Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter.
A/n- I know, that this chapter is a little long. I really hate making chapters above 5000 words, but I can't postpone any more chapters. I'm really sorry. The next chapter will be up in a day or two.
Chapter 20
It was bright and warm outside that day. The sun was shining splendidly over the castle giving off warmth and light to almost every inch of it. It was a beautiful Sunday morning that all the Hogwart's students appreciated given the fact that mornings at Hogwarts were usually very cold, and dark during that time of the year. The Gryffindors were able to appreciate it more than anyone else however, being that almost all of them were outside that day. For today was the day when the Gryffindor Quidditch team had its first tryout in a long time. Many of the Gryffindors were there to try out, but most of them were just there to see the tryouts and who made the team.
Angelina Johnson, a seventh year chaser, was the new quidditch captain for the Gryffindor team this year. Although she wasn't as dedicated as Wood [their old captain] was, she was still very tough when it came right down to it.
Right before the real tryouts began, Angelina made all those who were trying out do one hundred push-ups and seventy-five sit-ups. And if she saw that one of the students trying out was slowing down, she'd have him cut from the tryouts immediately. Fred and George thought that she was being a little tough on the students, but decided not to say anything to her. They just assumed that, that was the reason why Wood and McGonagall had decided to make her the Captain this year.
"Hey Harry," Fred whispered to Harry, completely snapping him out of his trance.
It was true that quidditch was the very last thing on Harry's mind that day, even though it was his favorite sport. He had too many other thoughts to worry about at that exact moment. Everything that Dumbledore told him the previous day had stayed in his head all night. Every time Harry closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep he saw Voldemort leading an army of Basilisks and killing all of the students at Hogwarts. It was bad enough before when the only thing that kept Harry up was Voldemort himself, now he had a whole army of unstoppable creatures. Harry had only seen a Basilisk once before in his second year, and his only opinion of it was, that he never wanted to see another one again.
"Oh sorry," Harry whispered back, while shaking his head free of his current thoughts. "What did you say?"
"I said," Fred whispered. "That Ron is actually deciding to try out for the team this year."
"Really?" Harry replied. "What position?"
"Chaser," George cut in. "Since we're all leaving next year we have to train a few chasers and beaters now, otherwise you'll be the only experienced player next year, not to mention the fact that we need a keeper right now."
It was true; every single player on the team except Harry was in his or her seventh and final year at Hogwarts. Given normal circumstances, the team would've had plenty of reserves by now, but since the school hosted the Triwizard Tournament in the previous year, the Gryffindor team didn't have a chance to recruit any reserves, not to mention a keeper.
"What's the point of him trying out," Fred said. "He knows he's not gonna make it."
"Take it he does have Weasley blood him," George said. "But he still hasn't got a chance at making the team. What with that thing and all."
"Yeah," Fred said. "I'm surprised that he'd even try, unless he managed to do something about it."
"Did he?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, we haven't played with him all summer," George said.
"But we know he's been practicing," Fred said. "I guess he's probably been working on it. Of course I would too if I had wanted to join the quidditch team."
"Out of curiosity," Harry started. "How did he take it when you guys told him about it?"
Fred and George immediately started giving Harry a strange look.
"What?" Harry said.
"We thought you'd have told him by now," Fred finally spoke up after about a half a minute of silence.
"You did tell him, didn't you Harry?" George asked.
"Well," Harry started, trying to find the right words. "Not exactly."
Immediately two wicked grins started to grow on both of the twins' faces.
"So if he doesn't know," Fred started.
"Then he's going to be humiliated in front of everyone," George finished.
"So it's only right-"
"If he goes first."
"Wait," Harry said. "We can't do that to Ron. We should just tell him instead of having him be humiliated in front of all the Gryffindors."
The twins once again started giving Harry a strange look.
"I'm going to go and tell him," Harry stated and started walking away towards the students trying out, when he was stopped by a very angry looking Angelina Johnson.
"What part of no talking don't you understand?" she hissed.
"We're sorry Angelina," Harry said immediately.
"Sorry doesn't cut it," Angelina hissed a little louder. "Drop down and give me fifty, all three of you!" she looked over at Fred and George.
"But I really have to speak to Ron," Harry protested.
"That'll be a hundred for you Harry," Angelina said. "And let that be a lesson to you."
Harry just nodded.
"After you're done, I want you to fly up near the goal posts and wait there. You'll be playing keeper for the chaser tryouts."
"Okay," Harry nodded. "But could you just give Ron a message?"
"Whatever it is I'm sure it can wait until after the tryouts," Angelina stated as if the subject was closed. "Now get started, or you'll be a hundred more during every training session!"
Fred and George started to snicker a bit as soon as Angelina left.
"Don't worry Harry," Fred said, giving Harry his wicked smile.
"Once we're done with our push-ups, we'll be sure to give Ron the message," George said, also giving a wicked smile. "The message that he'll be going first that is."
Harry just sighed and dropped down to the ground and started on his push-ups.
"First up!" Angelina shouted from the air. "Ron Weasley!"
Ron flew out of the crowd and towards her.
Harry gave a small sigh when he heard this. It looked liked the twins were telling the truth when they said that they would have Ron be the first contestant. Now Harry was being forced to humiliate Ron in front of all the Gryffindors. Harry really felt bad about this. Ever since the first year, when Ron looked in the mirror of Erised, Harry knew that the one thing that Ron really wanted was to stand above his older brothers, who had always overshadowed him in every aspect. And now he, his best friend was going to help shatter Ron's greatest desire.
'No,' Harry thought to himself. 'There's still time. I have to warn Ron!'
"Ron!" Harry yelled out from the goal posts. Ron, who at the moment was receiving instructions form Angelina looked over in Harry's direction. "I have to tell you something!"
"Not Now Harry!" Angelina yelled back.
"But it's important!" Harry yelled again.
"Just ignore him," Angelina said to Ron, and continued giving him instructions.
"I have to stop him from going through with this," Harry said to himself, as he started flying towards Angelina.
"Going somewhere?" George said, as he got right in front of Harry, blocking his path.
"I can't let Ron embarrass himself," Harry stated, and flew around George, but was immediately stopped by Fred.
"Sorry Harry, but I'm afraid, that things like these must run their course," Fred said.
"And besides," George said as he flew in front of Harry. "You wouldn't want us to miss out on seeing our dear brother make an idiot of himself, do you?"
"Not when we even paid extra for close seats," Fred added.
"Harry get into place!" Angelina shouted. "We're starting!"
"Ron!" Harry yelled. "Give up-"
But before he could continue, the twins dragged him towards the goal, holding his mouth closed.
