Been a long while, sorry 'bout that :/, but here's a looonggg chapter to make up for it!
Happy reading
Chapter Six: Quidditch
"Ugh, I give up!" Ron moaned, his head audibly thumping against the table as he pushed the book away. "It's impossible to find any information on this!" He wasn't trying to be too quiet, and Hermione glared in warning. Madame Pince's gaze was narrowed onto them, her lips pursed unpleasantly, and Harry leaned forward, trying to hide from the woman's sight.
"Shh, Ron!" She hissed before sitting back imperiously. "Besides, you're just not looking hard enough. Something will show up." Ron grumbled with annoyance. "It will show up! They're books, there's got to be something here." Ron sent Harry a skeptical look and Harry only shrugged.
"Maybe we're looking for the wrong things?" Harry suggested quietly and Hermione frowned at him. Harry quickly backpeddled. "I mean, there's quite a lot of possibilities, right? Anything could've been in that vault." Hermione frowned again but this time not at him or Ron, instead staring hard at the books in her hands. Ron glanced at her, then back at Harry, and then suddenly stood up, making Harry startle, his heart pounding.
"Exactly," Ron said, grabbing the parchment he had been scribbling on and shoving it into his bag. "We need to try and ask someone who would actually know." Hermione finally looked up then, her expression worried but not surprised, like she was considering this option as well.
"That would get us the answers we want," She admitted before pausing, wringing her hands nervously. "But what if we get in trouble? They might get angry that we're investigating." Ron scoffed.
"Hagrid won't get angry. Especially if it's Harry doing the asking." He turned to the boy-who-apparently-lived-to-please and smiled beseechingly. Harry crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "C'mon, Harry, I'll take notes for you for a week!" Harry hesitated, considering the offer thoughtfully. "And do your homework!" Hermione made an indignant noise of protest and Ron winced, sending her an appeasing look. "Well, maybe not your homework. But definitely your notes!" Harry tilted his head, ignoring Ron's puppy dog eyes as he weighed the pros and cons.
On the one hand, he hated taking notes and his hand always cramped holding the stupid quill. On the other hand, Harry didn't think he could really trust that Ron would actually pay enough attention to take accurate notes. And Harry was sure that Professor Snape would kill him if he didn't use the classes to practice his penmanship. He regarded Ron carefully.
"You'll actually listen to the lectures?" He asked skeptically and Ron nodded, not even offended at the questioning of his work ethic.
"I'll keep my word," Ron promised, and if it was a little unsure, Harry didn't mind. He wanted to know what was in the vault anyways and would have asked Hagrid even if Ron didn't offer him anything in return.
"Sure," He agreed. "I'll do it." Hermione was watching them, her lips pursed with disappointment, but she didn't say anything, resorting to glaring at them instead. Ron grinned and the two shook on it, both ignoring Hermione's look.
"I don't think this is a good idea," Hermione stated, unable to stay quiet any longer. Ron rolled his eyes, opening his mouth to bicker, but Harry spoke before he could.
"What do you mean? I thought you said that it was a good idea to ask someone who would know for sure," Harry said, and Hermione gave him a look.
"Yeah, I agree with that." She turned to glare at Ron, her eyebrow raised. "I don't agree with Ron being the one taking your notes, Harry." Ron scoffed.
"It's not cheating, Hermione!" He snapped, and Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"No, but it's the principle of it, Ronald!" She crossed her arms and Ron copied her movements, glaring as well. Harry sighed, shaking his head.
"C'mon you guys, stop it," He admonished quietly. "Let's just get to Hagrid's." Ron and Hermione shared one last glare before Ron turned to Harry, nodding.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Hermione asked, and Harry paused before shaking his head.
"No. you guys can stay and try researching some more. I can ask Hagrid by myself."
"Alright," Ron said slowly, and Harry nodded.
"Don't worry about me. I can handle it." Ron and Hermione didn't seem completely convinced, but they both nodded. "I'll tell you everything when I return."
Harry, despite reassuring Ron and Hermione that he would get to Hagrid's promptly and return with answers as soon as possible, took his time on the walk, enjoying the warm fall sun. The Forbidden Forest, which Harry could see ahead of him behind Hagrid's hut, was filled with rich reds and oranges, signalling the approach of fall. Harry could taste the cooler weather on his tongue. It was a crisp flavour, something he wasn't really used to. The Dursleys never took him anywhere, so Harry hadn't ever really seen this much forest and wildness in his life. He enjoyed it. He decided that when he was older, he would move out into the countryside and enjoy the wide-open spaces and fresh air.
He made his way down the hilly path, staring at his feet to make sure he didn't trip on the stone stairs, and followed it to Hagrid's hut. Hagrid's two-roomed stone cottage was one of Harry's favourite places at Hogwarts and if he had a choice, he would live there with Hagrid for the summer instead of going back to the Dursleys. But he didn't have a choice so Harry was happy with getting to visit Hagrid as much as he could. He hopped up the steps to Hagrid's door and knocked twice, smiling when he heard Fang bark in response.
"Harry!" Hagrid greeted, ushering him inside. "On yer own today?" Harry nodded, sitting down at the table, and taking the giant mug of tea that Hagrid offered him.
"Thank you," He said quietly and Hagrid smiled.
"So, how're you and yer friends doin'? Learnin' anythin' cool?" Hagrid asked and Harry paused, considering, but he decided that now was not the time to ask Hagrid about the vault. He wanted to have an enjoyable visit first.
"Not really," He said, shrugging, and turned to pet Fang, who had his head resting on Harry's lap, covering him in slobber. Hagrid noticed and tutted exasperatedly.
"You can push him off yeh if yeh wan' ta, Harry," Hagrid said, but Harry shook his head quickly.
"No, it's alright, Hagrid, I like Fang!" He said, wrapping a protective hand around the boarhound's head. Fang huffed in pleasure when Harry scratched behind his ear.
Hagrid chuckled, nodding. "Alright, as long as yer fine with the slobber." Harry grinned, giving Fang a squeeze. Fang huffed happily, licking Harry's cheek, and Harry laughed. "C'mon, yeh big lump, go lie down." Hagrid laughed, poking Fang in the shoulder, and the dog snuffled in protest but lumbered over to Hagrid's chair, hopping up with a groan. Hagrid watched on fondly before turning back to Harry. "How've yer first couple weeks at Hogwarts bin goin'? I want to hear everythin'!" Harry smiled at Hagrid's innocent enthusiasm and decided to indulge him.
"Well, I've been having tutoring sessions with Snape-"
"Professor Snape."
"-and they've been going well, maybe he's not as mean as I thought," Harry prattled and Hagrid listened eagerly, the two of them enjoying their tea.
"Thank you, Hagrid, for the visit, but I should get going," Harry said, glancing out the window at the already setting sun. Hagrid nodded, standing up to bring their cups to the sink.
"O' course, Harry!" He said understandingly. "Yeh must have a lo' of work ta do!"
Harry nodded quickly. "Actually, Hagrid, maybe you can help me with something?"
Hagrid paused, glancing at him quizzically. "I can try…but I'm not the smartest bloke." Harry shook his head.
"Yes, you are," Harry said staunchly, and Hagrid blushed.
"Thank you, Harry."
Harry grinned. "Anyways," He said, trailing off slightly at the end as he tried to figure out how he should ask. He decided to just go for it. "What was in vault 713?" The sound of a cup shattering made Harry jump, but he continued to push. "The one that was broken into, after you took something from it for Dumbledore." Harry could see Hagrid trembling, and for a second there, Harry started to wonder if the man was truly angry, and he almost stopped. But the usual anxiety and fear that would have paralyzed him before were separate from him, behind an invisible barrier where they couldn't reach him, trapped by his determination.
