Come the Maëlstrom
Chapter 25
Harry couldn't be happier that it was simply the N.E.W.T examination schedule he had to deal with at Hogwarts. And by the second week of September he would be graduating from Hogwarts and never looking back. Hell, he hadn't even realized a whole slew of people had graduated when he was still in a coma. But it made the exams that much quicker and simpler. There weren't as many people in the room with him. They didn't need to have up to six students in a room. With so many examiners, it was three students to every examiner in almost every respective subject.
The only thing that was starting to irritate him now was the fact that reporters seemed to think that they were privileged enough to sneak on the grounds and attempt to sneak pictures of him.
Attempt was the proper word in this case. He usually saw them coming or just in the nick of time. And his temper would explode almost immediately as would their camera. And then they would be escorted off the grounds, usually by Remus or Hagrid. Both men were becoming highly irritated with the intrusions.
Almost no one really bothered him when they saw him in a black mood, which was just about all the time now. If he went outside, he was stalked by reporters. If he stayed inside, he found himself besieged by the remaining students – being a celebrity was even worse when it was a select few student that had become surprisingly good at tracking him down.
They were starting to smother him. It was stifling and he felt like something inside him was starting to cracking under the unrelenting pressure. The only people who didn't seem to seek him out all the time was either Hermione or Ron. He knew Hermione was busy with preparing for something very important. Ron... Ron just seemed to vanish most of the time.
And that was why he was wandering around the school now in an attempt to find him. He methodically made his way down from the top floor all the way down to the dungeons without once seeing the redhead. Frowning in frustration, he sprinted back up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room as fast as he could. When he arrived a bit breathless, he found Hermione and Ginny seated at the table, looking over their respective piles of parchment.
"'Mione," he said after a few minutes. "Have you seen –"
"Ron?" Hermione finished for him.
Harry nodded his head. Hermione glanced at Ginny. Ginny's face became a bit pinched and pale and she looked back down at her parchments abruptly. Hermione rose hastily and ushered Harry back outside.
"'Mione, what on Earth was that about?" Harry asked once the door had closed firmly.
"Ron's down at the memorial gardens; he's probably with Parvati."
Harry blinked at her. "Memorial gardens?" he repeated in disbelief.
"Yes, the memorial gardens," Hermione said softly. "Ginny doesn't want to go down there. They're down there and it hurts her too much. She doesn't even like it to be mentioned."
"They? Who're they?"
"Dean and Neville."
Harry's brow furrowed at the manner in which Hermione said Neville's name. "I thought she was with Dean."
"She was. And she was with Neville. And Neville was with Dean. It worked out nicely for them," Hermione said wistfully. "I'm surprised you didn't see it earlier."
"She was with both of them?" Harry looked at Hermione in amazement.
"Yes, keep your voice down," Hermione hissed. "The point is she lost Dean right away in the battle. And a few days after she saw you, she sat by Neville's side as he died. Please, don't mention it around her. We tried to get her to go to counselling but she just flat out refused."
"So the memorial garden really is..." he felt a nauseating sensation in his stomach; he'd been hoping that maybe, just maybe, it wasn't for what its name implied.
Hermione nodded his head. "It's out by the lake. Can't miss it. There's a little stone path that leads out to it from the courtyard."
"All right," Harry glanced at the portrait of the Fat Lady who was dozing in a cushy seat. "Is Gin going to be –"
"I don't know Harry," Hermione said wearily. "I honestly, for once in my life, don't know. I would like to say yes..."
Harry watched as she looked back at the portrait as well. He nodded his head a moment later and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder squeezing slightly. Hermione gave him a slight sort of smile before she gave him a quick hug and shooed him off to go find Ron.
He made his way down to the courtyard, surprised by the brisk breeze that had picked up. His hands dug into his pockets as he followed the path through the courtyard. Sure enough, the path now had a fork in it, one winding its way down to the lake. He followed it, seeing the low bushes and flowers moving with the breeze. There were two figures, seated on the grass. Ron's familiar red head was plainly visible from her and Parvati's black hair contrasted it sharply. Harry halted his feet, wondering if this was a good time. Ron seemed to be very busy with whatever he and Parvati were doing. He was contemplating turning back around when he heard his name called out.
"Harry!"
