Chapter 13: Dark Clouds

"Mr. Potter." He blinked, looking up from his blank sheet of paper. What? What was he doing right now? Was he late for class? Or was he in the library? Or did he-

"Mr. Potter!" Jumping he focused on… Madam Pince? Rubbing his eyes he noticed how his glasses were not there. Quickly he scrambled to get them, smushing the lenses onto his face. His heart raced when he noticed Madam Pince's pinched face; she always did that when she was upset.

"S-Sorry Madam Pince, I didn't ruin any of the books, I was just working on an assignment and-" He was forced to stop when the librarian raised her hand.

"Mr. Potter, that's not why I was calling you, I've seen you doze off at least five times. Students need to get plenty of rest, and I will not watch you fall asleep in an uncomfortable position with no food in your stomach. You have been here since second period, Mr. Potter, and it is now dinner time." She began explaining, hands on her hips.

"D-Dinner?" He stuttered, praying that what she said wasn't true. His heart pounded, dread pooling in his stomach as he scrambled to gather his things, panicking because if he had indeed been in the library since second period then-

"Mr. Potter!" she spoke sternly, making him sit back down once he started to sway and his face grew even paler.

"Calm down and sit, your face is extremely pale and you look like you're about to faint," She listed off. Using her magic she had the books placed back into their original places, "Whatever has you in such a tizzy can wait, and if you're so worried about missed classes, I'm sure the professors will understand you being unwell. If they have any doubts, then I will vouch for your terrible state." She said, and then to his shock brought forward a tray carrying a platter of sandwiches and juice.

"Now eat, or else I'll send you to Madam Pomfrey, young man. She will hold you for a week compared to me making sure you have a meal." It was strange to see the strict librarian allowing food inside her sanctuary of books, the biggest rule of the place. Numb, he slowly took a sandwich, after the first bite he realised just how hungry he was. Quickly finishing the first one and working on the second one when the glass of orange juice appeared before him.

"Drink this, if you eat too quickly you'll grow sick and choke at the same time," she ordered, using her magic to organise his things and place them inside his bag. Harry didn't realise he was crying until he felt the hot tears on his cheeks. Grabbing the cup of juice he drank it silently, a tight feeling sitting in his throat as he had another sandwich. The tightness only grew when Madam Pince conjured a handkerchief for him to clean his face.

"Go straight to your bed after this young man, you look far too exhausted to be here," she told him, having the tray of food be refilled with less than half the sandwiches. The last thing she wanted was for him to become sick and throw up on the floor because of overeating.

"Yes, Madam Pince." Harry mumbled, being in such a daze that he didn't remember when he left the library and reached his bed.

"Here we are, I took the liberty of meeting with your professors and explained the situation to them. They were more than understanding, and gave your assignments along with a parchment stating everything that was taught yesterday and will be taught the next few days. You have two weeks of extensions on all assignments from when they're given and are not expected to attend classes until next week," she listed off, showing the stack of papers she had been keeping safe since that morning.

"I've looked them over and have created a list of the books you need to finish your work," She said, walking around, carrying the stack of papers and leading him further into the library. They passed several tables and bookshelves before finally reaching an area with a table, sofa, and window; the perfect little study spot. A thick quilt was folded onto the sofa as well, since they were still in the middle of winter. Even with spells the library could get quite cold with all the windows.

"This is where you will be working from now on, away from the other students so you can focus on your work. I expect you to work only for two or three hours and then take a nap on this couch. I will be checking periodically to ensure you are following those rules. If you're against eating in the great hall, a house elf has agreed to send a basket of food during meal times," she told him, letting him settle in before she gave him the stack of papers. The books he needed floated over and stacked themselves to one side. A few minutes later she left him there without a word.

So this was what being cared for felt like…

"You certainly seemed to have gained some weight. If you hadn't I would have immediately sent you to Madam Pomfrey," the stern voice of Madam Pince broke him out of his focused state. Her cloak had a fur lining; even though the heavy snow stopped, the cold was still there.

"Huh? O-Oh, well the house elves work hard and they keep leaving a basket on the table. The smell was…" his cheeks warmed as his stomach grumbled at the thought of food.

"Seems like it's time for you to have some food," Madam Pince said, and he could've sworn that there was a bit of amusement in her voice. Before he could even say anything she had called an elf and requested lunch for them both. What was more surprising was that she took the seat that was opposite to him.

