Hey guys sorry I took so long to update... not really in the writing mood at the moment I have been distracted by reading other people's fanfics! I am so sorry but I watched Inception like a week or so ago and fell in love with the the Arthur/Ariadne pairing and so have been reading them and Glee fics instead of writing my own. Plus the lack of reviews I am getting sucks! So please review and I will update faster.
Thanks to those of you that do review though, you guys are awesome!
I kind of don't like this chapter, never really liked it in the books either but I guess it is sorta needed but to me it seems like a filler sort of chapter which I'm sorry about but since I am following the book storyline I kept it in. I will try to update again soon within the next week hopefully!
Please Please review!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything!
That evening Harry, Ron and Hermione went to the Owlery to deliver a letter to Sirius explaining about the first task. The three were worried about how they were going to get away from Mina and Ami but the girls told them they had something else to do and would see them later.
When Harry, Ron and Hermione were gone Mina and Ami set off to go and visit Setsuna. They too had to discuss the tournament and everything that had happened so far. The two were fairly silent as they walked up to Setsuna's office. This was because Mina was in a slightly depressed mood over the whole situation and feeling terrible that she was unable to tell Harry the truth about who they were, especially after all the lovely things he said to her that morning
Ami didn't try and start conversation, she knew that Mina needed some time to just think. As close as the two were getting Ami was still aware that Mina was a very private person and found it hard to trust people.
She sighed in relief as they made it to Setsuna's office. It was unnatural for Mina to be so quiet and sombre instead of her usual bubbly self. Whenever Mina felt slightly depressed she would go off by herself not wanting to bring others down.
When Mina figured out that they had made it to Setsuna's office she snapped out of her daze and smiled brightly, trying to make it seem like it was all okay.
Ami smiled back and knocked on the door. The two entered when they heard Setsuna call out to them. They all took their usual seats before starting their discussion.
"Harry did a fantastic job today. I am glad we didn't need to jump in to rescue him. When I went to visit the time gated before it seemed like things were already beginning to change. I think our presence here is doing Harry a world of good."
Ami nodded in agreement. "I was astounded by how great he was. I don't know who gave him the idea of flying but it definitely worked in our favour."
Mina nodded but stayed silent. Setsuna noticed this and turned her attention to Mina.
"Minako what's wrong?"
"It is just that he got hurt today, you saw it. I know that wizards can heal their injuries quickly but that isn't the point. He still got injured and is in danger. I still resent the fact that we couldn't stop all of this before it begun. If we had stopped his name from being put in the goblet, he wouldn't have anything to worry about."
"Minako I understand that really I do. It would have been more beneficial for all of us for it to have been that way but I didn't realise that it would happen. We had no way of knowing, the time gates aren't always clear and I think that even if we stopped him from competing in the tournament his life would still be in danger this year. "
Ami wrapped her arms around Mina in a comforting hug before smiling at her. "I have something that might cheer you up. As you both know our communicators are unable to work, I figured out this was because of the distance and the magical interference. I know that our communicators are technically magical but they are a different type of magic and the barriers around Hogwarts interfere in it.
I was luckily able to calculate how to fix this problem. I recalibrated the mechanism and did a few spells. It took quite a few weeks of trial and error but last night I tried again and connected through to Makoto. She was shocked to say the least; they were all under the assumption the only way we could communicate as through letters. With that said you may both have your communicators back."
Mina squealed with joy as she jumped up to grab her communicator giving Ami a big hug.
"Thank you so much Ami. I have been missing all of them so much! I know we have written to them but it isn't the same as hearing their voices and seeing their faces. I can't wait to talk to Artemis!"
Setsuna also thanked Ami before smiling widely at the two girls. "Why don't we test these things out?"
They pressed the communicators and the faces of their friends popped up. Usagi was the first one they heard. She was squealing and giggling and clearly jumping up and down, that was until her face suddenly disappeared and a loud thud was heard shortly after. Laughter was then heard from the rest of their friends and a small huff was heard from Usagi as she popped back up.
"I'm okay, I just tripped over!"