He looked up to find Parvati waving to him. Well, so much for that. He started walking again, passing by the shrubs, trees and flowers. Ron and Parvati were sitting on a low bench. Parvati was nestled in Ron's arms and they looked comfortably entwined.
"Hey Harry," Ron said with a sheepish grin.
"How's it going Ron?" Harry asked as he rocked on his heels slightly.
"Pretty good," Ron mumbled into Parvati's hair.
An awkward silence descended before Parvati left Ron's arms and stood up.
"It's getting a little chilly out here. How about I go get us all some cloaks and maybe something hot to drink, hm?"
"Um," Ron began.
But Parvati had already started back for the castle. Harry watched her go for a moment before he turned his attention back to Ron.
"You think she wants us to have a chat?" Harry asked in a wry tone.
Ron chuckled and shifted over on the bench. "Have a seat."
"Thanks."
Harry sat down, looking out towards the lake. Small neat rows of bronze plaques filled the space. If he had to guess, he'd say that there were about seventy five names here. But he didn't even want to guess. Guessing seemed to belittle it; and that was just as bad as disrespect for the dead in his mind's eye.
"How'd you know I was down here?" Ron finally asked.
"'Mione told me," Harry said after a moment.
"Ah... how's Gin doing?"
"She looked... I'm not going to lie Ron. She didn't look too happy. She looked miserable; a quiet sort of misery."
"I know," Ron linked his fingers and pressed them together tightly. "I don't know how to help her. She won't let anyone else. She won't even let me!" Harry watched as Ron ran a hand through his hair. "I just don't want her to do anything drastic you know. Do you know how odd it is to be keeping suicide watch on her? I mean, it's Gin... Gin..."
Harry nodded his head, looking out at the plaques still; he really didn't have any clue of what that would be like, but he was certainly that it was far from pleasant in any manner. The breeze died down to a gentle whisper as he pulled his hands from the robe pockets.
"You've been coming here, haven't you?" Harry said finally.
"Yeah," Ron gave a dry sort of snort. "The girl I like and the company of the dead. Great way to escape the problem of Ginny. Merlin, I can just see what Mum will say now," Ron grimaced. "Why aren't you looking after Ginevra! She's your sister! You're supposed to take care of her! Blah, blah, blah..."
Harry didn't say anything for a moment as Ron stared at his fingers with a set jaw. "Do you think the reason why she didn't want counselling had to do with who her counsellor is?"
"What's wrong with McGonagall?" Ron asked after a moment.
"Well, true she was in the Order but Ginny didn't really know her know her, you know? Not like how she knows Remus. I'll bet she'd talk to him."
"That might work..." Ron said hesitantly. He looked up from his hands out to the lake. "I saw exactly what happened you know."
"You did?"
Ron nodded his head, studying the choppy lake water for a moment. "Yeah. At least, I saw most of what happened. Someone fired the Killing Curse right at her. Dean and Nev were there as well. Dean just shoved her out of the way. I swear it looked like Lucius Malfoy shot the curse, but I'm really not sure about that. It could have been Karakoff... it might even have been Pettigrew... it was a really bad angle."
"Cripes..." Harry muttered in a low voice.
"Yeah," Ron said softly. "But I think Gin thinks Lucius did it. She started chasing after him... left her back exposed. A Death Eater got back up to their feet, saw her back... if Nev wasn't there..."
The silence came back once more, as both Harry and Ron looked out at the lake. Nothing was said for a long moment before Ron spoke once more in a very subdued voice.
"Cho's here too."
"She is?" he watched as Ron nodded his head. "Good; then she'll get to be with Cedric."
"Harry!" Ron sounded absolutely scandalised.
"What?" Harry mumbled. "Honestly, I know it's not the nicest or best thing to say about a dead person, but all she ever went on about was Cedric this and Cedric that; that was all she ever talked about when we agreed to be friends. So I hope she's happier with him now that she was with me here. Merlin knows I was miserable enough."
Ron shook his head, shoulder shaking slightly with light laughter. "Only you Harry, only you."
"Thanks, I think." Harry said with a slight smile. "How do you think you did on your N.E.W.Ts?"
"I aced them," Ron replied after a moment. "But I only took the N.E.W.Ts to upgrade so I could improve my chances of getting into Auror school."
"You want to do that?" Harry looked at him.
