Chapter 31 Harry and Hermione patch things up, training progress and Sirius returns

30th January 1994, the Library, Hogwarts

Harry had been thinking yesterday after the match but also most of the afternoon and evening yesterday. He hasn't slept well. He was thinking about what the other girls said and the hurt he felt from Hermione wasn't lessening if anything it is only increasing.

Harry was thinking about this morning when he went to Hagrid. Hagrid his first friend in the magical world if you didn't count Hedwig was appalled that Harry was still mad at Hermione and was also very disappointed. Ron was with Harry and every time Hagrid made a comment about Hermione and try to let Harry see the reason Ron came back with a different answer all bad about Hermione as she went behind our back to McGonagall, she lost us the Firebolt, without her, we can relax and play chess and of course her bossiness, smarts, studious nature and her different interest from Harry and himself.

Harry said that he will think about it and Hagrid wasn't completely happy but did say, you better Harry. You are one of my friends but what you are doing to Hermione isn't what she deserves after everything she helped you with. Also, she has been helping me with the case for Bucky something you promised me too.

Harry was ashamed as he promised he would help but with everything that has happened he completely forget because Hermione hurt was too much and most classes were very busy, but he knew if Hermione helped him he would have had enough time to help Hagrid. He apologized and Hagrid wasn't angry about that especially when Harry said that most classes were very busy Hagrid knows that Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and lately Professor Lupin didn't have much time to learn him spells now as he could carry a wand again. Hagrid smiled when he knew he made Harry think. Hagrid didn't like Ron's answers.

Harry felt his anger rise again when he thought about the walk with Ron back to the castle.

** flashback **

Ron went on and on about what Hermione didn't and went even as far that she shouldn't be a Gryffindor and why he (Harry) was even friends with her.

When Harry said, "stop."

Ron had the nerve to ask "why?"

Ron continued with "Harry she went behind our back to Professor McGonagall that lost us the Firebolt."

Harry stopped near the fountain by the front door close to the Great Hall and Ron asked "why do you stop Harry? Lunch will be ready shortly I don't want to miss a second."

Harry asked, "what did you say?"

Ron said, "I don't want to miss a second of lunch especially not while we are out here in the cold."

Harry said, "not about lunch but about the Firebolt."

Harry noticed it before in Hagrid's cabin but he just thought Ron made the mistake unintentionally, now Harry wasn't so sure.

Ron said, "what about the Firebolt?"

"What you just said with Hermione and the Firebolt," Harry asked.

Ron said "oh that well. I just said that she went behind our back to Professor that lost us the Firebolt."

Harry said "yes she went behind our back but it is not our Firebolt, it is my Firebolt. So she didn't lose our Firebolt but my Firebolt that she thinks is cursed that is a valid point with Sirius Black on the loose."

Ron was speechless but managed to say "but Harry we are friends unlike Hermione and I thought …"

Harry shouted, "NO, IT IS MY FIREBOLT AND DON'T YOU DARE TALK BAD ABOUT HERMIONE AGAIN."

What Harry and Ron didn't notice was that a fair amount of students heard Harry shouting but only heard the last part. Among them were only three Slytherins and some of the girls that tried to set Harry straight. They didn't hear the next part as Harry stopped screaming.

Harry said hotly in a voice filled with anger "Hermione did was she think was best and tried to protect me. And I will say it again it is my Firebolt, not yours, not Hermione's but mine. I understand her but agree she should have talked to me."

In a corner near the great hall and dreamy smiled Ravenclaw that nobody saw said to herself "the Wrackspurts in Harry Potter's head are clearing. The Nargles tell me that the truth will be revealed but what truth I wonder. It will happen at least before the end of this term around the end of May begin June at least before summer vacation."

She smiled before walking into the Great Hall. Harry was on her tail mad and ignoring everybody before he went to sit at the end of the Gryffindor table closest to the door where normally six and seventh years sat.

