After talking with the twins Dumbledore was not sure what to do, but he had decided that no one should talk to Harry until after exams if even then. Harry had been through so much. Dumbledore was thinking along the lines of Harry possibly being a seer but was not sure if that is actually what was going on. Dumbledore informed McGonagall not to say anything to Harry. The more Dumbledore thought about it the more he felt that nothing should be said to Harry, and to let Harry come to them in time.
* * * * * * *
Harry was still awake at 2 A.M. He couldn't seem to sleep. It was frustrating him to no end; he had classes later that day. It would be the first day back to classes. Harry had really enjoyed the past two weeks, no teachers, just work to do. He did not want to be tired on his first day back. Finally around 4 A.M. Harry passed out.
Harry's roommate woke him up. Ron, Dean, Neville and Seamus were being a bit loud and somewhat rowdy.
"What the bloody hell is going on? What time is it?" Harry asked sleepily
"It's time to get up. It's eight in the morning. You do want breakfast right?"
"I guess food would be good."
"Be honest, do you feel okay?"
"Other than tired, just fine."
"Why are you so tired?"
"Couldn't sleep last night. I think it was around four that I finally passed out."
"Nightmares?"
"No. I just couldn't sleep. You go ahead and I'll meet you in the dining hall."
"Okay. But if you're not there by eight-thirty I'm sending Hermione up to get you."
Harry smiled and chuckled.
Once his roommates left, Harry crawled out of bed and took a cold shower to hopefully wake him up. He got dressed, grabbed his school bag, and went down the stairs, through the common room and out the portrait hole. Half way to the dining hall Harry saw Hermione on her way up; they nearly had crashed into each other.
"Hermione, did Ron tell you to come get me? It's not that much past eight-thirty, is it?"
"Yes he sent me to get you. I told him not to worry and to give about ten more minutes. He just wouldn't let it go. No, it's only about eight-thirty six maybe."
"When Ron told me that he would send you to get me, I honestly thought he was joking."
"He thinks that you were having nightmares and just don't want to say anything. I told him that it wasn't likely."
"No I wasn't having nightmares, which I am thankful for, I just couldn't sleep last night. Well I think I got about four hours, I'm not sure."
Harry and Hermione made their way quickly to the dinning hall before Ron had an aneurysm.
Hermione walked right up behind Ron and gently smacked him up side the head.
"Hey. What the bloody hell was that for?"
"Being impatient and a total git. I told you to give Harry some more time. After only four hours of sleep who could actually make it anywhere with a dead line!"
"Ron, Ron, Ron…. I told you that I'm okay. I did not have any nightmares, I just couldn't sleep okay and I am not lying."
Harry took a seat and started eating. He was trying to eat much as he could before it was time for class. Ron and Hermione stayed with Harry while he ate.
"Shit! We have to go or we'll be late." Ron nearly yelled.
Harry swallowed the last mouthful of food he had just put in his mouth and the three of them quickly took off to their first class.
* * * * * * *
So far that week Harry was doing quite well. He thought it was going good, better than he had thought. There was quite a bit of talk around the school, Harry paid not attention to it knowing that the talk would eventually fade.
It was time for Potions and Harry was reluctant to go. He had not faced Snape since his detention and did not want to deal with it. Harry considered not going but knew he couldn't do that. He just knew that what was in store for him was not anything good. Harry was going to be in for a shock.
Harry stepped inside the class and saw Hermione choose the empty seat next to Neville and not from the two empty ones next to each other. Harry walked down the isle and took the empty seat next to Ron.
"Welcome back Potter!" Snape snarled, but not as harshly as normal. "Let's see how well you do today since you have been gone for so long. I do hope that you have studied well" Snape then addressed the class. "We will be working on the Forgetfulness Potion today. It will probably be part of your exam. This is a practice to see how you all are doing and to find out how much more you need to study. I will be going around and seeing how well you are doing. Please take out your books and find the page with the ingredients." Snape walked to his desk and sat down.
The whole class pulled out their books, each student found the page at their own leisure. As each student found the page and went over the ingredients they started to collect them and work on the potion. Most wondered why Snape was giving them this extra little boost to see how they were doing, especially since this could quite possible be part of the exam for the class.
Professor Snape began his walk around the class. As he looked in each cauldron he would say 'Good', 'Poor', 'Not bad', 'Needs more work', and such to all the students, Slytherin and Gryffindor it did not seem to matter. He was also giving out points for the effort, only up to five points. Most Slytherin's received five points, not one Gryffindor had received anything over two points.
Snape reaches Neville and Hermione's table, "Longbottom did you read the instructions? Study more. Let's see how Miss. Granger has faired. Good, Miss. Granger, two points for Gryffindor."
Snape then was at Ron and Harry's table. Harry tried his best to brace for whatever Snape was going to do, and how many points he'll take away.
"Mr. Weasley you need to study, at least a little." Snape then walked over to look in Harry's cauldron, "Well done Potter. I see that with the time you had off you did indeed study. Three points for Gryffindor."
