Love, Hate and Friendship
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of
friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
-Muhammad Ali
The following morning, Harry woke up to a throbbing headache. A loud bang from the kitchen made his head jerk up, sending a sharp pain through the back of said head and telling him two things - first, that probably a previous banging was the reason for his waking up, and second, that you shouldn't drink so much (butterbeer? he asked himself) if next morning a racket in the kitchen wakes you prematurely ... He winced as the pain rapidly made its way up his spine, contributing to his growing migraine.
Ouch. Bad idea. Since when did the world become so. loud? And I didn't drink yesterday! What's happening?
It seemed as though all his senses had been heightened overnight. The overly pungent smells of breakfast ensnared his mind and his stomach growled loudly, and Dudley's breathing almost made him think that speeding air jets were passing overhead. The tiny light emerging from the outline of the door almost blinded Harry, and he wondered for a fleeting instant if a supernova had just crashed into Privet Drive. He was still in his cupboard, yet could perceive everything in the kitchen so clearly that he felt as though he was there.
He had no idea what was happening and his brain was so busy taking in all this additional information that he didn't try to figure out what this meant, lest his brain turn to mush.
Where is Hermione when you need her?
An alarm went off in his head - although he wasn't entirely convinced it wasn't the microwave. The same thought had occurred to him before.
Why did I need Hermione the first time?
A sense of foreboding seized him, as if he were watching a thirty-foot wave build up, frozen before it, unable to move or utter a word.
All of a sudden, the mind wave crashed and all the memories rushed back to his brain like speeding bullets to his skull. Harry nearly passed out from the pain and from the shock- both physical and emotional. He sat still and tried to make them all go away, or at least a portion of them, because his head was buzzing and felt heavy with the burden of these memories.
And the memories did just that. They trickled from his brain, slowly but surely, like water from cupped hands. He was jolted from his appeasement by a sudden thought. He needed these memories. They were of a most crucial nature.
I need to keep these memories! No. write them down! Quick, a parchment, a quill, anything!
Harry scrambled furiously for something to write on, and after a moment of frantic searching, he finally came across a bit of parchment. He quickly jotted down a few notes, careful to keep it to the bare minimum:
"Snake - trance - moonlight - glowing - midnight? - weird voice - prophecy? Your quest for knowledge shall make you see That earth, wind, fire and water Will be linked"
He quickly reviewed them and knew that something was definitely missing. Had the prophecy been that short? He was surely missing the better part of it. He groaned as he thought of the possible consequences of this particular forgetfulness.
Let's just cross our fingers and hope for the best.
He smiled as the Chudley Cannons motto crossed his mind and made him think of Ron, and his room overflowing with orange, bright, vibrant orange.
Ouch. Now it hurts my eyes just to think about light. When will the madness end?
But he realized that he had managed to subdue his sharper senses just a little bit - either that or he had gotten used to them now. He was still frightfully aware of everything that was going on in the house, thanks to his freakishly good ears. He heard Aunt Petunia's heels click on the floor as she crossed the kitchen. He heard her open the fridge door and pour herself a glass of something - he had no way of knowing what exactly, as he didn't usually make a hobby of finding out what noise the different kinds of liquids made. Aunt Petunia's shrill cry of: "Anybody else want water?" made him reach up to cover his ears. Just when he thought the storm was over, he simultaneously heard Dudley's and Uncle Vernon's affirmative replies and the blaring of the radio, which someone had just turned on.
".and you can expect downpours all throughout the day. Now, for a little musical interlude, one of Earth, Wind & Fire's greatest hits."
Oh no, not a song! Please not a song!
He focused all his willpower on returning his senses back to their usual capabilities. Suddenly, he felt a tremor course through him and sat still in wonder when it started working. He was doing more wandless magic! His powers must be growing. He had never been able to do that much wandless magic before, and even when he had, it had been in life-or-death situations. In fact, he was ready to bet all his Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans -which was a pretty safe bet, since he had none at the moment- that he had just performed quite advanced MediWizard magic.
Well, at least now I can only faintly hear that stupid song on the radio. What kind of name is "Earth, Wind and Fire" anyway? All they need is water and they have all the elements.
He gasped as realization dawned upon him. Aunt Petunia was pouring herself a glass of water. The prophecy! He looked down at the piece of parchment in his hands, and grew very irritated.
So that's what the snake meant by "Your quest for knowledge shall make you see/ That earth, wind, fire and water/ Will be linked!" I can't believe this. And I thought that it was an actual noteworthy, serious prophecy! It's all a load of dung.as usual. And I was trying to preserve the memories! He scoffed. The rest of the prophecy was probably a notification that I will tie my shoelaces somewhere in the near future.You can't get more useful or more enlightening than that! Well, thank Merlin for Seers everywhere!
He fumbled with his pillow as he grumbled to himself, still angry about the fact that this mysterious prophecy wasn't important after all.
***
The following week passed by, utterly uneventful. Dumbledore had convinced Sirius not to come and get his godson out of the Dursleys' house. Besides, Harry felt like he would not be able to hide his torment from his godfather, and he figured Sirius had other things to worry about, or he would gladly have been rescued. Indeed, the prophecy issued by the snake occupied his mind just as much as Ginny had the previous weeks. Speaking of Ginny, Harry still couldn't explain the sudden not-so-brotherly and no- longer-platonic affection he felt for her.
I guess it was simply because I hadn't seen a girl for so long, Harry finally concluded after minutes of deliberation on his crush.
Yeah right.
How else could he justify the way he totally forgot about Cho? After all, didn't he use to think that she was the most beautiful girl at school? He figured that he should wait until the start of the new school term to see if his hormones went wild on Cho, too, or if that privilege was reserved to Ginny.
Maybe I should tell Ginny about the snake prophecy, he thought for the millionth time.
Maybe telling Ginny about such rubbish wasn't such a good idea after all. Or was it really rubbish? Had he dreamt the whole thing up? Of course I did, Harry tried to convince himself. Or did I? In any case, it's a bad idea to tell her about it. Not in a letter anyway. The risks of Voldemort's followers falling on my correspondence to Ginny would probably have unwanted consequences.
What about the Parseltongue code?
True, Harry could use that to write to Ginny. However, when he tried explaining what had happened, he found out he simply couldn't. The words he managed to scribble on the parchment were either too strong for what had happened or too silly. It all seemed foolish anyhow, at least written on paper. Harry figured that he would simply have to tell her when he saw her on September 1st - that was, if his Uncle actually let him go back to Hogwarts in time.
He was brooding over his situation when the violent screeches of the door literally made him jump from his bed. They were not nearly as horrible as Uncle Vernon's face as he passed his head into the cupboard. He seemed enraged at the idea of letting Harry out of his dwelling, yet didn't explain the reasons for inviting Harry to breakfast.
Oh well, maybe I'll get something else to eat than dried raisins and three- days-old bacon.
Harry quickly changed and hurried to the kitchen, hoping that Dudley had left some food for him. He sighed with happiness at the sight of the bacon, sausages, eggs and basket of fruits on the table. When he finally sat down, his plate filled with enough victuals for an entire regiment, he noticed that his aunt and uncle were quite silent -strangely, they seemed neither angry nor displeased, just neutral. Dudley kept engulfing his breakfast noisily. Harry wondered what was happening. He began eating, surprised that his aunt actually let him eat so much. As soon as he had eaten two toasts, though, Aunt Petunia seized the plate and gave her nephew a look indicating he would have no more breakfast.
"The Grangers called," Uncle Vernon began, sure he had Harry's attention now that his nephew wasn't eating anymore.
Oh. That explains why you brought me up here: so they wouldn't have the impression that you are starving me. A little late, perhaps. Anyway, when are they coming to pick me up?
Harry was about to voice this last thought, when Uncle Vernon preceded him by answering that precise question:
"They asked me if they could come and get you today, since it is my understanding you start school in three days."
"Tomorrow, actually," Harry corrected his uncle. He had been counting.
"Yes, well, that isn't the problem. Now, your aunt and I have decided to let you go and buy your school supplies, as we do not want your godfather," Uncle Vernon's face managed to remain composed and calm, although his effort was quite evident, "to think that we are actually keeping you prisoner."
Again, a little late. They all know you treat me like a slave, but they just think I'm safer around you than back in the wizarding world. If only you knew they actually rely on you to keep me safe.
"Now finish up your breakfast," Aunt Petunia sneered.
The two minuscule toasts you left in my plate are already in my stomach, thank you very much.
Aunt Petunia commanded Harry to sit down in the living room while he was waiting for the Grangers. She was pleased to finally meet parents of Harry's friends who actually were Muggles. In her mind, the Grangers had to be ashamed of their daughter's magical abilities. Thus she expected a glorious day, marked by unending and spiteful comments she and Mrs. Granger would make about the wizarding world. Little did she know that the Grangers had a very different point of view about magic.
Uncle Vernon left for work, quite sure his beloved wife and son would be safe among non-magical people. Dudley, however, couldn't have cared less about the fact the Grangers were Muggles: they were dentists, and that terrified him, as he knew the last time he had brushed his teeth was. Well, a very, very long time ago.
Harry had been staring at the clock for a half hour when the doorbell finally rang. Aunt Petunia refused to let him go back to his cupboard -imagine that!- as she was afraid he might get dirty and give a bad image of the way he was treated at her house. She planned on impressing the Grangers, so she had prepared tea and biscuits -at ten in the morning- for them. Upon hearing the door bell, she ran to open the door for her guests. Harry stood up to greet the Grangers in his not-so-cozy-nor-welcoming house.
"Good morning, Mrs. Granger, " Aunt Petunia purred to the woman standing in the doorway. " Hello, Hermione, " she added, slightly haughty all of a sudden. As she gave the mother and the daughter a more observant look, she soon realized she would never be able to impress such distinguished and refined people.
"Good morning, Mrs. Dursley. Harry, I'm pleased to meet you," Mrs. Granger said as she briefly shook Petunia's hand and smiled broadly at Harry.
Harry's aunt wondered how dentists could actually be so classy. Mrs. Granger's hair fell in superb locks around her face and down her back. She wore a honey yellow summer dress and the yellow ribbon around her small straw hat matched her dress and lessened the formality of her allure. She was a beautiful woman for her age although a bit intimidating. Harry was reassured by the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth, it gave her a more maternal and comforting look. As for Hermione, Harry was surprised to see her looking so stylish, especially in such an unimportant occasion. Her black jeans fitted her extremely well, contouring the curves of her legs, and the white, slightly transparent shirt she wore opened on an Egyptian pendant made of silver. Her hair, though, was completely wild, but had lost most of its bushiness -probably after a painfully long brushing. Hermione beamed at Harry, then politely saluted Petunia Dursley.
"Come in, my dear, I just happened to be preparing some tea and I thought perhaps you could join me - I mean, us," she promptly corrected.
"That is extremely nice of you," Mrs. Granger answered rather flatly, "but we should be hurrying up if we want Harry and Hermione to get as much time as possible at Diagon Alley."
"Ah, yes, of course. That place for wizards only... Tell me, it must have been quite dramatic for you to learn you had a witch in your family. I mean, your own daughter?" Petunia ventured.
"Actually," Mrs. Granger said coldly, "my husband and I were delighted to learn that Hermione was a witch, and we're terribly proud of her. "
She gave her daughter a warm smile and squeezed her hand. Petunia immediately forgot about the great time she was going to have calumniating wizards, and hinted not so politely that the Grangers and Harry should leave soon. She nearly shooed them out of the house, and turned green with envy when she saw the Grangers' gorgeous BMW stationed out front.
"I'll see you, " Harry started.
"Don't even bother, Harry," Hermione told him.
His aunt had already closed the door and begun shrieking about how dentists could buy themselves such a luxurious car.
He stared at Hermione, shocked, when she began unbuttoning her shirt.
"I have something under, you idiot! I just didn't want your aunt to think I'm an exhibitionist or some kind of hooligan."
In that case, it was fine for Harry. Besides, the one strap black top she wore looked great on her, and despite the fact that he truly liked either Ginny or Cho, he wouldn't have missed this sight for quite an amount of Galleons.
Neither would Ron, he thought, laughing. His friend would definitely go crazy when he saw her looking so pretty -or was it sexy?
"I am so sorry we didn't come to pick you earlier, dear," Mrs. Granger said. "We got lost on our way here, the houses all look alike in this neighborhood. "
"Well, thank you for coming to get me anyway, Mrs. Granger."
