Hello everyone! I hope all of you are doing great. I am sorry for not updating for almost two months as these days had been even busier for me than usual.

Moreover, I would like to thank all the lovely readers who followed and favourited this story ;)

Anywho, I hope you enjoy this chapter and do leave reviews. Have fun!


"Now pay attention, students!" said Professor McGonagall, addressing her class, "This is the most crucial part of the lesson. Observe closely."

She pointed her slender wand at a rat sitting on her desk. The animal was perched in a crooked position, appearing like it would have run to safety if it was not under the effects of a Freezing charm.

"I...2...3," McGonagall said, then exclaimed, "Evanesco!"

Immediately, the rat disappeared from sight. The students burst into applause, enjoying such a spectacle.

The first class after the Christmas holidays was in progress. For the fifth year Gryffindors, it was Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall and they were learning the Vanishing spell.

"Now it's your turn," McGonagall announced, "You all have half of an hour to practice this Vanishing spell on the goblets set before you. Good luck!"

As soon as she finished speaking, her body transformed into a cat's, which then proceeded to observe the class with her yellow eyes.

Her watchful gaze did not waver as the students obeyed her and started practising the difficult spell. Dean and Seamus couldn't stop chuckling as they accidentally on purpose kept vanishing different parts of their goblets. Neville was having trouble as usual, but he was not the only one, because behind him, Lavender and Parvati looked baffled as well.

Typically, yet another argument had broken out on the desk occupied by a certain trio.

"You're barking mad, Hermione!" Ron was saying, "Just focus on one spell right now! Isn't it complicated enough?"

"I like to learn, you know!" Hermione replied, haughtily, "Wouldn't you want to know how to bring something back you just vanished?"

Ron shrugged, suddenly indifferent, "Nope."

"Not even if you did it by accident?"

"No."

The shift in moods enraged Hermione. She knew he was doing this to test her patience, but she wouldn't let him get to her. With determined eyes, she searched him, trying to find a weak spot, until she noticed a bright orange wristwatch peeking out from under his robe sleeve.

"Well then, if I vanished this," she said, pointing her wand at his watch, "Surely you wouldn't want to bring it back?"

"Hey! This is a very special watch!" Ron exclaimed, hiding the accessory with his hand.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "More reason why you would want to bring it back."

"You think you're so clever, Hermione, when you haven't even mastered the Vanishing trick yet," he sneered.

"I already know how to do it."

"Oh? Then please, show me."

Aggravated, she pointed her wand at her goblet and declared, "Evanesco!"

The instant the spell hit it, the whole goblet vanished without a trace, not even leaving a hint of its base behind.

"Got your proof?" Hermione asked, smirking, restraining to display smugness, then also had to bite her lip to keep from laughing because the look of surprise on Ron's face was hilarious.

Meanwhile, sitting beside them, lost in his own sea of thoughts, Harry did not participate in the argument. In fact, he had not spoken a single word since the lesson began. His mind was up in a frenzy and it was refusing to let him speak.

The reason behind this was obvious. He couldn't stop thinking about his first Occlumency lesson, which he would be having tomorrow – on a Saturday evening. He had decided with Dumbledore, during that eventful visit, that it would be better if these lessons took place on a Saturday, as he didn't have Quidditch practice or other weekly commitments then. However, he later realized how it could change, as a weekly commitment could become the private Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. But he didn't know about the plan then, so things had to be managed now.

Snape was also lodging in his mind as if he owned it. Harry kept pondering if that man would treat him any differently under the special circumstances of these lessons. Would he put aside his strained relationship with Harry and the resentment that came along with it, for the lessons' sake? Just like how he, Harry, would? He was completely certain of this last part, as he was ready to go through anything to take these classes on. He just wanted to get over them and stop having bizarre dreams that made him question everything.

Then there were the lessons themselves. Dumbledore had made it clear that learning Occlumency was no joke. It was a highly advanced and powerful branch of magic, and acquiring its skill was sometimes considered to be next to impossible. However, more or less the same things were attributed to the Patronus Charm and Harry was able to excel at it. Which was why he found himself clutching on this piece of hope – that if he learned the Patronus Charm, maybe he could learn Occlumency, too.

If all of that wasn't enough, his brain was also not letting him forget the weird vision he saw on Christmas. About the mysterious wizard, his even more mysterious companion, and the doubt concerning if all of that was real or was just another figment of Harry's imagination?

Ron and Hermione had found this vision extremely strange, too. Harry barely had time to fill them in, seeing as they had arrived back only a night before. But besides finding it weird, they were also curious about how far reality was involved in all of this, just like Harry. Sadly, only Dumbledore and the Order could provide them with answers and so far, no updates had reached them yet.

"Harry, are you okay?" Hermione's worried voice penetrated through his mind, finally making him come back to reality.

"You're strangely quiet," Ron added.

Harry sighed, "Yes, I am okay. I was just…thinking."

Hermione frowned and whispered, "About you know what?"

"Yep. Those classes and that dream."

"Well mate, you've got to keep your head in the game," Ron said, "This is a very tricky spell, but it's bloody useful."

"Don't listen to him," Hermione put in, rolling her eyes again, "It's not tricky at all. It's very easy."

"Yeah, for you!" Ron retorted.

"Not just for me! You –"

But Hermione stopped in mid-sentence, as she had caught sight of Harry. He had his forehead clutched in his hand and was staring at the desk, clearly beyond annoyed by their bickering.

So for his sake, she instead resumed with, "However, you are right, Ron. This spell can be a bit tricky," she finished and signalled a message to the redhead with her eyebrows.

