Bad Love Keeperoliver Chapter 2

His walk from Dumbledore's office was like a death march to Harry. What he just left was nothing compared to what he was about to face. Ron and Hermione had been his best friends for five years, and now it seems he barely knew them. Ron had shown his unfaithful side on several occasions, but Hermione had always been a good and loyal friend until the summer after fourth year. It was then that she showed herself to be totally loyal to her headmaster. She must have Ron thinking the same thing.

He made it to the entry to the dorm and gave the Fat Lady the password and entered slowly. Sure enough, they were there waiting for his return. He saw Ginny off to the side and looking up as he entered. She stood up and took a stand not far from her brother. Harry shook his head and tried walking past them, but Hermione was not going for it.

"Alright Harry, why have you been avoiding us? I tried looking for you on the train, and when you didn't join us at the table for dinner, I knew you didn't wish to see us. Can you explain why?"

"OH, I could have all kinds of snappy returns for that one, but I will answer it like this. I waited all summer for something from you or Ron. You both knew what I was returning to, yet you ignored me for the entire summer. If it wasn't for Remus telling Vernon to leave me be, I would have had a miserable holiday. Now you have the nerve to ask why I have been avoiding you. I know what Dumbledore told you, but why do you follow him like he was a god or he was your idol that you worship."

"What you call idol worship, we call respect. As should you. He saved your life last year Harry, or did you forget that. He saved all of our lives."

"No Hermione, he did not. It was him that put us in that predicament. By keeping information from me, he forced me to go looking for it. He put Arthur in jeopardy, and got Sirius killed. You want me to respect someone like that?"

"He did what he had to, to ensure that Voldemort didn't get the prophecy. If he did, then your life would not worth the paper you write your name on."

"He told you that did he? And you believe it because he said it? I call that blind faith. What would you say if I told you that if Tom got the prophecy we would all be in better shape, because he would have backed off from attacking me. He feared what the rest of the prophecy said enough to risk everything to get it. Did Dumbledore tell you what the prophecy said? No I suppose not, as that would be telling something he didn't want anyone to know, not even me. Do you want to know what it said?"

"No Harry I don't. If I was meant to know what it said, then I would have been told. Why have you turned so against him Harry? You use to call him a friend."

"Ron, let me ask you something, since you haven't spoken yet. Do you worship this idol like your girlfriend does?"

"Look mate, what Hermione and I share is none of your business. As for what my feelings are for Professor Dumbledore, it is like Hermione said, I respect him. A person doesn't live as long as he has and not be due some respect. Especially after what all he has been through."

"So, you are hanging onto Hermione's skirt tail then. Ginny, do you worship Dumbledore like these two?"

"What have I got to do with this? But, to answer your question, no. I feel he keeps too much to himself and because of this, he puts others in danger, like he did my father. Ron, you know as well as I do that dad didn't even know why he was there guarding the Hall of Prophecies, It was just because Dumbledore said it was of vital importance to the safety of Harry. You know if Harry's name is mentioned, dad would risk his life for him. If it had been for any other reason, he might not have done it. He knew that Tom was trying to get in there and take something. If you would have listened to him talking after he recovered from his injuries, you would know what I am talking about."

"You really feel this way Ginny?" Harry sounded genuinely shocked.

"Of course I do. Why else would I say it."

"Forgive me Ginny, I really did not know where you stood. Do you know anyone else that shares your opinion?"

Before Ginny could answer, Dean came over and took her arm and led he away from the group. Harry saw Ginny look back and lipped the word later to him. He nodded his head and turned to make his way upstairs, but Hermione wasn't finished with him yet. "Harry, please talk to us. I don't want you feeling this way towards us. We really do care about you. Even though you don't think so. The Professor cares for you as well. He told Ron and I that he tries to tell you things when he thinks you can handle them. Too soon may have you doing something like you did with the a Ministry."

"It would seem not telling me has the same effect, doesn't it? I'm sorry Hermione, but I intend on doing things my way from now on, and I can't have you running to Dumbledore when you hear it. Now, if will you please excuse me. I am tired, and I need to get some sleep." Harry turned and headed for the sleeping chamber, when he felt a powerful pull in his stomach, like something was trying to crawl it's way out. It happened when he saw Dean and Ginny kissing in the corner. It was such a powerful feeling, it actually made him sick. He ran up the steps to the loo, in case he had to vomit.