"Call me Helen. Yes, indeed, you seem quite relieved to be away from your relatives."
"And out of that bloody cupboard " Harry couldn't help but blurt out.
" Yes, no wonder. She looks even worse than the way you had depicted her -and that's saying something," Hermione commented.
"She is. But you haven't seen Uncle Vernon, or worse, Dud."
"Okay, you will have time to chat about all this in the car, " Mrs. Granger interrupted. " I don't want to rush you, but I meant what I told your aunt, Harry. I want you to have a good and long time at Diagon Alley this afternoon, as I believe tomorrow you will be leaving quite early. "
As they headed towards the vehicle, Mr. Granger got out of the car to greet Harry. He was of average size, with curly black hair and brown eyes. His handshake was firm and welcoming, and his smile revealed to Harry from whom Hermione had inherited her rather large front teeth. Harry was surprised to find Hermione's parents so friendly, as he thought that dentists usually looked stern and sterilized, no matter whose parents' they were. Hermione's dad lifted up Harry's trunk, which Petunia had abandoned shamelessly at the doorway. They all got back into the car and left for London.
"We received the list of your school supplies a few days ago, with this," Hermione showed Harry a piece of parchment, but didn't leave him the time to read. "Harry, we're prefects! Both of us! I'm so happy!"
Harry couldn't say anything. He was stunned. He knew - everybody knew - Hermione would be a prefect, but him? With all the rules he had broken, and Dumbledore knowing it? It was hard to believe. Yet if it was on the letter, well.
"Yeah, that is great. Congratulations."
"Thank you! Congratulations to you too! Well, anyway, take a look at the list of books you're going to have to buy, so that you can get an idea of the mountains of Galleons you'll be spending. That list is incredibly long. Not that I mind, of course, " Hermione finished.
Indeed, the books required were numerous. Harry quickly read the list, horrified by the five volumes of The Entire Pocket Guide to Divination, by Lachesis Clotho he had to buy.
They should specify it's probably for people with large pockets.
What had gotten into him the day he chose Divination class ? Probably the harmful influence of some stupid planet in a stupid house. Nonetheless, these books were going to be horribly heavy in his school bag - and would make his purse much lighter. Harry sighed. He felt so uncomfortable about exhibiting all the money his parents had left him, especially in front of Ron. Luckily, Hermione would be exchanging Muggle money while he went to retrieve the amount he needed.
Hermione seemed to have calmed down, and sat silently, her eyes closed and forehead pressed against the window. Harry suddenly noticed that she was wearing make-up. However, she clearly had had trouble putting it on, as the black lines under her eyes were too thick and too long. Not that Harry was an expert in makeup or anything, but this made his friend look quite different - not to mention strange. Could it be that the studious and self- assured Hermione Harry knew was trying to seduce someone? Harry began examining all the available guys she knew, and that kept him busy until they arrived in front of the Leaky Cauldron a little while later.
***
"Hermione darling, we're going to drop you off here, okay?" said Mrs. Granger in a concerned tone.
"I'll be fine mum, don't worry, I guess I'll see you at the end of the year then," replied Hermione as she looked up at her parents with tears in her eyes.
Harry entered the Leaky Cauldron to give Hermione some space for bidding farewell to her parents. He tried to ignore the pangs of jealousy stabbing at his heart. Sometimes he wished that the Dursleys could like him, could be a sort of foster family for him. He tried to picture them bawling their eyes out at the thought of him leaving, and ended up laughing outright, which made most of the people in the pub stop and stare at him. Harry tried to disguise his laughter as a hacking cough and took a seat at the bar, silently taking in the scenery as he waited for Hermione.
The Leaky Cauldron looked the same as he last remembered. A shabby-looking pub full of shady crowds - a group of women huddled in a corner were drinking small glasses of sherry, old toothless wizards in dirty robes smoked long pipes, and one very odd- looking dwarf stared very steadily in Harry's direction. Harry flattened his bangs nervously, hoping to conceal his scar so that he wouldn't attract too much attention. He glanced towards Tom, who nodded. The bartender, with a swish of his wand, levitated Harry's trunk, and guided him up the wooden staircase to his room.
"If you'll follow me, Mr. Potter. Albus Dumbledore secured the wards on this room personally." Tom handed Harry the brass key. "Only you can open it from now until September 1st. Very well then, I have business to attend to. I'll just be going now. I trust you have everything you need?"
"Er- yes sir, I think so."
"Well, if there's anything you need, Mr. Potter, don't hesitate to ask." The bald bartender gave a short bow and went back down the stairs.
Harry turned to look at the room. It was much like room 11 two years ago - polished oak furniture, a comfortable bed and a roaring fire blazing in the chimney. He shoved his trunk in the magically enlarged wardrobe and was going to settle down on his bed when a sharp knock on the door reminded him that he had left Hermione to her own devices.
Sure enough she was there, on the doorstep, looking at that moment very much like the bossy and bushy- haired girl he had met on the Hogwarts Express, with her wide eyes and know-it-all expression. There were glistening tear streaks on her cheeks, and she had tied her hair in a messy knot at the nape of her neck. Somehow she always managed to retain that self-assured air of hers, even when she let out in a timid voice, "May I come in?"
"Of course, Hermione."
She trotted miserably over to the bed, plopped herself on the side and started crying softly on Harry's shoulder.
"What's wrong?" he asked, hugging her a bit more awkwardly than he would have liked. Harry was only able to perceive muffled and incomprehensible explanations. She seemed exhausted. Harry knew that she was very worried about her parents' safety, as her family had become a target for Death Eaters. After a while she fell asleep, curled up on the corner of the springy bed.
Harry stood up as silently as possible and tiptoed out of the room. He had decided to go down to Diagon Alley and browse a bit until Ron and Ginny arrived.
He never ceased to be amazed by the wizarding world. Everything seemed to be held up by magic - And it probably is, he thought with a smile. The sinuous streets were crowded by houses that looked much like The Burrow, lopsided and homely. The alleys were overflowing with little shops full of intriguing devices, such as revealers, put-outers, sneakoscopes, secrecy sensors, and so forth. There even was something that looked like a clear glass egg, which would swirl with purple clouds and defend its bearer against all dark creatures. What amused Harry most was the new store, 'Mad Muggles' Magical Cavern'. This store sold solely Muggle artifacts, plugs, batteries, headphones, lamps, and CDs. Wizards' imagination was impressive. They claimed that the CDs were rainbow-makers. Harry was startled to see a pair of redheads bending over the CDs in awe.
" D'you reckon Dad would like these new artifacts ?"
"Ron! Ginny!" Harry exclaimed.
"Harry!" Ginny flung herself in his arms.
For a fleeting second, Harry forgot how to breathe.
Inhale, Exhale. now repeat as needed.
He could only think that Ginny Weasley was in his arms. Ginny was hugging him. He could feel her silky hair brush his cheek, he could smell her light, balmy scent. Then the moment was gone. A flushing Ron was trying to extract his "baby sister" from his best friend's tight embrace.
Harry glared evilly at his so-called friend, before patting him gingerly on the back.
It is Ron's sister, he has a right to protect her. Sort of.
An uneasy silence settled between them and Ginny, anxious to break the tension, asked, "Oh, Harry, did you see Hermione? I thought her parents would bring you here."
"She's in my room at the Leaky Cauldron. She fell asleep in my bed and she was exhausted so I let her sleep a bit. Let's go wake her up."
They found Hermione sleeping peacefully on Harry's bed, a wave of sleep- dampened frizz surrounding her face. She had plopped off her shoes and her robes for comfort. They could see she was wearing Muggle jeans and the sexy black top.
Ron tensed immediately. He stared at the heap of robes on the floor, then at Harry. Ginny saw her brother's jaw clench and his hands form into fists.
"Harry James Potter," he growled low and menacingly.
"Er- yeah?" Harry asked innocently. He winked at Ginny who was starting to feel increasingly uncomfortable.
"What in Bloody Merlin's name happened between you two?!" Ron shouted, his ears turning red with anger.
Before he could continue his tirade, Hermione began languorously stretching out and yawned.
"Ron, Ginny? What are you doing here?" she mumbled. "Oh! Harry I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep in your bed."
Upon saying this, she sat upright on the bed, staring at her three friends. She noticed Ron's furious look and the pile of robes on the floor; and felt her cheeks grow hot.
Ron took her blushing as guilty proof.
"You really keep on disappointing me you know," he said softly before leaving the room.
"What in Merlin's name was that about?" Ginny asked, breaking the heavy silence that had settled in the room.
Hermione and Harry just looked startled. That was a very uncharacteristic move for Ron. Harry had expected Ron to blow up at them, throw a fit of jealous rage and then sulk in a corner, but not to be so resigned. He seemed to have aged an eternity, his eyes were imprinted with maturity and Harry was sure that every trace of Weasley flare and temper had left Ron's soul.
"I have to go after him," Harry said.
"No! Let me. I should go talk to him," Hermione offered, looking very determined. She dashed out of the room, hoping to find him.
"I really didn't mean to hurt him," Harry said silently.
Ginny barely heard Hermione leaving and Harry's comment as she felt her head was about to explode with horrible thoughts. Nothing happened, she repeated over and over. She couldn't help but think that Ron had a point. She sighed. Why did it matter so much to her? After all, Hermione and Harry were allowed to be together if they liked each other. Yet Ginny had been under the impression that things had changed between her and Harry. She had been so stupid to think that Harry would ever consider her as anything more than his best friend's little sister.
"Gin? Ginny!?"
"Er- yes, what?"
"I've been calling you for the past three minutes. Do you want to go to 'Florean Fortescues's Ice Cream Parlor'?"
"Yeah, sure."
***
Harry sat opposite of Ginny. He sneaked a glance at her while she was absorbed in the menu. She was so pretty. The sun made her red hair seem ablaze. Her eyelashes fluttered softly as she tried to pick out the perfect sundae.
"The chocolate and raspberry with chopped nuts sounds good, don't you think?" Ginny said, looking up. She caught Harry's stare on her and blushed. Harry averted his gaze, very aware that his cheeks were starting to burn.
" Er- yeah, I'll take the same," Harry told the fairy that was hovering patiently over them. She took their orders then zoomed away, leaving a glittery shimmer around the couple.
Harry fiddled nervously with the napkin, wondering why on earth it was so hard to talk to Ginny now that she was in front of him. She seemed to be equally nervous, as she kept twisting her hair.
"So," she ventured courageously in an attempt to stir up conversation, "you said you talked to that garden snake right? Did it say anything interesting?"
A sudden flow of memories invaded his thoughts. He could see the snake writhing in the dark grass, oozing a sort of pearly white light. Harry could vaguely recall the snake had said something about forces being reunited. If only he could remember. He was starting to feel dizzy.
"Harry? Are you all right?" Ginny asked, genuinely worried. Her voice seemed so distant.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Headache, I think," said Harry, snapping back to reality. Ginny only knew about his first conversation with the snake. He hadn't told her yet about the would-be prophecy.
Ginny pressed a concerned hand on Harry's own, sending a rush through his body. Her hand was cool and light on his. She brushed his hair softly out of his eyes with her free hand.
"Are you sure Harry? You can tell me what happened."
Harry gazed into her deep and concerned brown eyes.
"I know, Ginny, I could tell you anything."
Yeah, even though you couldn't spit out a full sentence three seconds ago, a sarcastic voice in the back of his head said.
Ginny's mouth was less than an inch away from his; he could feel her hot breath mingle with his. She smelled like chocolate ice cream.
On the other side of the street, Padma, Parvati and Lavender were cautiously observing the couple.
"That's our cue to break up the love, ladies," ordered Lavender.
Parvati promptly yelled out, "Harry! Wow, it's so good to see you!"
The three girls rushed over and started fawning about how much he had grown and matured over the summer, making Harry blush scarlet and Ginny sulk on her chair.
Harry scanned the streets for any sign of Ron and Hermione, Please let them come soon, please let them be in one piece. I don't think I can take this much longer. A sniggering Dean had come over to the table to "rescue" Ginny, who was more than happy to get away from Parvati, Padma and Lavender's snide remarks about her freckles and her shabby clothes.
As for Harry, even though he expected his best friends, he was relieved to see Cho Chang, alone. Sighing with relief, he made his way out of the Ice Cream Parlor, ignoring Lavender's pleas of protests.