He understood and said, "Yeah, but it's not like Harry can't master it."

"Oh, he can master it fast, all right," Hermione replied, smiling warmly at Harry, who was still staring absently at the desk, "It won't be difficult at all for him."

"Not at all," said Ron, who looked like he might laugh at any moment.

"Try it, Harry!" Hermione declared in a soothing tone while glaring at Ron.

However, their attempts to stir him up did not work. Harry had buried his face in his arms after mumbling a meek, "No, I am fine."

"You're clearly not fine," Hermione argued firmly, "Don't let these things get to your head."

"They are already in my head, that's the problem," he replied.

"Don't be such a downer, mate," Ron said, focusing his wand on his goblet, "And learn this trick."

"I am not in the mood."

"Harry…" Hermione said, concerned.

"Come on," Ron added.

Harry sighed. He knew his friends were trying to cheer him up and he appreciated their efforts, really. But the thing was...nothing could cheer him up at the moment. The worry of these Occlumency classes and the dread that he might not be able to use his mind on his own account at some point were too much. They were simply not going away. He supposed he could only get rid of these troubles if Voldemort died once and for all. He truly hated that man's guts…

Nevertheless, he was grateful that his friends cared for him and were concerned about him. One part of him found their endeavours very heartening, and it eventually made him determined to not let their attempts run futile.

Therefore, he forced his dejected self away and sat up.

"Okay fine," he said, "What does this spell do?"

Hermione's face lit up at his lively response, but Ron raised his eyebrows.

"You don't know what this spell does?" he asked, incredulous, "You weren't listening to the lecture?"

Harry rolled his eyes, "I wasn't, because news flash, I had stressful thoughts in my mind."

"It's all right," Hermione said quickly, "It's a Vanishing spell. Look, this is how you do it…"

The rest of the lesson went fine. With some help from Hermione, both Harry and Ron were able to master the trick, and the class ended with McGonagall informing them about the OWLs.

"This Vanishing spell is definitely going to come in the exam," she was saying, "And on animals, instead of mere goblets. This means that you would need to cast the Freezing charm on the creatures like I did, before you proceed to vanish it. Hence, practice the spells and do prepare the write up I gave to you as homework."

At this instant, the bell rang, ending the class.

"I can't believe I haven't started studying for OWLs yet!" Hermione exclaimed, as they prepared to leave the classroom, "They're such important exams and –

"Oh, quit it, Hermione," Ron interjected, "They're months away."

"Only five months away! That's not a lot of time," she argued, "In fact, I shouldn't be the only one worrying about them."

"It is pretty difficult to focus on OWLs right now," Harry commented, "When so many other things are happening around us."

"Yeah. So, I suppose it's better to prepare for them when they are very near," Ron grinned, "You know, like a week away."

Harry chuckled at this, while Hermione rolled her eyes.

By now, they had reached the Grand Staircase, which they had to take to go outside for Care of Magical Creatures.

"I wonder what animal Hagrid has for today," Harry said, as the three of them descended into the entrance hall, "Hope it's not boring."

Ron snorted, "Yeah, not as boring as flobberworms. But not as bloody troublesome as the Blast–Ended Skrewts either."

Harry laughed, "I can't believe Hagrid made us handle obstacles for the Tournament!"

As the two went on with their conversation, Hermione's attention was aimed elsewhere. Which was the reason why she suddenly proclaimed, just as they reached the enormous front doors of the castle, "You two go ahead. I'll meet you in class."

"Where are you going?" Ron immediately demanded.

"I've got something to do."

He opened his mouth to argue more but Harry gripped his arm tightly.

"Just leave it be, Ron," he said, "It's her business."

Hermione smiled earnestly, "Thanks, Harry."

"You're welcome," he smiled back, "Now come on. Hagrid would be waiting."

With a little groan, Ron gave up, and he and Harry disappeared off to the gardens.

Once they were gone, Hermione turned around and made her way to the foot of the stairs. The person that had her attention was coming down from them, carrying books in his arms and a bag on his shoulder.

"Hi, Neville!" she called.

The said boy looked up – causing him to miss a step and go sprawling on the floor. His books scattered everywhere. Some students loitering nearby sniggered at his state.

Hermione, meanwhile, had rushed to Neville.

"Oh my God, are you all right?" she asked, gripping his arm to help him stand up.

"Yes," he replied, appearing embarrassed as he was avoiding her eyes, his ears turning pink, "I always make a mess."

"No you don't," she replied, "And here, this isn't necessary."

Neville had started to stoop down to retrieve his books, but he stopped at her voice. Hermione summoned all of these fallen books with, "Accio!" and placed them effortlessly in his bag with, "Wingardium Leviosa."

"There. All done," she said, smiling.

Neville looked at her with his mouth agape, "Wow, Hermione. You really know how to use magic."

She giggled, "Thanks!"

They set off towards the Care of Magical Creatures class together, conversing merrily.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Hermione said, as they entered the gardens that housed Hagrid's hut, the wind causing her hair to fly wildly behind her back, "About your Christmas present."

Instantly, Neville's ears turned pink again.

"Did you…like it?" he asked, not looking at her. Hermione found his bashfulness adorable, which made her grin as she responded, "Liked it? I loved it! It is beautiful."

Her answer caused his features to break into a smile, "Really?"

"Yes! I mean…do you think it's possible that I wouldn't like it? It is simply too gorgeous."

"Yeah, well…" he sighed, before continuing, "I wanted to find the perfect gift for you, something which you couldn't help but like."

