AN: Another chapter out in the same week? A surprise, I know! I honestly really wanted to go ahead and get this chapter done and posted, that way I could start to work on the other chapters lying ahead in this story.
It really is reaching the end! I hadn't realized until I posted this chapter how close it was getting. I knew it was close last time, but while I was writing this chapter, it really hit me this time. Only a few more chapters left, and a potential epilogue.
I want to thank everyone who has been with this story from the beginning. I know I said this last time, but I truly mean this. Next month, this story will be two years old. It's hard to believe it's been this long.
As always, I hope you enjoy this chapter (and the copious amounts of fluff you're about to read) Please R&R
For the first time in a long time, Harry felt like he could breathe easier. Even if he was still on guard when walking down the halls, there was a feeling of freedom that lingered in his very bones. If Dumbledore decided not to risk another attack, it wouldn't matter regardless. In less than a month, Dumbledore would be gone permanently. He would lose his title and power as Headmaster no matter what.
And that knowledge was exhilarating! When he told Hermione, she had jumped for glee and brought him in for a warm hug. She and a few other students were the only ones that knew as of right now, but he knew eventually that would change. Minerva wasn't one to keep secrets from her students, and she would likely tell the rest of the Gryffindors when Yule came closer.
Things were rapidly changing, and Harry was welcoming it with open arms.
"You look chipper this morning," Hermione chuckled as she came into the common room, still in her pajamas. "What are you doing up this early?" It was almost five in the morning, but Harry had woken up nearly thirty minutes ago.
"I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. Too excited lately." He gave her a contagious smile, which she returned with ease. "And I wanted to go flying in the snow. It started up again, and I was thinking about burning off some of my energy." Harry chuckled. "But why are you awake at this time?"
"Viktor usually wakes up early this time of the year, so I woke up early to talk with him before going back to bed. He's about to start another round of training for Quidditch, and I wanted to talk with him before he became too busy." Harry nodded, a small smirk on his face.
"Are you planning on visiting him during Yule?" He asked, having completely forgotten to ask the question previously.
"I am. I'll be spending the first week with him, then we're going to my parents." Harry rose an eyebrow as surprise washed over him. "He's never experienced the muggle version of a new year celebration, and he expressed interest in wanting to do so. My parents are excited to see him again." She admitted, flushing a bit.
"Hey, I'm happy for you." Harry grinned. "And I'm glad that your parents are accepting of the relationship. They're one of the most understanding muggles I've ever met." Granted, he hadn't met a lot of muggles that understood magic, but the Dursleys had left a bad taste in his mouth.
"I know. I'm so thankful for them," She admitted, smiling a bit. "And they love Viktor. It makes me happy knowing that they get along so well. His parents also accept me for being a muggleborn. For the longest time, I was worried they wouldn't accept me. His school was known to reject muggleborns after all." Harry nodded, frowning at the reminder.
"I think it's a stupid rule, but I don't know how to change it. If I could, I would. For right now, I'm just happy that Hogwarts is going through the much-needed changes." Hermione nodded in agreement, running a hand through her hair as a solemn look formed on her face.
"I do feel bad for Hagrid, though. I understand and agree that he needed to be demoted, but it doesn't make it any easier." Sighing softly, the green-eyed wizard could only nod. Hagrid was the first person to show him kindness and support. The half-giant had been a great friend over the years, going far to keep them out of trouble when they were younger.
"It's not something I like seeing either," Harry admitted softly, but like Hermione, he understood why. Hagrid had a knack for taking care of magical creatures, but he was still unqualified to teach. "At least he'll still be around though?" He reminded. "He will be an assistant to the CARE professor, whenever they bring the new one in. I'm sure that if he continues to prove himself and pass any examinations they might give, he can reclaim the position one day."
"I think assistant professor is good for role him. He can see how other people teach the class because.." Hermione sighed softly. "His teaching methods were a little…unorthodox." Harry snorted at her understatement.
"What makes me happy is seeing Trelawney and Binns finally be replaced. Merlin knows that Binns needed to be replaced decades ago." With the number of people that elected to self-study, it should have been an indicator that something was amiss.
"And Irma Pince." Hermione nearly spat out the name, a dark look in her eyes. "She would never let me leave the library with the damn book, even if I needed it! Starting from our sixth year, it would have been useful if they let us check out the books like we should have been able to do." Harry withheld a smirk, opting to nod in agreement instead.
