You Were Always There: Part Six

by OpenBookLina

Mia Thatcher and her friends are back for a strange and exciting sixth year at Hogwarts. This time, they have a collector as their potions teacher, Dumbledore is disappearing more often to who knows where, schoolwork and blossoming love fill their daily activities, and on top of it all Harry may find the secret to Voldemort's past and the key to defeating him once and for all.

13. Bad Luck and Obsessions

Here's the next chapter right away, just like i promised! Please leave me a review to tell me what you guys think! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter are NOT mine! It all belongs to the wonderful J.K Rowling!

Chapter Thirteen: Bad Luck and Obsessions

MiaPOV

The morning of the first Quidditch match of the season was upon them and Mia couldn't deny that she was very excited for it. She was showered and dressed by the time Hermione and the other girls were getting out of their own beds, and Mia made sure to show her house pride by wearing a bright red and gold sweater that Mrs. Weasley had knitted for her some time ago, and she even went as far as to place matching ribbons in her hair, along with some streaks of red paint on her cheeks. Hermione had shook her head at her when she saw Mia's appearance but that didn't stop her from smiling fondly as well, because she knew how excited Mia was at the fact that Harry, Ron and Ginny were all still on the Quidditch tram together. Nothing made Mia happier than to show her love and support for her friends who she considered family, as well as the team. Once they were both ready, Mia and Hermione met the boys down in the common room, both of whom had their broomsticks slung over their shoulders. After greeting her boyfriend with a kiss to the cheek, she slipped her hand into his as they all left the common room and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Ron was looking very pale and sickly, making a seed of doubt plant itself in Mia's head. She, along with the others had been trying very hard to make Ron feel better about the match, giving him vocal encouragement and support, it seemed as though nothing was working. It also didn't help the fact that Ron was in a bit of a sore spot with the rest of the team, who all had taken to giving him withering looks and harsh glares whenever they would see him. Mia didn't know all of the details, but apparently Harry and Ron had come across Ginny and Dean snogging in an empty corridor on the way back from practice one night and then the two Weasleys got into it, so badly that they drew wands and Harry had to get in between them to make it stop. For a long while afterwards, Ron was in the most foul and sour mood, snapping at nearly everyone, especially Hermione for some reason, going back to being rude and mean to her about most things, to Mia's displeasure. But now, any bitterness or anger he was lashing out from was gone, and the nervous, quivering boy was back. Mia really had no idea what to do as they all sat at the Gryffindor table eating, with everyone else around them getting hyped up for the game. The morning owls have come and gone, with Hedwig and Pig soaring through the sky to drop off the morning mail and packages. Mia was happy to see that she had received a package and letter from her parents, as well as letters from Brian and Sirius.

"How are you both feeling today?" Hermione asked tentatively, looking from one boy to the other while mia opened up her brother's letter to read.

"Fine," she heard Harry respond. "There you go Ron, have some pumpkin juice, it'll perk you up."

A few seconds later, Mia was snapped out of her reading by Hermione's voice, speaking sharply and suddenly next to her.

"Don't drink that, Ron!"

Mia turned to look at Hermione, who was staring at Harry with wide eyes, appearing completely scandalized and shook.

"Mione, what is it?" Mia asked her.

"Harry put something in Ron's drink," Hermione replied, still gaping at the black-haired boy. "I just saw him."

"What?" said Mia, her eyebrows furrowing.

"What are you talking about?" Harry said, looking just as confused at Hermione's outburst as Mia did.

"You know what I'm talking about! I saw you! Ron, I'm warning you, don't drink that!"

However, Ron simply frowned at Hermione and brought his glass to his lips, drinking all of it in just a few gulps and sighing after it was all gone, wiping his mouth.

"Stop bossing me around, Hermione, I can drink what I want," he told her before getting to his feet. "I'm going to head down to the locker rooms, Harry. See you there."

When Ron had walked off with his broom, Hermione leaned in towards Harry, her expression angry.

"You can be expelled for that, Harry!" she hissed. "I can't believe you did that!"

"Hark who's talking," Harry countered. "Confunded anyone lately?"

Hermione cast him a scathing look before she stood up from the table and stormed away, out of the hall. Mia set her eyes on Harry, frowning and trying to figure out why he was acting so calm.

"Harry," she said quietly and slowly. "Did you put something in his drink?"

