Chapter Three – Fears and Understandings
BananaCarrot-Five
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling.
September 8, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry didn't sleep one minute that night. That three-headed-dog had been on his mind ever since himself, Ron, and Hermione had rushed back to the Gryffindor Common Room at two AM. Harry looked over at Ron. He was snoring. Even worse, Harry wouldn't be getting sleep since the sun decided it was time for his sleepless day was going to continue. Harry groaned loudly. Too loudly. Neville woke in a heartbeat and looked at Harry.
"You alright mate?"
"Yea, I'm alright Neville," Harry responded.
"Why did you do it?" Neville looked at Harry and stared.
Harry shrugged. "Malfoy was an arse. Except he set us up."
Neville's eyes widened. "What?!"
Harry sighed. He looked around the dorm. Ron was snoring loudly, and Dean and Seamus were sleeping peacefully.
"Let's go to the Common Room." Harry stood up, Neville in tow. When they got to the ground floor, Harry cursed to himself. Sitting in the couch by the fire, who was formerly reading a book but was now shooting daggers into Harry's eyes was none other than Hermione Granger. She looked at Neville and her gaze softened.
"Hiya Neville!"
"Uh, hi Hermione," Neville replied. He turned to Harry. "Tell me she wasn't involved?"
Harry shifted. "I might have taken your advice?"
Neville facepalmed. "Oh, sorry mate." He turned to Hermione. "Sorry Hermione." Hermione simply nodded.
"Harry was pleading with me, I accepted so he wouldn't get killed," she responded curtly.
Neville nodded. "So, you guys going to tell me why Harry and Ron were exhausted this morning when they got to the Dorm?"
Hermione sighed. "Sit down. We'll tell you."
And so, they told him. What none of them could understand was why Ron was even there in the first place. Harry explained the three-headed-dog on the third-floor corridor, while Hermione explained that the whole duel by Malfoy was actually a trap and Filch was waiting for them. By the end of their explanation, Neville was wide eyed.
"You guys are crazy!" Neville exclaimed after nearly ten minutes of explaining.
"One thing I should mention," Harry started, "was that the dog was sitting on a door."
Hermione looked questionably at him. "What?" she asked.
Harry sighed. "While Ron was fighting with you about the spell, I saw the dog was sleeping on a sort of door. It was small, like a trapdoor, but I don't understand why it would be there."
Hermione took three deep breaths. But before she could speak, a bumbling red-headed boy came bouncing down the stairs.
"Bloody Hell," the three kids said in unison.
"Hiya Nev, Harry, Hermione! Nev, you know what happened last night? It was so cool!" Ron was grinning.
"Ron, do you think almost getting killed by a three-headed-dog is cool?" Hermione asked.
Ron stuttered. "I – uh – um – no?"
The other kids sighed.
"Ron, why did you join us last night?" Harry asked, already annoyed at Ron's attitude concerning last night.
"I – uh, I," Ron took a moment to think. "You were going to duel Malfoy and I thought that would be cool!"
"Why would me dueling that arse be cool, Ron?" Harry asked. He was again annoyed at him.
"Because." Ron shrugged, not knowing what to say. What was he supposed to say? The truth? He wanted to be around someone famous on an adventure? He stuck with being silent.
"Whatever, Ron. You know what happened, and neither me nor Harry are happy about it," Hermione stated. "Even Neville is uneasy, and that is just us telling him!"
"You overexaggerate everything, Hermione!" Ron half-yelled half-growled.
"Really, Weasley." Her expression was cold. "You want to face that dog by yourself?"
"No way!" Ron retorted.
"Then shut up." Hermione ordered. Ron glumly put his head down.
"Well, I'm headed to the library. Gotta start somewhere." Neville stated, nodding at Harry and Hermione.
"I'll join you," Hermione stated.
"Me too. It'll help." Harry finished. As the three kids went to leave, Ron interrupted.
"Studying on a weekend? It's not even classes! I can barely get through what we have now!"
"Oh, deal with it Ron. It's one week! There's forty more!" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"We don't even have homework yet, mind you," Neville stated.
Since Ron was speechless, the three kids left to go to the library. Upon their arrival, with Neville and Harry leading, Hermione went wide eyed and smiled the biggest smile that Harry had ever seen. It seemed like she was in love. At this point, the librarian had seen Harry thrice this week, and simply nodded at the trio as Harry guided them to the table he used when doing his research. Since breakfast was a mere half-hour away, and with the librarian's permission, each checked out several books on magical creatures, hoping their findings would be quick.