Ron took the quaffle from Angelina and began to fly directly at Harry, as fast as his cleansweep would take him.
"Ron don't!" Harry shouted. But it was too late; Ron was already too focused on the game to hear anything that Harry was saying.
"Oh great," Harry snorted, as he got ready to block Ron's shot.
Ron swiveled over to the right a bit and made a very sharp left turn when he was close to the goal. He threw the quaffle towards the right goal as soon as his finished turning, a very hard shot that would catch most keepers off guard, but somehow Harry caught it with ease.
Fred and George burst out in laughter as soon as they saw this.
"Hey Ron!" Fred shouted. "Who taught you how to shoot grandma!"
Ron just ignored them and took another quaffle from Angelina, and once again headed towards Harry. This time he was zigzagging left and right hoping to make catch Harry off guard, when at the end he'd make a sharp ascend and shoot it form there. However, this didn't work, Harry was able to once again catch the quaffle with ease.
"Ron!" Harry yelled as soon as he caught the quaffle. "You have to stop and listen to me or you won't even make one shot in!"
Ron however didn't hear a word Harry had said. By now he was frustrated and dejected at the fact that Harry blocked two of his best moves like they were nothing at all.
"Good shot Ron!" George yelled out. "Are you sure your hand isn't greasy from all those meatballs that you've been throwing!" The twins broke into laughter once again. They both stopped when Angelina threw them a warning glance.
This time Ron flew towards the goal with Angelina. They were passing the quaffle back and forth to each other as they were reaching the goal. Anglina had the quaffle, she stretched her arm back getting ready to throw the quaffle into the goal. She swung her arm with all her might and the quaffle quickly left her arm. However, it did not fly towards the goal, in fact it flew directly beneath her with blinding speed right into Ron's awaiting hands. Harry was confused for a minute but was able to recover right in time to see Ron swing his hand back to throw.
Ron threw it as hard as he could, but with a lot of effort, Harry was still able to block him.
Ron's jaw dropped when this happened. 'What is going on?' He thought. 'It's as if Harry knows what I'm going to do before I even do it?' He looked over to Fred and George and saw that they were laughing their heads off. 'Something funny is going on.'
"That's enough already!" Harry shouted. "He's had enough!"
"No!" Ron protested. "I can keep going!"
"No, I'm afraid you can't Ron," Angelina said. She looked over to Harry and asked, "is this what you've been trying to tell him about?"
Harry nodded.
"Well I suggest that you explain it to him while I get the next candidate ready," she said as she flew away towards the crowd of aspiring chasers.
"Harry what happened?" Ron asked as soon as Angelina flew away. "I never knew you were that good?"
"He's not," Fred said, as he flew right near them.
"It's just you're that bad," George said, as he flew right behind Fred.
Ron turned to Harry giving him a 'is that true?' look.
"They're right about one thing Ron," Harry said. "It's not me."
"What do you mean?" Ron asked looking dejected.
"You have a bad habit of always turning your wrist up whenever you're about to shoot," Harry explained. "Like this," Harry moved his wrist in almost the exact motion that Ron did when he was about to shoot the quaffle. "I can predict in which direction you shoot and when you're planning on shooting by seeing when and how you turn your wrist.
"If you pick your wrist up backwards, it means you're going to shoot forward; if you turn it to the right that means you're going to shoot to your left; and if you cup the quaffle then that means that you're planning on shooting it to your right. An average keeper will notice this after a few shots. They're trained to watch out for things like that."
Ron looked completely stunned when Harry told him this. He looked over to Fred and George and asked them if it was true.
Fred and George looked at each other for a second, and then burst out laughing.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?" Ron snapped at them.
"You didn't ask," Fred said in between laughs.
"I tried to tell you all this time Ron," Harry said apologetically.
"Great!" Ron grunted. "Now I'm going to be the laughing stock of Gryffindor!"
"Maybe not," Harry said, with doubt in his voice. "Those were the some tough shots you made."
"Thanks," Ron said in a low dejected voice.
"Cheer up," Harry said. "There's always next year. If you could just nick that habit, I'm sure you'll get on the team."
"Really?" Ron said with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Yeah," Harry reassured. "Angelina said that she's going to make me the captain next year, since I have the most experience. I'll definitely give you another chance."
"Thanks Harry," Ron said.
"Oh alright already," Fred grunted. "You two made us feel guilty, are you happy now?"
"What are you talking about?" Ron said, giving the twins a leer.
"We'll work with you, and help you nick that stupid habit of yours," George grunted.
"Really?" Ron said.
"We're only doing this because you're our brother," Fred said.
"But in order to succeed," George started, his wicked grin returning to his face.
"You're going to have to put yourself entirely in our hands," Fred said, giving an equally wicked grin.
Ron gulped and said, "Okay."
"Good," George said. "We'll start during Christmas break."
"Thanks guys," Ron said with sincerity.
"Oh come on Ron," Fred said, pretending to choke. "The deal is off if you start getting mushy on us."
"Harry!" Angelina called. "Get over here, the next chaser candidate is up now!"
"Coming!" Harry called back.
"Are you gonna be okay Ron?" Harry asked.
"I'll be fine Harry," Ron answered. "I'm heading down, Hermione's waiting for me."
"Ok see you later," Harry said. With that, he flew back towards the goal posts.
The rest of the tryouts went a lot more smoothly. Dean Thomas was made the new Gryffindor keeper. The fact that he was very tall, had long arms, and had experience in soccer was what gave him the edge in that competition. Michael Drahm, a third year that Harry never met before was made the backup beater. Peter folks, a fourth year was made the second backup beater. Jessica Parly, another third year was made a backup chaser. Rachel Salsbur another fourth was made the second backup chaser. And to Harry's disappointment, Colin Creevy's younger brother Dennis miraculously was made the third backup chaser. Harry assumed that his small size and his love for getting into troublesome situations gave him a speed advantage over all the other candidates.
Thanks to all of the action on the quidditch field that day, Harry was more or less able to forget about what happened to him the previous day. Granted he wasn't in one of his best moods, but at least he was able to forget about that heavy burden that Dumbledore was placing on Harry for a little while. Quidditch was, like always the best distraction for Harry.
By the time the quidditch tryouts were over, it was already dark at Hogwarts, and dinner was already being served.
Harry entered the great hall with the rest of the team, but soon left them to go and sit next to his friends.
"So how are you doing?" Harry asked Ron as soon as he sat down.
"Alright, I guess," Ron sighed.
"He's been moping all day long," Hermione said.
"I'm sorry that things had went so bad for you at the tryouts. But like I said, if you practice really hard this year, then I'm sure that next year you'll make the team," Harry said trying to cheer Ron up.
