Chapter Five - Friendship, Broomsticks, and Homework
BananaCarrot-Five
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling.
October 1, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry awoke Tuesday morning with a small headache. He had struggled in his Herbology exam yesterday, and the anxiety from that exam didn't go away by the time they finished Astronomy, so he was left awake at 1:45 in the morning. When he thought he had finally fallen asleep, the sun threatened to crash through his eyelids. Harry annoyingly sat up and tossed his pillow to Neville, who was also waking up.
"Harry." Neville spoke, smiling a bit at the crazy sight of his sleepy friend. Shaken awake by his own body, Harry walked out the dorm and into the Common Room, where Hermione was sitting on that same couch, re-reading Hogwarts: A History for the umpteenth time. Harry walked up to her and poked her shoulder lightly.
"G'morning, Hermione."
"Hello to you too, Harry. Where's Neville?"
"He's still waking himself up. What time is it?"
Hermione huffed slightly and pulled out her wand. "Tempus!"
The time showed as "07:27."
Harry shook his head a few times. "When did you learn that spell?"
Hermione cancelled the spell and looked at him, smirking slightly. "Few days ago, in the library."
"Only you would go looking for new things to learn, Hermione." Harry smiled softly.
Hermione smiled back, happy with the praise. Harry looked at her with a sense of mixture, as if he was thinking what to say next. She put the book down and focused her attention on him as he started playing with his fingers. Harry looked up and turned red, as she had caught on to the fact he wanted to say something. He cleared his throat.
"Hermione, I -" Before he could talk, however, Neville made an appearance on the balcony above the main room.
"Oi you two! Mind if you wait for me before you head to breakfast?"
Harry laughed uneasily. "Yeah, sure Nev."
Maybe another day, Potter…
\-0-0-/
October 5, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione was found perched in her normal seat in the Common Room looking through A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration. However, she wasn't reading. No, she was pre-occupied with what Harry was going to say to her that morning, before Neville interrupted them.
Neville, bless his soul, can choose the worse times to be unintentionally horrible! All week long, Hermione had tried to get Harry to divulge what he wanted to tell her about, but each time he said "Not now, Not here," and shook his head.
Hermione watched as Harry entered the Common Room with Neville. Enough is enough, Granger. Hermione very nearly slammed her book on the table, stood up and marched to Harry, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him out of the Common Room, much to the amusement of most of the House, watching a determined Hermione pull a freaked Harry outside.
Harry, for his part, was part guilty. He had a hunch on the reasoning between Hermione's ire. He didn't want to tell her. Not like this, and not today. But he was going to have to get through her persistence first. And, as Harry learned over the past month, that was about as easy as it was to unseat Headmaster Dumbledore from being the Headmaster.
Hermione yanked Harry into a quiet alcove near the Portrait Hole, and while she released him, still glared at him.
"Tell me Harry! You wanted to tell me something, tell me!" Hermione was shaking her hands. Now she looked at Harry as he took several deep breaths.
"Hermione," Harry began, matching eye-contact, minus glaring, "What I want to tell you isn't right… Not here, and not now. Can't you understand that?"
Hermione was put in her place for several seconds as those green orbs pierced her defenses. She, however, didn't back down.
"You have told me that all week! I'm impatient! Tell me!" Her gaze softened slightly. "Please, Harry. I'm losing it here!"
Harry, much to her disappointment, shook his head. "Not here, not now, Hermione. I'm sorry." And with that, he pushed her aside with just a tad more force than necessary and walked back to the Common Room, leaving a now angry Hermione in his wake.
Harry, to his credit, managed to slip past again, however he himself was growing restless too. He had been worming his way around this for the past two weeks, and his failed attempt to tell her only worsened his mood. But how to tell her? He was unsure now. She was getting on him about it, and he really wanted her to be in a decent mood when he told her. However, telling a girl with that temper that you only just started thinking her as a friend when she was already mad at you might not be a good match. Harry was struggling to stay in control of it, as for each passing minute that she didn't know could mean a loss of friendship between them, should one exist.
The question to consider, however, was why he was even doing all of this? Yes, she was a kind person, and yes, she had hurt him, but he, for the most part, forgave her. He considered Neville a good friend, and Neville knew it. He considered Ron a… friend… and Ron knew it. But he considered Hermione a friend too, but she didn't know that he thought of her as one, unless she thought him to be a friend already, which would make his whole statement about wanting to accept her as a friend worthless, as telling someone who considered you a friend that you would/had just considered them a friend too would be taken as an insult. Possibly, well, no. Probably.
This is where Harry hated the Dursleys to a degree. He had no prior friends to base his arguments off of, which was making him uneasy in all sorts of ways. Trying to comprehend these complex emotions was like asking Peter for a million dollars overnight. Both were impossible to fulfil. But yet, Hermione Granger stood out amongst all others.
Why? Simple. She made him feel emotions he had once though never existed. True anger. True hurt. True friendship. True emotions. Now, Harry was comprehending this as fast as a flat tire, but it was still slamming him even as he tried sleeping that night. He would need to think about this. He would need to tell her, eventually. The "How" and "When" were the new questions being asked.
\-0-0-/
October 7, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Transfiguration was painful for Harry. Not only was it one of the classes he actually had to focus on, it was the first of many classes that he head would be slamming him with argument after argument over his internal dispute about Her. Professor McGonagall had began to catch on to Harry's unusual behavior as Victoria, the Fat Lady portrait, had informed her that this was the start of the third week that Harry looked out of place, and the second day in a row where he had barley been focused on anything other than his two feet. As Head of Gryffindor House, Minerva felt it was her responsibility to care for all her Lions.
Neville was looking slightly out of sorts too. Whether it was because his two best friends were practically ignoring each other yesterday, or the fact that Harry looked like he was trying to answer the most impossible questions about Magic, he knew they were grumpy. All of them.
Thankfully, as if by a miracle, Ron knew to not push Harry's buttons more than once. Their encounter in the Common Room yesterday wasn't one that could be considered friendly, as Harry practically told Ron to shove it and leave him alone, all while Harry was pacing all around the Room with his eyes closed, muttering stuff under his breath. Hermione was about ready to shake whatever he wanted to tell her out of him, but restrained herself from doing so after his rude comment to Ron (to which Hermione and Neville both agreed he didn't deserve, despite how much of a prat he had been the past month) as she didn't need to get into more turmoil than she already was in.