After lunch, he went to the Gryffindor Tower to grab the Marauder's Map to find Hermione but he should have known. Hermione is in the library sitting at her table and it seems she was alone but did notice Neville and a few others from his year and Gryffindor in the library, but it seems as if they were not joining her. He went alone as he wasn't happy with Ron as he went on and on about Hermione in a bad way and also that the Firebolt was a shared possession and not solely Harry's. It was the most beautiful (and expensive) present yet even though he liked all the other presents too.

** end flashback **

Harry was looking at her and decided to walk to her. He had his well-worn bag as he still needed to do something even though it was for Thursday and Friday, but with all the Quidditch practice he needed to work ahead if possible to get a bit more free time.

He puts his bag on the table rather loudly to get Hermione's attention. Hermione didn't watch at him but said in an almost broken voice that made Harry's guilt intensive and broke him inside "could you please leave I want to be alone."

Harry said with a small smile "are you sure?"

Hermione didn't recognize his voice and she said "yes. I have much to do and prefer not to be distracted."

What Hermione didn't say was that for the first time since the start of this year she was keeping up with the ridiculous amount of homework, but the fight with Harry and not being with him made her work a bit sloppy gave her mostly average EE's and even three A's that was in divination, muggle studies and history of magic.

Most of the professors noticed the drop in Hermione's work and asked Professor McGonagall what has happened (except Professor Flitwick as he knew from before). When Professor McGonagall told the short story a few searched for the Weasley Twins to alter their bet when the twins opened a betting pool if Hermione and Harry would get together if you decide on yes when do you think.

Although some professors altered their bet on how many girlfriends Harry will have before he finds his soulmate and who his soulmate was. The twins were swamped and were surprised earlier this school year when one girl made a small bet on multiple women, she even said Ginny would be one and herself so maybe it was wishful thinking, but the twins took the bet anyway as a bet is a bet.

When Harry didn't grab his bag she looks up at him and saw the smile that made her knees go weak, the green eyes that made her heart melt and the messy raven hair that looked very good on him and just him. She needs to blink a few times until she screamed "HARRY."

She noticed she screamed and immediately dragged him behind a bookcase just a few seconds before Madam Prince came around the corner to find the source of the noise and ban them or give them detention depending on the student and previous errors were with books or the library.

She found their books and noticed Hermione's bag and immediately leave. Hermione was one of the students she would give a little bit of leeway as long as it wasn't too many times and she was keeping her respect for the books in the library and her own.

Hermione pushed Harry against a bookcase. After almost three minutes Hermione let Harry go and look to the table where she sat at. When she saw nobody she walks back to the table with her tail Harry. Harry found it weird but since the moment he talked to her and now sitting back at her table she looks a lot better. She still doesn't look like herself but a lot better than five minutes ago.

She whispers "Harry I am so sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were safe."

Harry saw that Hermione was almost done and his homework could wait a bit. Harry said, "come on Hermione, let me help you to put the books back and then go somewhere else so we can talk without bothering Madam Prince."

Hermione bites her underlip which made Harry uncomfortable as he found it making Hermione very cute as she was cute on a normal day. Harry was a bit shocked by the thought but immediately gets back to reality as he didn't have time for more of those thoughts. Hermione looked at Harry and the green eyes made her heart beat faster as she saw an emotion she couldn't describe as she didn't recognize it.

After almost five minutes Hermione nodded while still biting on her underlip. She grabbed a pile of books and Harry grabbed another pile and followed Hermione behind a couple of bookcases to put all the books away.

After a few minutes, they return and grabbed their bag and in Hermione's case her homework and other parchments like preparing Buckbeak's case.

Harry walked out of the library followed by Hermione.

Harry and Hermione didn't notice the large smile Neville has as he was very happy his best friend (Harry) made up with a very good friend (Hermione) when they left. Some other Gryffindors were happy mostly upper years, a few girls walk out of the library as they have been watching Hermione the last few days as they always knew where she was. They were waiting for Harry to apologize or at least talk to Hermione, but they knew it couldn't be in the library. When Harry and Hermione went the same way when they left the library the girls all thought 'finally'.

30th January 1994, Hogwarts castle, Hogwarts

Harry decides to find a classroom as he knew Hermione would probably quickly want to talk so she could return to the library.