Hermione sighed, too, "Oh, Neville. You didn't have to do that."

"No, but I had to," he answered, "You have helped me so much, Hermione, ever since we first started studying here. And I felt like I never appreciated your efforts."

"But you did say thank you."

"I did. It wasn't enough, though. Which was why I wanted to gift you at Christmas," he explained, fiddling with his bag's strap, "I asked my gran what a girl like you would like, besides books, because I knew you would get plenty of those."

"True," Hermione laughed.

"And my gran advised me that no girl can resist jewellery," Neville smiled, "So, that's what I got you."

"Well, I have to say, it was one of the best presents I've received in my life," Hermione shared.

Again, Neville blushed, "You're just saying that."

"No I'm not!" she shook her head, "I mean, it is beautiful, yes. But it's the thought you had put in that counted the most. Many people just hand me books and expect me to love them, which I do. But your present showed your efforts to make it unique, which is why it is so special to me," she gave him a grateful smile, "So, thank you, Neville. Really."

His cheeks were now turning red from pink, but he smiled back at her, "You're welcome."

By then, they finally reached Hagrid's hut, where they were surprised to find everyone lounging about with Hagrid nowhere to be seen. The class hadn't begun yet.

Hermione took this opportunity to ask, "Why did you come out of class late? Was McGonagall lecturing you?"

Neville shrugged, "Not really. She was more like…encouraging me."

Hermione looked at him confused, so he went on, "She told me she had heard about my improvement in Potions and said that if I tried hard, I could easily excel at Transfiguration, too."

"Oh," said Hermione, "You definitely can!"

Neville smiled, "I hope so. She said practice makes perfect, and since OWLs are so near, I should start preparing for them."

"She's right," Hermione agreed, "We really should start preparing for them."

"Yeah, well," he sighed, "I hope I can live up to her expectations and do my best at them."

"And you will," Hermione told him, beaming at him sincerely, "You're improving at such an amazing speed, Neville, that I really believe you can ace them."

Her words caused his face to lit up.

"Thanks, Hermione," he said – then averted his eyes, all childlike, "You're my only real friend here."

Hermione suddenly got an urge to hug him, but she refrained from it. She didn't think Neville would find her hogging up his personal space comfortable.

So she just said, "Oh, Neville, that's not true. What about Dean and Seamus? Harry and Ron?"

He shook his head, looking off to the side, "They're my friends, I know. But they...see me as a weakling, while you see me like someone who can be strong."

"You are strong," she told him, "You just need to believe it yourself to show it."

He smiled at her, causing her to smile back.

Around them, some students had started to wonder where Hagrid was, while some did not care and took this time to relax and chat, like Hermione and Neville.

"The OWLs are so important because they even decide our careers to an extent," Hermione was saying, while placing her book bag against a tree, "We need to start studying for them, but Harry and Ron are not taking it seriously."

"Well, we should get serious about them," Neville replied, playing with his fingers, "I know how important they are and I really wish I could surpass them," he sighed and looked at her, "I just want to make my parents proud."

Hermione blinked her eyes in a daze and said, "Your parents?"

"Yeah. I want to do something that will make me feel as accomplished as them," he told her.

Instantly, Hermione remembered a conversation she, Harry and Ron had with Sirius, before their fifth year started. He had shown them a picture of the previous Order, which included Frank and Alice Longbottom – Neville's parents, and talked about their brave and incredible contributions. However, the peculiar thing was...Sirius never apprised them about their fate. Surely something must have happened to them, or else Neville wouldn't be living with his grandmother.

But now that she thought about it, Hermione realized that Sirius might not have shared something like this out of respect for Neville. Or on Dumbledore's orders. Who knew?

Nonetheless, she felt like the answer was obvious – they could have been killed by Death Eaters or by Voldemort himself because after all, they were Aurors.

But that didn't help with things, whatsoever.

A strange ache settled deep into her heart as she said, "I'm so sorry about your parents, Neville."

He gave her a sad smile, "It's okay, Hermione."

"I just..." she trailed off to compose herself. She was suddenly thinking about her own parents, and how she simply couldn't imagine living a life without them. The mere thought of such a possibility brought tears into her eyes.

But she held herself and controlled her emotions before Neville saw anything. This was already unlikely as he was staring at the ground with gloomy eyes.

"It's just," Hermione continued, causing him to look up, "It must feel so devastating to not have them by your side. I mean, I'm not trying to –" she took a deep breath, "I'm not trying to throw salt in your wounds, but I can feel your pain."

"Thanks, Hermione," Neville said, sadly, "For understanding. Some people just gloss over the fact that my parents are...they are..."

He couldn't continue, because his eyes got filled with tears. Hermione saw them, clear as day, and a huge lump formed in her throat.

She couldn't resist this time.

Neville's eyes flew wide open, the tears vanishing suddenly, as Hermione launched herself at him, wrapping him in her arms.

"Oh, Neville!" she exclaimed, her voice wavering with emotion, "I am so sorry for hanging on to this topic. It must be so hard for you to relive everything! I am very sorry."

For some seconds that felt like forever, Neville stood still, not doing anything as Hermione hugged him. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. Perhaps that was because he had never received a hug from a girl before, let alone a one this earnest.

Girls always perceived him as someone pathetic, a weakling, someone who couldn't be bothered with a hug. And while his gran may have hugged him more times than he could count, it just wasn't the same.