There was no episode in the loo, but that didn't stop Harry from thinking what got over him. He never felt like that before, and he didn't like it. It was like a beast trying to force his way into Harry's mind. It was so weird, he didn't even know who to talk to about it. Hermione was definitely out of the question, as was Dumbledore. It was Ginny that caused it, so she was out. Neville, though a nice guy, was as lost as He was when it came to girls. The only person he could think of was Luna, and he didn't feel good about that either. Luna reminded him of Dumbledore, but in a better way. She made Harry think about what he was looking for in an answer, but would stay with him until he got his answer, unlike Dumbledore who would leave him hanging. It was moments like this that Harry wished Sirius was still here with him. Maybe he couldn't answer him, but he would talk with him, and together they may come up with something.

Harry got to his bed, and laid there for a while, thinking about what happened through out the evening. He was mad at the way things went between him, Hermione and Ron. He couldn't tell them that he no longer needed them with him. He knew he couldn't do what he had to do alone, but, now he had to find someone he could get to help him. Here he was, ready to set out on his own, and already he was making a mess of things. He decided to think about it in the morning, after what he hoped was a good night sleep. He should have known better.

Neville had been the only other person in the chamber when he got there, so he was able to at least fall asleep. That ended when the others got there, making all kinds of noise as they got ready for bed. Then the ugly beast started to rear itself in Harry's stomach. Dean began top talk to Seamus about how much of a dream Ginny was. How perfect her and him were together. How he loved the scent of her hair, the softness of her skin, and the tiny row of freckles that ran across the bridge of her nose.

Then Ron got in the mood to talk about Hermione. It was making Harry sick to think they all had girls. He couldn't figure out what it was that turned all the girls away from him. Well all the girls he fancied anyway. At the moment Harry was thinking he would never have a girl friend. He faced another dilemma when he faced Cho. He knew she wasn't right for him due to her lasting crush she had on Cedric. Even with him gone, she could not release his memory. She wanted everyone that knew him to talk to her about him. It became an obsession with her. Luna was the one that he didn't understand at all. Harry felt sure that she liked him, but she didn't love him. But she didn't even want to give it a try to see if he could change her way of thinking. No, she didn't want to do that. She said she had feelings for another. She wouldn't say who though, Harry thought it might be Neville, but he has seen him hanging around with Hannah Abbott, in Hufflepuff. Seamus was with Susan Bones, so he spent a lot of time with Neville and Hannah.

It was like this for the rest of the evening for Harry so sleep became impossible. He was up earlier than the others, so he got dressed and went down to the sitting room and study his charms work book. He was happy to know that he would not have potions this year. Snape made sure that he would not by giving him an Exceeds mark, knowing he only accepted O's for sixth year and seventh.

When he got down there, he was upset right off. There was Hermione and Ginny sitting there talking. They stopped when they heard Harry walking into the room. Harry tried to walk on past but once again Hermione got his attention."Good morning Harry."

"Morning." he kept on walking, but once again stopped when Ginny called out, "What, no good morning for me Harry. I have one for you. Good morning Harry."

Harry turned and looked at her, then he bent forward slightly and said, "Good morning fair Lady Ginevra. How are you this fine morning?"

Ginny laughed, but stopped when she saw Hermione. There were tears in her eyes. Even Ginny remembered when it was this way with Hermione and Harry.

Harry on the other hand stood up straight and turned and walked away. He walked through the entry to the hall and the portrait closed behind him.

Hermione asked Ginny, "Why is he doing this Ginny? What have Ron and I done that has turned him against us like this? We have never shown Harry anything else but our respect for Professor Dumbledore."

"Did you ever think about Harry this summer, wondering how he was getting along?"

"Of course I did Ginny, almost every day. It hurt me quite a bit knowing I couldn't write to him."

"So, Professor Dumbledore forbade you to write?"

"Well no, he didn't forbid us to write, he just thought it was best that we didn't. He said that Harry needed to get past his loss without being reminded of it by us. It seemed to make sense, so we didn't write."

"You did this knowing what he had to face in the Dursleys? You could have written to ask how he was holding up under their pressure. You and Ron were his only connection with his true world Hermione, and he needed to hear from you at least, because you kept him up to date with what was going on his world. It gave him something to look forward to, and you let him down. He didn't expect much from Ron, but he did want to hear when he would be coming to get him to bring him to the burrow. I know it was not the headmaster's wish this year, but Harry didn't."

"Why didn't you write to him if you were so concerned about him Ginny?"

"Because Ron would not let me borrow his owl, and Percy took our family owl with him. I wanted to though. I wanted to thank him for allowing me to join in on his adventure. Even though we all got hurt, it was exciting. I finally got to use everything Harry taught us in our DA class. Luna wanted to write as well, and would have sent one with my letter. Her father's owls were kept busy delivering his paper and getting facts to use for it."

"Ron wouldn't let you borrow Pig? Why on earth not?"

"Because if he couldn't write to Harry, then no one was."

"I'm sorry Ginny, I didn't know he was going to take it to such extremes. I should have listened to my heart and wrote. Do you think he will ever forgive Ron and I?"