"No," Harry answered her, and she was surprised to see that he was smiling. He reached into the pocket of his robes and then took out the tiny vial of golden liquid that she recognized as Felix Felices, the potion Harry had won from Slughorn weeks ago.

"I'm going to make Ron think I did," he continued. "If he believes that I put this in his juice, he'll think he's gotten luck to help him with the game today, so I made sure to pretend I spiked it when I knew that Hermione was looking. It'll give him the confidence boost he needs, and he'll play as good as I know he can."

"That's...that's deceptively brilliant," Mia admitted, blown away by Harry's plan. "I don't think Hermione will appreciate being tricked, though."

"Well, hopefully today's game will go well and then the two of them can finally make up, and she'll forget about it," said Harry as he pocketed the vial again.

"By the way, why is Ron being so mean again?" Mia asked. "You never did tell me."

"When we ran into Ginny snogging Dean, she made a point to tell Ron that he's jealous because he's never snogged anyone in his life, and that Hermione's snogged Viktor before. I guess Ron didn't really take well, to that."

"That was two years ago, though! He's honestly making a big deal out of something from that long ago?" Mia asked in disbelief. "Hermione doesn't even write Viktor anymore! They haven't seen each other since the tournament and Ron is still holding a grudge? Why does that boy always make me want to punch him? It's like he enjoys it!"

Harry chuckled at her rant and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"I don't know, love," he said with a shrug. "But hopefully this will help them make amends."

Once Harry and Mia were done eating, they left the hall together and the rest of Gryffindor house cheered Harry on as they walked out into the entrance hall. They made their way down to the Quidditch pitch, and Mia admired the perfect weather conditions, from the cloudless sky to the lightly frosted grass that crunched beneath their feet. When they reached the stadium, there were others scurrying excitedly towards the entrances and Mia caught sight of Claudia walking by herself. She was wearing her usual silver and green school uniform and robes, but Mia also saw the bright, ruby stud earrings she was wearing too, and she smiled. Mia called her name in greeting and waved, feeling happy when Claudia smiled and waved back, even calling out "good luck" to Harry, which momentarily stunned him. When they came to the lockers and changing rooms, Mia gave Harry a good luck kiss before she scampered off to go find a seat. Every single seat was filled with students and teachers, with one end blazing red and gold, and the other with green and silver. Mia went over to sit in the middle row of one section that had a good view of the Gryffindor goal posts. It was there that she found Hermione, sitting next to Neville and Luna, who was once again brandishing her lion-hat, which roared along with the cheering crowds. Hermione still seemed vexed and irritated at the fact that Harry supposedly spiked Ron's juice, but Mia promised Harry she wouldn't say anything, so she went along with it, acting doubtful when she heard Hermione mutter underneath her breath.

"I heard that the Slytherin Chaser, Vaisey, took a Bludger to the head during practice and cannot play today," she said. "And Malfoy called off sick."

"You're kidding!" Mia exclaimed in joy. "A game without that blonde prat? This is cause for celebration, Mione! Talk about a lucky break!"

"Maybe too lucky," Hermione mumbled and Mia had to keep herself from rolling her eyes at her friend. Soon enough there was an uproar of applause and cheers from the crowds as the two teams came out onto the field, striding towards Madame Hooch, who was waiting for them at the center. After making the team Captains shake hands, there was a brief moment before the sound of the whistle was blow, and then the air was filled with red and green streaks, the players going off instantly in every different direction. Mia was yelling her support along with everyone else around her, but it was cut short when she heard a different voice than she was used to booming from the commentator's podium.

"Well, there they go, and I think we're all surprised to see the team that Potter's put together this year. Many thought, given Ronald Weasley's patchy performance as Keeper last year, that he might be off the team, but of course, a close personal friendship with the Captain does help..."

"Oh, come on!" Mia groaned in frustration as she glared in the direction of the podium. "They couldn't find anyone better than Zacharias Smith to do the commentary?"

"Apparently not," Hermione replied, giving Mia a look that was a mix of exasperation and amusement. "And no, we are not going to move closer to him so you can curse him whenever he makes remarks about the team."

"Why would you think I would ever do such a thing?" Mia asked, feigning innocence while Hermione shook her head at her.