Rei snorted, "As you can tell not much has changed since you left "
Usagi pouted and the two started one of their epic tongue wars. The three at Hogwarts watched on giggling slightly, missing their antics.
"You guys I miss you all so much! Where is Artie?"
Makoto pretended to look hurt, "You say you miss us and then demand that flea ball Artemis!"
"Hey I am not a flea ball! Minako I mi... You changed your hair style!"
Mina laughed slightly at Artemis and smiled. "Well I thought new school, new hairstyle. I have been wearing my hair in that bow since I met you Artie! I thought it was time to grow up a little."
Luna interrupted next, "I wish Usagi saw things that way!"
Ami gasped slightly before laughing. "Usagi is never allowed to change her hair! She is the odango."
They all broke into giggles and started sharing all the stories of the past few months. The group turned serious for a little while discussing how the situation with Harry. When they finished that topic Setsuna excused herself to go to the time gates and both Haruka and Michiru said their goodbyes as they had to go out that night.
When the 'adults' left the conversation Makoto as always, was the one to bring up the topic of boys.
"Is there any boys that have managed to capture the eyes of the ever studious Ami or a boy that has captured the heart of the jewel of Juuban?"
Minako laughed softly and Ami blushed bright red. "Jewel of Juuban? Really? Never mind your weird nicknames Makoto but no not really. I mean I have become good friends with Harry... but Ami totally has a crush on Ron, Harry's best friend!"
"MINA! I do not. Ron and I are just friends."
Mina giggled and stage whispered. "That is why they have been spending all their time together."
Ami managed to turn even redder and gave Mina a light slap on the arm. "I...He... but... you have been spending just as much time with Harry. So if I like Ron you like Harry."
Usagi laughed, "Ami, I can't believe that is your argument! Are you sure you don't like him? Is your love for him affecting your brain?"
The others joined in the laughter all except Ami who just hid her face in her hands.
They kept on talking about random things just enjoying being able to see each other. It was nearing the end of the day when they finally decided that they had to go.
Minako had tears in her eyes as she said goodbye "Bye guys! We promise we will talk to you again soon!"
Ami nodded along with Mina. "Our conversations will be more frequent now we don't need to write the letters and wait for the owls to deliver it."
The three other senshi smiled and started waving.
"We miss you guys and can't wait to talk again. Grandpa says stay safe!"
"Keep me updated on all the gossip and if there are any boys that look like my old senpai take a picture!"
Usagi finished it off by sending a kiss to them. "Don't worry about anything we are all fine here and will miss you! Bye!"
Mina and Ami smiled and shut off their communicators. Ami was beaming, happy that they all got to talk but when she turned to Mina she saw that she looked sad.
"That was meant to cheer you up."
Mina sighed and tried to smile at Ami but failed. "When we were talking to them it did cheer me up but know that we had to end the conversation it sort of makes me miss them more. Artie looked so happy to see me. He really misses me and I miss him just as much. I haven't been without him in so long. It doesn't matter though."
Ami nodded and gave her a quick hug. "Okay well we should head back down to the Gryffindor Tower, Ron was saying that Fred and George were going to go and get some food from the kitchens to have a little celebration party. I am sure it won't mean as much to Harry if you aren't there."
Mina blushed slightly and shook her head. "I'm not really in the mood for a party right now Ames. I just want a bit of time by myself. Is it okay if I go to the room of requirement to train for a little while?"
Ami nodded and Mina thanked her before making her way to the room of requirement. As she walked around a corner she crashed into someone. She was about to fall when the person gently grabbed her.
Mina looked up to thank the person before she saw who it was.
"Draco, what are you doing here? I don't want to see you right now, I am still angry with you."
Malfoy looked down at the floor before looking back in her eyes. "I didn't plan on seeing you but since you are here I wanted to try and get you to talk to me again. I know you are angry that I made those badges and that I sent a spell at that mud... Granger but I need you to understand that Potter and I are never going to get along ever. I keep telling you this and you never listen, instead I end up disappointing you."
Mina's glare softened at his words. "I just know that you can be a better person Draco and I hate when people don't live up to their potential. Also the badges were just plain rude and the way you explained things to Snape was just horrible. I may not be friends with Hermione but still! I just can't believe you would do something like that."