"I always find having some company while eating a meal helps one to relax," she explained with a small smile. With a flick of her wand she had everything he was working on moved to the side, neatly organised just as several plates of food appeared. A loaf of bread freshly baked and sliced, tomato soup with some vegetables, and soft cheese to add to the bread. Drinks were freshly squeezed juice or water. It was rather healthy compared to what was served in the Great Hall.

"A balanced meal is essential for one to recover and be healthy. Dinner you'll have more meat, as no doubt you're using quite a lot of energy for your studies," she said as she got to work on having her own food. The cheese was being spread on one of the pieces of bread.

"Did you want to become a healer at some point?" It would make sense if she had, considering how much she nagged about his health.

"Mm, at one point yes, but I found myself enjoying learning anything and everything about everything I could instead of focusing on a specific subject. I am more of a scholar than someone who goes about specialising in something. My position is like that of a researcher, and when the opportunity to become the librarian for Hogwarts was offered I leapt at the chance," her lips twitched when she noticed his expression.

"Not quite what you were expecting? There's more to this position than one would think; I don't just go about organising the books. I make sure that the school's catalogue remains up to date, and if there's something interesting I can purchase it for the school. I've come across many fascinating books because of it and even created my own personal collection," she finished, nibbling on her piece of bread before focusing on the soup.

That was interesting to hear. He always thought the job was simple, if a bit boring. Still, Hogwarts was considered to be one of the top schools in the country, and all the Professors had their own specialty. So while the position of a librarian may seem simple, there was no doubt more to it.

"Does that mean you were a Ravenclaw when you attended Hogwarts?" The soup was really rich, and despite the vegetables being cooked in it, they were still crunchy.

"I was, which is why I can understand the students who spend hours here. It takes someone similar to understand another after all." Curious he began to ask about her time at the institute and how it compared to now.

"Well, there is one big difference. The assignments I complained about in the past look simple to me now. That's something to be expected; who I was back then to now is vastly different. I have grown in many ways and matured as well. Although I was always considered to be a bit more mature than my peers, something I'm sure you can relate to," she said with a smile.

It was true, he had a hard time relating to everyone else. Sure everyone in Ravenclaw had curiosity and learning but none of them were as invested. There were the upper year students who spent a decent amount of time learning, but this year group just did their homework and that was it. There was no exploring more into what they were learning, or truly learning everything about what they were being taught.

"That's true, it's just the details are really interesting! I mean there are multiple ways to apply just one spell. Then there's combining two spells and that opens up a whole new category," he began saying before he realised that he was going to start going on a rant if he didn't stop. Clearing his throat he focused on the soup,

"Sorry, sometimes I get carried away…" The only people who really enjoyed his rants were his grand- no, they were gone. Uncle Remus liked talking to him when they had the chance. Sometimes Sirius joined in on the conversations.

"It's quite alright, having an interest towards one's own education is what differentiates between a student and a scholar. You understand that working hard now is an investment in yourself. By studying and learning now, your life after graduation will be a lot easier," she added, and that was how he viewed it, but everyone around him didn't see it like that. Rosemary didn't even want to talk about these kinds of things, much less talk with him… He didn't see Uncle Remus and Sirius that often either.

"Of course that is what makes others think you are more mature, and you are. Just as long as you allow yourself to enjoy your youth as well. It may not seem like it, but it is important. The time you have now is time that you will never get back, so make the most out of it." The lady finished up her soup and used the bread to soak up the last bit of it.

"It's also why I can relate to your position, I lost my father during my time at Hogwarts. Not as young as you, but what you're going through… Well, I've been there, too." What? But she looked… He couldn't believe it, the pain, just not having his grandfather…

"How-" He cleared his throat, trying to swallow the lump in his throat but it was difficult. The bandage he put over the pain had torn open, and now he felt as if his heart was bleeding again.

"He passed away due to dragon pox, it was unexpected, but so is losing anyone," she said gently, leaning forward and taking hold of his hand. Squeezing it, thumb rubbing over the knuckles, it was quite comforting.

"Unless you mean how to overcome the pain?" she asked gently. "I'm sorry to say there's nothing that can be used to cure the pain, Hadrian, only time heals, and even then it never truly goes away. You will always miss them, but I'm sure your grandfather would want you to continue looking forward to the many things left in life. That way when you see him again you can tell him everything you experienced while he was away." He couldn't - she made it sound so easy! And he- he felt hot, everything was too much and he couldn't breathe, what- Firm arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a tight hug and he just couldn't take it anymore-

"It's okay… you can grieve, you haven't been able to mourn properly. Crying helps." Madam Pince said softly, a hand starting to go through his hair. Some kind of lullaby or song being hummed as she did this, his grandfather did the same when he was feeling down…

Thump! Blinking Hadrian looked up from his work, eyes widening when he saw the massive stack of books in front of him. There had to be at least ten books in a stack and there were three of them!