"I don't know what yer talkin' abou'." Hagrid was refusing to look at him and Harry could hear his voice trembling. He almost felt bad, but the guilt was trapped behind the barrier as well, and he pushed on.
"It's small, small enough to hold in one hand. What is it? What does it do? Is it here in the castle? Is that what the three-headed dog is guarding?"
There was another crash and Hagrid whipped around, wide-eyed and mouth open in shock. "How do yeh know abou' Fluffy?" He asked, askance. Harry opened his mouth to continue with his questions, almost missing what Hagrid said, but caught himself.
He furrowed his eyebrows. "You named that thing Fluffy?" Harry asked incredulously. "He almost killed us!" Harry paused, trying to push down his horror. "What was he guarding? What was in vault 713?"
Hagrid turned back around, faster than someone his size would be expected to move. "I can't tell yeh."
"But you know." Harry waited for a response, but the games keeper was silent. "You do! You know what it is. And Fluffy is guarding it!" He paused, tapping his fingers on the table as he thought. "But what's worth guarding with a three-headed dog? And why here?"
Hagrid turned to give Harry a stern look. "I can't tell yeh, Harry, it is none of yers or mine's business! This is between Dumbledore an' Nicolas Flamel!" Harry froze in excitement, a smile breaking across his face.
"Nicolas Flamel?" He asked, itching to rush over to Ron and Hermione and tell them what he found out right then and there. Hagrid didn't seem as happy as Harry was about what was just revealed.
"I shouldna told yeh tha'," Hagrid stuttered in shock. "Should not have told yeh tha'." Harry stood up and walked over to the half-giant, patting him gently on the arm. Hagrid only stared down at him dubiously. "You've got a lo' more Slytherin in yeh than I gave yeh credit for, Harry." It wasn't said maliciously, rather, Hagrid sounded almost wistful, and he wasn't looking at Harry anymore, staring out the window instead. Harry frowned, unsure what just happened there, but he decided he was done with pushing and he let it go.
"Thanks, Hagrid," He said instead. "Even though I know you didn't want to tell me." Hagrid gave him a disappointed look and Harry felt the slivers of guilt this time. He ducked his head, averting his gaze. "Sorry."
"Are yeh, Harry?" Hagrid asked rhetorically with a world-weary sigh. Harry didn't respond. "Merlin. Alrigh', get goin', yeh rascal." Hagrid shooed him away, a wry grin on his face. "I don't know what I was expectin'. You certainly are yer father's son." Harry, even though he was still feeling kind of guilty for what he had done, felt a rush of happiness and excitement at the mention of his father.
"Really?" He whispered in awe and Hagrid's smile softened, becoming more genuine.
"Yes." Hagrid took a deep breath. "Be careful, Harry. Yer diggin' into dangerous stuff here."
Harry paused, considering Hagrid's words, and met the half-giant's gaze, nodding solemnly. "Thank you, Hagrid," He said, and Hagrid nodded, patting Harry on the shoulder. The darkness hissed but otherwise didn't react and Harry smiled triumphantly. He walked out the door. "I'll see you later, Hagrid."
"Bye Harry." Hagrid waved and Harry headed back up to the castle, the new information buzzing around his head. His body was practically shaking with excitement and anticipation. They finally had some hint of what was hidden here, and Harry wanted to get to solving this puzzle as soon as he could.
Harry hated Thursdays. Defense right away in the morning was not the way that Harry wanted to start his day. In fact, he would take Potions over Defense and that was saying something. At least Harry's head wasn't on fire during Potions. Harry grumbled in annoyance and followed Theodore and Blaise to the Defense classroom.
Before they could enter, Theodore grabbed his sleeve, tugging gently. "Are you sure you're okay? After-After everything? I know the fire-" Harry stiffened, letting out a shuddering breath and Theodore sent him a wary look, wincing apologetically- "was scary, and you looked worried, but we haven't really talked about how you feel or anything, and I-I just wanted to make sure everything was alright…" Theodore trailed off nervously and Harry counted back from ten, trying to push down the panic that was bubbling up inside of him.
"Yes," He finally managed to answer, his voice robotic and cold. He winced internally, knowing that he sounded anything but truthful. But if he let himself feel – truly feel – the horror and shame swirling deep down inside him, then he would definitely drown and he wasn't sure he would be able to recover enough to control the darkness that would result.
Theodore nodded, refraining from commenting, and they entered the Defense classroom, sitting down at their usual seat. Quirrell walked into the classroom and the scent of garlic seemed to be stronger than usual. Harry's previous determination to pay attention fled him immediately and he let his head flop down onto the desk. Theodore patted his back sympathetically.
"Mr. P-Potter. I u-understand that y-y-you find this c-class too b-boring, but i-if you d-don't mind, I w-would prefer that y-you pay a-a-attention," Professor Quirrell said sharply and Harry's hands curled into fists, the darkness rumbling inside him. "Mr. P-Potter. I-I'm waiting."
Harry lifted his head and forced his expression to remain blank. "Sorry, sir," He said quietly, reaching down into his new bag to pull out a quill and some parchment. Professor Quirrell didn't say anything more to him and turned to address the group instead. Harry sighed and prepared for a miserable class.
"I wish that vampire would come and get him already! I'd gladly go and steal all his garlic if that would mean it would find him," Ron grumbled. "At least we'd get another professor."
Hermione gasped, scandalized. "Ronald Weasley! That's an awful thing to say!" She admonished, though not as thoroughly as she would have if it was any other professor that Ron was talking about. Harry nodded in agreement with Ron and Hermione glared at him. Harry stared back, unabashed.
"It would be nice if he reduced the amount of garlic in the room, at least. It smells awful and gives everyone a headache," Theodore said diplomatically, and Hermione harumphed, stubbornly refusing to look at any of them.
"…That would be nice," She finally admitted, sighing. "He really is an awful teacher, isn't he?" She looked like she was trying not to smile, and Harry giggled.
"Truly horrible," He agreed. Blaise snickered.
"If you're going to try and off him, Ron, at least don't say anything so out in the open," Blaise suggested calmly, and Ron paused, considering. Hermione glared at them both.
"Awful," She chided, and Blaise grinned cheekily. "Anyways, we should get to the library. We need to figure out who this Nicolas Flamel person is." Theodore and Blaise exchanged looks.
"Nicolas Flamel?" Theodore asked incredulously.
Hermione nodded. "Yeah. Harry spoke to Hagrid and Hagrid let slip that the thing from vault 713 belonged to Nicolas Flamel, apparently." Blaise had a thoughtful look on his face and Theodore was frowning.
"The alchemist?" He asked, and Hermione paused, confused.
"What?"
"I heard some of my dad's friends talking about him. He's an alchemist, and he made something," Theodore elaborated. "Something powerful. I don't know what, but it was valuable."
"We definitely need to get to the library," Ron said, and everyone turned to look at him in shock. He gave them a glare. "Oh c'mon. I don't hate the library. It has it's uses."
Hermione smirked before turning to the rest of the group. "Well, what are we waiting for?"
Harry didn't lift his head up from his arms even with Hermione and Ron bickering around him, Theodore jumping in every once in a while, trying to calm things down.
"Mr. Potter," A new voice said, silencing the argument. Harry startled and whipped his head up, recognizing that voice. Professor Snape stood over him with a scowl. "You will come to my office after dinner for our second tutoring session." Harry nodded slowly and Professor Snape spun on his heel, stalking out of the library. Harry watched him go, still frozen in shock.