"Cho! Cho, can I talk to you for a second?"
She nodded her head listlessly.
"Cho, I'm so sorry about Cedric, I never meant for anything to happen, it was a mistake, really it was, I had no idea that the Cup was a Portkey," Harry blurted out, before he lost his nerve.
"I know, Harry. It's okay. I really don't blame you for anything that happened."
Whatever Harry had expected, it certainly wasn't that answer. "Er- What? You mean you're not mad at me for insisting that Cedric take the cup with me, even though it was meant for me, and it was supposed to be a trap, and that Voldemort's rebirth is all my fault?" Harry was well aware of his incoherent babbling but couldn't find a way to keep his mouth shut.
Cho let out a laugh. It was unlike any laugh Harry had heard. It was a throaty and rumbling laugh, like a soothing and entrancing music to his ears. For the first time since Voldemort's rebirth, he felt absolutely safe, in good hands and -was it, loved?
"Harry, you're rambling," Cho said in a low and husky voice.
"I know, I just can't seem to be able to shut up."
A wicked grin crept on the girl's face. "You know what's the best way to make a guy shut up?" she said in an sweet, syrupy tone. And before Harry could answer, her lips were dangerously close to his mouth. Harry stiffened as he felt her lips brush softly across his.
"Don't be afraid, I won't bite," she added softly.
Her breath smelled like honey, her voice was so melodious, her eyes so deep. She laughed once more and Harry relaxed a bit.
Her hands slid across his back small and soft, sending a trickle through his spine. He felt the urge to draw her mouth towards his. Once their lips met, Cho, sensing Harry's rush, traced her tongue loftily over his lips. Harry gasped against her mouth. He cupped her waist gently with a hand and intertwined the other in her smooth black hair. Then it seemed that she was trying to draw his breath, and that she was drinking him in, Harry felt his heart beat faster against her small frail body. He was suddenly aware that the hands on his back and neck weren't so soft anymore, it felt more like she was digging her nails into his skin. Harry groaned and she released the pressure a bit, she started nibbling and licking his lower lip as a thrill of excitement passed through his body. Slowly she moved her hands and cupped Harry's face, steadying the kiss and this time when her tongue flicked against his teeth and her lips softly sucked on his, Harry's world flipped upside down. His head was throbbing painfully and he was feeling very weak. As her kiss intensified even more, Harry found the need to part from her mouth. He let go of Cho, as though she had burned him. "Stop," he said, still gasping for breath. "I can't, I mean, I shouldn't." Harry leaned against the wall, finding that his knees were giving out. Cho, on the other hand, glowered. It seemed like a sort of power or heat emanated from her. "What do you mean, you can't, you mean, you shouldn't?" she asked mimicking his worn out and raspy voice. "I mean, it's wrong, I can't, you know, do this. I - I still feel guilty about Cedric's death, it would be wrong to kiss his girlfriend." As Harry said this he was feeling weaker by the second. He slid softly to the ground, his cloak scraping against the cold stonewall. Cho gave a cold, mirthless laugh. "Of course you feel guilty Harry, it's normal. You're the perfect little Gryffindor" She knelt down by his side, "But what I really want to see, is how long you stick to that motto. By the time I'm done, you'll be singing a whole different song, I assure you."
She smiled cruelly, displaying a row of white sharp teeth. Her long black mane, flowing down her back, whipped around her face under a strong gust of wind. She soundly kissed him on the mouth once more, and stood up, agile as a cat, and left the alley they were in. As she left, Harry could still hear her melodious laugh echoing in his head.
***
"Harry? Are you sure you're okay?" asked Hermione as the charmed tape measurer floated around her, in 'Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'.
"I still have some pepper up potion in my bag if you want," offered Ginny.
"I already told you I'm fine!" replied Harry irritably. They were so annoying. Ginny and Hermione were smothering him in attention and right now, the only thing he wanted to do was go find Cho Chang and ask her what the hell her whole act meant.
"But Harry, you really don't look f-" began Hermione.
Ron, who had joined the group again a while ago, sensed that that he should get his friend away from the scene before Harry blew up. "Come on mate, let's go buy our potion ingredients. We'll come back later." With these words, Ron steered Harry away from the shop. Outside, Harry glanced over to his friend. After having talked with Hermione, Ron had apologized to everyone. Since then, he acted as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Maybe he was a bit more subdued than usual, but Harry figured that in a couple of hours Ron would be as good as new.
'Slug and Jiggers Apothecary' reeked of old socks. There were marinating mandrakes in bubotuber juice. They created a sort of pus useful in quite a few potions, but it stunk horribly. Ron pinched his nose as he leaned over the counter to show the salesman the list of ingredients. Harry was carefully observing the contents of the jars lined up on the shelf. He saw a couple of very rare ingredients, very expensive, and dreadfully dangerous. Among others, Siren blood looked very dangerous he thought, but he was surprised to see some Essence of unicorn, contained in a pear-shaped jar. The foggy contents were swirling silver, and as the cloud moved they created unruly shapes pressing against their glass prison. Harry's methodical examination was broken as Ron poked him in the ribs and shoved all the needed ingredients into Harry's limp hands.
"Out we go, Harry. The odors are making you dizzy."
They made their way to 'Madame Malkins', once again, this time stopping at every store to purchase their school supplies. They picked up Hermione and Ginny, who refused to let them peak a look at the dresses they had bought.
"I still have to buy some jewelry to go with the robes, but I think I'll find them later. Maybe at Hogsmeade?" Hermione said.
"I'll go with you," Ginny offered. "I just hope I can afford what we'll find there."
"Yeah well if you girls don't mind, let's go have lunch, because I am sick of all the fashion and I'd rather shop for food now," Ron complained.
Well, now he's back to his old self, Harry thought as a grin spread across his face. He knew that Ron wasn't rancorous, but he had feared his friend might be angrier than usual after finding Hermione in his bed. Then again, their discussion probably had dispelled all misunderstandings. At least, Harry hoped so. He barely listened to Hermione and Ginny chatting and Ron's constant whining. His mind was still stuck on Cho. Cho kissing him, her lips on his, her tongue inside his mouth, her hair all around his face, his hands on her.
Stop it! His mind commanded him.
Harry knew he was turning red again, so he desperately tried to quit thinking about her. Sure enough, after a few minutes, Cho had left his mind. As he followed his friends, he recalled having explored this part of Diagon Alley two years back. He was delighted to see all the restaurants squished in a little street, sunnier than you might expect from its location.
"Here we are! This is Digestion Alley," Ginny explained to Harry and Hermione, who were charmed by the place.
"Seriously?" Hermione asked.
"No, she's joking," Ron said. "It doesn't have a name, it's just part of Diagon Alley."
Ginny looked very pleased with her joke, her eyes shining with amusement. Hermione laughed at her own gullibility and both boys joined them. They settled for brunch in the 'Dragon's Diner' that seemed like a pleasant, if not a bit somber, restaurant. Harry managed to remain incognito and they all enjoyed their meal -even though they received the food around two o'clock.
When they finally got out of the Diner, they decided to go for a walk as they had already bought all their school supplies. They left bags and packets at the Leaky Cauldron, then went in search of a place to sit down and talk. Hermione found a little public garden and she and Ginny began chatting. Ron, immensely bored, asked Harry to throw him an abandoned Quaffle he had found so that he could train as a Keeper.
As they played, Harry thought about how Ginny and Hermione suddenly became good friends. During the previous years, Ginny was left out of "the Gryffindor Gay Group" as Malfoy called Harry, Hermione, and Ron. How was it that she had gotten so friendly with Hermione, to the point of becoming her confidant? Maybe Hermione had realized that Ginny was no longer a little girl, or maybe she needed an ally in the Weasley household to help her win Ron's heart. Who knows. Girls are so complicated! Harry concluded as he allowed himself one last glance at them before concentrating fully on scoring against Ron.
***
Harry leaned against the pillar indicating platform nine. Hermione sat on the trolley, her eyes closed, checking her watch from time to time. She sighed.
"I told you we shouldn't have arrived so early," Harry told her.
"Yes, well I hadn't expected you to take so little time to get ready. When you're with Ron, we always arrive late, so this time I thought we should avoid having to run," Hermione explained, then waved at Padma and Parvati who headed toward platform nine and three quarters. They smiled and went through the wall.
Harry and Hermione had been waiting for a half hour. They were supposed to meet the Weasleys at ten forty-five, and it was now five minutes to eleven. Hermione looked stressed out, and Harry was on the lookout for the Weasleys. Most of the Hogwarts students had passed before their eyes, the first-years shrieking excitedly at the sight of Harry's scar, the older students just observing him and Hermione - they expected to see a new couple some time soon.
Most Muggle trains had left, and none were expected until fifteen minutes later, so the other platforms were practically empty, save for controllers. Hermione feared that the remaining Hogwarts students would have a hard time passing through the wall without being seen. However, most of the latecomers easily disappeared toward platform nine and three quarters.
Cho arrived, dressed in a long jean skirt and ocean blue tank top. A pearl hung around her neck, and the belt she wore reminded Harry of a fisher's net. Her long, black hair was like water on her shoulders, with silvery and dark blue shadows playing on them. Somehow, she seemed like some sort of Asian goddess of the sea at that moment. He couldn't help but blush when she winked at him, but also noticed the evil glance she threw at Hermione. In a few graceful steps, Cho passed through the wall.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked, quite shocked by the Ravenclaw's attitude.
"I really don't know," Harry lied. "Maybe she remembers last year, when I asked her to the ball?" he added hopefully, praying that his friend would believe him.
"Hum," Hermione simply murmured, not looking convinced at all. Suddenly, her face brightened, and she smiled as she rose to greet the Weasleys. Then she remembered they were late.
"What took you so long?" she asked as she kissed Ginny on the cheek.
"Oh, Ginny just couldn't decide what to wear so she made us wait for a half hour until she finally realized we'd be late," Ron snickered.
"Actually, it was Ron who spent hours in the bathroom, wondering what way to part his hair and also locking the rest of us out," Ginny replied furiously.
"The truth is," Fred began.
"Never mind what the truth is," Hermione nearly screamed. "We only have two minutes left to board the train, so let's go."
She grabbed Ginny by one arm, her trolley by the other, and they headed off toward platform nine and three quarters. Harry and Ron followed, nonchalantly discussing some fictive baseball game as they passed through the wall. Harry had brought up the subject and used baseball not to alarm surrounding Muggles, but when Ron commented that the Attacker should definitely not have used the base to hit the ball, Harry wondered if it had been such a good idea. It was then Fred's turn.
George, the last one remaining, simply murmured before heading for the wall,"The truth is, both of you were preparing yourselves to look good for someone else."
***
The train left the instant they were all inside. Hermione sighed from relief, then dragged Harry toward the prefects' compartment.
As Ron watched them leave, the corner of his mouth twitched. He didn't seem very happy about seeing his friends leave for the other side of the train, but he knew he wasn't allowed in the prefects' compartment - he had heard it from Percy so many times. George and Fred had already chosen a compartment, so he followed them there.
Ginny gave a last look in the direction where Harry had gone. How she wished she could be a prefect the following year.
*** Harry and Hermione tried to find some friends to sit with, but so far, they hadn't fallen upon the Gryffindor compartment. However, when Hermione had opened the door to what they had found to be the Ravenclaw compartment, Cho had seen Harry. Her eyes had shone like a cat's, and after she silently blew him a kiss, she languorously licked the tip of her fingers, one after the other. Harry was bright red with shame by the time he closed the Ravenclaw compartment door.
Hermione could sense that Harry was tense, but she felt like this was between him and Cho. She wasn't so daft as to not see what was happening between them. She simply hoped this would soon be over, and that Ginny might never know. Harry followed her silently, still flushed with embarrassment.
Hermione opened all the doors of the prefects' compartment, but there was no room for the latecomers. Finally, she opened the last door. A smile crept on her face, as she noticed it was empty. "Harry, this one is empty. We can take it," she told her friend.
"What do you mean it's empty? Granger, do you need glasses as badly as you need new teeth?" Draco drawled from inside the compartment. Hermione was surprised not to have noticed that he was in there. She guessed that he was behind the door and quickly turned to Harry. "You know what, it's not empty. Let's just sit in the hallway. We'll be much more comfortable in the hallway than inside," Hermione snapped.
