4. Confession without Words
He sat there for a while, losing track of time. It seemed ages ago when Dr. Renton had left the room and he had not returned to his office yet. This could only mean one thing; Mr. Dursley had an objection to Harry staying at Ron's for the summer. Although there had not been any shouting or cursing, Harry could hear muffled voices from downstairs squabbling about something. He took one last deep breath and headed out the door, wiping his eyes to hide any evidence that he had been crying. He peered over the stair railing to see what was happening. They obviously heard him and called him downstairs.
"Harry, I think it would be good if you came down here and had your word in this," Ewan said, not taking his eyes off Uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon's temples were pulsating and he was breathing through clenched teeth. Dudley was still sulking in the corner. He shuffled downstairs to Ewan's side and looked up at both of them. Uncle Vernon took this as a cue to start telling his side of the story.
"Yer not going to that blasted friend's of yours!" he shouted in his face.
"What? Why not? You've always wanted me out of the house!" Harry fired back. Uncle Vernon opened his mouth to speak, but Ewan cut him off.
"He's concerned for your safety."
"Ha! When did you ever start caring about how safe I am? The only reason you kept me is so that Dumbledore wouldn't kick your ass!"
"Don't.use.that.language.in.front.of.me.boy!" Uncle Vernon now had spit fly out of the corners of his mouth as he talked. Ewan looked baffled.
"How do you know Dumbledore Vernon?" he asked with curiosity, but Uncle Vernon was cut off again and this time by Harry.
"He wanted to throw me out of the house last year 'cause I saved Dudley's life over there," he pointed to the sulking Dudley. "My Aunt Petunia then got a howler from Professor Dumbledore saying that they better not." There was an awkward silence where no one spoke. Not even the phone rang on the lobby desk. A tsunami of silence had knocked them off their feet and onto the shore of "no speaking".
"Wait a bloody minute," Uncle Vernon breathed breaking the silence. "How do you know about Dumbledore? Oh my Holy Heaven! Are you a wizard?" Uncle Vernon stammered in shock. Harry's heart sank, knowing that this man's career and reputation were over after word got out that he wasn't like the rest of them.
"Seriously Vernon, do I look like a wizard? Do you see any 'magical' items anywhere throughout my room?" he asked in a hurt manner. Uncle Vernon considered this and then said: "No. No you don't, but how do you know about the owls then?"
"Vernon. If you think I am a wizard, do you really think I'd waste my time listening to people's problems? Don't you think, using my magical powers, I'd be the owner of some wealthy business?" Ewan fired back. Uncle Vernon raised a questioning eyebrow.
"And, if that is not enough to convince you," he went on. "I know about Dumbledore through Petunia. I know about the owls because I have a friend who is a witch and she uses them. Don't think I don't know about these things Vernon. I'm not as naïve as I look. What? Did you expect me not to know about Harry?" Uncle Vernon stumbled back in horror. There you go Uncle Vernon. Someone's discovered your secret. What are you going to say now? Harry smiled to himself.
"An..and just what are y.you smiling about boy?"
"Oh come on now Vernon? All those times I made you leave the room for Petunia, you don't think she told me about Harry?" Ewan asked disgusted.
"Even so Dr. Renton, Harry shall not be visiting he's freaky friends over the summer. Yes, I am worried about what's-his-name coming and disturbing my family and that's why he won't go! He told Petunia to not throw him out of the house!" Ewan looked taken aback. Harry shoved his hands into his pockets feeling an uncontrollable rage towards Uncle Vernon. He sneered triumphantly, knowing he had won this argument. Harry egged himself on to figure out a way to over come this. What else had Dumbledore told him about why he had to stay at the Dursley's?
"Because they love me," he whispered. Ewan and Uncle Vernon looked down on him.
"What was that?" Ewan asked eagerly.
"I couldn't leave because where the Dursley's were, they, er, loved me. If they threw me out, I would have no where to go and Voldemort," Ewan cringed a little, "would get to me. But when I was at the Weasley's during my second year he didn't try to get to me then because, well, I, um, guess they love me." Harry finished as Ewan punched the air with his fist. Uncle Vernon's lip curled and Dudley (eaves dropping on the conversation) gave a loud "humph" and punched his fist into his hand.
The car ride home was dead quiet. Dudley didn't dare turn on his music again and just stared out the window. Uncle Vernon had such a tight grip on the steering wheel that his knuckles were turning white. Harry was sitting on his hands because the seat was too hot for his thighs. They rolled up into the driveway and Harry unbuckled, eager to go write to Hermione and Ron. Uncle Vernon was the first to get out of the car and as he slammed the door, the car shook. Dudley got out next and Harry was about to open the door when he felt a heavy force against it.
"Hot enough in there for you?" Dudley shouted through the glass. Harry's glassed were fogging up. Dudley then turned around and pushed as hard as he could up against the door.
"Like watching a hamster in a wheel, I'll watch you sweat a little before I let you out," he smirked. Sweat was dripping out of every pour and Harry started laughing.
"You're forgetting that there are three other doors I can get out from you fat idiot," Harry said as he let himself out on the left side. Dudley came charging at him and gave Harry a nice right hook to the jaw.
"Don't talk to me like that again you psycho! Heard the conversation through the door upstairs. Heard you're plain crazy," as Dudley laughed at his own comment, Harry tackled him to the ground and suddenly jumped off as he heard a great smack on the concrete.
"Oh my head! What the bloody hell is wrong with you!" Dudley slurred. He touched the back of his head with his hand to see if there was any blood. There wasn't.
"I'm not so scrawny after all huh Duddy kins?" Harry pulled up his shirt sleeves to reveal two muscular arms. An owl came fluttering down and landed on Harry's wrist.
"Pigwidgeon!" Harry yelled as he untied the letter from his leg.
Harry dear! Of course you can stay with us! Hermione is staying too. Ron is so excited that you get to spend another summer with us! You are always a pleasure to have around. Get packing, we'll be there soon! We'll be arriving by Floo, so wait for us by your fireplace.
Love,
Molly
His heart filled with joy as he let Pigwidgeon fly back home. He ran upstairs and started packing his things, throwing everything in in a non- orderly fashion. He picked up his trunk and Hedwig's cage (with Hedwig in it of course) and sat in front of the fireplace. Two minutes passed. No one came. He looked at Dudley in the living room who had an ice pack on the back of his head. Ten Minutes passed and still no sign of a Weasley.
"Why you still here?" Uncle Vernon grunted. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Because they haven't come yet obviously." Uncle Vernon walked away cursing about Harry under his breath. Harry sat on the couch twiddling his thumbs. Suddenly, a green fire had burst to life in the fire place as Ron and Hermione slid onto the carpet, spreading ash everywhere.
"H..H..Harry!" Ron choked out! He ran over to him and patted him on the back. Hermione dusted herself off and greeted Harry with an enormous hug. Wow! Hermione! She pulled herself off him, blushing slightly.
"Well come on then mate! Ain't got that much time. Here, toss me your trunk," Ron said in a business like manner. "Hermione will take Hedwig."
"Thanks, but I could carry my trunk you know. He flashed one of his arms. Hermione's eyes lit up as Ron laughed a little to himself.
"No, no. You've already had a tough summer I bet. You always seem too," Ron spoke in a deep voice. At this they laughed and started to gather up Harry's things.
"Um, I'll be right back. I just have to, er, say goodbye to my Aunt and Uncle," Harry said unenthusiastically. Ron and Hermione exchanged confused glances, but then nodded at Harry. He walked off into the next room where all three of them were seated on the couch watching television. They looked up at him because he was standing in front of the screen.
