Chapter Four- Birthday and School
BananaCarrot-Five
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling.
September 15, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione Granger felt sick. Sick, and unorganized. She was wide awake, and it was only one in the morning. She could not stop thinking. What was so special about Harry that she wasn't giving up on her failed attempt his friendship, as she had back during Primary nearly six years prior?
What had caused her to drop her shields? In two weeks, she had caused more pain in a boy she so desperately wanted to be friends with, and it was all because she opened her mouth to talk to someone. It was because she held a faux pas of her new school and its endless possibilities. And now she was having doubts whether to stay at Hogwarts or go back to the pain that was Crawley High. Hermione Granger was scared.
After thinking about it, however, Harry did express interest in being her friend, but she blew that right out of the water by assuming his childhood life, unintentionally hurting him, and ignoring him after he rightfully got pissed off at her. It was only dawning on her now that the boy whom the Wizarding World rejoiced as a hero was really in the body of an eleven-year-old boy whose childhood was much, much worse than Hermione's, on so many levels. She continued to silently wiggle around in her bed, the soft sighs of deep sleep from her friends the only thing keeping her from screaming her heart out.
\-0-0-/
Harry Potter was exhausted. He had woken up several times in the night, his mind going to several images: Hermione glancing at him and Neville distracting him. Hermione waving to him from the Quidditch Stands. Hermione looking genuinely happy seeing his reaction to his dad's name on the Quidditch Cup and his mum being mentioned in a book. Harry screaming at her for hugging him, for making him uncomfortable. Harry cringed at that. He knew he screwed up the second he walked away, and he didn't expect this girl to still want to give him a chance. But there was something about this girl he liked. Only problem? He had no idea what the hell it was.
After meeting Neville on the train, he had hoped his life would be a clean slate. That was blown out of the water by Hermione Granger. She basically ignored him because he was famous. Famous because his parents died, and he lived. What was wrong with him? Again, what was so special about Hermione Granger? Harry got out of bed and went to the nearest window. The bright moon illuminated the room softly, and Harry was wondering just how badly his mental shields were suffering. Harry's head was not faring well at all. Then came the flood.
"My birthday is next week."
"When?"
"Thursday."
Oh, Well. This was a development. Hermione was clearly upset about not being able to spend time with her parents for her birthday. Harry had to think this over. He wanted to be her friend, but he also didn't want to pressure her into being his friend. And he wanted to help her have a happy birthday, yet he knew next to nothing about the girl, aside from the fact she helped him on the platform and her first impression of him after learning his name was heavily guarded. So, what to do? His head was spinning. While he intentionally fluked Primary School, he didn't have an ounce of understanding plans and actions.
"Where's Peter when I need him?" Harry voiced out loud, in a hushed whisper, nonetheless. He needed answers. Pulling the curtains aside, Harry pulled out his trunk and pulled out his copy of Hogwarts: A History and promptly closed his covers, set a low-powered Lumos Charm, and began reading. Maybe he would find something about Hogwarts that would help him.
\-0-0-/
Unfortunately for the bushy haired girl residing fifty feet away, she was still trying and failing to sleep. Her head wouldn't shut up! She thought about Potions, Harry, Transfiguration, Harry, her birthday, Harry, her birthday again, and finally Harry. Her normally organized head was blowing up with insecurities, doubts, and what-ifs. What drew her out of her thoughts was Becca shifting in her sleep and muttering "Snape is a git" before going silent again. No matter what Hermione did or tried to do, she smiled widely at that. Snape bashing always made her day better, especially after his horrible treatment of Harry on the first day of school.
Oh, Harry! She wanted to yell at him for messing with her head. She wanted to hug him tightly and ask for his forgiveness. Ok, maybe not hugging him, last time she got yelled at… But that boy really did a number on her. Something about him appealed to her. She didn't know what it was, though. Something about Harry made her melt. She so dearly wanted to be his friend.
What both kids felt was each other's longing for friendship, each other's loneliness in life. And neither knew it.
\-0-0-/
Harry read. For hours, he poured his time into the book, only disengaging when Neville rolled awake, and Ron shifted to snore loudly. Neville tentatively got out of bed and went over to Harry's, who after carefully opening them, found Harry, barely awake, large bags under his eyes, with his wand between his legs lighting his face and his book, about halfway completed. Harry took several seconds to register Neville was there.
"Hey Neville," Harry sighed loudly, shifting from his position, and willing the light in his wand to die off. Neville looked shocked for half a second as the tip of Harry's wand reduced to nothing. Harry didn't notice as he was extremely tired himself. He hadn't realized just how tired he was, after a long Astronomy class, Harry only got about five hours' worth of sleep, then had an entire day of Wood's Quidditch tryouts. He was exhausted after that but couldn't sleep. And it went back to the small exchange of words between him and Hermione days earlier. So now, Harry was sleep deprived, had to figure out how to handle something for Hermione's birthday, could only run on artificial energy from his body, and had to figure out how to send a letter to Hermione's parents without Hermione knowing, hence why he popped open Hogwarts: A History all night. Even though this was all happening for Neville in the span of about five seconds, he also caught on to Harry's situation.
"This is about her, isn't it?" Neville asked Harry once he had downed about five cups of steaming tea and tossed several pieces of parchment on the table, some crumbled up, some ripped up. "Why does arranging something like this become so hard?" Harry was about to start banging his head on the table when Neville answered. "Well, from what I've seen, you two are this and that. I'm not going to go all dopey on this, but she wants to be friends with you. And I know you want to be friends with her, hence why you are struggling so hard on this."