"Oh no, don't mind Draco, please. Granger, come in," came a girl's voice.
"Ew- Malfoy? With a girl? Let's get out of that bloody wagon!" Hermione exclaimed, to Harry's shock.
A slim young woman came out of the compartment. She had straight, black hair, longer than Cho's and just as silky. It formed like a raven's wing in her back, and floated beautifully when she asked Hermione to come back in. Her eyes were of a luminous purple, looking like polished amethyst in the middle of her white and fine face. Hermione was surprised to see that she was really beautiful -what is she doing with Malfoy in an empty compartment? she wondered- but then she saw the Slytherin badge on her neat robes. Well, not all Slytherin girls have to be ugly, quite obviously. I suppose Bullstrode isn't a universal reference, Hermione thought, still unable to remember who that girl was.
Harry came to her help. "Zabini, aren't you? Reserve Beater on the Slytherin team?" he asked.
"Yeah, that's me," the girl answered, a grin spreading on her face. It wasn't even an evil or taunting grin, it was just a smile. She didn't look like a Slytherin at all.
"Look, Granger, Potter, come in. Draco is just being nasty. Besides, you can't spend the entire day sitting in the hallway. Just get in, we'll all mind our own business. Right, Draco?" Blaise asked, turning toward the compartment.
A sigh and muffled insults came from the blond boy, still hidden from Hermione and Harry's view. Blaise stepped back and sat down next to Malfoy, regaining somewhat of a cold, if not disdainful, air. Hermione pulled her trunk inside the compartment, and Harry helped put it up. Finally, they sat down, and Hermione allowed herself to shoot a glance at Malfoy. She was horrified by what she saw: he was absolutely gorgeous! He had grown during the summer, and gotten some muscles too - probably from beating up his father's prisoners - which he proudly exhibited with his sleeves rolled up.
His face had lost the boyish appearance it used to have, and he now looked like an arrogant archangel rather than an evil cherub. Hermione stared at the window when she met his cold gray eyes. She felt like she could almost see the frigid winds of the Antarctic swirling in them, the white and unmoving icebergs, the frozen glaciers and mirror-like waters, all this steel-hard superiority and cold arrogance condensed in them. By merely looking in his eyes, Hermione could see the immensity of the hate Draco bore for her.
Harry felt very uncomfortable sitting in the same compartment as the stupid Ferret-Boy. He couldn't stand the way the blond Slytherin thought he was so superior and so handsome. The stupid git had the arrogance of a king, strutting about Hogwarts as though he owned the place. He kept on claiming to be the smartest wizard in the grade, and even though Malfoy's grades weren't half-bad, they didn't even compare to Hermione's academic achievements. Malfoy thought he was so witty with his snide remarks about " the mudblood, the weasel and the Potty" Harry seethed inwardly. How the hell did he get stuck in Malfoy's compartment for Merlin's sake!
The food trolley's passage definitely didn't improve the mood in the compartment. Hermione, after a half hour of gazing out the window with a stupid smile plastered on her face, had pulled out an enormous book and already read half of it. Harry felt like he was falling asleep, but each time, the thought of Malfoy being near by discouraged him. Then he was entirely repulsed when Malfoy bought chocolate frogs, and began feeding them to Blaise, who didn't look nearly as friendly as she had before. Not that she was being mean to him or anything. She was just so lascivious, it was nauseating.
"Let's eat those little frogs, à la francaise," Draco offered Blaise. He was holding one chocolate frog in his hand, making it swish before the girl's eyes.
"Oh yes, I just love French. So sensual. Donne moi du chocolat, Draco," she purred.
"Seulement si tu me donnes un baiser en échange," Draco said in a suave and playful voice. "Only if I get a kiss. One kiss, one frog," he grinned. "Un baiser, une gre-"
"Oh please, get an other compartment. I am going to be sick!" Harry hollered.
Blaise straightened up and threw Harry an evil glare. She passed her hand through her hair in a lustful gesture, which sent chills adown Harry's body.
And to think she was flirting outrageously with Malfoy when she could have any other boy in Hogwarts.
Wait, no, I mean: ew, that vixen!
"Please tell me you aren't jealous because she gets a frog and you don't, Potter," Draco said, turning his steely look toward Harry. "Then I think I'm going to be sick," he added.
"Shush, Draco. I think he's just embarrassed and uncomfortable because we're flirting in front of him. Aren't you, Potter?" Blaise inquired. "Because you do realize that I don't feel anything for Draco, except maybe that he's like a brother to me. But it's nothing like what you feel for, Granger, let's say," Hermione jerked her head up and Draco grimaced of disgust. "And you know, even if it will probably take you years to make a pass at someone, being a Gryffindor and all. No offense, of course, it doesn't mean that the rest of the world should stay as sickly and innocent as you." Blaise added, a sly grin on her face but her eyes indicating she wasn't being as sardonic as she appeared to be.
Before Harry had the time to think of some kind of comeback, the compartment door opened and Ron's face and his very orange hair emerged from the hallway. "Oh there you are, I've been looking all over for you!" Ron said, with a smile for Harry and Hermione. His smile turned into a frown as he noticed who else was present.
"Looking all over for me? That's really touching, Weasley, but how many times I gotta tell you that I'm not interested?" Malfoy interrupted, rolling his eyes. "Besides, now the whole Gryffindor Gay Group is reunited. Ladies and Gentlemen," he continued, turning to an imaginary audience, "I present you with: Potty, Weasel, aaaaaand the slutty ( sort of ) Mudblood! So tell me, Chipmunk, may I call you chipmunk? How did you manage to string Potty, Weasel and the Bulgarian Seeker with all that filthy blood you've got -- "
"What did you just say?" Ron growled, a vein at his temple throbbing dangerously.
"Can- you- understand -the-words-that-are-coming-out-of-my-mouth?" Draco replied, and turning to Blaise, added, "It's bloody fantastic, really. The whole lot's disabled. Weasel can't hear, the Mudblood can't see, and Potty's just mentally challenged, or 'special', as people like to call him."
During this whole comment, Malfoy pointed to in turn, Ron, Hermione and Harry, acting as if they were not there or perhaps could not understand what he was saying. Blaise was feeling increasingly uncomfortable, and wanted nothing more than to get out of there, but pretended to be interested in Malfoy's patronizing tone, all the while casting furtive glances at the other occupants' expressions.
Harry and Hermione were watching the exchange, sitting at the edge of their seats, ready to jump into action if they had to. Harry was restraining himself from jumping on Malfoy and punching that stupid smirk of his, and Hermione was helping him and Ron by repeating her usual mantra, "Don't let him get to you. Just ignore him. He's not worth losing points over."
Ron's patience finally reached its limit. He took off his robes, growing more enraged by the second as his arm got stuck in his sleeve, then declared, "Malfoy, I think the time has come for me to wipe that disgusting sneer off your face."
"Really? And how are you going to do that? Strip for me? You're right, I think that might work. But then I'd have to spew all over your precious hamster here -Hermione, is it? - That might actually not bother her too much, since it's so much like her natural habitat. And besides her blo-"
Before Malfoy could finish his sentence, Ron hurled himself at him, hollering swear words for all the train to hear. The fight quickly became violent as they threw punch after punch, and sometimes very nasty kicks. Their wands laid forgotten on the seats, this very Muggle way of fighting being much more satisfying to vent off some pent-up anger and hate. Before the floor could become a bloody mess, the three remaining prefects regained their senses and tried to tug the two culprits out of their tangled position on the floor. With a great heave, Harry and Hermione managed to pull Ron out of Malfoy's grasp, leaving Blaise to tend to him.
Quick as a flash, Malfoy grabbed his wand and got up. The curse hit Ron before he even had a chance to realize what was happening. His nose elongated for an indeterminate period of time as Harry and Hermione watched in horror, and Malfoy doubled up in laughter. Ron's ears began to stretch as well, while his hands shrank and his eyes took up half of his face. His skin turned a greenish tint . Hermione and Harry were utterly still, their mouths agape, shock etched on their every feature. Seeing their expressions, Ron quickly glanced around to find the nearest mirror. When he observed his reflection in the compartment door, he squealed. He looked very much like a friend of Harry's. In fact, Ron's face looked exactly like.
Dobby's.
"What did you do to me, you sick bastard?!?!" Ron shrieked in a shrilly voice, making Malfoy erupt in laughter once again.
"Well maybe now that you're a house-elf, Hamster'll finally go out with you!"
"It's Hermione! Or Granger to you, and don't you dare curse my boyf-" Hermione started, scarlet with fury, and stopped herself when she saw Ron's shocked expression, Harry's amused one, and the surprise on Blaise and Malfoy's faces upon hearing this Freudian slip. She finished, "friend! Who is also a boy! Therefore he is my boy, " she left a big space before adding, "friend."
Ron, who had been watching Hermione with a somewhat glazed expression, shook himself and said, "Er- right. Eat dung, Malfoy!" and then shot him a full body-bind. Malfoy barely managed to dodge it, because of the limited space in the compartment, and quickly uttered, "Tarantallegra!"
As Ron tried to focus his aim and steady his legs to curse Malfoy once again, Hermione whispered to Harry, "Quick! We don't want to have another mixed-curses fiasco like last year! We need to cast curse-deflecting shields around ourselves. Remember, the one you learned from the Triwizard Tournament? I'll show Blaise how to do it, so we can try to break them up. I'm hoping she'll help us do so. All right, let's do it!"
"Okay. But I don't remember if you can curse someone from this shield. or will it deflect it as well?" Harry asked.
"No, you can curse people outside the shield but I don't want to see you aim any other spell than a Stunning, Disarming, or Full Body Bind at Malfoy! I know he's lower than scum and he deserves it, but we are prefects and we need to set a good example!"
"Some example he's setting," grumbled Harry before saying, "Protego!".
But before they could intervene, Ron and Malfoy had already sent a series of curses such as the Jelly-Legs Jinx, the Twitchy Ears Hex, the Fur Spell, the Horn Tongue Spell, Rictusempra and the Leek Curse, which were all bouncing around. Quite a few of them were deflected by Hermione's, Harry's and Blaise's shields, but most found their mark. The problem was, they had merged and thus created disastrous effects.
"Oh this is just what I had feared! Don't you ever learn?" Hermione cried out in anguish.
Not only did Ron look like a house-elf, he now had horns all of his face, which seemed to have occurred from a combination of the Horn Tongue Spell and Furnunculus. As for Malfoy, he was not a pretty sight either. He had received a mix of Twitchy Ears Hex, Jelly Legs Jinx and Fur Spell, coating him with a thick layer of furry tentacles, which kept twitching quite ridiculously.
***
The ride in the horseless carriages was as silent as the train ride had been before Ron's arrival. Harry and Hermione hesitated between laughing madly at Ron's new appearance and reprimanding him for his short temper. Nonetheless, all three were quite happy that Ron's spell had temporarily altered Malfoy's incredible good looks to make him look like an evil monster - which, down deep inside, he truly was. As the great castle of Hogwarts appeared behind the dark trees, all thoughts left Harry's mind, leaving room for only one word: home.
It seemed strange that such a gigantic fortress, with its high and pointy towers, enormous walls, and impressive doors, should communicate such a feeling of welcoming and warmth. The sun had already disappeared behind the curvy line of the horizon a while ago, shaped by round hills and deep valleys. Hogwarts castle seemed inundated by dark blue and silver shades, in this moment between day and nighttime where time seems to slow down and moments become eternity.
Eternity, then, was given to Harry to feel home. Even the compact mass of the forest and the icy tones of the water around the castle were friendly, as they were part of a place where Harry knew he was loved and protected. He could almost tell which window opened on which room and he thought he smelled the perfume of the upcoming feast as surely as he saw the castle lit up by thousands of lights. At this moment, somewhat frozen in an unsure time and stuck in the most unpredictable moment of the day, Harry knew that Hogwarts was a beacon for him (and most of the Wizarding world).
Something was missing though. Harry strained his eyes and ears for the big familiar boulder crying out, "Firs' years this way!" but to no avail. Hagrid wasn't there.
Harry had hoped to see him at the start of the new term and certainly hadn't thought that Hagrid would still be on his mission. Harry idly wondered who would be replacing his friend. He hoped it wouldn't be Grubbly- Plank. That witch was the exact opposite of Hagrid and would only make the Gamekeeper's hut emptier.