"Potter did the same thing I did. He sent a spell at me that hit one of my best friends and you forgave him. Don't I deserve the same treatment or is it different for your boyfriend?"
"He isn't my boyfriend. I will forgive you again Draco but if this keeps happening I don't know how much longer we can be friends. We have been in a fair few fights already and they are all about the same thing. Something needs to change or we will continue having fights and I don't want any more conflict in my life."
Malfoy nodded, "I have been trying. Haven't you noticed the teasing is not as bad as it used to be and I mainly just try and avoid Potter? Now just to show you I am serious this time, watch."
Malfoy proceeded to press the badge making it display the Cedric message. He then took out his wand and cast a freezing spell on it, keeping the badge permanently on that message.
"I will say it again Mina, I will never be friends with Potter but for your sake I will attempt to be civil."
Mina nodded and grabbed his hand to give it a quick squeeze. "That's all I ask for."
Malfoy smiled slightly at her, "Can I walk you back to the Gryffindor Tower? I am sure there will be some sort of celebration f or Potter there."
Mina nodded and grabbed onto his arm as they walked to the Gryffindor Tower. When they reached the Fat Lady Mina gave Malfoy a quick hug. He returned the hug and said a quick goodbye.
Mina turned around and told the Fat Lady the password. As soon as she entered the room a loud screechy wailing was heard. She looked around the room to see Harry standing in the middle of the room with the egg open.
"Shut it!" Fred bellowed with his hand over his ears.
Mina pushed her way through the crowd and could only just make out that the group of boys were trying to figure out what Harry would come up against in the next task.
She rolled her eyes at some of the suggestions especially George's suggestion of having to attack Percy while he was in the shower.
"Sometimes I forget how stupid boys can be." Mina said as she stood beside Harry, who smiled at her when he saw her.
The other girls in the room laughed and the boys after pretending to be hurt joined in the laughter.
Mina smiled at continued on. "Clearly they weren't going to make the clue easy to figure out. There is more to it than just opening the egg."
Everyone nodded and started to enjoy the party. Mina, Harry, Ron and Ami were standing around chatting briefly wondering why Hermione was talking to Fred with a calculating look on her face. After seeing Neville turn into a canary, and barely being able to stop laughing the group started to relax.
Harry was able to briefly forget all his problems about the tournament, Ron was happy to be friends with Harry again and Mina and Ami were able to forget the real reason why they were at Hogwarts. The four were having a great time but before too long the party was over and each of them had to go to bed.
The start of December brought wind and sleet to Hogwarts. Mina and Ami were always trying to stay inside the castle, near the fires because of the cold but due to classes they were unable to. Ami could handle the cold a bit better than Mina cold over her powers of ice but it was still cold.
As the two made their way down to Care of Magical Creatures both stayed silent, concentrating on keeping warm. They greeted their classmates when they reached Hagrid's cabin and smiled warmly at Harry and Ron when they walked over to them.
They started a conversation as they waited for Hagrid and the boys noticed the girls shaking slightly.
"Are you cold Mina?" Harry asked, with concern showing on his face.
Mina nodded slightly, "I forgot how cold it can get in England sometimes. It is even worse out here in the open with the wind and everything. Doesn't matter though..."
With that they heard the footsteps of Hagrid coming. Mina turned towards where the sound was coming from causing Harry to stand directly behind her. Just then a gust of wind swept through where they were standing causing Mina to shiver.
Harry who was used to the weather wrapped his arms around Mina from behind. They both tensed slightly at the touch and blushed. Harry because he only just realised what he was doing and what it looked like. Ever since the article they still kept a fair distance from each other.
Mina tensed up because she wasn't expecting the action from Harry. Just as Harry went to pull away shaking his head. Mina grabbed his arms keeping them wrapped around her.
She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. "Thanks Harry, you are already making me warmer. It is really sweet of you."
Harry smiled and let the blush slowly fade away. "You're welcome, sorry if this makes you uncomfortable or anything. I just wanted to help."