They were not quick. Hermione had them look through "dogs" which proved to be futile, even though what they saw was a dog. They saw no indication of a "three-headed-dog" in any of the sections they read. Then again, they were only scoring part of a book each and they had breakfast immediately after. As soon as Harry arrived in the Great Hall, a bouncing Oliver Wood ran towards him.
"Hiya Harry, just wanted to tell ya to meet me at the Training Grounds after lunch, I'm gonna teach ya how ta' play Quidditch!" Oliver spoke happily.
Harry smiled. "Sure, Oliver, thanks!"
Harry took his seat and Oliver bounced away. His breakfast was interrupted by a quaking Ron Weasley, asking for his forgiveness, which Harry reluctantly gave. He was also met by the craziest twins that Hogwarts taught. From Ron, they were his brothers, or as the school knew them as, the "Pranking Twins" They were apparently the beaters (Harry had no clue what that meant, except the context that Dudley had provided him with over the years) but was eager to learn that they would be playing with him.
Their Sunday went slower than expected, but two out of the three were still sleep-deprived from last night's adventure. Neville did his best to help his friends, even if his friends didn't see each other as friends, yet. What was the word Hermione used? Oh. Acquaintances. Too formal. But that's Hermione. Hermione had not talked to Neville about her past life, and neither did he. He figured he wouldn't push her. After all, they only knew each other for a week!
Studying in the library seemed to be Hermione's happy place. However, she was not happy with the lack of information she was receiving. While her and Neville continued searching, Harry was in his own world looking at a Quidditch book, specifically its history. He did want to impress Oliver with his knowledge.
Soon lunch came, and went, and Harry found himself on the Training grounds, with Neville and surprisingly Hermione watching from afar. What Neville didn't know, however, Hermione was trying to make up to Harry, and hoped she could follow his interests, even if it scared her to death.
Oliver came strolling out with a large box, and from their view, Harry looked excited to learn. With Harry and Oliver, Harry was soaking in all the information Oliver gave him.
"Now, the beaters, the Weasley Twins, their job is ter' keep them bludgers away from our team to distract the other team." Oliver opened the case, revealing a large red ball and two smaller brown balls that were chained down. Oliver spent a good deal of time explaining to him the rules. Finally, Oliver opened a small compartment clad with the Hogwarts' Crest and pulled out a small golden ball.
"This is the Golden Snitch. You, the Seeker, need to catch this, well before the other Seeker does. You catch this, the game is over. You catch this, we win the game. Well, all the games I've played at least." Oliver handed the ball to Harry, who grinned as said Snitch opened its wings and flew around Harry before resting in his palm. Harry smiled before handing the Snitch back to Oliver.
"Cmon, let's fly some laps, see what stuff you got!" Oliver smiled as Harry looked towards him with a puzzled expression.
"Uh, Oliver, I don't have a broom." Harry stated.
"Oh, oops. One sec," Oliver stated before pulling his wand out and clearly incanting "Accio Cleansweep Four." Harry looked puzzled for about ten seconds before a broom similar to the one they flew on days before appeared.
Here ya go, Harry, sorry it's not better, but for now it'll do," Oliver smiled and handed the broom to Harry, who smiled and walked with him to the Quidditch Pitch. As soon as Harry took off, Hermione latched onto Neville like a leech, eyes wide and glued to Harry. Neville chuckled. "You alright there, Hermione?" She nodded slowly, not taking her eyes off Harry.
For the following hour, Oliver ran Harry through Seeker drills, releasing the Snitch for Harry to grab it less than a minute later. By the end of it, Hermione finally relaxed herself, Harry was exhausted, and Oliver was beaming brightly.
"Good job, Harry! When we practice with the whole team, everybody'll love ya!" Oliver patted Harry on the back.
When dinner came around, Hermione sat across from Harry and Neville, the former gushing about how awesome Quidditch is. Hermione smiled at him and excused herself to the library right before the Feast began. Harry and Neville shrugged but smiled, Harry nodding politely. What followed dinner for the boys was what Hermione called "Her gift to Harry."
You see, in one of the books that Hermione had read about Harry Potter's parents' lives, she read that the father was part of the Quidditch team at Hogwarts. She put dinner aside to confirm such fact, which she found that not only Harry's dad played, but also his mum. James Potter played Seeker, and Lily Evans, Harry's mum back in their school years, was a Reserve Chaser. Both played for Gryffindor House.
