A/N: Oh look, it's 7k words… yes, you are all stuck with me, and I know how much I suck.
Pairings: I have decided it's too boring to write the real pairing so… Loki(Marvel)/Sherlock
Warnings: Uh… I wrote it…? While watching Phineas and Ferb… and Ratatouille…
Disclaimer: Do you see a cute little kid!Harry wrecking havoc? No? I could have sworn Harry did…
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
Harry recalled saying he was not going to go back to Hogwarts no matter who says it, so he wondered why he agreed in returning. That's right, because it would make… getting rid of some people far easier. Although he could have just did it randomly as well, without going back to being Harry bloody Potter. But Voldemort raised good arguments and he grudgingly complied so here he was, lying on a bed in the Hospital Wing playing unconscious.
Though, he remembered Voldemort's arguments being beneficial to him, because come on, the psychological effect of his appearance on his 'friends' would be amusing, especially if he was playing his role again. He just didn't want going back to his more boring play. And Harry Potter was very dull and a much hated character to him.
You're the first person I ever heard calling themselves dull and hated… by yourself, no less.
Oh please Tommy, you also found it incredulous when I acted my part without anyone being any wiser to the fact that Harry Potter ceased to exist for a long time.
Me being incredulous would be understandable considering the fact that I know your 'personality' is a far cry from Potter.
Pot, meet kettle. Be sure to get along!
Harry was pretty sure his use of the expression was wrong but he could care less. He wanted to curse every single person inside the room because, Merlin, he won't be able to act freely anymore! It was true when they said that if you had a taste of freedom, you won't be able to go back to what you used to do. And here he was, finally freed, but caged once more even if the cage was a mere illusion to the ones outside.
He heard the doors bang open and the pitter patter of hurried footsteps. They were here and he wanted nothing more than to create a bloodbath but Voldemort would be rather upset at him. The good thing was, Harry had forced the man to be prepared to have a backup plan when Harry lost control.
"Poppy, how is he?" He recognized the voice as Dumbledore's, sounding genuinely worried and Harry barely stopped himself from giggling and just behead the old wizard. He couldn't though, so he quietly sulked and whined.
"He's fine, Albus," Clearly, this one was Madame Pomfrey, "Just a few cuts that are now healed. He's merely sleeping now, though I do not know what happened to him."
Oh yes, the cuts. Voldemort said it would be better if he suddenly appeared in the Forbidden Forest, close to where Hagrid would find him. And that damned portkey just made him land on the rougher part of a tree. And as per planned, Hagrid, or rather, Fang found him just as the sleeping potion took effect. Well, that sleeping only lasted for fifteen minutes or so, so now he's awake.
Harry heard rustling of fabric beside him and not long after, a cold, shaking hand caressed his face. Another grasped his hand tightly, then the sobbing started. What…? Oh, okay.
He twitched the hand that was in another's grip and groaned lightly. Blinking his eyes open, he was met by bushy brown hair tied into a messy bun.
"…Hermione?" Oh how he loathed acting like Harry Potter again.
The bushy brown hair startled and faced him, tears flowing down her face.
"Harry James Potter, don't you dare go disappearing like that again!" Then the witch flung herself to him and he felt his hand being squeezed tighter.
He let the witch cling and sob on him, hiding his grimace by burying his head on the witch's neck. It seemed like a long time before Granger pulled away, eyes still brimming with tears.
"You alright there, mate?" This came from Ron who was grinning brightly at him though there was relief there as well. It was just now that Harry remembered Bill Weasley being killed during the raid. Seriously, it's not like he's all that important; there were loads of Weasleys running around that missing one is not a big deal, right?
Hermione blushed and sat back to her seat, using her hands to wipe away the tears that kept running down her cheeks.
"Um…" Harry started uncertainly already feeling tired thinking about how much he would need to cover everything he does up, "Ron… Hermione? What- why are you crying? And why are we in Hogwarts?" He made a show of looking around the Hospital Wing in confusion, "I don't think it was necessary for me to go here, I could have just slept it off at Grimmauld."
Hermione sat up straighter and Ron frowned.
"Harry," Ron stared at him, "what was the last thing you remember?"
Harry wanted to roll his eyes but forced himself to frown in confusion, "Um, I went to bed feeling very tired. You went with me, remember? So why are you asking?"
"What's the date?"
Harry shifted his frown to Hermione who asked, "Why? Don't you know?"
"Just answer me, Harry."