"Um, goodbye?" It was more of a question than a statement. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia looked puzzled that Harry would actually take the time to say goodbye to them.
"Bye. Now move, you're in our way," Uncle Vernon said at last. Dudley didn't say or do anything and so Harry left the room.
"Bye Harry," he heard a small voice follow him out of the room. He turned to see that it was Aunt Petunia. Uncle Vernon had the same shocked look as Harry did, but not wanting to seem rude, he smiled a little and waved.
"Shall we?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione as he reentered the room.
"We shall," Hermione responded. Ron took Harry's trunk, Harry took Hedwig's cage and together they stepped into the furnace and were instantly swallowed by a mouth of huge, green flames. They swooshed up and up, banging their sides against the inside.
BAM! They landed on the Burrow floor with a sickening thud. Ron came zooming out first, then Harry and then Hermione, who landed on top of Ron.
"Well there you go Ron," Harry laughed, "Hermione's on top of you at last!" Hermione removed herself from on top of him and punched Harry in the arm who was still laughing. Ron dusted himself off and they both watched as Hermione went into the kitchen to say hello to Ginny.
"I should travel with her more often," Ron whispered and they laughed all the way to the kitchen. There, Harry was greeted by Fred, George, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley. They all crowded around him to say hi.
"Oh Harry, dear it is so nice to see you once again!" Mrs. Weasley said as she pulled Harry into a tight hug.
"Thank you for having me. I'm sorry if I'm imposing on you guys but my-," he stopped. They'll think I'm insane if I told them I had a psychiatrist, he thought angrily.
"But your what Harry?" Ginny asked. He looked around them.
"My psychiatrist said it was a good idea to get away from the Dursleys," he mumbled, embarrassed. They all exchanged a look of concern.
"Why'd you go to a psychiatrist Harry?" George asked in a serious tone.
"I had a weird dream, tell you lot about it later, but I woke up with my scar burning. Nothing new, only I dreamt that Voldemort-oh Ron honestly!- killed me. So when I woke up, my chest hurt also and it started bleeding, but then stopped and then Umbridge's owl delivered a letter to me and I was scared still and was yelling and my uncle said I needed to see his psychiatrist," he told them all in one breath. Their looks didn't show satisfaction so Harry told him the whole bit.
"Well no wonder you were yelling at the owl Harry!" Fred said accusingly. "You shoulda told your uncle about that, you should've."
"Yeah, but he would only think of me more crazy then he thought I was. Plus, the psychiatrist wasn't a muggle." They all looked at him in surprise.
"I thought your Uncle Vernon hated wizards dear," Mrs. Weasley told him with an odd expression about her face.
"He said he knew Mr. Weasley. His name is Ewan Renton," Harry told her. At the name her face lit up with happiness.
"Oh yes! I forgot he was a psychiatrist! Isn't he a nice man that Ewan?" she squealed with delight.
"Er, yeah. He gave my Aunt Petunia therapy," he said as Mrs. Weasley bustled off to the stove to cook something.
"Dumbledore has been letting you live with a nutter?" Ron asked. An unexpected rage filled Harry.
"She's not a nutter!" He yelled in her defense. They looked at him suspiciously.
"Wow Harry. Never knew you, um, felt anything towards your aunt after the way they have treated you," Hermione somewhat whimpered. Now that he thought of it, Aunt Petunia hadn't really done anything to Harry, but ignore him. Uncle Vernon made all the nasty comments and thought up all the punishments. There was a slight silence.
"Well love to stay and chat but me an' George best be heading back to the store. It's doing great!" Fred exclaimed as he clapped Harry on the shoulder. Mrs. Weasley simultaneously cleared her throat.
"And I'm meeting Dean at the shop! See you later Harry!" Ginny said as she ran to catch up with Fred and George. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all went back up to Harry and Ron's room to sit and chat.
"What I didn't tell you guys down there was that the letter Umbridge sent me when I was screaming at the owl was that it was signed under 'professor'. She might be coming back guys," Harry whispered. Ron made a gagging noise while Hermione simply stiffened up a little.
"She can't come back! She screwed everyone last year! She tried to get Dumbledore fired along with Hagrid! Why would he give her a second chance?" Ron asked, anger tinting his voice.
"Because Dumbledore's a good and forgiving man," Hermione said. "Right Harry?" she asked, scooting a little closer to him.
"Well yeah, but still. I wouldn't be that generous as to give that toad a second chance," Harry replied. Ron's lip curled. "She also said she was authorized to intercept my letter I was sending to Hermione."
"Sending letters to Hermione about what!?" Ron jumped up. Hermione and Harry laughed at his actions.
"About my Time Turner," Hermione said.
"Your what?"
"Never mind Ron. It was an idea Harry had that might bring Sirius back," she said in a hushed voice, trying to avoid eye contact with Harry.
"The other weird thing about the dream was that," he paused, took a deep breath and went on, "That I agreed with Voldemort about Neville."
"That can't be a good sign, but then again it's only a dream," Ron said.
"Only a dream? Ron, my chest was BLEEDING after it! I couldn't stop throwing up and light burnt me eyes! It's more than a dream Ron! More than that!" Harry yelled, outraged at him. Hermione slowly took Harry's hand in hers so that Ron couldn't see on the other side. Harry looked at Hermione. She gave him a sympathetic look and then, as not to make Ron feel bad said: "He's only looking on the bright side."
"Yeah that's all mate. Of course it's more than a dream. I wouldn't just blow you off like that," he apologized. Harry's strong hand was still laced in her dainty one, but for some reason, he liked it like that. He felt bad though, knowing Ron had a major crush on Hermione and loosened his grip from hers a little.
"How about we ask Dumbledore about it when we get to school?" Hermione suggested. Ron agreed but Harry looked down at this shoes.
"I just, you know, sometimes feel like people think the only reason I run to Dumbledore is to prove myself. Like I think they think I'm a show off. Plus, he's way too busy now days," Harry mumbled gloomily. "If it happens again I'll go talk to, er, someone. I don't want the first night back to Hogwarts to be stressful."
"Harry," Hermione said, "If Dumbledore didn't want to help out students, then why would he be a headmaster?"
"I just don't want to go talk to him about it on the first night back okay?" He scowled, now totally taking his hand away. Even so, she seemed undaunted by it.
"Well," Ron started up. "Who wants a butterbeer?" Harry was relieved to hear that it wasn't on the topic of Dumbledore and grumbled that he needed one. They all went downstairs to find lunch on the table. Once again, Mrs. Weasley had made too much food for them to eat. There were sandwiches of almost every type, goblets of pumpkin juice, butterbeer, toast, mashed potatoes, ham, and turkey. They drained their butterbeers and ate a little of everything. Ginny came back just as they were finishing and they all proceeded into the backyard. Ron and Harry were throwing a quaffle around while Ginny and Hermione sat talking down below.
"She's changed," Harry commented as they sat across from each other on their brooms.
"Yeah! Isn't she great?" Ron asked excitedly. Harry considered this for a second or two.
"Just as long as her personality hasn't changed. When are you gonna tell her how you feel Ron?"
"I, uh, well, um," he stuttered, his ears turning red. "What if, I mean, well, um, what if she doesn't feel the same way, and, um, thinks I'm touched in the head?"
"Ron she's your best friend. I'll doubt she'll react that way. Come on! I mean she didn't get off you right away when we came back until I said something," he laughed and ducked as Ron, laughing too, threw the quaffle at his head. There was an ear piercing shatter as the quaffle zoomed right through one of Mrs. Weasley's windows.
"Oh great," Ron muttered under his breath as he heard Mrs. Weasley yelping with surprise. They flew down to the ground and looked at the damage.