"Yeah, I agree. There are days where we can't spend our entire time in the library, and even if we wanted to, there is a curfew. I get away with it thanks to my invisibility cloak, but we shouldn't have to worry about not having the book we need. Although, you put up a good fight with Pince. I think she learned to not bother arguing with you after our first year," Hermione outright laughed.
"I thought she was horrid when I was a first-year. It only got worse the more I needed to use the books." Hermione huffed, shaking her head. "I'm thankful no one else will have to deal with her after this semester." Most of the student body despised the unpleasant woman, and Harry believed most of the staff members shared those opinions. As Hermione held back a yawn, she turned to face her best friend.
"I forgot to ask, but what are your plans for Yule?" She inquired, tilting her head. "You usually visit the Weasley's but…this year will be different." A wave of sadness ran through Harry as he nodded, chewing on his bottom lip.
"I plan on visiting them the morning after to exchange gifts. I think this year, they really need to be with each other. I know they always say I'm part of their family, but this year, they need each other more than ever. Besides," Harry started to flush lightly. "I don't know what Severus' plans are, but he never leaves during Yule. I wanted to offer him my company if he wants it." Hermione resisted fondly rolling her eyes.
"I'm sure he would enjoy your company, Harry. He hasn't commented on it yet." Harry flushed more, knowing his friend was right.
"I know. I figured he would get annoyed with me eventually. He sees me basically every day, so I figured he might enjoy some time without me, you know? Take the time for himself or something." Hermione hummed, slowly nodding. She could understand the worry.
"I get that," She confessed. "But until he comments on it, I don't think you have much to worry about. Snape is blunt, snarky, and sarcastic. If he had a problem with you being around him, I think he would have said something by now." Lips twitched as Harry found himself laughing.
"Good point," He teased, grinning when Hermione was unable to hold back a yawn. "You should get back to bed, Mione. You've still got another two hours before breakfast, and I plan on heading out to fly soon. You know how much I love flying in the snow."
"Yes, I know. You better be careful this time, Harry. Please remember to put on a drying charm this time." When her friend merely smirked, Hermione huffed.
"Harry," She began, in a tone Harry had grown accustomed to.
"I'll try to remember this time, Mione. Promise." He said, getting up and stretching. "I'll see you at breakfast…" He then paused, recalling their previous plans. "Oh, we'll be meeting Luna and Neville after breakfast, won't we?" Hermione blinked, only to quickly nod.
"That's right!" She nearly exclaimed. "Merlin, it nearly slipped my mind with everything going on right now. I'm sure Nev will have a lot of questions." Harry nearly grimaced, thinking of all the information he was about to disclose again. Even if he was close to Neville and Luna, their schedules were vastly different. And now that the Gryffindor and the Ravenclaw were an item, they spent a lot of their free time together.
"I nearly forgot about it too." Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Nev gave me a look the other day when Hagrid announced he would be demoted to an assistant professor. He's more observant than ever this year, and he's figured that I know what's going on." He would have been concerned by the observation had it been someone else, but his friends had gained his trust countless times.
"Anyway, I better head out now before it stops snowing. I'll see you at breakfast," He waved, heading out of Gryffindor Tower and to the quidditch training field. It was second nature to head to the game field, but it would have been a long trek. And unlike the game field, the training field was close to the castle.
He could get to the game field within seconds if he were to apparate there, but it would take the fun out of the walk. There was fresh snow on the ground, with fresh snow steadily covering his newly made footprints. The air was crisp, the scent of snow wafting through the air.
Fresh snow at Hogwarts was still one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. There was magic in the way the ancient castle looked with snow covering the ground and the cobblestone edifices. The snow that collected at the top of the roofs and towers always managed to take his breath away.
It didn't take long to reach the training field, a small smile forming when arriving at the destination. As he looked around the familiar field, a soft sigh escaped, his breath barely noticeable as the snow fell. Memories of playing and training on the fields rushed through his mind, leaving a bittersweet feeling in its wake.
There were times where he missed playing Quidditch. The familiarity among his teammates being some of the most nostalgic moments. They worked hard and gave it their all, their dynamics working well together to form an almost perfect team.
But his sixth year had changed that when he became the captain, which brought more stress on him that he never admitted to.
With Dumbledore harassing him, the ministry on his ass, and other issues, being the captain had taken a toll on him. It felt like everyone was looking up to him for answers, needing him to lead them. It was a direct parallel to Dumbledore calling him the bloody savior of the wizarding war, and how everyone was counting on him to defeat Voldemort.