"Took some time to find them all, but here we are. All of my notes during my time at Hogwarts, and even for a Ravenclaw my notes were extensive. Then again being thorough was what allowed me to become Head Girl and graduate with honours." Madam Pince mused, pushing up her glasses.

"It'll take a bit more time, but I'm sure I can find some of the supplementary books I used as well. The Ancient Runes workbook I had was especially good and I don't think you could find that copy any longer… What assignment are you working on right now?" Looking over at his parchment and the books spread about. Hadrian's mind was still wrapping around the fact she brought out journals of her time at Hogwarts and that there were so many of them as well! Just how extensive were her notes? How many courses did she take for the electives?

"Potions? Ah Severus is a hard man to please, not many can demonstrate the intellect he had at your age. He is a separate kind of genius when it comes to potions, and his passion does bleed over into his teachings." Moving aside a chair and taking a seat beside him.

"Now what are you struggling with exactly? He likes to test the students by adding in a few tricky questions with potions that can have multiple uses." Shaken out of his stupor Hadrian paused,

"Isn't it cheating if I ask you for help?" He questioned softly. No matter how difficult something was, when it came to academics he wanted to solve things himself. His grandfather, it hurt less to think of him now, always emphasised the importance of education. She scoffed, looking over the textbook,

"Cheating? That only matters during your tests and exams dear. This is an assignment, something your teachers expect you to put research into when answering. Asking assistance from those older or even professionals is to be expected, one can only learn from those more experienced. It is only cheating if you're expecting the answer to be given to you, which I will not be doing." Giving him a pointed look. Even if she had a soft spot for him she would uphold the academic qualities of the institution.

"That's… it's very Slytherin of you." Was the only thing he could reply, his mind going over the possibilities since this wasn't against the rules apparently. If this really was the case, then he could ask assistance for the other classes right?

"Slytherin, Ravenclaw, they're two sides of the same coin. It all depends on which quality you place more importance on. Now what is it that got you into a mad research frenzy?" She waved her hand dismissively before reminding him why she was sitting down in the first place.

"Ah, well, Professor Snape said we had to research why we can't use mandrake root this way, but we use the mentioned method for the anti-petrification potion. It seems counterproductive, because if the method could be used for that potion, then why is it not possible to use in other potions?" He explained, in all the books he had read there was no explanation for it. He had been at it for almost two hours and was nowhere close to getting an answer. This was the very last assignment he had to do for today, everything else was done or for the next day.

"Ah, this is a common problem for those who don't delve deeper into potions. Your thought process is flawed, have you looked at the other ingredients used for the anti-petrification potion? What are their properties? How are they cut? The order they're being mixed and the reactions that come out of it?" She listed, smiling when she noticed his blank face. Poking him on the forehead with the back of a quill.

"For potions it is important to think in this way compared to your other classes. You could apply the same thought process to your other classes as well, that is if you have the energy for it. Putting in that extra effort is what differentiates one student from another, because the level of understanding is what's considered most important. Spells don't get executed properly if the understanding of it is shallow after all." With a flick of her wand she brought out one of the books, "Here, this one is a good encyclopaedia of potion ingredients and their reactions when combined in various ways. It helped me quite a bit during my school years, I've placed plenty of notes alongside the margins. Of course it would be better if you make your own notes as well, that way you're truly absorbing the information." To help him she began showing what she meant when it came to the thought process by using the first year potion, the cure for boils.

"Does it make sense to you now?" She inquired after twenty minutes of explaining everything on a spare piece of parchment.

"I feel like my entire mind has been opened up to new things…" Hadrian mumbled, feeling a small headache building up between his eyes.

She chuckled at those words before handing over the parchment, "That means you understand and aren't looking forward to the work ahead of you. Keep your head up, the work you put in now will be invaluable for the future." Checking the time with a spell she got up and dusted off her dress, "Now then I will leave you to it, and no more calling me Madam Pince when it's just us. Call me big sister Irma instead." Eyes wide in shock he watched as she left with a laugh. It was the happiest he saw her be since their interaction began.

