Chapter 11
Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking one of the corridors on the second it was late and dark so they had to use lumos to see. "Hey look at that," said Ron "yea, looks like the bathroom is leaking" commented Harry. They followed the trail of water. "Hey what' s that up there?" Asked Hermione, Harry shined his wand in the direction she was pointing her own wand at. To their horror they discovered it was Mrs. Norris, she was hanging from one of the light fixtures. Hermionie's heart broke, she had grown fond of the cat, her heart then shattered when she thought of Filch
As if on Que they heard Filch approaching, he was carrying a lantern "What are you three doing here?" He asked then looked up to where Harry and Hermione's wands were pointing. Filch stood frozen for what seemed like hours, then with trembling hands he carefully took Mrs. Norris down. He then sunk to the floor still holding the cat in his arms. Filch's dry broken sobs could be heard throughout the corridor. A crowd was beginning to form. "what happened?" Asked Dumbledore "THEY DID IT!, yelled Filch, pointing at Ron and Harry. "They know my secret, that I'm a squib and that's why they…they...they.
Unable to finish his sentence he broke down sobbing once more. Dumbledore went over and examined the cat. "Argus she is not dead, she is petrified, no second year could do this." Dumbledore then leaned in closer so only he and Filch could hear. "Do you really think Hermione would let them do anything to harm her or you?" Filch shook his head. "Will she be alright?" Filch asked sniffling, "yes, Professor Sprout is growing some mandrakes, it will take some time though. May I take her to the hospital wing so when the antidote is ready Poppy can give it to her right away?" Filch nodded and handed Mrs. Norris over to Dumbledore.
Hermione not caring who saw or about anyone's opinion walked over to the pair, knelt down and wrapped her arms around Filch who quickly hugged back while fighting more tears. Dumbledore smiled at the pair. "Miss Granger, would you mind walking Mr. Filch to his office? I think he could use the company." "Not at all" replied Hermione, she then started trying to help Filch up Neville surprisingly came over to help and together they got Filch on his feet.
Whispering thanks to Neville she then began walking with Filch back to his office while still holding his hand. They walked in silence the whole way there. Once they finally reached his office, they both walked in Hermione shut the door behind them. Filch then let go of her hand, went over to his desk and sat down. "I'm so sorry" said Hermione "I know it doesn't mean much but you still have me." Filch looked at her with tears still running down his face. "Come here" he said, his voice hoarse from crying. Hermione walked around his desk, he turned his chair so he was now facing her and held his arms out requesting a hug which she granted. "Hermione you being here means everything to me." He said hugging her while resting his chin on the top of her head. "I just wish I could do something to help." Said Hermione sadly while laying her head on his chest, "you already are helping my sweet." He said gently. "Hermione aside from Dumbledore and a few of the other teachers, no one in this school has ever cared for me except you and since I work here they have to care about me to some extent and we have to be civil towards each other, but you have no reason to. Your doing it cause you want to and that means more to me then you will ever know. Just being there for someone can be a tremendous help." Hermione nodded, Filch looked at the clock and reluctantly let go of Hermione. "It's getting late you best get back to your dormitory." Filch said sadly, Hermione nodded but before she could move away from him he grabbed her arm. "I don't know what's going on around here Hermione, but something isn't right please be careful. I can't lose you too." Hermione nodded and started heading for the door. "Oh and Hermione!" Filch called, Hermione looked back. "When we're alone please call me Argus." She walked back over to him and said "alright, Argus you be careful too." She then gave him a kiss on the forehead and walked out of his office shutting the door behind her. Despite the horible evening he had had, Filch couldn't help but let a small smile grace his lips.
Author's Note
Hi guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Personally this my favorite one I've written so far, but let me know what you guys think and as always thanks for all your support.