This was Hermione trying to help a boy she wrongly judged based on books get part of his life back, even if it was just for memories. That was why she was leading Harry and his best friend towards the Hogwarts' Quidditch trophy stand. While Lily Evans never made it on the board, James Potter did. All she needed to say to Harry that James Potter, his dad, played Seeker for Gryffindor. Harry smiled and teared up, thanking Hermione quietly. She hugged the boy, but only for a second. He pushed back and look a tad shook. When Hermione quickly apologized, Harry ran off, tears forming in his eyes. Neville didn't know what to do. He glanced at Hermione twice, before running after Harry. Hermione was hot on his tail.
Harry ended up running all the way to the Greenhouses by pure accident. By now, the sun was gone, and the stars were blinking in the sky. Harry walked towards the outer wall, and sat down, leaning against the wall, burying his head in his robes. The hell just happened? He had never felt that before. He felt that Hermione had given him a hug. A legit hug. Except they were real? Well, obviously, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had showered Harry with absolutely nothing, all their love went to Dudley, who got all the hugs, kisses, and anything else the fat boy wanted. To have it happen to him, while he was feeling nostalgia about his parents, it was… Hell, what was it? Emotional? Bad? Too much?
Harry cursed himself again. He had no idea how to describe that hug. Bad? Good? Loving? Sympathetic? Something else? Harry couldn't dwell any longer on it as Neville and Hermione had found him. Neville Harry could handle. Hermione? Hell no. He still had to sort out why he was thinking what he was thinking. But Harry did the worst thing possible. When Hermione, slightly tear-stained, had asked if he was okay, Harry blew up on her.
"Okay? DO I LOOK OKAY HERMIONE?" Harry was royally angry now. "WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO SAY? I LEARNED MY PARENTS PLAYED QUIDDITCH, WHICH, YEAH IS AWESOME SINCE I LOVE THE GAME, BUT THEN YOU HUGGED ME, AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO FEEL! SHITTY THINGS HAVE BEEN IN MY LIFE, MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW! JUST DON'T DO STUFF ABOUT AND FOR ME THAT COMES OUT OF A DAMN BOOK!" And with that, Harry bolted away.
It took Harry half a second after he ran away to realize that he fucked up. Badly. Worse, Neville was there. Well, goodbye friend, hello world of hell. Harry arrived to the Dormitory, where Ron was cleaning his set of Wizard's Chess. Ron tried flagging the Boy-Who-Lived, but Harry ignored him and ran upstairs. He jumped on his bed, popped his pillow over his head, and screamed. Even muffled, it attracted the attention of most of the tower. As he continued screaming, and a crowd formed in the Common Room, Neville ran in. He was out of breath. He sighed and pushed through the group and up the stairs. He entered the Dorm just as Harry stopped screaming due to exhaustion. Neville sat on his bed and just looked at Harry with a sorry expression painted on his face. Harry didn't speak a word to Neville. And that was how their night ended.
\-0-0-/
September 9, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry woke up but didn't move. He was too exhausted from last night to process everything. He was a real git to Hermione. It took him the time he woke up to the time Neville woke up and was nudging his body to wake up to realize that Hermione had been only trying to help.
"I'm a useless git, aren't I Neville?" Harry asked, chucking the pillow onto Neville's empty bed.
"You could say that, Harry. But man, that was bad! Listen, I don't know why you reacted so badly, but if you want to talk about it, I'm always here. You should try apologizing to Hermione, however. She's bloody broken! I don't know if you know this, and I didn't see it until last night, but she really wants to be your friend! Why do you think she went through all that trouble to tell you that your dad was a seeker? She wanted to help you feel better!"
Harry closed his eyes and sighed heavily. Deep down, he too wanted to be Hermione's friend.
"Can you help me, Neville?" Harry asked, his eyes still closed.
Neville, knowing exactly what Harry was asking, thought about it. "Sure, Harry. Just don't be a git."
Harry silently nodded. He knew he was in for a long trip.
Harry skipped breakfast that day. Neville hadn't, and he talked to Hermione. They might not see it, but Neville was going to get his two friends to become friends. It's hard enough having friends who disagree, but it had only been a week! However, something deep down told Neville that he had to get his friends on friendlier terms.
Thankfully, Transfiguration was up first for the day. Harry seemed to enjoy that class, or at least appeared to enjoy the class. He gently prodded Hermione towards said classroom, not knowing what hell was about to go down. Two words.
Draco Malfoy.
He was especially happy to see the mudblood all riled up. Taking a jab at her should be easy.
"Oi, Mudblood! Why don't you share some of that stolen magic so that us Purebloods can actually complete class assignments?" Malfoy sneered in Hermione's direction. However, she was flatly ignoring him. How dare she! She was supposed to respect him!