"Ronald Weasley! Get in here right this INSTANT!" Mrs. Weasley was demanding. Ron trudged inside, head hung low. They all hunched under the window sill to hear what was going to happen to Ron.
"How could you be so clumsy Ronald? And you were throwing it at our guest's head! I hope you understand that you'll be punished for this!"
"Don't take away my broom please don't Mum!" Ron pleaded. There was a moment's silence.
"You're lucky I didn't wait until your father got home or it would have been worse."
"No not really."
"RONALD! I'M TRYING TO BE FORGIVING ABOUT THIS SINCE HARRY IS OVER!"
"Yes mum." Ginny, Hermione, and Harry burst into silent laughter. Ron couldn't work his way out of anything! They hushed up and listened for more.
"As punishment, you won't be spending the night with Harry. Instead you will sleep in Hermione's room." Harry burst out laughing and Hermione shot him a death glare. He couldn't wait to see how this would come out in the morning.
"Mum, I don't think that's much of a punishment if you ask me," Ron said chuckling.
"You didn't let me finish. Hermione will be sleeping in Harry's room and after dinner, you will have to stay up in your room, I mean Hermione's and Ginny's, until morning," Mrs. Weasley finished in a matter-of-factly tone. Harry swallowed and Hermione tensed up. Ginny was unaffected.
"But all I did was break a window Mum! 'S not like you can't just fix it."
"Oh I know. Reparo," she flicked her wand and the shattered window was no longer.shattered. "But it'll teach you to behave in front of our guests." Ron heaved a sigh and retreated towards the door. They quickly picked themselves up acted as if they hadn't heard a thing.
"Bet you heard it all," he moped. Harry glanced at Hermione, who glanced at Ginny and they all shook their heads. "Yeah, thought so."
"It's only one night mate," Harry said, trying to cheer him up. Ron looked up and half-smiled.
"You get all the fun Harry," he said. Harry laughed at this and Hermione gave a warning sigh. When Ron glanced the other direction and so did Ginny, Harry winked at Hermione. They both laughed together.
"What?" Ron asked anxiously.
"Can't wait for tonight," Hermione said teasingly. Ron gave in and flumped down in a chair next to them.
"Can't believe I have to stay in your room Hermy."
"Don't call me that!" Harry laughed at the way Hermione cringed when Ron called her "Hermy".
"Don't look so down now Ronny. You get to go through all their stuff now," Harry smiled slyly as he said this. Ron's face instantly lit up at the thought of this. Hermione blushed, but oddly had no rejection to the fun Ron was going to have after dinner.
"If you go through my stuff I swear I'll kill you! And if I don't hurt you enough, I'll get mum to finish you off," Ginny warned. Ron's face lost his glow and he made a rude gesture with his hand towards Ginny. Ginny just smiled, unaffected. Smiles, laughter, death threats, jokes, and arguments broke out around the small little circle everyone was sitting in. All of them where talking about if Filch was actually a drag queen when Mr. Weasley grumpily slumped into the house. The conversation was immediately dropped to listen to Mr. Weasley's explanation for being in such a bad mood.
"THAT SON OF OURS!" He roared. Mrs. Weasley ran to put her arms around him and comfort him, but he sank into his arm chair before she had a chance. She bustled back into the kitchen, fetched him a drink and then sat by his side.
"Which one?" she asked worryingly. Mr. Weasley took a big swig from his drink and rubbed his forehead.
"Percy that. and to think he was Head Boy once! Supposed to be loyal, but," Mr. Weasley couldn't find it in him to find the words to explain about Percy. Mrs. Weasley began fidgeting with impatience.
"Go on dear just say it. Just," she paused, closing her eyes, "Just spit it out."
"Well you remember when Ron, George, and Fred took the car to go get Harry?"
"Do I ever," Mrs. Weasley shuddered.
"Well, some how, Percy found out and threatened to have me fired if I didn't personally grovel to Fudge," Mr. Weasley huffed. "And to think my own son would want me fired. I told him that I wasn't against the ministry anymore, obviously because I worked there. Then he said that anyone who is acquaintances with Dumbledore is against the ministry."
"But, Dumbledore proved he wasn't attacking them. He turned out to be right about Voldemort all along. Why would they still think that about him Arthur?"
"To keep the public from being terrified out of their wits, even though Fudge confessed that Dumbledore had been right. If you were to ask me Molly, I'd say we need a new Minister of Magic."
"Well you'll feel somewhat better after dinner. Come into the kitchen with me," said Mrs. Weasley as she led him off into the kitchen. Harry felt a sudden rage towards Percy, but mostly towards Fudge. Fudge had been giving rights to Professor Umbridge last year to do practically whatever she pleased. Fudge had been accusing him and Dumbledore of being mad and was trying to get Dumbledore fired from being headmaster of Hogwarts. Now Fudge was lying to the public again even though after witnessing Dumbledore come face to face with Lord Voldemort, who fled into hiding once again. Harry felt as if he could have killed Fudge. Ron was looking down upon his shoes, kicking at the dirt.
"To think I'm related to the little bugger," Ron scowled. No one, not even Hermione dared to tell him to watch his language.
"I can't believe he'd do this to your dad," Hermione said instead. Ron looked up at her instantly as if about to defend Percy, but once again looked down onto the ground.
"I definitely feel like I'm imposing on you guys. I'm sorry," Harry apologized.
"Don't be silly Harry. We're always glad to have you around. Well," Ginny paused looking slightly blushed, "Well at least I am." Harry smiled. Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement. A few moments later, Mrs. Weasley had called them in for dinner. Mr. Weasley seemed to brighten his spirits when Harry walked into the kitchen.
"Hiya Harry! Good to have you back. How have you been?" He asked in fake amusement.
"Fine sir thanks. Um, Ewan says hi," Harry responded. Mr. Weasley looked puzzled at this.
"Ewan?" Mrs. Weasley looked at Mr. Weasley with a hint of surprise.
"Ewan Renton dear. The psychiatrist!" she said a little hurt. Mr. Weasley pondered this. He still did not comprehend who Ewan Renton was. Then his eyes seemed that they would nearly pop out of his head.
"Ewan! Ewan fascinated by insane muggles Ewan? That old man?" He was laughing, completely forgetting about Percy and Fudge.
"Why, he was my 'muggle buddy'. And he was Sirius's 'Dark Arts associate'. He was a little something for everyone. Including the ladies," Mr. Weasley managed to say through fits of laughter.
"Between James, Sirius," Harry looked away from Mr. Weasley when he said Sirius's name, "and Ewan, it was hard to tell who was more popular. Almost as good a friend to Sirius and James as Remus, but me an' Ewan were mates. But," the smile fell from his face. "Temptation got the worst of him and he became a Death Eater. Lurking in dark, decrepit corners, using his psychiatry techniques to hypnotize and lure the innocent to the dark side where they were tormented crazy. He was a great help to Lord Voldemort, but seeing as he was supposed to capture one of his friends, he quit while anything got too bad." The joy was deflated from the room. Then Mr. Weasley started smiling again.
"He joined me in the ministry and then went on to psychiatry though. Great man despite some bad choices in the past. How'd you meet him Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked. Once again he felt embarrassment crawl underneath his skin.
"My uncle made me go see him," he murmured looking down at the floor. "I wasn't acting mad or anything. He just.well, he just wanted me to go." When Mr. Weasley's brow furrowed, Harry told him what he had told the others earlier (skipping the part about Umbridge and her authorization to intercept his letter).