Harry looked at his shy friend. "Neville, I'm not doing this to win some points over Hermione. I-" Harry stopped suddenly, before looking around and speaking in a hushed whisper," I want her to be happy. I'm going to let you in on a secret Neville, I haven't had a proper birthday party until I was eleven. And that's when Hagrid brought me my Hogwarts letter. It was the happiest day of my life. It got me away from my… my family, and it also made me realize that I wouldn't want anyone to feel as lonely as I had on a birthday. It's complicated, Neville. Because I do care about her, but I also don't know much about her."
Neville looked deep in thought for several minutes. "Well then, why don't you let me help you? Hermione hasn't really told me much about her home life, except she was the top of her class in muggle school, and she was visited by Professor McGonagall on her birthday last year, when she received her Hogwarts letter. I'm sure we can think of something." Harry looked at his friend with a small smile before nodding. "Thanks Neville, you're really a life saver."
September 16, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry was woken up quickly by Neville, who was clutching the letter meant for Hermione's parents tightly in his left hand. "Cmon, Harry, we have to get this out to them before we have classes!"
Harry shot up, now somewhat rested after a long nine-hour sleep. After the monstrosity that was writing to Hermione's parents, Harry had very nearly passed out if it wasn't for Neville constantly asking him about parts of the letter he intended to send. Now they had to reach the Owlery, a place Neville knew well (because of his grandmother) and send Hedwig off with the letter. Harry had become annoyed with himself when he learned he had read right over the section of text in Hogwarts: A History that mentioned that owls knew where magicals lived due to the ambient magic surrounding one's property. Since Hedwig had already met Hermione on the Hogwarts Express and memorized her Magical Signature, she was able to narrow the location of her residence to somewhere in northern Crawley. And that is where Hedwig set her destination to, just as soon as her familiar and his friend arrived. And they did. She waited patiently until the letter was attached firmly to her leg and took off.
\-0-0-/
Hermione woke up at the normal time of six am, courtesy of the sun shining in her eyes as it peered over the hills and into the windows that was the Gryffindor girls' dormitories. She sat up straight and was greeted by Parvati Patil. "Hey Hermione, ready for classes today?"
"Yeah!" Hermione smiled brightly before hopping out of bed and changing into her school robes. After she finished getting her day-pack ready for classes, she walked down to breakfast, and entered the Great Hall as her dorm mates were just waking up. Kelly and Becca were still horrid at waking up, and Parvati was easily able to shake Lavender out of her slumber. While Hermione's dorm struggled to awake again, Harry and Neville were running back to the school as quick as they could run. They hadn't stopped until they were in the common room, just as the other girls walked into the common room, from their dorms.
"Hello!" Harry quickly said, before semi yanking Neville upstairs to their dorm. Back downstairs, the four girls looked at each other, shrugged, and walked down to breakfast, where Hermione was already nose deep in her Charms book. About fifteen minutes later, Harry and Neville bounced into the Great Hall, still showing signs of their early morning activity.
\-0-0-/
To tell an owl, "Deliver this to somewhere you've never been to before" sounded insulting to Hedwig at first, but the more she concentrated on Hermione Granger's Signature, the harder it was becoming to find the house. She had flown for four hours and had the liberty to watch large metal structures elegantly take to the skies. (Hedwig would never admit this, however, as she wanted to be the best flyer for her familiar.) However, the loud rumbling coming from said structures were enough to make Hedwig fly away in disgust. After her short and unexpected downfall of her break, she once again had to focus heavily on pinpointing Hermione Granger's house. It took another forty-five minutes for her to reach Crawley, and her senses for the girl's Signature were bouncing all over the place. She went to the first area where her Signature was high and calmed herself down. What she didn't know was that she was resting on the rooftop of the girl's former school, Crawley Primary. After resting for about twenty minutes, she took off again, stopping periodically as she practically flew laps around the area. It took a bit of extra time for her to figure out her address, but soon learned why. One or both parents were out of the house. Hedwig would have to wait until the parents went back home, and as it was nearing lunchtime, Hedwig hoped it would be easy.
Samuel and Helen Granger were currently working in their dental clinic, and they were enjoying life. Well, life as much as they could anyway. Their daughter would be turning twelve in a few days, and they would not only miss it, but they couldn't even contact her to wish her a "Happy Birthday!" The couple took their lunch break and went back home to spend the hour they get every other day at home. And it was at that point a beautiful snowy white owl swooped in their kitchen window. It perched itself on one of their spice racks. And stuck out its leg, looking at Helen expectantly. Helen carefully untied the thick, rolled up paper that, if memory serves right, is parchment. After extracting the letter, Hedwig looked around the kitchen for something to eat, but didn't see anything tasty. Helen sat down at their table and carefully un-rolled the parchment. The fact that it wasn't in Hermione's normal neat handwriting scared Helen, until she actually started reading the letter.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Granger,
My name is Harry Potter, and I'm sort of a friend to Hermione. It's complicated right now, so I can't really explain it. Anyways, a few days ago, Hermione mentioned her birthday being on Thursday, and that her parents wouldn't be able to celebrate it with her. I'm not exactly the best at this, you see, but she was sad, and despite her and my differences, I still want to help her.
The owl that arrived here, her name is Hedwig, and she is what the Magical World calls a "familiar." At least that is what my friend knows it as. That is how she knew where to find you, based on Hermione's Magical Signature. Anyways, that is beyond the point right now. I'm writing this to you to ask if you could help me in any way to give Hermione a quasi-birthday. Maybe a letter or small gift would do? I don't know how your family does birthdays.