"Are you guys even gonna have tryouts next year?" Ron sighed again. "I mean you already have a full team, don't you?"
"Ron I told you, I'm going to be the team captain next year; I'll make it a special occasion kind of thing.
"Besides, I really want to start training a replacement seeker for when I have to leave. Right now I think that Colin's younger brother would be the best candidate for the job, being that he's small, and speedy, and has no qualms about getting himself into danger.
"So as you can see, we might have a spot open for you after all."
"Really?" Ron said hopefully. "I mean, you're not just saying that to make me feel better?"
"Ron," Harry said. "You're my friend, I always tell you the truth, whether it be good or bad, you already know that."
"Thanks Harry," Ron said sincerely.
"So now will you eat something?" Hermione said. "You haven't touched your food at all."
Without even answering Hermione, Ron once again topped off his plate with what seemed like everything served.
"That was really nice of you Harry," Hermione said to him, as she took some food for herself.
"Well," Harry responded, while grabbing a chicken leg and putting it on his plate. "Ron is a good player. If it wasn't for that habit of his he'd definitely make the team."
"So what are you saying, that the only reason you're giving me another chance is because you want to improve your team?" Ron asked.
"No, I just feel like you deserve it," Harry answered. "You worked really hard, and became a better player than you were in the previous years. The only reason you didn't make it is because of one little problem. You shouldn't be penalized so severely for that."
"I guess you're right," Ron said.
"So anyway, what are you going to do after dinner," Ron asked, changing the subject. "Do you wanna play a game of chess?"
Before Harry could say anything, Hermione interrupted in her bossy tone. "No he doesn't," she said. "Harry and I have to start with the arithmancy tutorial."
"Can't you do that later?" Ron whined.
"No we can't," Hermione hissed. "Harry has arithmancy tomorrow, and he didn't even start on his arithmancy homework yet; not to mention all the other homework he has."
"Well he already has one of his homework's in the bag," Ron replied.
"Which one," Harry asked.
"Divination," Ron answered as if it were obvious. "Just say that you're going to get killed by you-know-who, that's all." He finished casually.
"Ron, that's not funny!" Hermione snapped. "Don't even joke about things like that!"
"Who said I was joking," Ron said defensively. "This is the kind of stuff that Trelawny eats up."
"Why do you guys even stay in that stupid class?" Hermione said, her tone still a little harsh. "She's not even a real seer."
"Well, she does make real predictions once in a while," Harry said, before he could actually give thought saying. "Just a few-"
But before he could continue, he remembered that Dumbledore wanted him to keep this secret from Ron and Hermione.
"Oh well, would you look at the time," Harry said, looking down at his broken watch. "We'd better get going Hermione, I still have to finish my defense against the dark arts homework."
"Wait a minute," Ron said, stopping Harry from getting up. "You were about to say something. What happened a few days ago?"
"Nothing," Harry said, not sounding too convincing. "Nothing at all."
"You're lying Harry," Hermione said narrowing her eyes. "Does this have anything to do with that momerichi thing that Ron was talking about?"
"I'm sorry," Harry said. "But I really don't know what that is. So are you coming?" He got up and started heading away from the Gryffindor table.
"Yeah," Hermione said, as she got up, and walked out of the great hall with Harry.
Harry's first tutorial seemed to go real well. Hermione first explained the basic formula used in arithmancy, and gave a few examples of how professor Vector would derive that formula into a new one in Harry's intermediate class. It was really easy for her seeing as she had already taken the intermediate class, and was well aware of the kind of steps that professor Vector took all throughout the year.
With Hermione's help, Harry was able to finish his homework in just under three hours, whereas by himself, it would have taken him much longer, considering the fact that he had more than the other students.
"So, I guess that's it for our first session," Hermione said, as she began to put away her arithmancy books. "You should be able to survive the next few classes with the tips that I gave you. And if you still have trouble, just ask me ok?"
Harry just nodded, and said, "Thanks a lot."
"No problem," Hermione replied casually. "The truth is, that we're basically helping each other."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, as he was taking out his defense against the dark arts homework.
"Well," Hermione said turning a little red. "The truth is that this is what I wanted to do with my life ever since I was little."
"What? Teach?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded.
"Well you're very good at it," Harry assured her.
"Well it helps if you have a good student," Hermione said, giving him a smile.
"I'm sure you'd do great no matter who your student is," Harry said. Harry looked around the common room, and realized that both he and Hermione were the only ones there.
Suddenly, a strange feeling came over Harry, one that he had never felt before. A warm, and tender feeling moved up and down his body, only stopping in his facing, causing him to feel something that he hadn't felt in a long time. He felt his mouth actually curve into a smile, a real one.
When Hermione saw this, she began smiling too.
"Harry. Do you know that, that's the first real smile you showed since I first saw you this year?" she said playfully.
Harry immediately shook it off as nothing more than some kind of one time weird feeling.
"I guess being back here at Hogwarts is finally taking its toll on me," Harry said, still smiling.
"You look really nice with a smile on your face," Hermione said in a soothing voice.
"So do you," Harry said.
As soon as he said this, his face immediately turned back into a frown. "Hermione," He said in a low voice.
"What is it?" She asked, also starting to frown a bit.
"I just realized that I never apologized to you for what happened that night at your house."
"Don't worry about that," Hermione said brushing it of immediately. "It was nothing, really."
"Yes it was," Harry persisted. "You were being so nice to me, and I was so cold, it wasn't right." Harry put his right hand on one of her palms, and said, "I acted like a pratt, and I'm really, very sorry."
As soon as he finished, he realized where his hand was, and removed it immediately. His cheeks blushed slightly, and he lost his voice for a second.
"I'm sorry," he said again as soon as his voice returned to him.
"Don't worry about it Harry," Hermione said, as she turned her head, trying to hide her blush.
Harry just nodded, and stayed silent for a minute.
He tried to start a new conversation with her, but for some reason wasn't able to get the words out. 'What's wrong with me?' Harry thought to himself. 'Why can't I say anything? Do is still feel guilty about what happened that night, or is it something else?' Harry looked over at Hermione one more time. 'Oh well, I'll probably never figure it out if I try thinking about it.'
"Well, I'm going to bed," Harry said as he stood up and started walking towards the boys' dormitory.
"Harry," Hermione called after him.
"What is it?" Harry asked as he turned around to face her once again.
"You forgot all your stuff," she said as she pointed at the desk near where they were sitting.
"Oh right," Harry said awkwardly. "I guess I better get them then."
"Yeah, I guess you should," Hermione replied just as awkwardly.
Harry started picking up his books, only to accidentally drop them all on the floor.