"Well I'm happy to say I don't think you have anything to worry about. Umbridge was transferred to St. Mungos today. She was having disturbing dreams and at work, she dozed off and was attacked by a.a snake. She's being watched around the clock I assume," Mr. Weasley responded. Harry breathed a relief. She may not be coming to Hogwarts after all. Fred, George, and Ginny walked into the house a few moments after they had all started to eat. There was a very pleasant vibe around the room. No one talked of Harry's dream (not all that much) or of Mr. Weasley's bad day. Mrs. Weasley had of course told Mr. Weasley about Ron and his punishment and pursed her lips very tightly when he laughed about it.
Dinner went on for about two hours. After about an half hour of Ron trying to persuade everyone to keep eating and talking so he wouldn't have to go upstairs, he finally gave up and said goodnight to everyone. Harry was worn out from his visit to Ewan and pleasantly full from dinner, so he too went up with Ron. Hermione followed, claiming she'd like to get up early for Diagon Alley.
"I'll just go get my things and change in the bathroom," Harry said to Hermione after they had told Ron goodnight.
"No it's your room. I'll go change in the bathroom."
"Can't I just be a gentleman for once? You're a girl you know. You need more time and room to change than I do," Harry smiled. Hermione finally gave in and tossed Harry his night clothes. She closed the door in his face, but "accidentally" left it unlocked. The bathroom had wallpaper peeling from every corner and was dimly lit. There were cobwebs in the sink and the tile had started to yellow. There was rust around the shower head and dust coated the faucet. There was a familiar smell to the room. It smelt musty and old, much like-
"Number 12 Grimmuald Place," Harry muttered out loud. The room, without a doubt, had a touch of Sirius Black in it. Harry would have been surprised if he opened the cabinet door and a boggart didn't jump out. His chest became heavy with depression and, although his head felt very light inside, it sat like a lead brick on his shoulders. Feeling dizzy, Harry plopped himself down onto the toilet seat cover. "Harry?" A voice asked.
"Sirius!" Harry said hopefully before realizing that it was Ron.
"No mate. It's Ron. I need to use the bathroom, are you done in there?" He asked in a hurry. Harry said he would be out in a minute and he ripped on his night clothes. He brushed past Ron, trying to hide that he had been mourning. His mind, once full of happy thoughts and laughter from dinner, was now dwelling on Sirius. He opened the door to his room and heard a loud shriek.
"HARRY!!! CLOSE THE DOOR!!!" Hermione stood in front of him covering up herself as much as she could. Harry stood at the door in shock, his mouth was slightly open. He shut his eyes tightly and slammed the door shut. A nervous smile spread across his face, which quickly diminished when Ron strode out of the bathroom laughing.
"Did you walk in on Hermione?" he asked trying to keep a straight face. Harry didn't look Ron in the eye. He was looked at the floor feeling ashamed.
"I'd thought she'd be done by then. But I should have asked," he said, a slight smiled danced across his lips.
"Lucky dog!"
"I'm not lucky. She's probably going to be really upset with me. I.I didn't mean too. I just," he paused, "I just had my mind on other things." They saw Mrs. Weasley start to climb the stairs and Ron darted back into his room. She saw Harry looking distressed outside his bedroom.
"Everything okay Harry dear?"
"I accidentally walked in on Hermione while she was changing," he told her, barely able to meet her eyes. To his surprise, she smiled understandingly and walked away. Hermione's voice called from behind the opposite end of the door telling him that he was now allowed to go in now that everyone else had gone up and went to bed.
"Look Hermione I am SO sorry. I wasn't thinking and-," he was blushing red.
"Harry..I, well, somehow, I forgive you. I should have locked the door," she said smiling at him. "You're blushing. You look so cute when you're blushing." A look of horror took over her once forgiving expression as she realized what she had just said.
"I-what?" Harry asked confused.
"Well now that you've seen me in that state," she put a major emphasis on the word that. "Might as well tell you. Harry I've changed over these past couple of days."
"Oh r.really? I haven't noticed," he sputtered feeling very uncomfortable.
"I feel I've changed a lot personally," when Harry didn't speak, she continued, "I don't know if I like Ron so much anymore."
"You like Ron?" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh come on now Harry, you knew that," Hermione said in an exhausted tone. "It was positively obvious!"
"Yeah it sure was," Harry sarcastically said.
"The way I bicker with him all the time is a pretty big hint. And don't you notice how, oh what's the word, how 'know-it-all-ish' I am around him?" she looked around at Harry and glared at him. He grinned slightly and then looked down at his shoes.
"No offense Hermione," Harry spoke in a barely audible voice. "But you've always been like that."
"Not when it was just me and you. When Ron wasn't talking to you after your name had been chosen from the Goblet of Fire, I don't think I was that bossy towards you was I?"
"Well, no you weren't, but why do you act like that when you're with him?"
"I just feel sort of obligated to prove myself to him," she told the floor. "Hermione, after all the great things you have discovered to help me through all the catastrophes over the years, I think Ron knows how intelligent you are," Harry chuckled slightly. Hermione's glare turned into a stare of appreciation. Unable to fight it, a flattered smile spread across her face. "Thank you Harry," she mumbled and took a seat next to him on his bed. "But now I feel I've tried too hard and he still doesn't notice me. It kind of hurts to not fancy him all that much anymore, knowing that he likes me too, after I have liked him since our second year, and that's only a bit of how I've changed."
"What's the other bit then? That's a pretty big part," Harry asked.
"The other part.I-well you see," she tried to spit out. "The other part is that I like someone else. A lot," she blushed even more.
"Well, um, who is it?" She looked away from him in disgust. A sudden rage filled his veins. "It's not that scumbag Malfoy is it?"
"Oh no of course not! Who would want him?" she interrogated.
"Well then who is-," he was cut of with the force of Hermione's lips being locked onto his. She quickly pulled away blushing. Harry's glasses were all askew. He adjusted them and then returned the kiss. She has changed a lot.but it is a good change. Wait till I tell Ron! At this very thought, Harry jumped off and stumbled to the floor. Both of them were breathless. Hermione stared at him with the beginnings of tears swimming in the corners of her eyes.
"I don't know what came over me. I'm so ashamed!" Hermione whispered looking down at her feet. Harry cautiously sat down on the bed again. "I'm sorry Harry if that offended you in anyway. I just-I err, I.I," she stammered, trying to find the right words to say.
"It's okay," Harry interrupted her. He started to pat her on the pack when she whipped around; hair slapping his face.
"Why'd you pull away?"
"Oh come on Hermy," he smiled nervously. "You know how Ron feels about you. I'm his best friend. I couldn't just start snogging his loved one."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"I don't know yet. I can't just say, 'Hey Ron! Have a good sleep? I didn't get much sleep because I was making out with Hermione in your bed. Well, let's go to Diagon Alley then!' but, I guess this could be our little secret."
"I wasn't even thinking about him. Oh I feel even worse now," she said on the verge of tears. Harry rolled his eyes and laughed a little to try and cheer her up.
"Why does everyone cry after I kiss them? It's okay. I won't tell Ron. He doesn't have to know about everything does he?" he asked apologetically. As, yet again, another awkward silence filled the room, Harry felt a little angry towards Ron. "Yeah he doesn't have to know about everything!" Harry shouted to reassure himself. "His fault if he gets upset about what just happened. After all, he hasn't told you how he feels yet. You could pretend not to know how he feels."
"Oh, but Harry I do know how he feels and he's my best friend. I used to like him more than a friend, but he just doesn't show that he likes me the same. Now I only like him as just a friend, but still-," Hermione finished.
"So who do you like then?" Harry asked playfully, but Hermione didn't respond. Instead, she got up and sat down on the other bed that was set up in the room.
"You should have figured it out by now," she said as a small smile was forced onto her face. "Night Harry," and with that she switched off the light and fell asleep.