"Yeah. Since I don't think I'll be getting an offer from the Chudley Cannons anytime soon, what with Quidditch shot to hell so thoroughly. Draft season's is done and finished now. I don't want to wait around until next year for a possibility. It would be nice, but considering how tough things are at home at the moment every little bit will help."
"Well..." Harry said as he rubbed his chin. "Your mum shouldn't yell at you too much. You're willing to sacrifice the chance of playing for the Cannons for the family's benefit."
"Tell that to her," Ron mumbled.
"I will if I have to. Your mum is great Ron but doesn't she ever realise that kids do eventually grow up?"
Ron laughed. "I'll let you know if I find that out for sure."
"Haven't heard you laugh in awhile, hun."
Harry looked up to find Parvati standing there with three steaming bottles of something and three cloaks. Harry took his and the bottle from her gratefully and shrugged into it. He looked over at Ron and mouthed the word 'Hun' with an arched eyebrow. Ron's face went red and gave Harry a defiant glare. Harry didn't say anything as he settled the robe on his shoulders and wrapped his slightly stiff fingers around the bottle.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Mulled apple cider," Parvati said. "I asked the house elves very nicely."
"Thanks," Harry said opening the bottle and taking a swig.
He glanced over as Parvati settled herself comfortably on Ron's lap once they had on their cloaks. They spent a bit of time simply enjoying the silence and watching the lake before Parvati spoke and a quiet conversation was started up. They never even noticed the footsteps coming. But once they got closer, Harry felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise up, as if someone was watching him. He remained perfectly still, hand sliding down to his wand tucked in its holster at his side under the cloak.
Ron had peered over at him with a questioning look. Harry saw it but didn't even say anything as he reacted. He moved in one fluid motion, drawing his wand and aiming it right at the person, while he dropped the bottle of cider in his hand. Parvati gave a squeak of surprise, dropping her own bottle as well. Ron moved with Harry, drawing his wand and aiming it in the same direction. He found himself facing a surprised Percy Weasley. His brow furrowed in bewilderment.
"Percy?" he asked, not quite believing his eyes.
"If you don't mind Harry... Percy's eyes flickered to Harry's wand.
"I mind," Ron said in a flat voice as he rose, sheathing his wand back. "C'mon Parv,"
Parvati's face clouded with confusion and Harry felt distinctly uncomfortable now. Percy however took a hasty step forward.
"I'd like to talk to you as well Ron. If you would care to stay and hear me out, that is."
Ron froze in his steps, before he turned back around slowly and regarded Percy. Harry felt a small shiver of apprehension run up his spine. The look in Ron's eyes was frosty but lit with a very displeased glare.
"Why? So you can start going on about how I make friends with dangerous, violent people and should prevent myself from going down the wrong path?"
Percy winced slightly at Ron's sharp acerbic words. Harry glanced over to find that Parvati had slipped away from Ron and drew closer to Harry. Harry didn't even think Ron had noticed; he was too focused on Percy at the moment. Parvati gave him a confused look and Harry motioned that she should wait. Undoubtedly Ron would tell her or this conversation would get way out of hand and she would learn it all eventually.
"Please..." Percy said after a moment, gesturing to the low bench once more.
"I'll stand." Ron replied immediately.
Harry gave a soft sigh as he noted the stubborn set of Ron's jaw. "C'mon Parvati. I think they might be awhile." He murmured softly so only she could hear.
"That's Percy, right? Ron's never told me about him."
"There was an... incident." Harry said. "C'mon, we'll let them have their moment."
Harry felt a small bit of relief as Parvati nodded and they started walking away. That relief didn't last long since Percy spoke once more.
"I'd like it if you could stay as well Harry; I want like to talk to you as well."
Harry paused as Ron looked back at him and Parvati. Caught between Ron's glance that looked surprised to seem the leaving, and Percy's plea that he stay, he wasn't too sure what he should have done. Thankfully, Ron solved that for him.
"Where on earth are you two going?" he demanded a moment later. "Taking off during a family moment..."
"Me?" Parvati gaped in surprise.
"Yes silly," Ron said as he looked back at Percy.
Harry glanced down at Parvati to see a bemused expression on her face. After a moment, he led her back to the bench to sit down. They both looked between Ron and Percy waiting for the situation to continue unfolding. Percy looked at Parvati in mild surprise. Harry caught the darkening scowl on Ron's face.