This was why he was a little taken aback by Hermione's willingness to comfort him. To embrace him in a way no girl has ever thought to before. He stood, as still as a statue, while her arms encircled him, wondering if he was supposed to touch her? To hug her back? Could he touch her? In the same intimate way she was touching him? Would she allow it?

While Neville was comprehending these thoughts, Hermione grew hesitant. He hadn't responded to her hug at all. Was she right in believing he wouldn't like his personal space being invaded? But was too shy or polite to say anything about it? Was she making him uncomfortable?

The trifling thought made Hermione frown, and she stepped away from Neville before her brain could ponder over this more.

"Neville?" she asked tentatively, "Are you okay?"

He just stared at her, mute.

"I'm sorry. I thought that could make you feel better," she said, rubbing her arm with her hand, embarrassed, "I mean, it makes me feel better, and everyone else that I've met. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable."

Neville's mouth stayed open, still wordless, but his head threw millions of responses her way.

Oh no no, he didn't feel like that! Didn't Hermione understand? She actually had the opposite effect on him. She made him feel as if thousands of Dr Filibuster's Fireworks were exploding in his heart, as if he had drunk the warmest potion to ever exist and had let it seep through his veins, as if he was standing in a fire.

She had made him feel warm all over. The tears in his eyes had vanished, the bad thoughts about his parents were ebbing away, and the sadness that had been taking a shot at his emotions was gone. Didn't she see that?

But he understood why she couldn't. She appeared flustered, a pink hue spreading on her pale cheeks, thinking that she made a mistake.

He knew he had to say something. He had to tell her the truth. And telling her that required bravery.

If he didn't say something now, he knew he wouldn't be able to do it in future situations, either. Just like his mother used to say, or so his gran told him, "Taking small steps before the large ones can sometimes prove to be fruitful." He had to listen to his mother.

Consequently, after taking a deep breath, he said, "No, Hermione. It...it wasn't like that."

"What?" she asked, her eyes wide with perplexity.

"It wasn't...uncomfortable. Not at all," he replied, "I was just...caught off guard."

"Really?"

"Yes," he nodded, a smile coming to his face, "It made me feel better."

Then, after summoning up all of his courage, he stepped forward – and took Hermione in his arms. His hands, which were trembling slightly, placed themselves on her waist and engulfed her into a hug.

Now it was Hermione's turn to stand still, shocked. But just when Neville started wondering if this was uncomfortable for her, she had thrown her arms around his neck and hugged him right back.

"I'm so glad it did," she said, smiling brightly.

Neville was elated, and judging by Hermione's embrace, so was she.

After a moment, they pulled back.

"Thank you, Hermione," Neville said, then added shyly, "I'm somewhat new to this…affection thing."

Hermione beamed at him sweetly and clasped his hand. But before she could say anything, a voice called out, interrupting them.

"Hey guys!" it said, "Look at that Mudblood and the pea–brain cosying up to one another!"

It was Malfoy. He was standing with his Slytherin gang, a few feet away from them, his pale face set into a sneer.

A round of laughter erupted amongst the group at his comment.

"Well, personally, I believed that the Mudblood did have some brains," he continued in a drawling voice, "But now, I know she's just as stupid, because who in their right mind would choose Longbottom for mating?!"

His friends laughed again. Their voices were causing a copious amount of rage to build up in Hermione, but she gritted her teeth and tightened her fists to contain it. Of course, Malfoy just had to come up and ruin a perfectly friendly moment. He knew she wouldn't dare to do something rash in class, but if the circumstances were different, Hermione was certain she would have throttled him for good.

But right now, she could only say, "Come on, Neville. Let's move to the front."

Neville appeared disconcerted, but he nodded his head and went with her. The sadistic laughter followed them as they made their way to the front, where their fellow Gryffindors were idling about. Hermione led Neville to where Ron and Harry were.

"There you are!" Ron declared, seeing them approach, "Oh, and you brought Neville with you. Where have you –"

He stopped short by the look on Hermione's face, and asked, "Are you okay? You look livid!"

"I'm fine," she replied, furiously taking out her coursebook from her bag, "Just thinking about how much I hate Malfoy."

"What did he do this time?" Harry asked, raising his eyebrow.

"Taunted Neville and me," she shook her head and sighed, "Honestly, if it weren't for this class, I would have made him regret it."

"This is news!" Ron said, teasingly, "Hermione Granger's plotting to kill someone!"

Hermione looked daggers at him, but that only made him grin wider.

"I'm sorry, Hermione!" Neville burst out suddenly, "It's all my fault. Malfoy took an advantage of the situation when you were just trying –"

"No, Neville! Don't be sorry," Hermione told him, "It's Malfoy who should be sorry. That stupid ferret."

"He knows I'm weak," Neville went on, shaking his head, "He knows whatever he'll say will take a toll on me. Make me more vulnerable."

Ron tsk-tsked, "His comments mean nothing, Neville. He's just a brainless git, so don't let his words affect you."

At this, Harry smiled a little and murmured, "Look who's talking."

Before she could stop herself, Hermione laughed. Leave it to Harry and his small remarks for cheering her up.

The conversation shifted to something light until Ron glanced at his orange wristwatch and exclaimed.

"Blimey! It's been fifteen minutes! Where the hell is Hagrid?"

"This is so strange," said Harry, gazing at the evidently empty hut, "Hagrid always tells us what he's up to."

"Well, I hate to say it, but this is very irresponsible of him," Hermione declared, "He's already in hot water because of Umbridge, and missing class like this is not going to do him any good."

"Agreed," Ron said, "I bet the Slytherins are already planning to complain to Umbridge. Then nothing can stop her from firing him like she fired Trelawney."