She was beneath him! However, when Draco pulled out his wand to hex Hermione, Harry entered the classroom and very nearly socked Malfoy, ripping his wand out of his hand.
"How DARE you POTTAH! My Father will hear about this!" he sneered at Harry, who was still holding onto Draco's wand.
"Yeah, attempting to spell Hermione really is appropriate, huh Malfoy?" Harry sneered equally back.
"Filthy Half-Blood! I demand my wand back!" Malfoy very nearly yelled.
"No," Harry stated clearly, "I think I'll give this to Professor McGonagall. Tell her what happened. Who will she believe? You, who was going to hex Hermione, or me, trying to help a – an acquaintance, hell someone that hates me?"
Two things happened at that moment. Firstly, Hermione literally buried her head in a book, and second, Professor McGonagall came up behind Harry.
"I hope you have a good excuse for refusing Mr. Malfoy his wand, Mr. Potter?" she asked sternly.
Malfoy pretended to put on a show. "Professor, I was trying to work on the spell we practiced last week, and Potter here took my wand!"
At this, several Gryffindors laughed. Harry still turned to Professor McGonagall and handed her Malfoy's wand. "Professor McGonagall, Malfoy tried hexing Hermione, at least it looked like that, he was pointing it at her back. I didn't know any spells so I might have charged him and taken his wand so he couldn't hex anyone."
The rest of Gryffindor House, bar Hermione who was not talking, showed their approval for Harry's story. Professor McGonagall sighed. Internally, she had a hunch that Mr. Potter was telling the truth, but she knew if she punished Mr. Malfoy, then Severus would be annoyed with her. She addressed the boys.
"Until I can prove either side of the story, both of you will have detention with me tomorrow night." Both boys groaned at this. Until Harry asked Professor McGonagall if she could do what she had done a week prior when reporting Professor Snape. Professor McGonagall approved and conjured up two flasks.
"Boys, please recount the events in as much detail as possible, and I will make a copy of that memory to examine it later." McGonagall stood ready. Harry thought hard while Malfoy paled.
"Is there an issue with your recollection, Mr. Malfoy?" Professor McGonagall asked. Draco stuttered. "Uh, no, uh, it was my fault!" Malfoy hit himself from the inside. McGonagall spoke. "Very well then Mr. Malfoy. Detention with me tomorrow night. Now, we have a class to attend."
Transfiguration was relaxing in Harry's opinion; Professor McGonagall helped the students refine the basics of the Evanesco. After Harry was able to finally cast the spell correctly, he beamed at Neville who gave him a thumbs up, obviously with his opposite hand, his wrist still casted up. All fun must come to an end, however, as Potions with Professor Snape was due next.
Hermione was not faring well at all. Her hopeful new friend, Harry, had blown up at her after she tried to help him. Then again, she was trying to understand, in a logical standpoint, why Harry would react so harsh to a hug? 'Shitty things have been in my life, more than you'll ever know!' God, how could she be so stupid! Except now, this made her want to cry herself to sleep, as she was finally able to connect the dots. Sure, it took the whole day, and she barley are lunch and dinner and was barley focused in class.
It started back on the train. She had made one wrong judgement call and it could quite possibly mess up everything. Yet he was still polite to her. Even after he was given the cold shoulder by her, he still treated her with respect. What should have clearly pointed out to Hermione that the Boy-Who-Lived and Harry Potter were two different people was the very next day! He had no idea what the answers to potions questions were, he was genuinely interested in learning about the different aspects of magic, and never leaving the side of his only friend, Neville Longbottom.
When that hadn't proven it to her, she remembered when the kids were going to cast spells. Harry had no idea how to hold his wand until Neville carefully reiterated the hand movement and Harry followed quickly after that. Both boys had a blast at that point. Harry, as he was mesmerized by what he was capable of, and Neville, because he was learning magic after hearing about it for years.
And then that blasted duel. She knew Neville didn't have bad intentions when he directed Harry to her, but she in the end agreed to go with him. After being rudely joined by Ron, (Hermione was still trying to figure that out) and almost getting caught by Filch, they had found their way into the Third-floor Corridor, the forbidden third-floor corridor. She knew she was foolish, but simultaneously she couldn't blame either boy for the result.
"That boy goes through so many moods swings a day, and it's all my fault!" Hermione was whining to Neville that evening after Charms.
"Well," Neville began, thinking hard, "If you say that, what exactly do you blame yourself for?"
So, Hermione's internal dam breached. She explained to Neville how all of the horrible things that Harry was experiencing at Hogwarts was her fault. She wrongly assumed who he was on the train, she kept telling herself that he was an arrogant git, and she gave him a hug, the worst thing to do in Harry's case, as he had only been used to physical contact meaning being abused in some form. Neville listened thoughtfully.
