Chapter Fifteen

Moving On With Life

Monday morning started to bring back life to the school after the long stressful weekend. Classes ran as usual and the students were expected to attend. For Harry Hermione and Ron this meant it was off to Defense Against The Dark Arts. They arrived a few moments before the bell, everyone else was already there including Professor Lockheart.

"Welcome, since we are all here lets begin," standing from her seat behind her desk Hermione noticed a slight shake in her legs, "As I promised today we are going to start the hands on portion of this class. Everyone please stand and partner up inside the circle."

Harry and Ron paired up, while Hermione went to pair with Ginny. Draco and Blaise took a corner leaving Neville and Cho.

"Lets start with a basic spell to disarm your opponent. You should all know this from years past, Expelliarmus. Practice this for a few minutes and we will move on to the next spell. "

Everyone took to the practice enjoying getting back in the groove. After a few minutes however practice was stopped when Hermione yelled out in pain.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" Ginny was saying over and over her hands over her face.

Hermione was holding her wand hand that was quickly bruising and swelling. Tears rolled down her face. Professor Lockheart stopped the class and hurried over to Hermione.

"What happened dear?"

Hermione was sobbing now finding it hard to speak. Ginny though crying spoke up.

"I'm sorry Professor I lost control of the spell."

"Miss Weasley, Take Hermione to the Hospital wing, stay with her in case she needs you."

Ginny nodded and helped Hermione out of the room. Harry watched them go, returning his gaze to the class he saw Draco smirking, before he stopped to think it through his wand was in the air.

"Incendio" Fire flew from his wand setting Draco's robes on fire.

Draco started to scream. Professor Lockheart quickly casted a flame freezing charm and stopped the damage the fire was inflicting.

"Mr. Potter, go to Professor Dumbledore's office now!"

Harry stood in shock for a moment before pocketing his wand and leaving the room.

"As for the rest of you, you may leave I'm not teaching half a class a new spell. We will meet again tomorrow and try again" Professor Lockheart turned in a huff and left the class with their mouths open and nothing to do but leave the room awaiting their next class.

"Butterbeer" Harry said dejectedly

The gargoyle moved to revel the spiral stair case. Only a few days ago Harry had ran up these stairs but today he slowly dragged himself, dreading the moment when he reached the top. All to soon that's where he found himself. Taking the knocker in his hand he was shocked to find himself on the floor inside the office where he landed when the door had been opened from the inside. Harry looked around but no one was to be seen. He slowly walked about the office taking in the sights. All around the room tables sat filled with gadgets and bobbles of every shape and color. Some just sat quietly looking pretty. Many spun or dipped or puffed out colored smoke. Harry continued to move about the office. Stopping to look at the sorting hat, wondering once again if he was in the right house. A loud noise interrupted Harry's thoughts, spinning around he found the source of the noise was the cabinet in the corner of the room. The doors had flung open and Professor Dumbledore was stepping out of it.

"Ah Harry, so sorry to keep you waiting I was just spending some time with my memories of poor Sibyll. What brings you here dear boy?"

"Umm, I bring myself here after Professor Lockheart threw me out of class."

"Sit Harry, would you like some tea or a cookie while we talk this over?"

"Umm, no thank you sir"

"Very well then, tell me what happened"

"Well.. you.. see we were all practicing the disarming spell, Hermione and Ginny were paired up. Then Hermione screamed and we all stopped and looked. Seems Ginny lost control of the spell and hurt Hermione's hand pretty bad. So Professor Lockheart sent them off to the hospital wing. I watched them leave and when I turned back… Draco was smiling at the fact that Hermione got hurt. I'm sorry I just lost it.. I set his robes on fire with out really thinking about it… I know I did wrong.. please don't throw me out of the school."

Dumbledore looked over his hands at Harry not speaking for a few moments. It was driving Harry crazy. At last he spoke.

"Yes, it was wrong but I can understand why it happened. You are a powerful young wizard Harry, I must stress that you need to be able to control your actions. I'm sorry to say I must punish you for them however. You will serve a detention with Professor Lockheart at 8 o'clock tonight." Harry nodded with his eyes downcast, "Now unless you have something to tell me we are done."

"No, sir nothing." his eyes still downcast

"Alright then, off you go."

Harry stood and left the office, looking at his watch. It was almost time for his potions lesson with Snape. Just what he needed the king of despair when he was already in a bad mood.

"It will be alright Miss Granger, just drink down this potion and you can leave in a few minutes." Madam Pomfrey concluded as she bustled away.

"I'm sorry Hermione, I never meant to hurt you." Ginny was still sobbing

"It's ok Ginny, I know things just happen sometimes." Hermione stopped to think for a moment. "Hey Ginny, are you ok you have not been yourself lately?"

Ginny felt the heart on her chest get hot when she opened her mouth to speak. "I'm ok Hermione, I think I'm just stressed about Quidditch and classes and everything. I'm sure it will pass.

"You sure?" Hermione's brows knitted in concern

Ginny nodded "I'm sure." The searing heat on her chest faded and she gave a weak smile.

Hermione stood looking at Ginny "We better go we have potions and we best not be late."

Ginny nodded and followed her down to the dungeons.