Hermione was asking Harry where they were going every 20 steps. Harry just said, "we will be there shortly Hermione."

There were quickly on the third floor when they used the Grand Staircase to get from the ground floor to the third floor. Harry walked to the classroom the furthest away. He noticed that the corridor was a little bit dusty and saw that the paintings were empty. The last turn saw a corridor that was dusty without any paintings on the walls. He opens the last classroom door.

30th January 1994, unused classroom, third floor

Harry finds an unused classroom that was dusty. Harry didn't mind when he turned around and saw a very desperate Hermione. Harry gave a genuine smile that made Hermione calm down. Hermione was slightly afraid that Harry would stop their friendship even though the last month their friendship was already almost nonexistent. She could 't live without Harry she knew that. The smile made her thoughts move to the back of his mind.

Harry stand aside and said, "it isn't really clean but it will do."

Hermione walks in and Harry follows before closing the door. Hermione had her wand out and said "Scourgify."

Harry noticed some dust disappeared but also noticed that it looked like Hermione's magic was weak.

When Hermione made one chair dust-free for him. She walks to another chair to do for her. Harry waited until she was done before grabbing his chair to put it near her chair before sitting down.

Hermione sat in her chair and tried to not look at him afraid that her previous thought was right. Harry said, "Hermione please look at me."

Hermione raises her head and she looked at him. Harry tries to give her a genuine smile that obviously helped as Hermione gave a small smile in return. Harry said "I must apologize Hermione. I know what you said but you still went behind my back to…."

Before Harry could continue Hermione started to cry. Harry said "shush Hermione, I am not mad anymore. I am sorry for how I treated you I just felt betrayed, but I know you had my best intention at heart I am sure of it."

Harry saw Hermione calming down even though she was still crying.

Harry said "I am very sorry Hermione. I know I should apologize earlier, but Ron made a bit of sense."

Harry waited for Hermione to say something ... anything but when she didn't Harry said "I want my best friend back, but I am afraid she doesn't want to be my friend anymore. Hermione?"

Hermione launched out of her chair to hug Harry. She launched so quickly out of her chair that her chair fell backwards to the ground and when she hit Harry his chair also went backwards with Harry still in the chair and Hermione on top of Harry hugging him like he was her lifeline in a sense he was. Hermione said sobbingly "of course I want to be your friend again and I hope we can be best friends again."

Hermione cried intensively for a bit before they almost died down completely and only left her sobbing a bit. Hermione was larger than Harry but she put her head on Harry's chest as her legs were on either side of the chair (and Harry).

Harry didn't know what to do. He barely managed to hug a girl and had no idea how to soothe a crying or now sobbing girl even though she was his best friend. All Harry could think about to soothe her was the thing he learned never to ask or give one of his relatives. He put his arms around her and grabbed her tight to push her into him. He was giving her a hug that seems to work and instead of crying more the sobbing died down and Hermione pushed her head deeper into his chest if that was possible.

Harry didn't notice but Hermione was settling in. Hermione felt this was right and wasn't planning to let him up anytime soon. Harry asked after almost 5 minutes "Hermione could you please get off me. I like we are friends again but this is uncomfortable to me as my legs are still up in the air because of the seat."

Harry also has a little pain in his back, chest and his right arm but didn't say anything about it. He was happy nobody was allowed to watch the training from their house or the others as Hermione would probably not like what Harry was doing. He was willing (even though a bit reluctant) to not evade Bludgers the twins shot at him to stand a chance on the shooting star as the chance was small he could evade a Bludger during the Quidditch match. Oliver hoped if Harry got 'used' to getting hit that when he gets hit during the Quidditch match Harry wouldn't fall off the broom and at least be able to stay on his broom without too much hurt and without too much loss of speed if he was flying. Hopefully, Harry can still search for the golden snitch and again hopefully catch it, but that will be hopeful thinking because of the shooting star.