Personally, I don't know myself, having not experienced birthday parties before.
Hedwig will wait until either you send her back or you want to pen a reply. According to Hogwarts: A History (Hermione seems fond of that book) owls can wait for about two days before they have to return to Hogwarts, or the place their familiar is currently studying in. So just tell her if you're going to get something. Something else the book mentioned is that owls can carry large and/or heavy objects, so don't exactly worry about that if that is what you are thinking of. Thanks to both of you, I hope that you will be able to get something together for Hermione's birthday, because honestly, friend or not, no one should feel defeated on their birthday. I've had nine of them already.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
P.S. This letter is almost out of parchment, so I'll say this. Hermione appears reserved. I don't know if that's part of who she is, but not to be mean, it is kind of frustrating. Can you give me some tips here? I'm swimming blindly, and so is my friend who is trying to be friends with her. She is friendly though, so that is a plus. Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Granger.
Neville Longbottom
Helen looked at the letter in confusion for a minute, until she realized there were two messages on the letter. One was from a boy who wanted to be her friend, the other was already her friend, but it was "complicated." Two weeks into school, and her baby girl was making friends. She could only hope that these friends were genuine, though. The letter clutched in her hand was proof enough for her, though. After letting Samuel read it, he smiled softly at his wife, the first time in many years when his smile was about his daughter.
\-0-0-/
After trudging their way back to the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry and Neville were more exhausted than most of their House. They had not only exerted most of their reserves that morning, but they had been working overtime for Hermione's birthday, Neville talking Harry out of a loop, and Snape's essay (which Harry still had to write). On top of that, both had wolfed down enough food that Ronald Weasley could be put to shame if they so desired. To put it plainly, both boys were tired. And they had four more days of the week. Hermione was equally tired, but for a different reason. Her birthday was now only three days away, and she was beating herself over not buying an owl in Diagon Alley and being too shy to ask Harry to borrow his owl, Hedwig, to send a letter to her parents. Lavender was the first to notice this.
"Hey Hermione, what's up? You're normally excited after Astronomy!" Hermione looked at her friend and sighed. "My birthday is in a few days, and I won't be able to celebrate it." The other four girls looked at each other, with one nodding towards Harry and Neville, another grinning. "Why don't you ask Harry for his owl? Plus isn't he friends with Neville Longbottom, who is one of your friends?" Lavender poked Hermione in the arm and waited for a reaction. Hermione looked at Lavender. "I can't, I've only been friends with Neville for what, two weeks? And Harry. Well, he's… different."
What Hermione failed to tell her dorm mates was that she had been screamed at, yelled at, and cried, all from Harry. She didn't tell them about the internal struggle she was facing being Neville's friend who was also close to Harry. It hadn't done well on her that Weasley, who was annoying at best, was also friends with Harry. It was all very difficult on Hermione, however through years of experience, she knew exactly what to do and exactly how to hide it. "I'll figure something out." Hermione looked at Lavender in particular, who was sporting a growing smirk. "Alright, Hermione, if you insist."
September 17, 1991
18 Hempstead Avenue, Crawley
Helen and Sam woke up from their slumber from a soft hoot from Hedwig, Harry Potter's owl. Helen shot up, ripping the blankets that Sam was sleeping with. "Helen, ah, what?" came the voice of Samuel Granger, who was now getting his bearings right in terms of just what the hell that owl was still doing in their house. Helen sensed her husband was irritated, so she relieved him. "Honey, I'm taking the morning off to get Hermione a present and then I'll write a letter to her and to the boy."
Sam looked at his wife. "Williams?"
She shook her head. "No, Williams wouldn't be right this year, I'll head to Hasie's"
"You do realize the amount of money you could spend walking in their doors?"
"Yes, but Hermione has wanted this for years. I think it's time we get it for her."
Sam nodded and hopped out of bed. "I'll be at the clinic, but tonight you owe me a dance, young lady, for making me work overtime today."
Helen smiled. Dancing with Sam wasn't bad at all.
\-0-0-/
Waking up, Harry thought it was impossible to wake up. Managing 5 hours of sleep was welcoming, but also annoying. The rest of his dorm seemed the same, so Harry wasn't concerned. Popping his shoes on, and pulling his robe over his clothes, he walked down to the common room, where Hermione was sitting in her normal spot, and at the table Harry normally sat at, was a note.
Harry,
Don't ask me about this now, but can I borrow your owl? I need to send a letter to my parents and you're the only person I really know that has an owl. And I don't want to use the school owls either. Tell me later, please. I'm reading an interesting section in Transfiguration right now.
Hermione
Harry glanced over at the girl in question, and sure enough, she was nose deep in A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration. He shrugged, and walked back upstairs, obeying the letter he received. Showing Neville the letter, he came to the conclusion that Hermione was wanting to send a letter to her parents about her birthday. Smiling, Neville told Harry to practically ignore the letter at this point. When asked why, Neville told him that if she learned Hedwig was currently unavailable, she could possibly suspect something she shouldn't know at the time, such as her birthday. After debating it for several minutes, Harry agreed. Why ruin the surprise? He hoped he hadn't made the mistake of ignoring a letter from Hermione Granger, but he would soon see enough.
