Sides

Harry hadn't spoken to Tabby since the argument, and that was over a week ago. She sat apart from them in class and ignored them in the common room. Harry and Ron had spoken to Hermione about the whole situation. She had simply said that she had had a disagreement with Tabby and that she had obviously taken it too seriously. Neither of them believed her, but they didn't want to be seen to be taking sides with Tabby, so they left it at that. Harry had had enough. He wanted to get this sorted out. Of course his loyalties remained with Hermione but he didn't want to be fighting with Tabby. Tabby had recently become very illusive, it took a few days before Harry could actually get the opportunity to talk to her. He caught her as she was walking back from Dinner in the Great Hall.

"Tabby," Harry called, she either didn't hear him or was ignoring him. Harry dashed after her. It didn't take him long to catch up, he was used to running after being chased so often by Dudley and his gang.

"Tabby," panted Harry, "can I have a word please?" He guided her into an empty classroom.

"Look I don't know what's going on with you and Hermione but I want to sort it out. And why are you avoiding me and Ron?" Tabby looked away, averting from Harry's searching gaze.

"Tabby?"

"I'm not avoiding you. Hermione told me to stay away from you, so I am. I am only respecting her wishes, I thought it was the right thing to do." Harry could hear the hurt in her voice.

"You don't have to stay away just coz she said you should, it's not up to her who we hang around with."

"She doesn't like me being there.she thinks I'm trying to steal you from her."

"What? That's stupid."

"I know." Harry started into her eyes, she looked away hastily. He wanted nothing more than to take away the pain one of his best friends had inflicted on her.

"I think she's just jealous Tabby."

"Jealous of what? That I have no friends?"

"No silly, that everyone wants to be friends with you."

"But they don't."

"Yes they do," said Harry gently. She looked up at him, he was smiling at her.

"Really Harry?"

"Yes really. I want to be friends with you." Tabby was confused. Could it be true that Hermione was jealous or was Harry just saying that to make her feel better?

"I don't think you should be friends with me Harry, you have to side with Hermione. There's obviously a reason she asked me to leave you alone. I won't allow you to fall out with your best friend over me; I'm not worth that. If Hermione and I can resolve our differences then I would love to be friends with you, but until then." Tabby walked away.

Harry was astonished, he didn't realise how noble Tabby could be. All of a sudden he had a burning hate for Hermione, how could she do that to someone who was obviously so kind? Harry mentally slapped himself, he couldn't be angry with Hermione, she was his friend and she must have a good reason to hate Tabby, he just had to find out what it was and solve the problem.