Being a quidditch captain with expectations to bring the team to victory was more than he could handle. At the end of the year, he had announced his retirement and congratulated everyone on a year well won. The team had been upset, but they all respected his decision, even Ginny, who made it known she wanted the title of captain.
Even if she had been a thorn in his side this year, Harry felt obligated to give her respect where it was due. She was an amazing quidditch player and if she wanted to, she could very well enter a pro team after Hogwarts. Their differences aside, she was amazing on the team.
While looking at the empty field, the snow covering the ground completely, Harry smiled at the sight of the untouched land. As much as he had grown to enjoy the crowding of a team, he had grown to enjoy the serene silence just as much. Taking a breath, Harry hopped onto his broom and flew up, a grin on his face the further he ascended, the flurry of snow rushing past him. He took a breath and gripped his broom tighter before starting his flight that would make Hermione scold him for days.
It was nearing seven when Harry had finally landed on the ground, a familiar figure in a black cloak making its way onto the field, arms crossed.
"Merlin, Potter. Are you trying to catch a cold?" Severus questioned, causing Harry to look down at his appearance.
"What-" Looking at his attire, Harry noted that he had forgotten to grab his winter cloak from the castle. "In all honestly, I didn't even notice until now." And now that he did notice, a sudden chill settled over his frame.
"I fail to see how you were unaware of not wearing a cloak." There was the barest hint of amusement in the tone. "I assume you applied a warming charm, in that case." When the younger wizard made no comment and gave him a sheepish grin instead, Severus withheld a groan. "Bloody Gryffindors." He muttered under his breath, moving closer as he shrugged off his own scarf and winter cloak.
Harry's face burned darkly as he felt the unfamiliar weight of Severus' cloak drape across his shoulders.
"Not even a warning charm, Harry?" Severus asked with a raised eyebrow as Harry slid his arms through the warm sleeves, trying to resist from snuggling into the intoxicating scent. The dark green scarf around his neck didn't help matters either, his heart fluttering wildly in his chest.
"I love the snow, to be honest," Harry admitted with a carefree chuckle. "The cold usually doesn't bother me, so I didn't realize how chilly it was until now," Snow was falling around them, catching in their hair. "At least I remembered to place a drying charm this time."
"This time?" Severus asked, a hand on the small of Harry's back as they headed towards the castle, the sun finally beginning to peek through the clouds.
"Hermione will vouch for me, but I have a tendency to do reckless things like this often," Harry grinned. "Then again, I think you're all too aware of how reckless I used to be," He grinned, causing Severus to smirk slightly, the onyx eyes tinted with amusement,
"Watching you run after a werewolf certainly comes to mind." Harry snorted at the memory, knowing that particular event had been one of his most reckless moments. A sudden gust of bitter wind blew, making Harry curl into the robes tighter, becoming all too aware of the warm hand that was pressed into the small of his back.
"Thank you for letting me borrow your cloak," Harry mumbled quietly, unable to resist from snuggling into the warmth, subtlety inhaling the scent that was currently invading his senses. As he pressed into the cloak, Harry missed the flush that dusted Severus' cheeks, the older wizard swallowing thickly before attempting to speak.
"I would be failing in my duties if I allowed a student to freeze to death," Severus sniffed, his tone making Harry chuckle softly, a different sort of warmth rolling through him. "I still find it hard to believe you were unaware of how frigid it was outside," Harry merely shrugged, unintentionally moving closer to Severus as their trek continued,
"When I'm flying I tend to forget everything else going on around me. It's similar to when I'm engrossed in a book, or creating a new spell. Everything else just fades away for the moment." Harry admitted, a soft smile on his face. "I've always felt at ease when I'm in the sky," He chuckled, realizing they were heading in the direction of the dungeons instead of Gryffindor tower.
The familiar sensation of Severus' magic enveloped him, growing cautious as they walked into the dungeons.
"Severus?" He questioned quietly, starting to understand that something was wrong.
"Dumbledore was watching you earlier," Severus explained, his dark tone making Harry bite his lips. "I was doing my rounds when I noticed him observing you." The thought made an uneasy feeling stick in his throat. "He left once my presence became known."
"Merlin, that's bloody creepy." Harry nearly cursed at his own blindness, having been too caught up in his own thoughts to notice a pair of eyes on him. He usually felt it when Dumbledore's eyes were on him, but because of his freedom in the sky, it left him with a major blind spot. "In that case, I owe you another thank you," Harry added.