He sat there for a while, losing track of time. It seemed ages ago when Dr. Renton had left the room and he had not returned to his office yet. This could only mean one thing; Mr. Dursley had an objection to Harry staying at Ron's for the summer. Although there had not been any shouting or cursing, Harry could hear muffled voices from downstairs squabbling about something. He took one last deep breath and headed out the door, wiping his eyes to hide any evidence that he had been crying. He peered over the stair railing to see what was happening. They obviously heard him and called him downstairs.
"Harry, I think it would be good if you came down here and had your word in this," Ewan said, not taking his eyes off Uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon's temples were pulsating and he was breathing through clenched teeth. Dudley was still sulking in the corner. He shuffled downstairs to Ewan's side and looked up at both of them. Uncle Vernon took this as a cue to start telling his side of the story.
"Yer not going to that blasted friend's of yours!" he shouted in his face.
"What? Why not? You've always wanted me out of the house!" Harry fired back. Uncle Vernon opened his mouth to speak, but Ewan cut him off.
"He's concerned for your safety."
"Ha! When did you ever start caring about how safe I am? The only reason you kept me is so that Dumbledore wouldn't kick your ass!"
"Don't.use.that.language.in.front.of.me.boy!" Uncle Vernon now had spit fly out of the corners of his mouth as he talked. Ewan looked baffled.
"How do you know Dumbledore Vernon?" he asked with curiosity, but Uncle Vernon was cut off again and this time by Harry.
"He wanted to throw me out of the house last year 'cause I saved Dudley's life over there," he pointed to the sulking Dudley. "My Aunt Petunia then got a howler from Professor Dumbledore saying that they better not." There was an awkward silence where no one spoke. Not even the phone rang on the lobby desk. A tsunami of silence had knocked them off their feet and onto the shore of "no speaking".
"Wait a bloody minute," Uncle Vernon breathed breaking the silence. "How do you know about Dumbledore? Oh my Holy Heaven! Are you a wizard?" Uncle Vernon stammered in shock. Harry's heart sank, knowing that this man's career and reputation were over after word got out that he wasn't like the rest of them.
"Seriously Vernon, do I look like a wizard? Do you see any 'magical' items anywhere throughout my room?" he asked in a hurt manner. Uncle Vernon considered this and then said: "No. No you don't, but how do you know about the owls then?"
"Vernon. If you think I am a wizard, do you really think I'd waste my time listening to people's problems? Don't you think, using my magical powers, I'd be the owner of some wealthy business?" Ewan fired back. Uncle Vernon raised a questioning eyebrow.
"And, if that is not enough to convince you," he went on. "I know about Dumbledore through Petunia. I know about the owls because I have a friend who is a witch and she uses them. Don't think I don't know about these things Vernon. I'm not as naïve as I look. What? Did you expect me not to know about Harry?" Uncle Vernon stumbled back in horror. There you go Uncle Vernon. Someone's discovered your secret. What are you going to say now? Harry smiled to himself.
"An..and just what are y.you smiling about boy?"
"Oh come on now Vernon? All those times I made you leave the room for Petunia, you don't think she told me about Harry?" Ewan asked disgusted.
"Even so Dr. Renton, Harry shall not be visiting he's freaky friends over the summer. Yes, I am worried about what's-his-name coming and disturbing my family and that's why he won't go! He told Petunia to not throw him out of the house!" Ewan looked taken aback. Harry shoved his hands into his pockets feeling an uncontrollable rage towards Uncle Vernon. He sneered triumphantly, knowing he had won this argument. Harry egged himself on to figure out a way to over come this. What else had Dumbledore told him about why he had to stay at the Dursley's?
"Because they love me," he whispered. Ewan and Uncle Vernon looked down on him.
"What was that?" Ewan asked eagerly.
"I couldn't leave because where the Dursley's were, they, er, loved me. If they threw me out, I would have no where to go and Voldemort," Ewan cringed a little, "would get to me. But when I was at the Weasley's during my second year he didn't try to get to me then because, well, I, um, guess they love me." Harry finished as Ewan punched the air with his fist. Uncle Vernon's lip curled and Dudley (eaves dropping on the conversation) gave a loud "humph" and punched his fist into his hand.
The car ride home was dead quiet. Dudley didn't dare turn on his music again and just stared out the window. Uncle Vernon had such a tight grip on the steering wheel that his knuckles were turning white. Harry was sitting on his hands because the seat was too hot for his thighs. They rolled up into the driveway and Harry unbuckled, eager to go write to Hermione and Ron. Uncle Vernon was the first to get out of the car and as he slammed the door, the car shook. Dudley got out next and Harry was about to open the door when he felt a heavy force against it.
"Hot enough in there for you?" Dudley shouted through the glass. Harry's glassed were fogging up. Dudley then turned around and pushed as hard as he could up against the door.
"Like watching a hamster in a wheel, I'll watch you sweat a little before I let you out," he smirked. Sweat was dripping out of every pour and Harry started laughing.
"You're forgetting that there are three other doors I can get out from you fat idiot," Harry said as he let himself out on the left side. Dudley came charging at him and gave Harry a nice right hook to the jaw.
"Don't talk to me like that again you psycho! Heard the conversation through the door upstairs. Heard you're plain crazy," as Dudley laughed at his own comment, Harry tackled him to the ground and suddenly jumped off as he heard a great smack on the concrete.
"Oh my head! What the bloody hell is wrong with you!" Dudley slurred. He touched the back of his head with his hand to see if there was any blood. There wasn't.
"I'm not so scrawny after all huh Duddy kins?" Harry pulled up his shirt sleeves to reveal two muscular arms. An owl came fluttering down and landed on Harry's wrist.
"Pigwidgeon!" Harry yelled as he untied the letter from his leg.
Harry dear! Of course you can stay with us! Hermione is staying too. Ron is so excited that you get to spend another summer with us! You are always a pleasure to have around. Get packing, we'll be there soon! We'll be arriving by Floo, so wait for us by your fireplace.
Love,
Molly
His heart filled with joy as he let Pigwidgeon fly back home. He ran upstairs and started packing his things, throwing everything in in a non- orderly fashion. He picked up his trunk and Hedwig's cage (with Hedwig in it of course) and sat in front of the fireplace. Two minutes passed. No one came. He looked at Dudley in the living room who had an ice pack on the back of his head. Ten Minutes passed and still no sign of a Weasley.
"Why you still here?" Uncle Vernon grunted. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Because they haven't come yet obviously." Uncle Vernon walked away cursing about Harry under his breath. Harry sat on the couch twiddling his thumbs. Suddenly, a green fire had burst to life in the fire place as Ron and Hermione slid onto the carpet, spreading ash everywhere.
"H..H..Harry!" Ron choked out! He ran over to him and patted him on the back. Hermione dusted herself off and greeted Harry with an enormous hug. Wow! Hermione! She pulled herself off him, blushing slightly.
"Well come on then mate! Ain't got that much time. Here, toss me your trunk," Ron said in a business like manner. "Hermione will take Hedwig."
"Thanks, but I could carry my trunk you know. He flashed one of his arms. Hermione's eyes lit up as Ron laughed a little to himself.
"No, no. You've already had a tough summer I bet. You always seem too," Ron spoke in a deep voice. At this they laughed and started to gather up Harry's things.
"Um, I'll be right back. I just have to, er, say goodbye to my Aunt and Uncle," Harry said unenthusiastically. Ron and Hermione exchanged confused glances, but then nodded at Harry. He walked off into the next room where all three of them were seated on the couch watching television. They looked up at him because he was standing in front of the screen.