"Here let me help with that," Hermione said. She got out of her seat, and bent down to pick up one of Harry's books just as Harry bent down to pick up that same book. The only problem was that neither noticed the other going for the same book, and they ended up bumping their heads together.
"Sorry," they said simultaneously, and immediately went for another book; and once again, it so happened that they each reached for the same book.
This time, it wasn't their heads that collided, but it was their hands, as they both grabbed the exact same book at the exact same time.
Both of them experienced a feeling of incredible warmth and comfort when this happened. Neither Harry nor Hermione removed their hands from the book, even though they each wanted to really badly. Their brains were telling them to do it, but their arms disobeyed.
They each slowly looked down at their hands, and then slowly turned to look the other's face. They stopped moving when their eyes met.
Hermione's beautiful brown eyes awakened a feeling inside Harry, which he never felt before. For the first time in a long while, he felt free. He felt all of his burdens weighing him down being lifted away. At that moment Harry, felt like he could do anything. He felt like he was soaring the skies and breathing in the fresh air around him.
Hermione smiled as she looked into Harry's brilliant emerald green eyes, and his shining black pupils. They no longer had pain, nor suffering, nor death in them. Instead there was a beautifully glowing fire of hope, trust, and love. These were the eyes that she fell in love with so long ago. The eyes she'd dreamt about for so many nights.
Harry and Hermione started to move closer to each other, neither aware of what they were doing; both captured in the other's eyes. They were uncontrollably inching closer and closer to each other, when the portrait to the common room opened up and a groan came from the other end.
"Oh, boy," Ron groaned as he walked into the common room clutching his stomach. "You guys would not believe how much I just ate."
Harry and Hermione immediately turned away from each other, and pulled back their hands.
"What are you guys doing?" Ron said, as he looked at them suspiciously.
"We're uh…" Harry started, not knowing what to say next.
"We're picking up Harry's books," Hermione said quickly, as she started to gather them up.
"Right," Harry said, as he did the same.
"Well, don't let me get in your way," Ron said as he headed up to the boys dormitory still clutching his stomach.
Both Harry and Hermione just ignored him and continued gathering Harry's books.
As soon as they picked them all up, they stood up and Hermione handed him all the books, which she picked. Up. As she did she stole another look into his eyes, and was immediately forced to look away. It was all back, the pain, the suffering, the death. Not even a spark of the flame that was a there a second ago was left. All that was there was a barren graveyard. Hermione felt her insides turn, because she knew that the moment had passed.
'His eyes seem even worse than they were before,' Hermione thought to herself as she watched Harry walk back up to his dormitory. 'I guess it's true what they say. You never really know what you have, until you lose it.'
She sighed, picked up her own books and headed off to her own dormitory.
The next few days went by very smoothly for Harry. He and Hermione had an unspoken agreement not to talk about what had almost happened that Sunday night. His classes (except potions) were becoming a lot more enjoyable, especially defense against the dark arts.
He was able to finish his defense against the dark arts homework during the breakfast and lunch of that day. He ended up getting full marks, and he also received the extra credit for writing about how a defensive spell could be used offensively. Hermione was surprised that Harry had gotten it right, but was even more surprised when he told her that he had gotten the answer out of the book she sent him for his birthday.
"You actually read it?" she whispered during the class.
"All of it," Harry whispered back. "It was a good distraction."
"I'm impressed," she gleamed.
"Well I'm disappointed Harry," Ron sulked. "First you're a prefect, then you take arithmancy, and now you're actually doing extra credit. You are an embarrassment to the marauders."
Hermione was about to retort, but was cut off by Fluer.
"Mr. Weasley!" She spat. "It seems to me that whatever you're talking about is much more important than what I am talking about. So why don't you come down and tell the whole class what is so important?"
Ron blushed a little and said, "It's okay."
"I was very disappointed that you didn't get the extra credit, when both of your friends did."
Hermione gave Ron a wicked smile when Fluer said this, but Ron didn't catch it.
"I'm sorry," Ron said, almost melting just by looking at her.
"Well, I want you to hand in the extra credit tomorrow, and then I'll think about forgiving you," she said indignantly.
"Yes ma'am," Ron said, almost saluting.
"Honestly," Hermione scoffed under her breath.
"Now as I was saying, today I will explain how to use these defensive spells in an offensive manner," Fluer continued. "Now before I start I must inform you that these spells are some of the most complex magic you'll ever learn, and even some of the most experienced wizards refrain from using them.
"To use them you are going to be forced to double-think. You must focus your primary thoughts on offense as well as defense. And you're going to haf to hold that thought the entire time, whether the spell is in its offensive or defensive use.
"Now," she continued, while taking her book and turning to a certain page. "Can anyone tell what these spells are?"
Immediately Hermione's hand went up.
"Mr. Potter?" Fluer said, making Hermione sulk a bit.
"The fire wall, the water barrier, the lightning shield, and the magic-fire wall," Harry answered calmly.
"That is correct Mr. Potter," she said smiling. "Five points to Gryffindor.
"Oh and Mr. Weasley, I want a detailed description on each of them, just telling me their names will not be enough," she added.
Ron just nodded dreamily.
Fluer took out her wand, waived it and shouted, "Incendious protectus." And almost immediately a bright orange-red wall appeared in front of her. The wall burnt a brilliant glow and was giving off heat that all the students in the front row could feel. She kept it for about a half a minute before extinguishing it.
After it was gone all of the students jaws dropped. It was definitely a remarkable display of magic for someone her age.
"As you can see, that wall was actually made up of real fire. It is just as powerful as the protecto spell, but also very dangerous to the opponent. Knowing either this spell, or the water barrier, or the lightning wall, or the magic-fire wall would be a great advantage to a person in a duel.
"However the drawback is, that it takes a great deal of concentration to maintain, and a lot of practice to master it. For not only do you have to keep your thoughts on maintaining this wall, but you also have to be able to resist the other person's attack. If you cannot keep your concentration while your opponent is attacking you, then he'll be able to break through your wall with ease.
"It is for this reason, that most wizards don't use these spells very often, if at all. However those that do are usually some of the finest duelists in the world.
"Now I don't expect any of you to learn these spells this year, or next year, or even in your final year. I only showed it to you, because I want you to know about them and how they work, in case you ever do run into a wizard who can use them, understand?"
The entire class answered enthusiastically, at least all the boys did.
For the rest of the class, Fluer had the students come up and try to block a few weak spells with the reflecto spell. Hermione and Harry were the only ones who were able to do it successfully on their first try.
The rest of Harry's classes were exactly the same.
In charms they continued working on the switching charm. A lot more people were able to do it this time. Hermione however seemed to develop a block for that particular charm, much to Ron's delight.