****
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"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of
friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
-Muhammad Ali
The following morning, Harry woke up to a throbbing headache. A loud bang from the kitchen made his head jerk up, sending a sharp pain through the back of said head and telling him two things - first, that probably a previous banging was the reason for his waking up, and second, that you shouldn't drink so much (butterbeer? he asked himself) if next morning a racket in the kitchen wakes you prematurely ... He winced as the pain rapidly made its way up his spine, contributing to his growing migraine.
Ouch. Bad idea. Since when did the world become so. loud? And I didn't drink yesterday! What's happening?
It seemed as though all his senses had been heightened overnight. The overly pungent smells of breakfast ensnared his mind and his stomach growled loudly, and Dudley's breathing almost made him think that speeding air jets were passing overhead. The tiny light emerging from the outline of the door almost blinded Harry, and he wondered for a fleeting instant if a supernova had just crashed into Privet Drive. He was still in his cupboard, yet could perceive everything in the kitchen so clearly that he felt as though he was there.
He had no idea what was happening and his brain was so busy taking in all this additional information that he didn't try to figure out what this meant, lest his brain turn to mush.
Where is Hermione when you need her?
An alarm went off in his head - although he wasn't entirely convinced it wasn't the microwave. The same thought had occurred to him before.
Why did I need Hermione the first time?
A sense of foreboding seized him, as if he were watching a thirty-foot wave build up, frozen before it, unable to move or utter a word.
All of a sudden, the mind wave crashed and all the memories rushed back to his brain like speeding bullets to his skull. Harry nearly passed out from the pain and from the shock- both physical and emotional. He sat still and tried to make them all go away, or at least a portion of them, because his head was buzzing and felt heavy with the burden of these memories.
And the memories did just that. They trickled from his brain, slowly but surely, like water from cupped hands. He was jolted from his appeasement by a sudden thought. He needed these memories. They were of a most crucial nature.
I need to keep these memories! No. write them down! Quick, a parchment, a quill, anything!
Harry scrambled furiously for something to write on, and after a moment of frantic searching, he finally came across a bit of parchment. He quickly jotted down a few notes, careful to keep it to the bare minimum:
"Snake - trance - moonlight - glowing - midnight? - weird voice - prophecy? Your quest for knowledge shall make you see That earth, wind, fire and water Will be linked"
He quickly reviewed them and knew that something was definitely missing. Had the prophecy been that short? He was surely missing the better part of it. He groaned as he thought of the possible consequences of this particular forgetfulness.
Let's just cross our fingers and hope for the best.
He smiled as the Chudley Cannons motto crossed his mind and made him think of Ron, and his room overflowing with orange, bright, vibrant orange.
Ouch. Now it hurts my eyes just to think about light. When will the madness end?
But he realized that he had managed to subdue his sharper senses just a little bit - either that or he had gotten used to them now. He was still frightfully aware of everything that was going on in the house, thanks to his freakishly good ears. He heard Aunt Petunia's heels click on the floor as she crossed the kitchen. He heard her open the fridge door and pour herself a glass of something - he had no way of knowing what exactly, as he didn't usually make a hobby of finding out what noise the different kinds of liquids made. Aunt Petunia's shrill cry of: "Anybody else want water?" made him reach up to cover his ears. Just when he thought the storm was over, he simultaneously heard Dudley's and Uncle Vernon's affirmative replies and the blaring of the radio, which someone had just turned on.
".and you can expect downpours all throughout the day. Now, for a little musical interlude, one of Earth, Wind & Fire's greatest hits."
Oh no, not a song! Please not a song!
He focused all his willpower on returning his senses back to their usual capabilities. Suddenly, he felt a tremor course through him and sat still in wonder when it started working. He was doing more wandless magic! His powers must be growing. He had never been able to do that much wandless magic before, and even when he had, it had been in life-or-death situations. In fact, he was ready to bet all his Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans -which was a pretty safe bet, since he had none at the moment- that he had just performed quite advanced MediWizard magic.
Well, at least now I can only faintly hear that stupid song on the radio. What kind of name is "Earth, Wind and Fire" anyway? All they need is water and they have all the elements.
He gasped as realization dawned upon him. Aunt Petunia was pouring herself a glass of water. The prophecy! He looked down at the piece of parchment in his hands, and grew very irritated.
So that's what the snake meant by "Your quest for knowledge shall make you see/ That earth, wind, fire and water/ Will be linked!" I can't believe this. And I thought that it was an actual noteworthy, serious prophecy! It's all a load of dung.as usual. And I was trying to preserve the memories! He scoffed. The rest of the prophecy was probably a notification that I will tie my shoelaces somewhere in the near future.You can't get more useful or more enlightening than that! Well, thank Merlin for Seers everywhere!
He fumbled with his pillow as he grumbled to himself, still angry about the fact that this mysterious prophecy wasn't important after all.
***
The following week passed by, utterly uneventful. Dumbledore had convinced Sirius not to come and get his godson out of the Dursleys' house. Besides, Harry felt like he would not be able to hide his torment from his godfather, and he figured Sirius had other things to worry about, or he would gladly have been rescued. Indeed, the prophecy issued by the snake occupied his mind just as much as Ginny had the previous weeks. Speaking of Ginny, Harry still couldn't explain the sudden not-so-brotherly and no- longer-platonic affection he felt for her.
I guess it was simply because I hadn't seen a girl for so long, Harry finally concluded after minutes of deliberation on his crush.
Yeah right.
How else could he justify the way he totally forgot about Cho? After all, didn't he use to think that she was the most beautiful girl at school? He figured that he should wait until the start of the new school term to see if his hormones went wild on Cho, too, or if that privilege was reserved to Ginny.
Maybe I should tell Ginny about the snake prophecy, he thought for the millionth time.
Maybe telling Ginny about such rubbish wasn't such a good idea after all. Or was it really rubbish? Had he dreamt the whole thing up? Of course I did, Harry tried to convince himself. Or did I? In any case, it's a bad idea to tell her about it. Not in a letter anyway. The risks of Voldemort's followers falling on my correspondence to Ginny would probably have unwanted consequences.
What about the Parseltongue code?
True, Harry could use that to write to Ginny. However, when he tried explaining what had happened, he found out he simply couldn't. The words he managed to scribble on the parchment were either too strong for what had happened or too silly. It all seemed foolish anyhow, at least written on paper. Harry figured that he would simply have to tell her when he saw her on September 1st - that was, if his Uncle actually let him go back to Hogwarts in time.
He was brooding over his situation when the violent screeches of the door literally made him jump from his bed. They were not nearly as horrible as Uncle Vernon's face as he passed his head into the cupboard. He seemed enraged at the idea of letting Harry out of his dwelling, yet didn't explain the reasons for inviting Harry to breakfast.
Oh well, maybe I'll get something else to eat than dried raisins and three- days-old bacon.
Harry quickly changed and hurried to the kitchen, hoping that Dudley had left some food for him. He sighed with happiness at the sight of the bacon, sausages, eggs and basket of fruits on the table. When he finally sat down, his plate filled with enough victuals for an entire regiment, he noticed that his aunt and uncle were quite silent -strangely, they seemed neither angry nor displeased, just neutral. Dudley kept engulfing his breakfast noisily. Harry wondered what was happening. He began eating, surprised that his aunt actually let him eat so much. As soon as he had eaten two toasts, though, Aunt Petunia seized the plate and gave her nephew a look indicating he would have no more breakfast.
"The Grangers called," Uncle Vernon began, sure he had Harry's attention now that his nephew wasn't eating anymore.
Oh. That explains why you brought me up here: so they wouldn't have the impression that you are starving me. A little late, perhaps. Anyway, when are they coming to pick me up?
Harry was about to voice this last thought, when Uncle Vernon preceded him by answering that precise question:
"They asked me if they could come and get you today, since it is my understanding you start school in three days."
"Tomorrow, actually," Harry corrected his uncle. He had been counting.
"Yes, well, that isn't the problem. Now, your aunt and I have decided to let you go and buy your school supplies, as we do not want your godfather," Uncle Vernon's face managed to remain composed and calm, although his effort was quite evident, "to think that we are actually keeping you prisoner."
Again, a little late. They all know you treat me like a slave, but they just think I'm safer around you than back in the wizarding world. If only you knew they actually rely on you to keep me safe.
"Now finish up your breakfast," Aunt Petunia sneered.
The two minuscule toasts you left in my plate are already in my stomach, thank you very much.
Aunt Petunia commanded Harry to sit down in the living room while he was waiting for the Grangers. She was pleased to finally meet parents of Harry's friends who actually were Muggles. In her mind, the Grangers had to be ashamed of their daughter's magical abilities. Thus she expected a glorious day, marked by unending and spiteful comments she and Mrs. Granger would make about the wizarding world. Little did she know that the Grangers had a very different point of view about magic.
Uncle Vernon left for work, quite sure his beloved wife and son would be safe among non-magical people. Dudley, however, couldn't have cared less about the fact the Grangers were Muggles: they were dentists, and that terrified him, as he knew the last time he had brushed his teeth was. Well, a very, very long time ago.
Harry had been staring at the clock for a half hour when the doorbell finally rang. Aunt Petunia refused to let him go back to his cupboard -imagine that!- as she was afraid he might get dirty and give a bad image of the way he was treated at her house. She planned on impressing the Grangers, so she had prepared tea and biscuits -at ten in the morning- for them. Upon hearing the door bell, she ran to open the door for her guests. Harry stood up to greet the Grangers in his not-so-cozy-nor-welcoming house.
"Good morning, Mrs. Granger, " Aunt Petunia purred to the woman standing in the doorway. " Hello, Hermione, " she added, slightly haughty all of a sudden. As she gave the mother and the daughter a more observant look, she soon realized she would never be able to impress such distinguished and refined people.
"Good morning, Mrs. Dursley. Harry, I'm pleased to meet you," Mrs. Granger said as she briefly shook Petunia's hand and smiled broadly at Harry.
Harry's aunt wondered how dentists could actually be so classy. Mrs. Granger's hair fell in superb locks around her face and down her back. She wore a honey yellow summer dress and the yellow ribbon around her small straw hat matched her dress and lessened the formality of her allure. She was a beautiful woman for her age although a bit intimidating. Harry was reassured by the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth, it gave her a more maternal and comforting look. As for Hermione, Harry was surprised to see her looking so stylish, especially in such an unimportant occasion. Her black jeans fitted her extremely well, contouring the curves of her legs, and the white, slightly transparent shirt she wore opened on an Egyptian pendant made of silver. Her hair, though, was completely wild, but had lost most of its bushiness -probably after a painfully long brushing. Hermione beamed at Harry, then politely saluted Petunia Dursley.
"Come in, my dear, I just happened to be preparing some tea and I thought perhaps you could join me - I mean, us," she promptly corrected.
"That is extremely nice of you," Mrs. Granger answered rather flatly, "but we should be hurrying up if we want Harry and Hermione to get as much time as possible at Diagon Alley."
"Ah, yes, of course. That place for wizards only... Tell me, it must have been quite dramatic for you to learn you had a witch in your family. I mean, your own daughter?" Petunia ventured.
"Actually," Mrs. Granger said coldly, "my husband and I were delighted to learn that Hermione was a witch, and we're terribly proud of her. "
She gave her daughter a warm smile and squeezed her hand. Petunia immediately forgot about the great time she was going to have calumniating wizards, and hinted not so politely that the Grangers and Harry should leave soon. She nearly shooed them out of the house, and turned green with envy when she saw the Grangers' gorgeous BMW stationed out front.
"I'll see you, " Harry started.
"Don't even bother, Harry," Hermione told him.
His aunt had already closed the door and begun shrieking about how dentists could buy themselves such a luxurious car.
He stared at Hermione, shocked, when she began unbuttoning her shirt.
"I have something under, you idiot! I just didn't want your aunt to think I'm an exhibitionist or some kind of hooligan."
In that case, it was fine for Harry. Besides, the one strap black top she wore looked great on her, and despite the fact that he truly liked either Ginny or Cho, he wouldn't have missed this sight for quite an amount of Galleons.
Neither would Ron, he thought, laughing. His friend would definitely go crazy when he saw her looking so pretty -or was it sexy?
"I am so sorry we didn't come to pick you earlier, dear," Mrs. Granger said. "We got lost on our way here, the houses all look alike in this neighborhood. "
"Well, thank you for coming to get me anyway, Mrs. Granger."