The game continued on, with the Chasers zooming past back and forth along the field on their brooms. Ginny was proving that her skill only improved over the summer, as she was zigzagging her way through the opposing team, easily scoring two goals within the first fifteen minutes. Mia shouted loudly whenever the youngest Weasley scored and the adrenaline was rushing through her veins like wildfire. Even Dean, who had to fill in on short notice since Katie Bell was still in the hospital, was doing extraordinarily well. Also, to Mia's pure delight, Ron was saving each and every Quaffle that was thrown his way, diving this way and that to block each goal, some even by the very tips of his fingers. At one point he did an impressive flip so the tail end of his broom sent the Quaffle flying in the opposite direction, right into Dean's arms. Eventually, everyone who was supporting Gryffindor was singing along to the old song "Weasley is Our King" and Ron, obviously feeling more confident in his abilities, pretended he was conducting them.

Looks like Harry's plan worked, Mia thought to herself with a beaming grin. As time went on, Gryffindor was able to keep scoring, and soon it was one-hundred points to nothing. At one point, Mia started scanning the sky for Harry, catching sight of him just as the Slytherin Seeker, Harper, intentionally collided with him. Since madame Hooch's back was turned, she didn't see it, but anyone who was wearing red and gold "booed" and protested loudly. All of a sudden, Harper shot upwards into the air, and Harry followed right after. Smith commented that Harper must have seen the Snitch before Harry, and he was dangerously close to it. Mia leaned forward in her seat, her hands clasped in front of her and her heart going wild-if Harper gets the Snitch now, Gryffindor would loose!

"Go Harry, go!" she screamed. Just then, Harry made a great swipe with his hand and then he was shooting back down towards the ground, waving his clenched fist in the air. He caught the Snitch! The Gryffindor side of the stadium erupted into cheers and hollers of happiness once the whistle blew, signaling victory. Mia grabbed Hermione into a fierce hug and did the same with Luna and Neville before she jumped up and down, shouting joyously to Harry, Ron, and Ginny. The Gryffindor team all came back down to the ground, all of them hugging each other and patting each other's backs. All of them except Ginny, who was flying straight towards the commentator's podium. With an almighty crash, she collided with it, sending bits of splintered wood, as well as Smith, to the floor, causing Mia to fall into bouts of laughter. When the teams both began walking off of the field, Mia grabbed Hermione's hand and then they made their way through the crowds to meet up with the others at the changing rooms. Mia, who was still running off of adrenaline from the game, was nearly bouncing as she moved, and by the time they finally reach the changing rooms, Ginny was already leaving with Dean and Demelza, and she confirmed that Harry and Ron were still inside. Then, Mia stepped inside the room and practically lunged at her boyfriend, hugging him tightly before pulling back.

"Congratulations! That was an amazing game, a fantastic way to start off the season! And you!" she added to Ron, dragging him in for a quick hug as well before playfully punching his arm. "We told you that you would be brilliant, didn't we?! You were great Ron!"

"Thanks, Mia," Ron said with a grin.

"Harry, I need to have a word with you," Hermione cut in seriously, looking determined. "I know you spiked Ron's drink with Felix Felices. You shouldn't have done that, it's illegal!"

"What are you going to do, turn us in?" Ron demanded.

"Okay guys, you need to calm down," Mia said, trying to coax them down before their tempers flared up again.

"Mia, I'm telling you, I saw Harry do it, that's why everything went well and Ron saved everything-"

"I didn't spike the drink," Harry stated with a smile, reaching into the pocket of his robes to pull out the vial, the cork still sealed shut by the wax. "I wanted Ron to think I'd done it, so I faked it when I knew you were looking, Hermione. Ron, you saved everything because you had confidence in yourself, and believed you were lucky. You did it all by yourself, without the potion."

Mia smiled at Ron and Hermione's dumbstruck expressions while Harry placed the vial back into his pocket. It took a minute or so for them to come out of their shock, and Ron slowly closed his mouth, which had hung open.

"So, I really haven't had any luck potion?" he asked Harry. "It was all...really me?"

At Harry's confirmed nod, Ron was silent for a moment longer, and then, he suddenly turned on Hermione with a stern look on his face.

"See, Hermione? I can save goals all by myself without a potion! Or did you really think that's the only way that I can ever be good?"

"No, that's not-I never said that was the only way you can play!" Hermione countered, her face going a bit red. "I do think that you're good on your own!"

"You sure have a lousy way of showing it," Ron snapped. He then took his broom to swing over his shoulder, and left the changing rooms without a glance back. Hermione looked as though she was on the verge of tears, and then she also made her exit soon after, stomping away with her fists clenched at her sides.