He never thought that he would end up becoming acquaintances? Friends? Well whatever it was, he didn't think their relationship would be like this. Now they were in a more sibling-like relationship, which he didn't know how to handle… His only representation of a sibling wasn't the best either, but this… it wasn't so bad.

Smiling, he focused back on the work, using the parchment she had written as a reference. Finally he could crack down on this question and get an answer, it was the last bit of homework he had left for today.

He always wanted a real big sister…

"As a fellow Ravenclaw I understand the importance of studies and learning, but there is such a thing as too much studying." Mada- Irma admonished him a couple of weeks later. Their heavy clothing was discarded for something lighter as the snow was melting and the weather had become more rainy. Fog appearing on the grounds was now common to see.

He was still adjusting with the new title, "Madam- I mean… big sister Irma," His ears growing warm as the glare she was giving turned into a smile, "S-Shouldn't you be happy that I'm taking my studies seriously? Isn't that what every older sibling wants for their younger ones?" Course he didn't know if that was the case exactly, Rose never wished anything good for him.

"Yes, and I am proud of you for that," Hearing those words made his stomach do flips, "But I would also like it if you didn't overwork yourself. We are people Hadrian, not objects, and just like any living being, breaks are essential for one's health. Studying nonstop as you are right now will only jeopardise your health in ways you won't realise until it's too late." She began saying, taking a seat across from him.

"You've adjusted to classes and the workload once again, the teachers are saying only good things about you. The quality of your work has always been good, but you're also doing better in general, recovery is a good thing. So now that you're coping better, you can start doing something fun. Letting the brain relax improves learning, and surely you have a hobby?" She inquired.

A hobby… With everything that had been going on, the gossip, his grandfather's death, and needing to adjust to this new life… He never had the time to do something fun, there was just too much to handle at the time. Things were getting easier, and he was getting ahead of his work now instead of struggling to stay afloat… It's been so long since he did his hobby, but his hobby… It was something that he and his grandfather did together. He nibbled on his lip, nerves starting to come up.

"I have one…" He murmured quietly, hands feeling cold as he gripped his quill, "I, I learned how to play the piano. Learning new pieces was always fun, but…" He took a deep breath, pushing past the pain, "it was something my grandfather and I did together." Just thinking about those memories had a few tears come up. Irma came around and gave a hug, it was something she liked to do, and he had finally started to get used to it.

"That's a wonderful hobby Hadrian, I could never get the hang of any musical instrument, didn't have the ear for it," She told him gently, squeezing his shoulders as she gave an embarrassed smile.

"You could take it up again, it'll be difficult, but think of it as a way of honouring your grandfather. I'm sure your grandfather wouldn't want you to stop having fun because he's gone now. My father loved plants, and while I don't have the greenest thumb, I do my best in trying to keep two plants in my room in memory of him. It helps make me feel like a part of him is still with me, besides whatever he left in my name."

Hadrian sniffed, wiping away a few tears that slipped out.

"I'll- I'll try," He mumbled, returning the hug, enjoying the warmth that came with it.

"That's all that matters. With how big this castle is, I'm sure there's a piano tucked away somewhere just begging to be used. Give me a couple of days and one of these abandoned rooms could be made into a music room, and with the help of a few spells you can practise again without disturbing anyone." she said brightly, grinning and doing her best to cheer him up.

The following weekend….

"I tried to tell the house elves that they didn't have to do anything big, but well… you know how they can be." Irma explained as she opened the classroom door. She was wearing a burgundy sweater, black pants, boots and a cardigan thrown on top. The hair wasn't in a tight bun either, it was strange to see her out of the librarian uniform. Still the new look made her look several years younger, and he could actually imagine her as a big sister now.

"They went overboard like always?" he asked, raising a brow with a smile.

"Exactly, but the result is certainly something because of it." With that they entered the room. It was hard to believe that they were in a classroom, there were the same old oak floors, but the chairs and tables were gone. There were two plush sofas and armchairs with a coffee table in the middle. Long red curtains pulled and tied to the side so light could come in, making the room appear bigger than it was. Beside the windows was a grand piano, the black coating shining under the light. The quality was obvious, and with the rug placed underneath, cold weather would not be a problem.

"Wow! This is more like a lounge room than a music room…" Walking in slowly, immediately going over to the piano and pressing a key. The sound was soft, yet crystal clear and Hadrian couldn't help but smile because of it.

"Well, I suppose they made it like this since I told them it was only going to be used by one student. They even added in some bookshelves to hold music. Makes for quite the nice hangout spot if I may say so," she added, closing the door with a smile, pleased at seeing the bright smile on his face.