The rest of the walk was silent as Severus lead Harry into his private quarters, making sure to place another set of wards around his rooms and fireplace. On instinct, Harry sat down in his usual spot, unaware of the protective fire that was blazing in the older wizard's eyes.
As the fire came to life and warmed the room, Severus spoke up, his words deep and soft like rich velvet.
"You don't owe me anything, Harry," The words and tone took his breath away, but before he could respond, Severus was moving into the kitchens, leaving him seated in his usual spot.
I really do owe you so much, Severus. Without you, I would have struggled this year more than ever. Without you, none of this would be possible. Dumbledore's downfall is just as much thanks to you as it is to me.
He was jolted from his thoughts when the older wizard returned, a mug of steaming tea in his hand. Harry accepted the warm mug, smiling slightly as it chased away the chill in his fingers.
"Thanks," Harry whispered, bringing the warm mug closer to his chest and letting the steam rise, warming his cheeks. "And about what you said earlier, I do owe you. I appreciate all you've done for me this year, Severus. I hate to imagine what this year would have been like, had I not sought you out before the term started." There was so much more he wanted to say and confess, but he dared not utter a single confession.
In what capacity could he tell Severus how important their nights in detention were to him? How they were the highlight of his day, how he felt at peace in the man's company.
How Severus felt like home.
Instead, he takes a sip of the perfectly steeped tea, focusing on the taste instead of the feelings that want to burst forth.
"Your appreciation is noted," Severus spoke, glancing at Harry from the corner of his eyes. "However, protecting you from Dumbledore is my duty as a professor. It comes with the merits that I find your company to be enjoyable," Harry felt his lips twitch into a smirk at that, but when Severus started to stare directly at him, he had to fight off a flush. "I am also a man of my word, Harry. I told you I would be there the moment Dumbledore attacked. I will not let you fight him alone."
As those words were uttered, his chest exploded with comforting warmth, one that wasn't due to the fire blazing in the fireplace. As expected, the fluttering in his chest left another flush to stain his cheeks pink. Instead of shoving it all aside and trying to combat his instincts, he settles for something in the middle.
Unable to help himself, Harry finds himself embracing the older wizard, his arms wrapped around the sturdy frame. He can feel the way Severus tenses in surprise at the initial contact, but those long arms eventually return the embrace.
It might have been his imagination, but he swears that it feels like Severus is almost tugging him closer and keeping him secure against the sturdy, warm chest. His eyes fall shut for a moment, never wanting the moment to end.
It takes all of his power to stop from burrowing his face into the man's chest and staying like that, unwilling to move away.
However, the longer the embrace continues, Harry's throat constricts with emotion when Severus keeps him like that, not bothering to push him away.
What would happen if he were to follow his heart and press impossibly closer? What would happen if he were to clutch Severus' clothes tightly and never let go? What would happen if he let his forehead rest on Severus' chest, breathing out his name quietly, his voice filled with hope?
When Severus shifts, Harry braces himself for the moment he knew would come, dreading the separation. Instead, long and elegant fingers find their way into his unruly hair and start to slowly stroke through it, making Harry melt further into the embrace. He can't withhold the pleased sigh that slips past, holding tighter before he realizes what he's doing. Harry could stay like this for the rest of his life if Severus were willing to keep him in his arms for that long. For a few blissful moments, Harry allows himself to give in to temptation and melt further into the embrace.
It isn't until the bell for breakfast chimes through the comfortable silence that the moment is broken.
As if waking from a dream, Harry hesitantly detaches from Severus and blinks, letting the chiming of the bell ground him.
And to stop him from imagining things that aren't there, and to stop fantasizing about things that will never happen.
Another chime completely brings him back to reality, and Harry flushes darkly.
"Shite, your robes.." Harry flushed at the realization that he was still wearing the black winter robes, the scent still invading his senses. "Sorry about that," He was carefully shrugging them off, his cheeks burning darkly as Severus took them back, a hint of amusement in those dark eyes. There was also a gleam of something in the depths that made Harry swallow hard, his skin burning more than before.
"You should go before Dumbledore figures where you have been hiding." Harry nearly flinched at that, understanding the issues that could arise because of it. The last thing he wanted was for Dumbledore to suspect Severus further. There was no denying that the Headmaster likely already suspected Severus to some degree, but Dumbledore had likely seen him head to the field.
The longer he delayed in getting to breakfast, the more he would suspect Severus of keeping the chosen one out of his grips.