"Ok," Harry sat up and blinked at her, "Um, I think it's… somewhere around August? I can't remember the exact day but I think it was past 10, at least."
Hermione pursed her lips and shared a look with Ron. Hermione was about to say something when Dumbledore answered, standing at the foot of the bed while Madame Pomfrey bustled about, checking Harry once more.
"It's already the 20th of October, my boy," Dumbledore looked at him with dimly twinkling eyes, assessing him from damage, "You seem to have remembered quite far, Harry."
Harry widened his eyes in shock. His red eye was hidden behind a muggle contact lens, so he didn't need to worry about that one. His hair was another problem so he had settled with freeing it from its braid. Bloody messy mane that can't conceal its own presence.
"B-but Professor, that- it's not possible! I-" Harry started breathing heavily from holding back his laughter.
"Harry, my boy, calm down," Dumbledore placated, "Deep breathes. Inhale, exhale. That's good, alright, let Madame Pomfrey check you for anything."
Harry settled down with a contemplative frown that was the exact opposite of what he was really thinking. He absently let Madame Pomfrey do whatever it is that she needed to so. He knew that nothing would come up with any diagnostic spells, except for maybe the Horcrux but even then, to detect that required Dark Magic, which he was certain Dumbledore will never let Madame Pomfrey use. He wasn't even sure if the Mediwitch knew about it.
Harry noticed that Hermione and Ron were starting a conversation with the Headmaster and he tuned them out, letting his mind float around.
The whole plan was for him to stay at Hogwarts until the time for the… attack came. Other than that, he was free to do as he pleased as long as he found a way to let Voldemort and his Death Eaters into Hogwarts. That one was relatively easy; they could just use the Chamber or the Room of Requirement. Or just the entrance gates. Yes, that would be easie- Ooh… the one in Honeydukes as well.
Hey, wait. He was allowed to do as he pleased so… why was he going to go back to his cursed role of being Harry bloody Potter again?
Because you and Voldemort are sadistic little shits that want to let them have hope only to crush it brutally at the last moment?
I didn't ask you Tommy, you're making me feel horrible because I was actually the one who suggested something like this. I already miss Mama Nagi.
See, your fault, so stop whining.
You're mean. And besides, you're a sadistic little shit as well. After all, it was your memories that made me so.
You really had to mention that, didn't you?
Why yes, of course Tommy. I always know you love me. I would giggle if I can but there are too many people here to witness that.
Shut up brat.
Harry came back to his senses just in time for Madame Pomfrey to claim him fine. Now how would he act…
"I believe, Albus, that Mr. Potter stay for a few more days until he adjusts and maybe we can find out where he was and what happened to him," Madame Pomfrey let out a sigh and looked at Harry worriedly, "the poor boy seems to be in shock so it would be best if he rests for a while and maybe talk to… his godfathers for a bit."
Dumbledore merely sent the mediwitch a look to which she shook her head in response.
"They would need to know as well, Albus," sighed Madame Pomfrey, retrieving two vials from a cupboard, "And I imagine Sirius would storm over here as soon as he hears it." She handed Harry the vials, "Drink this, dear. The first one's a Calming Draught and the other is Dreamless Sleep."
Harry nodded blankly and drank the potions quickly, grimacing at the taste. As soon as he drank the Dreamless Sleep, he felt drowsy and soon enough, his eyes closed. Really, he just knew that he would somehow lose control at least once.
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
And he was right. Never mind that the distraction of his hair caused a bit of questions and confusions (faked on his part).
The past weeks were fast if a bit dull and annoying. He did not lose control. At all. No, really, he didn't. Oh, of course he did! Cho Chang had been badgering him ever since he was released into the wild.
I sometimes wonder about your analogies.
Oh yes, of course you would focus on the analogies that, might I add, came from you all those years ago?
I was a teenager! And you must admit, the word 'wild' fits.
Doesn't really explain why choose that phrase, even in your head, once you had graduated Hogwarts, Tommy.
Oh of course it would just make more sense if you use it when you enter Hogwarts.
Well it fits!
Your own argument back at you.
Harry was not pouting. He wasn't. He was scowling at the collapsed body in front of him.
It was already past curfew and up until now, Harry had been working in a haze, therefore his lack of recall on what had happened outside from the fact that Cho Chang had annoyed him greatly. Now that he thought about it, he didn't even know why they were meeting in the first place. He vaguely remembered Hermione and Ron dragging him around the castle and some kind of group for exams and some such.