"Um, goodbye?" It was more of a question than a statement. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia looked puzzled that Harry would actually take the time to say goodbye to them.
"Bye. Now move, you're in our way," Uncle Vernon said at last. Dudley didn't say or do anything and so Harry left the room.
"Bye Harry," he heard a small voice follow him out of the room. He turned to see that it was Aunt Petunia. Uncle Vernon had the same shocked look as Harry did, but not wanting to seem rude, he smiled a little and waved.
"Shall we?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione as he reentered the room.
"We shall," Hermione responded. Ron took Harry's trunk, Harry took Hedwig's cage and together they stepped into the furnace and were instantly swallowed by a mouth of huge, green flames. They swooshed up and up, banging their sides against the inside.
BAM! They landed on the Burrow floor with a sickening thud. Ron came zooming out first, then Harry and then Hermione, who landed on top of Ron.
"Well there you go Ron," Harry laughed, "Hermione's on top of you at last!" Hermione removed herself from on top of him and punched Harry in the arm who was still laughing. Ron dusted himself off and they both watched as Hermione went into the kitchen to say hello to Ginny.
"I should travel with her more often," Ron whispered and they laughed all the way to the kitchen. There, Harry was greeted by Fred, George, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley. They all crowded around him to say hi.
"Oh Harry, dear it is so nice to see you once again!" Mrs. Weasley said as she pulled Harry into a tight hug.
"Thank you for having me. I'm sorry if I'm imposing on you guys but my-," he stopped. They'll think I'm insane if I told them I had a psychiatrist, he thought angrily.
"But your what Harry?" Ginny asked. He looked around them.
"My psychiatrist said it was a good idea to get away from the Dursleys," he mumbled, embarrassed. They all exchanged a look of concern.
"Why'd you go to a psychiatrist Harry?" George asked in a serious tone.
"I had a weird dream, tell you lot about it later, but I woke up with my scar burning. Nothing new, only I dreamt that Voldemort-oh Ron honestly!- killed me. So when I woke up, my chest hurt also and it started bleeding, but then stopped and then Umbridge's owl delivered a letter to me and I was scared still and was yelling and my uncle said I needed to see his psychiatrist," he told them all in one breath. Their looks didn't show satisfaction so Harry told him the whole bit.
"Well no wonder you were yelling at the owl Harry!" Fred said accusingly. "You shoulda told your uncle about that, you should've."
"Yeah, but he would only think of me more crazy then he thought I was. Plus, the psychiatrist wasn't a muggle." They all looked at him in surprise.
"I thought your Uncle Vernon hated wizards dear," Mrs. Weasley told him with an odd expression about her face.
"He said he knew Mr. Weasley. His name is Ewan Renton," Harry told her. At the name her face lit up with happiness.
"Oh yes! I forgot he was a psychiatrist! Isn't he a nice man that Ewan?" she squealed with delight.
"Er, yeah. He gave my Aunt Petunia therapy," he said as Mrs. Weasley bustled off to the stove to cook something.
"Dumbledore has been letting you live with a nutter?" Ron asked. An unexpected rage filled Harry.
"She's not a nutter!" He yelled in her defense. They looked at him suspiciously.
"Wow Harry. Never knew you, um, felt anything towards your aunt after the way they have treated you," Hermione somewhat whimpered. Now that he thought of it, Aunt Petunia hadn't really done anything to Harry, but ignore him. Uncle Vernon made all the nasty comments and thought up all the punishments. There was a slight silence.
"Well love to stay and chat but me an' George best be heading back to the store. It's doing great!" Fred exclaimed as he clapped Harry on the shoulder. Mrs. Weasley simultaneously cleared her throat.
"And I'm meeting Dean at the shop! See you later Harry!" Ginny said as she ran to catch up with Fred and George. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all went back up to Harry and Ron's room to sit and chat.
"What I didn't tell you guys down there was that the letter Umbridge sent me when I was screaming at the owl was that it was signed under 'professor'. She might be coming back guys," Harry whispered. Ron made a gagging noise while Hermione simply stiffened up a little.
"She can't come back! She screwed everyone last year! She tried to get Dumbledore fired along with Hagrid! Why would he give her a second chance?" Ron asked, anger tinting his voice.
"Because Dumbledore's a good and forgiving man," Hermione said. "Right Harry?" she asked, scooting a little closer to him.
"Well yeah, but still. I wouldn't be that generous as to give that toad a second chance," Harry replied. Ron's lip curled. "She also said she was authorized to intercept my letter I was sending to Hermione."
"Sending letters to Hermione about what!?" Ron jumped up. Hermione and Harry laughed at his actions.
"About my Time Turner," Hermione said.
"Your what?"
"Never mind Ron. It was an idea Harry had that might bring Sirius back," she said in a hushed voice, trying to avoid eye contact with Harry.
"The other weird thing about the dream was that," he paused, took a deep breath and went on, "That I agreed with Voldemort about Neville."
"That can't be a good sign, but then again it's only a dream," Ron said.
"Only a dream? Ron, my chest was BLEEDING after it! I couldn't stop throwing up and light burnt me eyes! It's more than a dream Ron! More than that!" Harry yelled, outraged at him. Hermione slowly took Harry's hand in hers so that Ron couldn't see on the other side. Harry looked at Hermione. She gave him a sympathetic look and then, as not to make Ron feel bad said: "He's only looking on the bright side."
"Yeah that's all mate. Of course it's more than a dream. I wouldn't just blow you off like that," he apologized. Harry's strong hand was still laced in her dainty one, but for some reason, he liked it like that. He felt bad though, knowing Ron had a major crush on Hermione and loosened his grip from hers a little.
"How about we ask Dumbledore about it when we get to school?" Hermione suggested. Ron agreed but Harry looked down at this shoes.
"I just, you know, sometimes feel like people think the only reason I run to Dumbledore is to prove myself. Like I think they think I'm a show off. Plus, he's way too busy now days," Harry mumbled gloomily. "If it happens again I'll go talk to, er, someone. I don't want the first night back to Hogwarts to be stressful."
"Harry," Hermione said, "If Dumbledore didn't want to help out students, then why would he be a headmaster?"
"I just don't want to go talk to him about it on the first night back okay?" He scowled, now totally taking his hand away. Even so, she seemed undaunted by it.
"Well," Ron started up. "Who wants a butterbeer?" Harry was relieved to hear that it wasn't on the topic of Dumbledore and grumbled that he needed one. They all went downstairs to find lunch on the table. Once again, Mrs. Weasley had made too much food for them to eat. There were sandwiches of almost every type, goblets of pumpkin juice, butterbeer, toast, mashed potatoes, ham, and turkey. They drained their butterbeers and ate a little of everything. Ginny came back just as they were finishing and they all proceeded into the backyard. Ron and Harry were throwing a quaffle around while Ginny and Hermione sat talking down below.
"She's changed," Harry commented as they sat across from each other on their brooms.
"Yeah! Isn't she great?" Ron asked excitedly. Harry considered this for a second or two.
"Just as long as her personality hasn't changed. When are you gonna tell her how you feel Ron?"
"I, uh, well, um," he stuttered, his ears turning red. "What if, I mean, well, um, what if she doesn't feel the same way, and, um, thinks I'm touched in the head?"
"Ron she's your best friend. I'll doubt she'll react that way. Come on! I mean she didn't get off you right away when we came back until I said something," he laughed and ducked as Ron, laughing too, threw the quaffle at his head. There was an ear piercing shatter as the quaffle zoomed right through one of Mrs. Weasley's windows.
"Oh great," Ron muttered under his breath as he heard Mrs. Weasley yelping with surprise. They flew down to the ground and looked at the damage.