"Right. I'll see you in class," Not wanting to delay, Harry apparated out of the rooms, leaving Severus with a small smirk on his lips.
It might have slipped his mind to remind Harry that he was still wearing his dark green scarf.
"Did you enjoy flying today?" Hermione asked during breakfast, sharp eyes quickly spotting the new addition to Harry's attire. She wanted to linger on the scarf and ask him about it, but for some reason, there was a voice telling her to not mention it outright. As always, there was a private spell around them to stop unwanted people from overhearing their conversation.
"I loved it. Flying in the snow is one of the most liberating experiences I've ever felt." He answered truthfully, a bright smile forming when he thought of the cold wind rushing through his hair. "Although, you would want to throttle me for what I did earlier." Hermione furrowed her brows in concern.
"Harry, what did you do?" She questioned with slight worry, giving him a look as he chuckled.
"I might have forgotten to wear any winter cloak or robes while I was flying." Hermione made another face, sighing.
"I really shouldn't be surprised at that, but honestly Harry! You could have gotten sick."
"That's what Severus said," Harry snorted, eating some of his scrambled eggs. "He called me an idiot, then he took off his cloak and scarf before putting them on me." Hermione eyed the flush that quickly formed on her friend's face as he relayed the events to her. Just then, it all snapped together as she stole another glance at the dark green scarf that was still snuggly wrapped around Harry's neck.
Either Harry had forgotten that he was still wearing the scarf, or he was deliberately wearing it. Deciding not to bring it up, she can't help but tease her friend.
"Did he?" Hermione asked, intrigued by the information. "How romantic." She smirked as her friend flushed, sputtering out.
"Uh, I mean, uh.." Harry stuttered, flushing even more. The bushy-haired wizard merely grinned at him, laying her chin on her palms as she observed Harry's reaction. "Why are you staring at me like that?" He asked, trying to avoid the amused gaze.
"I was being serious, Harry. That is a romantic gesture." Hermione added, resisting the urge to giggle. "Before Viktor and I got together, he would always take off his cloak and wrap it around my shoulders if I so much as shivered."
Harry had no idea how to respond to the claim, biting his lips in thought as the memory of their lingering embrace entered his mind.
"And not only that, but he let you wear his scarf too. He could have just used a warming charm on you to do the trick, but he took the more complicated route of giving you his cloak." Harry forced a shrug.
"It could also be a platonic gesture. I've done the same thing for you," He reminded, for which Hermione had no immediate rebuttal for. Humming, she thought for a moment, then came to a conclusion.
"True, but this is Snape," Hermione said, which was enough of a reason in itself. "He isn't exactly the type of person to take off their cloak and let someone else wear it unless he cares deeply for that person. He seems more like the type to cast a charm and be done with it. Or call them an idiot and usher them inside."
This time, it was Harry who had no rebuttal.
"Did you like being in his robes?" Hermione asked eventually, smiling when Harry seemed to soften.
"I did. Do you know when I mentioned how I smell something homely whenever I'm around Amortentia? Wearing them and being around Severus made me understand how true that smell is. I feel at home when I'm with him." Harry fought the urge to look at the high table after he said those words, choosing to focus on his conversation with Hermione instead. His friend smiled at him after he said the words.
"Like I said last time, it's really sweet." Hermione sighed softly, her soft eyes meeting his. They've had this conversation before, but she was hoping that Harry was beginning to see things more clearly. Whether he was in denial or not, she wasn't completely sure. It could have been obliviousness, but Harry was rather observant, and it miffed her that he was missing the clear signs.
She remembered a similar conversation they had not that long ago, where Harry was quick to try and downplay how Snape felt about him.
"Honestly, it sounds like you try to downplay how much he cares about you sometimes."
"I don't inherently mean to do that." The wizard admitted, a frown on his lips. "It's easier for me to do that, that way I don't allow myself to develop hope that Severus could ever reciprocate my feelings."
"I just think he'd prefer someone older than me. Someone who actually has their life together and a stable career. What can I offer him? I'm still a student."
But the more she thought about it, the more intrigued and curious she became. There had to be more to his reason, more to his reason of being insecure. Harry was truly one of the most intelligent individuals she knew, so for him to miss the signs didn't add up.
Or maybe he had seen the signs, but he was quick to brush them off and deny that they had happened? That was the only reasonable explanation she could come up with. Harry was oblivious, but that oblivious nature only went so far. As she looked at him, she saw the green-eyed wizard deflate a bit, almost as if he knew she was going to ask him something important. He sighed, tilting his head as he begrudgingly spoke up.