Later that day, Helen was in her room with the present and letter she intended to send to Hermione. After letting Hedwig test the weight and happily hooting, Helen set to work wrapping said present. She still had the letters to write, but she could always get Samuel to help her with the letter to their daughter. As promised, both adults spent the next couple of hours that evening dancing, with Hedwig occasionally hooting supportingly. Afterwards, both parents sat down, as Samuel started on his letter to his daughter, while Helen started her letter for the boys who sent them the letter in the beginning.
September 18, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
It was twenty-five hours until Hermione Granger would officially be twelve years old. Hermione knew this because her watch told her it was six A.M., and she was born at seven A.M on the second in Paris, France on September 19, 1979. The day went by slowly at first, because Potions was Potions, other than that, she was a happy girl before her… happy day. She continually thought about asking Harry to borrow his owl but couldn't screw up her courage to ask him.
It'll be alright. Some tea, books, and a quiet spot in the castle should suit her needs tomorrow evening. Much different than from Crawley, when she was teased behind her back, but it is what it is. Going through the day, Hermione started to put herself on a rotation. Sure, it was patchy, but it was a start. Two weeks in the old castle will do that to you, and Hermione, well, it was totally in Hermione-style for her to take this approach. As she went about the castle, and her classes, people would later swear they heard her humming while working. Relaxation at its finest, at least for now.
Relaxation. Okay, totally the opposite at best. Harry was currently pacing in the dorm, with Neville watching him and Ron lazily ignoring him. Dean and Seamus, as they were partially awake, were currently following Harry in circles, completely disorienting them at one point. It had been two days, and Hedwig was still not back at the castle. Did she get lost? Did the Granger parents ignore her? Was Hogwarts: A History lying? Did she somehow die like that bird Dudley crushed when he was nine? All rampant thoughts cursed his mind, and he paced the dorm as if it would solve the world's problems. Hedwig was as much a family that Harry had. He really hoped that Hedwig was safe. He couldn't lose her, so early in his new life. It would do horrors and wreak havoc on the already delicate boy that was Harry Potter. He wasn't prepared for that. Not prepared for it at all.
\-0-0-/
18 Hempstead Avenue, Crawley
It was a slow morning for Helen and Samuel Granger, with having to post their letters and secure Hermione's birthday present to a now somewhat irate Hedwig and get ready for their own day. Samuel took the job of carefully yet securely fastening the contents that the owl would deliver: One large present and two smaller ones, a birthday card, and two letters. As Samuel attached the letters to her, Hedwig helped herself to a small sausage that Helen left out for her. Hooting happily, and finally taking to the skies just under forty-five hours later, Hedwig set off for Hogwarts. A journey that would take a lot longer than expected. An immediate problem that sprouted was just how heavy the contents were.
When she had originally tested its weight the day before, it had been manageable, but now it was borderline heavy and annoying to handle. So then started the horrid and extremely annoying process of Hedwig flying for twenty minutes before taking a thirty-minute break to recoup her strength. Dawn turned into day, and day into dusk, and Hedwig was making steady progress. By nightfall, she was already two-thirds to Hogwarts, and that was following the track. Hedwig chose a small alcove just east of the tracks that was a dry spot to land and sleep. And did Hedwig sleep. She also had a very important gift to deliver tomorrow.
September 19, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Being the only other muggle-born witch in the dormitory, Kelly set it upon herself to make her dorm mate have the best birthday ever! She coaxed Becca in last night, and Lavender was already doing something only she could understand. Parvati was on the sidelines, being one of the pure-blood witches in the dorm rendered her knowledge of the muggle methods to practically zilch. Kelly extracted a small cone with a string attached to it and walked over to the sleeping figure of Hermione. Waiting for Becca to get in position, they both loudly sang "Happy Birthday" to Hermione who was startled awake so suddenly but laughed and smiled all the same. Upon conclusion, Hermione gratefully accepted the party hat Kelly had made for her. And with that, Gryffindor's First-Year Girls' Dormitory became an active spot of happiness, celebration, and pure joy. The noise generated at six-thirty in the morning woke up most of the Tower, including alerting Harry and the others that Hermione was clearly celebrating her birthday already. Neville stood up behind him and nudged his shoulder. "Don't worry, she'll come." Harry nodded twice.
Walking down into the Common Room, Harry and Neville saw Hermione and her other dorm mates follow her down the stairs, and Hermione was wearing one of those small party hats that Dudley would always whack him with on his birthday, just to annoy him. Kelly pushed Hermione towards the two boys, then proceeded to pull Lavender, Becca, and Parvati out of the Common Room, all whilst yelling "See you in the Great Hall!"
Hermione waved at the girls and turned her attention to Neville and Him. Her source of craziness, right in front of her. She didn't know he was thinking the exact same thing. He didn't know she was thinking what he was thinking. Neville looked confused for a moment as his friends locked eyes and Hermione went into "study" phase with her eyes. Then, Harry broke off. "Uhm, Happy birthday, Hermione." Harry tried to smile, but it ended up looking like a forced grin. He sighed in anger. Hermione thoughtfully watched. She sighed too. "Thanks, Harry."
She turned to Neville, who also congratulated her. Harry caught glimpse of Hermione's watch and noticed the time. "Oh! Let's go to breakfast! And nudged Neville and looked at Hermione, both of whom followed him out of the Common Room. Ten minutes into breakfast, a very tired Ron Weasley plopped himself next to Harry, ignoring all rules of etiquette and Hermione's birthday hat as he complained about Snape's essay, Quidditch, and chess, all while shoving food in his mouth. Hermione looked away, a single tear escaping her eye. And that's when it happened.