"…and now he hates me badly and I know I messed up, but I want to be his friend!" Hermione finished, looking tired and exhausted.
"Hermione," Neville began, "I think you should apologize to him, explain why your apologizing, and try to make up. You two don't have to become friends, but right now Harry is giving you the cold shoulder. I'm tellin ya, it's really hard to have two friends who dislike each other, so do me a favour and make up with him for me?" Neville grinned and chuckled. Hermione giggled as well, If only for a second.
"I'll try, Neville, I'll try."
"All I can ask, Hermione!" Neville said, nudging her shoulder.
Meanwhile in the Dorm, Ron Weasley had entered and sat on his bed, looking at Harry.
"Hiya Harry," Ron chirped.
"Ron," Harry nodded.
"I've not yet properly introduced myself," Ron said, walking over to Harry's bed, "I'm Ron Weasley, and I would like to be your friend!"
Harry looked at Ron with surprise. "Really?" Harry was smiling again.
Ron smiled. "Yeah! Y'know, you can never have too many friends!"
Harry smiled. "Thanks, Ron." Harry spoke with sincerity that it almost broke the boy's smile. Ron patted Harry on the shoulder before making a hasty escape.
'What in Merlin's name am I going to do now? Harry really believed I'm his friend! Well, now to get Longbottom and Bookworm out of the picture, I just need to subtly feed Harry tips that will break his friendship off with Longbottom and will not allow Bookworm to be friends! Then Ginny can like her boyfriend!' Ron thought evilly and knew it would take time, but now he had the trust of the famous Boy-Who-Lived. That's a start.
As Ron bounced out of the Common Room, Neville went up to the shared Dorm to grab Harry. Harry followed, and Neville busied himself with something else to do.
"Harry," Hermione started, and took a deep breath," Last week you asked me why I was mean to you on the train. My answer is that all of the books I read made you out to be a snotty, arrogant, spoiled git. I didn't want to be dragged down by your supposed arrogance. So, I exercised caution around you. I regret it." Hermione then explained how she thought that he hadn't needed help, hence her annoyed attitude in their classes towards him. She gave the whole speech she told Neville. Harry just looked at her and listened.
Harry spoke softly. "What do you make me now?"
"A boy with no magical experience following a bad childhood."
"You got that right." Harry inhaled. "Hermione, I want to be your friend, I want to trust you, but I can't, not fully right now. I appreciate you telling me this. I just need to think it over. Now, however, we have Astronomy, and I heard Professor Sinistra is going to rotate us on the telescopes so everyone can have a go on them this time."
Hermione nodded as Harry jumped up and bounced out of the Common Room, heading to Astronomy.
'It's a start, Hermione. Now I just have to be patient. Maybe help him in class or mention conversation? I hope we can eventually be friends.' Hermione mused as she too went to Astronomy.
\-0-0-/
September 10, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
For Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs alike, they had a fun night. Professor Sinistra had charmed the telescopes so it would point out stars and basic constellations. Hermione understood that their Professor was easing them in to their first section of learning. Constellations. However, the kids were still in love with the telescopes, and Hermione had to admit that she was too. Breakfast was eaten by happy students. And classes that day would show their effort.
Professor Sprout was greeted by a mob of bumbling and bouncing Gryffindor and Hufflepuff first years. She smiled as she began her lesson for the day. Specializing in proper treatment and care. As always, she held the attention of all the First-Years for the entirety of the class, keeping happy smiles and the occasional question and gasp of excitement.
Harry, being in one of his former favourite classes, still sludged to Defense. Harry absolutely hated Professor Quirrell's class. Neville tried to reassure him, and Hermione told him it was only an hour. She said that while they knew he hated Potions, at least they had them earlier than later. Harry groaned. Defense followed by Lunch followed by Potions was really bad for his attitude. At least he could eat in between.
Quirrell, as expected, stuttered half the time. Harry set up the charm and closed his eyes, grasping his head every few minutes. Since Neville was still healing, he also set it up for him, and despite the girl's protests, Hermione gave in, and he too applied the charm to her notes.
Lunch was enjoyable, however Harry failed to find Professor McGonagall. He wanted to ask her about how the situation with Professor Snape had been faring. Although he hadn't seen her then, he knew he would see her in class.