"Harry?" Theodore hissed. "Tonight's-" Harry's eyes widened, and he jumped to his feet, hurrying after Professor Snape before Theodore could finish.
"Um, sir?" He asked meekly. Professor Snape paused, turning to glare at Harry with a raised eyebrow. Harry swallowed thickly, bracing himself. "Does it have to be right away after dinner? M-My friends and I have something planned for Hermione's birthday." Professor Snape didn't seem entirely impressed and Harry rushed to continue. "It won't take long! Just a cake, and some presents."
Professor Snape frown got a little less severe and Harry held his breath. "Very well. 7:30pm."
Harry nodded quickly. "Yes sir, thank you, sir," Harry said, and Professor Snape sneered before turning on his heel again and strutting away. Harry let out a relieved sigh and hurried back into the library. Theodore looked up when he entered, a hopeful expression on his face, and Harry nodded, grinning.
Ron was watching him, his eyes wide. "What was that?" He asked, leaning forward as his voice went down to a whisper, as if they were discussing something top secret. Harry shrugged.
"Professor Snape is tutoring me on my writing and stuff," He said, scratching at his neck and ignoring the scandalized look Ron was giving him.
"He's what?" He exclaimed in surprise. Harry shushed him immediately, eyes darting around to see if anyone heard. Or more specifically, Madame Pince, who, despite having been talked to by Headmaster Dumbledore, couldn't be trusted not to chuck something big and heavy at them if they got too loud.
"Yeah, he didn't like how I was writing, said I needed to make a better impression for Slytherin." Harry rolled his eyes. Ron was still staring at him. "He's actually kind of helpful."
"Helpful?" Ron repeated dryly. Harry nodded and Ron snorted. "Professor Snape? Helpful?" Harry winced but nodded again. Ron shook his head. "Just the other week, he called Neville stupid and Hermione annoying all in one breath, and after, you yelled at him and got detention. Again." Harry nodded, not too bothered by the detention. What were they going to do to him? Make him clean dishes? He was not worried, and he would defend his friends again in a heartbeat.
"I'm not saying he's not a jerk. He is," Harry agreed, and Ron relaxed, relieved. "I'm saying he's also surprisingly helpful."
Ron frowned, his expression turning thoughtful. "Maybe he wants something from you," He warned. "Maybe he's going to use this as a way to get you to do something for him."
Harry paused, considering this possibility. If this was all just a scheme to make Harry do something that Professor Snape wanted, it seemed like a lot of work to get there. Besides, he was a professor and his Head of House, which came with a considerable amount of power, and Professor Snape did not seem like one to shy away from using said power when it suited him.
"I'll keep that in mind, Ron," Harry assented, and Ron nodded, relieved. Harry smiled. "Thanks for looking out for me." Ron went pink and nodded quickly, smiling back sheepishly.
"Of course, mate," He said, and Harry squeezed Ron's arm lightly, his heart hammering in his chest. He had never had someone look out for him like that. The Dursleys were the complete opposite, turning a blind eye to everything that happened to him in hopes that something would happen, and they could be rid of him. He no longer cared anymore but when he was little, it really hurt.
Actually having someone – four someones, really – healed some of the ache that had sat heavy in his heart since he was little, an ache he hadn't thought would go away until he came here and realized that that ache wasn't all there was out there in the world.
"Thanks, Ron," He said again, hoping that it conveyed everything he was feeling, that he was grateful for more than just Ron worrying about him and Professor Snape. Ron seemed to realize it was more than just a simple 'thanks' for him, and only smiled, nodding.
"C'mon, we should get back to the group and get ready for Hermione's birthday," Ron said instead, and Harry nodded. Ron grinned at him one more time before they made their way back to the others.
"Are you sure that it's okay that I'm in here?" Harry whispered and Ron nodded.
"Yeah, don't worry. You might be a Snake, but you're the Boy-Who-Lived too, and no one's going to mess with you," Ron said, and Harry frowned, looking around the Gryffindor common room skeptically. He wasn't wearing his school robes, wearing one of Dudley's shirts instead and his uniform pants. He was getting odd looks, but he wasn't sure if it was because he was the Boy-Who-Lived, a Slytherin, or because of the fact that his shirt was three sizes too big.
"If you say so," Harry said skeptically, unimpressed. Harry was trying his best to trust Ron's judgement but that was not really something he was used to. He didn't even trust his relatives and any peers he knew from his old school were hardly his friends and hardly people to trust.
"Don't worry, Harry," He repeated. "No one's really going to hurt you." That wasn't nearly as reassuring as Ron thought it was, but Harry nodded anyways.
"Who's hurting who?" A random voice interrupted. Harry managed to stop the wince at the sudden appearance of another pale, freckly red head beside Ron, slinging an arm around his shoulders. Another popped up on the other side of Ron, identical to the first.
Ron struggled out of the older boy's grip. "Geroff, you git," He grumbled. The older boy smirked and ruffled Ron's hair, who protested again.
"Language, Ronniekins," The other twin said, tutting reproachingly. "Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"
"Yeah, Ronnie, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" The first twin said, puckering his lips and making kissy sounds. Ron scowled at the two of them and punched the first twin in the shoulder, who only snickered in response. "Jeez, Ronnie, no need to take it so seriously." The boy grinned saccharinely, and Harry instantly distrusted that smile. He looked at Ron, unimpressed, but his friend was too busy glaring at his brothers as he pushed them away to notice Harry's look.
"Shut up, Fred," He told the first twin, who only grinned and leaned back on the couch they were sitting on, watching them with amusement. The second twin – who would have to be George, then – pouted.
"Aw, Ronnie, don't you know words hurt?" He asked, pulling Ron into a tight hug that Harry knew wasn't meant for comfort, rather just an excuse to squeeze Ron as hard as possible. Ron pushed his brother away with a scowl, flipping him off. The other boy laughed. "Jeez, Ron, who taught you all that?"
"Who do you think?" He said snidely. The twins grinned and Ron frowned, suddenly stern. "What do you guys want, seriously?"
"Seriously?" Fred asked, turning to Harry now, who instantly froze at the sudden attention. "Why, we want to meet the revered Boy-Who-Lived!"
"The Chosen One!" George cried.
"The Saviour!"
"The Boy Who Conquered!"
"The-"
Ron shoved them. "Quit it, you gits!" He grumbled and the twins stopped, Fred grinning as he threw an arm around Ron's shoulders, turning his focus on Harry instead.
"So, Mr. Potter. What are your intentions with our brother?" Fred said, putting on a fake American accent and pretending to take a puff of a cigarette as he leaned over Harry. "Lookin' to lure him over to the dark side?"
George leaned against the fireplace, arms crossed and also speaking in an accent. "Yeah, turn him into one of your Snakes?"
Fred leaned in with a stern expression on his face, his finger pointing at Harry accusingly. "Cuz if you're tryin' to corrupt our young Ronnie here, we're gonna have a problem!"
George leaned in as well, nodding with Fred. "A real problem! You don't wanna problem, do ya?" Harry was too frightened and bewildered to speak, looking between them with wide eyes before turning to Ron in helpless confusion. Ron turned to his brothers, glaring at the two of them.
"Stop being pricks," Ron chastised.
Fred grinned. "Aw, we're just playing." He flopped down onto the couch beside Harry and George took a seat on the armrest beside Ron. "Sorry, Harry, didn't mean to freak you out. I'm Fred." He pointed to his brother. "And this is-"
George spoke up before Fred could introduce him. "His better, smarter clone, George," He said.
Harry pulled himself together and gave a strained smile. "Harry." Fred and George grinned.