Harry had bluntly refused to attend Quidditch Practice yesterday. After nearly getting his head chewed by Oliver, it took Katie, Ron, Neville, and Hermione to pacify the fifth year who practically worshipped Quidditch. Harry, however remained in the Common Room, still pacing.
"Potter! A word?" Professor McGonagall looked as the retreating form of Harry Potter stopped short, heaved a few sighs, turned around, and walked diligently up to the teacher's desk.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked without raising his head.
"Take a seat, Potter," she instructed, "Mr. Longbottom and Miss. Granger, please head to your next class, thank you." Professor McGonagall glanced at the two students standing in the doorway admit defeat and walk out. She would have to apologize to them, later, of course. Right now, she wanted answers.
"Mr. Potter, you were barley focused in my class today, why is that?" She started off light, as she hoped he would explain it all in time.
"I'm sorry Professor, it won't happen again." Harry replied, still looking down.
Professor McGonagall sighed silently. "Harry, look at me, and tell me what is troubling you?"
Harry took a deep breath and looked up. His eyes were red and screaming for sleep. His forehead was filled with small beads of sweat, and the boy looked like he'd overworked himself tenfold.
"I'm just tired, Ma'am. That's all."
Minerva could tell he was lying but wasn't talking, so she had no choice but to let him go.
"Mr. Potter, all right. Here is a pass so that Professor Snape will not get angry at you for being late." She handed him a slip of paper and he stood up with his stuff. Before he got out the door Professor McGonagall had one last parting statement.
"If you need anybody to talk to Potter, I am always here, as a teacher, Head of House, Deputy Headmistress, and an adult."
Harry nodded twice before exiting the classroom. Minerva sighed deeply as she was saddened that one of her Lions was not feeling well, whatever the reason may be.
\-0-0-/
Potions, in Neville's opinion, was normally nasty, but today it seemed worse. Harry had arrived at the classroom eight minutes late, and despite presenting his pass to Professor Snape, still lost Gryffindor twenty points for "dawdling in the halls."
As a First Year student, Neville understood that discipline was taken a lot more seriously, his Gran drilled that into his head over the summer, but not this harshly. Neville so badly needed to talk to his Gran, but feared her ire, whether it was on him or not. The best Neville would do at the current moment was keeping Harry from exploding, at anyone for any reason, as a mild case of his anger had already been let out at Ron, and that in itself was very uncomfortable.
Harry, extremely tired and already worn from lack of sleep and the constant hammering of thoughts in his head, quietly sat down next to Neville. Even Hermione, while very cross at Harry, could see he was hurting badly internally, so when he started mucking up his potion, she fixed his and eventually Neville's potion to avoid as much Snape abuse as possible. For their benefit, it worked, and Harry was able to get out of Potions without much restraint.
Lunch for the Trio was subdued, Harry sat opposite Neville and Hermione, picking at his food and not eating, despite both kid's attempts to make him see the light in eating. Harry shook his head each time, mumbling "I'm not hungry" over and over again until History of Magic would drain their time once again. Arguably, the only benefit of Double History meant Harry was allowed to pass out for two hours, after setting his quill to write notes for him, of course. Except all class long, he looked into thin air with his hands holding his chin up. He blinked occasionally, but never moved. Other than the fact that he had still set his quill to take notes for him, he himself seemed to not acknowledge the current reality.
Herbology was no different for Harry. He was unfocused and uncooperative. Pomona Sprout had hoped that Minerva was exaggerating about Harry's lack of behavior, but it seemed it was true. Three times Neville stopped Harry's plant from biting his finger, with each time Harry mumbling a "thank you," and going back to his old thing.
Fortunately for Harry's sake, he ate a few potatoes from the evening feast, but his mood still was unchanged. This didn't matter to either Neville or Hermione, both were glad Harry was eating anything. His mood over the past few days was bad, and
Hermione felt a pang of guilt for yelling at him that day. She only hoped it wouldn't last.
October 12, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
It lasted. Harry had remained in his funk all week, refusing to go to Quidditch Practice twice more and practically becoming a husk in his classes, much to the amusement of a majority of the Slytherins and Professor Snape.
Neville, however, was practically fed up. He had a haunting suspicion of why Harry was in this funk, but he hoped he was wrong. It was about Hermione. Harry had confided in him a few weeks earlier about his internal conflict about being friends with both Hermione and Ron. Neville, being blunt, had told him to make the tough decisions. He felt it was his fault Harry was in this funk. But the exact reasoning eluded him. Unfortunately, Neville was not one to be brave. Harry's mood this past week did seem extreme. And it wasn't clear as to why.
\-0-0-/
Harry was an emotional trainwreck. He never felt this way before. Never so tense. Never so conflicted. Never so angry. At himself, Hermione, Neville, Ron, Oliver, Peter, the Dursleys, anyone that made him feel like crap for any reason whatsoever. It all started with him assessing his new friendship with the others. With Hermione.
That girl has done more damage to him in a month than the Dursleys have in ten years for goodness sake! His head was literally pounding due to the nonstop arguments between his morality and his conscious about her! He had wanted to tell her, he really did! But he was deep in… this hole he dug himself in. He knew he was causing it, he could end it all by just telling her, but the irrational side of his head yelled at him for thinking that.
For how she would react? Not good. Harry needed, no wanted, to tell her under these circumstances:
-Hermione and him both were civil to each other.
-Neither held a current grudge over another.
-No interruptions that could jeopardize the explanation.
-The time had to be right, and natural.
Harry very nearly had it last week, but Neville interrupted, and unfortunately for Harry, it sent him into a down spiral that he seemed he couldn't get out of. For the above listed criteria seemed impossible to achieve anymore. That evening, while Neville and Hermione were visiting the Gamekeeper Hagrid, Harry thought of the only person he trusted enough to even try to divulge his issues to: His Head of House, Professor McGonagall.
\-0-0-/
Minerva was currently debating whether or not to grade her Fifth Year's opening OWL drafts or waste the night drinking a five-year old bottle of Firewhiskey. She decided on the Firewhiskey. However, before she could waste herself, a couple of knocks were heard from the door. Minerva, not expecting anybody that evening, quickly put away the Firewhiskey and pushed the wrinkles in her blouse out before waving her hand, unlocking the door. She sighed a mix of dread and relief when Harry Potter timidly stuck his head in the office.