Harry huffed, "Really, I should have paid more attention. It's just so boring being cooped up again." He looked around, noting that they were somewhere in the fourth floor. Levitating the unconscious form of the Ravenclaw, Harry sighed, "At least it's not the Dursleys. Might as well do something to entertain myself."
Making sure that no one was around and that Filch or Mrs. Norris was nowhere near them, Harry entered the closest room, which looked like the Ancient Runes classroom. He didn't exactly know but if the notes on the board were to be judged, then it is the Runes classroom. Dropping his 'baggage', Harry cast several charms around the room and put up various temporary wards.
"Well," Harry grinned sharply, "why not get started? Renervate."
The Asian girl gasped and looked around blearily. Using her elbow as support, Cho sat up rubbing the back of her head from where it made impact when Harry attacked and dropped her.
"Cho," Harry called with a frown, "Hey Cho, what happened?"
That was when Cho finally saw him and her eyes widened before reaching for her wand and pointing it at him. Harry raised his arms in the universal gesture of surrender but it did not seem to placate the girl. This caused Harry to frown deeper, not knowing what happened. Harry grew remorseful at how he just, er, floated around. Really, this confusion won't even happen and he was sure Voldemort would have a kick when he hears about the recent days. Ugh.
Harry was about to open his mouth to ask again when Cho beat him to it.
"Who are you?!" The tip of her wand was lit in a threatening gesture that merely made Harry to roll his eyes.
"What are you talking about, Cho?" Harry bit his lip and looked at her questioningly, "I don't really know what happened. The first I was with Hermione and the others, the next we're here…"
This caused Cho to falter, "What?" She lowered her wand and Harry hid a grin, "You don't remember?"
Harry shook his head, "No, not so much. It's all so blurry and hazy."
Cho stared at him for a while before standing up shakily. She glanced at the door briefly before casting several diagnostic spells over Harry. When did she become cautious? Good girl. This would make things more fun.
Of course nothing came up from her spells and she tucked her wand away.
"I'm so sorry about that Harry," Cho made her way to him but Harry flinched back. Seeing this, the girl backed down and opted to stand a few feet away from him, "It's just that- you really don't know what happened? I- we finished with our session and I wanted to talk to you, you agreed and walked around- I didn't even know where you were headed!- and then you suddenly attack me! I-"
"So that's why you were knocked out!" Harry grinned, though his face fell, "So then why would I attack you?"
"That's what I want to know," Cho sighed, "you don't seem possessed and you're the same, the Imperius can't affect you either…"
Harry was looking down, trying to recall what could have made him lose control—yes, he already forgot. These were actually one of those times that he cursed his being prone to distractions. Then he snapped his fingers theatrically.
"That's right! You were getting so annoying, asking to talk to me repeatedly for the past days that I was here…" Harry bit his lip and peered up at the older girl, "That is why, right?"
Through this, Harry magically removed the green contact lens on his eye. Cho's attention snapped to him as he talked, eyes widening as the red eye was exposed.
"H-Harry?" Cho faltered and took a step back.
"C-Cho?" Harry took a step forward, grinning madly as the Ravenclaw took another step back before schooling his face into a confused frown, "It's the eye isn't it? Personally I like it, so does Mama Nagi, Voldy, Tommy, and Mama Bella. Well, I was guessing with Tommy, but Voldy does so, hey, they're the same!"
Cho seemed to break from her shock and her first instinct was to escape so she ran to the door and tried to open it. When it didn't, panic caused her to bang on the door, glancing frantically at Harry who merely watched with amusement.
"Who are you?" Cho looked around frantically, trying to find a way of escape.
Harry tilted his head to the side, mentally thanking his foresight of tying his hair up in a plait instead of the loose braid he usually had it in. Getting used in fighting his mane of a hair was a very hard task, really. He was very, very lucky Voldemort knew all those spells, but unfortunately for him now, Hermione didn't know them so he suffered doing it manually, which took up a huge part of his morning routine, now that he remembered it. Honestly, why he thought it was a great idea to zone out for days, he did not know. At least it made a wonderful excuse for not being himself much—
An orange light whizzed past his face, pulling him out of his thoughts. Turning his head to the side, he frowned as he spotted the damage the blasting spell cast.
"Destruction of school property," Harry mockingly admonished as he sauntered over to the other person in the room, "Y'know, that's a pretty big offense in muggle schools."
Grinning wildly, Harry lifted his wand and lazily pointed it to the Ravenclaw, "D'you want to know why?" Rhetoric questions were fun when they were answered. He was so not being sadistic; that was all Voldemort.