"So, what's a little Snake like you doing in the Gryffindor common room?" Fred asked, and Harry glanced at Ron, who was still glaring at his brothers. He looked at ease, though, opposite of what he would be if his brothers were keen on getting rid of the little Snake in their common room.
Harry relaxed slightly. "We're celebrating Hermione's birthday," He said, and Fred and George exchanged a look, grinning, before Fred turned to his younger brother.
"Is that what mum was sending you the other day? A birthday present for her?" He snickered and Harry frowned, unsure about what he was laughing at. Ron seemed to know, his face turning red, and the boy scowled.
"Yeah, it's her birthday. Friends get their friends birthday presents when it's their birthday," Ron replied slowly, like he was trying to explain a simple topic to an idiot. Fred wasn't offended, still grinning.
"Uh huh. Sure." He turned back to Harry before Ron could respond and looked Harry up and down. "You're a lot scrawnier than I pictured. Don't really look like someone who can take down a Dark Lord." Harry gaped at him, unsure of how to respond. Ron slammed his foot into Fred's. "Ouch! What the hell was that for?" Ron only glared at him.
"Don't be an idiot." Ron was staring up at his brother, hands on his hips and scowling angrily. George also gave Fred a disproving frown, which Fred took more seriously than Ron's foot, even though he was still wincing from the pain.
"Sorry, Harry." Fred shrugged sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. "I was only teasing." Harry didn't know how to respond. He wasn't angry, exactly, but he could see why what Fred said could be offensive. But it wasn't the worst thing that had been said to Harry, so he was finding it hard to really care. He accepted the apology anyways.
"Uh, sure," He said and Fred smiled. "Um, are you upset?" Fred frowned, confused. Ron and George also looked at him, surprised. Harry felt his face heat up and he looked down at his shoes.
"About what?"
Harry looked away. "I don't know. About me being here, in Gryffindor Tower." Fred and George grinned.
"Nah, we could care less," George said, rolling his eyes.
"Besides, you're not exactly the best Slytherin, hanging out with Gryffindors," Fred said, smirking, and Harry winced, but nodded. He couldn't exactly disagree; he was getting enough grief from the other Slytherins.
"The hat thought about putting me in Gryffindor," He admitted casually, and Ron turned to him, eyes wide.
"Really?" He asked. Harry nodded. "Why didn't it?" Harry paused, not too sure what to say, since he barely understood what the hat had been muttering during his Sorting. All he was certain of was that the hat knew about the darkness and that had somehow influenced his Sorting. And he knew he couldn't explain that to Ron.
"I'm not too sure," He lied, and Ron frowned, looking contemplative. Harry continued before he could ask more questions. "But it didn't really matter, right? We're still friends."
Ron smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"So, what's it like in the Slytherin common room?" George interrupted. "We've always wanted to sneak in, but being a Gryffindor makes it hazardous."
"Yeah," Fred agreed. "Would your housemates stone us to death if we stepped into your common room?"
Harry paused, considering. "Probably."
"Hmph. Figures." Fred sighed, rolling his eyes. "Unsociable bunch, those wankers." Harry couldn't disagree, so he remained silent, looking around the room he was in instead.
The Gryffindor common room was cozy, couches and chairs of all different shapes and sizes – but all varying shades of red – centered around the wide hearth, which was decorated by the students' various art projects, photographs and knick-knacks from home. The walls had numerous paintings of different witches, wizards and animals, and like the Slytherin common room, had two staircases leading up to the girls' and boys' dorms. It was cozy in a different way than Slytherin's common room was. Harry liked the warmth and richness of this common room, but he also liked the serenity and stillness of the Slytherin common room.
"Harry?" Ron said, breaking through his musings, and Harry startled, turning to his friend.
"Sorry," He said, shaking his head. "Zoned out." Fred and George grinned.
"So, what's your plan for your little friend?" George asked, and Ron gave him a glare.
"None of your business," He hissed but his brothers ignored him.
"Does it involve the other two Slytherins you've been hanging out with lately?" Fred asked. Ron remained silent, his jaw clenched shut, and Harry looked between his friend and the older boys with wide eyes, unsure. But Harry didn't have to say anything, Fred took Ron's silence as an admission. "Woah ho, so it does! Damn, Ronnie, didn't think you'd be the one hanging out with Slimy Snakes."
"What do you care?" Ron finally snapped, and Fred shrugged.
"We don't. Slytherins have their uses and can come in quite handy if you know how to talk to them," George said. Harry wasn't too sure what they meant by that, and he looked over at Ron, hoping for some elaboration. He got none, Ron rolling his eyes instead.
"Whatever." Ron glanced over when the common room door opened. He turned back to his brothers. "We gotta go. Hermione's here." Fred and George glanced over as well and grinned.
"Hah. Good luck, Ronniekins," Fred cooed, giving Ron another tight squeeze. Ron pushed him off.
"Whatever." He grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him along to Hermione. Harry, who had been too distracted trying to follow along with their conversation, barely noticed Ron's hand in his until Ron was letting go.
"Hey, 'Mione," Ron greeted, and Hermione turned to him with a smile.
"Hi, Ron!" She greeted, her eyes widening when she finally noticed Harry. "Oh, Harry! What're you doing here?" Harry shrugged, glancing over at Ron, and Hermione looked over at him expectantly as well.
"We have a surprise for you," Ron said, and Hermione gave him a look.
"A surprise? What surprise?" She demanded and Ron rolled his eyes.
"If I tell you, it won't be a surprise. C'mon, I promise it's good." Hermione still looked a little skeptical and she sent Harry a dubious look. Harry only grinned, shrugging, and she turned back to Ron with a sigh.
"Alright. Let's see then."
Ron met Harry's eyes with an excited grin, and they led Hermione to the empty classroom that Professor McGonagall let them use for their little birthday celebration.
Ron paused in front of the room, turning to Hermione. "After you," He said with a bow, holding out an arm, and Hermione rolled her eyes with a grin before pushing the doors open. Harry heard her gasp, and he stepped in after her, hoping that it was an amazed gasp and not a horrified one.
Harry's eyes widened at the sight of the room. Blaise and Theodore definitely did well with decorating the room. They had covered the ceiling in strings of sparkling red and gold lights, with little shimmery specks falling down from the lights like snow falling from the sky. Harry held out a hand and the golden flake rested on his skin for a second before melting away, leaving a nice warmth behind. He grinned, looking at the sweets that the four of them had made with the house elves spread out along the desks that Theodore and Blaise had pushed together. There was a small table and chairs for the five of them to eat their food at in the center of the room, in front of the buffet, and the table had a red and gold tablecloth, a golden lion placed in the middle as the center piece.
"This-I can't-I have no words," Hermione said, turning to Ron and Harry, a smile on her face and happy tears in her eyes. Harry blushed, looking down at his feet. "This is amazing. No one's done anything like this for me before." Ron smiled.
"Of course, 'Mione. We kinda owe you after all the help you've given us so far," He said, and Hermione giggled, shaking her head. She looked over at Blaise and Theodore, who had made their way over to the other three.
"Did you guys decorate?" She asked, and Blaise and Theodore nodded. Hermione studied them for a second, her expression neutral, and Harry held his breath, eyes darting between the three of them nervously. But before anyone could say anything, Hermione's expression softened, and she smiled. "Thank you. You both did a wonderful job. It's beautiful."
And, surprisingly to Harry, Theodore smiled back. "Of course. You deserve it."
Hermione squealed happily and pulled all of them into a group hug. Harry stiffened but didn't pull away, forcing himself to relax into the hug.