Hermione shook her head not wanting to let go afraid that this was a dream and not reality. When she didn't have a nightmare which she had a lot this was her dream for the last month. Well almost in her dreams Harry would say he loved her and they would snog also they weren't in a classroom, there were three other locations. The first one was in the library of Hogwarts sometimes at her table or at the entrance, the second was her dorm room or better said Gryffindor Tower as sometimes she was in the Common Room, the most embarrassed was the last location as it was in her bedroom at home but then they went a bit further than snogging.

On occasion, she dreamed of snogging in the great hall at the Gryffindor table or on the staff table and also on occasion during a lesson and in Professor McGonagall's office (or on her desk during Transfiguration class sometimes even on Professor McGonagall's desk during class).

Unfortunately, most of the dreams were a nightmare. The nightmares were the giant in her first year, Harry getting killed. In their second year, he was killed because of her while she managed to live and the last one was that he wasn't her friend anymore like in the summer but didn't forgive her. She woke up crying a few times. She was happy it didn't wake her dorm mates. After the third time, she went looking for a silencing charm and found it, but she was having trouble casting it. It was a fifth-year charm so she thought that is the problem.

Hermione was feeling happy and content but she also felt this was right something she hasn't felt since Christmas. She felt Harry's happiness and even though she didn't know it made her relax on Harry.

While Hermione was sobbing Harry's thoughts went back to their first year. Hermione needed him after the incident with the Troll just as Ginny needed him last June. After almost 15 minutes Harry noticed that Hermione was breathing regularly and wasn't sobbing anymore. He tried to get her off him but she wasn't cooperating. He said "Hermione?"

She didn't respond after a few more times Hermione still didn't respond, but every time he said it Hermione grabbed him harder and tried to push her head through him. Suddenly Harry hears a small moan and when he looked he noticed Hermione had fallen asleep. Not wanting to wake her he had only one choice.

Harry was doubting a bit but the sight on top of him was too cute to disturb her. Harry said quietly "Dobby."

Dobby popped in quietly. Harry thought maybe he pops in with the sound of the voice I use an idea to ask Dobby another time.

Dobby said "the great wizard Harry Potter sir calls for Dobby. What can Dobby do for the great wizard Harry Potter sir?"

Harry said "hello Dobby. I hope you are doing well."

Dobby nodded his head instead of hugging him as Hermione almost completely covered Harry. Dobby said "yes the great wizard Harry Potter sir. Dobby is doing great and is happy working for the castle at Ma- the great wizard Harry Potter sir orders."

Harry smiled and said "that is great Dobby. I am happy you are happy. Now I hope you can help me with Hermione. It seems she has fallen asleep and I was wondering if you can move her to her bed without waking her up?"

Dobby nodded and said, "Dobby can the great wizard Harry Potter sir."

Harry asked, "can you make sure she wakes up in time for dinner without knowing she is woken up by you if she doesn't wake up on her own?"

Dobby nodded and said "Dobby can the great wizard Harry Potter sir. House-elves are expected to not be seen."

Harry said, "Dobby you know I don't mind seeing you as you are a good friend."

Dobby almost cried from happiness and said: "Dobby knows but many other wizards or witches do mind."

Harry thought 'I am sure the Dursleys would be the same when I 'work' for them but they didn't have to see me.'

Harry said "could you please do it Dobby. I am quite uncomfortable here."

Dobby snaps his fingers and slowly Hermione starts to levitate. Hermione was still holding on to Harry's shirt and Dobby snaps his fingers again and Hermione's hands lose their grip on Harry's shirt.

Harry said, "Dobby can you also take her bag, put that beside her bed or if there is space on her bedside table and put my bag on my bed."

Dobby nodded and said, "yes the great wizard Harry Potter sir."

Harry said "thank you Dobby when you are done you can continue with what you are doing, but again please don't work too hard I don't want you to be tired because you work too hard. When I am in the chamber next time I will call you. Do you trust Medusa at least a bit more?"

Dobby said "Dobby likes working, working hard. Dobby doesn't but if the great wizard Harry Potter trust big snakey so does Dobby.'

Harry sighed and said "Dobby I am happy you trust me but you need to trust her also. I will look in if you can understand her even though you may not be able to talk Parseltongue."