"Oh dear," Mia murmured sadly after them. "That wasn't supposed to happen."

"No, it wasn't," Harry agreed, seeming just as helpless as she felt. "I really thought that winning would help make things better."

"You tried Harry, but sometimes, they're both just too thick to see reason," Mia sighed. "They will probably need time to cool down before they even think about apologizing to each other."

"I just don't want this to turn into something like what happened in third year," he admitted.

"We've been through too much together for that to happen," Mia put in, not wanting to remember the terrible drift that took place three years ago between the four of them. "I'm sure this won't be cause enough to make us go through that again."

"I hope you're right," Harry commented as he shut his locker. "Come on, there's going to be a party up in the common room, we may as well join in."

Indeed, by the time Mia and Harry arrived back at Gryffindor tower, the party was already in full swing. Someone had managed to swipe some drinks and food from the kitchens, and Mia suddenly found herself missing Fred and George, and the wild parties they would pull off whenever Gryffindor won a game. There was music coming from the radio, and streams strung about, along with confetti and mini fireworks. The second Harry stepped inside, people came forward to congratulate him on such an amazing match, wanting to shake his hand and pat his shoulder. To Mia's distaste, a group of girls, led by Romilda Vane of all people, crowded Harry, all batting their eyelashes at him and giggling in an annoying, high pitched fashion. She frowned at Romilda's advances, but her irritation was put to rest when Harry made a point to pull Mia to his side by her waist, kissing her cheek and politely excusing them from the fangirls. They found Ginny over by the table that held all the drinks, with her Pigmy Puff, Arnold, on her shoulder. The redhead smiled at them as they approached, reaching over to hand them a couple bottles of butterbeer.

"Great game today, Harry," she said.

"Same," Harry agreed as they all clinked their bottles together. "Have you seen Ron?"

"You mean the hypocrite? Yeah, he's right there," Ginny replied, pointing over towards a corner of the common room. Mia looked over in the direction she was pointing and her mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes widening and feeling as though a stone dropped heavily in her stomach. There, for everyone to see, was Ron, who was currently entangled with Lavender Brown, the two of them with their lips locked together and their hands groping every part of them they could find. The sight was somehow unsightly to Mia and she didn't know whether or not she wanted to gag or exclaim loudly in protest.

"Oh God," she muttered.

"You're telling me," said Ginny with a disgusted sneer over towards her brother's snogging session. "They've been at it forever now, and it makes my eyes burn every time I look over at them."

Mia was about to wholeheartedly agree, but then Harry gripped her shoulder and she turned to see him gazing over at the portrait hole.

"Harry?"

"Hermione just left," he said slowly. "I think she saw."

A horrible sinking feeling swelled inside of Mia and she could feel her heart aching for her best friend. There was a big part of her that wanted to curse Ron and Lavander to force them apart, but she knew that right now Hermione needed her more. She glanced over at Harry apologetically but he simply gestured with his head for her to follow after Hermione, squeezing her shoulder.

"Go on," he encouraged her.

"I'll keep Romilda away from him," Ginny promised. Mia thanked her, and, throwing a heated glare of anger over at Ron, she quickly weaved her way through the crowd and hastily darted through the portrait hole, hoping that Hermione wasn't too far ahead of her. She stepped out into the deserted corridor, looking around but not seeing Hermione in sight. Thankfully, she was able to have a tipsy Fat Lady that the bushy-haired girl ran off into the first empty classroom on the left hand side, and when Mia opened the door, she found Hermione inside, sitting on top of the teacher's desk with a circle of conjured birds flying around her head. The brilliant brunette was sitting slightly hunched, her body still as she twirled her wand in her hands, expression blank and her eyes unfocused. Slowly closing the door behind her, Mia walked in between the rows of desks until she was standing in front of her friend, not quiet sure what to say.

"Hi Mia," Hermione greeted softly. "I was just practicing, for Charms class. We have that upcoming test on Monday."

"I see, they're very nice," Mia commented softly. After a few seconds of silence, she went over to take a seat next to Hermione on the desk and then she reached over to place her hand over on top of hers.

"Talk to me, Mione?"

"What's there to talk about?"

"You saw Ron with Lavender. I know you did."

"And? Why should that have any sort of effect on me?"