"May I come in Professor? I really need to talk to someone."
Minerva nodded quickly. "Yes Mr. Potter, come in. Take a seat. What seems to be troubling you?"
Harry moved slowly towards the offered seat. When he sat down, he took several deep breaths. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Harry again took several deep breaths.
"I need help, Professor." Harry began, now having his Head of House's full attention. Minerva let the boy speak, she was hoping she could finally understand why he had been acting gloomy for the past week.
And Harry then started talking. About his internal arguments, his straining friendship with Neville and Ron, the inner conflict around Hermione, his fears, his discoveries, anything that he was thinking of. He found that once he started talking, he couldn't stop. Not that he wanted to, anyways. He opened his floodgates, and this was the result.
Minerva could only sigh heavily. How had Harry gotten so low over this? She spoke the only piece of advice she hoped that would help Harry.
"I believe that if it is Miss Granger causing your… stress lately," she quickly spoke again when Harry's head shot up, "I mean, if you are in this state because of Miss Granger, you should try talking to her, explaining everything as you have me."
She looked at Harry as he presumably ran calculations in his head. What actually was going on was the fact Harry was attempting to formulate an argument to go against Professor McGonagall's advice.
"It isn't right! It isn't a good time for that Professor!"
"And do you think there ever will be a 'proper time' to divulge this to her?" Professor McGonagall raised her eyes at Harry thought.
He admitted defeat. "No, Professor, I don't think so."
Minerva settled back into her chair. "Mr. Potter, if you say the only way to tell her is at a point when you say it is a 'right time' but that right time will never come as you are in your present state ruining any potential times, how do you expect to resolve this?"
Harry looked horrified as he realized the infinite loop he was causing. Minerva took this as a positive sign. "Might I suggest simply talking to her? If she is as good a friend you claim to hope she is, wouldn't she understand what another friend is going through?"
She knew she was taking a potentially dangerous risk here, but all logical options seemed closed to her and this appeared, to Minerva at least, the only viable solution to get Harry back to his attentive self and to maybe lessen the stress he was currently facing outside of academics.
Harry didn't have an answer for his Professor, but quietly thanked her for the insight. He left the office feeling only slightly better, with his Professor's words now occupying the previously vacated spots in his head with this new question: Might I suggest simply talking to her?
Talking to Hermione. The whole reason he was in this mess. But it, as pointed out yet again, the only appropriate way out. Talk to Hermione. To be honest, he didn't even have to tell her the all important "I think you now as a friend" conversation, at least not now. Simply talking to her would bring him closer to that magical point where all his previous criteria would be met.
\-0-0-/
October 13, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry did sleep that night, only mildly past last night's conversation. Fortunately, he was able to eat before Neville and Hermione returned from their visit. He couldn't bear to see either of them, not yet at least, especially Hermione. He geared himself up and headed outside to the Pitch. Oliver was there, in the locker room, drawing up maps and diagrams. He was the only one there. Until Harry made himself known.
"Hey, Oliver, I'm sorry for missing practice all last week."
Oliver very nearly jumped out of his shoes at that, but he turned around and smiled at Harry. "Don't ya worry about it Harry, we all have our down periods. Listen, I'm sorry about me pushin' ya last week, I just love Quidditch and I do admit I got out of control."
"Don't mention it Oliver, I wasn't feeling good then and kind of took my anger out on my friends, sorry."
Both Quidditch players were smiling now, both had forgiven each other, and Oliver clapped Harry's shoulders before returning to his board, visible more excited. Harry did miss Quidditch, even if it was for a week. Pretty soon the other players reached the Pitch, with Katie smiling warmly at Harry before attempting to squeeze the life out Oliver, perhaps in thanks for getting Harry back or the fact that she quite clearly liked him (Harry didn't know how to tell the difference, he had only been told this by Hermione around the time of Quidditch Tryouts).
Although Harry hated hugs, he could see that his teammates were happy when they received one. Perhaps Harry could hug Hermione instead of telling her? No. He screamed at her the only time she tried to hug him, but then, he didn't understand anything other than yelling and hitting, so perhaps he could? Harry couldn't dwell on this as Oliver had called their practice to start.
"Righty all, so again, first game, mind you against Slytherin, is on the Second," he waited until he got six head nods, then continued. "Now, as we all know, well except you Potter, but that's alright, Slytherin likes to cheat. Reason why I haven't started putting us towards deflecting said cheatin' is because I want our skills to so outdo theirs that them cheating would be made blatantly obvious if they tried."
A round of cheers flooded the room, then Oliver continued. "Harry, until now you've been chasing golf balls that are thrown at you from far distances. Now, I'm going to put you up against the real thing."
Harry nodded happily. Finally getting to chase the snitch brought his hopes up. When the team finally made it out to the Pitch, Neville was in the stands, waving to Harry. Harry hopped on his Nimbus and flew over to him, and yelled a happy "Hello!" to Neville who chuckled.
'Only Harry can be happy when he's riding a broomstick at 5:30 in the morning,' Neville thought. It definitely was a change from last week. He then frowned at that thought. Hermione still refused to talk to him, and refused to attend Harry's Quidditch practice, despite him telling her he would be going. It seems his two week absence in her life took a toll on her somehow. Neville didn't know what to think anymore. His two best friends had been in and out of each other since the first day of school.
While Neville was thinking this, Harry had been zooming all around the Pitch catching the Snitch left, right, and center. The girls were glad that Harry was finally smiling again, and Fred and George were, well Fred and George.
Harry was glad he was smiling again. Going weeks without properly smiling made him feel like he was reverting to his old self from Privet Drive, fortunately Quidditch, it seemed, was his lifeline. Oliver had Harry catch Snitches for an hour, while Angelina, Katie, and Alicia worked on separate Chaser formations to annoy the Slytherins. Fred and George were conjuring moving targets and aiming their bludgers at them. Most of them were cardboard cutouts of Marcus Flint's head. (Marcus was the captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team.)
As practice wound down, Oliver called the team in for a final word. He was exceptionally happy at Harry's performance, and amazed at the formations his Chasers were coming up with, and happily annoyed at the Twin's antics with the bludgers. All in all, a successful practice.