Hermione nodded tersely until a thought struck her.

"You don't suppose he has...joined the Order, do you?" she asked in a hushed tone.

"I was thinking about the same thing," Harry whispered, "It is very likely. Dumbledore trusts him a lot."

"But choosing to carry out a duty when he has class?!" Ron exclaimed in a quiet voice, "That's not very -"

"You guys know you can talk about this in front of me, right?"

All three of them looked at the speaker with astonishment. Neville looked sheepish but he went on, "I know what's going on in the Order. My gran keeps tabs."

"Really?" Hermione asked, incredulous. She thought he was engaged in a conversation with Seamus and Dean, but apparently, he was listening in on them.

Neville nodded, "Professor McGonagall keeps her updated."

"Wow," Hermione said, but she smiled at him, "Well, in that case, we were wondering if Hagrid is working for the Order now."

"Which is very possible," Harry added, smiling at Neville, too. Only Ron didn't seem okay with letting Neville in on the secret, because he was staring at Hermione with disbelief.

But before he could say anything, a loud, booming voice stopped him and everyone else in their tracks.

"Look at yer lot," Hagrid beamed, observing his class as he entered the premises, "All waitin' fer me like a bunch of thumping good students!"

The class remained silent, stunned by his sudden appearance, as he made his way to the front and positioned himself.

"Sorry am late," he said, smiling at the students, "But I've got somethin' that will knock yer - "

"Excuse me, but where have you been?" someone shouted from the back. Malfoy.

Hagrid waved his hand in dismissal good-naturedly, "Gamekeeping duties." He didn't provide any further explanation because he had clapped his hands and declared, "Now, I want yer to follow me. Come on,"

The students glanced at each other and obeyed him. He led them to the back of his hut, some paces down from it, and stopped by a cluster of trees.

"I haven't caged them or anythin'," he told them, "'Cause I don't need to. But be very careful around 'em, as they can get cranky."

With that, he cleared a path from the trees and revealed the attraction of the day.

A collective gasp escaped from the class as everyone stared at the creatures before them. Resembling cats in some ways, they had large ears, slightly plumed tails, and different coats. There were about six of them, all varying in colours and fur marks. Two of them were ginger, another two were pure white, one silver, and one inky black. Hermione stared at them with amazement. She had instantly recognized them and Hagrid's next declaration proved her right.

"Kneazles!" he announced brightly, "Very intelligent creatures."

He turned to the class, "Which one of yer would tell me the most notable quality of a Kneazle?"

Immediately, Hermione's hand shot up in the air.

"Kneazles are known for detecting suspicious and distrustful people," she answered, "Which is why they make great pets if they develop a liking for you."

"Very good!" Hagrid beamed, "Let's see…10 points to Gryffindor!"

"Now, I want yer all to approach 'em, nice and slow. Show 'em yer not a threat."

The class was transfixed by the splendid creatures in both positive and negative ways. Parvati did not want to touch the creatures but Lavender seemed eager to do so. Neville stared at them from a corner with his eyes wide. Some Slytherins were enjoying the activity, but Draco Malfoy, as always, had something unpleasant to say.

"Man, this is ridiculous," he grumbled, holding out his hand to a Kneazle, who hissed at him, "Such pathetic creatures."

Yes, go ahead. Upset them and bring forward another accident, Hermione thought bitterly. Beside her, Ron observed the creatures with interest.

"They look like Crookshanks, but uglier."

Hermione gave him a look, "You do realize Crookshanks is part Kneazle?"

"Explains why he's so ugly," Ron teased, making her roll her eyes.

While the rest of the class was immersed in the creatures' splendour, only one student stayed back. Harry was again lost in thought. His main concern right now was Hagrid, which was why his gaze had settled on the half-giant absentmindedly. There was something...odd about him, but Harry couldn't figure it out. Forget coming to class late, but Hagrid seemed strangely happy to him. Too happy, to say the least.

But it seemed like his questions might not remain unanswered for long because Hagrid came striding towards him.

"All right there, Harry?" he asked, beaming beneath his giant beard, his black eyes twinkling.

Harry shrugged, "I'm fine, I guess. The creatures are interesting but I'm just not in the mood –"

Hagrid stopped him, "No need ter explain to me. Professor Dumbledore told me 'bout the classes."

"He did?"

"Yes. Great man he is, Dumbledore," Hagrid said. Suddenly, he turned around to look at the rest of the class, like he was checking to see if the coast was clear. Before Harry could apprehend what was happening, he leaned down and whispered urgently, "Yer will be comin' ter visit me tomorrow, right?"

Harry stared at him, surprised, "Of course! You know we visit you every Saturday."

Hagrid nodded, "Yes, yes, I do. Well, come by tomorrow as well." Looking around once more, he leaned in even closer and added, "I gotta tell yer something."

Harry's mouth dropped open, "What is it?"

"Wait till tomorrow," said Hagrid, and before Harry could coax an answer out of him, he walked off towards the class. Sighing with frustration, Harry leaned back against a tree, thinking how the odds were never in his favour. He had so much to worry about already and now Hagrid had dumped his secret on him. What is he even up to? he thought, is this why he looks so happy?

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that a voice from his right startled him.

"Hey, Harry. Oh, did I scare you?"

It was Hermione. She had detached herself from the class and was now beside him.

"Not really," he replied, "Did the creatures bore you?"

She laughed, "No, no. They're fascinating. But I have one as a pet and practically know everything about them. So what's the point in engaging with them?"

"That's true."