"Because you wouldn't be sitting alone in a dark, empty classroom all by yourself, playing with birds," Mia replied. Hermione was quiet, not saying a word for a couple of minutes, and even in the darkness, Mia could see the unshed tears shining in her dark brown eyes.

"How did it feel, Mia?" she asked suddenly. "When you would see Harry with Cho, when he used to like her, and you realized you liked him?"

Mia didn't say anything at first, remembering what it was like whenever Harry and Cho would talk with each other, and the time that she had caught them almost kissing underneath mistletoe last year. When she was about to reply to Hermione's question, the door leading to the classroom burst open in that very second, and Ron came inside, laughing, pulling Lavender by her hand. When they caught sight of Mia and Hermione sitting there, Ron froze on the spot, and Lavender only looked slightly embarrassed before she giggled out an apology and then left swiftly. Ron, however, continued to stand there, avoiding looking at Hermione as she stared him down, something flickering in her eyes, and her posture stiffening, causing Mia to feel legitimately scared for Ron's well being.

"Sorry 'bout that," he said, moving his eyes over to Mia. "Didn't realize you two were having a girl moment."

Without a word, Hermione slowly stood to her feet and breathed in through her nose. As quick as one could blink, she raised her wand at him and screamed "Oppugno!" The birds that were flying around her broke free and assumed their attack formation as they went straight for Ron. He threw up his hands but they did little to protect him as the bright yellow canaries started scratching and pecking every part of him that they could find, all twittering loudly amidst his cries. Whenever he tried swatting at them, he would miss and they would come back, even more aggressive. Finally, Ron was able to reach for the doorknob and rush out into the corridor, with the birds flying after him and apparently chasing him back tot he common room. Hermione kept standing after he had gone until she took in a heaving breath, which became a sob as she fell back against the desk, hanging her head. Mia scooted closer to her and then placed an arm around her shoulder, drawing Hermione in so she could rest her head on Mia's shoulder, crying softly.

"It felt like this," she murmured.

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The weeks that followed were too familiar for Mia's liking, as neither Ron nor Hermione could bare to even be in the same room as each other if they didn't have to be. They wouldn't talk to each other, and were openly unkind to one another in their classes, reminding Mia too much of the way things were during that period in third year when they were all angry with each other. It had been one of the most awful experiences she ever had at Hogwarts, and she really didn't want a repeat of it. But with Hermione having witness Ron and Lavender all over each other at the party, it seemed as though there was no way to avoid it. Seeing the person you liked shamelessly snogging someone else was bound to hurt, and it seemed to be the final straw on top of everything else that was creating the tension between the two of them. For a little while Mia was going back and forth, almost begging one of them to apologize and make amends with the other, but they wouldn't hear it. Hermione felt as though Ron was acting like a complete, utter arse and she didn't want to have anything to do with him. Ron felt as though Hermione had nothing to be upset or complain about, seeing as she snogged other guys before, and he saw no reason why he couldn't do the same.

In the end, Mia realized there was just no getting them to see sense, at least not before the Christmas holidays were supposed to start. Therefore, she found herself splitting her time with each of them separately, although she referred Harry to be with her when they would try to spend time with Ron, due to Lavender easily becoming the clingy, dramatic type of girlfriend who would constantly fawn over Ron, and thought any moment they weren't kissing to be a waste of time. All they ever did was snog, in private as well as in public, looking as though they were eating each other's faces. Mia gave explicit instructions to Ginny that if she and Harry ever started being over the top like that, she was to use the Bat-Boogey Hex on them without question.

Now, it was the night before they were all set to return home for the Christmas holidays. Classes for the term had ended the day before, and Mia took the time to start packing her things in the morning. This year, Harry would be going home with Sirius back to the Carriage, but nearly everyone would be meeting up at the Burrow on Christmas Day to celebrate together, seeing as it was the only place that could hold almost all of them at once. Hermione would be missing out, spending Christmas with her family, but she and Mia had actually arranged to spend the last of the holiday vacation at Mia's house in Surrey together.

Mia looked herself over in the mirror above her dresser, tucking a curl behind her ear as she checked her outfit once more before meeting up with Harry in the common room. Tonight was Slughorn's Christmas party, and for the occasion, she decided to wear a long sleeved, silver dress that had a patterned lace design for the top layer, and a soft, satin material for the second. There was a beaded trim going around her waist, and when the knee-length skirt fanned around her when she twirled, there was an enchantment that made the material twinkle like stars. Her hair was pulled back in a stylish bun, with a couple strands left out to frame her face and show off her matching silver earrings. Once she deemed herself presentable, she grabbed her clutch, stowed her wand inside, and then left the dormitory to go down to the common room, where Harry was waiting and looking dashingly handsome in his black dress robes that Sirius was able send at the last minute.

