprimanding voice snapped him out of his daze as he turned his head in her direction.

"Huh" He asked stupidly.

She rolled her eyes as she stood up. "Forget it" She handed him 3 different types of plants. "Make sure not to damage them" She said sternly. "I think it's better if you grab a jar while I search for the rest of the ingredients"

Harry nodded his head before he started looking for an empty jar. He found one after searching for several minutes. "I got one!" He said happily, sounding prouder than he should.

"Awesome" said Hermione, her voice laced with sarcasm which went right above Harry's head.

He put the ingredients in his hand in the jar.

"Got it!" shouted Hermione. She stood up and turned to him. "Here, put these in it too"

"Ew! What's that!" He backed away after seeing a snail like creature in her hand.

"It's a leach" she said rolling her eyes. She snatched the jar from him before dropping the remaining ingredients in the jar. "Done" she sighed happily, relieved that they managed to get everything without getting caught.

Her relieve lasted only a second longer as the sound of the main door to the classroom opening and closing caused a huge wave of panic to bubble inside her chest.

They both stared at each other with fear in their eyes as they heard footsteps getting closer.

Hermione was the first to break out her shock as she pushed Harry to the side before closing the door as quickly as she could without making any noise. She pushed Harry to the ground and pulled him to back corner and under one of the shelves before snatching the cloak from him and draping it over their bodies.

Their hearts were thumping rapidly in their chest as they pursed their lips to stop breathing.

They waited in fear as the person stopped on the other side of the door. They both looked at each other in alarm as the person didn't open the door, fearing that whoever it was must've realized that someone was inside or at the very least had broken in.

Harry felt Hermione grab his hand and squeeze it tightly. He squeezed it back before they turned their gazes towards the door.

They waited with bated breath as the knob was slowly turned before the door was being opened at an immensely slow rate. His anxiety kept rising with every clink the door made.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door was fully opened to reveal none other than their potions professor standing on the other side, a wand in his hand, a scowl on his face with a hint of alarm in his eyes.

Harry felt Hermione grip his hand tighter as Snape entered the room, his eyes roaming in every direction.

They both tried to be as still as possible and forgot there was a thing called 'breathing' as they kept their lips shut firmly.

Snape turned towards the door, and it seemed he was about to head out when he suddenly twisted on the spot and looked at the lower shelf opposite them. His eyebrows scrunched in a frown as he bent at the knee and closely examined the entire row of different plants that were symmetrically placed in a line.

Harry felt his hands getting sweaty and he barely stopped the gasp from emanating his mouth when Snape whirled his head in their direction. However, Hermione wasn't able to hold the tiny gasp that escaped her lips.

Harry looked at her in fear and watched her face losing all colour with her mouth open in shock.

He turned his head back around and gulped as Snape leaned his body in their direction, his eyes locked to a spot just a few inches to Harry's left at the shelf above them.

His head started to feel heavier as the need to breath was getting harder to ignore with every excruciating second. After what felt like an eternity but in reality, was only 15-20 seconds Snape averted his gaze and looked around the room one more time before he stood back to his full height.

He walked out before turning around and closing the door. They heard a clicking noise before the sound of footsteps slowly faded into silence.

They both breathed huge gulps of air as Harry pulled the cloak off them. It took a while for their breathing to return to normal.

"Wow!" wheezed Harry. "That was close"

"Too close" gasped Hermione.

Hermione let go of Harry's hand after realizing she was still holding onto it.

"Sorry, if I squeezed it too hard." said Hermione, looking at him.

He shook his head. "It's okay, I don't blame you"

"Thanks" she whispered, lowering her head. "I was so scared; I was sure we were going to get caught and expelled" her voice broke at the end.

Harry turned his head to look at her. He could tell that she was really shaken by what had just happened and he didn't blame her. "But we didn't though" he said, resting a hand on her shoulder.

She lifted her head and looked at him, tears swimming behind her eyelids. "You're right" she nodded, giving him a small smile. "We didn't"

"Right" said Harry before he got out from under the shelf and walked towards the door. "Let's get out of here. I don't want to spend another second in this place"

He tried to open the door but it was locked. "Unnh!" he grunted in annoyance as he pulled his wand out. "He locked it again!" he exclaimed frustratingly.

"Alohomora" he said, pointing his wand at the handle before putting his hand on it and turning it, which didn't happen. "What" he said confusion as the door remained locked.

"Alohomora" He said more loudly this time. But his effort was to no avail as the door remained locked. "What the-"

He twisted around to face Hermione, who was staring at him with wide eyes.