Dobby nodded and said, "Dobby will bring Miss Grangey to Miss Grangey's bed."

Harry nodded and said, "thank you Dobby see you soon."

Dobby nodded before popping out with both bags and Hermione. Harry knew Hermione would question him but he will say that she was very tired and that was probably why she didn't remember that she went up to her dorm to put her bag away and probably fell asleep unintentionally. He can't say she said she wanted to take a nap but Hermione never would do that especially not if she could be in the library working on her homework or something similar.

30th January 1994, Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

Harry decided to wait here for Hermione to come down to head for dinner. If he wasn't here there was a chance that Hermione wouldn't believe him when he said she just went to put her bag in her dorm and she unintentionally fell asleep.

It was almost 15 minutes before dinner would start when Hermione comes down. Harry has been here for a few hours so he was reading the book shield and sword to look for other spells and asking Professor Lupin about the next training. Professor Lupin didn't say when they would end but did say that nearing the end of the schoolyear Professor Lupin and himself (Harry) would probably be too busy to continue training.

Hermione saw Harry sitting. Hermione thought that what happened earlier was a dream and a very nice one so she immediately walks past Harry to leave the Common Room. Harry sees Hermione leave and is confused. Harry closes the book and immediately follows Hermione. He sees Hermione going down the stairs. He reaches Hermione between the sixth and fifth floors and asked: "Hermione is something wrong?"

Hermione looks angry and said "so now you talk to me? I said I was sorry but you didn't even want to listen to me."

Harry looks confused and said, "are you still mad?"

Hermione looks even angrier than before with tears in her eyes and said "you git. I said I was sorry and now you want to just act as if nothing happened. I understand you were angry, but …."

Hermione really started to cry. Harry pulled her into him and gave her a hug which shocked Hermione it was a small hug barely noticeable but it was a big step for Harry. Harry jumped apart when he noticed the hug he gave as he just couldn't control himself.

Harry decided to ask, "Hermione what is the last you remember?"

Hermione said, "planning to go to the library but obviously I went to my dorm, I don't know why."

Harry said "don't you remember our talk we had. I found you in the library and we went to the third floor so we could talk and I apologized."

Hermione said, "that wasn't a dream?"

Harry smiled and said "no 'Mione it wasn't a dream. I knew I acted like a git last month and I am very sorry."

Hermione dried her tears and launched herself at Harry again. Harry landed with his back on the floor again. Harry felt a little pain on his back and still has bruises from the hits with the Bludgers he got during the five times of training a week during the last few weeks.

Hermione said "I am so happy the dream was actually real. I hoped for so long the last month you would talk to me and we could be friends again."

Hermione thought 'did he really say he loves me as he did in the dream even though it was no dream?'

Harry said, "yes Hermione I hope our friendship will soon be back where we were before my git action of being mad at you."

Hermione smiled at that but was inside disappointed as he obviously didn't say he loves me. True he never said anything that he loves it he only admitted that he likes Quidditch but when you saw it he know he just loves it, especially the flying part he claimed only liked.

Harry sees that they are in the middle of a moving stair and said: "Hermione could you maybe get off me and I think we need to hurry before Ron had eaten everything he can get his hands on."

Hermione made a nauseous and disgusted face while getting off Harry before saying "yes let go before the whole great hall gets nauseous of that picture although Crabbe and Goyle are not much better among another few. We can slightly make it better if we grab our own food."

When the stairs were in the right position again they continued but before they reach, the Great Hall Hermione said: "Harry if you talked to me in the Library and later on the third floor why did I wake up in my bed?"

Harry said "well after our talk you said that we should go to the Common Room and when we entered you said that you would put your bag by your bed and would soon return, but I noticed that you were looking a bit under the weather and on top of that looked kind of tired. When you hadn't returned around 10 minutes later I grabbed one of my books and guessed you were probably too tired and maybe taken a nap. I didn't really mind as we didn't have something pressing and you probably needed it. I think you probably didn't even intentionally fall asleep but you almost collapsed on your bed."

