Harry was diagnosed under the expert care of Madam Pomphrey, while Lily sat bedside, vigilantly watching over her son. Lily was keenly aware that Harry could never intentionally harm anyone. Her maternal instincts and profound understanding of him surpassed anyone else's; she knew that Harry had been struggling with anger issues and found sudden changes in events challenging. She also comprehended the underlying motive behind Harry's desire to prank Stephen River. She reflected on how James had faced similar challenges during his time and now she was grateful for his protection, as she could hardly imagine what she might have done without it. James had shielded her when she was unable to defend herself against the prejudices of pure-bloods. Now, seeing Harry in a similar stage, all she could do was hope that his misfortunes would soon cease.

Finally, Madam Pomphrey completed her testing and turned to Lily. Aware of the sensitive subject, Lily cast a silencing charm around them and inquired, "What is happening?"

Madam Pomphrey replied, "You must teach him Occlumency. When a magical mind becomes inundated with numerous distressing events simultaneously, it enters a state of mental shutdown. Magic, being reliant on intent, acts swiftly on the subconscious mind's desires. Accidental magic is a result of this interaction, triggered by the subconscious."

Lily contemplated, "Does this mean we have nothing to worry about?"

Madam Pomphrey responded, "It is temporary, but Harry may experience nightmares due to the overload."

Curious, Lily asked, "And what is the purpose of teaching him Occlumency?"

"Harry may break down if he continually relives that traumatic moment. He needs to gain control over his emotions and thoughts," explained Madam Pomphrey.

"I see. Well, I can take on the task of teaching him," Lily stated before Harry's gasp and deep breath drew their attention.

Harry found himself floating in a surreal state, disconnected from his human form, and unable to control his body. An eerie sense of unfamiliarity washed over him. It seemed like he had entered a small tunnel with a faint light at its end, and he instinctively moved toward it, still in his ethereal state. Upon crossing some barrier, he regained control of his body, and his memory flooded back. He recalled the events in the Great Hall and a lone tear rolled down his cheek. As his eyes focused, he saw his mother's smiling face. An overwhelming urge to embrace her washed over him, and he clutched her tightly.

Lily held her son, and he confessed, "I am sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to harm Hermione. I merely acted on impulse, intending to prank Stephen by adding that potion. I had no idea it would react with the pages."

"I know, baby. I forgive you,How can i not forgive"Lily replied with compassion.

"You're the best mom in the world," he said cheekily, and she laughed at his antics.

Curious about his experience, Harry asked, "What happened to me?"

"Your mind underwent a mental shutdown, but there's nothing to worry about. Go and Enjoy your time, but starting today, you will have an extra class in my office," Lily answered.

"Okay, Professor Potter. I will definitely attend your class. Bye," Harry mock-saluted and left the infirmary.

"Goodbye, and don't forget to see Professor McGonagall," Lily reminded him.

As Harry crossed the threshold of the infirmary, a sense of dread engulfed him. With his mother's secure presence gone, he replayed yesterday's events, fully aware of his grave mistake. "It doesn't matter now. She hates me," he sighed sadly, replaying Hermione's "I hate you" in his mind. "I am not worthy of her. Maybe I am arrogant and a bad person, just as she said," he muttered, deciding to keep his distance from her.

Upon reaching Professor McGonagall's office, he knocked on the door. When invited in, he meekly replied, "Hello, Professor. Yes, I have fully recovered."

"Good. Do you know why I summoned you here today? What you have done, and your behavior towards younger students?" she asked sternly.

"Yes, Professor," Harry replied, avoiding eye contact.

"I am deeply disappointed by the actions of one of my own lions, a top student like you, engaging in such behavior. Remove both your Head Boy and Quidditch Captain badges and place them on my desk. I must suspend you from these roles for two months. Your ability to reclaim these badges will depend on your behavior during that period," she declared firmly.

"Please, Professor, reconsider taking away my Captainship badge. It may impact my future career," Harry pleaded.

"You should have considered the consequences before harassing other students in the Great Hall, giving an unknown potion to a younger student, and disrupting others' lives and study time. You will not question me again, Mr. Potter. If you choose to act irresponsibly, you must face the consequences when caught. Is that clear?" McGonagall reaffirmed.

"Yes, Professor, sorry, Professor. May I ask who will receive the badges for the two months?" Harry inquired one last time.

"The Head Boy badge will be given by the Headmaster, but I will appoint Ginny Weasley as the temporary Quidditch Captain," she replied dismissively.

Upon exiting her office, Harry felt utterly alone. Until yesterday, he had countless fans, admired for being a skilled seeker and a popular captain. But now he realized that Hermione held him in low regard. "She will never be mine, and not that I am worthy of her. Perhaps I am not as good as they thought," he reflected, sitting by the lake for hours.

However, he decided that he would prove them wrong. Though he might not win Hermione Granger, he would strive to become a better person and seek the admiration and respect of others. As a Potter, he would face his battles head-on and demonstrate to the world that Harry Potter was far more exceptional than perceived.