"Wow," Harry said as she approached him. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you," Mia murmured with a light blush, taking his hand in hers. "You're looking very nice yourself. Sirius sure can pull off miracles, huh?"

Harry rolled his eyes at her and Mia giggled, leaning in to peck his lips. The two of them were then off to head down a few floors to Professor Slughorn's office, where the party was being held. Once they reached the correct floor, they could gear the loud laughter and music from the moment they stepped off of the staircase, and it only grew in volume the closer they came upon the door leading to the office. Harry knocked a couple of times before he pushed the door open, and they were met with a very festive sight.

Slughorn's office was much, much larger than any of the other teachers', and the walls were covered with crimson, green, and gold hangings, reminding Mia of the tent they had used when they went to the Quidditch World Cup. There was a huge, lantern-style light set in the very center of the ceiling, filled to the brim with fairy lights, and there was also floating candles about the room. Live music was playing by an unfamiliar band in one corner of the room, which was filled with people, all talking with one another over the music. There was a tall Christmas tree that was beautifully decorated near the window, and the smell of pipe smoke was floating in the atmosphere around a group of elderly wizards lounging in a few chairs. The very moment that Harry and Mia entered the room, Slughorn caught sight of them and came over to greet Harry eagerly, shaking his hand and then taking his arm to pull him over towards people he wanted Harry to meet. Harry's grip on Mia's hand had her being tugged along with him as Slughorn unsurprisingly introduced Harry to a famous author, Eldred Worple, and his friend who was actually a vampire, Sanguini. Worple greeted Harry excitedly and soon went off talking about he would love to help Harry write a biography about himself, that he would be pleased for conduct interviews with Harry on his life. While he spoke, Sanguini's eyes lingered on Mia and she shifted uncomfortably when his red eyes got a hungry look in them as his sight traveled to her neck. Something told her that Harry must have noticed as well because he declined Wrople's offer and quickly steered Mia away, his grip on her hand tightening.

"Thanks for that," Mia whispered to him gratefully before her eyes found a mane of bushy brown hair. "Look, there's Hermione! Hermione!"

"Mia! Harry, oh thank goodness!" Hermione said, looking thoroughly relieved to see them.

"Mione, what happened to you?" Mia asked, seeing as Hermione looked very dishelved.

"I only just escaped-I mean, I've left Cormac under the mistletoe," Hermione whispered, staring around to make sure said boy wasn't around.

"McLaggen?!" Mia exclaimed in shock. "You came with-"

"SHH! Keep it down Mia, he'll hear you!" Hermione hushed.

"Serves you right for bringing him," Harry told her.

"I thought it would annoy Ron the most," Hermione admitted with a small groan. "I was considering Zacharias Smith, but..."

"You were considering Smith?" said Harry in revulsion.

"Hermione, if I didn't love you so much, you would be disowned," Mia stated bluntly.

"I know, I know!" Hermione fretted, wringing her hands. "But I'm starting to wish that I had come with him, because McLaggen makes Gwarp seem like a gentleman. Let's just keep moving around, I don't want him to find me."

The three of them moved about the room, all of them scooping up goblets of mead on the way. Mia sipped at hers while they all talked, and when a House Elf came by bearing a heavy tray filled with finger foods, she stooped down to look him in the eye. Giving him a kind smile, she thanked him as she took a small sandwich off the tray and as the elf walked away, she took out her wand and discreetly cast a charm on the try that made it feather-light. At one point Hermione did spot McLaggen making his way in their direction and she ducked out of sight faster than anyone could blink, disappearing in between a couple people who Mia was positive were members of the Weird Sisters. By the time McLaggen came over, Hermione was long gone, and Mia cleverly directed the snobbish boy towards the other end of the room. For the most part, Mia and Harry kept to themselves, although they were approached by other wizards and witches who were in attendance to the party, and not all of them were gawking, or obnoxious-sounding. There was Warwick Clegg, who was a healer at St. Mungos, and had heard through Slughorn of Mia's hobby of creating her own healing remedies and seemed sincerely interested when asking her about them.

