A month went by, and Hermione completely forgot about the necklace. She never took it off though.

As she sat down to breakfast with Harry and Ron she started to complain that they hadn't done enough revision for the defence against the dark arts test they were having that afternoon.

'Honestly, you really should put more effort into these things. All the stuff we learn this year will be included in the NEWTs you know.'

'What's the point?' mumbled Harry.

'I thought you wanted to work for the ministry?'

'Mmm'

'Well then. And Ron you should encourage him more.'

'Me? Why me?'

'Because he won't listen to me.'

'Fanks. Fo all the refonfability is left up to me?' Ron spat through his mouthful of toast.

The test did in fact turn out to be quite hard. When the lesson was over the class filed out slowly. Tests normally took it out of them. The boys waited for Hermione at the doorway but she told them to go ahead and she'd catch up. Ron didn't look very happy about it but Harry pulled him away. Professor Depardieu sat at his desk, already marking the sheets.

'Er, excuse me Professor, could I have a word with you. About Harry.'

The Professor looked at her. 'Ah, yes. Please do sit down.'

She sat. 'It's just that ever since last summer, he hasn't been himself. He's not putting any effort in to anything at all. He just mopes around all the time and this is supposed to be his best subject. I know he can do well but he doesn't want to try any more.'

Professor Depardieu flittered through the papers until he came to Harry's. He marked it quickly and said,

'Yes. He's only got 50%. I've looked through his records and he got a very high mark in his OWLs.'

'So do you think you could talk to him. Make him see that it's worth it?'

'Yes if you like.' He smiled. 'He's obliviously very lucky to have a friend who cares as much as you.'

'Well, I just want him to be ok that's all.' They looked at each other. 'I better go now.' And she left.

*

It seemed that Professor Depardieu had kept his word. A week later, Harry came down to eat looking a lot happier than usual.

'Any of you want to come to the library at lunch? I have to get some history books.'

Hermione smiled at him.

'I'll come,' said Ron 'I need some books too.'

'Hermione?'

'No, I have some stuff to do.'

'Like what?'

Hermione reached over to the sugar. 'Like knitting.'

'I knew it!' said Ron 'I found one of those hats in our room the other day. You know, that's just to far Hermione. Dean thought it was Neville's and had a right laugh at him. Do you really need to make them pink?'

Hermione didn't answer. Not even Ron was going to spoil her good mood today. Harry was himself again which was all that mattered. It didn't last long though.

'Son of a bitch!' Harry shouted as the came out of potions. 'Detention for spilling tanning potion! It's not even dangerous.'

'I know Harry but don't let it upset you.'

Hermione tried to calm him down the best she could.

'At east he only took 15 points off.'

'I'll see you both later,' he said and stormed off up the stairs.

'Great,' Hermione said to Ron. 'He was just starting to get better.'

'Well I'm going to the library. You can come if you think you can spare a days worth of knitting.'