Mina shook her head and faced towards Hagrid who had just addressed the class about the Skrewts. There were only 10 Skrewts left after they had started to attack each other. They were about six feet in length and scuttling around.
"I'm not sure whether they hibernate or not. I thought we'd jus' try an' see if they fancied a kip... We'll jus' settle 'em down in these boxes."
The class groaned and many didn't even attempt to help, there were only 10 Skrewts and many more students. Harry reluctantly let go of Mina and smiled at her.
"You just stay here, I will go help Hagrid round up these stupid creatures and I will come back. Will you be warm enough?"
Mina nodded but soon felt the chill from the cold air and wished for Harry's arms to be back around her. She shook her head out of that thought and went to go and help with the Skrewts to try and distract herself from that thought.
She walked over to Ami and two spent the rest of the lesson huddled together watching and laughing at the few students trying to get the Skrewts away.
Just when the lesson was about to finish Mina and Ami looked up from the conversation to see Rita Skeeter talking to Hagrid, Harry, Ron and Hermione. The two gave each other confused looks before making their way over to the group.
As the two girls made their way to the group Rita left them. Mina turned to all of them with a confused yet suspicious look. "What did that horrible woman want?"
Hagrid looked at Mina and beamed at her and Ami. "She jus' wanted an interview is all."
Mina smiled politely before looking at Harry. She could tell she was thinking the same thing Harry was, that Rita Skeeter was up to no good.
The lesson soon ended and the group went to enjoy lunch before separating for their next lessons. Harry, Mina and Ron went to Divination while Hermione and Ami headed off to Arithmancy.
The three fought hard to not laugh all the way through the lesson. Professor Trelawney who had been happy with their predications of disasters was annoyed to see them snickering as she went on and on about how Pluto could disrupt everyday life.
Mina tried hard not to laugh. The first few weeks she thought that maybe Trelawney had a talent because of some of the things she said but as the time went on she just got more and more ridiculous. Mina just was unable to trust anything she said and not take anything seriously because whenever she talked about the planets she would automatically think of her friends.
Trelawney was final done predicting death and turned to Harry to add her final predication for the day.
"As I said Pluto will bring death but there have been two other planets shining brightly maybe even brighter than Pluto if you are lucky. They are Mercury and Venus, they will bring you wisdom and love."
Mina looked at Professor Trelawney and again found herself confused about the old woman. Sometimes her predictions were so far off but other times she could just say some weird things.
Mina shook off the feeling and walked with the boys down to the Great Hall to meet up with Hermione and Ami. They were shocked to find only Ami sitting there.
They decided to eat and find Hermione after dinner. After they finished eating they headed off to the library thinking that was where she would be but when they arrived the only person in there was Viktor Krum.
Ron stood back in shock, even after all this time he was still shocked to see Krum around and act like a normal teenager. He was debating whether he should go up and talk to him. Mina rolled her eyes and walked straight up to Krum.
"Hello Viktor, how are you?"
Krum looked up and smiled very briefly at Mina. "I am fine. Vat about you?"
"I am fine thankyou Viktor. I was wondering if you have seen Hermione this evening. You know the girl that usually hangs out with Ron, brown hair, brown eyes smart. She is usually in the library."
Krum shook his head. "I know who you are talking about. Vell I saw her earlier but she left a vhile ago."
"Okay, thanks for that Viktor. I will see you around!"
Mina bounded back towards her friends and they managed to drag Ron away from Krum. They still couldn't believe how obsessed he could be over him.
When they finally made it back to the Gryffindor Tower, Hermione came bounding up to them. She then proceeded to drag the four of them down through the school until they reached a corridor lit up with torches.
She turned to them and smiled widely and that is when they saw a painting with a bowl of fruit on it. It then registered to all of them why they were here. Hermione had shared with them all how to get to the kitchens after she found out from Fred.
They all just groaned and Harry addressed Hermione. "You are trying to rope us into this spew stuff again!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and glared at him slightly. "No I am not and it isn't spew..."
"Changed the name, have you? What are we now, the House-Elf Liberation Front?"