For a moment, they fell silent and watched the class play with the Kneazles. Lavender had one curled up in her arms, and Ron was scratching it behind the ears. Neville was trying to reach the black one, but his bravery seemed to be fading out. Malfoy and his friends were teasing one with a stick. And off to the side, Hagrid was looking at his class contentedly

"I saw Hagrid talking to you," Hermione said, breaking the ice.

"Yeah. He had something to say," Harry declared, and proceeded to tell her about their friend's strange behaviour.

"He's working for the Order," said Hermione, and with such finality that Harry stared at her, "How are you so sure?"

"It's obvious, isn't it? He can only look that happy if Dumbledore trusted him with something. And what are Dumbledore's main concerns now? The Order and Voldemort."

Harry bit his lip, thinking. He had to agree that Hermione had a point.

"Well, whatever it is, we'll know about it tomorrow." He paused, remembering something, "Oh, and I also wanted to ask you about your Christmas present."

Hermione grinned, "Yes. Did you like it?"

"That remains to be seen," he replied, "Because how do you open that thing?"

Her face registered surprise, "You couldn't figure it out?"

"Well, I had a very troubled morning and my brain was not comprehending things right."

"Okay, okay," Hermione said, smiling, "I'll show you how it functions once the day ends. It is very useful!"

"Great," Harry said, then smirked, "And what about my present? Did you like it?"

Hermione beamed, "Oh, I loved it! I am saving it for special occasions."

"Special occasions? Like what?"

"The OWLs," she answered at once, "Other exams. But definitely not for regular note-taking. It's too pretty." She gave him a quizzical look and asked, "Whose feather is it made of, though? I couldn't place it."

At this question, he smirked even more, already predicting her reaction as the answer escaped from his mouth.

"It belongs to a blue phoenix."

His prediction turned out to be right. Biting his lip to restrain from laughter, he watched her as her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

"A b – blue phoenix?!" she stuttered.

"Yep."

"But they are so…so…"

"Rare, I know."

"But..but…" she shook her head to clear all the vacillation and continued, "How did you even find a quill like this?"

He shrugged, "That was the hard part. But I didn't do all the work. Shacklebolt and Tonks did."

Hermione shook her head again, "You shouldn't have gone through the trouble. A simple owl quill would have been okay."

"But I wanted to give you something special," Harry argued, "Something which you definitely didn't own, and that was difficult because you have so many quills. So when Tonks suggested a blue phoenix one, I knew the idea was perfect."

His account made Hermione envision the quill – its bright hues of blue and green merging together, and the speckles of white shining among them, giving the impression they were on fire. A quill like that wouldn't have come cheap, and she realized that it must have cost more than the necklace Neville gave her.

"It must have been so expensive!" she exclaimed.

Harry nodded, "Yeah. It was. But buying it for you was worth it."

Those words had an almost immediate effect on her, but she turned her face away from him, hoping he couldn't see that she was blushing madly. Alas, he had seen.

"Don't be embarrassed, Hermione," he told her, "I'm just being honest."

That only made her blush harder, "Oh, I –"

"Hey, guys!"

A grinning Ron came striding towards them, interrupting Hermione considerably. But the grin disappeared from his face as he approached them and saw the situation – Harry and Hermione leaning against a tree, she with red cheeks and he with a ghost of a smile. He instantly knew something was going on. Were they flirting with each other?

The mere thought of such a possibility made Ron frown. Scenarios started to run in his mind at lightning speed – being excluded in certain circumstances, acting like a third wheel, forcing himself to listen as they talked about their things, tolerating them when they kept their 'couple' secrets from him.

Ron had these views because he was starting to notice things. How they looked at each other when discussing something light, how Hermione was always hugging him, how Harry always seemed to hold her in a soft gaze ever since he fought with her. Ron could only wonder what they did in the pub after he left for his date. Kissed? Made out? Declared their love for each other? Were they already in a relationship and decided not to tell him?

The last thought was revolting. He hated being excluded. Especially from the only two people in the world who he believed trusted him fully. But that didn't seem to be happening, apparently.

Besides, he couldn't see them working out, either.

Without warning, anger gripped him from all sides, making his brain form only one thought – I have to know what they're up to.

He was already feeling irritated with Hermione, for telling Neville about the Order, when he thought they shouldn't readily trust him. And Harry had taken her side even then, hadn't he?

Hence, Ron found himself marching up to Hermione and gripping her arm with such force that she cried out in pain.

"Ow! What are –"

"I need to talk to you," he told her brusquely.

Hermione only had enough time to cast a bewildered glance towards Harry's way before Ron steered her away from him, and everyone else.

Ignoring her protests, he whisked her into a little clearing that stood between Hagrid's hut and the strip of the Dark Forest. Nobody could hear them here.

Finally alone, he looked at her with accusing eyes.

But Hermione was furious. "What is the meaning of this?!" she yelled, trying to free herself from his grip, which was still tightly enclosed around her arm.

Ron didn't waste any time and cut to the chase.

"What is going on between you and Harry?"

Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock. His question left her speechless, but she mustered out a startled, "What?"

"Don't act so bloody dumb," he said, gritting his teeth, "I'm not a fool."

"Ron, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, you perfectly know what I'm talking about!" he hollered, "You're masking your relationship with friendship!"

She clasped her mouth with her free hand, a frenzy starting up in her mind. She couldn't fathom the actuality of Ron suspecting her and Harry being in a relationship. Was it because of her? Was she acting too conspicuous with her feelings for Harry? Did Ron somehow catch on?