"Well?" the youngest Weasley demanded. "Spit it out. I don't have all day, you know."
"Of course not. And neither do I. Merlin knows that simply having three hours to myself is far too much to ask..." Percy gave a hesitant smile. "How have you been? The both of you? Or rather all three. It's been so long since I've seen you both. Well, not you Miss... I don't think I caught your name...Patil, is it? Something like that?"
Harry watched Percy in amazement. He didn't believe it; Percy Weasley, temporary Minister for Magic who had revitalised the Wizarding world, was nervous and rambling on in an attempt to cover it up.
"Get on with it." Ron growled crossing his arms.
Percy gave a heavy sigh. "I came to apologise Ron. To both you and Harry."
Harry watched Percy with an embarrassed flush coming to his face. Percy really didn't have to apologise; he'd learned the error of his ways and was correcting them to some degree.
"Apologise?" Ron gave a harsh snort. "That's a laugh. Why don't you go do some report on something hm? Cauldron bottoms, perhaps? I'm sure that's much more important at the moment."
Percy frowned for a moment before he turned to face Harry fully. "To you Harry, I apologise for the Daily Prophet's slander against you for almost two continuous years. I'm not proud to admit it, but Fudge had me working closely with that Department and assigned me to ensure the success of the Prophet's articles. I do apologise; I never meant to hurt you in such a way."
"Um... thanks... I think..." Harry said feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
"If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, please, let me know. I've informed my secretary to allow calls from family members through, so you should have no trouble getting hold of me... if I'm in the office that is."
"All right." Harry said.
"And Ron..." Percy shook his head. "I don't think anything I can say will make up for all that I've put you, Mum, Dad, everyone through. I've been a right prat. I wanted to apologise sooner but the Wizengamot work came, working for Fudge to spy on him, then that blithering idiot's attempt to take over the Ministry for You-Know-Who..."
Ron was still glaring at him but he didn't look as displeased. "Sure," he sneered. "Tell me; just what do you plan to do afterwards when you're relieved of the position? Or did you just do this so you'd be secure for a bit longer? It certainly wouldn't look good to have a Minister who's estranged from his family."
"I plan on going back to a nice little desk job somewhere," Percy said, his face turning a slight red. "Maybe the Wizengamot; I'm not exactly all that fond of the Ministry any more; Fudge let it get so corrupt... I think I'm barely making ends meet; let whoever wants the job and is qualified take it. I'll happily give it up."
"Did you talk to Mum and Dad yet?"
"Yeah. Mum was thrilled and Dad... er, Dad's glad that I realised some things. I think he's disappointed that I took so long. I'd have to say I'm disappointed in myself as well." Percy paused for a moment. "You're the first one I've come to talk to you know. The Headmaster didn't know where Ginevra was but he told me you were down here. I didn't know you had company."
Ron snorted and crossed his arms. "And what makes you think that I'm so willing to accept you back, hm?"
The scowl on Ron's face deepened a bit more and Harry saw Parvati's brow furrow in worry. He couldn't help but do the same; something was really bothering Ron. As to what it could be, he had no idea.
"I'm thinking the exact opposite," Percy said. "I don't think you're willing and, honestly, I've given you every reason to be so over the past few years. But I am human Ron; I made a huge mistake and I'd like to change that."
"Damn right you made a huge mistake!" Ron snapped as he uncrossed his arms, fists clenched and trembling. "Fred and George were gone off doing their own thing for the Order, Charlie was off in Romania, Bill in Egypt... all Gin and I had was each other and Mum and Dad! We could have used you there too you know! Mum and Dad were always working and barely had time for us, and that was just at Hogwarts! Home wasn't any better! What, did you think it was easy for us! Coward! Hiding behind the Ministry like that, like some bratty little kid! Didn't you have a spine? You knew the Dark Lord was coming back! You knew! You saw the evidence right in front of your face but you ignored it like the right prat that you are and decided that listening to that stupid bloody idiot Fudge was better than believing your own parents! Than believing Harry!"
Harry and Parvati blinked in the face of Ron's blistering words. Percy looked pale but he was standing there and listening as Ron launched into another round of words. He was thoroughly reaming Percy and, to be honest, he seemed to only be working himself up to full steam. He was yelling and pointing accusing fingers at Percy and giving him death glares all the time. And still Percy was standing there and listening to everything Ron said, even though he looked a touch green at this point.