Mina giggled slightly at what Ron said and whispered to Harry. "That name is much better than SPEW maybe we should let Ron name the group!"
Harry laughed softly as the two waited for Hermione and Ron to stop their argument. The argument finally stopped when Hermione stamped her foot and threw her hands up into the air.
"God you are impossible Ronald. I didn't bring us all down here because of S.P.E.W. I have something to show Harry. Now if you would all follow me!"
The four shrugged their shoulders and watched as Hermione reached out to the painting and tickled the pear that was painted in the fruit bowl. The pear began to chuckle and squirm before it turned into a large green door handle.
The group walked in and barely had a chance to look around before something small hurtled towards them squealing. "Harry Potter, sir! Harry Potter."
The small thing ran straight into Harry and grabbed him in the midriff, hugging him tightly. Mina got a look at the thing and let out a little scream, it was the weirdest looking thing. Everybody in the room looked at her strangely and she blushed slightly.
"I am sorry. I just thought I saw a bug or something."
The others nodded and turned back to the little creature as Harry started to talk to it. Mina studied the creature and after getting over the initial shock found it to be quite cute. The cutest thing though was the clothes it was wearing. It was clad in a mixture of garments Mina had ever seen. It was wearing a tea-cosy with many bright badges pinned on for a hat, a tie with patterned horseshoes over his bare chest, a pair of football shorts and odd socks. One of the socks was plain black and the other was stripped pink and orange.
Harry noticed that Mina was just staring at the creature and remembered that she had no idea who Dobby was and why he would care that he was working at Hogwarts. He walked over to her and grabbed her hand before dragging her over.
"Sorry Mina and Ami, I forgot you guys don't know Dobby. Well obviously his name is Dobby and he used to be the Malfoy's house-elf. They treated him terrible so I managed to trick Malfoy's father and get Dobby freed. Dobby these are my friends Mina and Ami."
Dobby looked at both of them before turning back to Harry. "Is blondie girl the girl from the article?"
Harry sighed and nodded at Dobby. Dobby then surprises them all by going over to Mina and hugging her. "It is good that Harry Potter has a girlfriend and such a pretty one at that."
Mina and Harry blushed as Mina smiled politely at the elf.
"He isn't my boyfriend" Mina said at the exact same time Harry stated. "She isn't my girlfriend."
Dobby's eyes widen and he steps back slowly. "I am sorry Mr Potter, sir!"
Harry smiles down at Dobby. "It is okay Dobby. So how did you end up here?"
"Dobby has managed to get a job here at Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore gave Dobby and Winky jobs, Sir!"
Harry blinked and smiled at Dobby. "Winky? She is here too?"
Dobby started to nod enthusiastically and grabbed Harry's hand dragging him off into the kitchen between four long wooden tables that stood there. The group noticed that the four wooden tables were positioned exactly beneath the four house tables above, in the Great Hall.
At lease a hundred little elves were standing around the kitchen, bowing and curtseying as Dobby led the group through the kitchen. They were all wearing the same uniform, a tea-towel stamped with the Hogwarts crest and tied like a toga.
Dobby stopped in front of a fireplace and pointed. "Winky, sir!"
Winky was sitting on the stool by the fire and unlike Dobby had obviously not foraged for clothes. She was wearing a neat little skirt, a blouse and a matching blue hat with holes cut out for her large ears. Winky was clearly not taking care of her clothes at all. There were soup stains all down her blouse and a burn in her skirt.
Mina looked at the poor creature with sympathy, she looked absolutely miserable. Harry saw the look on Mina's face and lent over. "She was recently dismissed by her master and is not taking it well."
Mina nodded sadly as Harry stepped forward. "Hello Winky."
Winky's lip quivered and then she burst into tears. They spilled out of her great brown eyes, splashing all down her front. Mina wanted to help the poor elf but didn't know what to do. Hermione on the other hand walked up to the small elf.
"Oh dear, Winky don't cry. Please don't."
This caused Winky to cry even harder. Dobby on the other hand ignored the crying elf and turned to the group. "Would Harry Potter and his friends like a cup of tea?"