"It's not opening" his voice came in a whisper, as the reality slowly started to sink in his brain.

Hermione walked forward and repeated the incantation as she pointed her wand at the handle. "Alohomora" She knew it even before she desperately tried to twist the knob that her spell didn't work.

She turned her terror filled gaze towards Harry. "What are we going to do now?"

…..

They were sitting on the floor, in a little corner space that was between where the shelves ended and the side wall, leaning their backs against the stone wall and facing each other. Harry was playing with his ever-faithful penny, twining it between the fingers of his right hand.

"It always amazes me how you do that" He stopped and lifted his head at Hermione. "It almost seems like you're using magic, but I know that's not possible…at least not for you at this stage. I guess it would be easy for the adults or even older students to control it with their magic but…must've taken you a lot of practice to master it" she finished with a contemplative look.

"You've no idea" he scoffed, as a smile played at his lips. "I found this penny one day on the driveway of where I live. I was five…...or six and started playing with it the moment I got back in my cup- room" He stole a glance at Hermione to check if she had caught his slip but realized she didn't from the smile on her face.

"It wasn't until I was nine that I was able to do this." He demonstrated by twining the coin between his fingers smoothly. Hermione watched entranced as the coin seamlessly travelled from under one finger to over the other.

"Wow!" She whispered.

"You want to try it?" he asked.

"Mm mmm" she shook her head before resting her chin on her arms that were placed on her knees. "I don't have great coordination" she mumbled.

Silence enveloped them as they both were lost in their thoughts. Harry scratched the back of his neck as he yawned loudly. He caught Hermione's eye and they both chuckled.

"Sorry" he said, sounding embarrassed.

"It's alright" she said, as she stopped chuckling.

"So" started Hermione, gaining his attention. "What do you do when you are at home? I mean do you play any sports or watch T.V or… you know" she shrugged.

Harry exhaled deeply as he pondered her question. "Umm…well…as I told you last year…...my life is a little different from your average 12-year-old"

Hermione's eyes immediately widened as realization dawned on her face. "Oh Harry! I'm sorry, I should've known-" Her apology was cut off by Harry waving his hand.

"It's okay"

Silence overcame them as Harry went back to staring at his penny as Hermione turned her gaze down, deep in thought.

"But…..." Hermione lifted her head as Harry paused for a second before continuing. "This last summer was the best time I've ever had…. I mean not including Hogwarts" He added.

Hermione nodded her head as a smile came over lips. She straightened her back and leaned a little further towards him.

Harry could tell that she was eager to know more by the smile on her face. What surprised him though was he wanted to tell her, wanted her to know that he too, for once, enjoyed staying home like every other kid.

"For one, my uncle stayed away from me…...for the most part, at least, which was good and- "

"How did your relationship changed with your aunt, so fast I mean?" Hermione cut him off. Her mouth opened in shock as she realized what she had just asked as she saw Harry shift uncomfortably on the spot and turn his head away

"I'm so sorry, Harry, I had no business asking that. I'm very sorry" She apologized, the words leaving her mouth at a rapid pace as she watched him with concern and apprehension in her eyes.

"It's okay" he said, still avoiding her eyes which did nothing to make Hermione feel better.

"Please go on…what you were going to say. I would really like to hear, and I promise I won't ask anything else" she pleaded, scooting a little towards him before laying a gentle hand on his arm.

Harry lifted his head, and his eyes went to her hand on his arm. Hermione blushed as she followed his gaze and pulled her hand back. "Sorry" she whispered.

Feeling embarrassed, she shifted back to her spot while staring at the floor.

"I made a new friend"

Her eyes snapped towards his as she lifted her head. "Really!" she exclaimed, grinning widely.

Harry smiled before giving a nod.

"Oh, that makes me so happy you've no idea" Her infectious tone made Harry's smile turn wider as he remembered the time he spent with Olivia.

"Yeah," he said, his eyes a little glazed as he was reminiscing. "Makes me happy too"

"So, what did you two do?" Hermione's question made him snap out of his thoughts and look at her. "Knowing you, it surely would be related to mischief" she smirked, raising an eyebrow.

He smiled, shaking his head. "No, nothing of that sort…. we just played basketball for the most part and, talked" He shrugged at the end.

"Really!" she asked in shock. "You know how to play basketball" Her eyebrows disappeared behind her hair.

Harry chuckled. "Well, I didn't at first but she teached me and now I'm not half bad. I mean I really have a long way to learn but we did beat these two guys once and they were a little older than us. We make a pretty good team" He finished proudly, remembering how happy he felt after they beat the two boys.