So of course, when Cho answered with a shake of her pretty little head, Harry's grin widened and gained a cruel edge. Voldemort did not rub off on him. Nope, it was all Tommy… which actually was Voldemort so his point was moot. Damn. He could already hear both of them laughing at him. Well, he could always say that it was Mama Bella…
Arguing with one's self aside… didn't I tell you not to lose track?
Harry was snapped out of his reverie once more as he dodged a spell directed at him.
"I was not finished!" Harry childishly pouted as he threw a scalpel he procured somewhere in his robes, "Didn't dealing with megalomaniacal bastards—such as that Umbitch—teach you to let speeches be finished before attacking?" He cheered when the scalpel hit its target; the carotid artery in the neck.
Cho's eyes widened as she felt the blade cut through her, hand flying over to stop it from bleeding. Not that it helped any; the carotid artery is a, well, an artery. Cut up artery equals blood pouring out non-stop until you either heal it, or die of blood loss. Or, at least, those were the extremes. Not much pain, really, there's the sting, yes, put the panic and fear actually just makes you feel every pulse. Wait, no, really, it would have hurt but the adrenalin would—
Harry!
Ah, right, yes, of course. Keep track of things. Now that he thought of it, this was precisely why he barely remembered—
If you don't focus, I'll take control of your body until my reserves get drained just so you can't talk or find me.
You wouldn't!
I would.
Harry stopped and did as told.
"Where was I?" Harry looked really lost before he clapped his hands with a delighted smile, "Right! My speech…" He stared at the fearful eyes of the girl before grinning, "Well, we don't really have much time, unless you can heal that?" The raven haired boy gestured to the bleeding wound, "No? Of course you don't, you did not want to pursue the job of being a healer."
"Anyway, Expelliarmus, Incarcerous." The spells did their work and Harry banished the desks and chairs to the side, "Mobilicorpus." The tied up body floated in midair, allowing some of the blood to drip down the floor.
With a grin far sharper than earlier, Harry removed the ropes and made quick work of slicing her wrists where the Ulnar and Radial arteries were, letting them bleed. Harry stared into the Ravenclaw's eyes, absently noting that it was becoming unfocused and dilated. Why did he do that again? It just made him have a time limit. Well, at least she won't be able to escape soon enough.
"Now Cho," Harry held his wand with a grin, his differently colored eyes gleaming with madness, "Let's see how long we can play."
That night, bloodcurdling screams echoed throughout the fourth floor, but funnily enough, no one seemed to notice or take heed. Not the caretaker, his cat, or even the Prefects, Head Boy and Girl, nor did any of the professors who passed by.
But of course they would only react in the morning.
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
"Harry!"
Harry jumped, causing him to fall the few steps that was left, landing on his front and hitting his chin on the ground. He groaned.
Ron helped him up with a sheepish smile, "Sorry about that mate."
"Harry, where were you last night?"
Hermione looked like a vulture that found out its food escaped. Which was a dangerous train of thought because comparing one's self with food is never good. To Harry at least. He would bet his hand that Ron would find it right.
"…last night?" Harry schooled his face into confusion, "I was asleep… as far as I know."
Well, other than being with Cho Chang, that is. But by Merlin, that girl could scream. And he relished in it, knowing that he was the cause. Luckily enough, he had found this rather interesting Rune chain—not quite a ward—that temporarily makes anything a person perceive to a room or item it is etched onto, to be forgotten. He hadn't had the opportunity to test it yet, until last night. And it worked! The forgetting part at least.
Hermione pursed her lips, "Ron said he didn't see you come back to your dorm."
Harry shrugged and sent a look to Ron that the other boy was not able to read, "I went back very late, I needed to ask Professor McGonagall about something I missed in our homework. And weren't you and Ron supposed to have taken your rounds?"
Harry knew that his excuse was very weak but that was what he was going for; Harry Potter can never lie if it was a necessity. And that is one of the reasons he hated the Boy-Who-Lived. Revolting relatives aside, anyway.
"Harry…" Hermione grabbed his shoulder and he shrugged it off violently—that was one thing he never needed to pretend in doing (and wasn't that funny), "Harry, where were you last night?"