"Ronald Weasley! Get in here right this INSTANT!" Mrs. Weasley was demanding. Ron trudged inside, head hung low. They all hunched under the window sill to hear what was going to happen to Ron.
"How could you be so clumsy Ronald? And you were throwing it at our guest's head! I hope you understand that you'll be punished for this!"
"Don't take away my broom please don't Mum!" Ron pleaded. There was a moment's silence.
"You're lucky I didn't wait until your father got home or it would have been worse."
"No not really."
"RONALD! I'M TRYING TO BE FORGIVING ABOUT THIS SINCE HARRY IS OVER!"
"Yes mum." Ginny, Hermione, and Harry burst into silent laughter. Ron couldn't work his way out of anything! They hushed up and listened for more.
"As punishment, you won't be spending the night with Harry. Instead you will sleep in Hermione's room." Harry burst out laughing and Hermione shot him a death glare. He couldn't wait to see how this would come out in the morning.
"Mum, I don't think that's much of a punishment if you ask me," Ron said chuckling.
"You didn't let me finish. Hermione will be sleeping in Harry's room and after dinner, you will have to stay up in your room, I mean Hermione's and Ginny's, until morning," Mrs. Weasley finished in a matter-of-factly tone. Harry swallowed and Hermione tensed up. Ginny was unaffected.
"But all I did was break a window Mum! 'S not like you can't just fix it."
"Oh I know. Reparo," she flicked her wand and the shattered window was no longer.shattered. "But it'll teach you to behave in front of our guests." Ron heaved a sigh and retreated towards the door. They quickly picked themselves up acted as if they hadn't heard a thing.
"Bet you heard it all," he moped. Harry glanced at Hermione, who glanced at Ginny and they all shook their heads. "Yeah, thought so."
"It's only one night mate," Harry said, trying to cheer him up. Ron looked up and half-smiled.
"You get all the fun Harry," he said. Harry laughed at this and Hermione gave a warning sigh. When Ron glanced the other direction and so did Ginny, Harry winked at Hermione. They both laughed together.
"What?" Ron asked anxiously.
"Can't wait for tonight," Hermione said teasingly. Ron gave in and flumped down in a chair next to them.
"Can't believe I have to stay in your room Hermy."
"Don't call me that!" Harry laughed at the way Hermione cringed when Ron called her "Hermy".
"Don't look so down now Ronny. You get to go through all their stuff now," Harry smiled slyly as he said this. Ron's face instantly lit up at the thought of this. Hermione blushed, but oddly had no rejection to the fun Ron was going to have after dinner.
"If you go through my stuff I swear I'll kill you! And if I don't hurt you enough, I'll get mum to finish you off," Ginny warned. Ron's face lost his glow and he made a rude gesture with his hand towards Ginny. Ginny just smiled, unaffected. Smiles, laughter, death threats, jokes, and arguments broke out around the small little circle everyone was sitting in. All of them where talking about if Filch was actually a drag queen when Mr. Weasley grumpily slumped into the house. The conversation was immediately dropped to listen to Mr. Weasley's explanation for being in such a bad mood.
"THAT SON OF OURS!" He roared. Mrs. Weasley ran to put her arms around him and comfort him, but he sank into his arm chair before she had a chance. She bustled back into the kitchen, fetched him a drink and then sat by his side.
"Which one?" she asked worryingly. Mr. Weasley took a big swig from his drink and rubbed his forehead.
"Percy that. and to think he was Head Boy once! Supposed to be loyal, but," Mr. Weasley couldn't find it in him to find the words to explain about Percy. Mrs. Weasley began fidgeting with impatience.
"Go on dear just say it. Just," she paused, closing her eyes, "Just spit it out."
"Well you remember when Ron, George, and Fred took the car to go get Harry?"
"Do I ever," Mrs. Weasley shuddered.
"Well, some how, Percy found out and threatened to have me fired if I didn't personally grovel to Fudge," Mr. Weasley huffed. "And to think my own son would want me fired. I told him that I wasn't against the ministry anymore, obviously because I worked there. Then he said that anyone who is acquaintances with Dumbledore is against the ministry."
"But, Dumbledore proved he wasn't attacking them. He turned out to be right about Voldemort all along. Why would they still think that about him Arthur?"
"To keep the public from being terrified out of their wits, even though Fudge confessed that Dumbledore had been right. If you were to ask me Molly, I'd say we need a new Minister of Magic."
"Well you'll feel somewhat better after dinner. Come into the kitchen with me," said Mrs. Weasley as she led him off into the kitchen. Harry felt a sudden rage towards Percy, but mostly towards Fudge. Fudge had been giving rights to Professor Umbridge last year to do practically whatever she pleased. Fudge had been accusing him and Dumbledore of being mad and was trying to get Dumbledore fired from being headmaster of Hogwarts. Now Fudge was lying to the public again even though after witnessing Dumbledore come face to face with Lord Voldemort, who fled into hiding once again. Harry felt as if he could have killed Fudge. Ron was looking down upon his shoes, kicking at the dirt.
"To think I'm related to the little bugger," Ron scowled. No one, not even Hermione dared to tell him to watch his language.
"I can't believe he'd do this to your dad," Hermione said instead. Ron looked up at her instantly as if about to defend Percy, but once again looked down onto the ground.
"I definitely feel like I'm imposing on you guys. I'm sorry," Harry apologized.
"Don't be silly Harry. We're always glad to have you around. Well," Ginny paused looking slightly blushed, "Well at least I am." Harry smiled. Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement. A few moments later, Mrs. Weasley had called them in for dinner. Mr. Weasley seemed to brighten his spirits when Harry walked into the kitchen.
"Hiya Harry! Good to have you back. How have you been?" He asked in fake amusement.
"Fine sir thanks. Um, Ewan says hi," Harry responded. Mr. Weasley looked puzzled at this.
"Ewan?" Mrs. Weasley looked at Mr. Weasley with a hint of surprise.
"Ewan Renton dear. The psychiatrist!" she said a little hurt. Mr. Weasley pondered this. He still did not comprehend who Ewan Renton was. Then his eyes seemed that they would nearly pop out of his head.
"Ewan! Ewan fascinated by insane muggles Ewan? That old man?" He was laughing, completely forgetting about Percy and Fudge.
"Why, he was my 'muggle buddy'. And he was Sirius's 'Dark Arts associate'. He was a little something for everyone. Including the ladies," Mr. Weasley managed to say through fits of laughter.
"Between James, Sirius," Harry looked away from Mr. Weasley when he said Sirius's name, "and Ewan, it was hard to tell who was more popular. Almost as good a friend to Sirius and James as Remus, but me an' Ewan were mates. But," the smile fell from his face. "Temptation got the worst of him and he became a Death Eater. Lurking in dark, decrepit corners, using his psychiatry techniques to hypnotize and lure the innocent to the dark side where they were tormented crazy. He was a great help to Lord Voldemort, but seeing as he was supposed to capture one of his friends, he quit while anything got too bad." The joy was deflated from the room. Then Mr. Weasley started smiling again.
"He joined me in the ministry and then went on to psychiatry though. Great man despite some bad choices in the past. How'd you meet him Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked. Once again he felt embarrassment crawl underneath his skin.
"My uncle made me go see him," he murmured looking down at the floor. "I wasn't acting mad or anything. He just.well, he just wanted me to go." When Mr. Weasley's brow furrowed, Harry told him what he had told the others earlier (skipping the part about Umbridge and her authorization to intercept his letter).