However, she knew one thing for sure – she had to conceal her emotions right now, even if it was the most difficult task at present. Ron was the last person she would share her feelings for Harry with, and judging by the state he was in at the moment, he probably shouldn't even be the last person.

"Ron, please!" she implored, "You have the wrong idea! There's nothing going on between us."

"And you expect me to believe you?" he asked aggressively, "I'm not stupid, Hermione. I can see the looks you give each other, among so many other things!"

"Those looks mean nothing! You're seeing them the wrong way!"

"I hate being exc –"

But she didn't let him finish. "Harry's like a brother to me! I don't hold any romantic thoughts for him and never have! And I'm sure he never has, too. Besides, he likes Cho Chang, so why on Earth would he direct himself towards me?"

Ron opened his mouth to say something but she interrupted him once more, "I'm his best friend and I feel sympathetic for him, especially since he's going through so much trouble. Giving him some affection comforts him and that's what I do! And he returns my favours!"

Ron's eyebrows went up at this, but when he spoke, he still sounded furious, "Then how come the two of you are alone so often now?"

Hermione let out an exasperated sigh, "We are never alone on purpose! You just don't happen to be in the picture!"

Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Hermione was right, he was the one granting them time in each other's company, and it became frequent as he started dating Lavender. Wasn't that the reason why he often left them alone?

That realization made him loosen his grasp on her, and she yanked her arm away from him.

"You're very mean sometimes," she said, caressing her wrist, its skin turning red. The sight of this made guilt stir up inside Ron, but he ignored it and regained his angry demeanour. He was not going to lose the argument. Not yet.

"Well, even if you guys are not secretly dating, why am I the last person who gets to know about something important?" he bellowed, "Things have definitely changed. You can't deny that, Hermione."

She stared right back at him, "Yes, I cannot deny that. Things have changed but because of you."

"Because of me?!"

"Of course! You're the one who is constantly leaving us. Don't act like you're not to blame!" she exclaimed. Then sighed, "I can't believe we're having this conversation."

It was true. Ron was being absolutely unreasonable and stupid. She couldn't believe that he was making this into such an arguable matter when it was not arguable at all.

That also got her thinking – even though it could never happen in a million years, what would Ron do if she and Harry actually started dating each other? Would he leave the trio? Deny their friendship? Turn his back on them completely? The crazy thing was...she was afraid he could even do it.

"I'm going back," she declared, and had turned around just a bit before Ron caught hold of her again, but gently this time.

"No you're not," he told her, "We're not finished talking."

"Please, you're making this –"

"You know I don't like being left out, Hermione," he spoke over her, "That's why I have a problem with you and Harry acting so...furtive."

She glared at him once more, "For the last time, we're not acting furtive! We –" she stopped and sighed with frustration, "Forget it. Let's just go back."

"Wait," said Ron, "There's one more thing."

She sighed, "What is it?"

"Why did you tell Neville about the Order?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Something inside Hermione snapped. This time she couldn't stop herself.

"GOODNESS, DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EVERYTHING I DO?!" she shouted, her eyes ablaze with anger.

This unexpected rage took Ron by surprise. He never imagined Hermione to be shouting at him like this. But that didn't stop him from being mad, too.

"Not everything! Just why you decided to trust Neville so readily about our secret," he said.

"It's not our secret!" she yelled, vexed, "He has every right to know. His parents were in the Order and his grandmother keeps tabs on the group. Honestly, Ronald! You're being ridiculous!"

"You're the one being ridiculous, Hermione!" Ron shouted back. He knew he was losing the argument, but Hermione calling him ridiculous and shouting at him like she never had before had hurt his pride. And that induced anger.

"You think you know everything!" he was still yelling at her, "But you can't possibly know everything! You can't decide what should be done and what should not be done and stick with your bloody opinion, against everyone's better judgement!"

For a moment, Hermione wordlessly stared at him, but soon after, she issued a dejected sigh. She had enough of him and this stupid conversation.

"Ron, you have very wrong ideas about me," she said, quietly now, "I don't act like I know everything and I know I'm not right every time. I –" she stopped and shook her head, "No, I can't believe we're arguing over something like this. I've had enough. I'm going back."

And before Ron could stop her again, she turned away from him and walked back to the class.

Ron stared after her, his words frozen in mid-air. He was frustrated to see that he had lost yet another argument with Hermione. She was too clever with her words. Too logical. Too reasonable. He had to admit he never thought things through, especially not during scuffles with her when his anger got the best of him.

But that didn't give Hermione the right to be a bossy know-it-all. To think that she was superior of the two, because of all her knowledge and her ways with words. This made Ron fume. Swearing under his breath, he took Hermione's path to get back to class as well.


Meanwhile, Ron taking Hermione away in such an abrupt and harsh manner had left Harry in a kind of a daze. The urgency in his best friend was too curt and he obviously wanted to talk to Hermione about something that was not meant for Harry's ears to listen.

He wondered about it a little – what did Ron want to talk about? Perhaps he was concerned for Harry's mental health? Thought he was deranged? Or slightly mad?

But Ron wasn't the type who mulled over people's mental health. Nonetheless, whatever it was, it seemed important, so Harry felt like he should give them privacy, which was why he didn't follow them.

He focused on the class instead. Talking to Hermione had considerably lifted up his mood, so he decided to engage with the Kneazles. It didn't take too much time to show them he was not a threat because, within seconds, three of them were attached to him.

"Wow, they liked you almost instantly," Lavender smiled, still holding the ginger one protectively in her arms.