The group except Hermione nodded, unsure what else they were meant to do. As soon as they nodded about six house-elves cam trotting up behind them bearing a large silver tray with a teapot, cups, a milk jug and a large plate of treats.
Mina smiled at the elves. "Wow, this looks lovely, thank you very much. Usagi would love a house-elf!"
The house elves all looked delighted at the praise as they bowed and retreated.
Ron looked confused at Mina's statement as he shoved a biscuit into his mouth. "Who or what is a Usagi?"
Ami giggled slightly at him before she too grabbed a treat though she spoke before eating it as she had manners. "Usagi is a really good friend of ours that loves to eat. She would love to have an elf on hand to get her food whenever she wanted."
Harry turned back to Dobby to found out some more about him. "So Dobby how long have you been here?"
"Only a week, Harry Potter sir! Dobby came to see Professor Dumbledore, Sir. You see Sir, it is very difficult for a house-elf who has been dismissed to get a new position. Very difficult indeed..."
At this Winky howled even harder. Hermione started to rub her back to get her to calm down but it wasn't working. Dobby still ignored her and just spoke louder over her tears.
"Dobby has travelled the country for two whole years, trying to find work sir. But Dobby hasn't found work sir because Dobby want paying now!"
Mina watched in slight amusement as the way the other house-elves around the kitchen who had been watching and listening with interest all looked away at these words, like Dobby had said something rude and embarrassing.
Hermione grinned at Dobby. "Good for you Dobby!"
Dobby smiled at Hermione before turning back to Harry. "Thank you miss! But most wizards doesn't want a house-elf who wants paying. They says that's not the point of a house-elf and they slammed the door in Dobby's face. Dobby likes work, but he wants to wear clothes and he wants to be paid, Harry Potter... Dobby likes being free!"
Mina nearly started to laugh as she watched the other house-elves start edging away from Dobby as though he was carrying something contagious.
"And then, Harry Potter, Dobby goes to visit Winky and finds out Winky has been freed too, sir!"
At this statement Winky flung herself off the stool, looking like she would rather it have been a bigger fall, like from a cliff. She then began to beat her tiny fists upon the floor screaming with misery. Hermione, Mina and Ami ran down and knelt down beside her all feeling sorry for the poor elf. All three of them tried to calm her but it made no difference.
Dobby continued on with his story, now practically shouting to be heard over Winky.
"And then Dobby had the idea that Dobby and Winky go find work together. Winky then said where is there enough work for two house elves and it comes to Dobby, Hogwarts! So Dobby and Winky came to see Professor Dumbledore, sir and Professor Dumbledore took us on. Professor Dumbledore says he will pay Dobby, sir, if Dobby wants paying! And so Dobby is a free elf and Dobby gets a Galleon a week and one day off a month!"
Hermione stopped trying to calm Winky down for just enough time to add her bit. "That isn't very much!"
"Professor Dumbledore offered 10 Galleons a week and weekends off but Dobby beat him down... Dobby likes freedom miss, but he isn't wanting too much, he likes work better!"
Hermione who was trying to be kind to Winky asked her. "How much is Professor Dumbledore paying you Winky?"
This just caused Winky to glare at Hermione. "Winky is a disgraced elf but Winky is not yet getting paid! Winky is not sunk so low as that! Winky is properly ashamed of being freed."
Mina and Ami just stepped back from the group and watched in slight amusement, confusion and curiosity as their 3 friends and a 2 little elves continued their argument/conversation.
Winky kept on crying and yelling about her old master Mr Crouch while Dobby and Harry carried on a rather subdued conversation about house-elves and what they can and can't do. They just watched until Dobby began banging his head a table. The two were about to rush over and once again join the group but Harry had quickly stopped him.
Mina and Ami didn't really find much interest in the conversation because they had no idea what they were talking about. They head a few words that they understood like Mr Crouch, Mr Bagman and finally Winky burst into tears again when the five students decided to finish their tea instead of trying to calm her down, they knew it was no use.
Dobby joined them and started a polite conversation. "Dobby is going to buy a jumper next, Harry Potter!"