"Well I'm happy to say I don't think you have anything to worry about. Umbridge was transferred to St. Mungos today. She was having disturbing dreams and at work, she dozed off and was attacked by a.a snake. She's being watched around the clock I assume," Mr. Weasley responded. Harry breathed a relief. She may not be coming to Hogwarts after all. Fred, George, and Ginny walked into the house a few moments after they had all started to eat. There was a very pleasant vibe around the room. No one talked of Harry's dream (not all that much) or of Mr. Weasley's bad day. Mrs. Weasley had of course told Mr. Weasley about Ron and his punishment and pursed her lips very tightly when he laughed about it.
Dinner went on for about two hours. After about an half hour of Ron trying to persuade everyone to keep eating and talking so he wouldn't have to go upstairs, he finally gave up and said goodnight to everyone. Harry was worn out from his visit to Ewan and pleasantly full from dinner, so he too went up with Ron. Hermione followed, claiming she'd like to get up early for Diagon Alley.
"I'll just go get my things and change in the bathroom," Harry said to Hermione after they had told Ron goodnight.
"No it's your room. I'll go change in the bathroom."
"Can't I just be a gentleman for once? You're a girl you know. You need more time and room to change than I do," Harry smiled. Hermione finally gave in and tossed Harry his night clothes. She closed the door in his face, but "accidentally" left it unlocked. The bathroom had wallpaper peeling from every corner and was dimly lit. There were cobwebs in the sink and the tile had started to yellow. There was rust around the shower head and dust coated the faucet. There was a familiar smell to the room. It smelt musty and old, much like-
"Number 12 Grimmuald Place," Harry muttered out loud. The room, without a doubt, had a touch of Sirius Black in it. Harry would have been surprised if he opened the cabinet door and a boggart didn't jump out. His chest became heavy with depression and, although his head felt very light inside, it sat like a lead brick on his shoulders. Feeling dizzy, Harry plopped himself down onto the toilet seat cover. "Harry?" A voice asked.
"Sirius!" Harry said hopefully before realizing that it was Ron.
"No mate. It's Ron. I need to use the bathroom, are you done in there?" He asked in a hurry. Harry said he would be out in a minute and he ripped on his night clothes. He brushed past Ron, trying to hide that he had been mourning. His mind, once full of happy thoughts and laughter from dinner, was now dwelling on Sirius. He opened the door to his room and heard a loud shriek.
"HARRY!!! CLOSE THE DOOR!!!" Hermione stood in front of him covering up herself as much as she could. Harry stood at the door in shock, his mouth was slightly open. He shut his eyes tightly and slammed the door shut. A nervous smile spread across his face, which quickly diminished when Ron strode out of the bathroom laughing.
"Did you walk in on Hermione?" he asked trying to keep a straight face. Harry didn't look Ron in the eye. He was looked at the floor feeling ashamed.
"I'd thought she'd be done by then. But I should have asked," he said, a slight smiled danced across his lips.
"Lucky dog!"
"I'm not lucky. She's probably going to be really upset with me. I.I didn't mean too. I just," he paused, "I just had my mind on other things." They saw Mrs. Weasley start to climb the stairs and Ron darted back into his room. She saw Harry looking distressed outside his bedroom.
"Everything okay Harry dear?"
"I accidentally walked in on Hermione while she was changing," he told her, barely able to meet her eyes. To his surprise, she smiled understandingly and walked away. Hermione's voice called from behind the opposite end of the door telling him that he was now allowed to go in now that everyone else had gone up and went to bed.
"Look Hermione I am SO sorry. I wasn't thinking and-," he was blushing red.
"Harry..I, well, somehow, I forgive you. I should have locked the door," she said smiling at him. "You're blushing. You look so cute when you're blushing." A look of horror took over her once forgiving expression as she realized what she had just said.
"I-what?" Harry asked confused.
"Well now that you've seen me in that state," she put a major emphasis on the word that. "Might as well tell you. Harry I've changed over these past couple of days."
"Oh r.really? I haven't noticed," he sputtered feeling very uncomfortable.
"I feel I've changed a lot personally," when Harry didn't speak, she continued, "I don't know if I like Ron so much anymore."
"You like Ron?" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh come on now Harry, you knew that," Hermione said in an exhausted tone. "It was positively obvious!"
"Yeah it sure was," Harry sarcastically said.
"The way I bicker with him all the time is a pretty big hint. And don't you notice how, oh what's the word, how 'know-it-all-ish' I am around him?" she looked around at Harry and glared at him. He grinned slightly and then looked down at his shoes.
"No offense Hermione," Harry spoke in a barely audible voice. "But you've always been like that."
"Not when it was just me and you. When Ron wasn't talking to you after your name had been chosen from the Goblet of Fire, I don't think I was that bossy towards you was I?"
"Well, no you weren't, but why do you act like that when you're with him?"
"I just feel sort of obligated to prove myself to him," she told the floor. "Hermione, after all the great things you have discovered to help me through all the catastrophes over the years, I think Ron knows how intelligent you are," Harry chuckled slightly. Hermione's glare turned into a stare of appreciation. Unable to fight it, a flattered smile spread across her face. "Thank you Harry," she mumbled and took a seat next to him on his bed. "But now I feel I've tried too hard and he still doesn't notice me. It kind of hurts to not fancy him all that much anymore, knowing that he likes me too, after I have liked him since our second year, and that's only a bit of how I've changed."
"What's the other bit then? That's a pretty big part," Harry asked.
"The other part.I-well you see," she tried to spit out. "The other part is that I like someone else. A lot," she blushed even more.
"Well, um, who is it?" She looked away from him in disgust. A sudden rage filled his veins. "It's not that scumbag Malfoy is it?"
"Oh no of course not! Who would want him?" she interrogated.
"Well then who is-," he was cut of with the force of Hermione's lips being locked onto his. She quickly pulled away blushing. Harry's glasses were all askew. He adjusted them and then returned the kiss. She has changed a lot.but it is a good change. Wait till I tell Ron! At this very thought, Harry jumped off and stumbled to the floor. Both of them were breathless. Hermione stared at him with the beginnings of tears swimming in the corners of her eyes.
"I don't know what came over me. I'm so ashamed!" Hermione whispered looking down at her feet. Harry cautiously sat down on the bed again. "I'm sorry Harry if that offended you in anyway. I just-I err, I.I," she stammered, trying to find the right words to say.
"It's okay," Harry interrupted her. He started to pat her on the pack when she whipped around; hair slapping his face.
"Why'd you pull away?"
"Oh come on Hermy," he smiled nervously. "You know how Ron feels about you. I'm his best friend. I couldn't just start snogging his loved one."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"I don't know yet. I can't just say, 'Hey Ron! Have a good sleep? I didn't get much sleep because I was making out with Hermione in your bed. Well, let's go to Diagon Alley then!' but, I guess this could be our little secret."
"I wasn't even thinking about him. Oh I feel even worse now," she said on the verge of tears. Harry rolled his eyes and laughed a little to try and cheer her up.
"Why does everyone cry after I kiss them? It's okay. I won't tell Ron. He doesn't have to know about everything does he?" he asked apologetically. As, yet again, another awkward silence filled the room, Harry felt a little angry towards Ron. "Yeah he doesn't have to know about everything!" Harry shouted to reassure himself. "His fault if he gets upset about what just happened. After all, he hasn't told you how he feels yet. You could pretend not to know how he feels."
"Oh, but Harry I do know how he feels and he's my best friend. I used to like him more than a friend, but he just doesn't show that he likes me the same. Now I only like him as just a friend, but still-," Hermione finished.
"So who do you like then?" Harry asked playfully, but Hermione didn't respond. Instead, she got up and sat down on the other bed that was set up in the room.
"You should have figured it out by now," she said as a small smile was forced onto her face. "Night Harry," and with that she switched off the light and fell asleep.