The Great Hall filled itself with owls, delivering letters and parcels to the many witches and wizards of Hogwarts. It just so happened that Hedwig became the center of attention as she was quite clearly carrying the heaviest load, and moving the slowest, even while using her magical abilities too. As the owls flew back outside, the Hall looked at Hedwig as it descended slowly towards the Gryffindor table. Harry and Neville weren't bothering to hold back their grins, as Hermione was currently locked looking at the owl heading in her direction. As it landed in front of her, she carefully pulled it off Hedwig's leg and saw the two smaller parcels on top, a very clear muggle card envelope, and two other letters, one addressed to herself, and one… to Harry? Looking at Harry with his letter in her hand, he looked down for a few seconds before pulling the letter addressed to him out of her grip. Instead of focusing on Harry, she focused on the large present in front of her. Unwrapping it, and much to the fascination of most of the students present, Hermione revealed to the world that she loved painting. Well, to those that understand painting. Opening the smaller presents, she received extra paintbrushes of various sizes and pins, so she can hang finished pieces. She smiled happily as she had longed for this set for years. Every day when she walked to school, Hasie's had that brilliant box just sitting there, on display.
Hermione became hooked with it and wanted it ever since. Looking at Harry to thank him for helping her birthday be something more, she saw he was deep in thought at the letter he received. Her decision to leave him be might not have been the best decision, especially from Harry's standpoint. Because Harry was learning that when dealing with Hermione, Samuel Granger was not a man you wanted to cross. He read at the end about how Hermione's mum had apologized for her husband's rash words, and simply asked that he and Neville keep an eye on Hermione while she was away. Showing it to Neville, both boys nodded. Looking at Hermione, she was smiling widely as she read her birthday card.
Dear Pumpkin!
Happy birthday honey! Enjoy being 12 years old! I hope that that boy Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom are your friends, you never were good with friendship back home, and yes, I know that look. Your father, let's say he didn't exactly threaten the young boy, but he did state his intentions clear. Be sure to thank young Harry and Neville for me and your father both. Enjoy your birthday and send us a letter once in a while!
Much love,
Mum and Dad
As Harry put his letter away, Hermione turned to face him. "Thank you, Harry," and looking at Neville, "You too! I have no idea how you did it! You have to tell me!" Neville smiled happily at her. Harry had his head slightly down but smiled slightly. "You're welcome, and Happy Birthday."
September 21, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Saturday Morning was subdued for most of the school. A week of classes was over, and for Harry, a week of pain, enjoyment, satisfaction, and happiness. He had found a way to make Hermione Granger happy for her birthday. The only blemish was that Ron hadn't acknowledged her birthday at all. Not in the days leading up to her birthday, that day, or the days following. He trots around Hogwarts, and on more than one occasion, sometimes hears him complaining about Hermione, or the lack of Hermione. Harry still kept his weak friendship with Ron, simply because he hadn't wanted to lose any friends he made.
Hermione was a different story. She was an enigma. Yes, she was happy about her birthday, and she thanked him and Hedwig, but he still sensed something bugged her. What that was he didn't know. When he headed down to breakfast, he was enjoying a plate of scrambled eggs when an old owl who couldn't fly straight crashed right into his plate. Ron smiled and pulled the several things attached to the owl before helping it fly away.
"That's Errol, our post owl. Bit pathetic, isn't he?" Ron commented.
"Yeah?" Harry responded in a half answer/question. He saw what appeared to be a newspaper. After asking Ron if he could look at it, he unraveled it and read the cover of the paper.
Gringotts Break-in Attempt!
Nothing Stolen!
Perpetrator still on the loose!
Investigative details inside!
Harry was intrigued, so he read on.
The Vault in question, 713, was in fact emptied earlier in the day before the attempted break in.
Harry thought for a few minutes, thinking about the information. Neville hopped in the Great Hall, and he soon he noticed Harry's state.
"What's up, mate?" Neville prodded.
"Oh!" Harry broke out of his trance. "Um, nothing Neville!"
Neville smiled at his friend. "Righty Harry."
Harry had time to kill, so he found Oliver and asked him to help him with Quidditch. Oliver happily agreed and the pair practically bounced along the corridors of Hogwarts heading to the Pitch. After two hours of practice, explaining, and questioning, Oliver cut their time short as he had to get back to the Common Room to post the list of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Harry bade him well and left. Lunch came around, and Hermione was reading a book on Potions when it hit Harry: He hadn't started on his essay yet.
'Peter help me now' Harry thought as he walked over to Hermione.
"Hey, Hermione, um, I was wondering if you could help me with Snape's essay?"
He tried to look confident, but his fingers gave it away. Hermione looked at him. "Do you have an idea on what to write?"
"I, uh, no?" Harry tried. Hermione huffed.
"Well, I'll give you a copy of my notes, and you can write out whatever you think will work, then I'll review it for you. Deal?"
Harry was relieved beyond belief. "Yes, thanks Hermione!" He sighed in relief.
Hermione slightly smiled at him before turning back to her book. Harry hopped out of the Great Hall with a pep in his step. Neville followed after.
Arriving back at the Common Room with Neville only a minute behind him, Harry saw that the list for the Quidditch team had been posted.
Gryffindor Quidditch team
Captain: Oliver Wood
Assistant Captain: Angelina Johnson
Keeper: Oliver Wood
Beaters: Fred & George Weasley
Chasers: Alica Spinnet, Angelina Johnson & Katie Bell
Seeker: Harry Potter
Harry smiled at the listing. He was on the Quidditch team! Neville had caught up and saw the results and clapped his friend on the back.