Finally a brief silence came before Ron spoke once more, his voice hoarse. "Goddamn it Percy, you're human? I'm human too, Ginny's human too. We needed a brother there for us, with us."
Harry glanced at Percy, who looked like he'd been hit with a truck. Ron was standing there, staring pointedly at his feet, hands loose by his side. There was a tense silence now, in which no one really wanted to look at someone else. When Harry heard footsteps moving across the grass, he looked up to find Percy coming to stand closer to Ron.
"I didn't know Ron, I didn't know. And I was a right prat as you said," Percy placed his hands on Ron's shoulders and peered down into his face. "And I'm sorry. But I'll bet Mum and Dad are still as busy as ever. And I'm here now. I'll make the time for you and Ginny. That is, if you'd like."
Ron looked up at Percy before he lowered his eyes once more. "You bleeding idiot; you still ask the dumbest things after someone's done talking."
"Feel better?"
"Loads," Ron said. "You don't have to go back to the Ministry yet, do you? You need to talk to Gin. Someone needs to."
"I was supposed to be back about ten minutes ago. But I'll make a quick Floo call, all right?"
Ron nodded before he looked over at them on the bench. "Can I have a minute alone with you Parv?"
"I have to go inside anyways, need to send off a letter and find something in the library," Harry said rising quickly. "I'll go with you to the school Percy."
Percy nodded his head as they started walking away. Harry only glanced back once and saw that Ron had sat down on the bench and Parvati was now hugging him. He also noted that Ron's arms were wrapped tightly around her. He looked away with a shake of his head. When he glanced at Percy, Harry found his brow furrowed in puzzlement.
"Something wrong?" Harry asked.
"No... it's just that I always thought it would have been Hermione." Percy said finally.
"I used to think that a while ago," Harry mused.
"Used to?"
"Saw something fairly scarring at the time. I've reconciled myself with the idea but it was still very scarring at the time."
"Ah."
They continued walking back to the castle in silence. Once inside Percy bid him farewell and headed up to the Headmaster's office. Harry headed up the Gryffindor common room and borrowed some quill and parchment from Hermione, scribbling off a quick letter. It'd taken him forever to find the right one in the classifieds but he was sure as hell making sure it was his for good. He'd vacated the common room quickly afterwards and made his way down to the dungeons. Sure enough, the Potions classroom door was cracked a bit. He walked in and saw the office door wide open.
"Sir?" he called, knocking on the classroom door as he stepped in.
Snape's head appeared from around the corner. "What are you going to plague me with this time?"
Harry grinned. "Some tea and conversation?"
Snape's head disappeared and the sound of papers being shuffled sounded before Snape's hand appeared in the doorway, waving him in. Harry walked in, noting the few papers scattered on Snape's desk. He sat down in the chair in front of the desk, trying to not grin too much. He really had started to miss Snape's company.
"So, how have you been Sir?" he started.
"Enjoying my peace and quiet since N.E.W.Ts are almost over with," Snape looked at him for a moment. "Surely you have better things to be doing that coming down here to chat."
"Not really. I've finished all my N.E.W.T tests; turns out they all were scheduled in the first few days of the last testing stretch." Harry didn't say anything as a tea set appeared on Snape's desk. "I think I did all right."
Snape grunted as he started fixing two cups of tea. "There will be a graduation ceremony."
Harry knew what Snape was really asking him. He simply shrugged and took the offered cup of tea. "Maybe. I don't know yet. We'll see if I go or not. But there is something I wanted to ask you about Sir."
"That would be what precisely?" Snape asked as he reclined slightly in his seat.
"I've been doing some reading in the library; what can you tell me about wards?"
There was a buzz among the remaining students in Hogwarts. Everything had finally come to an end. They had their N.E.W.Ts back, and practically everyone was out of the hospital wing. The few remaining students who were stable had been transferred to St. Mungo's. Somehow, the school was fixed and looked brand new, ready to take in the first years in two days time.