"She?"

He snapped out of his memories for the second time and turned his gaze towards Hermione, who was staring at him with furrowed brows.

"Hmm?" he asked.

"You said she" she stated.

"Umm…. yeah" he didn't know how to reply to that.

He started to feel a little uncomfortable as Hermione kept staring at him without blinking once. After what felt like a lifetime to him, but was only a few seconds, she said "Hmm…. okay" she leaned back and brought her knees towards her chest, putting her arms around them before laying the side of her face on them.

Harry was a little surprised by her reaction. He didn't know what to make of it as he stared at her brown mane of hair.

He was wondering if he should ask her when her voice interrupted his thoughts. "What's her name?" he looked up to see that her head was still in the same position, and he couldn't see her face.

"Olivia"

"Olivia…...is she the same age as us?"

"Yeah…...she is a muggle though, so she doesn't know about our world" he replied.

"Hmm…...you must miss her" Her voice was getting smaller by every word but still loud enough for Harry to hear.

She lifted her head to look at him when he didn't reply. "Well…." She asked before her voice trailed off.

He lifted his head and looked around the tight space around them before his eyes settled on her. "Yeah but…...I'm not sure she would want to be friends with me anymore"

"Why" A scowl came over Hermione's face.

"I-I broke my promise" he started as a solemn expression took over his face.

"What promise?" asked Hermione as her features softened from seeing Harry so distressed.

Harry took a deep breath before speaking. "I made her promise to come visit me tomorrow. After my uncle locked me inside, I wasn't allowed to go outside my room…. but then after a few days she came and visited me. To see what was wrong and why I stopped coming. I made some lame excuse about homework.

She said I was lying but that she wouldn't ask me anymore, that I'll tell her when I'm ready. When she was about to leave, I made her promise to visit me tomorrow. But that night everything changed, and I was the one to break the promise"

He felt his eyes start to prickle and suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion. He fought hard to keep the tears at bay and managed to do so. After all he had been practicing it all his life.

"Now she probably doesn't even want to speak with me again" his voice cracked at the end as he turned his gaze down.

He felt a hand on his knee and looked up. Hermione's eyes shone with sympathy as they she stared at him. "I'm sure she understands something important must've come up"

Harry nodded gravely.

She could tell he needed more assurance. "Harry, if she is really as good a friend you say she is then I'm sure she would still want to be friends with you when you see her again"

Harry mustered a small smile and nodded. "Yeah" he whispered. "You're right"

They both shared a smile as he felt a heavy weight lift of his chest, suddenly feeling a lot lighter.

"Good" Hermione squeezed his arm before removing her hand.

Hermione didn't move back towards the wall this time as a comfortable silence surrounded them.

"What about you?"

She turned her head towards him. "What about me?"

"What do you like to do for fun when you're at home" he asked.

"Oh…...umm…...well, I like to read- "

"Big surprise there" quipped Harry as he smirked at her.

She poked her tongue at him childishly before they both erupted into a fit of giggles. She continued after the laughter died down. "And I like to do puzzles, you know the ones in the paper"

She squinted her eyebrows as she tried to think of other things. Her face lit up as she turned to Harry. "Oh! I also love to play board games with my dad. We play monopoly, and nightmare, and my favourite, Articulate!" she gushed with a beaming smile.

"I know of monopoly because Dudley's got one but haven't heard of the other two" replied Harry.

"Oh, you would love them. Nightmare is basically horror based. You have to collect keys from each of the provinces on the board. But you have to do so before the timer on cassette tape that comes along with it, and in articulate, you have to describe a word to other person from a given category without actually saying the word. Oh, I simply love it and till this day I've never lost to my dad." She finished proudly, tilting her chin up.

Her avid enthusiasm brought a smile to Harry's lips before a thought occurred to him. "Do you think you can bring them to school after holidays"

Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement as she pondered on what he said. "Why didn't I think of that?" she gasped.

"Are we even allowed to bring in muggle stuff?" he asked before continuing. "I mean, I've never seen one before" he shrugged.

"Of course, we can bring it. If it's appropriate. I mean when you think about it, hairbrush is a muggle object as well and I have at least 4 in my trunk"

Harry nodded contemplatively.

"But, just to be sure I'll ask Prof. McGonagall" she added as an afterthought.

"Hmm" agreed Harry.