In History of Magic, they continued learning about the Hogwarts' four founders. Right now they were discussing Rowena Ravenclaw in detail.
In potions, Snape was still as vindictive as ever. He forced them to make a sneezing potion, and them started taking away points from every Gryffindor who accidentally sneezed because of it. This gave all the Slytherins a good laugh; that as well as all the jokes that the Slytherins were making about Ron's miserable Quidditch tryout.
In Herbology, they learned how to raise a Celtic garden trap-a plant that eats up all the weeds in the garden, and excretes a great fertilizer, a great asset to any garden or greenhouse.
In transfiguration, professor McGonagall had them start on transfiguring microscopic things into larger things.
In divination professor Trlawny continued predicting Harry's death on a daily basis.
Arithmancy had become a lot easier for Harry, thanks to Hermione's help. Since she explained everything that Professor Vector taught before she actually taught it, and since she helped link it with the basic stuff, Harry was able to understand almost everything that Professor Vector taught.
And in care of magical creatures class, Hagrid was starting to teach them about the Pegasus-a flying horse. That lesson really delighted most of the students.
And whenever Harry wasn't in class, he was either studying in the library, getting tutored by Hermione, or on the quidditch field, practicing.
Angelina Johnson forced them to have five practice sessions a week, in order to train the new recruits.
While Angelina was training the new members of the team, Fred, George, and Alicia were forcing Harry to partake in a play that they called "their legacy". It was their last year in school, and they wanted to create a play that would be remembered for a long time. When they first told him about the play, Harry refused to do, but after a few hours of nagging, Harry gave in.
With all of his studying, tutorials, and quidditch, Harry hadn't had time to think about everything that happened to him in the beginning of the year. The book of dark arts lay dormant and forgotten at the bottom of his trunk. He hadn't even given a second thought about the prediction that Professor Trelawny had made, and he had almost forgotten what Dumbledore had said about the basilisks.
Because he was so busy Harry hadn't even noticed that over a month had gone by since everything had happened to him.
It was all of the other students' anxiety about the first round of the wizard's duel, which made Harry realize how much time had truly passed.
As the first round was getting closer, Harry himself was becoming nervous.
He wasn't afraid to lose, far from it. He never even wanted to enter the duel. What he was afraid of was winning.
Every time Harry saw Neville, he always looked so depressed, and anxious. It made Harry feel very sorry for him. Harry remembered what Dumbledore had told him the previous year about Neville's parents; about how they were in St. Mungus Hospital, completely out of their minds, not even able to recognize their own son. A lot of people always gave Harry credit for being so strong, but Harry believed that Neville was much stronger.
For the entire time that he was at Hogwarts, he never once mentioned his parents, never once complained about the horrible condition that they were in, and as far as Harry saw, he never once felt sorry for himself because of his situation. Harry really respected Neville for this.
And it was for that reason that Harry was so afraid of facing Neville in the wizard's duel. Harry knew that the reason he entered the tournament was because of his parents. His parents were both aurors, and Neville always tried his best to be like them. Although Neville had a lot of heart, he always had a problem in most of his classes. Harry knew that Neville wouldn't stand a chance in the duel, especially if he was up against seventh years. But what made Harry feel bad was that he would be forced to face and most likely beat Neville in his very first match.
Harry wasn't being cocky, it was the absolute truth. Harry had experienced battles before. He was fast, head strong, and he knew a lot of useful spells. He even faced off against the most powerful wizard ever, and was able to escape-something that no one else could've said about him or herself.
As for Neville, he was very clumsy, slow, and had a very bad memory.
So by looking at it from an objective third party's point of view, Neville didn't stand a chance.
As October twenty-first was coming closer, Harry was becoming more restless about the upcoming match. He was starting to fall behind in some of his classes, and he was once again unable to sleep.
He remembered how hard it was for him to shatter Ron's dream, and now he had to do it to Neville as well.
'What kind of friend am I!' He kept thinking to himself. 'I don't want to be the one to dishearten Neville, but I have no other choice. It's not fair to him. I never even wanted to enter the duel to begin with. I was once again dragged into it because of Voldemort!'
Voldemort. Every time Harry thought of that name, rage would overtake him entire body and mind. 'It's his fault that all of this is happening! He's the one who's responsible for everything that's happening! It's because of him we're even having this duel!'
As time passed on Harry's anger turned into pure hatred. Every time he saw Snape or any of the Slytherins, it took all the self-control he had not to do anything to hurt them.
Ron and Hermione noticed his sudden change in attitude, but decided that it would be best not to mention it.
Finally, after all the talk, after all the anxiety, the day of the first duel had come.
It was a very dark, and rainy Saturday morning. No one was in the mood to eat anything for breakfast that day, for everyone was so nervous about the wizards duel.
Ron and Hermione's duels were scheduled to be at the same time. Ron was facing off against a fourth year Huffepuff, while Hermione was facing a seventh year Ravenclaw.
They all agreed, that it would be better if Harry attended Hermione's duel, and cheer her on, being that her competition would be a lot stronger than Ron's, and she'd need all the cheering she could get.
By the time the duel had actually started, Harry had made a decision; he would lose on purpose to Neville. He would not be the one responsible for disheartening another friend. Even if it would mean accepting a loss, and taking a chance at letting Dumbledore down. He knew that this was something he had to do.
Hermione approached the arena ring almost trembling. She looked into the crowds trying to find Harry among them. As soon as she saw him there, she gave herself a small smile. Seeing him there gave her all the confidence she needed to face her first challenge.
She stepped onto the arena and looked over to the other side to see her opponent walking towards her. He was a well built seventh year, with brown hair.
'He looks really confident,' Hermione said to herself, noticing the smirk on his face. 'I guess it's time to disillusion him.'
They both walked closer to each other, as a magic barrier formed around the arena.
"Bow to each other," professor McGonagall called from the judges' table.
They both gave each other a small bow neither taking their eyes off the opponent.
"Now you will turn around and I will count to ten," Professor McGonagall called again, making each of them rise. "For each count you will take one step away from each other. Once you take the tenth step, you may turn around and begin."
Both Hermione and her opponent nodded and turned their backs to each other.
"One," Professor McGonagall counted.
Both Hermione and her opponent took their first step.
"Two."
They took their second step.
"Three."
They took their third step. By now anxiety had overcome Hermione. She was trembling once again. Every step she took felt like it was mile long. She started looking into the crowds once more trying to find Harry. Hoping to receive an extra jolt of confidence by looking at him.
She found him on her eight step.
He gave her a nodded, and moved his lips saying something that she couldn't hear. She was able to make it out by reading his lips. "Good luck, I know you'll do great," Was what she believed he had said. She nodded and continued.