Harry was sitting on the edge of his bed in Gryffindor tower, looking at the sunset. It felt kind of odd to see the bright crimson drapery again. Not to mention so bright as well. It just felt odd to be back in the tower even though he wasn't in it for long. He'd been brought back here when he was discharged from the infirmary. There had been a small celebration from the remaining Gryffindors when he walked in. Once the celebrating was winding down, he slipped away and found his bedroom, grabbed his stuff and promptly cleared out. Seamus was still in that room and, judging from the way he was practically glued to Harry's side during the party, keeping a wide berth from the Irish boy was a good idea.
After a moment, he shook his head and looked back down at his trunk. Everything was packed and ready to go. He even had his N.E.W.T reports; a few Exceeds Expectations and a good chunk of Outstandings. It wouldn't be long now before the job offerings were pouring in left right and centre.
As far as he knew, practically everyone had gone down to the Great Hall by now, or was heading there for the graduation ceremony. It was probably going to be long and have a whole smattering of special awards given out. Harry had decided when he woke up this morning that he wouldn't be bothered with it. He had his N.E.W.Ts, he had a vault full of Galleons to live off of until he found work, he didn't have to go back to the Dursleys... why was he going to stick around in a place that was crammed full of his 'admirers'? The last thing he needed was to go to the ceremony and have the spotlight shunted on him once more.
He looked around the room carefully. "All right, packed up everything I have."
And with that he locked his trunk and shrunk it with a flick of his wand before tucking it in his jean pockets and making his way to the doorway. He'd put off going down with Hermione, Ron and Parvati. He knew Ron and Hermione would be pretty mad with what he was doing but he honestly didn't want to take the risk of someone running off to Dumbledore. That would probably have landed him in the Dursleys even sooner.
An empty staircase down greeted him as did an empty common room. The hallway was silent save for the few pictures that milled about, chatting to one another about this and that. He made his way to the courtyard uninterrupted. It wasn't until he reached the junction of the path that someone spoke.
"Just where are you running off to Potter?"
He turned around and found Draco looking at him, arms crossed and dressed in a ceremonial robe.
"Out," he said with a smirk and shrug. "That's not a problem is it?"
"The graduation ceremony is that way," Draco's eyes flickered over him for a moment. "You're not going are you?"
"Why? Be stuck in there for so long and have people fawn over me?" Harry shook his head. "No thanks. Besides, I want to go get settled in."
"Settled in?" Draco's brow furrowed.
"Yeah. Got a nice place in London, close to Diagon Alley," Harry grinned at the look of surprise on Draco's face. "Had a few basics delivered, that sort of thing. I should go and set it all up. That'll take me all evening and I would like a good night's sleep."
"How the hell did you manage that?" Draco demanded after a moment.
"You'd be surprised what you can find if you look through the classifieds hard enough. Got everything settled for a really good price too. Was murder doing it from school. D'you know how much ink and parchment I used? Hedwig was not happy with me."
"So you're just going to up and leave everyone to wonder where you disappeared to?"
Harry could see the amused light of understanding in Draco's eyes, so he raised a finger to his lips. "Don't tell 'Mione and Ron; I'll tell them at the end of the week or so. Hm, for that matter, don't tell Dumbledore if he asks."
"Hmph, like they'd think to ask me." Draco sniffed in disdain. "Merlin, I can just imagine the mess your place will look like."
"What makes you say that?"
Draco's eyes flickered over Harry. "If that's how you dress..."
Harry looked at himself. Boots, jeans and a fitted shirt under a jacket didn't seem so bad. He looked back at Draco and waved a hand in dismissal.
"Who cares?" Harry said. "If it bothers you that much, simply come by later on. I'll send Hedwig with the address once she feels up to flying again."
"You're trusting me with your address?" Draco asked in a teasing tone.
"Well, yeah. I mean, you tried to take on Voldemort yourself. That shows your true colours," Harry grinned. "You'd better get back before Goyle and Crabbe come looking for you, huh?"
"Yeah," Draco made a face. "Thanks for reminding me."
"No problem," Harry said as Draco started back inside. "See you later Malfoy."
"Yeah, yeah Potter."
Harry smiled as he watched Draco walk back inside. That had certainly been unexpected, but Harry couldn't complain exactly. Draco was probably going to go back in there and think nothing of it until he got back home. And maybe, just maybe, he'd tell Lucius about it and let the address slip; just maybe.
He slipped his hands in his jacket pockets and made his way down to Hogsmeade, whistling slightly to himself. He didn't even look back at Hogwarts once.