Ron who seemed to take a great liking to the elf smiled at him kindly. "Tell you what Dobby, I'll give you the one my mum knits me for Christmas. I always get one from her. You don't mind maroon do you?"
Dobby nodded enthusiastically before turning to Mina and starting a conversation with her while the others were off doing different things. Hermione had managed to get Harry to come talk with the other house-elves to try and convince them to be more like Dobby, Ron was stuffing his face while Ami was politely trying to find out as much as possible from a few of the house-elves.
Just as the group was about to take their leave the house-elves walked up to the offering them snacks to take upstairs with them. All but Hermione agreed thanking them warmly while Harry was pulled aside by Dobby.
"Harry Potter Sir, Dobby likes blondie girl. She treats Dobby very nicely and is very pretty. Harry Potter sir is lucky."
Harry looked over his shoulder to see Mina smiling warmly at all the elves thanking them profusely for everything they had done. He turned back around and smiled at Dobby. "Thanks Dobby. I will see you later."
"Wait Harry Potter sir! Can Dobby come and see you sometime, sir?"
Harry nodded and Dobby beamed at them as they finally exited the kitchen. The group set back off upstairs in their usual groups. Ami, Ron and Hermione walked ahead of Harry and Mina as Hermione berated them for taking things from the elves.
Harry smiled down at Mina. "Dobby likes you, he said you were nice and pretty."
Mina blushed slightly. "I like Dobby too. It was a bit of a shock to see him at first but after that he was lovely. "
The two walked in silence until Mina spoke up. "How are you Harry, I mean with the tournament and figuring out the egg and all?"
Harry sighed slightly, "Well not great, I still haven't figured out the egg and after I got told about what the others did against the dragons I realised how inexperienced I am. I had never even thought of half of those spells. Nor do I have the power to do them yet. I realised I need to train a lot more. "
After Harry said that he needed to train more something clicked in Mina's brain. How could she have been so stupid to not realise it earlier. "Harry I know this room that hardly anybody else knows about. We could use it to help you at learning different spells. It is called the room of requirement and I think it would be very beneficial for us both and help to settle your nerves. We can't make you the same age as them or have the same years of experience but you are forgetting who you are. You are Harry Potter and have been through things more dangerous. Together we will learn many different spells that can be used in different situations to help you."
Harry nodded smiling widely. "That is a great idea! It means a lot to me that you are willing to take time away to help me with this all. I am lucky to have a friend like you that is willing to stick by me through all of this and trust me. I have had trust issues in the past and it usually takes a while for people to get through them there are only a few that have made it past my barriers. Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore and two others that you haven't met. I just... thanks."
Mina smiled and grabbed his hand as they kept walking. "I understand Harry; I have always found it hard to trust people too. "
"Yeah I did notice that when I was talking to you in the Owlery that one time. You know you can tell me anything right? You listen to me and help me without asking for anything in return. So if you ever want to talk about it I am here."
Mina's eyes glazed over as she stared in front of her. "That is sweet Harry and very much appreciated but it is stuff I don't like to think about. Thank you for your offer though. Maybe one day I will be able to tell you everything but not right now. I hope you can understand."
Harry got slightly annoyed that still after everything he has told her she doesn't tell him anything. "Is there anything you can share with me? Do you not trust me?"
Mina smiled sadly at Harry. "I trust you Harry, more than I thought I ever would. I can't tell you everything to not only protect myself but to protect you and others. I don't want to betray them by telling you but maybe one day if you are patient I can tell you."
Harry accepted and admired her answer. He knew what it was like to want to protect the few that you do love and let past your boundaries.
Just as they reached the Gryffindor common room she turned to him and smiled. "I will tell you one thing though. I really miss my friends back home more than I expected. I have lived away from them before but we are a tight group of friends and I am just used to them being around. I miss my cat the most though. So if I suddenly seem a little upset it is probably because I am remembering them.
You have been a great friend here Harry. Without you, Ami and Ron here I don't think I would be coping at all. But it has been mainly you that has helped me. Goodnight Harry."
She gave him a hug as she walked through the entrance and upstairs to her room leaving Harry staring after her with the look that often graces the face of males falling for a girl.