Harry stepped back and bit his lip. He gave Hermione a meaningful look—lies—that the girl seemed to pretend to understand—pathetic. If they weren't well meaning—they were, he wasn't, nothing good came to him when he was well meaning—they wouldn't ever even have their heads now, he supposed. He wasn't that cruel. Actually, he was, he just chose not to, he's been over it—"Harry, don't go there, please—
"Nothing, Hermione," Harry sighed, "I just- let's just go to the Great Hall…"
"Was it another detention with that Umbridge?" Ron groused, "I swear that toad will have what's coming for her."
"Ronald!"
Harry sighed and hunched his shoulders and made a show of rubbing his hand where the etchings of the damned blood quill was—I must not tell lies; "FREAK! HOW DARE YOU LIE TO US—
He never noticed when he gripped his arm. He looked down to see crescent shaped cuts. Grimacing, he let his magic heal the cuts, noticing in the corner of his eye that Ron and Hermione shared a look. He really wished he was with Voldemort and Mama Bella and Mama Nagi again; he didn't know that he would have those again. They were gone already, why would they come back again?
They're already gone, Harry. You even kept them alive for days before you killed them with Voldemort.
Harry bit his lip but otherwise remained silent. Tommy was right, they were gone—dead, lifeless, gone. But they were still in his mind, weighing heavily on him. They were a big part of his life, pathetic and useless that they were. They were what had pushed him to what he was, so close to insanity, with all of what they did—Voldemort. He needed Voldemort. The man was the only one who had been able to help him along with Tommy. Tommy was there. Tommy helped him—can and will help him.
Soon, Harry. Just a bit more and you'll see Voldemort again.
Right. Right. A few more weeks.
Harry entered the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione. As soon as he stepped foot into the room, most of the Professors and Prefects gained a dazed look, there were some students too. Silently, Harry sat at the end of the Gryffindor table, absently guiding Ron and Hermione.
He propped his head with his hand and watched blankly as those who were not affected stared at those who were, some even poking them. It would be a few minutes before they recover, or so the book said. In those minutes, he poked the Gryffindors close to him that had the dazed look.
It was as if big bubbles were burst all over the Great Hall when they snapped out of their dazed look. And immediately, the prefects all looked bewildered, some a bit shaken. Umbridge just looked confused as did Slughorn who had replaced Snape.
"What…" Hermione trailed off, looking around, "There- that- What was that?"
Then Filch the Caretaker barged into the Hall, "Headmaster!"
"Mr. Filch?" Dumbledore looked bewildered, "What is it?"
"There-!" Filch doubled over and threw up, much to the students and staff's disgust, except for Harry who veiled his amusement.
Madam Pomfrey ran over to the caretaker and helped him. The vomit disappeared, presumably cleaned by the house elves. The caretaker heaved once more before Madam Pomfrey gave him something to drink.
"Albus!" Professor Sinistra clutched her robes, looking pale and shaken, "There's something wrong. I- there-"
"Someone tampered with our memories," Madam Pomfrey looked angry at the same time pale, still helping the caretaker, "It was- Albus did you not hear anything last night?"
"I can't say I did…"
Harry tuned them out, turning to his supposed 'friends', "Hermione? Ron? What happened?"
"Mate, how-" Ron himself looked pale but there was still confusion, "I- bloody hell, what-"
Hermione clutched her hair in fright, "It- last night- That was awful. And we merely ignored it! How could we-"
"What happened?" Harry looked between the two, concealing his amusement, his previous episode at the back of his head.
"A student was attacked!"
There was a cacophony of shouts and whispering. Those who didn't know what it was about was told by those who knew; namely, the prefects, and those who were out after curfew. Harry joined in the questioning, and throwing a few comments here and there.
"Wait- where's Cho Chang?"
And this was the question that silenced the Great Hall. Even Dumbledore, who was clueless and was filled in by the Professors who 'knew', looked visibly alarmed. The silence was tense as everyone tried to look for the missing person in the Great Hall.
Through this time, Filch recovered but was still pale and shaking.
"That- this- Headmaster-" Filch stuttered, "The Runes classroom."
Okay, so Harry may or may not have removed the effects from Filch earlier than the others. They needed someone who would actually check what possibly happened. But of course, as soon as it was said, tension filled the air as teachers and students alike rushed out to check on what happened, only a quarter was left, most of who were a part of the study group Hermione created.
Almost as if it was a signal, as soon as the doors closed, those who were left gathered around where they were.
"Where's Cho?"
It was the very first thing that came out from one of the students' mouth followed by a barrage of questions that could be interpreted as theories or just legitimate questions. Harry did his best to melt into the background as he answered a negative to their questions. Really, curiosity or not, maybe it was better if they just went with the others. No, wait, that would have been more troublesome.