It was shocking to the whole class that on top of Snape saying nice things to Harry he had also awarded Gryffindor points. Gryffindor's were pleased, finally some recognition. Most of the Slytherin's could care less. Draco Malfoy on the other hand was pissed. Harry had not been in class and did well on the practice of the potion and he as well as other Gryffindor's earned points. It didn't matter how little the amount was but that they had received points.
After the class was over the group of Gryffindor's were talking about how strange it was in class, no one was complaining and it was a nice change but it was still strange. Snape, compared to normal, was nice and giving.
* * * * * * *
After dinner Ron, Harry and Hermione were in the common room studying. Ron was the only one just staring at his book with a blank look on his face.
"Ron, what's with you?"
"I'm sick of studying all the time. Can we take a break this weekend? And maybe try to have some fun?"
Harry smiled and managed to keep from laughing. Hermione on the other hand was down right laughing as she remembered the spell Harry had used on her. 'If I could only remember what the incantation was I would use it on Ron right now. Who cares if we were to get into trouble, it would be worth it.' Hermione thought.
"What am I missing here?"
Harry now started to laugh with Hermione.
"Are you two sure your just friends?"
"Yes" Hermione and Harry said with a little laughter, it was more annoyed then funny.
"Why would you think that there is more than friendship with me and Harry?"
"Uh…the two of act like your more than friends."
"How?"
"Let me see, you were able to get Harry back to normal, since that day you went looking for Harry the two of you sit and stand closer together than before, there seems to be some kind of joke between the two of you."
"Ron! You can't be serious! Harry and I are just friends."
"So you both keep saying."
"If you would quit asking all the time maybe we wouldn't be saying it all the time."
"I can't help it if you two act like your together, together."
"Are you jealous? If you are you can stop, wait who would you be jealous of Harry or me? No never mind. If you are jealous, stop. There is only friendship with us."
"Ron, what would it really matter any way?" Harry finally spoke up.
"I'm not jealous, I suppose it doesn't matter, I just want to know."
"Are you sure about that? You do seem a bit jealous."
"But I'm not."
"So why the rant if your not jealous?"
"Okay, your friends, so why not include your other friend?"
"Is that really what all this was about?"
"Yeah."
"Why go through all that if it's just that you're feeling left out?"
"I…hold on…." As Ron catches onto Hermione asking him if he was jealous of her or Harry, "I AM NOT THAT WAY!"
"What?" Harry and Hermione asked.
"I like girls not boys. I would not be jealous of you Hermione."
"That is not what I meant Ron! Why would you be jealous of Harry?"
"What? No. I'm not jealous!"
Harry just looked at Ron with a knowing look on his face. Ron looked away and tried to get back to studying. It wasn't long before Ron started talking again.
"So, am I to be included in what ever it is?"
"Ron. The day I went looking for Harry I had wanted to ask him something. I could tell that something was on his mind and I thought that I could help, if nothing else just listen to what ever he might have to say. So, Harry asked if I wanted to have fun. He then used a spell on me that made me laugh uncontrollably to the point of crying. After I begged him to make it stop he used the counter spell, which he never said out loud. Not that I remember what Harry had said to cast the spell."
"I also gave her some advice. I told her that life happens outside of books and that she can't live in the library."
"I'm not stupid. It's more than that."
"He told me what was on his mind."
"And what was that?"
"Don't ask me. It's not for me to say."
"Harry…"
"Ron I'll tell you after exams are over. First I need you to promise that you won't tell anyone. And you cannot let it slip."
"I promise I won't tell anyone. I don't see how a spell could make someone laugh uncontrollable."
"I can show you."
"Harry, no it's too late. I don't feel like dealing with Percy."
"Fine, I won't do it tonight."
"Harry why can't you tell me now?"
"Because there is too much of a risk for a lot of other people knowing. If the whole school ended up finding out, I wouldn't get a moments peace."
"It sounds serious."
"I suppose it is. But you'll have to wait until after exams."
"Fine."
As they heard someone coming they packed up their stuff and were about to go up to the dormitories when Percy walked in.
"Percy before you say anything, we are on our way to go to bed."
"Oh. Okay."
* * * * * * *
After the last exam Harry, Hermione and Ron went outside to enjoy the rest of the day. It was a nice warm sunny day. The three of them sat under a tree, the same one Harry had been sitting under when Hermione had found him.
"Isn't this great? No more studying, no more exams. Now we can finally have some fun."
"That reminds me, I never got the chance before."
"Harry what are you talking about?" Ron asked.
Harry smiled, pointed his wand at Ron and said "Rict…"
"Wait, Ron you better sit down you'll fall over, I nearly did."
Ron just looked at Hermione as though she had a second head as Harry said, "Rictusempra"
Sure enough Ron fell over laughing. It wasn't long before tears began to roll down his face. He begged Harry to make it stop.
Harry quietly said "Infinite Incantatem" and Ron stopped laughing instantly.
"Where…. did…. you…. find…. that" Ron breathlessly managed to sputter out.
"In a book."
Harry's short response made Hermione laugh nearly uncontrollably.
"What book?"
"A book. I don't remember the name of it." Harry lied. He couldn't exactly tell Ron that he had received the book as a gift on his 16th birthday.