"Just saying, Hermione is going to flip, she was really freaked last week!" Neville chuckled.
"She knows I'm on the team, Nev."
"Well, this will be the proof she didn't want to see." Neville grinned. "Cmon, let's roam the castle. Haven't seen much of it yet and this place is huge!"
Harry chuckled and let Neville drag him around the castle, getting lost many times.
When they finally made it to dinner, Hermione was there with a… book? Of notes for Harry.
Hermione bounced over to them and pushed the stack of papers into Harry's arms. "There ya go, these are my notes as well as some extra research I did on the essay! You're welcome!"
Harry smiled back. "Thanks, Hermione." Oh boy, he was going to have an… interesting night.
\-0-0-/
Hermione was giddy with excitement even as she was told several times by her dorm mates to "be quiet and sleep!" Hermione paid no mind; she was simply happy that she could help Harry when he asked. Did she do more than he expected? Probably. Did he complain? Surprisingly not. She went to sleep, expecting too little and hoping too much.
September 22, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry only had one sentence to describe his night: Painful, with a slice of notes! He really did appreciate the work Hermione helped him with, now how would he top that? Fortunately, he understood the essay going in, so Hermione supplying him with all the notes in the world helped him out. His quill moved happily that night.
Minerva was livid. Not only had Albus told her that there was nothing to be done about Severus' behavior, but the parcel she ordered nearly two weeks ago still hasn't arrived. Using her capacity as Deputy Headmistress, she made her way to the Owlery to send a note with a specific owl she knew people wouldn't ignore.
That morning, Harry was moving quicker than fast. He had about half his essay written for Snape's class and was full of energy after an impossible seven hours with the quill and Hermione's notes. The noise Harry generated caused Neville to wake, and in doing so, Dean, Seamus, and Ron woke up too. Before Neville could ask what was happening, Harry was out the door. He got downstairs until he realized that it was half past six, and that it was a Sunday. Harry sighed and sat down in a seat facing the fireplace. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
He was awakened several hours later by none other than Neville and Hermione. "Hi," Harry squeaked out. He looked at Hermione's hand and saw it held a napkin with a few pieces of toast in it. "It was Neville's idea. Apparently, you were jumpy this morning. Any reason why?" Hermione flicked her eyes between his school bag and his eyes and smirked. "Uh, Snape's essay Hermione, by the way, thank you for the notes." Hermione blushed in pride.
"Anytime. I'm sorry for assuming stuff about you, and I hope you'll forgive me for this…" she drew out. Harry looked at Neville who was holding back a chuckle as Hermione whacked Harry in the arm. "It's official! You're on the Quidditch team! Ohhh Harry, you better not get yourself killed, or worse expelled by playing this game!" Neville was laughing at this point, Hermione was smiling, and Harry smiled a bit too, after comprehending what happened. "I won't fall, don't worry about me, Hermione."
The trio shared a long laugh as Harry thought about his life again. Who did he want to be with? As the days passed, he was beginning to regret his friendship attempt with Ron, and began to appreciate his friendship with Neville, and his friendship with Hermione. No, she is not my friend yet. But wait. What constituted being a friend? She was being treated the same was Neville was in the moment. Does that qualify? Harry's mind was moving at about ten million miles a minute before Neville suggested they visit the greenhouses, to which Hermione instantly agreed. Harry took a second too long to answer but dismissed Hermione when questioned about it. Harry would have some heavy thinking to do. And he was not used to this. When was the last time he debated whether or not someone was his friend? The only time he could think of was with Peter, but he was only friendly for a day before Dudley got to him, whereas Hermione had, after his outburst, started to improve on her attitude towards him.
As the group walked towards the greenhouses, Neville and Hermione deep in conversation, Harry trailed behind, thinking harder and harder. Why had he befriended Neville? Neville was kind. Why had he rejected Hermione? Because she assumed his life from make believe books. Now that he thought of it, why did he befriend Ron? Harry genuinely forgot why he became friends with the redhead. But Hermione. She was an enigma inside an enigma. She had layers on layers. But something that Harry could not explain attracted him to the girl. It was just… her. Neville wasn't the same, however. His character was light, open, and bouncy to begin with, and Harry found comfort in the boy. He supposed it was because both their parents were affected by Voldemort. He gave Neville a chance because he wanted to. He gave Ron Weasley a chance because he wanted to. Why should Hermione be any different? Harry had to ask Hermione if they wanted to be friends without making her feel like crap or making their already unusual-esque conversations and interaction even more awkward. Just how the hell he was to do that boggling his head. And her letter. Damn! He had completely forgotten! As Hedwig was back and Hermione was still waiting as it would probably appear, Harry knew he had to act on that quickly.
"Harry? Harry!" Hermione snapped her fingers in front of Harry's face, breaking him out of his trance. "You alright there?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, thanks Hermione. By the way, you can use Hedwig, just call her." Harry replied and watched as a puzzled look drew itself on the girl's face before she answered.
"Uhm, thanks, Harry, but I never asked you to use Hedwig…"
September 23, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry was awake and out of bed as Neville was trying to get him to wait for him. Harry looked at Neville for several seconds, deep in thought, then ran out, still in his pajamas. Running down to the Common Room, he was taken back by the fact that his seat was now occupied by a sleeping Hermione, with a thick book perched on her knees. Harry carefully and slowly approached and nudged her awake. Hermione shook her head and looked up, nearly dropping the book in her arms. "Harry! What are you doing here, what time is it? Why are you in your pajamas? Well?" she stared her chocolate eyes into Harry's green as he struggled to come up with an answer that wasn't gibberish. So, naturally, he blurted out his thoughts. "You gave me a letter! Last week! You were reading a book and you left me a letter asking to borrow Hedwig!" Hermione's eyes went wide for several seconds, before muttering a line of explicates and bouncing to her dorm.