"I-" Harry finally decided to cut off the arguments they were having, "I was the last one to see Cho… I think..."
All eyes were turned to him, Marietta Edgecombe glaring accusingly at him.
"What did you do to her?" Oh of course it was the girl who would accuse him. Just like her friend.
Harry averted his eyes, "I- she- You all know how she wanted to talk to me, right?" At their nods, Harry shifted making himself look uncomfortable, "No, I did nothing to her," He placated, "It's- I- well, we did have our talk, but I left her alone in the corridor after that… I-"
"Just say it, Potter!" Edgecombe glared fiercely at him, Harry just looked at the ground partly because he just didn't feel like masking his amusement, "Say that you did something to her! I know how you have that little crush to her! Potter-!"
As soon as the Ravenclaw tried to attack him, one of the twins held her back with a scowl though still a bit pale from when he heard that particular scream. That frightening, bloodcurdling scream full of terror and pain. It never crossed his mind that he would ever hear something like that in Hogwarts, let alone someone tampering with his- their memories. How could they have ignored it? How could they have just passed by without at least trying to help. It was the same with Bill—no, he- they weren't ready to face that thought again.
"I didn't do anything to her!" Harry shook with anger (laughter), "I just- Merlin, I shouldn't have just left her there- I-"
"Harry, it wasn't your fault," Hermione wrapped him in a hug and he flinched, she gave this no mind, "You couldn't have known what would- what happened. Even I-" She choked, "I wasn't able to do anything at all. We don't even know what happened… but that- that godawful scream…"
All those that had their memories returned shivered.
However, Marietta still kept her glare. She knew that Potter had something to do with this, she just knew it. Deep, deep down, she knew that something was wrong and whatever happened to her friend- her best friend, Harry Potter was a part of it. She wasn't one of those who knew but, from what she heard, it was- it wasn't even describable by words alone. She feared whatever happened, she didn't even want to know, but for her best friend, she knew that she would have to find out and help.
And if it involved Potter, she would expose that it was indeed him.
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
Hermione felt sick in the stomach.
No, no, much more than that. She felt like exposing her guts. She was already sick in the stomach when- whatever had tampered with their memories- was removed, and now, now that she knew what had happened? She threw up to the closest bathroom, emptying her stomach, wishing that she could also throw up her guts.
When Harry came back, she was happy, more than happy, as was Ron. Who wouldn't? They got their friend, their best mate back after weeks of him being missing, along with the heavy news of- of- Bill… Really, they were ecstatic, but then it turned out Harry—sweet, poor, strong Harry—didn't know where he was, or what had happened, they were sad for their friend. But it had been fine, they got him back. With changes on both their sides, yes, but he was back. And she and Ron had decided that they would make sure it remained that way.
It had been fine in the few weeks; they made sure that Harry had adjusted fine, that their new group was fine, that Harry was aware of how awful that Umbridge is, that they didn't even tell what had happened with Bill or his relatives—vile that they were, Harry still have the right to know that, but they didn't care—that they would make sure everything was fine. It was a routine once again. But it was for Harry.
But Cho. Cho happened.
It made Hermione see that a routine can't be established again.
"Hermione…"
She turned her head to the side to see who it was, "Harry," A sob escaped her and ignoring the fact that she just threw up, Harry hugged her. Harry, who flinches on all contact and never initiates on himself, hugged her. It was stiff, yes, but Harry hugged her.
Hermione saw that Harry was too calm, but she didn't care. Nothing was the same anymore. Everything had changed so maybe Harry changed too. She was just selfish enough to make everything be the way it was. They were selfish enough to make everything be what it was. Delusional; that was what they were.
The Golden Trio; that was what they were called. Since First year, that was what they were. She didn't know when it started, but maybe it was when Harry's name came out of the Goblet that she started to want them to always be together. And with all that happened the past year, it just wasn't. They were Harry, Ron, and Hermione now.
But she clung to that first belief, as did Ron, so they made it so. They weren't sure of Harry. He disappeared, to come back without memories of why and how. She loves Ron, and Ron loves her, she and Ron clung to Harry, and Harry was dependent on them. That was that. Nothing less.
"Shh…" Harry ran his hand through her hair stiffly, "Ron would have been here… but he's in the boys'. Dumbledore had announced that classes will be cancelled until further notice… I guess that means no Umbridge, huh?"
Hermione let out a weak giggle, "I should be the one comforting you, you know?"