Harry looked around his surroundings to be sure that no one would be able to hear what he was about to tell Ron. He also hoped that he wasn't making a mistake. Once Ron hears what he has to say and if he thinks about it he just might remember that Harry had said that Fred dies. If that is so, he wasn't sure if he would be able to stop Ron from running and telling his brother. But he told Ron that he would tell him.
"Ron you remember me saying that I'd tell you something after exams? And do you also remember what I wanted you to promise?"
"Yes. I promise I won't tell anyone and I won't let it slip."
Harry glanced a round one more time just to be sure that no one else was around. He than told Ron everything he had told Hermione. Harry waited for a while before Ron said anything.
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"No. I am not joking."
"Hermione do you believe this rubbish Harry is saying?"
"I believe Harry."
"But how can it be possible?"
"Other than messing up that potion, I have no idea."
"Prove it."
"How?"
"Tell me something you shouldn't know but that I do."
"Okay. Your little sisters middle name is Molly. Your garden is infested with gnomes. And you have an Uncle that used to pull flowers out of his arse at parties, that same Uncle died after seeing the grim." Harry stepped closer to Ron to be able to whisper in Ron's ear, "Stop denying that you have a crush on Hermione…. I know."
Ron paled and looked at Harry, his mouth was opening and closing like a fish.
"That last part…you're crazy."
"No I am not. Just stop it Ron. I know. There is nothing wrong with that. I won't tell anyone, and you have nothing what so ever to worry about."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, I sort of told him about a crush that he has on someone. Ron relax I'm not going to tell anyone."
"Hey, that's not fair. You only ever told me that I have a love life."
"Hermione, I only said it because Ron wanted proof. Let me think about what I will you."
"Hold on. A while back you said that Fred dies, if you know the future…I have to go and tell Fred."
"Ron! No! You promised me."
"But Harry this is different."
"No it's not. Honestly I don't know the future, I just know what could happen."
"You tell Fred then."
"No."
"Why not?'
"Because it's Fred and he'll tell George and then it would be because it's Fred and George."
"But if he doesn't know how is he suppose to defend and protect himself?"
"Because, I'll be there."
"How can you so sure that you'll be there and be able to stop him from dying?'
"Because I now know that I can save him and the others. And you and Hermione will be there to help me as well."
"Oh, no. Harry when you told me that Fred dies, Fred and George overheard it."
"And I know for a fact that my brothers talked to McGonagall."
"Oh crap! Wait, they haven't asked me about it at all," Harry then said hopefully, "After this amount of time it's not likely that they would."
"Harry, maybe next year we…"
"Not a chance Ron. We will still study all through next year, but it will be balanced out though."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, Hermione has to have some fun and not study so much, you need to not have so much fun and study more."
"That sounds fair." Hermione commented.
"But Harry if you know it already, why do you study?"
"I don't know it all Ron. The only way to learn is to study."
"Me study more, huh. I will never willingly crack open a book and study."
"Uh…Ron, when you were learning how to play wizards chess?"
"That was different, it was for fun."
Harry laughed and then said, "Fun! You say that it was fun. You are crazy Ron. I have glanced at your wizard's chess books. Ron you are not stupid, you are smart and clever. Your brother's Bill and Charlie, they got really good marks in school and they can't even come close to beating you at wizards chess."
"Wait, how have you glanced at the books?"
"I saw them laying around in our dormitory."
"Hold on, there are books on wizards chess?"
"Yes." Ron replied.
'There are books. That is crazy, I have been searching forever. He is so good at wizard's chess and I'm not, I feel so stupid! I am good at everything I do and I know a lot, but this I have no clue. Why do I want to learn about wizard's chess so badly? I think it's barbaric, but I want to know. Oh fucking hell…I like Ron. Can this be good? What should I do? I could ask Harry. But how can I ask Harry when Ron is always around anymore these days?' Hermione contemplated silently.
Harry and Ron both noticed the look on Hermione's face. She seemed down. Ron thought about it. They had just been talking about books on wizard's chess. A thought came to Ron, he looked at both Harry and Hermione and said, "I'll be right back." and he ran off towards the castle.
"Hermione do you think that Ron will be able to keep his promise and not let it slip?'
"Are you questioning trusting him with this?"
"I feel horrible. He's my best friend."
"Then trust him."
"Your right. I should just trust him. After all I am expecting both of you to trust me on things."
Before either on could say any more Ron came back with a few really thick books.
"What the bloody hell are those old ratty books?"
"Well, Hermione they are the books on wizards chess. I just thought that if you read up on it that you might not think it so barbaric."
"I doubt that, but I'll read them. You brought them all out, you didn't have to bring them out here."
"True but oh well."
As the sun started to go down, they headed in and on to their common room where Harry and Ron played a few rounds of wizards chess and Hermione had started to read the books.
Harry looked up and says, "Percy we'll be going on up to bed in just a few minutes."
"Don't worry about it. I was just wondering who would be up at this hour."
Shortly after Percy leaving they all went up to bed. Harry slept restlessly.