"Call me Helen. Yes, indeed, you seem quite relieved to be away from your relatives."
"And out of that bloody cupboard " Harry couldn't help but blurt out.
" Yes, no wonder. She looks even worse than the way you had depicted her -and that's saying something," Hermione commented.
"She is. But you haven't seen Uncle Vernon, or worse, Dud."
"Okay, you will have time to chat about all this in the car, " Mrs. Granger interrupted. " I don't want to rush you, but I meant what I told your aunt, Harry. I want you to have a good and long time at Diagon Alley this afternoon, as I believe tomorrow you will be leaving quite early. "
As they headed towards the vehicle, Mr. Granger got out of the car to greet Harry. He was of average size, with curly black hair and brown eyes. His handshake was firm and welcoming, and his smile revealed to Harry from whom Hermione had inherited her rather large front teeth. Harry was surprised to find Hermione's parents so friendly, as he thought that dentists usually looked stern and sterilized, no matter whose parents' they were. Hermione's dad lifted up Harry's trunk, which Petunia had abandoned shamelessly at the doorway. They all got back into the car and left for London.
"We received the list of your school supplies a few days ago, with this," Hermione showed Harry a piece of parchment, but didn't leave him the time to read. "Harry, we're prefects! Both of us! I'm so happy!"
Harry couldn't say anything. He was stunned. He knew - everybody knew - Hermione would be a prefect, but him? With all the rules he had broken, and Dumbledore knowing it? It was hard to believe. Yet if it was on the letter, well.
"Yeah, that is great. Congratulations."
"Thank you! Congratulations to you too! Well, anyway, take a look at the list of books you're going to have to buy, so that you can get an idea of the mountains of Galleons you'll be spending. That list is incredibly long. Not that I mind, of course, " Hermione finished.
Indeed, the books required were numerous. Harry quickly read the list, horrified by the five volumes of The Entire Pocket Guide to Divination, by Lachesis Clotho he had to buy.
They should specify it's probably for people with large pockets.
What had gotten into him the day he chose Divination class ? Probably the harmful influence of some stupid planet in a stupid house. Nonetheless, these books were going to be horribly heavy in his school bag - and would make his purse much lighter. Harry sighed. He felt so uncomfortable about exhibiting all the money his parents had left him, especially in front of Ron. Luckily, Hermione would be exchanging Muggle money while he went to retrieve the amount he needed.
Hermione seemed to have calmed down, and sat silently, her eyes closed and forehead pressed against the window. Harry suddenly noticed that she was wearing make-up. However, she clearly had had trouble putting it on, as the black lines under her eyes were too thick and too long. Not that Harry was an expert in makeup or anything, but this made his friend look quite different - not to mention strange. Could it be that the studious and self- assured Hermione Harry knew was trying to seduce someone? Harry began examining all the available guys she knew, and that kept him busy until they arrived in front of the Leaky Cauldron a little while later.
***
"Hermione darling, we're going to drop you off here, okay?" said Mrs. Granger in a concerned tone.
"I'll be fine mum, don't worry, I guess I'll see you at the end of the year then," replied Hermione as she looked up at her parents with tears in her eyes.
Harry entered the Leaky Cauldron to give Hermione some space for bidding farewell to her parents. He tried to ignore the pangs of jealousy stabbing at his heart. Sometimes he wished that the Dursleys could like him, could be a sort of foster family for him. He tried to picture them bawling their eyes out at the thought of him leaving, and ended up laughing outright, which made most of the people in the pub stop and stare at him. Harry tried to disguise his laughter as a hacking cough and took a seat at the bar, silently taking in the scenery as he waited for Hermione.
The Leaky Cauldron looked the same as he last remembered. A shabby-looking pub full of shady crowds - a group of women huddled in a corner were drinking small glasses of sherry, old toothless wizards in dirty robes smoked long pipes, and one very odd- looking dwarf stared very steadily in Harry's direction. Harry flattened his bangs nervously, hoping to conceal his scar so that he wouldn't attract too much attention. He glanced towards Tom, who nodded. The bartender, with a swish of his wand, levitated Harry's trunk, and guided him up the wooden staircase to his room.
"If you'll follow me, Mr. Potter. Albus Dumbledore secured the wards on this room personally." Tom handed Harry the brass key. "Only you can open it from now until September 1st. Very well then, I have business to attend to. I'll just be going now. I trust you have everything you need?"
"Er- yes sir, I think so."
"Well, if there's anything you need, Mr. Potter, don't hesitate to ask." The bald bartender gave a short bow and went back down the stairs.
Harry turned to look at the room. It was much like room 11 two years ago - polished oak furniture, a comfortable bed and a roaring fire blazing in the chimney. He shoved his trunk in the magically enlarged wardrobe and was going to settle down on his bed when a sharp knock on the door reminded him that he had left Hermione to her own devices.
Sure enough she was there, on the doorstep, looking at that moment very much like the bossy and bushy- haired girl he had met on the Hogwarts Express, with her wide eyes and know-it-all expression. There were glistening tear streaks on her cheeks, and she had tied her hair in a messy knot at the nape of her neck. Somehow she always managed to retain that self-assured air of hers, even when she let out in a timid voice, "May I come in?"
"Of course, Hermione."
She trotted miserably over to the bed, plopped herself on the side and started crying softly on Harry's shoulder.
"What's wrong?" he asked, hugging her a bit more awkwardly than he would have liked. Harry was only able to perceive muffled and incomprehensible explanations. She seemed exhausted. Harry knew that she was very worried about her parents' safety, as her family had become a target for Death Eaters. After a while she fell asleep, curled up on the corner of the springy bed.
Harry stood up as silently as possible and tiptoed out of the room. He had decided to go down to Diagon Alley and browse a bit until Ron and Ginny arrived.
He never ceased to be amazed by the wizarding world. Everything seemed to be held up by magic - And it probably is, he thought with a smile. The sinuous streets were crowded by houses that looked much like The Burrow, lopsided and homely. The alleys were overflowing with little shops full of intriguing devices, such as revealers, put-outers, sneakoscopes, secrecy sensors, and so forth. There even was something that looked like a clear glass egg, which would swirl with purple clouds and defend its bearer against all dark creatures. What amused Harry most was the new store, 'Mad Muggles' Magical Cavern'. This store sold solely Muggle artifacts, plugs, batteries, headphones, lamps, and CDs. Wizards' imagination was impressive. They claimed that the CDs were rainbow-makers. Harry was startled to see a pair of redheads bending over the CDs in awe.
" D'you reckon Dad would like these new artifacts ?"
"Ron! Ginny!" Harry exclaimed.
"Harry!" Ginny flung herself in his arms.
For a fleeting second, Harry forgot how to breathe.
Inhale, Exhale. now repeat as needed.
He could only think that Ginny Weasley was in his arms. Ginny was hugging him. He could feel her silky hair brush his cheek, he could smell her light, balmy scent. Then the moment was gone. A flushing Ron was trying to extract his "baby sister" from his best friend's tight embrace.
Harry glared evilly at his so-called friend, before patting him gingerly on the back.
It is Ron's sister, he has a right to protect her. Sort of.
An uneasy silence settled between them and Ginny, anxious to break the tension, asked, "Oh, Harry, did you see Hermione? I thought her parents would bring you here."
"She's in my room at the Leaky Cauldron. She fell asleep in my bed and she was exhausted so I let her sleep a bit. Let's go wake her up."
They found Hermione sleeping peacefully on Harry's bed, a wave of sleep- dampened frizz surrounding her face. She had plopped off her shoes and her robes for comfort. They could see she was wearing Muggle jeans and the sexy black top.
Ron tensed immediately. He stared at the heap of robes on the floor, then at Harry. Ginny saw her brother's jaw clench and his hands form into fists.
"Harry James Potter," he growled low and menacingly.
"Er- yeah?" Harry asked innocently. He winked at Ginny who was starting to feel increasingly uncomfortable.
"What in Bloody Merlin's name happened between you two?!" Ron shouted, his ears turning red with anger.
Before he could continue his tirade, Hermione began languorously stretching out and yawned.
"Ron, Ginny? What are you doing here?" she mumbled. "Oh! Harry I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep in your bed."
Upon saying this, she sat upright on the bed, staring at her three friends. She noticed Ron's furious look and the pile of robes on the floor; and felt her cheeks grow hot.
Ron took her blushing as guilty proof.
"You really keep on disappointing me you know," he said softly before leaving the room.
"What in Merlin's name was that about?" Ginny asked, breaking the heavy silence that had settled in the room.
Hermione and Harry just looked startled. That was a very uncharacteristic move for Ron. Harry had expected Ron to blow up at them, throw a fit of jealous rage and then sulk in a corner, but not to be so resigned. He seemed to have aged an eternity, his eyes were imprinted with maturity and Harry was sure that every trace of Weasley flare and temper had left Ron's soul.
"I have to go after him," Harry said.
"No! Let me. I should go talk to him," Hermione offered, looking very determined. She dashed out of the room, hoping to find him.
"I really didn't mean to hurt him," Harry said silently.
Ginny barely heard Hermione leaving and Harry's comment as she felt her head was about to explode with horrible thoughts. Nothing happened, she repeated over and over. She couldn't help but think that Ron had a point. She sighed. Why did it matter so much to her? After all, Hermione and Harry were allowed to be together if they liked each other. Yet Ginny had been under the impression that things had changed between her and Harry. She had been so stupid to think that Harry would ever consider her as anything more than his best friend's little sister.
"Gin? Ginny!?"
"Er- yes, what?"
"I've been calling you for the past three minutes. Do you want to go to 'Florean Fortescues's Ice Cream Parlor'?"
"Yeah, sure."
***
Harry sat opposite of Ginny. He sneaked a glance at her while she was absorbed in the menu. She was so pretty. The sun made her red hair seem ablaze. Her eyelashes fluttered softly as she tried to pick out the perfect sundae.
"The chocolate and raspberry with chopped nuts sounds good, don't you think?" Ginny said, looking up. She caught Harry's stare on her and blushed. Harry averted his gaze, very aware that his cheeks were starting to burn.
" Er- yeah, I'll take the same," Harry told the fairy that was hovering patiently over them. She took their orders then zoomed away, leaving a glittery shimmer around the couple.
Harry fiddled nervously with the napkin, wondering why on earth it was so hard to talk to Ginny now that she was in front of him. She seemed to be equally nervous, as she kept twisting her hair.
"So," she ventured courageously in an attempt to stir up conversation, "you said you talked to that garden snake right? Did it say anything interesting?"
A sudden flow of memories invaded his thoughts. He could see the snake writhing in the dark grass, oozing a sort of pearly white light. Harry could vaguely recall the snake had said something about forces being reunited. If only he could remember. He was starting to feel dizzy.
"Harry? Are you all right?" Ginny asked, genuinely worried. Her voice seemed so distant.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Headache, I think," said Harry, snapping back to reality. Ginny only knew about his first conversation with the snake. He hadn't told her yet about the would-be prophecy.
Ginny pressed a concerned hand on Harry's own, sending a rush through his body. Her hand was cool and light on his. She brushed his hair softly out of his eyes with her free hand.
"Are you sure Harry? You can tell me what happened."
Harry gazed into her deep and concerned brown eyes.
"I know, Ginny, I could tell you anything."
Yeah, even though you couldn't spit out a full sentence three seconds ago, a sarcastic voice in the back of his head said.
Ginny's mouth was less than an inch away from his; he could feel her hot breath mingle with his. She smelled like chocolate ice cream.
On the other side of the street, Padma, Parvati and Lavender were cautiously observing the couple.
"That's our cue to break up the love, ladies," ordered Lavender.
Parvati promptly yelled out, "Harry! Wow, it's so good to see you!"
The three girls rushed over and started fawning about how much he had grown and matured over the summer, making Harry blush scarlet and Ginny sulk on her chair.
Harry scanned the streets for any sign of Ron and Hermione, Please let them come soon, please let them be in one piece. I don't think I can take this much longer. A sniggering Dean had come over to the table to "rescue" Ginny, who was more than happy to get away from Parvati, Padma and Lavender's snide remarks about her freckles and her shabby clothes.
As for Harry, even though he expected his best friends, he was relieved to see Cho Chang, alone. Sighing with relief, he made his way out of the Ice Cream Parlor, ignoring Lavender's pleas of protests.