"Nine," Professor Mcgonagall called again.
"And, TEN!"
Both Hermione and the Ravenclaw turned around and faced each other, both ready to fight.
The Ravenclaw raised his wand and yelled, "Mizumo!" At that moment a huge ball of water appeared out of mid-air and headed straight towards Hermione.
'Odd,' Hermione thought quickly. 'No one ever begins an attack that way. Oh well, better for me, I'll just counter it!'
She raised her wand and yelled, "Lacarnum Inflamoreau!" About a second before the ball could hit her, her bluebell flames appeared and blocked the water ball.
The flames quickly shattered and evaporated the water, and started heading towards the Ravenclaw.
"Protecto!" The Ravencalw yelled. A blue wall appeared in front of him and blocked all of Hermione's bluebell flames.
He raised his wand again and shouted, "Expelliarmus." A beam of light immediately headed for Hermione, but she easily sidestepped it.
"Expelliarmus!" He yelled again, and another beam of light headed towards Hermione.
Hermione was off balance from sidestepping the first one, and was only barely able to duck the second one.
"Expelliarmus!" He yelled one more time, and this time Hermione was forced to roll in order to avoid it.
Before he had another chance to attack, Hermione used the stunning spell on him after just coming out of her roll.
This time it was his turn to dodge the attack.
Hermione took this opportunity to try and get to her feet, but the Ravenclaw wouldn't have it. "Reeshenia!" He yelled. Immediately, the ground under Hermione's feet started shaking violently. It was as if there was an earthquake right under her feet.
She was once again knocked on her back. She raised her wand and got ready to use the protecto spell (which she already learned) expecting another attack the Ravenclaw. But oddly enough, it didn't come.
"Risheptica!" the Raven claw yelled. Hermione looked a little confused at that moment. This was a spell that she never heard of. She was about to use the protecto spell, but refrained from doing so when she found out what the spell the Ravenclaw had just used, actually did.
It covered the entire area in a very thick white fog. Hermione couldn't even see her own body, much less the body of her opponent.
'This is odd?' She thought to herself as she got to her feet. 'He's making things just as hard for himself as he is for me. Why?'
Just then she heard footsteps running past her, and was immediately thrown on her guard.
'He must have experience battling this way,' Hermione thought to herself, while raising her wand getting ready for anything. 'It's the only explanation as to why he'd do this.'
Hermione closed her eyes and started listening closely to her surroundings. 'He's waiting for me to make the first move,' she thought to herself. 'I could easily make this fog disappear, but then I'd be leaving myself open for an attack. He'd be able to take me out right then and there. I have to be patient, and wait for him to make the first move. I have to try to use my other senses. I have to be ready.'
Hermione continued standing there, waiting for her opponent to make the next move. Relying now on her hearing rather than her sight.
Just then Hermione heard a sound from her left. It was the sound of a foot hitting the floor, and of an arm waiving.
'That's where he is,' she thought to herself. She immediately turned to her left and raised her wand, getting ready.
"Stupefy!" A voice yelled from the place she was facing.
"Protecto!" Hermione yelled, causing a magic wall to appear in front of her and blocking the spell.
"Big mistake!" Hermione yelled. "Lacarnum inflamoreau," And she sent a few bluebell flames in the direction of her opponent.
After a few seconds, she heard ruffling and a bit of yelping.
"That's it!" she said to herself. "Stupefy!" She yelled and shot a beam directly at the source of the ruffling and yelping. She heard the beam connect, as well as a body fall to the ground.
She gave a sigh of relief, and started to relax a bit. She raised her wand and yelled, "finite incantetum!" And in a puff of smoke the fog disappeared and revealed a tired Hermione, and her knocked out opponent.
It took the crowd a few seconds before they realized what was going on, and start cheering.
The barrier immediately disappeared, and professor McGonagall walked onto the stage and congratulated Hermione on her victory.
At lunch almost everyone in the great hall was discussing the duels that took place that day. The Gryffindor table was no exception. Almost all of the Gryffindors were either congratulating each other or offering their condolences for those that lost. Hermione and Olivea received the biggest praise, as they had beaten two seventh years. Ron received a little praise as well, but not nearly as much as Hermione and Olivea.
The only people who weren't talking were Neville and Harry.
Neville just sat quietly by his plate, barely touching anything on it, and Harry was sitting on Hermione right side, closely eyeing Neville.
Harry felt bad seeing Neville this way, but he knew that he would feel better after he won the duel. Maybe it would even renew his confidence. So what if Harry had to lose on purpose. He didn't care. He never even wanted to enter this duel in the first place. Once again he was dragged into it. He was sure that Dumbledore would understand. And besides, even if he lost he would still have another chance. Contestants needed two losses to be eliminated.
Harry's mind was set; he was going to let Neville win this one.
"Good luck Harry!" Hermione shouted, as Harry walked away from her and Ron.
He slowly entered the ring and faced the nervous Neville on the opposite end. The barrier separating the arena and the crowd appeared once again.
"Bow to each other," A voice from the judges' stands called.
Neville bowed slightly, while Harry just turned to the judges' stand. He realized that the voice belonged to none other than the headmaster of the school: Albus Dumbledore.
'What is he doing here?' Harry though frantically. Harry just sighed. He didn't even have to think about it. He already knew why Dumbledore was there. To keep Harry from doing what he was planning on doing.
"Harry, you must bow," Dumbledore called again.
"Sorry," Harry mumbled, as he turned back to Neville and gave him a slight bow.
"Turn around and walk ten paces, and then you may begin the duel," professor McGonagall called.
Harry and Neville turned their backs to each other and started walking, as soon as professor McGonagall started counting.
'What am I going to do now?' Harry thought frantically as he walked away from Neville. He looked toward the crowd, as if hoping to find an answer there, but of course there was none. 'If I win Neville will be disheartened, and if I lose on purpose, then I'll end up really letting Dumbledore down.'
He stole a look over at the judge's table and saw a worried look in Dumbledore's twinkling eyes.
'He knows,' he thought to himself. 'What should I do?'
"Seven," Professor McGonagall counted.
'What should I do? Someone please tell?' He thought frantically.
'You must do what is right,' his mind told him.
'I can't!'
"Eight."
'You can't let Dumbledore down,' his mind told him again. 'He's one the only people who you truly admire and respect!'
"But I can't let Neville down either!" Harry whispered harshly.
"Nine!"
'If he wins, it won't be real; it will all be a lie; do you really believe that you'll be able to congratulate him!'
Harry started shaking his head frantically.
He looked into the stands one more time hoping to find some kind of answer.