\-0-0-/
Harry arrived in the Great Hall at 7:40, he had stayed behind to talk to Oliver about the upcoming game, and by the time he finished, he found that Neville had already left to head back to the castle.
Harry piled some food on his plate, realizing he was hungry made his stomach hurt even more. Ron joined him about ten minutes later, and Harry apologized for snapping at him the week prior. Ron shook it off saying it didn't really matter and started shoveling food into his mouth. Harry nodded in reply.
After breakfast, Harry headed back to the Common Room, where he collapsed on one of the couches and promptly fell asleep. He would sleep right up until dinner. He needed that sleep, he needed to clear his head, recharge his body, reassess his path. When he was awoken by Neville roughly twelve hours later, he had a game plan. He needed to be calmer, he would be more cheery, and most importantly, he would not ignore Neville, Hermione, or anyone else. Or so he thought.
Doing what he wanted to do was harder than he thought, a lot harder in fact. Once he learned Hermione wouldn't talk to him now, he realized he had messed up badly. So badly, it might be worse than his weeks in pain.
\-0-0-/
October 14, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Life without Hermione talking to Harry quickly began. She completely ignored Harry when he playfully poked her that morning, and at breakfast, when he offered her some food. (she chose to think he was offering Neville the food as he didn't call her by name.) Neville tried to reason with her, and soon Neville too learned how hard it was to change Hermione Granger's mind. Classes were over, with Astronomy later that night, when Neville approached Hermione in the library.
"Hermione?" Neville asked, sitting down next to her at her usual table.
"Mhm?" Her response came without her moving her head from the book.
"Hermione, Harry-"
"Do you like cleaning charms, Neville?" Hermione interrupted.
"Hermione, listen to me-"
"Apparently it's all us muggleborns are good for at the Ministry of Magic!"
"Hermione, please-"
"Then again, this was written by a Pureblood in 1876, so I think I can see that the book is biased."
"Hermione Harry really-"
"I love books, Neville. Would you like a book?"
"Hermione!" Neville raised his voice nearly two octaves. Hermione's head pivoted to Neville, who was breathing heavily.
"What, Neville?" She took a deep breath.
Neville stared at his best friend. "I know you kind of hate Harry, but-"
"Hate him? That boy practically ignored me for two weeks straight! And now he suddenly wants to talk to me again? Pfft! I think not!" Hermione's anger began to bubble up inside her. Poor Neville didn't see it. He was literally attempting to drain Gryffindor of their courage so he could try to change her mind.
"Hermione-"
"Leave me alone Neville, please. Just leave me alone to my books and studies," she pleaded.
Neville looked down at his feet, shuffling them uncomfortably. "Try to talk to him, please?"
Hermione huffed as her anger once again was bubbling to her throat. "Why should I?"
Neville looked her in the eyes when he replied. "He needs you, Hermione. Just do it." And with that, Neville seemed to lose all his courage and quickly left the library, leaving a slightly irate Hermione behind, thinking about his words. He needs you. Hermione had lots of thinking to do.
\-0-0-/
October 17, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione was uncomfortable. Maybe it was the fact that she was still yet to talk to Harry, or Harry had not tried to talk to her, or maybe it was because her parents still hadn't replied to her plea for help? Either way, Harry looked bad. He looked so much better compared to last week, but still. Yesterday, she refused to go to his Quidditch practice, and was planning to skip it again tomorrow. According to Neville, Quidditch practice seemed to be the only thing keeping Harry going at Hogwarts nowadays.
On top of that, Professor McGonagall wanted to talk to her after her Potions class! Hermione felt like she was going to lose her marbles! So, being the respectful student she was, she knocked on Professor McGonagall's office door, and ten seconds later was allowed in.
Professor McGonagall smiled at her before motioning her hand towards a seat, a seat Hermione quickly filled.
"Now, Miss Granger, I would like to ask you, how well are you adapting to the Magical world?"
Hermione blinked. "What?"
Minerva smiled at the girl. "I do remember about a year ago when I visited your residence with your acceptance letter. I would like to know how you are doing?"
"Oh! Oh!" Hermione cried out, "Oh, I'm doing fine Professor! Absolutely fine!"
"Any problems with any of your House or Year mates that I should be concerned about?"
Before Hermione spoke though, she added, "Other than Draco Malfoy, though. I've had far too many complaints about him."
She shook her head. She then looked at Hermione who appeared to be debating something. She finally responded to her Professor.
"No Ma'am, none at all."
McGonagall simply nodded her head. "Is there anything you would like to tell or ask me now?"
Hermione shook her head. "No Professor, thank you."
"Very well then Miss Granger, you are free to go. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Hermione stood up quickly. "Thank you, Professor," and she hurriedly ran out of the office.
Minerva sighed. Something was troubling the usually bright girl. Whether it had to do with Harry Potter was uncertain. However, she did not feel it was her right to probe deeper, so she only, silently, hoped that the two would figure it out amongst themselves.
She really did not like it when her Lions were not happy.
\-0-0-/
October 16 and 18, 1991
18 Hempstead Avenue, Crawley
Samuel Granger was enjoying the afternoon off from the clinic mowing the lawn. Helen came out periodically to comment on his work and to give him some icy water as refreshment. Sam knew that the first snow would come sometime early November, so mowing the lawn one last time before it all gets iced over by frost and snow seemed a fitting close to the year, at least for the grass.
He was running down the last few passes of the yard when a very loud and high pitched "Hoot!" was heard from the Granger's rooftop. Sam dropped the trimmer he was using and Helen bolted outside to pinpoint the cause of confusing. Both parents were relieved when it was an owl with a rolled up letter on its leg.
Helen quickly put out a bowl of water and some cold bacon strips while Samuel pulled the letter off the owl's leg. He became immediately concerned when it was his daughter's handwriting, complaining about Harry Potter, her studies, and her friendships. She asked her parents for advice on what to do.
When Helen was asked about Harry Potter, she did recall it was the same boy who helped Hermione feel special with her birthday last month. When Samuel finished reading the letter, he looked about ready to banish this Harry Potter as far away from his young daughter as possible.
Helen read part of the letter again.
