Chapter 9
Dinner that night was a non-descript affair. Mrs. Weasley's cooking was delicious as usual. But Harry was too wired up to eat. He also noticed that Professor Lupin had barely touched his food. "You're not eating well, Professor", he commented. Professor Lupin gave him a wry smile and said, "I could say the same about you, Harry. Our threat doesn't seem to have worked that well. You've lost weight. I don't think that's a good thing. But you seem to have changed in other ways as well, Harry. You appear more toned and flexible and I would say, give it some more time and you're going to break hearts, just like James. James with liquid brown eyes was bad enough. I don't even want to think about a version of James with emerald green eyes."
Harry blushed at the unexpected complement. He couldn't think of anything to say. Before he could come up with a suitable reply, he heard Snape's growl. "I wouldn't be too pleased if I were you, Potter. James Potter was one of Lupin's few friends. No doubt, he is inclined to put him on a pedestal, just like he does Black." Harry's fork clattered to the floor. He felt like a child who had been given a birthday present and then had it snatched away. For a few seconds, he could only stare at Snape. Before anyone could say anything, Harry shrugged nonchalantly and said, "I'm sure you're right, Professor. One does tend to view one's own as better than the rest. Not to worry. You can boast about your father, godfather and friends too. Who's to disagree? Please feel free to go ahead."
Then he said to no one in particular, "I've had enough to eat. I think I'll go for a walk. Good-night." "But you've hardly touched your food at all, Harry", protested Mrs. Weasley. "It's all right, Mrs. Weasley. I'm not hungry. " he said and walked out leaving a furious Snape and an amused Lupin. The rest of the diners looked slightly shocked whilst Ron was looking royally flabbergasted. Harry had never spoken so coolly to Snape before. Before Harry could leave the room however, Hermione called out, "Wait for me, Harry. I'm done too", as she gulped down a glass of water and hastily wiped her mouth.
Minutes later, Harry and Hermione were sitting over the roots of a huge willow tree overlooking the woods that fenced the backyard of Number 12, Grimmauld Place. The woods were also part of the Black grounds but it was infested with pixies and nobody had ever tried to venture inside. Professor Dumbledore had however put up some strong wards to ensure that Death Eaters couldn't infiltrate the woods.
For some time, Harry and Hermione sat together in comfortable silence, enjoying the bright, moonlit night and the gentle breeze. "Did you have a good break, Hermione?" Harry asked breaking the silence. Hermione gave him a look that told him the answer. She had spent her break worrying over him and pouring over books in a desperate bid to save Sirius.
"You wanted to discuss something with me, Harry", she replied in answer to his question. "You might not believe what I tell you..", Harry began but was cut off by Hermione who said, "Harry, that's not true and you know it. I'll believe anything you tell me, even if it is that you have fallen in love with Rita Skeeter". "Hmm, perhaps I should ask her out on a date", Harry answered looking equally serious. He burst out laughing at the resulting look on Hermione's face. "You're not the only one who knows how to joke, uh 'Mione?" he chuckled. Hermione punched his arm in pretence and then cleared her throat, "Its time to get serious. Whatever it is, just tell me, Harry".
Nodding, Harry started telling Hermione everything that had happened back at the Dursleys. When he finally finished, Hermione was silent for a long time. Getting nervous, "I'm not mad or anything, Mione. Its true." "Of course, I don't think that you're mad, Harry. I'm overwhelmed, that's all. I don't know why, Harry, but I felt so .. so lost. Whenever I thought about Sirius, I just went into despair. I want him to live, Harry. I don't want to lose Sirius." Suddenly, her eyes brightened and she looked at him, "I'm not in love with Sirius or anything, Harry. Please don't think I'm having a silly teenage crush or something. I….I guess Sirius wasn't a godfather to you only", she finished in a small voice.
It was Harry's turn to be silent. He hadn't known that Hermione had been so attached to Sirius. But, of course, she had taken a lot of risks and broken many rules to help him. With Hermione, that meant a lot. "Hey Hermione, don't sound so upset. Everything will be alright. Sirius is a great guy. This situation is horrible. It will upset anyone who is his friend." He reached across and squeezed her hand. Returning the gesture, Hermione snuggled closer to him. It seemed the natural thing to do for both of them. "Family protection spells and their recipes are usually heavily guarded secrets, Harry. And for a family as powerful as the Blacks, I suspect the guards are stronger than most. Even if we were to find the recipe and get the ingredients, I suspect a Black is required to ensure complete success." Catching the downcast look on Harry's face, Hermione continued, "But we will cross that particular barrier when we come to it. Now, our task is to find the recipe. We'll start tonight with Grimmauld Place." After some more discussion, they agreed that it was best to keep this matter between them. "I'm sure we'll find Professor Lupin a great help though. But I don't want to worry him. Perhaps we'll just ask him the more technical points", Hermione finished.
"Good old Hermione! You've taken charge. I can stop worrying now", Harry laughed and was joined by Hermione but it was a nervous laugh wrought with fear.