"Honestly, not for a while Hermione. He doesn't trust you right now. He thinks anything he says you will tell Dumbledore about it. I don't know what he has plans for, but, I don't think he can do them alone. I don't know who he will take into his confidence, but whoever it is, he will trust completely. He will have to in order to finish what he starts. "

"It hurts me to say this, but I agree with you completely. He will probably be trying to make some new friends this year, looking for help. Oh, I think we better break it up, here comes Dean. He will probably be looking for his morning Kiss me up. I mean pick me up." Hermione giggled. Ginny just slapped her on the arm then tilted her head for Deans Kiss me up.

BL-}

Harry was sitting at the table eating, when he was joined by Luna, "Good morning Harry."

Harry looked up at her and answered "Good morning to you, heavenly body."

Luna ran her hands down her sides saying, "There is nothing heavenly about this body Harry. It's quite common really."

"I was referring to your name Luna, as in the moon, which is a heavenly body."

"OH, well in that case, you may continue to call me that. And thank you for my new nickname. I like it very much, although I do wish I had the body to go with it."

Harry mumbled, "You do, you just don't realize it."

"What was that, I didn't quite hear you?"

"Nothing. What are you doing up this early?"

"I'm always up this early Harry, you just never notice me."

"Believe me, I notice things like that, and you hardly ever enter this early."

"Well, that is true. I usually go up and feed the owls, but I was hungry this morning. Now, why are you here so early?"

"Hermione was in the sitting room with Ginny."

"SO!"

"Don't act so surprised Luna. You know I am not talking to her and Ron. We had a long chat last night that got us no where. Which reminds me. I have to ask you a question."

"OK, what is it."

"Last night when I was going to bed, I saw Dean and Ginny kissing, and I felt something in my stomach. It felt like it was trying to claw it's way to my brain. Do you know what that means, or what it is?"

"Well, it's not Wrackspurts, as they affect the brain, but don't start in the stomach. It's not Nargles, as they also affect the brain, but only with your thinking. No, it can only be one thing. BAD LOVE!"

"WHAT?"

"Bad Love Harry. It sours your stomach. It happens when you see something that you don't agree with. If it goes unattended, it could turn you into a jealousy beast. That could be dangerous,"

"You really believe that don't you Luna?"

"Of course I do Harry, or I would not have brought it up. Oh Oh, speak of the devil, here comes Dean and Ginny now."

Harry turned, and he felt the stirring in his stomach again, but not as bad. Dean and Ginny were just holding hands. They walked over and sat next to Harry and Luna, with Ginny taking a seat next to Harry. She accidently brushed his arm as she sat, and it sent a flutter throughout his body. Now what was going on? Harry had to excuse himself as he began to got all hot and bothered. He walked quickly to the exit, only to run into Hermione and Ron. He helped Hermione up, who he knocked over, and apologized. Then he went on his way.

Hermione watched him as he sped down the hall and entered the boys loo. She needed to talk to Harry so bad it hurt her. She wanted to be friends once more with him. She never told him this before, but the adventures he shared with her were more stimulating than any of her classes. She would miss them if he never did forgive them. Maybe it was wrong of her to think this way, but she enjoyed the adventure they had every year even if she fought him telling him it was wrong to do this or that. It wasn't the only reason she wanted to be friends again. She also welcomed his comforting when her and Ron had a huge argument. She liked Harry a lot, but didn't know why she loved Ron so much. When Harry approached her during fourth year and asked her out, for some reason she felt he was wrong for her. She couldn't explain it. She even checked with Madam Pomfrey to see if she had been given a love potion that upset her, but there was none. It baffled her, which only upset her as she liked to be in control of her emotions. Ron always seemed to get the best of her.

Hermione and Ron made their way to the hall and took a seat before they missed the meal. She didn't eat much, as she wasn't feeling right. Harry's quick dismissal in the hallway upset her. She felt they had lost Harry as a friend and that hurt. She didn't have many friends, so to lose one was too much, but when that friend was Harry, it was like losing a family member. That was how Hermione felt about her friend. Maybe that was why she felt the way she did about Harry concerning their relationship. He was more of a brother than what they said.

BL-}

Harry was making his way to charms when he was stopped by Professor McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, please come with me."

With out saying a word, Harry followed his head of house. He hasn't always been on good terms with her, but he respected her for her fair treatment to all students. Dumbledore always seemed to favor Harry in decisions concerning discipline. He was led into her study where he was asked to take a seat. Once seated, she began, "Mr. Potter, there has been a change to your schedule. I am not sure you are aware of the change to the teaching corps, but there is a new Potions Professor. Horace Slughorn is now teaching the class, and he went over your past record, and felt that you were treated unfairly. He thinks you are more than capable to handle the workload that six and seventh years will give you. This schedule change begins right now, as you are due in potions in 10 minutes. Professor Slughorn is expecting you, and he has extra books available for you to use."