"You have that curious look in your eyes, Mione." Harry huffed. "It usually means you're about to ask me a serious question." He huffed again, but it was a fond huff. Smiling a bit, she shrugged.
"I really don't know how to ask this, because we've talked about it before." At the admission, Harry's brows furrowed as a look of contemplation passed across his features. "You've been downplaying how much Snape cares about you again. I can't help but wonder why that is…you know how he's like more than I do, but you still seem dead set that he could never feel that way about you. I don't understand it." At the wince, Hermione felt guilty at bringing up the sore topic again. She felt a wave of regret hit when Harry seemed to deflate once more.
"I…brush it off because I am terrified of allowing even an ounce of hope to blossom." When a noticeable wetness forms in his eyes, Hermione has to bite her lips to stop from reaching over and consoling him. "There are times where it's all too easy to let myself believe he feels the same about me. Like today when we hugged. Merlin, Mione.." Harry trailed off, biting his own lips hard. "When he didn't try to push me away or pull back, it was too easy to let myself stay in his arms and imagine he wanted me there just as much."
"Harry…" Hermione whispered, her heart sinking at the desperate sound in the wizard's voice.
"I…I've already fallen in love with him," Hermione felt her eyes widen at the broken confession, her lips parting in shock. "It's why I'm so adamant about him not feeling the same. If I don't deny it and allow myself to hope, what happens when that hope becomes too much? I'm afraid of hoping because I don't want to allow myself to be hurt." He took a shaky breath.
Hermione felt her heart ache for him, a deep frown on her face.
Harry wasn't oblivious. He was doing what he had always done.
He was trying to protect himself, trying to let self-preservation keep his heart safe from attack. It made Hermione want to reach over and hug him, as well as talk some sense into him. She dared to sneak a look at the high table, catching the concerned gaze of the potions professor, just as she had expected.
Snape's gaze was solely on Harry, lips thinned into a concerned frown as the dark eyes narrowed on the dark-haired wizard.
"I think I raise my point with the way Snape is looking at you. He's clearly concerned." Hermione mumbled, taking a sip of her drink as Harry froze, a slight flush on his cheeks. "I'm not kidding either, Harry. He's been watching you and he looks worried."
On instinct, Harry turned to look for himself, throat tightening when concerned eyes bore into his own, which were filled with unshed tears. His heart skipped a beat when Severus frowned more in alarm, the concern in those onyx eyes increasing tenfold. Harry gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile, even if it was more forced than usual.
Severus merely narrowed his eyes, eventually turning away when Minerva asked him a question. Harry let out a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding, his chest fluttering at how concerned Severus had looked. Not only that, but it was clear that the man hadn't been pacified either, his worry still noticeable to Harry.
"I know you're worried about letting yourself hope too much," Hermione began. "But sometimes we all need to take a risk." The words had done the trick because Harry was looking at her with a new emotion behind his eyes, a thoughtful expression dawning on his face.
"Maybe you're right." He whispered mostly to himself. Hermione felt a smile form at her friend's change in demeanor, starting to stand up after a moment.
"We should start heading to the library if we wanna meet Nev and Luna." She spoke, breaking Harry from any thought he might have had. Blinking, he nodded and quickly gathered his things and stood up as well.
As the two of them left, Harry felt more than one pair of eyes watching him and it caused a shiver to go down his back.
One pair of dark eyes was looking at the forgotten scarf, a barely-there smile on his face. Harry missed it as he turned, seeing cold blue eyes watch his every move, even going as far as to watch Hermione's. The look behind the calculating blue eyes struck a nerve within Harry, cold dread spreading through his veins. He sucked in a breath and quickly left with his friend, magic wrapping around Hermione in a protective manner.
"Harry?" Hermione's voice was quiet once they were out of the great hall and away from cold blue eyes. "I feel your magic around me. What's going on?" She cautiously questioned, trepidation in her voice.
"I don't know. Dumbledore was watching me with a strange look in his eyes, but then he started looking at you with that same look." He recounted, chewing on his lips nervously. "I've already been worrying that he might start to single you out instead. The way he looked at you today really made me uneasy." Harry confessed; magic still wrapped around her as they made it to the library. "I have something to give you once we find Nev and Luna."
It hadn't taken them long to find their friends, and when they did, Luna had frowned with her head titled.