"C'mon guys, let's enjoy the party before Harry has to leave us!" Ron said, and they all gladly made their way over to the food, chattering happily.
"Come in, Mr. Potter." Professor Snape's voice was devoid of emotion, but Harry still approached cautiously. They were in the classroom this time; Professor Snape's office door was shut, and he was sitting at his desk that he usually sat at during lessons. Harry took a seat in front.
"What are we working on today, sir?" Harry sat as still as possible, eying his professor warily. Professor Snape looked at him briefly, his eyebrows narrowing, before he turned back to his marking.
"We'll go over your Charms work. Based on the curriculum, you would've been covering the Softening Charm this week," Professor Snape said, and Harry nodded.
"Okay," He said, pulling out his Charms textbook and his wand. He could feel Professor Snape's eyes on him, and he ignored them the best he could. He placed his textbook, quill and wand onto the desk, hands fluttering to arrange them neatly beside each other and then finally met Professor Snape's eyes. Harry relaxed slightly when he saw that Professor Snape did not have an angry, or even hostile, look on his face. His expression was rather indiscernible, yet it still made Harry uneasy in its intensity anyways.
"I want to see what you have so far," Professor Snape said, and Harry watched the man carefully, picking up his wand. Professor Snape waited until Harry had his wand in his hand before pulling his desk drawer open and reaching in. Harry watched his every move. What he didn't notice was Professor Snape watching Harry's every move, but Harry could feel the itching behind his eyes, and he shifted nervously. "Here." Professor Snape placed a wooden block in front of him. "Make this soft. Soft enough that you can throw it against the wall, and it won't damage anything." Harry picked up the block carefully, turning it around in his hands as he studied it. "Well? What are you waiting for?" Harry put the block down hastily and lifted his wand, tapping it and whispering the spell.
"Spongify," He said, and he felt the darkness respond to his words. With the help of the wand, he shaped and contorted the darkness into the spell that he wanted. The block didn't noticeably change but when Harry reached out with a tentative hand, he realized that the outside inch or two were squishy.
He sighed in relief, glad that the darkness cooperated. His wand was helping not just with his control but with his understanding of the nuances of his magic, something he had never noticed before. There was the darkness – there'd always be the darkness, he suspected – but intertwined with it, woven into it, was another magic, one that didn't feel chaotic or destructive like the darkness did but still felt like its equal. It felt like something familiar, something safe, something that Harry could almost grasp at but couldn't quite catch, couldn't quite name. It was like when you have a word on the tip of your tongue, so close you can practically taste it and feel it, but it's gone before you can capture it. Luckily, he didn't need to have a complete hold on this new magic. Whether he controlled it or not, it was there, and it tempered the darkness.
"Not good enough," Professor Snape hissed, snapping Harry out of his thoughts when his professor picked up the block and threw it at the wall. The block hit with a loud sound and fell to the ground. Harry winced, leaning away from Professor Snape. "Get it and try again." Harry nodded mutely, standing up and scurrying over to the block before bringing it back to the desk. Professor Snape tapped the block with his wand, and it returned to normal. Harry focused on the block and gripped his wand tightly in his hand, feeling the darkness and the other magic swirl inside his chest, ready to act.
"Spongify."
The block seemed to curve into itself, and Harry pulled his arm back expectantly. Professor Snape picked up the block and threw it against the wall once again. It bounced off slightly before falling to the ground with a thump. Harry tensed, looking at Professor Snape hesitantly.
"Again," Professor Snape said unflinchingly, and Harry winced, standing up to grab the block. He made his way back to the desk and sat down, his hands trembling. He could feel the darkness hissing in response to his irritation, so he took a deep breath, trying to push that emotion away so it wouldn't push the darkness any further. Professor Snape tapped the block once again.
"Spongify," Harry said firmly and the darkness – and his other magic – sprang forward with determination, as keen as he was to get this finished. Luckily – for his sake and the darkness' sake – the results were promising. The block was drooping to the side, and he poked at it with a finger. He felt the flutters of satisfaction as he picked it up, giving the block a squeeze. It felt squishy like a stress ball, and he placed it down in front of his professor, his jaw set determinedly. Professor Snape raised an eyebrow at him, and Harry met his eyes challengingly.
His professor sneered and picked up the block, throwing it at the wall. The block bounced off before hitting the ground and bouncing off into the classroom. Harry grinned, proud, but stopped when Professor Snape turned back to look at him.
"That is acceptable," His professor said, and Harry, although slightly disappointed that the man wasn't more enthusiastic, nodded.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, and Professor Snape nodded, staring at him intensely. Harry fidgeted before looking at the door. "Um, do I go now?"
Professor Snape placed his hands on his desk, clasped in front of him. "Not quite, Mr. Potter." Harry stiffened. "I have a few questions for you."
Harry stared down at his knees, jaw clenched. "What would you like to know?" Professor Snape didn't say anything right away and Harry's knee started to jiggle as his anxiety rose, waiting for the man to say something. He fought the urge to snap at the man, clenching his jaw hard to remain silent.
"Do you enjoy it here at Hogwarts?" Professor Snape finally asked, and Harry's head snapped up, looking at the man in confusion. Harry was not expecting an innocuous question like that.
"I like it," He said slowly, trying to figure out what angle Professor Snape was getting at.
The man didn't seem bothered, either not noticing or ignoring Harry's scepticism. "That's good. What is your favourite thing about being here?"
"I like the food," He said.
"Better than at home?" Professor Snape's gaze was piercing, and Harry felt the itch behind his eyes again, so he looked away, wincing. He nodded quickly. "Why do you like it better?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know."
"Do you get more here at Hogwarts?" Professor Snape continued, and Harry stiffened, looking at the man with narrowed eyes. Professor Snape only stared back challengingly.
"Of course. I think everyone gets more here, since we have a feast every meal," Harry said glibly, and Professor Snape scowled.
"Enough cheek, Potter," He snapped before leaning forward, his expression finally angry and not the blank mask it was all session. Harry felt his own anger flash in return. "I know that you were malnourished arriving here and that can only lead to one conclusion." Harry didn't respond, gritting his teeth and ducking his head, staring hard at his hands clenched in his lap. Professor Snape was silent, waiting for Harry to say something, but Harry didn't, stubbornly staying quiet. "How much food does your aunt and uncle give you in a day?"
"What they have available," Harry answered stiffly. Professor Snape raised an eyebrow mockingly and Harry scowled. "All you need to do is go into the house. You'll see how much they have."
"And how much of what they have goes to you?" Professor Snape's tone was sharp, growing impatient, and Harry looked away, refusing to answer. "Do not make me make you answer, Mr. Potter."
"I already told you how much I get," He snapped.
"And what is that? Three square meals a day?" Professor Snape sneered but Harry didn't respond, silent as he stared at the wall. "Do not take me as a fool, Mr. Potter. I know something is wrong and I want to know exactly what is going on." Harry couldn't look at him, his hands trembling with his anger and fear. All his worst nightmares were coming true. If Professor Snape learned the truth, everything would just be so much worse for Harry.
"Nothing is wrong," Harry finally said, looking up and meeting Professor Snape square in the eyes. "My aunt and uncle have signed me up for many activities to do during the day. I'm very busy, so sometimes I miss meals. At school too, I'm quite busy, so I don't always get to eat lunch." It wasn't exactly a lie – chores could be considered activities, and his aunt and uncle gave him plenty of those. And he was quite busy at school, running away from Dudley and trying to avoid getting beat up. Professor Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Activities?" He did not sound convinced. "What activities?"