Harry watched the odd sight before shaking himself out of his fit and returning to his dorm. About twenty minutes later, Harry and Neville hopped downstairs and out of the Common Room, intent on getting some food. Later, when the whole school arrived in the Great Hall, about a dozen owls flew in, and Hedwig was among them. She dropped her package into Harry's arms and flew over to Professor McGonagall, where she received several strips of bacon. Harry quickly unwrapped the long parcel to reveal it to be a Nimbus 2000, the fastest broom in the world! He looked up to Professor McGonagall and she smiled at him. Ron was agape and looking for words.
"Bloody Hell mate, could I ride?" Harry politely declined Ron and stood up and left, Neville following quickly behind. Harry wanted the broom away before classes started, and he only had a short amount of time before Transfiguration began. After running up and into his dorm, dropping the broom onto his bed, and running back out, he found Neville panting at the entrance to the common Room. "Hey... mate... ready for... class?" Neville asked, still out of breath. Harry and Neville made their way to Transfiguration, never noticing Hermione was not at breakfast.
Said girl was currently whacking Lavender on the head with her pillow. "Why Lav? Why? Don't you have a shred of decency? What if Harry didn't get it? Why am I being put through this?" Lavender was laughing at Hermione's questions, so answered.
"Well, you wanted to be closer to him, so I pushed you along!" When Hermione stopped for a split second, Lavender pulled the pillow out of her friend's hands and lightly smacked her with it, grinning widely." I know you want to be friends with him, Hermione," Lavender stared at Hermione, who's mouth turned into an almost perfect "o" shape as she realized she did want to be friends with him. Hermione had a lot to think about now, and even more so because she had to get to Transfiguration.
\-0-0-/
Hermione was busy reading Hogwarts: A History in the small break their house had between Charms and Astronomy when Harry approached her, almost timidly. "Hey, um Hermione, I got a lot of Snape's essay written last night, so I don't need your notes anymore, so thanks for letting me use them!" A small smile crept on his face as he held the unusually larger set of notes, she had given him several days prior.
Hermione smiled brightly and accepted her notes back. "You're welcome, Harry!" Harry was mentally thinking again. Was she happy her notes helped him, or that he was returning them? Rubbish. She wouldn't have gone through all that effort if she simply wanted them back. The real question here was why he was overthinking this? Why couldn't things be as easy as it is when doing things with Neville? Or Quidditch? Or hell, even day to day classes? Harry couldn't dwell on it as he and his fellow house mates headed to Astronomy.
September 24, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Fortunately for Harry, Potions was after lunch, so Hermione was able to read and check over both his and Neville's essay before Potions that afternoon. Both boys got a warm smile and a "good job" from Hermione, so they knew that had done at least one thing right that day. Professor Snape, however, was the opposite.
"Detention, tomorrow night Potter!" Snape sneered at Harry after he glanced at his turned in essay.
"Why, Professor?" Harry asked.
"You copied Miss Granger's essay; this looks like her style of writing."
Harry stared at Snape. "No Sir, I never copied her essay, and she wrote an essay on the same subject, except I had a foot longer to write."
"Silence! Ten points from Gryffindor! Detention tomorrow, Potter! Between your evening classes!" Snape yelled at Harry before resuming his (pointless) lesson.
September 27, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"I'm just happy that we don't have Potions, Neville. I'm just sad that Harry is taking it so badly. Was he any better last night?" Hermione and Neville were among the Gryffindors eating their breakfast and getting ready for their classes. The discussion of Harry Potter's behavior after Snape's detention two days prior was the hushed talk of Hogwarts. For a few Slytherins, this was their time to make Potter pay. Draco was still exceptionally furious that he chose a squib over him to be his friend. How dare he! Draco was going to rub it in Potter's face next time he saw him, telling him that this could've been avoided had they become friends. And oh boy would he rub it in thick.
Harry was currently in the dorm, contemplating Hogwarts. Sure, Snape sucked, but what was new? He knew he had to get up and going again, even if he was half-functional in class the past few days. Tuesday's detention did not sit well with Harry at all, and it reminded him of why he was there. He was a magical, a wizard. A freak. Why should the lonely days stop now? Why should the days of being bullied end? Why, out of all people, is it a teacher that is causing him pain? Harry's head was going through so many phases that the young boy was surprised he hadn't exploded from the sheer amount of thinking he has done in the past week. At least it was Friday.
"No, Hermione, he has been sulking in the dorm every free chance he gets. I'm kind of worried about him, and," Neville whispered softly to her, "Ron is unintentionally riling him up. Harry is too noble for his own good, and it's hurting him inside." Hermione frowned and nodded, wondering how he knows these things.
\-0-0-/
Later that day, during lunch, Harry made an appearance in the Great Hall, sitting next to Neville. Hermione was in the library, trying to understand the gibberish that was Professor Quirrell's Defense class. "Hey, Neville, I need help mate."
Neville stopped eating and looked at his friend. "What's up Harry? Is it about Snape's detention?"
Harry shook his head. "No, it's... it's about Hermione." Harry whispered her name so softly that Neville almost didn't catch it over the clatter that was the Great Hall. Neville nodded, of course he would think about her. It seemed to be the only other thing he has thought about since he yelled at her. Or when he talked to him about their friendship.