"Oh? Why is it?"
"Because this is Cho."
The hand stopped briefly before going back to its ministrations a bit more stiffly, but Hermione didn't notice.
"The Aurors are here so we should go there and give us our statements… someone had mentioned our little study group so as the founder, you need to give yours."
Hermione hummed. She felt Harry shift and assisted her in standing up before using magic to clean her up.
"How did you come inside? This is the girls' bathroom," Hermione brushed her robes before straightening up.
"Well," In true Harry fashion, he ran a hand through his hair, grimacing as it tangled with his hair, "The Professors seem to have understood, so they let me. Even got a nod from Professor McGonagall."
Hermione was led outside where Ron was already waiting for them, looking as bad as she did. She let Ron take her hand and together, they walked together to where they were told to assemble.
"It sucks that it happened close to Christmas, don't you think?"
Hermione nodded, "Who would do this? There's no way that they would-" She grimaced as the scene in the room flashed through her mind, "-only do this for no reason. Hogwarts is the safest place in the Magical World, even more so, perhaps, than the Ministry. They would have worked hard to break through the wards without even the Headmaster noticing."
Harry raised an eyebrow in question, "You're saying that this is outside work?"
Hermione sighed, "There's no way a student could have done this it was too-" she grimaced as did the other two, "-bloody and clean. If it was one of the staff, it would even be more impossible because aside from the new ones, all of them have been in Hogwarts for far too long to this now."
Ron slouched, "Well then, why not Umbridge?"
Hermione shook her head, "Have you heard her… screeches earlier? She would have acted smug if she had done it, and besides, she would have preferred the use of her beloved Ministry… and her Blood quills."
"Why not Slughorn? He's new as well."
Harry answered this one, "He already worked here before, and he seems to be the type who would have a higher… sense of self-preservation than courage."
Ron let out a laugh, "Your way of saying that he's too much of a coward to have a backbone."
Harry smiled sheepishly while Hermione smacked Ron up his head, but she smiled nonetheless. It was as if everything was fine.
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
Harry sighed as he flopped on his bed, curling up underneath the covers.
He was so tired that it didn't feel like it was only noon. Between giving their statements and rebutting Edgecombe who made it her task to make him look like the one who was guilty—oh, he very much is but he didn't really want them to find out yet—he just felt tired. It didn't help that Smith sided with her and even mentioned his… interest towards the victim. And they even said he had a muggle background! He shouldn't have made all of that muggle… well, it's not like he could use Dark Magic, could he?
He really missed Voldemort… and Mama Nagi and Mama Bella…
"Harry!"
He paid it no mind as he buried himself deeper into his fortress, having summoned all of the pillows in the dorm.
"Harry!" This was followed by the yanking of his covers. He pulled it back with force and rolled over. "Oh, for Merlin's sake!" He was pushed off his bed and landed with a thump on the floor.
The figure of Ron appeared on the foot of his bed but he remained unmoving in his position on the ground. Ron scowled at him and used his foot to poke him.
"Harry, you need to go down to the common room, c'mon!"
Harry remained unresponsive, pulling a fallen pillow to him and curling up, he closed his eyes, "Let me sleep…"
He heard a sigh, "Your fault, mate, Mobilicorpus."
Harry felt his body float but still remained in his position. He let the redhead levitate him to the common room, choosing to try and sleep. The feeling of floating was a bit disorienting but he was curious as to how comfortable it will be if he slept like that. His brain quickly searched for the needed runes, coming up short with how to be able to control it. Then there was the chain that would make it work…
"Ron! Where's Ha- oh, what are you doing?!"
"C'mon 'Mione! He refused to stand up or anything!"
"So you just levitate him up like that? He's awake, for Merlin's sake! Put him down now, Ronald!"
Harry felt himself dumped onto something soft, probably the sofa, so he curled up and burrowed into the furniture. It was time for his cat nap anyway! He really, really wished he was just with Voldemort. He could sleep whenever he wanted.
He heard a chuckle just before him so he blinked his eyes open to be welcomed by the sight of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin staring at him amusedly. He closed his eyes again but figured that he needed to continue his Harry Potter tirade and shuffled over to where the two men were, thankfully, sitting. He plopped himself on Black, ignoring his body's response of recoiling, and threw his feet on Lupin's lap.
"Goodnight."
Sirius chuckled, "Harry, kitten, we haven't seen you for so long and you sleep on us? Quite literally as well."