"What about Ron Weasley, Professor?"

"I'm sorry Mr. Potter, but Professor Slughorn didn't think he would be able to handle the pressure. However, Miss Granger will be there to accompany you."

"Thank you Professor. I think it was probably a good decision by Professor Slughorn for Ron. Ron does not feel comfortable with potions, and he may take it the wrong way if he all of a sudden had to attend his classes. Now, I think I better get to class before I become too late. I don't want to start off on a bad foot."

"Good luck then Mr. Potter."

Harry made it to class before the others, and was going to wait outside the classroom, but found the door open. He walked in to find a rotund figure sitting behind the desk. The figure looked up at Harry and had him take a seat. He then asked Harry his name, and when he got it, a smile formed on the round face. "AH Mr. Potter. It is so good to meet the son of Lily and James Potter, and I look forward to teaching you, as I did your mother. Lily was my favorite student during her time in my class. I have a couple of things for you. One is for you to go to the cupboard and get one of the student workbooks. And the other is I hope you will join me this evening so that we may talk. Please bring a guest if you wish."

"Of course Professor. I would be happy to." and Harry went to the cupboard to get the book. It was old and well worn, but it would do.

Soon the classroom began to fill with the other students, and Harry was expecting Hermione to take the seat next to him, and he wasn't disappointed. She took the seat to his right, but didn't say a word to him, for which he was pleased.

Once the class was started and they were asked to open their books, Harry found his filled with hand written side notes that told him of alternative actions or ingredients. The hints helped him to win a bottle of Liquid luck, for his perfect brew made in the shortest time. He was happy to see the look on Hermione's face as she was use to being the first one done, and always had the best brew. This book helped Harry more than he could imagine. It gave him the edge over Hermione in two of their classes.

Yes, this year could turn out better than he was expecting.

The rest of the day was a good one for Harry. He sat next to Hermione or Ron for all the classes, but they did not share any words. He could see that it bothered Hermione to have him sitting so close and not be able to talk to him, but she respected Harry's wish to be left alone.

At the end of the day Harry took his books back up to the dorm, and was ready to leave when Ginny joined him in the sitting room. "Hi Harry. Going to dinner?"

Harry smiled at her. He felt the butterflies in his stomach once again. "I was thinking about it. Would you like to join me, or is Dean taking you?"

"Dean is trying to get help in Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall was quite upset with him after his performance. He may not even make it to dinner, as she will probably begin tutoring him. So, I guess I am yours for the evening."

"Then this is one meal I really look forward to. One more question, Professor Slughorn has asked me to join him after dinner, and said I could bring a guest. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Sure Harry. I haven't had Potions yet, and would like to meet him to see how he is. Now let's go to dinner, as I have an appetite as big as Ron's right now because Luna and I missed lunch today. Luna felt she had to feed the owls since she missed them at breakfast. She asked me to go with her, and I agreed. By the way, Hedwig misses you, and she needs to be used to build her strength. She has been too dormant for the past year."

"She has been little used, hasn't she? I will have to see what I can do to get her some work. Maybe I can try to connect with Remus and Tonks, now that Sirius is no longer with us."

"Sounds like a good idea Harry. Remus was brilliant as our DADA Professor, and maybe he could help us out in some way, and Tonks is so funny, she could be a help in keeping us loose. Now, let's go and see if we can find Luna."

They didn't have to go too far to find Luna, as she was waiting just outside the Fat Lady for Ginny. She was happy to see that Harry was with her. "Hello Harry Potter. Ginny, are we ready to go eat?"

"Yes we are Luna."

"Hello Heavenly Body. I hope you don't mind me joining you for Dinner, and if you feel up to it, would you join us for a visit to Professor Slughorn after dinner?"

"Why thank you Harry, I would be happy to. I would like to meet him, as he seems like a good teacher."

"He is Luna. I had him today, and I surprised Hermione with my results. I was best in class today. I never looked forward to Potions before, but now I do. Of course it helps that I am getting assistance from the book I got from the cupboard. It has little tips written on the the side space on each page. They work perfectly. I don't have potions again until Friday, so maybe you two can use it during your class."

Ginny could not believe what Harry offered her and Luna. "Thank you Harry. I look forward to Potions now, like you do. and We have a double Potions tomorrow, and one Thursday. When is your double?"

"Friday. Professor McGonagall really shocked me today to tell me about the change. At first I wanted to refuse it, but now I am glad I didn't."

The three made it to the hall and took a seat with the Claws. This made Harry feel better, as he didn't want to face Hermione once more.