"Cho! Cho, can I talk to you for a second?"
She nodded her head listlessly.
"Cho, I'm so sorry about Cedric, I never meant for anything to happen, it was a mistake, really it was, I had no idea that the Cup was a Portkey," Harry blurted out, before he lost his nerve.
"I know, Harry. It's okay. I really don't blame you for anything that happened."
Whatever Harry had expected, it certainly wasn't that answer. "Er- What? You mean you're not mad at me for insisting that Cedric take the cup with me, even though it was meant for me, and it was supposed to be a trap, and that Voldemort's rebirth is all my fault?" Harry was well aware of his incoherent babbling but couldn't find a way to keep his mouth shut.
Cho let out a laugh. It was unlike any laugh Harry had heard. It was a throaty and rumbling laugh, like a soothing and entrancing music to his ears. For the first time since Voldemort's rebirth, he felt absolutely safe, in good hands and -was it, loved?
"Harry, you're rambling," Cho said in a low and husky voice.
"I know, I just can't seem to be able to shut up."
A wicked grin crept on the girl's face. "You know what's the best way to make a guy shut up?" she said in an sweet, syrupy tone. And before Harry could answer, her lips were dangerously close to his mouth. Harry stiffened as he felt her lips brush softly across his.
"Don't be afraid, I won't bite," she added softly.
Her breath smelled like honey, her voice was so melodious, her eyes so deep. She laughed once more and Harry relaxed a bit.
Her hands slid across his back small and soft, sending a trickle through his spine. He felt the urge to draw her mouth towards his. Once their lips met, Cho, sensing Harry's rush, traced her tongue loftily over his lips. Harry gasped against her mouth. He cupped her waist gently with a hand and intertwined the other in her smooth black hair. Then it seemed that she was trying to draw his breath, and that she was drinking him in, Harry felt his heart beat faster against her small frail body. He was suddenly aware that the hands on his back and neck weren't so soft anymore, it felt more like she was digging her nails into his skin. Harry groaned and she released the pressure a bit, she started nibbling and licking his lower lip as a thrill of excitement passed through his body. Slowly she moved her hands and cupped Harry's face, steadying the kiss and this time when her tongue flicked against his teeth and her lips softly sucked on his, Harry's world flipped upside down. His head was throbbing painfully and he was feeling very weak. As her kiss intensified even more, Harry found the need to part from her mouth. He let go of Cho, as though she had burned him. "Stop," he said, still gasping for breath. "I can't, I mean, I shouldn't." Harry leaned against the wall, finding that his knees were giving out. Cho, on the other hand, glowered. It seemed like a sort of power or heat emanated from her. "What do you mean, you can't, you mean, you shouldn't?" she asked mimicking his worn out and raspy voice. "I mean, it's wrong, I can't, you know, do this. I - I still feel guilty about Cedric's death, it would be wrong to kiss his girlfriend." As Harry said this he was feeling weaker by the second. He slid softly to the ground, his cloak scraping against the cold stonewall. Cho gave a cold, mirthless laugh. "Of course you feel guilty Harry, it's normal. You're the perfect little Gryffindor" She knelt down by his side, "But what I really want to see, is how long you stick to that motto. By the time I'm done, you'll be singing a whole different song, I assure you."
She smiled cruelly, displaying a row of white sharp teeth. Her long black mane, flowing down her back, whipped around her face under a strong gust of wind. She soundly kissed him on the mouth once more, and stood up, agile as a cat, and left the alley they were in. As she left, Harry could still hear her melodious laugh echoing in his head.
***
"Harry? Are you sure you're okay?" asked Hermione as the charmed tape measurer floated around her, in 'Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'.
"I still have some pepper up potion in my bag if you want," offered Ginny.
"I already told you I'm fine!" replied Harry irritably. They were so annoying. Ginny and Hermione were smothering him in attention and right now, the only thing he wanted to do was go find Cho Chang and ask her what the hell her whole act meant.
"But Harry, you really don't look f-" began Hermione.
Ron, who had joined the group again a while ago, sensed that that he should get his friend away from the scene before Harry blew up. "Come on mate, let's go buy our potion ingredients. We'll come back later." With these words, Ron steered Harry away from the shop. Outside, Harry glanced over to his friend. After having talked with Hermione, Ron had apologized to everyone. Since then, he acted as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Maybe he was a bit more subdued than usual, but Harry figured that in a couple of hours Ron would be as good as new.
'Slug and Jiggers Apothecary' reeked of old socks. There were marinating mandrakes in bubotuber juice. They created a sort of pus useful in quite a few potions, but it stunk horribly. Ron pinched his nose as he leaned over the counter to show the salesman the list of ingredients. Harry was carefully observing the contents of the jars lined up on the shelf. He saw a couple of very rare ingredients, very expensive, and dreadfully dangerous. Among others, Siren blood looked very dangerous he thought, but he was surprised to see some Essence of unicorn, contained in a pear-shaped jar. The foggy contents were swirling silver, and as the cloud moved they created unruly shapes pressing against their glass prison. Harry's methodical examination was broken as Ron poked him in the ribs and shoved all the needed ingredients into Harry's limp hands.
"Out we go, Harry. The odors are making you dizzy."
They made their way to 'Madame Malkins', once again, this time stopping at every store to purchase their school supplies. They picked up Hermione and Ginny, who refused to let them peak a look at the dresses they had bought.
"I still have to buy some jewelry to go with the robes, but I think I'll find them later. Maybe at Hogsmeade?" Hermione said.
"I'll go with you," Ginny offered. "I just hope I can afford what we'll find there."
"Yeah well if you girls don't mind, let's go have lunch, because I am sick of all the fashion and I'd rather shop for food now," Ron complained.
Well, now he's back to his old self, Harry thought as a grin spread across his face. He knew that Ron wasn't rancorous, but he had feared his friend might be angrier than usual after finding Hermione in his bed. Then again, their discussion probably had dispelled all misunderstandings. At least, Harry hoped so. He barely listened to Hermione and Ginny chatting and Ron's constant whining. His mind was still stuck on Cho. Cho kissing him, her lips on his, her tongue inside his mouth, her hair all around his face, his hands on her.
Stop it! His mind commanded him.
Harry knew he was turning red again, so he desperately tried to quit thinking about her. Sure enough, after a few minutes, Cho had left his mind. As he followed his friends, he recalled having explored this part of Diagon Alley two years back. He was delighted to see all the restaurants squished in a little street, sunnier than you might expect from its location.
"Here we are! This is Digestion Alley," Ginny explained to Harry and Hermione, who were charmed by the place.
"Seriously?" Hermione asked.
"No, she's joking," Ron said. "It doesn't have a name, it's just part of Diagon Alley."
Ginny looked very pleased with her joke, her eyes shining with amusement. Hermione laughed at her own gullibility and both boys joined them. They settled for brunch in the 'Dragon's Diner' that seemed like a pleasant, if not a bit somber, restaurant. Harry managed to remain incognito and they all enjoyed their meal -even though they received the food around two o'clock.
When they finally got out of the Diner, they decided to go for a walk as they had already bought all their school supplies. They left bags and packets at the Leaky Cauldron, then went in search of a place to sit down and talk. Hermione found a little public garden and she and Ginny began chatting. Ron, immensely bored, asked Harry to throw him an abandoned Quaffle he had found so that he could train as a Keeper.
As they played, Harry thought about how Ginny and Hermione suddenly became good friends. During the previous years, Ginny was left out of "the Gryffindor Gay Group" as Malfoy called Harry, Hermione, and Ron. How was it that she had gotten so friendly with Hermione, to the point of becoming her confidant? Maybe Hermione had realized that Ginny was no longer a little girl, or maybe she needed an ally in the Weasley household to help her win Ron's heart. Who knows. Girls are so complicated! Harry concluded as he allowed himself one last glance at them before concentrating fully on scoring against Ron.
***
Harry leaned against the pillar indicating platform nine. Hermione sat on the trolley, her eyes closed, checking her watch from time to time. She sighed.
"I told you we shouldn't have arrived so early," Harry told her.
"Yes, well I hadn't expected you to take so little time to get ready. When you're with Ron, we always arrive late, so this time I thought we should avoid having to run," Hermione explained, then waved at Padma and Parvati who headed toward platform nine and three quarters. They smiled and went through the wall.
Harry and Hermione had been waiting for a half hour. They were supposed to meet the Weasleys at ten forty-five, and it was now five minutes to eleven. Hermione looked stressed out, and Harry was on the lookout for the Weasleys. Most of the Hogwarts students had passed before their eyes, the first-years shrieking excitedly at the sight of Harry's scar, the older students just observing him and Hermione - they expected to see a new couple some time soon.
Most Muggle trains had left, and none were expected until fifteen minutes later, so the other platforms were practically empty, save for controllers. Hermione feared that the remaining Hogwarts students would have a hard time passing through the wall without being seen. However, most of the latecomers easily disappeared toward platform nine and three quarters.
Cho arrived, dressed in a long jean skirt and ocean blue tank top. A pearl hung around her neck, and the belt she wore reminded Harry of a fisher's net. Her long, black hair was like water on her shoulders, with silvery and dark blue shadows playing on them. Somehow, she seemed like some sort of Asian goddess of the sea at that moment. He couldn't help but blush when she winked at him, but also noticed the evil glance she threw at Hermione. In a few graceful steps, Cho passed through the wall.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked, quite shocked by the Ravenclaw's attitude.
"I really don't know," Harry lied. "Maybe she remembers last year, when I asked her to the ball?" he added hopefully, praying that his friend would believe him.
"Hum," Hermione simply murmured, not looking convinced at all. Suddenly, her face brightened, and she smiled as she rose to greet the Weasleys. Then she remembered they were late.
"What took you so long?" she asked as she kissed Ginny on the cheek.
"Oh, Ginny just couldn't decide what to wear so she made us wait for a half hour until she finally realized we'd be late," Ron snickered.
"Actually, it was Ron who spent hours in the bathroom, wondering what way to part his hair and also locking the rest of us out," Ginny replied furiously.
"The truth is," Fred began.
"Never mind what the truth is," Hermione nearly screamed. "We only have two minutes left to board the train, so let's go."
She grabbed Ginny by one arm, her trolley by the other, and they headed off toward platform nine and three quarters. Harry and Ron followed, nonchalantly discussing some fictive baseball game as they passed through the wall. Harry had brought up the subject and used baseball not to alarm surrounding Muggles, but when Ron commented that the Attacker should definitely not have used the base to hit the ball, Harry wondered if it had been such a good idea. It was then Fred's turn.
George, the last one remaining, simply murmured before heading for the wall,"The truth is, both of you were preparing yourselves to look good for someone else."
***
The train left the instant they were all inside. Hermione sighed from relief, then dragged Harry toward the prefects' compartment.
As Ron watched them leave, the corner of his mouth twitched. He didn't seem very happy about seeing his friends leave for the other side of the train, but he knew he wasn't allowed in the prefects' compartment - he had heard it from Percy so many times. George and Fred had already chosen a compartment, so he followed them there.
Ginny gave a last look in the direction where Harry had gone. How she wished she could be a prefect the following year.
*** Harry and Hermione tried to find some friends to sit with, but so far, they hadn't fallen upon the Gryffindor compartment. However, when Hermione had opened the door to what they had found to be the Ravenclaw compartment, Cho had seen Harry. Her eyes had shone like a cat's, and after she silently blew him a kiss, she languorously licked the tip of her fingers, one after the other. Harry was bright red with shame by the time he closed the Ravenclaw compartment door.
Hermione could sense that Harry was tense, but she felt like this was between him and Cho. She wasn't so daft as to not see what was happening between them. She simply hoped this would soon be over, and that Ginny might never know. Harry followed her silently, still flushed with embarrassment.
Hermione opened all the doors of the prefects' compartment, but there was no room for the latecomers. Finally, she opened the last door. A smile crept on her face, as she noticed it was empty. "Harry, this one is empty. We can take it," she told her friend.
"What do you mean it's empty? Granger, do you need glasses as badly as you need new teeth?" Draco drawled from inside the compartment. Hermione was surprised not to have noticed that he was in there. She guessed that he was behind the door and quickly turned to Harry. "You know what, it's not empty. Let's just sit in the hallway. We'll be much more comfortable in the hallway than inside," Hermione snapped.