"Baseball," Harry said immediately. "Boxing, and cooking lessons. I also joined the debate team and the drama club in school, and the cross-country team."
Professor Snape sneered. "You've got quite the broad range of skills."
Harry met Professor Snape's mocking glare with a steady, blank expression. "Yes sir."
They stared at each other for a few minutes, and it took all of Harry's courage to not cower under the man's gaze. However, his fear of his uncle overpowered his fear of Professor Snape again, even when he was under the mighty glare of the dour man.
"I don't believe you," Professor Snape finally broke the silence.
Harry clenched his jaw. "Why not? It's the truth."
There was a flash of anger in the man's eyes. "Do not lie to me, Potter."
Harry looked away, his hands clenching to fists at his side with his annoyance. "I'm telling the truth."
"Not good enough, Mr. Potter," The man continued to push, and Harry took a deep, angry breath. "I know you're lying to me and that is not something I appreciate." Professor Snape sneered.
"I'm not lying!" Harry hissed, something snapping inside of him. He may not be telling Professor Snape the truth, but he was not a liar. This wasn't something that the man needed or deserved to know about Harry, and Harry wasn't about to suffer just because this man wanted to sate his curiosity.
"Watch your tone, boy," Professor Snape snarled, and Harry tensed, the fear finally pushing through at the sound of anger in the man's voice. "I will give you one more chance, Mr. Potter, or you will get detention. Tell me the truth."
Harry, although scared of the man, remained stubbornly silent, the fear easy to ignore when the threat was something as unthreatening as detention. Harry could practically feel the heat coming off the man as he grew angrier the longer Harry spent silent. Harry had to keep his gaze away from the man lest he succumb to his fear at the sight of the rage on the man's face.
"Detention, Mr. Potter. Monday," Professor Snape said, finally breaking the silence. Harry didn't even get the chance to react, let alone answer, before Professor Snape was gone and slamming his office door shut, leaving Harry alone at his desk. Harry took that as a sign that it was time for him to go and he quickly gathered his things before rushing out of the classroom.
Harry trudged through the halls, ignoring Blaise and Theodore as they chatted beside him, his mood sour. Not because of schoolwork, in fact, his classes were going quite swimmingly. Well, almost all of his classes.
No, Harry was in a foul mood because of one man, a man that despite their uneasy rapport during tutoring sessions and their many detentions, seemed to like pretending that nothing had changed when they were in class. And Harry was quite tired of the man's insistence to get as much information about his home life out of him as possible. Harry had tried his best to give as many hints as possible to get the man to stop and there wasn't much else he could do short of yelling and raging at the man like the darkness wanted him to do. Monday's detention wasn't any better, especially since the man seemed determined to not lose Thursday's battle of wills, and Harry wasn't looking forward to tonight's tutoring session following the disaster that was Monday.
"Hey Harry!" Ron greeted, joining their group as they headed down to the Great Hall for lunch. Harry waved in response, but his frown did not go away. Ron didn't seem to notice, his good mood too powerful to dampen in the presence of Harry's darkness. "You excited for our first flying lesson?" Harry felt his heart stutter to a stop, and he froze, the fear curdling in his stomach.
"What?" He asked, horrified. Ron winced apologetically.
"Yeah. At 3:45." Harry's face must have gotten even more aghast because Ron rushed to continue. "We won't be playing Quidditch! I know you don't like it."
Harry frowned, still kind of unconvinced. "Okay…" He said slowly and him and his friends started walking again. Theodore tapped him gently on the wrist.
"Don't worry, Harry. It's really not that hard. There'll be plenty of muggleborns who haven't ridden a broom before either," He soothed, and Harry nodded as if that was what had him worrying.
No, he didn't care if he looked like a fool on a broom. He couldn't care less. All he was worried about was the darkness, and how it would respond to flying through the air.
"Okay," He said, slightly impatiently, ready to be done with this conversation. Theodore gave him a quick look and nodded.
"Alright. Let's get going to lunch then," He said and Harry nodded, following along into the Great Hall. The chatter was all about Quidditch in light of the flying lesson they were going to have after History of Magic. Harry flopped his head onto the table, his mood getting even worse.
At least it was a nice day. Harry could appreciate that. He closed his eyes, tilting his head back and feeling his cheeks warm under the gentle embrace of the sun. He smiled.
Thankfully the darkness was pretty quiet, as relaxed as he was outdoors. However, he continued to feed it the same waves of calm and contentment he had been giving it since learning of their flying lesson in hopes that it would prevent too much of an explosion when they finally had their lesson. So far, it seemed to be working.
"Good morning class," A woman's voice interrupted his musings, and he opened his eyes. She was a stern looking woman, with spiky white hair and funny looking robes. Harry figured they were some sort of sport uniform. "Today we will be starting our first flying lesson. My name is Professor Hooch, and I teach flying here at Hogwarts as well as coaching Quidditch." There were a few whispers from the crowd at that, but Professor Hooch silenced them with a sharp blow of her whistle. "Before we can get to it, though, there are some rules that I need to go over first." Her expression turned stern, as if daring any of them to object. No one did, though Harry saw a few students grumble in annoyance. Obviously, they didn't think they needed these rules. Harry could guess everyone who was annoyed with this idea had plenty of experience flying on brooms. "Can anyone tell me one?" Hermione raised her hand almost instantly. The professor raised an eyebrow before nodding at her.
"No flying without permission," Hermione said imperiously, and there were instant protests. Professor Hooch silenced them again with a whistle, this one longer and louder than the last. Harry winced, rubbing his ears.
"I don't care how many of you think that you're above this rule," She said sternly. "To me, you might as well be newbies. Flying at home does not mean you have the proper technique required to fly here in my class, so we will be going over everything before any of you even step foot in the air. Is that understood?" A few students looked like they wanted to protest, but with a glare from Professor Hooch, they didn't say anything. "If anyone wants to argue with me about why they should be allowed to fly, they're welcome to write the necessary five-page essay detailing exactly why you think you have the right over everyone else to get on a broom. Because I already know that you don't, all that would get you is an even longer wait until December to get onto a broom." No one was arguing now. "Now everyone, choose a broom and stand on the side of your dominant hand. Lift your hand like this-" The professor demonstrated as she provided verbal instruction, and the class hurried to follow- "and in a commanding voice, say 'up'. If you do it correctly, the broom should rise to meet your hand." The professor then did just as she had said, and the broom flew into her hand almost immediately. Harry was pretty impressed, his eyes wide. "Next, you will stand over your broom and hover over it like you would if you were flying in the air. I will come around looking at your technique." She placed her broom down before clapping her hands. "Alright, everyone, get to it!"
Harry turned to his broom, staring down at it skeptically. It sat beside him, not so much as twitching, and he glanced around at the other students. Many of them were already yelling at their broom, all eager to get through this test of their technique so that they could get to the actual flying as soon as possible. Harry managed to get his broom into his hand after only three tries, and his eyes widened in surprise. The darkness purred smugly, and Harry rolled his eyes.
It didn't take long for most of the class to have the broom up in their hands, and eventually, all of them were standing over their brooms, looking awkward and silly as they half crouched over brooms that weren't even in the air. Harry giggled at the sight and Theodore sent him a bemused look. Harry shrugged, not bothering explaining.
"Mr. Potter," Professor Hooch said as she approached. "Please, stand over your broom." Harry tried to copy Theodore as best as he could, holding the broom with two hands and leaning forward slightly. It felt like riding a horse, not that Harry had any experience with riding a horse, but if he did, this was what he expected it would feel like. "Very good Mr. Potter." She moved his elbows and helped him adjust his stance. "There. That is what I want you to do on the broom when you're in the air." Harry nodded silently, calming his racing heart after the unexpected contact. He moved his arms as if to shake the unease out of them.