"But!" Seeing she had his attention she grinned, poking him on the forehead, "Just because you got a nice room here doesn't mean you can stay here. I expect you to do your studies in the library like usual. Just like how I expect to hear you play something for me at some point. If I see you stop coming to the library, I'll revoke your access to this place! Someone has to make sure that you're not falling back into bad habits, and as your big sister, that's my job," she concluded, purposely annoying him by making a mess of his hair.

"Clear?"

Scowling he gave her a look, trying to fix his hair again with his fingers.

"Crystal clear," he murmured before getting distracted again by the piano. Taking a seat he played a few notes, letting himself remember before playing a song. Irma stood to the side, watching with a smile as Hadrian's eyes lit up with joy. It was worth using a bit of her savings to get the piano, if only to see that smile. Listening to the music, it felt as if spring was truly coming.

"This is quite the place you've made for yourself," Severus drawled as he observed the room, cloak billowing behind him like always.

"Sevy! I didn't think you would actually come! You know you should've been a Hufflepuff with how often you like to burrow yourself in your lab," Irma teased, an expression of utter loathing came on his face.

"And I see that you haven't gotten rid of that horrid nickname, Pince. Though I'm surprised you've invited a student here," He stated, not exactly looking at Hadrian, but most definitely wondering why he was here when it was Spring Break.

"Oh relax, Severus! Hadrian is my little brother in everything but blood. We Ravenclaws do like to stay in pairs afterall, surely you know that?"

Dragging Hadrian into a side hug, she looped her arm around his shoulders. Stumbling, Hadrian gave her an annoyed look before awkwardly greeting his Professor.

"Good afternoon, Professor. I didn't think when she mentioned a friend, that it would be you."

"'Friend' is a rather exaggerated term," Severus countered, taking a seat on the sofa at Irma's insistent gestures.

"Psh! Exaggerated where? We were study and class partners since for electives the Ravenclaws and Slytherins were paired together more. He just doesn't want to admit the friendship like the classic Slytherin he is, I'm a 'connection' to him." Irma retorted, plopping down on the opposite side, pulling Hadrian till he was sitting beside her.

"Besides, I knew you'd be spending another lonely break since Regulus is busy with that Arithmancy conference in Germany. Aren't you glad that you got some company this time around?" She said as food appeared on the coffee table. Yorkshire pudding, treacle tart, a variety of sandwiches, some smoked beef, and a handful of drinks were laid out neatly. It was most definitely something that would be served during a holiday.

"With Mr. Potter, I would say the company is decent," Snape drawled, ignoring Irma's angry look as he took some of the pudding.

"Fine, be the grouchy person you always are, just when I got something good for us to share…" She grumbled, bringing out what seemed to be an old bottle of whisky. Severus raised a brow as he saw the label.

"I sincerely hope you don't expect me to watch a minor drink whiskey," He droned on, it was clear he was questioning Irma's intelligence.

Irma squawked in offence at his assumptions, "This is for us you git! I got him a mocktail to drink! As if I would ever let a sibling of mine drink alcohol when they're clearly not of age!"

Hadrian watched as he was put into this bizarre situation of spending the holiday with his sister figure and professor. After food, they played some exploding snap, chess, and once the two had drunk a certain amount of whiskey he was requested to play on the piano. It was a surreal experience that ended only when the sun went down.

"Here, she'll be needing this for the morning." Snape suddenly said, handing over a green potion, a hangover cure.

"For someone of your age, your skill with the piano is impressive. I hope you continue practising, Mr. Potter, not many wizards take the time to enjoy music." With that he left, cloak flaring behind him as usual. Hadrian blinked, needing a moment to understand everything. Were his piano skills just complimented by the Professor?

Still in stupor he stared down at the potion before looking over to Irma, "Hey sis? Are you two dating?" Immediately he yelped as a stinging hex hit his leg, and gulped as angry eyes stared down at him.

"FOR THE LAST TIME! WE ARE JUST COLLEAGUES!" she snarled out.

Scared for his life he nodded, "Alright! Well, I'm going to leave the potion here, make sure to take it!" He said before quickly leaving the room.

Thinking back over it, he paused, confused, before continuing back to his dormitory. Hadn't he only asked once?

Hello everyone! Erieene speaking here, sorry for the long wait for the new chapter. Got a bit busy with life and had this burning in the background for some time, but I hope you all enjoy it! Please tell me what you all thought of it!