Hermione said, "maybe but why was I lying in bed in my sleeping clothes and more importantly why did I lie like I usually lie and not half outside of my bed or where my foot usually lie."

Harry thought 'Dobby why would you need to be so good.'

When Harry said nothing Hermione looks at him questioningly. Harry noticed it and thought quickly before he knew what to say which wasn't the truth.

Harry said, "maybe because it is dark outside probably because of the dementors with that you were tired your brain thought it was night and automatically dressed for bed and went to sleep."

Hermione reluctantly nodded and said, "it is possible."

Harry said "it doesn't really matter now right Hermione? You are awake for dinner and let's go before there is no food left."

Hermione smiled and said, "you are right Harry let's go before Ronald not only eats like a pig but also become as fat as one."

31st January 1994, Hogwarts castle, Hogwarts

After defence against the dark arts Harry was walking with Hermione, Ron and Neville happily talking closely followed by the other Gryffindors in his year and everybody was talking with each other even if one is upfront and the other isn't. Many feet behind the Gryffindor group were the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaw (without Padma as she was with her sister in the group of Gryffindor) and even further behind were the Slytherins.

Susan and Daphne saw Hermione looking much better than the last few weeks and were happy that Harry made up with Hermione. Both had only one troubling thought. Even though Harry made up with Hermione they were afraid that Harry still was mad at them especially when they lied or in other words betrayed him and that Daphne slapped him even though she apologized.

They wanted to talk to Harry but decided not to do it. Daphne didn't really have a reason and Susan wants Harry and Hermione to have time to be friends again. Susan hoped that they will be friends again and she hoped Harry will forgive her when he talked to her about the marriage contract he still wanted to marry her, be happily married and have many children with her and not just to continue her family line and his.

3rd February 1994, Astronomy room, Astronomy Tower (5th floor), Hogwarts

It was another night for training as Professor Lupin wasn't feeling well last week and didn't have time after he was better. Professor Lupin wanted to test Harry's homework he gave for the last three weeks.

Harry was able to master 'weak' Reducto and 'very strong' Expelliarmus (like Harry already could). Harry was successfully able to cast 'weak' Bombarda. Harry focussed more on Reducto as Reducto could be used against living things while Bombarda is for solid inanimate things.

Professor Lupin was happy with Harry's progress and said "that is great Harry. I have four more spells that I think would be useful during a fight. The first is a shield charm. The shield would protect you from most spells but strong spells, curses or charms could break through it the shield charm could also break if it is under continuous attack by multiple attacks. The incantation is Protego. Repeat after me."

Harry said "Protego."

Professor Lupin said "one more time."

Harry said again "Protego."

Professor Lupin nodded and said "that is good. The wand movement is like this."

Professor Lupine waves a few inches vertically from bottom to top in front of him with his wand. When Professor Lupin does it a few times and told him it was just that, Harry nodded.

Professor Lupin said "okay try the movement without using the charm. Harry did for a minute before Professor Lupin said: "now Harry."

Without missing a beat Harry said "Protego."

Professor Lupin sends a spell and the shield hold and decides to fire a stronger spell. The shield broke and Harry was tongue-tied by the tongue-tying charm. Without cancelling the charm Harry tried to cast Protego again. Professor Lupin noticed this send the first spell he did before and the shield broke immediately and Harry fell to the ground laughing but barely making a sound. Harry was hit by a tickling charm (Rictusempra).

Professor Lupin was surprised that Harry could cast a shield without being able to say the incantation. True it was a very weak shield but still, it was very rare a third-year could cast a spell or in this case a charm nonverbally. It was very promising for the years to come. Professor Lupin immediately cast Finite Incatatum as Harry was having trouble breathing it seems.

Harry stood up and wasn't happy he failed. Professor Lupin said "it was a great first try, Harry. Now I want you to learn more about it, but I do want to say that while Protego is a shield it would not stop all spells, charms or curses. Some spells could immediately break Protego even when you use it at full power. The best defence is not being where the spell, charm or curse is aimed or in other words dodge (evade) the spell, charm or curse."