In Potions, Professor Snape went through each potion the kids had submitted the week prior, snarling at any imperfections and deducting even more points from Gryffindor and Slytherin, however more from Gryffindor. He assigned he first patch of homework, an essay two feet long describing every ingredient to the Cure for Boils potion, their reactions, and why they mix together. Snape, of course, failed to give them the basic premise of how any of it was possible, and so many of the students, including two Slytherin girls, were slightly annoyed at their Professor. Harry was seething in anger, however, as Snape had told him that he expected three feet from him for "being famous."
Hermione and Neville both tried calming Harry down but were unsuccessful. Unbeknownst to them, Harry's ambient magic was currently mildly pinching Snape's legs. "Slimy brat!" Snape sneered as he cast Finite on the hexes.
Transfiguration was enjoyable, especially wrapping up their beginner lesson on Evanesco. At the end of the class, after Professor McGonagall had dished out points for success, Harry, flanked by Neville and Hermione, went up to Professor McGonagall to ask about Professor Snape's situation. Professor McGonagall explained that she was waiting for the Headmaster to take action, then she would inform them of updates. Harry nodded and walked out of the Transfiguration classroom. Neville looked worried and Hermione was right on his heels.
Dinner was subdued, although Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore were not present. Rumor had it, and this was true ninety percent of the time, that the Deputy Headmistress was once again venting to the Headmaster. Even a week into school, most knew it was about Professor Snape. Many of the older students had spent years complaining to their respective heads about Professor Snape, with the Slytherins always defending said Professor. The First-Years were mostly in understanding of the Professor's rant as they had heard, one way or another, that Professor Snape had been targeting Harry since the first day of school.
Evening Charms was enjoyable, with Professor Flitwick lecturing about overdoing a spell, a prime example would be to tap into your magical core and push out more than you can replenish. He explained that it was helpful in Charms, to avoid magical exhaustions, but it was a practice used in any magicks-based course.
Walking up to his Dorm, Harry went to bed feeling better than he had, most notably as Charms was extremely enjoyable. Well, it would've been if Ron hadn't been whining about the Potions essay. For the love of Merlin, he only had two feet to write! Harry had three! Bloody hell. Neville could see the discomfort that Harry was currently radiating, so he asked Ron to quiet down as he was sleepy. Ron agreed and the Tower was quiet. Harry and Neville fell asleep happily.
\-0-0-/
September 11, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione woke up with a slight discomfort. Knowing the crap Harry went through in Potions yesterday was not settling well for the young bookworm. However, she pushed past that slight defect and made her way down to the Common Room where very slowly, a specific couch to the left side of the fireplace was quickly becoming her own. Besides, who would want to mess with the genius that is Hermione? Well, only Neville and Harry. The pair walked down, and Hermione welcomed the boys with a small smile.
Harry had decided to give the girl a chance. Ever since their conversation, he had been thinking about Hermione's actions from a logical standpoint. While what she did was wrong, he couldn't come to blame any of this on her. She simply was a logical witch who was reading books as she got them, and applied information as if she knew it all.
Neville, on the other hand, was doing his best not to chuckle. Harry's face was working overtime to process information on Hermione while Hermione was thinking hard about how to approach a friendship with Harry. Neville knew it wasn't exactly right to intentionally get his friends to be friends, but both had told him that they wanted the other to be their friend. Granted, he had listened to their conversation and was proud of his new friends.
Both Harry and Hermione were civil to each other, and Hermione wasn't sticking her nose into a book about Harry anymore. Classes that day were as decent as one could make it, while accounting for Snape's attitude daily. Surprisingly, the Trio's Double Potions class wasn't as horrible as it seemed to be.
Snape wasn't any less harsh on the boy. He constantly jabbed at him, sneering at him when fame was mentioned. Harry still was cold to Neville and Hermione, and he nearly blew at Ron when he started whining about Snape's class.
The only good portion of the day was their Astronomy class. Harry immersified himself in the class, and while not many students liked it, not being able to see stars for ten years due to his residence being a way-too-small-for-his-body cupboard was painful now that he had the freedom of sight three times a week.
\-0-0-/
September 12, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione awoke with a happy pep in her step. She was going to be twelve in a week! And she stopped. She was going to be alone when she turned twelve next week. Bugger. That hadn't stopped her, however. She was too excited for classes. Specifically, Charms. She hated Defense because of Harry's pain and the constant torture his head received whenever Quirrell looked away from him. Okay, maybe she was focusing too hard on him. Whatever. He was still in pain.
When the class ended and they had finished Lunch, Hermione literally clawed herself onto Harry as they made their way to the Training grounds. Harry knew to not argue with her, arguing with someone who you wanted as a friend would not take it well. But he was extremely uncomfortable, he just hadn't voiced it for Hermione's sake. After Flying, was Charms.