"Oh, it would be so much fun!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Yeah" chuckled Harry. "I mean even though I don't mind wizard chess, but other games like exploding snap I don't care that much for" he said. "Maybe it's also because I can't seem to get my head wrapped around them"

"Yeah, I know what you mean" agreed Hermione. "I mean we didn't grow up with them unlike Ron or mostly everyone else"

"Yeah" whispered Harry before he leant back and dropped his head back to rest against the wall.

A loud rumbling noise startled them as they both jumped to their feet.

"AAAH!" shrieked Hermione as she clutched on to Harry's arm who was staring wide-eyed at the spot where his head was resting a moment ago.

The noise seemed to be coming from within the wall, the sound similar to bricks separating in the leaky cauldron that acted as the entrance to Diagon alley.

"What was that?" whispered Hermione from his side.

Harry took a step forward, but Hermione pulled him back. "Harry don't!" He looked at her over his shoulder. "Don't go near it. It could be dangerous" Her eyes were wide in fear and her grip on his arm tightened.

She frowned when seeing a grin appear on his face. "Hermione, do you have any idea what we've just found?" he said excitedly.

She shook her head as her frown deepened.

"It's a secret passage" he exclaimed.

"What?" she whispered.

He rolled his eyes before turning towards her. "Look, last year during the holidays when I was alone, I roamed around the castle, and I found quite a few hidden passages. They were mostly hidden behind a tapestry or a painting or camouflaged as a wall, like this" He pointed to the wall as he finished.

Hermione turned her eyes to the wall before looking up at him. "But how can you be sure?"

"Because of the sound. It's similar. Everytime, I found one it always made this sound" He could tell she still wasn't fully convinced from the dubious expression on her face. "Look"

He turned around and pushed at the spot where his head rested.

Hermione gasped as a gap appeared in the wall, which Harry pushed. She stared with an open mouth at the now open door. It was similar in height and width to an average door.

Harry beamed at her. "See"

"Wow" she whispered; awe etched all over her face.

"C'mon, let's get out of here"

He picked up his cloak and walked through the passage with Hermione right behind him after she picked up the jar that held their ingredients. Once she had gotten through he closed the door before turning around.

"It's a tunnel" said Hermione, a slight trepidation in her voice.

"Don't worry, they are all like that" He said, leading the way. "Wonder where this one will lead us"

"Hopefully not outside the castle," said Hermione.

"Ow!" groaned Harry, stopping and leaning against the side.

"What happened!"

"My foot landed badly" He pointed at a spot on the ground where it was uneven. "It's hurting on the exact part where I broke it" he moaned.

"Would you quit it!" she snapped. "You didn't break it and you should step carefully when you know you've got an injured foot, not a broken one" she muttered the last part while shaking her head.

Harry glared at her as she put an arm around his waist and his left arm around her shoulders before slowly starting to walk.

Harry limped a little and leaned on to Hermione as he tried to put as little weight as possible on his injured foot.

"Could you not fall over me?" Hermione huffed as she shifted his arm a little.

"I'd like to see you walk with a broken foot"

"If you say that word one more time, I swear-"

"And how would you know-"

"Because my dad actually broke his foot, and he was thrashing around on the floor. I nearly saw tears coming out of his eyes, something I thought I would never see" she shivered as she tried to block the image out of her mind.

"Your point being?" asked Harry irritadely.

Hermione let out a frustrating sigh before answering. "My point is that if my dad, who is a grown man, was nearly brought to tears while screaming his head off, then," she looked at him up and down before continuing. "You would've dropped unconscious right on the spot from the pain"

Harry's mouth opened in shock by her admission. He was offended to say the least. "Wha-how-I-"

Hermione rolled her eyes before looking ahead. "Look I can see the door. C'mon, we're nearly there"

"Maybe I'm much stronger than your dad. Did you consider that?"

She simply gave him a deadpan look before turning her gaze forward once more. Hermione pulled the door before she stuck her head out and looked sideways.

"C'mon, no one's around" she pulled him out before closing the door. She watched in amazement as the door merged into the wall. She put her hands on the spot where the door would've been and gave a little push but nothing happened.

"Looks like it was just one way entry" she said. "Makes sense since you don't want someone to find a hidden path to the potions lab" she added.

"I think we're on the fourth floor. How am I going to climb the staircase with a broken foot" He whined petulantly.

Hermione turned around and glared at him. "I'll carry you if I have to" she hissed. "Now, get walking" she snapped, snatching the cloak from his hands before draping it over them. She draped her arm around his waist as he put his arm around her shoulders as they started walking.