Harry nodded. Professor Lupin smiled and said "the next spell is very commonly used and is the stunning spell. The incantation is Stupefy. It is very commonly used and a base spell used by Aurors is you know what they are."

Harry nodded and said, "yes they are like magical police."

Professor Lupin nodded and said "that is correct but I would say they are between policemen and soldiers as we don't have something in between. We have Aurors and hit-wizard or witches. Because the hit-wizards or witches are better trained than Aurors and normally have harder and dangerous missions while sometimes supporting the Aurors and we have very few hit-wizards and witches than Aurors I think hit-wizards and witches are more special forces or something similar in the muggle world, but to become a hit-wizard or witch you need to be a very good Auror first among other things. Many don't get to be a hit-wizard there are only a few that could become one. There are even fewer wizards and witches that get the chance to become a hit-wizard or witch during their Auror training your father is one of the very few."

What Professor Lupin did say is that Sirius Black was also one of the three with was a lot then. Normally you can be happy if you have one that can during Auror training. James wanted to be a hit-wizard as long as You-Know-Who was active after that he would request Auror duty and Sirius wanted also do that but for a 'different' reason, a reason James already had.

Harry nodded. Professor Lupin continued "one of the things that make stupefy common for those that use it (or are ordered to use it like Aurors), is that it stuns the target without harming the target. You can hurt the target if you stun him with much power that pushes him into a wall or something similar it could hurt the target but solely the spell doesn't hurt and only stuns the target. The other reason why it is commonly used is that the wand movement is very similar to the shield charm movement. It is the exact opposite of the shield charm."

Harry moved his wand from top to bottom and when Professor Lupin saw it and said: "yes that is it."

Professor Lupin conjured a few middle-sized birds and he said: "try to hit the birds."

Harry nodded and for the next 15 minutes, he tried to hit them. Harry's aim was almost dead on and certainly much better than others who used the spell for the first time (as his fifth-year students proved just a few lessons ago). When the birds were hit some were stunned for maybe a second or less before they could move again and didn't even fall to the floor and others were stunned and fell to the floor but a few seconds later they could fly again.

Professor Lupin was a bit surprised but also a bit disappointed. He was surprised almost all the spells hit but then again the birds were less than three feet away from Harry Professor Lupin was disappointed as with everything that has happened Professor Lupin expected the conjured birds would disappear when they were hit as if they are hit with enough power they would disappear as they are only conjured and not real birds, but that didn't happen. It means Harry hasn't mastered the spell or didn't have the power but that could not be it as he was able to cast the Patronus charm even though it wasn't corporeal. Quite a few adult wizards can't cast it or can barely cast a shield as Patronus.

Professor Lupin said "okay Harry the aim is good but try to focus a bit more on the spell but I want to continue. The third charm I would normally not suggest but I think you are mature enough to know when and when not to use it. This charm could be deadly or at least injure your target, but it is also useful if you need to protect yourself and can make a way if Bombarda doesn't work and need to cut plants, so it is also possible to help with Herbology. The spell is the Severing Charm. The incantation is Diffendo. The wand movement is this."

Professor Lupin showed the wand movement (a V with a quarter of a circle at the end) before waving his wand and three large watermelons fly into the room.

Professor Lupin said "as the spell is dangerous you can try to cast it as the watermelons. Go ahead."

Harry did it and after 10 minutes the Watermelons has many lashes. One of the three was completely severed (cut in half), another one was almost severed but the third one had barely gone an inch in the watermelon.

After letting Harry rest for 15 minutes Professor Lupin said "the last spell is a conjuring spell. The Incarcerous Spell. The incantation is Incarcerous. The wand movement is rather easy you just need to point your wand at the target. This spell conjured ropes to bind the target. That is the other reason I show you Diffendo as Diffendo is an easy way to prevent the Incarcerous from bounding you also dodge it is of course also a good way to evade being bound."

Professor Lupin conjured a few statues one foot high and said: "cast it at the statues."

Harry nodded and cast it at the statues. It took almost 10 minutes before all the statues were bound but only one of the statues was bound tight the others were loose.