In Charms, Hermione was excited, again. Way too excited. The class was going to try to navigate their way around the classroom using the Lumos spell taught to them by Professor Flitwick. When Professor Flitwick had nearly blacked out the room, the students went to work illuminating their wands. Hermione, in her eagerness, accidently over-powered her spell right in the face of an annoyed Ron Weasley.
"What's your problem? Don't blind me!" Ron snapped. Hermione's attitude was subdued for most of the class, but still mastered the spell. She was slightly happy when Harry's face lit up when he mastered the spell, and much to her annoyance, Ron was jealously glaring at Harry. Neville was trying, understandably, and he had a small light at the tip of his wand to prove it. Harry beamed at his friend, and Hermione smiled at that.
Harry had, however, seen said confrontation between Ron and Hermione. His patience for the redhead was really wearing thin.
The rest of Harry's day can be summed up in eleven words: History was boring, Dinner was magnificent, and Potions sucked. As always.
\-0-0-/
September 13, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione was only too excited to wake up. No Potions today! In the boy's Dorm, Harry, Ron, and Neville were thinking the same thing. Ron went back to sleep, as breakfast was still thirty minutes away, and Harry and Neville got up, dressed, and into the Common Room with their Herbology textbooks.
Hermione was sitting in the same spot as she was yesterday, nose deep in the same book. Even though she looked happy, her eyes stated otherwise. Harry popped the question.
"What's wrong, Hermione?"
Hermione did a double take at Harry, then huffed.
"My birthday is next week, and it'll be the first without my parents."
Harry looked crestfallen. "When?"
Hermione looked at him. "Thursday."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Hermione. If anything, happy early birthday," Harry replied quietly.
The day went along as any normal Friday would go, sans Potions. Harry and Neville were happy when Hermione twinkled alive for Astronomy.
\-0-0-/
September 14, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Oliver Wood was up bright and early. He was preparing the Quidditch Pitch for Gryffindor team tryouts. He needed a new Chaser, but other than that, he believed his team was the best at Hogwarts. However, that didn't stop the various kids from wandering down to try out. Among them was Harry Potter, flanked by Neville, Ron, and a worried Hermione. Despite the fact he assured her that he would only be spectating, she came anyway. Perhaps in case he needed support. Although the pair had come to a neutral agreement the night before, it didn't do well to suddenly throw yourself at the person. So, upon neutral agreement, both would be respectful towards each other and for Neville's sake, try to have fun with him. The only issue was that of one Ronald Weasley.
Harry was still debating why he befriended the red head. Ron had not been nice to Hermione, calling her out when she out-performed the class, and making her feel bad for her knowledge. Worst off, he very nearly yelled at her when she accidently sent a full blast Lumos to his face the other day. Either way, she was there for moral support and just to be there. She hated flying. Why, he didn't know.
He decided to give Ronald Weasley one month to prove that he was worthy of his friendship. Harry was already testing his friendship with Neville in a way, by mutually agreeing with Hermione. Breaking that would not fare well for Harry at all, or so he thought.
Hermione looked at Neville for a second, and he glanced at the Quidditch Pitch and then Harry. She nodded and smiled at Harry. She knew that Neville knew she was trying to be friendly to Harry, and in doing so, support what he liked, if not for the sake of it.
Harry met up with Oliver who was currently coaching for the Chaser position, and reserve positions for all the spots. Oliver tacked Harry to play Seeker, much to Harry's ignored protests, against possible Reserve Seekers, and Harry quite enjoyed that. Flying around, thinking of the sky, soaring on a broom, exactly what he liked. Over the course of four hours, Harry flew against five Seeker candidates, outflying all of them, including a Seventh-Year boy. Oliver chose the best Seeker that went against Harry, and they made the Reserve team. Meanwhile, Hermione, from her seat in the stands, saw just how relaxed and comfortable Harry was flying a broom. She made it a promise to herself to attend all his games. His smile was contagious, after all.
Meanwhile, Oliver had chosen a Second-Year as their new Chaser, a brunette girl by the name of Katie Bell. According to the some Fifth-Years, she had a thing for the Quidditch Captain. Meanwhile, The Twins kept their spots as House Beaters, joking around with Harry. Oliver knew he had all week to make said decisions public, and he was excited. Gryffindor's House and Reserve Quidditch teams were the strongest they have been since he joined the Quidditch team in his Second Year, when Charlie Weasley was still the captain.
Harry smiled at his friends on the Pitch, his gut telling him to learn about them now, rather than later. He quite liked the prospect of having more friends, as his list was only Ron and Neville, and by extension, Hermione. Hermione. Harry looked at the stands and saw Hermione, and she smiled slightly and waved. Harry smiled back. Maybe Hermione would be a friend after all.