"Ten."
Harry didn't turn around. His gaze stopped at a particular person in the stands; a person who arose Harry's anger just by standing there. Malfoy. Harry saw his cold eyes, and his sinister sneer, and all he wanted to do at that moment was wipe it off his face.
'It's your fault that all this is happening!' Harry growled in his head. 'You and your master are to blame!'
Neville held up his wand and took aim at Harry's back. "Ex-Ex-Expelliarmus!" He yelled.
'Malfoy, I'd never back down! AND I 'M NOT GOING TO START NOW!'
He turned around and quickly sidestepped Neville's blast. He raised his wand and shouted, "STUPEFY!" A huge bright beam of light erupted from the end of Harry's wand. It was much bigger and wider than any he had ever done. Neville was so surprised and scared that he wasn't able to dodge it in time. The beam hit him directly in the chest and sent him flying out of the ring. Neville hit the barrier dividing the crowd and the arena and fell down out of the ring completely knocked out.
Everyone's jaw dropped when they saw this. Ron, Hermione, and the teachers were no exception. Never have any of them seen such a huge display of power from a fifth year. Even a fully-grown wizard, wouldn't be able to do something like that.
Harry looked around at the crowd and realized what had just happened. He let his rage take over him completely. He took all of his anger and frustrations out on poor Neville.
"What have I done?" Harry whispered to himself sadly. "I never meant to-"
"The winner is Harry Potter," Professor McGonagall shouted, and the entire stands began to cheer.
Before Harry was given the chance to leave, he saw Dumbledore call him over to the judge's stand.
"I'll meet you guys at dinner," Harry said in a low voice.
"Okay," Hermione nodded. She sensed that something was wrong, but decided not to ask him about it now.
Harry walked over to Dumbledore, and sat own in one of the judge's seats.
"You knew didn't you?" Harry said.
"Yes, I assumed that you would try something," Dumbledore said.
"It just isn't fair," Harry said. "Why does everything bad have to happen to him?"
Dumbledore just smiled down at him.
"What?" Harry looked up at Dumbledore strangely.
"I am amazed at how mature you are for your years Harry," Dumbledore said slowly. "However, you can't just give someone a prize because you feel bad for them. At least you were able to show him the truth. It would have been much worse if he had gained false confidence. He would only end up losing it."
"I guess," Harry said slowly.
"I am proud that you made the right decision," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you sir," Harry said, standing up and getting ready to walk away.
"However," Dumbledore said, making Harry stop in his tracks. "I am not proud of the way you had won."
"What do you mean, sir?" Harry asked looking up at Dumbledore curiously.
"You gave in to your anger and your hatred. And that is never the way to go Harry," Dumbledore said shaking his head.
Harry didn't say anything; he just lowered his head a little and bit his lip.
"Enmity is only good for one thing in this world. To give birth to more enmity. Remember that Harry," Dumbledore said in a low and melancholy voice. "Good luck with the rest of the tournament." Without another word, Dumbledore left the room.
"He's right," Harry said to himself after a minute. "I became everything that I hated."
"Don't listen to that old buzzard!" A sneer came from the doorway.
Harry looked up and saw Malfoy walking through the threshold. "He doesn't even know what he's talking about." Malfoy said as walked towards Harry.
"I take it this isn't a social call," Harry growled. "What do you want?"
"Now, now Potter," Malfoy scoffed. "Is that any way to treat someone who just wants to congratulate you?"
"No, but I know that you're here for more," Harry retorted.
"Well aren't we perceptive."
"It's not perception Malfoy," Harry spat. "It's a well know fact that a Slytherin never does anything nice, unless he's able to get something out of it. So what do you want?"
"A wizard's duel," Malfoy said shortly. "You and me."
"Well if that's what you want, then I'm afraid you're going to have to be patient. We are in opposite divisions after all," Harry said, grinning wickedly.
"Who care about that?" Malfoy said waving his arm. "You and I can have an unofficial duel for bragging rights."
"Well if that's what you really want," Harry started.
"It is."
"Then I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you down," Harry finished maliciously.
"Come on Potter," Malfoy urged. "You know you want this as much as I do. I saw the way looked at me today. There was nothing but hatred in you.
"And I must say, the way you channeled that hatred was simply brilliant."
"Well you're right about one thing," Harry said. "But even though I do want to wipe that ridiculous sneer off your face really badly. I'd rather not."
"Why not?" Malfoy growled.
"Because, the best way to get back at you is by not fighting you. It's driving you crazy already." Harry said shortly, as he started walking away.
"Well," Malfoy said lightly. "I guess that's fine with me. I have to accept your decision."
Harry stopped and turned around. He knew that Malfoy wouldn't just leave it at that. "What is it?" he said.
"Well," Malfoy said. "Your refusal to cooperate has left me frustrated and perturbed. And I'm afraid I'm going to have to find some way to let these feelings out."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked.
"Guess who I'm facing in my next duel?" Malfoy said with gleam in his voice.
Harry's eyes widened. "You don't mean?"
"That's right, your friend Weasley," Malfoy gleamed. "I sincerely hope he knows how to walk on his hands, because-"
Before Malfoy could continue, Harry stopped him by grabbing him by the front of his collar. "If you do anything to Ron!" Harry gritted through his teeth. "I'll-"
"You'll do what?" Malfoy interrupted. "If you lay a hand on me here, the only thing that's going to happen is: that you're going to get in trouble, and I'll probably double my retribution on your friend."
Harry let go of Malfoy and sighed.
"On the other hand," Malfoy continued. "If you cooperate with me, I'll just knock him out with a simple stunning spell, I promise."
"Fine," Harry grunted.
"Excellent," Malfoy sneered. "Meet me tomorrow at midnight on the quidditch pitch, I'll bring the brooms."
"Brooms?" Harry looked at Malfoy quizzically.
"Of course Potter," Malfoy said. "Our duel can't be just some common duel. We have to make it one to remember. Besides, this way I can prove that, not only am I a better dueler than you, but that I am also a better flyer than you."
Harry just stood there leering.
"Do you accept," Malfoy said holding out his hand. "Or yield!" He finished in disgust.
Harry grabbed Malfoys hand and grunted, "I accept!"
"Perfect!"
"Just one more thing," Harry said. "How do I know you wont chicken out like the last time?"
Malfoy just sneered in his direction. "Fine then, meet me in the prefects bathroom at midnight," he said pointing at a shiny silver badge on his chest. "You are a prefect aren't you?"
"Fine!" Harry spat, and walked away.
Harry never showed up for dinner. Nor did he return to his common room, until it was late. In fact it was well past midnight when Harry actually climbed through the portrait hole.