Harry opened one eye to stare at the man, "We can talk while I try to sleep on you lumpy mattresses."
"Did he just call me fat?" Sirius gasped mockingly, "Remmy, my godson just called me fat!"
"Technically, I called Professor Lupin fat as well."
Lupin laughed, but since Harry's eyes are closed, he assumed Black was pouting.
"That is true Padfoot. And how many times have I said that I am not your professor anymore? You can just call me Remus."
Harry decided to ask, "Isn't it dangerous for you to be here Sirius?"
"Wormtail-" Harry heard the growl Lupin let out, "-was caught earlier by Albus, and given to Amelia Bones. It seems the rat was spying around here and it was by pure chance Albus caught him. The rat practically begged for him to be locked up in Azkaban for, and I quote, 'him to be able to atone to the betrayal he did for James and Lily'. Whole lot of bull if you ask me."
"Sirius, language."
Harry opened his eyes to stare at the man, "That does not mean anything…"
"Wormtail admitted it with Veritaserum. How he got his hands on that, I have no idea. But he did this in front of Amelia and the Aurors, he practically proclaimed my innocence."
Harry forced himself to grin, "That's great! You're finally free! Does that mean you can be my guardian now?"
He forgot about Wormtail but it seemed as if luck was on his side because the rat was not able to see him with Voldemort. If he went and confessed like that. That was one stupid vermin out of the way, since even Voldemort didn't like the rat so his death was signed already.
Sirius grinned, "Of course!"
Lupin smiled at them but then frowned, "Sirius, you seem to have forgotten that you will still have your trial and the Wizengamot will probably chuck you to St. Mungo's for a while."
"Yes, well," Sirius coughed, "It's a long while before summer starts, and the trials would probably be around Christmas or New Year."
Harry pursed his lips, "What about the Dursleys?"
The men stared at him and Harry did his best to shift uncomfortably before opting to sit up, still hugging the pillow. He didn't even know whose pillow he was hugging! He just hoped it was his, or Neville's, at least he can stand the other boy to some extent, but not enough to be of any note to him.
Lupin hedged, "You mean you don't know?"
Harry frowned in thought, "What do I not know?"
The two shared a look before Sirius faced him again, "They're dead. Or, at least, I hope so."
"Sirius!"
"I-" Harry gulped, "How?"
Sirius' eyes darkened, "A raid. V-Voldemort raided Privet Drive."
"Wh-what?" Harry's eyes widened, "Why- why don't I know this? What happened?"
"You really don't know?" At Harry's shake of head, Lupin continued, "It was when you were missing that Dobby came to us, saying that Voldemort was going to attack, so we prepared ourselves, but we still lost. They- it was impossible to save anyone. Albus was the one who faced him… along with Bill Weasley-"
Harry tuned them out, reacting appropriately in parts but otherwise bored and tired. He really wanted that sleep, especially now that the cold is creeping up.
In the end, he just went back to the dorm and shut the curtain around him then fell asleep. He was tired of all of this.
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
In the next weeks, Harry pushed himself, continuing classes when Dumbledore declared it. There was a tension in the air but they carried on, though nearing the one week mark, Harry got too annoyed with Edgecombe and painted another room with her blood.
This put him in scrutiny with the mildly unblinded Aurors but he brushed it off, as well as when Smith reached the end of his rope as well. Even Dumbledore was breathing down his neck, especially since Mad-eye was back at Hogwarts.
Really, everyone had just been testing his already frayed nerves.
So it was a very big blessing when a letter came to him the morning before the holidays.
Today.
It was a single word but he knew what it means. He let himself grin.
The end would start today.
:::…~~~-0-~~~…:::
Okay, so maybe the last words were for me as well… Ugh, soooo not possible.
Please be noted that I have no idea what is happening. I would have gone into detail with some things such as Marietta Edgecombe, but I figured, when I wrote this, I had no fucking time and now, it's confirmed.
NOTICE:
I'LL TRY MY BEST TO UPDATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! I still have one chapter stocked up in my USB, but I'm not sure I want to publish it yet unless I find time. We have started only a week of school and I already feel as if we're at least into the fifth month. Add to that our saturday classes (stupid citizenship bullshit) and I don't think I'll have enough time to update at a fast enough pace.
Again, THIS ISN'T IN ANYWAY IN HIATUS OR ABANDONED, UPDATES ARE ONLY GONNA BE FEWER IN BETWEEN. Anyway, there's only three- four chapters left? So, I'll try my best.