He went to tell me something, but then didn't, and now refused to tell me what it was. Then he spent a whole week skipping Quidditch and ignoring classes! Then Neville comes up to me and tells me to talk to him, but why should I do that is he clearly shows no interest in talking to me?
This happened on Wednesday.
Friday evening, she managed to stop her husband from sending a threat message to Harry Potter, however it was difficult as his protective senses were on overdrive. Helen penned a note of her own to the owl, and it left the Granger household.
\-0-0-/
October 19, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry was currently going through his carefully thought-out plan again.
"Hermione, can I talk to you please, alone?"
He would then lead her outside the Common Room to that same alcove she cornered him in a few weeks prior, and just open up.
Might I suggest simply talking to Miss Granger?
Harry had to accept that he was either about to get this all blown up in his face, or the hopeful option of her understanding his situation. Knowing his way of explaining things, that might be easier said than done.
If she is as good a friend you claim to hope she is, wouldn't she understand what another friend is going through?
Harry had to rely on himself to explain himself to her. He had to know, quickly, if Hermione Granger was going to be a thorn in his side, much like Draco Malfoy.
'Don't you dare compare her to Malfoy, Potter!' Harry chastised himself.
Neville did try to get her to talk to him, but she still maintained radio silence. For good luck, Harry decided it would be a good idea to bash his head against his multitude of pillows.
The only thing that came out of that was a mild headache. Dammit.
\-0-0-/
Hermione was anxious. She had just received her reply from her parents.
Pumpkin,
I'm really sorry about what you are dealing with. If you could see this, your father is pulling a temper tantrum over the whole thing. But you asked for my advice.
The only advice I can give you is to do what you think is best. If you think it will be best to ignore Harry Potter, then ignore Harry Potter. Before you do that though, I think you know that Harry Potter is different. Based on the letter you sent us, there is more than what he shows.
I know I can't make decisions for you anymore sweetie, but if what you told us is true, Harry Potter and that Longbottom boy are the only people there, your age, whom are friendly to you in the capacity that you want friendships to be at. Think about that before you act.
I love you Hermione, and so does Dad. We trust you will do what is best for yourself.
Much Love,
Mum (and Dad in spirit)
Hermione thought for a good few minutes. She came to the sad conclusion that to avoid the pain she endured back in Crawley Primary, she would stop talking to Harry Potter. She couldn't risk getting teased again or ignored again. She felt bad, he had helped organize her twelfth birthday party, and did try to be kind, but him ignoring her most of the month made her well up in tears.
After putting the letter in her trunk, she grabbed her copy of Hogwarts: A History and headed downstairs. Ignoring him would be easy. He hadn't spoken a word to her in the past week, which was disappointing. If he continued that way, it might be easier for her to forget he was even a stain in her life. Caught by surprise, she jumped in shock when she heard her name being called.
"Hermione?"
She stopped moving. Should she look up, she would be again talking to Harry. He needs you.
She ignored him, conveniently attempting to forget Neville's words too.
"Hermione?"
He needs you.
"Hermione, please!"
'Ignore him Granger. You said you would ignore him.'
"Hermione?" His voice was much quieter now, it was almost as if he was thinking of accepting defeat. "Hermione, please, turn around."
He needs you.
'Ignore them! Both of them!'
He needs you.
"Hermione?" Harry called out one last time, and decided to stand there, as uncomfortable as it made him, he had to try.
Hermione ignored him for a full two minutes as she read Hogwarts: A History. She mentally sighed when she realized he wasn't moving.
She looked up at him, anger dancing in her eyes.
"What do you want, Harry?" This was the first time she had spoken to him in two weeks, and she was mentally running through the jinxes and hexes she would use on herself for allowing herself to talk to him.
Harry fidgeted. "Can I talk to you, alone?"
Hermione scoffed. "We are alone."
Harry shook his head. "Please?"
He looked at her with pleading eyes. He knew he couldn't do this in the Common Room. He wouldn't do this in the Common Room.
Hermione brought her hand to her eyes in frustration. He needs you.
"Fine, Harry. Fine. Where are we going?" Hermione responded slowly and deliberately.
Harry nodded quickly. "Follow me."
He turned and walked out of the Common Room. Hermione reluctantly followed him, Hogwarts: A History still in her arms should she need to whack his head with it for any reason.
Harry led her to that same alcove she pushed him into, only this time he was leading.
Hermione leaned against the wall, huffing in annoyance. "So? What do you need to tell me?"
Harry closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Might I suggest simply talking to Miss Granger?
Harry opened his eyes and looked at Hermione.
"Hermione," he began, "there is a reason why I haven't talked to you in a while."
"You got that right," Hermione huffed.
"Please," Harry winced. If she is as good a friend you claim to hope she is, wouldn't she understand what another friend is going through?
He sighed. "The reason I didn't talk to you is because the thing I wanted to tell you was something I didn't think I could tell you at any random point."
Hermione narrowed her eyes. "And what is this 'thing you couldn't tell me at any random point'?"
Harry sighed. This was it. He was going to either be really lucky or really unlucky. May Peter bless him. And forget about buildup, Hermione was not one to linger, especially with how precarious their friendship and interactions were at this point.
"I – I wanted to think that you were one of my best friends. That is what I wanted to tell you that day. But, after Neville interrupted, I felt I lost the moment forever."
Hermione was about to scream at him until she processed his words. "I wanted to think that you were one of my best friends."
It took her five seconds to fully understand everything that happened over the past three weeks. It was Harry's insecurities about accepting her as a friend that he didn't want to lose her as a friend by telling her.
When he had asked her what she had thought of him after his first outburst, she replied with "A boy with no magical experience following a bad childhood."
Harry found it hard to trust people. Extremely hard to make friends. He had let very little of his story to her, about his life, but to the stuff she did know, she had forgotten it.
Meanwhile, Harry continued talking. "I spent all that time trying to justify telling you, and it possessed me. I tried to find a spot that I could tell you, but my head was screaming at me to not do it. For it was not the right time."
Hermione's legs felt weak. She closed her eyes as her tears threatened to fall. He wasn't ignoring her. He didn't have much trust, he didn't want to mess up. He hadn't known how to act. Despite him blowing up at her the last time she tried, she hopped to him, dropping her book, and threw her arms around Harry, who instantly went stiff as a rock.