"I wonder why that happened," Harry replied, moments before the silver one launched itself in his arms. "Hey!" he laughed, holding the creature right while it purred contentedly.

This was also the moment when Hermione and Ron finally returned to class. Harry only had to take one look at their faces to know everything – they had a huge fight.

Hermione was frowning, and as she positioned herself on Harry's right, she didn't acknowledge the Kneazle in his arms at all. Ron came to his left, and he was seething. It was clear that now was not the right time to ask them about what happened.

Some five minutes later, Hagrid wrapped up the class and they moved back to the castle for Herbology.

The rest of the day was agonizing for Harry. Ron and Hermione were not speaking to each other at all. In fact, they didn't even want to acknowledge each other's presence. Talking to a friend who pretended that their other friend beside them didn't exist was difficult. Very difficult. As a result, Harry was completely exhausted by the time they returned to their common room. Keeping the conversation alive among ticked off Ron and Hermione was one of the most challenging things he had to endure.

However, even with her emotions running high, Hermione still kept her promise to Harry and showed him how to use the Christmas gift she gave him. The square-shaped thing at the front of the book was surprisingly the key to opening it. It was a day planner, but with magical properties. The square-shaped thing was actually a Snitch type alarm clock. All Harry had to do was enter his tasks for the day in the planner and the little alarm would alert him of them at appropriate times. It did seem helpful, and exactly the thing he needed at the moment, with his brain frenzying up and his memories not his own. He was grateful when Hermione offered to write his first tasks for him, as he didn't think he had the capacity to do it himself right now.

Ron was sitting with Dean and Seamus while Hermione was explaining the planner to Harry. When she went up to her dorm, claiming she was tired and would write his tasks in bed, that was when Ron joined him, acting like everything was normal. He obviously didn't want to be in Hermione's company and this attitude annoyed Harry a little bit.

But Harry didn't stay in the common room for too long, as well. Weariness hit him hard and he went to bed earlier than usual. Besides, he needed tons of sleep, since tomorrow was a busy day.

So, after bidding Ron goodnight, he took the stairs to go to his dormitory, wondering what tomorrow would bring…


The next morning, Harry entered the Great Hall, feeling groggy. He had a very uneasy night, full of nightmares and worrying thoughts. The few hours of sleep he had managed were clearly not enough. Yawning, he reached the Gryffindor table, where Ron and Hermione were already seated. Ron was with Lavender and the two were talking fervently with each other. Across them, Hermione was poring over a book, her head in her hands.

Harry took a seat beside her, "Good morning."

She lifted her head and smiled at him, "Good morning." Judging by the look of her eyes, he was not the only one who didn't get enough sleep.

Ron was still talking to Lavender. "I gave you rubbish," he was saying, with a sad tone.

"Oh, it's not rubbish!" Lavender exclaimed.

"Yeah, as if you already don't own dozens of charm bracelets," he grumbled.

Lavender smiled at him and shook her robe's sleeves to show him her wrists, which were adorned with a pair of those bracelets.

"I do have dozens of them," she said, "But yours are my favourite."

Ron became speechless. Harry toned out the rest of their conversation as he focused on Hermione. The book she had opened in front of her was not a book at all, but his planner.

"Done with the list?" he asked, starting on some pancakes.

"Yes, just now," she yawned, before taking a bite of her porridge.

"I guess you had trouble sleeping, too," he commented.

"No. I was up doing homework. I can't neglect it for too long. Especially since OWLs are so near," she informed him.

"But I thought you went to bed?"

"I came back down. The worry was not letting me sleep," Hermione sighed, and pushed his planner towards him, "Here. Take a look at what we need to do today."

Harry read the words she had written:

Visit Hagrid

Make Rita interview Harry

Visit the kitchens to meet Dobby

Occlumency Lesson

Start studying for OWLs

Quidditch practice (Maybe)

Harry looked up to smile at Hermione, "We don't have Quidditch practice today. It's tomorrow."

"Oh, okay," she said, "I'll scratch that part out."

"And why do we need to visit Dobby?" he asked, glancing at the list again.

"I figured he, or some other house-elf, would be able to suggest a place for our private classes," she told him in a whisper, "Since they have to go around the castle for their duties."

"Hmm," he said, "That's clever."

"What's clever?"

Ron had finally turned his attention on them, as Lavender was gone.

"Hermione's idea," Harry told him and explained it a bit.

"Okay, that is clever, indeed," said Ron, smiling at Hermione. Lavender had left him in a pretty good mood. Hermione just mustered a small smile and said, "Thanks," in a quiet voice.

Their following words got drowned out by a great flapping of wings happening overhead. Owl after owl was entering the Great Hall through a window. Mail was here.

A brown tawny owl dropped something near Hermione's milk jug. Her issue of the Daily Prophet. Hedwig didn't arrive, and no mail came for Ron, either.

"Let's see what's new," Hermione said, opening the newspaper, and groaned, "Ugh, I can't believe it! They're still on your case!"

"Very typical of them," Harry mumbled. Out of instinct, he glanced at the Daily Prophet – and his mouth dropped open in shock. But not because of the article that talked about him, but rather because of the one that was listed below it.

"Give me that newspaper!" he suddenly shouted, and snatched it from Hermione's hand. His endeavour alerted both her and Ron.

"Harry, what is it?!" she demanded

"What happened?" he asked.

But Harry ignored them both, as his eyes assessed the article that piqued his interest. It was titled, "Ministry Official's Accident Slows Things Down". A picture of a man was positioned below it.

The same man Harry had seen in his vision.