He was almost caught by Filch twice that night, but he didn't care.
He looked around and saw that almost everyone was already in his or her dormitories sleeping. There was only one person in the common room. He was sitting close to the fire and crying into his hands.
"Neville," Harry whispered to himself.
He slowly walked over to where Neville was sitting. "Can I sit down here please?" He asked.
Neville quickly dried up his tears and nodded.
"I'm sorry about what happened today Neville," Harry said in a low voice.
"Why," Neville said. "You only did what you had to. You won. You were doing the exact same thing to me as I was trying to do to you." He sniffed a little and continued. "It just isn't fair, Harry."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"It's just that, well why do some people have all the luck, while others have all the pain."
"I'm not following you?" Harry said, when in fact he really was.
"Well people like Hermione Granger, and Draco Malfoy for example. They have everything. They have looks, brains, and…well everything," Neville said between sniffs. "Then there are people like you and me. People who are forced to suffer all their lives."
Harry didn't say anything.
"I never told anyone this," Neville said. "But I sort of know how you feel Harry. At least about your parents I mean."
Harry nodded, and said, "I know."
Neville looked at him curiously. "You do?" he asked.
Harry nodded. "I accidentally found out about your parents last year."
"Oh," Neville sniffed. "I'm sorry I never told you before."
Harry just nodded again.
The truth was he really didn't know what could say to make Neville feel better. He couldn't just deny the fact that both Malfoy and Hermione had better lives. Because the fact was, compared to Neville, they did. Harry looked around the room and sighed once.
"So you agree with me?" Neviile said.
Harry still didn't say anything, he just continued looking around, trying to think of something to say.
As he was looking, his eyes wandered over to a copy of the daily prophet lying on one of the table. This gave Harry an idea.
He turned to Neville and said, "I have a present for you."
Neville looked at him quizzically and said, "What is it?"
Harry waived his hand once, and immediately, the newspaper flew right towards him, right into his hand.
"Good trick," Neville sniffed. "You didn't even need to use a wand."
Harry carefully ripped out a perfect square from the paper and started folding it in different positions.
"What are you doing?" Neville asked.
"When I was living with the muggles," Harry started to explain. "I wanted to stay away from them as often as possible. So naturally, whenever my school had some kind of extracurricular activity, I would stay for it. And in one of them I learned how to make this," He said as he finished folding the paper into a crane.
"What is that?" Neville asked, giving Harry a strange look.
"It's a paper crane," Harry replied, flashing the crane in front of Neville's face.
"That's what you're giving me?" Neville snorted. "A piece of paper."
"Not exactly," Harry said shaking his head. "This piece of paper comes with a story.
"In the muggle world the crane has become an international symbol of peace."
"Why?" Neville asked.
"Because of the story that I am about to tell you," Harry answered.
"Go on," Neville urged.
"About five decades ago," Harry started. "The muggles fought a horrible war with each other. They called it 'World War II'.
"Millions upon millions of people died in that war. But the story that I am going to tell you has to do with only two of the many countries that fought in that war. The names of these countries are America and Japan."
"What happened?" Neville asked, obviously curious as to where Harry was going with this.
"The Americans ended the war by dropping two Atomic bombs on two cities in Japan, Hiroshima and Nagasaki."
"What are atomic bombs?" Neville asked.
"Atomic bombs are some of the muggles' most powerful military weapons. One bomb has the power to destroy a city, and kill many people."
"That's unbelievable," Neville said, eyes widening.
"But aside from the many deaths that these weapons can cause, there is another price. After the bombs exploded, they left a very high amount of radiation in the air."
"Radiation?" Neville said.
"It's very dangerous for people to breathe in," Harry informed. "Its in the highest order of carcinogens."
"Car-what-of-what?" Neville asked looking confused.
"Something that causes cancer, a very fatal disease."
Neville just nodded, and asked for Harry to continue.
"This story is about a girl named Sadoko Sasaki," Harry continued. "She was only two years old when the bombs were dropped.
"She grew up to be very strong, and athletic. One thing that she loved doing was running."
"What happened to her?" Neville asked.
"In 1955, when she was 11 years old, she just collapsed one day," Harry said in a sad tone. "She was diagnosed with Leukemia, a type of cancer.
"Her best friend told her of an old Japanese legend. She said, that if Sadoko made one thousand paper cranes, the gods would grant her one wish.
"Sadoko immediately started working on making the cranes as fast as she could. Even though she was sick, and weak, she still continued. Hoping that she would get better, so she could run again. And she actually finished the cranes in a few months-"
"And let me guess," Neville interrupted. "Her wish was granted, and she got all better right?" Neville said sarcastically.
Harry just looked at him for a second, and then clenched the hand that was holding the crane into a fist, completely crushing the paper crane.
"No," Harry said in a low and melancholy voice. "She didn't. She died a very short while after that."
"I'm sorry," Neville said quickly. "I didn't-"
"Reality isn't always as kind as we would like it to be. Sometimes it can be very cruel and unforgiving. But no matter what her odds were, she never gave up. She just kept going.
"Her friends and classmates were so inspired by her, that they put together a book of all of her letters.
"They began to dream of building a monument to Sadoko and all the children who were killed by the atom bomb. They all started collecting money, and by 1958 they were able to build a statue of her in Hiroshima Park. And under that statue they made a wish and inscribed it there. It reads, 'This is our cry, This is our prayer, Peace in the world'."
By now Neville's eyes started releasing tears once again.
"And to this day, people make paper cranes and send them to Hiroshima Park, hoping that nothing like that horrible war will ever happened again.
"Her statue is still there. And every time the sun rises, people who are in the park feel like it's rising behind her. Every morning the statue shines, bringing hope to the people." Harry turned and looked directly at Neville. "Maybe Neville, maybe if you try really hard, and never give up." Harry opened up his clenched fist to reveal the paper crane in perfect condition. Harry waived his left hand causing the crane to magically float into Neville's lap. "Maybe you can shine too."
Neville didn't say anything for a while. He just kept looking down at the crane. After about a minute of silence Neville looked up and Harry and smiled. "Thank you Harry, you really are a great friend."
Harry just nodded.
Neville picked up his crane and said, "I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow."
"Good night," Harry replied.
Neville turned and walked up to the boys' Dormitory admiring his new crane.
As soon as Neville was out of earshot, Harry sighed and said, "Well, at least he feels better now."
A/n: The story of Sadoko Sasaki is true. And if anyone wants to make 1,000 paper cranes and mail them to her statue. String the cranes on a garland, 100 on each, and send them to:
Office of the Mayor, City of Hiroshima
6-34 Kokutaiji-Machi
1 Chome Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730 Japan
