Author's Note: thanks to the people who reviewed. I really appreciate it – it makes me want to write!
This chapter and the one after it probably could be consolidated into one long chapter, but I think they fit better as two separate (if shorter) chapters.
And now, onwards to the story!
The class slowly emptied as Harry cleaned up his table.
"Harry," said Hermione as she walked to Harry's desk. "Do you want Ron and me to wait for you?"
Ron explained, "We really wouldn't mind it, Harry."
Harry looked up at McGonagal, who was watching him. He really would mind if Ron and Hermione could listen to McGonagal talking to him. Even knowing that they would be waiting out there for him after whatever McGonagal had said would be horrible.
"No, that's alright," said Harry, trying to muster a smile and failing. "I don't mind if you two go ahead."
Hermione looked worried, "Harry, really, we—"
Harry interrupted, "Why is everyone worried about me?" he demanded. "I will be fine, thank you Hermione, now please go."
Hermione and Ron exchanged glances that Harry found infuriating.
"Seriously," he said. "Just go on ahead."
"We'll see you in herbology, than, mate," said Ron, leaving with Hermione in tow.
As the two walked out the doors together Harry slowly pulled himself up and off of his chair to drag his feet towards McGonagal's desk.
"Harry," she started, coming up from her desk to walk towards him. "I know that you are frustrated right now. I know that you blame yourself, and I know that you are worried. But the best thing to do right now is to relax, forgive yourself, and let everything fall into place."
Harry looked up at her. He was about to tell her that she was right, but than thoughts of his dead friends, his dead parents, everyone dead because of him. Harry morbidly concentrated on every single feature of the people in his dream. How Luna's skin turned gray, how Hermione's hair covered her face.
The puppy ran up from where Harry had forgotten him underneath the desk. He tugged at Harry's pants. Harry looked down to the stone floor to watch him.
"Now, please, go ahead to class. I've already sent notice to Professor Sprout about you being late. And remember, Harry, there are always people to talk to you."
Harry left the class and took the long way back to his dorm. He set up arrangements for the puppy, leaving a bowl of food and water that the house elves had apparently set up on the floor.
"Now be good," he muttered as the puppy pounced upon Harry's bunk. Harry stopped to rub over the pup's fuzzy head as the puppy closed his eyes in comfort. He yawned a great big yawn and closed his eyes as Harry continued to pet him. Harry stayed, petting the new puppy and thinking about Sirius.