"I think I might have to miss classes tomorrow-"

"Oh no you don't" she interrupted him with a glare. "You're not missing any classes because of some minor injury. I'll make sure of that"

"We'll see what Madam Pomfrey has to say about that" he said with false confidence.

"Just what I've been saying for the past hour" Hermione retorted.

"Which is wrong, of course"

"Is not"

"Is"

"Is not"

"Is"

"Is not"

"Is!"

…..

Hospital Wing, Morning

"…Is not broken" said Madam Pomfrey as she walked towards him with a horrific looking liquid in her hand. "Now drink this and your pain will go away in a jiffy"

Before he could protest she tilted his head before pouring the liquid down his throat.

"Ack! Ack!" He coughed loudly as his face twisted.

He looked up to see Hermione looking at him smugly. He could tell she was trying very hard not to laugh.

"Happy!" He huffed.

"Very" she giggled.

"And why are you smiling" He glared at Ron who was standing behind her. "You are supposed to take my side"

"Sorry mate, but there is nothing I could do here to help you" snickered the red head. "Oh, I can't believe I missed you rolling around the floor" He guffawed as another bout of laughter hit him. Hermione joined him and soon their laughter drowned out every other noise.

"Some friends I've got" grumbled Harry.

"I hope you keep up your end of the promise, Harry" said Hermione after she regained her breathing. "You're going to be studying with me for an hour everyday till the winter break"

"Yeah, yeah" he groused as Ron started laughing even louder.

…..

4 weeks later, Library

Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting at the back, pouring over their charms assignment. Harry leaned back and stretched his arms above his head as he yawned loudly. He blushed deeply as he saw several students gave him odd looks, including his friends.

"Who yawns like that in the evening. We haven't even had dinner yet?" Ron asked, bewildered.

"I do, deal with it" glared Harry, the embarrassment gone from his face.

His gaze found Hermione's who was giving him a sympathetic look. He turned his gaze back to the parchment he had been working on but his mind was far away.

"I'm going to the great hall. It's almost time for dinner. I heard the elves are making treacle tarts today" said Ron, licking his lips as he got up and put his stuff in his bag.

"See ya" replied Hermione, her eyes glued to the large tome in front of her.

"When are you guys coming?"

"I'll be along shortly" replied Hermione. Ron nodded before turning to Harry.

"Harry?"

"I'll come with Hermione. I've got to finish this" he said, pointing to the parchment before him.

"Okay then" said Ron, before walked away.

As soon as he was out of the library, Hermione's head shot up. "Harry?"

"Hmm"

"You're sad about your aunt leaving, aren't you" she asked softly.

He lifted his head and nodded.

"But it's good isn't it. It means she's fully recovered"

"I know" he sighed, dropping his quill on the table. "It's just that….I'm going to miss her"

"But look at it this way. The winter break is only a week away. You'll be able to visit her in no time. You are going back for holidays, aren't you?" she asked.

"Yeah" he nodded before mustering a smile. "It's just that I got used to visiting her nearly everyday and…I don't know" he finished with a shrug.

"I know what you mean. She is really nice. I only got to meet her one time but she was very nice with me"

"You still haven't told me what you two talked about" he frowned.

Hermione's cheeks tinged pink as she ducked her head. "Oh, you know, just normal stuff"

Harry stared at her for a moment before packing his things. "C'mon let's go. I'm starving"

….

"How long till the potion is ready?" he asked, as they turned a corner before continuing on their way.

"Just a week now. You can come take a look if you like" she smirked.

"Never. I'm not getting near her if I can help it" He visibly shuddered as he recalled his encounter with Moaning Myrtle. "I still don't understand why you chose to brew the potion in there"

"Because no one ever visits it"

"Exactly!"

"Oh please, she isn't so bad" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Whatever" he grumbled as they turned another corner and continued down the hallway.

"Oh, I'm so glad the dueling competition is out of the way. The first bit, anyway" said Hermione. "I was so nervous about it"

"Yeah, me too. Now we don't have to worry about it for a few months at least" said Harry.

"I still can't get the look on Ron's face out of my head when he beat Parvati" chuckled Hermione.

"I think he was the most shocked out of everyone that he got through to the next level" said Harry as he chuckled alongside her.

They turned another corner, still laughing at the behalf of their friend when they stopped dead in their tracks. Their mouths opened in shock and pure fear etched on to their faces. Up ahead were two bodies lying on the floor next to a puddle of water.

A/N: As always guys, post your comments and let me know your thoughts and I'll catch you on the flip side.