"Thank you, ma'am," He said stiffly, getting off the broom quickly and putting it down. Theodore was watching him quizzically, but Harry only shook his head.
The lesson soon went down hill, however, when instead of just staying on the ground, Neville started to rise up into the air. It was a slow climb at first, and Professor Hooch whistled sharply, calling out Neville's name. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to do anything to stop it, in fact, Neville's broom jerked up and went hurtling into the sky. Harry's eyes widened in shock, worried for his friend, and Professor Hooch made a sound of horror. A few students screamed, which Harry thought was a tad dramatic.
"Oh my god, Neville!" Hermione cried out. Neville's broom went higher and faster, its movements getting choppier until all anyone could do was watch in horror as the broom tilted sideways and Neville went tumbling off. He fell and it was almost like he was falling in slow motion. The horror that Harry was feeling in the pit of his stomach made it seem like time was slowing down so that they all got to watch the agonizing sight of Neville falling, falling, falling-
And then it was over. Neville was on the ground, clutching his arm and crying out in pain, Professor Hooch and a number of students rushing over to the boy. Professor Hooch shooed them away as she helped Neville to his feet. She turned to the rest of the students.
"I will be taking Mr. Longbottom here to the Hospital Wing. Everyone else will stay on the ground. No flying, and if anyone is caught in the air, they will be gone from Hogwarts before they can blink!" She shouted and everyone stilled, shocked still from the accident and now from the possible chance of expulsion if they got on their broom. Harry, not keen on expulsion and still feeling queasy from the sight of what happened to Neville, stepped away from his broom, any interest in flying gone from him. He watched them walk into the castle, Neville's face pink from his tears, and he winced, afraid for his friend. He wasn't the only one who was still horrified at what just happened, many students standing and staring in silence as the two walked into the castle.
The silence was broken, however, by sudden laughter. Harry felt his blood boil with anger, the darkness coiling inside of him with a hiss, and he spun around to glare at the blonde boy standing with the other Slytherins as he tossed Neville's Remembrall into the air.
"Shut up, Malfoy," He hissed. "And give that back. That's not yours."
"You don't get to tell me what to do, Potter, not when you're a traitorous mudblood lover," Draco snarled, and Harry saw red, lunging towards him. He didn't get to attack the other boy, however, because he was quickly held back by Theodore and Blaise.
"Not here, Harry, not here. Remember the rules," Harry heard Blaise whisper, but he was still too angry to relax, and he struggled out of Blaise's grip, turning to Draco again. He didn't attack, though, knowing that nothing good could come out of it.
"Shut the fuck up, Malfoy," Harry repeated, stepping up to the other boy so that they were inches apart, face to face. Draco, who was a few inches taller, stood over him, chest puffed.
"Or what, Potter?" He whispered. "You're going to fight me?"
Harry tilted his chin up. "If I have to."
Draco sneered. "Oh look, pathetic little Potty wants to protect his disgusting little friends. Your no better at choosing friends than your parents, Potter, and look what happened to them. If you're not careful, you'll end up like every other no good mudblood."
It took everything in Harry to ignore the other boy and control the darkness. He spoke through clenched teeth. "Give it back."
Draco sneered. "No. He can get it himself."
Draco brought his arm back as if to throw the Remembrall and Harry panicked, knowing Draco's intent was to break it. The darkness, already agitated and angry from Draco's earlier comments, lashed out in response to his panic, striking with an electric hiss. Draco yelped and dropped the Remembrall, a red burn appearing on his hand, and he stumbled away from Harry. The Slytherins watched on in shock and Harry heard a few students gasp in surprise.
"Harry!" Theodore said. "Harry, what did you-"
But Harry ignored the other boy, picking up Neville's Remembrall before heading to the castle, ignoring the whispers of the other students behind him as he went.
He didn't let himself think about what he had just done, not until he had given Neville his Remembrall back. He walked to the Hospital Wing quietly, slipping into the room and looking around. Neville was nowhere to be seen but there were a few beds with curtains drawn around them. Neville would have to be in one of them.
"Mr. Potter," Madame Pomfrey greeted before Harry could make it too far. Harry turned to her. "What are you doing in here?" Harry held out the Remebrall and Madame Pompfrey took it bemusedly.
Harry cleared his throat. "It's Neville's. He dropped it when he fell," Harry said, his voice hoarse. He coughed to clear it. "I wanted to bring it back to him." Madame Pompfrey didn't answer right away, watching him carefully, and Harry shifted uncomfortably, not liking the feeling of being studied.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter," She said finally, and Harry nodded, turning on his heel and leaving the Hospital Wing as quickly as possible.
The realization of what he had just done to Draco, in front of not only all the other Slytherin first years but the Gryffindors too, was finally dawning on him, and he could feel the rising panic clogging his throat and making his eyes burn. He had to get out as soon as possible. Figure out a way to avoid Professor Snape and get out before the darkness exploded again. Despite it's earlier escape, the darkness had not settled, not like it usually did when Harry released it, and he knew he needed away – to release it or wait until it settled – or else it was going to burst out of him, and Harry didn't want to face the resulting destruction if it did.
No such luck, however.
"Mr. Potter," Professor Hooch interrupted his musings and Harry stopped, his entire body stiff as he waited for her to continue. "What're you doing here?"
"Neville dropped his Remembrall. I was returning it to him," Harry said, nodding towards the Hospital Wing. Professor Hooch smiled slightly.
"That was very nice of you," She said. "But now it's time to get back to class. The lesson will continue." She attempted to place a hand on his back and nudge him towards the door, but Harry leaned away from her so that her hand only hovered over his back. His hands were trembling as the darkness stirred but luckily, he managed to avoid any contact, so the darkness didn't react. She didn't seem to notice.
He fell back behind Professor Hooch and followed her back to the Quidditch pitch reluctantly, not too keen on facing his peers again after what he had done. He didn't want to hurt Draco, but the boy didn't exactly not deserve it, so Harry didn't feel quite as repentant as he knew he should be. Or at least, knew he was expected to be.
They arrived back at the field they were having their lesson in, and Harry quietly made his way back over to his friends. Theodore and Blaise were watching him worriedly, but they didn't say anything, thankfully. Harry wouldn't know what to say anyways if they tried to talk to him. He could feel Draco's glare burning into his head and he tried his best to ignore it.
"Harry," Theodore whispered, and Harry stiffened, glancing briefly at his friend. Theodore was watching him hesitantly and Harry nodded ever so slightly. "You should apologize. Maybe-maybe he won't tell."
Harry gnawed on his lip apprehensively and nodded, taking a deep breath. "What do you think he'll do to me? When he finds out?" Harry whispered. Theodore exchanged looks with Blaise but didn't respond. Harry sighed, turning to look at Draco. The blonde boy was still staring at him, his uninjured hand holding the other, and Harry walked over to him. Gregory and Vincent blocked his path before he could get close.
"Watch it, Potter," Gregory hissed threateningly, and Harry clenched his jaw, remaining still. Gregory and Vincent reminded him of his cousin and his bullying friends, and Harry was used to standing strong despite the fear their size caused in him.
"I want to apologize," He said, directing it to Draco rather than Gregory. Draco was watching him, his eyes narrowed, but he wasn't glaring, so Harry stepped around Gregory. "I'm sorry, Draco. I didn't mean to hurt you." Draco's eyes darted away, a hurt expression on his face. Harry waited on bated breath, but Draco's face froze over again after a few seconds, and he turned back to Harry, his eyes hard and cold.