The fact that his breathing was heavier, but he remained still did nothing to stop her from crying her eyes out, repeating "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" over and over into his ear.
From Harry's perspective, he was completely uncomfortable. 'This is Hermione, and you just dumped the reasons behind your pain to her, of course she is going to hug you!' Harry didn't dare move, even as he felt her arms trying to squeeze him even tighter, her hair full in his face.
After several minutes, Harry's breathing settled, and Hermione gently pulled away, now feeling like a complete idiot. Looking at Harry who himself was starting to tear up, she wanted to run and cry for hours. Finally, Harry spoke again.
"I… I don't know where this puts us, and I'm really sorry for dumping this all on you now, I um…" he gestured with his hands as a sign of being lost.
"Well, and only if you want to, we can be friends, friend?" she looked up at Harry, who was nervously ringing his hands.
"Friends, friend." Harry managed a very weak smile, however the hope in his eyes was evident.
Hermione smiled in return. "Harry, I was wondering, and you don't have to do this now, whenever you want to really, but could you tell me some of your pre-Hogwarts life?"
Harry looked at his feet. "I don't know yet, Hermione. I'm really sorry. I need time. I don't know how much, I just need time."
Hermione rapidly nodded. "That's fine, Harry. I'm sorry-"
"You're fine," Harry interrupted. He kneeled and picked up her book. "Here."
Hermione took her copy back gratefully. "Breakfast and then Hagrid's with Neville?"
Harry nodded. "I think I can agree to that, Hermione. Thank you."
\-0-0-/
Neville met up with Harry and Hermione in the Great Hall later that morning. To say that Neville was shocked at the sudden change of attitude in both his friends was an understatement. He was absolutely thrilled!
Harry wore a small smile that didn't look like it was from Quidditch, and Hermione was sporting a smile of her own by biting her lip while reading and eating her breakfast simultaneously.
Later on, the trio visited Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Hagrid was especially happy to talk to Harry, as the last time the duo had a decent conversation was on his birthday, the day he rescued him from the Dursleys.
"Hagrid," Harry began, "Can you enlighten me on something, please?"
"Anythin' Harry, what is it?"
"A few weeks ago, if you remember The Daily Prophet had done a piece on an attempted Gringotts robbery. That vault was 713. Hagrid, what was that thing that you took that day? Why would someone want to break into one of the most secure places in the magical world?"
Hagrid sighed heavily. "What you have to understand Harry is that It is a very powerful and dangerous object that Professor Dumbledore was tasked to protect."
"And the object was?" Harry pressed, slightly annoyed.
"Can't tell yer that Harry. That's between me an' Dumbledore… I shouldn't a told ya' that." Hagrid turned away, chastising himself.
Harry silently sighed in annoyance. He, however, didn't press it. If it was safe with Dumbledore, then it had to be safe. In the meanwhile, he, Hermione, and Neville decided to stay and keep Hagrid company for the next several hours. Even if not a lot was done in terms of studying, the kids enjoyed the time in the presence of their friend, and Harry and Hermione were now much happier now that neither held a petty grudge over another.
Hermione had even promised to go to Harry's Quidditch practices (If not only to see the fabled smiles Neville gushes about). She knew that she couldn't go from wanting to sever ties with Harry to forgiving him near instantly in a day mentally, but decided, for once, to work it out at another date. After all, while her pain had been caused by Harry, he did feel much the same way: Not taking risks and not taking chances.
\-0-0-/
October 20, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Much to Hermione's disappointment, she did not see one of Harry's brilliant smiles that Neville loved telling her about. Sure, Harry looked excited when he caught the Snitch, but even Neville was puzzled at the lack of enthusiasm coming from Harry.
Unbeknownst to them, Oliver had just signed the team up to a two week straight practice schedule in preparation for the match against Slytherin. Harry was upset, it meant less time with Neville and Hermione, and even less time for sleep and his studies.
The Professors had slowly started to pile more work into each class. Harry found that his three foot Potions essay from back then was nothing compared to the work his Professors were assigning the class now. Essay this and Essay that. Harry understood it for Potions, Transfiguration and Herbology, but Charms, Astronomy, and even History? Binns was slowly living up to the name of being the most boring Professor to grace the students this year.
Defense was the only class they never got any homework in. Quirrell was too busy trying to form coherent sentences and Harry was too busy dealing with his constant headache every time he walked into the room. The only relief Harry had when it came to these essays was that he was given two weeks for most of them, with the sole exception of Astronomy.
Harry had pushed his way through his first batch of essays without Hermione's help, and kicked himself over it. I mean, getting an average of A on his essays were somewhat expected when it came to magical theory, and Harry, to his credit, was not really good at essay writing, even in Primary. He hoped, for his own sake, that Hermione would grace him with her assistance when he would inevitably ask her to review his essays.
But back to Quidditch. Katie was slightly terrified, as the rumors about the Quidditch maniac captain's schedules were looking true. Angelina and Alicia were too worried about Katie's reaction, and although it was her first year on the team, Oliver tended to not notice in exchange for picking out skill. Fred and George were, you guessed it, Fred and George. They threw playful jabs at Oliver's schedule but still promised to show, if not for the not-so-subtle promise by Oliver that they could bash bludgers against cutouts of Flint's head (both greedily accepted).
So it was a slightly irate Harry who joined his team as they flew out onto the Pitch. Harry quickly spotted Neville, and to his surprise, Hermione.
'I guess she did decide to come back after all.'
Harry mentally smiled at that thought. He then put his attention in finding the Snitch. Since the sun was still peaking over the mountains, Harry found it slightly more difficult to find the Snitch, but eight minutes later, when he caught it, let out a triumphant "Whoop!" and did a loop-de-loop on his Nimbus. After releasing it again and waiting several minutes, he chased after it again, back in his concentration mode.
The Chasers were enjoying themselves, with Angelina and Alicia cheering up Katie, who was still terrified of the next two weeks of practice. Fred and George were just finishing up their conjurations of Flint's head on cardboard cutouts and the sun was now beaming into the Pitch. Harry's cry of joy catching the Snitch again brought a smile to everyone's faces. What also brought a chuckle to everyone was Fred and George's bickering on the more accurate head shot of the cutouts.
So, all in all, a successful Quidditch practice.