"The cheating Grandmaster has lost sight of the board," Luna spoke, causing both Harry and Hermione to nearly gasp. "His pawns and knights are gone, leaving a corrupted Queen with no noble King to fall for her."
"And what of the other side of the board?" Hermione couldn't help but ask, to which Luna had an immediate answer to.
"Empty. There is no other Grandmaster." While Hermione and Neville frowned in confusion, Harry felt his breath come to a stop.
"Unlike Dumbledore, The Dark Lord values people for their insight above all else. He rarely creates a plan alone, instead, his most trusted help advise him and give their own input." Severus said those words a week ago. With context, Luna's words made more sense than ever.
"The Grandmaster is growing more frustrated…his pieces keep slipping from his fingers and leaving the battlefield. He is cornered like a wild animal, ready to strike and cheat in order to advance into the next round." She blinked suddenly. "But there is still no other contestant. The board is empty, save for his own broken pieces." As Luna came back to it, Hermione had her hand covering her mouth.
"Harry…you know what she's talking about don't you?" Neville asked, looking pale at the description his girlfriend had given.
"It's related to what I told you at the start of term." Harry confessed, watching as Neville paled more. "and it's related to the change Hogwarts is going through." Neville swallowed hard, nervously shifting.
"You've been working with the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters?" He conferred. As much as he wanted to deny the words, they were true. When he didn't answer, Neville sighed. "I've had a suspicion for a while now, Harry." Harry was a little surprised by the honesty. "When you told us the truth about what Dumbledore was doing, it helped me open my eyes. I mean, my nan already despises him, but I was seeing his flaws from a new perspective with you. I saw his true nature for the first time. So if you are working with the Death Eaters, I'll st-still support you." Harry almost felt choked up at the admission, knowing what a huge step this was for Neville, who had lost just as much as he had because of them.
"Thank you, Nev…but, I don't know where I really stand in the grand scheme of things. While I am on the side of the dark now, I…I'm not a Death Eater. Because of my…situation with Voldemort, I'm a special case. I only know how a select few of Death Eaters feel about me, honestly. I've never been to one of their meetings, nor do I particularly want to. The only Death Eater who has suggested that they see me as one of them is Lucius Malfoy. I have no idea what anyone else feels about me."
"I see. So you're on the side of the dark, but you don't really consider yourself one of them?" Neville asked for clarification, making Harry hum.
"Kinda, yeah. I see myself as Voldemort's equal because technically I am, but I don't see myself as a Death Eater." Harry shrugged. "We do all have a mutual goal though, and that's to ensure Dumbledore is removed from Hogwarts."
"Harry, what happened?" Neville asked, worried. "I saw the board do an investigation and now a lot of professors are being forced to resign. I had a feeling you were the catalyst that started it," Neville grinned, making Harry chuckle.
"In my defense, I had no idea that the Board would be removing a lot of the professors when they made their initial investigation." Harry chuckled sheepishly.
"Their answers revealed the crack in their system. The light which was once blinding the dark has retracted. Now a peaceful twilight shrouds their group." Harry felt his eyes widen as he chuckled again, nodding. Poor Neville was once more looking lost.
"To make a long story as short as I can; you know how Dumbledore has been harassing me all last year and this year?" When Neville nodded, Harry sighed. "Well, he got really desperate one day. He cornered me twice. The last time he cornered me, he tried to use his magic on me by turning his words into a compulsion spell." Harry had never seen Neville this pale, not even in their first year when Hermione had petrified him.
"He attacked you?" He squawked, eyes wide and full of surprise.
"Sadly. The next morning, I went to Gringotts in order to file a restraining order. It went into immediate effect thanks to magic. The Board was notified of the restraining order I had to file and promptly did an investigation. Lucius Malfoy and Amelia Bones interviewed me, and I told them everything from this year, and last year. They came to the consensus that Dumbledore would be removed from his position as Headmaster as soon as winter holidays began." As Harry took a breath after finishing the story, Neville leaned back against his seat with his eyes almost bulging out of his head.
"Dear Merlin, you've been through a lot this year. I knew Dumbledore was giving you a hard time, but I never thought he would attack you." Neville breathed out, running a hand down his face. Harry sighed, glancing at Hermione with a frown.
"When we left the Great Hall today, I caught the Headmaster watching us as we left. He started watching Hermione with a strange look in his eyes, and it's making me worried." Harry confessed. He had assumed that Dumbledore would continue to go after him, but with how desperate he was, what would stop him from going after Hermione next?