"Oh no, don't mind Draco, please. Granger, come in," came a girl's voice.
"Ew- Malfoy? With a girl? Let's get out of that bloody wagon!" Hermione exclaimed, to Harry's shock.
A slim young woman came out of the compartment. She had straight, black hair, longer than Cho's and just as silky. It formed like a raven's wing in her back, and floated beautifully when she asked Hermione to come back in. Her eyes were of a luminous purple, looking like polished amethyst in the middle of her white and fine face. Hermione was surprised to see that she was really beautiful -what is she doing with Malfoy in an empty compartment? she wondered- but then she saw the Slytherin badge on her neat robes. Well, not all Slytherin girls have to be ugly, quite obviously. I suppose Bullstrode isn't a universal reference, Hermione thought, still unable to remember who that girl was.
Harry came to her help. "Zabini, aren't you? Reserve Beater on the Slytherin team?" he asked.
"Yeah, that's me," the girl answered, a grin spreading on her face. It wasn't even an evil or taunting grin, it was just a smile. She didn't look like a Slytherin at all.
"Look, Granger, Potter, come in. Draco is just being nasty. Besides, you can't spend the entire day sitting in the hallway. Just get in, we'll all mind our own business. Right, Draco?" Blaise asked, turning toward the compartment.
A sigh and muffled insults came from the blond boy, still hidden from Hermione and Harry's view. Blaise stepped back and sat down next to Malfoy, regaining somewhat of a cold, if not disdainful, air. Hermione pulled her trunk inside the compartment, and Harry helped put it up. Finally, they sat down, and Hermione allowed herself to shoot a glance at Malfoy. She was horrified by what she saw: he was absolutely gorgeous! He had grown during the summer, and gotten some muscles too - probably from beating up his father's prisoners - which he proudly exhibited with his sleeves rolled up.
His face had lost the boyish appearance it used to have, and he now looked like an arrogant archangel rather than an evil cherub. Hermione stared at the window when she met his cold gray eyes. She felt like she could almost see the frigid winds of the Antarctic swirling in them, the white and unmoving icebergs, the frozen glaciers and mirror-like waters, all this steel-hard superiority and cold arrogance condensed in them. By merely looking in his eyes, Hermione could see the immensity of the hate Draco bore for her.
Harry felt very uncomfortable sitting in the same compartment as the stupid Ferret-Boy. He couldn't stand the way the blond Slytherin thought he was so superior and so handsome. The stupid git had the arrogance of a king, strutting about Hogwarts as though he owned the place. He kept on claiming to be the smartest wizard in the grade, and even though Malfoy's grades weren't half-bad, they didn't even compare to Hermione's academic achievements. Malfoy thought he was so witty with his snide remarks about " the mudblood, the weasel and the Potty" Harry seethed inwardly. How the hell did he get stuck in Malfoy's compartment for Merlin's sake!
The food trolley's passage definitely didn't improve the mood in the compartment. Hermione, after a half hour of gazing out the window with a stupid smile plastered on her face, had pulled out an enormous book and already read half of it. Harry felt like he was falling asleep, but each time, the thought of Malfoy being near by discouraged him. Then he was entirely repulsed when Malfoy bought chocolate frogs, and began feeding them to Blaise, who didn't look nearly as friendly as she had before. Not that she was being mean to him or anything. She was just so lascivious, it was nauseating.
"Let's eat those little frogs, à la francaise," Draco offered Blaise. He was holding one chocolate frog in his hand, making it swish before the girl's eyes.
"Oh yes, I just love French. So sensual. Donne moi du chocolat, Draco," she purred.
"Seulement si tu me donnes un baiser en échange," Draco said in a suave and playful voice. "Only if I get a kiss. One kiss, one frog," he grinned. "Un baiser, une gre-"
"Oh please, get an other compartment. I am going to be sick!" Harry hollered.
Blaise straightened up and threw Harry an evil glare. She passed her hand through her hair in a lustful gesture, which sent chills adown Harry's body.
And to think she was flirting outrageously with Malfoy when she could have any other boy in Hogwarts.
Wait, no, I mean: ew, that vixen!
"Please tell me you aren't jealous because she gets a frog and you don't, Potter," Draco said, turning his steely look toward Harry. "Then I think I'm going to be sick," he added.
"Shush, Draco. I think he's just embarrassed and uncomfortable because we're flirting in front of him. Aren't you, Potter?" Blaise inquired. "Because you do realize that I don't feel anything for Draco, except maybe that he's like a brother to me. But it's nothing like what you feel for, Granger, let's say," Hermione jerked her head up and Draco grimaced of disgust. "And you know, even if it will probably take you years to make a pass at someone, being a Gryffindor and all. No offense, of course, it doesn't mean that the rest of the world should stay as sickly and innocent as you." Blaise added, a sly grin on her face but her eyes indicating she wasn't being as sardonic as she appeared to be.
Before Harry had the time to think of some kind of comeback, the compartment door opened and Ron's face and his very orange hair emerged from the hallway. "Oh there you are, I've been looking all over for you!" Ron said, with a smile for Harry and Hermione. His smile turned into a frown as he noticed who else was present.
"Looking all over for me? That's really touching, Weasley, but how many times I gotta tell you that I'm not interested?" Malfoy interrupted, rolling his eyes. "Besides, now the whole Gryffindor Gay Group is reunited. Ladies and Gentlemen," he continued, turning to an imaginary audience, "I present you with: Potty, Weasel, aaaaaand the slutty ( sort of ) Mudblood! So tell me, Chipmunk, may I call you chipmunk? How did you manage to string Potty, Weasel and the Bulgarian Seeker with all that filthy blood you've got -- "
"What did you just say?" Ron growled, a vein at his temple throbbing dangerously.
"Can- you- understand -the-words-that-are-coming-out-of-my-mouth?" Draco replied, and turning to Blaise, added, "It's bloody fantastic, really. The whole lot's disabled. Weasel can't hear, the Mudblood can't see, and Potty's just mentally challenged, or 'special', as people like to call him."
During this whole comment, Malfoy pointed to in turn, Ron, Hermione and Harry, acting as if they were not there or perhaps could not understand what he was saying. Blaise was feeling increasingly uncomfortable, and wanted nothing more than to get out of there, but pretended to be interested in Malfoy's patronizing tone, all the while casting furtive glances at the other occupants' expressions.
Harry and Hermione were watching the exchange, sitting at the edge of their seats, ready to jump into action if they had to. Harry was restraining himself from jumping on Malfoy and punching that stupid smirk of his, and Hermione was helping him and Ron by repeating her usual mantra, "Don't let him get to you. Just ignore him. He's not worth losing points over."
Ron's patience finally reached its limit. He took off his robes, growing more enraged by the second as his arm got stuck in his sleeve, then declared, "Malfoy, I think the time has come for me to wipe that disgusting sneer off your face."
"Really? And how are you going to do that? Strip for me? You're right, I think that might work. But then I'd have to spew all over your precious hamster here -Hermione, is it? - That might actually not bother her too much, since it's so much like her natural habitat. And besides her blo-"
Before Malfoy could finish his sentence, Ron hurled himself at him, hollering swear words for all the train to hear. The fight quickly became violent as they threw punch after punch, and sometimes very nasty kicks. Their wands laid forgotten on the seats, this very Muggle way of fighting being much more satisfying to vent off some pent-up anger and hate. Before the floor could become a bloody mess, the three remaining prefects regained their senses and tried to tug the two culprits out of their tangled position on the floor. With a great heave, Harry and Hermione managed to pull Ron out of Malfoy's grasp, leaving Blaise to tend to him.
Quick as a flash, Malfoy grabbed his wand and got up. The curse hit Ron before he even had a chance to realize what was happening. His nose elongated for an indeterminate period of time as Harry and Hermione watched in horror, and Malfoy doubled up in laughter. Ron's ears began to stretch as well, while his hands shrank and his eyes took up half of his face. His skin turned a greenish tint . Hermione and Harry were utterly still, their mouths agape, shock etched on their every feature. Seeing their expressions, Ron quickly glanced around to find the nearest mirror. When he observed his reflection in the compartment door, he squealed. He looked very much like a friend of Harry's. In fact, Ron's face looked exactly like.
Dobby's.
"What did you do to me, you sick bastard?!?!" Ron shrieked in a shrilly voice, making Malfoy erupt in laughter once again.
"Well maybe now that you're a house-elf, Hamster'll finally go out with you!"
"It's Hermione! Or Granger to you, and don't you dare curse my boyf-" Hermione started, scarlet with fury, and stopped herself when she saw Ron's shocked expression, Harry's amused one, and the surprise on Blaise and Malfoy's faces upon hearing this Freudian slip. She finished, "friend! Who is also a boy! Therefore he is my boy, " she left a big space before adding, "friend."
Ron, who had been watching Hermione with a somewhat glazed expression, shook himself and said, "Er- right. Eat dung, Malfoy!" and then shot him a full body-bind. Malfoy barely managed to dodge it, because of the limited space in the compartment, and quickly uttered, "Tarantallegra!"
As Ron tried to focus his aim and steady his legs to curse Malfoy once again, Hermione whispered to Harry, "Quick! We don't want to have another mixed-curses fiasco like last year! We need to cast curse-deflecting shields around ourselves. Remember, the one you learned from the Triwizard Tournament? I'll show Blaise how to do it, so we can try to break them up. I'm hoping she'll help us do so. All right, let's do it!"
"Okay. But I don't remember if you can curse someone from this shield. or will it deflect it as well?" Harry asked.
"No, you can curse people outside the shield but I don't want to see you aim any other spell than a Stunning, Disarming, or Full Body Bind at Malfoy! I know he's lower than scum and he deserves it, but we are prefects and we need to set a good example!"
"Some example he's setting," grumbled Harry before saying, "Protego!".
But before they could intervene, Ron and Malfoy had already sent a series of curses such as the Jelly-Legs Jinx, the Twitchy Ears Hex, the Fur Spell, the Horn Tongue Spell, Rictusempra and the Leek Curse, which were all bouncing around. Quite a few of them were deflected by Hermione's, Harry's and Blaise's shields, but most found their mark. The problem was, they had merged and thus created disastrous effects.
"Oh this is just what I had feared! Don't you ever learn?" Hermione cried out in anguish.
Not only did Ron look like a house-elf, he now had horns all of his face, which seemed to have occurred from a combination of the Horn Tongue Spell and Furnunculus. As for Malfoy, he was not a pretty sight either. He had received a mix of Twitchy Ears Hex, Jelly Legs Jinx and Fur Spell, coating him with a thick layer of furry tentacles, which kept twitching quite ridiculously.
***
The ride in the horseless carriages was as silent as the train ride had been before Ron's arrival. Harry and Hermione hesitated between laughing madly at Ron's new appearance and reprimanding him for his short temper. Nonetheless, all three were quite happy that Ron's spell had temporarily altered Malfoy's incredible good looks to make him look like an evil monster - which, down deep inside, he truly was. As the great castle of Hogwarts appeared behind the dark trees, all thoughts left Harry's mind, leaving room for only one word: home.
It seemed strange that such a gigantic fortress, with its high and pointy towers, enormous walls, and impressive doors, should communicate such a feeling of welcoming and warmth. The sun had already disappeared behind the curvy line of the horizon a while ago, shaped by round hills and deep valleys. Hogwarts castle seemed inundated by dark blue and silver shades, in this moment between day and nighttime where time seems to slow down and moments become eternity.
Eternity, then, was given to Harry to feel home. Even the compact mass of the forest and the icy tones of the water around the castle were friendly, as they were part of a place where Harry knew he was loved and protected. He could almost tell which window opened on which room and he thought he smelled the perfume of the upcoming feast as surely as he saw the castle lit up by thousands of lights. At this moment, somewhat frozen in an unsure time and stuck in the most unpredictable moment of the day, Harry knew that Hogwarts was a beacon for him (and most of the Wizarding world).
Something was missing though. Harry strained his eyes and ears for the big familiar boulder crying out, "Firs' years this way!" but to no avail. Hagrid wasn't there.
Harry had hoped to see him at the start of the new term and certainly hadn't thought that Hagrid would still be on his mission. Harry idly wondered who would be replacing his friend. He hoped it wouldn't be Grubbly- Plank. That witch was the exact opposite of Hagrid and would only make the Gamekeeper's hut emptier.
****
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