\-0-0-/
October 21, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
If Harry had thought that last week was rough in terms of work, he was sorely mistaken. Apparently the "two week deadline" to last week's essays did not apply here. He got homework in Transfiguration, Charms, and Herbology. If that wasn't rough enough, he had his Astronomy paper due tonight. At least he finished it.
Now pair this with Wood's Quidditch practice, and the energy Harry lost because of it. Then add in the fact that despite making up, Hermione was still wary of him. And Ron was slowly creeping back onto his nerves since he had stopped being so isolated and weird.
Harry thought about this rationally. Ron was just trying to be there for him, should he need it. Neville was doing the same thing, and so was Hermione. Harry sighed and accepted he wouldn't be alone because his friends wouldn't let him alone without a good reason.
That evening, while the evening feast was being served, Harry hopelessly went through his Astronomy essay. Hermione took pity on him and reviewed it for him, pointing out two points he had to elaborate on to further prove his hypothesis. Harry quickly nodded and started scribbling away. Suffice to say that Harry received an Exceeds Expectations in that essay that night.
October 22, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry had woken up very early that morning, only getting enough sleep to function at all at five in the morning. Seriously! He would have to have a chat with Wood about practice. The regular schedule is fine, but added practices after a midnight class? Even Harry was exhausted by that. Then again, as it was only until their game, Harry decided to just accept it. Neville wasn't waking up, understandable since he would be asking him to sacrifice three hours of much needed sleep. Harry got himself prepared for Quidditch that morning.
Breakfast wasn't fun. Harry and Katie were practically supporting each other to the Great Hall, where warm food and lots of drinks awaited them. Hermione and Neville both met them there, and prepared for classes.
It was a shame that History of Magic wasn't today, Harry would've appreciated the sleep.
October 23, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Neville and Hermione showed up to Harry's Quidditch practice, even if both were desperately trying to not fall asleep on one another.
It sucked worse because they had double Potions. Neville was worried about it, but Hermione promised she would keep him awake. The trio, even if Harry was flying around the Pitch at the time, all agreed on sleep during Binns' class.
Potions still sucked though. Snape lectured for two hours straight before singling out the students for their imperfections in their potions. Neville and Harry were at the top of his list, despite getting Hermione's assistance. Or maybe it was because they had her assistance. Ron was also at the top of his list, but that was because he didn't focus in class as much as he should. Hermione also had a small row with Oliver, no biggie.
However, Astronomy was the hardest class that day, especially because it was a midnight class. At least they had some energy from Binns' sleep-in and the meals.
\-0-0-/
October 24, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Today was a surprisingly quiet day for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Oliver cancelled Quidditch practice that evening due to the sheer intensity of Hermione Granger's anger.
Flashback:
Hermione walked up to Oliver Wood while Harry and Neville were slowly falling asleep while eating lunch.
"Ah! Hello Hermione-"
"No!" Hermione hissed at the older boy. "You're running Harry ragged! He is losing too much sleep over this! You need to cancel tomorrow's practice, and not just for Harry!"
"Hermione, I can't-"
"Yes you will! I swear by Merlin if he passes out on that broom I'll get on it myself and whack you with it!"
Oliver was about to laugh at that when he saw her eyes glaring at his. "Alright, Hermione. Alright. I'll do it. But Potter-"
"Harry Is more than trained for the game, Wood! Have you seen him at all this week?!"
"Yeah, but you can never have too much practice!" Oliver quipped.
"Too much practice is leading to that!" Hermione waved her hand towards Harry and Neville who were trying to eat their sandwich without flopping their head on the table in exhaustion.
Oliver nodded. "I'm sorry. It's just that-"
"You love Quidditch, I know. Harry's told me."
Oliver grinned. Hermione huffed before returning to her friends, who after being poked in the sides, quickly woke up and rubbed their eyes.
End Flashback
Harry got to sleep in this morning. He got a glorious six hours of sleep before Neville was nudging him awake.
"It's Seven mate. Hermione is waiting for us. I mean you." Neville laughed.
Harry, now awake and mostly recharged, hopped out of bed.
"Oh," Harry groaned, "We have Flying with Madam Hooch today."
"Ah." Neville still wasn't a fan of that class.
"C'mon, lets head downstairs. 'Mione will be waiting for us." Harry beckoned.
Neville smirked slightly. "'Mione?"
Harry tinged pink. "Shut up."
Neville proceeded to laugh.
Because Harry was more awake and alert, he continued to feel nauseous in Defense. His Quill kept everything Quirrell said written down while Harry had closed his eyes to try to kick the pain out of him. This was becoming normal for him.
A very quiet History class later and the trio found themselves in the Great Hall, with Hermione going over the boys' essays for Potions. She was blunt and explained they needed work but were sufficient in terms of content.
"Overall good job guys!" Hermione flashed her smile at them. Both boys smiled back.
"Pathetic! Twenty Points from Gryffindor!" Snape sneered when he received Harry and Neville's essay.
Harry sighed. Hermione looked worriedly at her friends. Neville just sat down. An ending to their Thursday. Unfortunately it was expected from the greasy-haired Potions Master.
\-0-0-/
October 25, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry was awake at the usual time for his five AM Quidditch practice. He was warily joined by Hermione, Neville had to pass as he was absolutely knackered. As they were walking to the Pitch, the pair had a few minutes to chat with one another.
"Hermione, I just want to apologize again. I was wrong then." Harry started.
"Harry, you don't need to apologize. Yeah, I acted bad to you, and I'm sorry. Thing is though, I was worried about you. Even if you didn't really want to talk to me then."
Harry nodded. "I realized that. It was just my thoughts hurting my brain every second of that… argument I had within me. You know that I would never intentionally hurt you, Hermione. Right?"
Hermione nodded quickly. "Yeah, Harry. I know. And I know you didn't mean to hurt me then." Hermione laughed. "Ironic, isn't it. You wanted to keep me happy but oblivious to you I wasn't happy you were ignoring me."
Harry scratched his neck in response. "Yeah.. I was pretty stupid."
"No. Not stupid. Illogically wrong, yeah."
"How are those different?" Harry asked.
"Mine is a logical explanation, yours isn't." Hermione replied as if it was the most obvious response.
Harry smiled a bit. "Yeah… Illogically wrong."