After Quidditch Tryouts, Oliver bounced around like it was Christmas, which to the Twins was nothing out of the ordinary. They gave themselves the job to make Harry and Katie feel welcome on the team. So far, they were succeeding.
Harry found a new friend in the cheery Second-Year, and she was only eager about Quidditch, much like he was. Harry waved goodbye to Katie as she hopped away from Fred and George's finale to the tour.
"Hey, guys, can I ask you something?" Harry asked.
"Well, Gred, what do ya say?"
"Forge, I say we help."
"What do you need?" Both asked together. Harry chuckled.
"Well, it's about Ron," Harry started slowly, not wanting to offend the Twins.
"Oh my, what has our- "
"Ickle Ronny-kins do now?"
Harry smiled at their antics. "Well, he asked me a few days ago to be his friend, but I don't think he knows that he is being mean to Hermione, who I'm trying to be friends with."
"Ooh, Gred, I think little Harry-kins likes somebody!"
"Duh Forge, did you not see them smiling at each other on the Pitch?"
Both Twins looks goopy at Harry. Harry laughed, blushed, stammered, and froze simultaneously.
"Can you just help me?" He stammered out.
"Ah, don't ya worry Harry, we're only messing with you!" Fred told him.
"About Ron, however," George drawled out, "I think a nice prank will do nicely!"
"I agree, Forge!"
"You two are nuts, just I need help dealing with Ron! I don't want to lose his friendship, but I also don't want to lose Hermione's friendship, and even that is strained! And I can only imagine Neville! What if they don't want to be friends anymore?" Harry was slightly panicking, the Twins rectified this almost instantly.
"Don't ya worry about Ron, Harry, like my less-smart brother here, we'll deal with him!"
"Oi Forge! I'm the smart one!"
"Is not!"
"Is too!"
Both Twins cracked out wide smiles. "Talk to ya later, Harry!"
"Thanks," Harry called back, and now whispering to himself," I hope."
\-0-0-/
Hermione plopped herself into the Common Room, Neville on her tail.
"What's up, Hermione?"
"Why is he friends with that git?"
"Who? With whom?" Neville asked, confused.
"Harry is friends with Ron!"
Neville thought, then it clicked.
"You want to know why Harry is friends with Ron if Ron doesn't like you and Harry is trying to be your friend?" Neville tried.
"Yes!" Hermione near shouted.
"Well, maybe he just wanted friends?" Neville tried, "Y'know, he thinks that you still think that he is who he is in the books, despite you telling him otherwise." Neville looked over as Hermione scrunched her face in thought.
"I just want to be his friend! I like him! He's totally not who they say he is! He's nice and he's funny!" Hermione gushed.
"I'm not the best for advice, but all I can tell you to do is to tell him that," Neville smiled at Hermione. Hermione looked wide-eyed at Neville before blinking.
"I will! I will tell him just that!" she replied, confident.
\-0-0-/
That evening, Harry ate a lot more food, due to being exhausted during Quidditch, however he was clean about it, unlike Ron who was shoveling food in his mouth as fast as his hands could move and his mouth could chew. In his peripheral vision, he kept catching Hermione glancing at him. Neville was distracting Harry, however, with Herbology notes. Harry smiled. Herbology was a subject he really liked.
Professor McGonagall had advised the First-Years they head to bed early tomorrow night, as Professor Sinistra had "accidently leaked" that their Astronomy lesson Monday Evening was going to be a favourite in the class. The fifty or so first years finished eating and returned to their dorms. Harry pulled Neville along, and reluctantly pulled Ron with him. Hermione caught up, and while she was gushing about Astronomy, Harry was more focused on sleep. That and a whole new week of school.
Author's Note: This chapter, for me, was a massive pain to write. Honestly, I'm not proud of this chapter. While I had the plot planned, I hadn't written the specifics.
As the story approaches October, however, I will only be publishing two chapters for that month. There simply isn't enough to document without killing the story. Also, depending on how busy I am in the coming few months, I might break the chapters into 4-5k segments. While I want to avoid that, I'll be more comfortable releasing a part of a completed chapter a day late than the full chapter two weeks late. Yeah, school hates me. But I'm working through it! Thanks all!
Finally, concluding September, I will be looking for a Beta-reader for this fic. If anyone is interested send me a DM and I'll get back to you. Thanks!
P.S. For those wondering, New Magic is still on schedule with being continued on October 2. Thanks for the support there!
BananaCarrot-Five