"Harry, I'll be fine." She promised, but Harry shook his head.
"I wanted to wait until Yule to give you this, but.." Harry waved his hand, a box appearing in it moments later. "I would feel safer if you wore this now." Curious, Hermione opened the box and gasped at what lay inside.
"Harry…" She breathed, pulling out the beautiful silver chain necklace. The main gemstone of the necklace was a smoothed purple spinel with the crest of her blood adopted houses. Beside the main gemstone were two spessartite garnets on either side, the same crest embedded into them.
"They're embedded with the same protection as my lordship rings. I wanted to ensure that you would be protected. I even added more protection charms into the necklace because I was worried about what might happen. If anyone meaning you ill intent tries to come up to you, they'll become more dazed the longer they bother you."
Hermione had tears in her eyes as Harry spoke and she couldn't contain a small sob as her arms wrapped around the wizard. "Harry, I can't thank you enough." She sniffed, emotions running rampant. "Do you think Dumbledore would go after me as well?" Harry shrugged.
"Dumbledore is unpredictable at best. There's no doubt he's seen how close we are. He likely thinks he can use you to convince me to fight, like what he was trying to do with Ron." Harry supplied, making Neville sigh deeply as he thought of Ron. Slowly, Neville let his left arm wrap around Luna as he carefully tugged his girlfriend closer to him.
"I'll do what I can to help keep Dumbledore away from her," Neville promised. "I know our class schedule varies, but I can walk you back to our common room Monday through Wednesday. I'm done with my class about thirty minutes before yours, but I can wait out there for you." Hermione was touched by the gesture.
"And I can walk with you on Thursdays and Fridays," Luna said. "I meet Neville after my last class, so we can walk to your common room together." More tears filled her eyes at the generous offer by her friends.
"Are you sure? I-"
"Hermione. We're sure." Neville promised, looking as serious as ever. "Besides, if we catch the Headmaster harassing you, you can either file a restraining order as well, or you can go straight to the Board of Governors." Luna hummed, nodding.
"They're already upset with the Headmaster. If you have another complaint against him, he will get another mark against him." Hermione hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded in ascent and gave in. "Another mark will mean his chessboard diminishes in size again." Harry grinned at Luna's words, a spark entering his eyes.
"And we can even testify on your behalf. Tell them what we've seen as well if we catch him trying to bother you." Neville smirked at that. "He wouldn't expect anything of myself of Luna, so it will be a huge blindside if he tries anything."
After a while, their conversation drifted to their studies and other things going on. Luna was looking at Harry with a dreamy smile.
"I like your change in attire, Harry. Green suits you very well. It shows off your Slytherin side." Harry blinked in confusion at the comment, knowing for a fact he wasn't wearing anything green.
"Huh?" He asked, growing more confused when Neville nodded.
"She's right, Harry. Green does suit you." Hermione agreed, making Harry squint.
"What are you talking about? I'm not wearing any green." Neville blinked and slowly nodded.
"Yes, you are," Neville spoke, pointing to the scarf that was on Harry's neck. "You've got a dark green scarf wrapped around your neck." Hermione wished she had Collin Creevey's camera on hand to save the priceless image on Harry's face.
Wide green eyes were looking at the forgotten scarf around his neck, touching it in awe.
"Oh Merlin," Harry cursed under his breath, absentmindedly stroking the soft fabric as the realization hit him.
He was still wearing Severus' scarf.
"Looks good on you, mate." Neville shrugged, flipping a page in the book he had been reading. "Green is one of your colors. I mean, you were almost sorted into Slytherin." The Gryffindor teased, while Luna merely smiled and tilted her head as she observed Harry.
"He has a Slytherin's heart indeed."
Harry felt his breath catch at the words, unsure if Luna was referring to his Slytherin nature or the way his heart yearned for a particular Slytherin. But this time, another idea popped up.
And for some reason, it was too hard to push away this time. But…
It almost sounded as if he held the heart of a Slytherin and their affection. The words could be interpreted as him holding a heart of a Slytherin in his hands.
Suddenly remembering Hermione's words from earlier in the morning, he felt his eyes widen a fraction as he looked at her, meeting her knowing gaze.
"True, but this is Snape. He isn't exactly the type of person to take off their cloak and let someone else wear it unless he cares deeply for that person."
Self-consciously, Harry touched the scarf again, his heart and thoughts racing a mile a minute.
Maybe it was time to stop denying everything and take a risk.
He was still a Gryffindor after all.