Hermione Granger is feeling lightheaded again. She tended to her sore hand after long crying and sobbing in the bathroom. Being considered the best witch of her generation seemed futile. She hadn't seen Harry Potter since the previous evening's meal, and she didn't seem to care if he went and drowned himself in the lake. Finally, she made her way out of her Head Girl suite. While passing through a corridor towards breakfast, she noticed Harry Potter heading towards the Great Lake. She wondered why he chose the lake over breakfast.

Upon entering the Great Hall, a small group of students sitting there seemed to take notice of her. Some glared at her, while others looked upon her with pity. She looked around and found Luna sitting alone at the Ravenclaw table, so she approached her directly.

"They will stare, you know. Those who judge are often the ones who fail to see the beauty in uniqueness," Luna said in a singsong voice.

Hermione smiled, appreciating Luna's enigmatic way of comforting her, and replied, "Indeed, some girls are giving me looks as if they want to devour me instead of their breakfast."

Luna explained, "That's because of Wrackspurts. They enter through their ears and cloud the mind, especially when their hero, Harry Potter, collapsed in the Great Hall."

Surprised by this revelation, Hermione asked, "What? How did he collapse?" She couldn't help but think that he might be creating a new spectacle.

"No one knows. He was admitted to the Hospital Wing yesterday, and no one has seen him since. However, Nargle informed me that he is sitting alone near the lake," Luna replied with a small, reassuring smile.

"Perhaps he's contemplating how to make me even more miserable than yesterday or plotting his revenge against me for humiliating him," Hermione replied casually, assuming the worst.

"Appearances deceive, assumptions blind; true nature lies beyond the mind," Luna sing-songed again, emphasizing the need to be cautious about hasty judgments.

Hermione knew the true meaning behind Luna's cryptic sentences, but when it came to Potter, she refrained from making assumptions. She chose not to respond when he tried to seize an opportunity to make her life miserable. Both girls ate in silence.

Finally, her thoughts were interrupted by a small note delivered by a flaming phoenix. Many people glanced curiously at her. Now, Hermione was anxious about why the Headmaster would write to her. Perhaps it was because of the scene she made in the Great Hall, her brain suggested. She closed her eyes and hoped for the best. With trembling hands, she opened the note.

Miss Hermione Granger,

Due to yesterday's events, we have decided to suspend-- she suddenly closed the note. No, no, this can't be happening. They are suspending me because of the scenes I created in the Great Hall. But I haven't done anything; it's Potter's fault, she thought miserably. If it's solely Potter's fault, then open and read the letter. If you are telling the truth, why would they punish me? Her logical mind argued. Finally, she read the remaining note -- ed Harry Potter from Head Boy. Harry Potter will be suspended for two months. He may regain his badge if he shows good behavior. I have decided to appoint Neville Longbottom as Head Boy. Neville Longbottom will share Head Student duties with you until further notice.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster of Hogwarts

She felt finally relieved. Neville is far better suited for the role than Potter. Neville's expertise in herbology had proven helpful on numerous occasions in the past. Though they rarely conversed about anything other than academics and his prefect duties, she knew he was more reliable than most.

Her train of thought was interrupted by a new arrival. When she looked up, Ginny Weasley was walking towards her with a small tray of breakfast and took the seat next to her. Ginny finally noticed the note in Hermione's hand and teased, "Oh, Hermione, have you been reading a love note from Stephen River?"

"No, it's from Professor Dumbledore." She passed the small note to Ginny and resumed eating her breakfast.

Ginny muttered, "Oh no. That's probably why Harry looked so miserable when I saw him sitting near the lake."

"Don't make a big deal out of it, Ginny. You know he never cared about Head Boy duties. Now he has more time to focus on Quidditch and his immature pranks," Hermione replied in a bored tone.

Finally, Ginny also took out a small note from her robe and placed it in her hand.

"Read it and say that again."

She opened the note.

Miss Ginny Weasley,

We have been informed about the immature and undisciplined activities done by Harry Potter, which were revealed due to the unfortunate prank he pulled in the Great Hall. I am deeply saddened to inform you that Harry Potter is removed from the captaincy of Quidditch for two months due to his undisciplined behavior. Until further notice, you are appointed as the temporary captain of the Gryffindor team. I hope you will lead us to future victories until further notice.

Minerva McGonagall

Head of Gryffindor House

Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts

"Yeah, it's pretty bad. He probably never thought he would lose both positions at the same time," Hermione replied.

"I know. We might lose the Quidditch Cup this year. I don't even know how to make people play together. The new players won't even listen to Harry Potter. How will I make them cooperate?" Ginny sighed and returned to her breakfast.

Hermione finally felt a pang of sympathy for Potter. Having both his Head Boy and Captain badges stripped was undoubtedly a severe punishment. She acknowledged that it was necessary for him to face the consequences of his actions. Although relieved that he would be away from her, her heart told her not to revel in his downfall. She tried to push these conflicted thoughts aside and focused on her conversation with Ginny about her new role as captain, delving into strategies and ways to unite the team.