By this point, the duo had reached the Pitch.
"I'll be in the stands, Harry. If you hurt yourself I'll be mad." Hermione told him while failing to hide her smile.
"I'll stay safe, Hermione."
Hermione nodded. She was still owed a Potter Smile after all.
\-0-0-/
Hermione got it. It was right after Harry took off after letting the Snitch go for the third time. The sun was peeking over the mountains by now, and Harry broke out into one of his brilliant smiles that she realized she missed. The last time he had smiled like that, that she remembered, was the day she showed him the Cup that had his dad's name on it. Even if it was a watery Potter Smile, it was still one of his most brilliant moments, in her opinion.
Harry was brilliant on a broomstick. Especially his Nimbus 2000. He was a natural in flying. And he was a good friend. Even if his… methods aren't common, he still did what he thought was best for his friendship. Unfortunately, it led to him being on blackout for two weeks. She was glad they were able to make up. It was awkward being around Neville when he'd spend half his time looking after Harry.
Harry was a different person, Hermione understood that. She liked different people. Neville was shy, Harry was guarded. And she was isolated. The three made perfect sense together. Hermione still smiled at the memories she, Neville, and Harry have made. An excellence catch by Harry made her stop thinking, after all she was still watching a Quidditch Practice.
\-0-0-/
October 26, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Ron was fuming in anger. He'd pestered Harry for weeks to try out his broom, and the boy had not let him use it. Why be his friend if he wouldn't share? Ron sighed. It was the girl. Hermione Granger stole all his time. And Neville Longbottom. Those three were linked at the arms. Even Harry's stupidity earlier in the month didn't separate them. Ron really wanted to be close friends again with Harry. He wanted to ride his broom. He wanted to be "in" on the Boy-Who-Lived adventures! So Ron approached Harry when he was reading after breakfast that morning.
"Hey Harry, wanna play some chess?" Ron asked.
"Don't think I know how to play it, Ron." Harry replied honestly. Harry looked at Hermione who smiled ever so slightly. "Can you teach me?" He asked.
Ron grinned. "Sure Harry! Come on!" Perhaps being friends with Ron isn't such a bad idea after all.
Two hours later, Harry had the basics of Wizards' Chess down when he and Ron started playing actual games. That is when the questioning began.
"So, Harry. How've classes been so far?" Ron started.
"Pretty good, to be honest. Other than Professor Snape, the other classes are good. Well, not Defense." Harry responded.
"The stuttering?" Ron asked. Harry nodded to that. "Well mate, have you thought about sitting in the back of the classroom?"
Harry shrugged. "It really isn't bad Ron. Just periodically in there."
Ron nodded. "What about Hermione?"
Harry looked up. "What about her?"
"I mean, what is she like? Y'know. Other than the know-it-all bookworm stuff she spews everyday?"
"Ron, I suggest you stop badmouthing her." Harry shrugged. "She's different. Just like you and me, Ron."
Ron flashed his eyebrows in annoyance. "By the way, when am I going to get to fly on your broom Harry?"
Harry, already slightly annoyed at Ron's jab against Hermione, asked, "What about my broom?"
Ron shrugged. "You said I could ride it someday, and I kind of want to ride it, y'know, to see how it feels. I'm sure you let Neville and Hermione fly on it. Right?"
Harry looked at Ron with disbelief. "Ron, for your information, Hermione hates flying and the last time Nev touched a broomstick he broke his wrist! And, not going to lie mate, I wouldn't let them on it either. Plus, what if it gets damaged? I won't have a broom to fly and Oliver will hate me!"
Ron mostly ignored it, however. "Harry, no one is going to damage the broom! It's a broomstick. These things are meant to be used!"
Harry's eyes went wide. "Ron, I've been dragged out of bed at five am for the past month since I got this for Quidditch practice. This broom is used, its just not at a time when you're awake to see it." Harry's gaze softened. "If you really want to see my practice, come out to the Pitch sometime next week in the morning. If not, the game is next week anyways."
"Look Harry, no offense mate, but that's the best model there is now! You gotta let me ride it mate!"
At this point, neither boy noticed that the occupants of the Common Room were now listening intently to their conversation.
Harry stared at Ron. "Give me a reason to let you."
Ron thought for a minute. "Well, first of all, I asked, and second I'm one of your friends!"
Harry was open mouthed at this. "Ron… What is it with you and my broom? Why can't you accept 'no'?"
Ron was getting annoyed now. "I've been asking for a month, Harry. A month! As a person who loves Quidditch, a great broomstick is something all Quidditch fans love to see, and even more to ride!"
"So… me letting you ride my broom is simply so you can sate your own desires?" Harry asked plainly.
"I mean, yeah? Sort of? It's like Hermione and tests. She wants to do good, so she goes to the library and gets books!" Ron tried.
"How does Hermione wanting books be a desire compare to you wanting to ride my broom for your desire?" Harry asked.
"It's a similar concept, Harry. You gotta understand that."
Harry sighed. "I don't understand it Ron. And I'm sorry. I don't want you on my broom. If anyone asks me to ride on my broom, I'll tell them no. And another thing Ron. My friends don't ride on my broom because they respect the privacy of my property, even if said property was a gift from Professor McGonagall." Harry looked at the game. "I forfeit. You win, Ron. Enjoy the rest of your day."
Harry stood up and walked to Hermione and Neville. "Library? I got this Charms essay I know Hermione wants to work on. She can help us too, Nev." Harry smiled as Neville and Hermione got up and the trio exited the Common Room. In their wake, nobody made a sound, they were still looking at Ron, who by now was turning all shades of red and purple. He slammed his fist into the table, causing his Chess set to fly off the table and give his fist a sore time.
Nobody wanted to break the silence, so it was fitting that Fred and George came over and picked Ron up, despite his protests.
"Alright Ickle-Ronnykins-"
"Time for you to understand what you did back there!"
The Twins pulled Ron out of the Common Room, much to his protests and much to the enjoyment of the others in the Common Room.
If there was anything that could be agreed on, it was that Harry Potter was a boy not to be messed with, by anybody.
Author's Note: Thank you for reading Chapter Five! I had lots of fun writing this chapter! Chapter Six will be a great chapter too, and probably the chapter I've been waiting months to write! Until next time, Au Revoir!
BananaCarrot-Five