"So, how did you modify the Splinch Brew?" Clegg inquired.

"By substituting the owl feathers for swan feathers," Mia replied. "It purifies the brew so it only takes three days to complete instead of six, and it balances out the harshness of the hen's blood to reduce the risk of having a burning sensation as a side effect. It also makes the fumes less toxic, so it can used on young children as well without making them violently ill."

"Astounding," said Clegg with an impressed smile. "And have you tested any of your solutions?"

"I only test them when the time calls for it," Mia answered honestly. "There was a young boy whose hand was badly hurt last year, and the injury would have been difficult to clear up and heal under normal circumstances. I gave him a balm I made, and thankfully it was almost completely healed by the next day."

"That is truly wonderful, Miss Thatcher," Clegg praised. "Have you thought about what you want to do when you finish school?"

"Well, my goal is to come back to Hogwarts one day to teach potions once I've become a master, and until then, I want to become a potioneer at the Ministry, or maybe even St. Mungos."

"Those are some good aspirations, and it would be our pleasure to have you as a part of our staff someday," Clegg stated, waving his wand and conjuring up a piece of parchment out of thin air to hand over to her. "This is myinformation and office at St. Mungos. Upon your graduation, come see me and we will see about setting you up with an internship."

"Really?" Mia said with wide eyes as she took the parchment. "That-that's incredible! Thank you so much, sir!"

"You're quite welcome."

Clegg politely left to go over towards the drinks table, and when Mia turned back to Harry, she saw that he had been pulled into a conversation with a very red-faced professor Slughorn and a very displeased looking Professor Snape. The sight of the greasy bat made Mia frown for a moment but she put on a forced smile as she came closer to the small group, knowing that she would probably have to end up saving Harry from either severe embarrassment or stop him from hexing Snape.

"...never had the impression that I managed to teach Potter anything at all," Snape was drawling on with his black eyes narrowed at Harry, who was staring back defiantly.

"Well then, it's a natural ability!" Slughorn exclaimed loudly. "Both he and Mia are easily my top students in the subject, never have I seen such wonderful talent and skill. That is to say, nit since you, Severus. Tell me Harry, what other classes are you taking this term?"

"Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, Defense against the Dark Arts..." Harry listed off.

"All of which are needed to become an Auror," Snape commented with a light sneer.

"Yeah, well, that's what I want to be," Harry stated, something underlying in his tone that Mia was sure would get him into trouble. Thinkign fast, she hurried over to his side, taking his arm and pulling his towards the dance floor set in the middle of the room.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your discussion Professor Slughorn," she addressed the Potions teacher, putting on her best charming smile. "But Harry promised me a dance."

"Of course, of course, my dear," Slughorn slurred, a bright smile of his own on his face as he waved them off with his mead sloshing around in his goblet. "So lucky you two are, to be young and in love. The most glorious magic of all, it is! It's endearing, isn't it, Severus?"

"Delightful," Snape replied, his tone suggesting he thought the complete opposite, making Mia want to roll her eyes.

I bet he's never even been in love before, the bitter git. Mia led Harry through the throng of people and over to the dance floor, where there were a handful of others dancing to the song that had just been strung up by the band. It was a soft, slow version of some sort of Christmas carol that Mia had never heard of before, but nonetheless she turned to face Harry with a smile on her face. He returned it with just as much warmth as he placed one hand at her waist and took her free hand with his. Within the next minute they were swaying in a circle in time with the music, and Mia was happily content. The last time the two of them danced together, it had been at Harry's birthday party, when Sirius had brought out the stereo system he had gotten to show off and blast some modern Muggle pop music, much to Mrs. Weasley's displeasure. Somehow Mia and the others were pulled into a crazy, wild dance off, but it turned out to be quite fun. Although she had to admit, dancing like this with her boyfriend definitely felt nice.

"Thanks for pulling me out of there," Harry murmured to her.

"No problem. I was worried if I didn't act fast I would be bearing witness to murder," Mia said with a chuckle. Harry joined in before he spun Mia around in a fancy twirl, and the skirt of her dress shined nicely in the candle lights, catching a lot of awed stares from the other girls in the room. Suddenly wishing she hadn't chosen to enchant her dress, Mia hid her pink face in Harry's shoulder when he pulled her back to him.

"Don't be embarrassed, love, you look amazing," Harry whispered, and she could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke.

"Yes, but I didn't mean to draw much attention," Mia whispered back. "Now people are staring."