"But you did," Draco hissed. Harry didn't bother denying it, keeping his gaze steady on Draco. "Do you really think you get to break the rules and not get in trouble? Rule number 5, Potter. You don't get to get away with this." Harry was silent for a few seconds, resigned, and he sighed heavily, aware that Draco had made up his mind.
"I didn't mean to hurt you," He said quietly, glancing at Draco briefly before making his way back over to his friends. Theodore and Blaise had the familiar, worried looks on their faces and Harry winced.
"Harry, are you okay?" Theodore asked quietly. Harry nodded almost imperceptibly but Theodore caught it, watching him like a hawk. "Are you sure? You're magic-"
"I'm alright," Harry interrupted, sighing again. Theodore's fingertips brushed lightly against his wrist.
"If you say so." He bit his lip, glancing at Blaise. "But Professor Snape will figure out."
"And you broke rule 5," Blaise continued. "He won't take that lightly."
Harry felt the urge to defend himself and he shook his head quickly. "I didn't mean to! It was an accident. I-I saw him, he was going to throw it, and I-I panicked! I didn't know the d-my magic would do that."
Blaise squeezed his shoulder. "We know, Harry. But Professor Snape isn't going to believe that."
Harry ran a hand down his face, nodding slowly. "I know." He felt the fear and dread curl around in his stomach, encircling the darkness. He swallowed thickly, clenching his fists as he tried to keep it all down. "What do you think he's going to do?" Blaise and Theodore exchanged looks, and usually, Harry hated when they had silent conversations without him but this time, he ignored it.
"You'll be okay. We'll be here for you," Theodore promised, but that did nothing to reassure Harry, and he turned away, looking at Professor Hooch.
"Alright, class, now that I've had the chance to go over everyone's technique, I will allow you to lift off the ground and hover on your broom," Professor Hooch directed.
Harry eyed his broom skeptically but did as he was told, holding his hand out and summoning his broom before going into position. Many students were already lifting off the ground and Harry narrowed his eyes as he tried to figure out how they did it. They made it look easy, just lifting their feet up and the broom miraculously held their weight up off the ground. Harry looked down at his feet, which were still firmly planted on the ground, and tried to force himself to believe that it would work, knowing that if he had any hope of getting the darkness to cooperate, he had to believe it himself. Harry closed his eyes and slowly lifted up on the broom handle until he felt the ground disappear from beneath his feet, and his eyes flew open in shock.
The skepticism vanished into thin air, and he grinned, his stomach swooping like it did when he went on a roller coaster. Harry had only been on a roller coaster once in his life, and that was only because Petunia got motion sick and Vernon was at work, and they didn't want Dudley to go on his own. So that only left Harry. They would have gone on the weekend when Vernon would be able to come, but Dudley had thrown a fit and unsurprisingly, his parents gave in, even though it made Vernon mutter and twitch angrily all week at the idea that that meant Harry also got to do something fun. And he did enjoy it. He loved it, the feeling of falling, the wind in his hair, the exhilaration. He wiggled the broom a little, going up and down, and he smiled, his muscles quivering with excitement.
Professor Hooch appeared in the air in the middle of their group. "Alright, now that you've got the hang of hovering, I will go over how to speed up and slow down. If you want to go faster, you will lean forward on your broom like this." She demonstrated and Harry watched her carefully, trying his best to memorize her actions. "To slow down, lean backwards, and if you have to stop, pull up on your broom handle as well." She demonstrated again before letting them all practice.
Harry leaned forward slightly, his hands gripping the handle tightly. To his surprise, the broom was quick to respond and crept forward slowly. He grinned, leaning forward even more, and the broom started to speed up, causing Harry to laugh in excitement. Before he could get too far, he practiced slowing down and then a quick stop, and Harry's smile got even brighter. After all this worrying, Harry didn't mind flying. It was kind of exhilarating, not just because he was flying, but because he was actually good at something on his first try at it. He laughed again before speeding up, moving his broom this way and that, spinning in circles, and dipping up and down. It was a lot of fun and Harry almost didn't hear Professor Hooch's whistle. He stopped instantly and turned around, speeding back to the rest of the group to listen.
"Alright, boys and girls, now that you've got the hang of it, I'm going to allow you to fly around the pitch," She said. There were murmurs of excitement, but Professor Hooch quickly held out a hand and they fell silent again. "However, you will not go outside of the stands, or higher than the two lowest hoops. There will also be no physical contact of any kind. If anyone does not follow those rules, they will be forced to land and sit on the bench and serve detention with me. Is that clear?" There were murmurs of agreement from the students and Professor Hooch nodded once. "Well then, go and enjoy yourselves!"
Harry grinned and instantly pulled his broom handle up, flying higher into the air. He laughed, swooping up and down, and he leaned back, enjoying the feel of the wind in his hair. Theodore flew up beside him and Harry turned to him with a grin.
"This is fun!" He said and Theodore smiled, spinning around to fly backwards and face Harry as they moved along.
"See? You had nothing to worry about," Theodore said, and Harry shrugged. That was yet to be seen, but for now, Harry could agree. Things were going smoothly, as long as he forgot about what had happened earlier.
Blaise appeared beside them as well. "You took to it pretty fast, Harry," He praised, and Harry blushed, nodding, Blaise glanced at the ground, where Hermione was moving at a snail speed on her broom, her feet barely even hovering over the grass. "She doesn't seem too keen on it."
Harry looked down and winced, shaking his head. "She's afraid of heights."
Theodore made a face. "That sucks. Flying's not so great if you're scared of being in the air."
Harry nodded solemnly. He flew down to the ground, hovering beside Hermione, and she looked over at him, her eyes slightly wild and hair frazzled. She was sweating too, and Harry could see her trembling.
"Are you alright, Hermione?" He asked and Hermione winced before sighing heavily.
"I don't think I can do this," She whispered, her eyes darting up to look into the sky at their classmates whizzing around above them, and she winced again, shaking her head. "Just the thought of being up in the air makes me want to be sick." Harry frowned, reaching out to pat her gently on the shoulder.
"I'm sure if you tell Professor Hooch, she'll let you sit this one out," He offered and Hermione nodded, turning her broom slowly and heading over to their professor. Harry watched her for a second, smiling gently, before speeding back up into the air to Blaise and Theodore. Ron had now joined them too and he was watching Harry with an excited grin on his face.
"Wow, Harry! You're a natural!" He praised and Harry blushed, shrugging. "No, really, you are! And you're great at catching things, so you'd be a great seeker!"
Harry winced, shaking his head. "I like flying, but I don't know if I want to play." Ron looked ready to protest, but Blaise cut him off.
"Why don't we play tag?" He suggested with a smirk. "Loser has to jump into the lake at lunch." Theodore and Ron exchanged looks before grinning, a competitive gleam in their eyes, and Blaise turned to Harry. "What do you say?" Harry glanced over at his other friends, who both had similar beseeching expressions on their faces, and he smiled, nodding.
"Okay," He agreed.
Theodore grinned, glancing at Ron and Harry pointedly. "Good!" He lunged forward, slapping Blaise on the arm. "You're it!" Before Blaise could even respond, Harry, Ron and Theodore were speeding away.
"What? That is such a cheap move, Teddy! I'm getting you first."
Theodore only laughed. Harry grinned, speeding up, and he pushed away all the thoughts and worries of Draco and Professor Snape and the trouble he was going to be in and instead let himself have fun.
Jeez, that was a long chapter. Hope you enjoy! And I promise it won't be as long for the next one. Fingers crossed