"I really screwed up then," Harry began, then sighed. "I yelled at her because I was experiencing feelings I had never felt before. I was scared. And since then, I haven't been thinking straight. She's being nicer to me, I don't know why, but I really want her and I to be friends, like you and me. I'm getting tired of not being able to call her a friend. I also, in my misery, don't know what possessed me to befriend Ron."
At this, Neville chuckled slightly before speaking. "Well, you wanted a friend, and he offered friendship, but I do have to say he isn't really being kind to us per say."
"This is impossible Neville!" Harry started, "Ron hates Hermione, I like Hermione, I want to be her friend, but I'm friends with Ron, and I can't be friends with both because they hate each other! So, what do I do?" Bright green eyes looked to Neville for an answer.
Neville sighed. "You're not going to like me mate, but you're just going to have to do it. You might have to choose. If you don't think Ron is a good friend, you might have to push him aside, and likewise Hermione, unfortunately. I only know this because my other friend, a girl named Luna, was teased a lot growing up, and there were some girls that were only her friends to later tease her. Now, she just has me and Ginny..." Neville mumbled the last part and sighed. He looked up at Harry. "I know how you feel, I just don't want you to lose yourself because those you trusted turned on you." Harry nodded slowly. He knew what he had to do. If only being a Gryffindor was that easy.
\-0-0-/
September 28, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry woke up at the ungodly time of five A.M for a Quidditch practice. A tired Neville was awoken by Harry, who looked exhausted. "Wazza Harry?" Neville slurred as he was poked by Harry.
"You coming to my Quidditch practice?" Neville popped his eyes open. Nodding furiously, the smaller boy struggled to catch up to a sleepy Harry who had his Nimbus draped over his shoulder. Also out of bed were the three chasers and an annoyed Hermione, muttering explicates she would give to Oliver for making Harry wake up this early. Harry, Neville, Hermione, Katie, and Alicia headed out to the Quidditch Pitch while Angelina waited for the Twins to be ready.
Arriving at the Pitch saw an excited Oliver humming away as he set up drills for their practice. It took the combined strength of Neville and Harry to stop the girl from running over and hitting Oliver. Now drained, Hermione merely took a seat in the Hufflepuff stands while Oliver prepared the team. Ten minutes later, Fred, George, and Angelina arrived, and Oliver really got the show on the road. Oliver started working the team hard and Hermione kept a death grip on Neville's poor arm. The second Harry would get off his broom, Hermione would release her breath and would let Neville's arm go. Over the course of two hours, Hermione was in a near state of shock, Neville was praying his arm wouldn't fall off, and Harry was having the time of his life.
To Harry, Quidditch was a sport and becoming a hobby. He loved the open spaces flying gave. He relished his time in the air and in the Pitch, occasionally glancing at Neville and Hermione watching him and the team practice. For the first Quidditch practice, given the circumstances, it was manageable. According to Oliver, however, this would be normal on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Harry never understood Wood's obsession with Quidditch, but let it go after he heard the Twins joking around with his most recent lecture.
As the group was finishing up, Harry offered his broom to both Neville and Hermione, asking them if they wanted to ride on it. Both declined, Hermione squeaking out she hates heights and Neville reminding him of his newly healed wrist that broke that first lesson. Harry chuckled slightly before nodding and slightly smiling at the pair. After Harry was dismissed by Oliver and the chasers, the trio set off for the castle.
The drama that the trio would face upon walking into the Great Hall that morning was anything but ordinary. As Hermione continually jibed at Harry's blatant lack of safety while on his broom, Neville was holding onto Harry's school items as Harry's arms were full of Hermione and his Nimbus, respectively. A tired Ron met the trio as they took their seats at the Gryffindor table.
"Hiya Harry," and with a bit of bitterness, "Neville and Hermione." Ron turned back to Harry. "Can I ride your broom now?" Harry looked between Ron, his plate, and Neville and Hermione, the former of which looked down in pain.
"Maybe later, Ron. I'm heading to the library with Neville and Hermione to look up some extra defenses from Quirrell's class." Both kids looked at Harry, Hermione grinning as the library was slowly turning into her second home at Hogwarts. Neville laughed for both his friends, and Ron was still annoyed at Harry.
"You let them ride your broom!" Harry looked at Ron questionably. "You offered then your broom. I just kinda want to ride it too?" Ron soon got three looks from the trio. "I watched the practice, y'know, Fred and George are on the team, so I came to watch, and I saw you guys." Harry looked torn between sticking with his friends or letting Ron use his broom, but a pointed look from Neville made the bespectacled boy's mind up.
"Sorry Ron, not today. Maybe later?" Ron looked sad but eventually agreed. It was an annoyed Ron who slugged back to the Tower while the trio hit the library for most of the day, where Harry and Hermione still sat on opposite sides of each other, Neville in the middle. He grinned inwardly. "If only Lu and Gin could see these two…"
Author's Note: Hey all, so just under three long months for me to get this chapter out. Writer's block hit too hard this time. Pair that with Pre-SAT examinations and school in general, and I barley had any time for writing as is. I also had a rough time writing the second half of this chapter, and I mean rough. This chapter took 5 re-writes (including a written copy and several versions of recovered documents) and at least a month's worth of nights for me to fully finish. I apologize that this chapter is not my best work, but I am doing my best in the time I have for fanfiction. I am, for the most part, back in the game, so I will do my best to get this story and my other works updated. Thanks, and until next time, Au Revoir!
BananaCarrot-Five