"Not that many people are."

"And you're a liar."

"Well if they are, it's because you're the most beautiful girl here."

"Now I know you're lying."

Harry gave her his signature smirk and then proceeded to spin her around on the spot, holding her close to him so that she couldn't get away and causing her dress to shine again. Not knowing whether to hide away or laugh, Mia settled for glaring playfully at him, but with her lips twitching.

"You know you love me," Harry said.

"As maddening as you are, that is true," Mia agreed with the facade of reluctance. Just as Harry opened his mouth to reply, their moment was temporarily paused when the door to the office opened with enough force to catch the attention of most of the guests. Turning her gaze over towards the entrance, Mia saw Filch burst inside, dragging Draco Malfoy in by the ear. Malfoy had a sneer on his face and an expression of indignation as Filch brought him through the crowd and up to Slughorn, and Snape.

"Professor Slughorn," Filch wheezed as he approached, delighted that he was able to catch yet another trouble-maker doing what they weren't supposed to. "I discovered this boy lurkign in an upstairs corridor just now, he claims to have been invited to your party and was delayed in settign out. Did you happen to issue him an invitation, sir? Because if not, I would be glad to provide the proper discipline."

"All right, fine, I was gate-crashing!" Malfoy snapped in contempt. "Happy?!"

"And I believe it is for me to decide if and how Draco should be disciplined," Snape added in curtly, fixing Malfoy with a hard stare.

"Now, now, gentleman, it's Christmas time!" said Slughorn. "A time of cheer and forgiveness. With your agreement, Severus, I see no need for the boy to be punished this one time simply because he wanted to join a party. Draco, my boy, you are certainly most welcome to join us, if your head of house permits."

Snape was silent for just a few brief seconds before he nodded and Filch's enthusiastic look was wiped clean off his face. Grumbling low to himself, he released Malfoy's ear and the slouched on his way out of the office, closing the door sharply behind him. Malfoy glowered after him, but then he put in a polite smile when speaking with Professor Slughorn, the two of them immediately starting a conversation about how Slughorn knew Malfoy's grandfather and that they were very good acquaintances years ago. Mia openly rolled her eyes at this-Malfoy was known to sucking up to teachers, especially Snape, so it was no surprise to see Slughorn fawning over him. However, their conversation was cut short when Snape butt in, stating he wanted to talk with Malfoy. Not really giving the boy a chance to cooperate or not, Snape ordered Malfoy to follow him and then the two of them left the room.

"What was that about?" Mia asked curiously. "Harry?"

Harry was staring after where Snape and Malfoy had disappeared from the room, his eyebrows furrowed and a sort of resolute expression taking over his features. The look in his eyes was all too familiar to Mia, and she sighed.

"Harry..."

"They're up to something," Harry noted, leaving no room for doubt in his tone. "Malfoy is off, and Snape was looking at him strangely."

"It could also be nothing," Mia offered. "Malfoy was probably sour that he wasn't invited and that he got caught sneaking about. If anything he will get a light scolding from Snape, which would definitely be a first."

Even as she spoke, Harry's mind seemed to be far away, and she wasn't sure if he fully heard her. She sighed again, her hopes of him letting it go deflating.

"You want to follow them, don't you?" she asked. Harry turned his head back to her, and she could see the conflict in his eyes.

"Just go," she told him, slowly dropping her hands. "I know it will drive you mad and make you even more paranoid if you don't. Promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

"I'll be right back, I swear," said Harry, bringing her hands up to his lips so he could kiss the back of them.

"You better be," Mia warned with a half-hearted smile. With another kiss to her knuckles, Harry left the dance floor and then hurried out of the door to the office, vanishing into the corridor. Once he was gone, Mia walked off of the dance floor and went over to help herself to a glass of butterbeer from a passing elf, who handed the drink off gently and whose eyes gleamed when Mia thanked them in the same fashion as she did with the other elf. After the elf departed with a bow, Mia was soon joined by an elder witch who wanted to compliment her lovely charm work on her dress. Sipping on the delicious warm liquid, Mia tried to focus on what the witch was saying, but all she could think of was how fast Harry had sped off after Malfoy, his obsession slowly getting the best of him. She understood Harry's concerns, she really did, but there was an irritating buzzing voice in the very back of her mind that was bitterly wishing Harry's desire to prove that Malfoy was up to something would stop him from running off all the time.