Professor Lupin said "well Harry I am pleasantly surprised as the Incarcerous spell is a sixth-year spell as conjuration things are N.E.W.T. level spells. Although if you can do this at this age I would accept you can easily get into the N.E.W.T. class for Transfiguration."

Harry gave a small smile and said: "can we continue with the Patronus charm?"

Professor Lupin had the trunk but didn't think that Harry would still want to after the previous spells and charms.

Professor Lupin asked "are you sure Harry? I can understand if you are tired as all save Expelliarmus are for the later years. The full-body-bind is mostly the second year but I understand you didn't learn it. I will devote a small time to the next lesson."

Harry said, "no Professor Lupin I am ready."

Professor Lupin saw that Harry showed a few small signs that he was tired but he knew he couldn't get Harry to stop now. This was one of the characters' signs that he is the son of James and Lily, his determination and her stubbornness.

Professor Lupin said, "okay Harry get ready."

Harry pointed his wand and Professor Lupin opened the trunk. The boggart-dementor appeared immediately. Harry cast the Patronus charm and the shield appeared again he managed to hold it for almost three minutes before Professor Lupin forced the boggart back into the trunk. Harry sank to his knees before Professor Lupin managed to close the trunk and give Harry a bar of chocolate. Harry eat half of the bar before Harry wanted to do it again. Harry only managed a small minute before Professor Lupin intervened but still, Harry heard the scream and half of the sentence he heard last time…. 'do anything!' before passing out.

Harry woke up a little time later and ate the last half of the bar. Professor Lupin said "let me bring you back Harry. It is almost curfew. Now try to practice all the other spells but be careful with Diffendo as I said. If it is used uncarefully it is dangerous for you but also the people around you. Maybe aim at trees or tree stumps at the border of the forbidden forest but of course not go in that is against the rules."

Professor Lupin snickered a little as he often when in with James and Sirius sometimes with Peter, to rest his soul even though it was against rules, like many more things they did. Harry didn't notice the snicker as he was tired and lost in thought about Sirius Black, Medusa and the renewed friendship with Hermione especially how happy he is about that. Nothing was said on the way back. When they reached the portrait Professor Lupin bade Harry a farewell and wished him a pleasant night.

Inside Harry said goodnight to Hermione and other friends like Neville, Ginny and more as almost everybody was still in the Common Room.

5th February 1994, Hogwarts

It was a cold night although it could be the dementors. He had waited long enough, every day the rat could escape or worse hurt Harry. Harry was one of the few things that made him survive and be sane in Azkaban. He walks into the castle as the Grimm and smells no one close by. He decided to turn back into his real human form. He still remembered the passageway that was seldom used and even less know about those passageways, especially this one.

He grabs a parchment out of his pocket. On the parchment stood passwords that he used sometimes in his seven years in Gryffindor. He found the parchment lying around on the grounds earlier today and that was the reason he was going tonight before the password will change. Now he got a chance to get the rat inside the tower where he probably thinks he is safe.

In less than 10 minutes he stands for the Gryffindor Portrait where he was a few months ago, but now he had the password. Some knight called Sir Cadogan was dozing against a tree he only looks at Sirius when Sirius starts to start saying every word on the parchment. Sir Cadogan didn't let him in until he said the last word on the parchment. He was in luck the password hadn't changed yet and the portrait opens so he could enter.

5th February 1994, Gryffindor Tower, Hogwarts

Sirius walked inside with a knife in his hand ready to strike and kill the rat the first moment he had the chance. He knew that the rat would probably be in the third year dorm for the boys.

He looked in the common room and don't see anyone or smell the rat. His Animagus form gave him the ability to hear and smell better even if he isn't transformed. When he was in top form he was also a little bit faster than almost all healthy (fit) witches and wizards on his feet (not counting the lazy witches and wizards, most are purebloods though) and he was able to move like a real dog but on two legs. He hadn't tried that as he is far from his top form but he noticed that he was moving a little faster and better than months ago right after he escaped Azkaban.

He walks towards the stairs and when he was planning to go up to the boy's side he hears a very familiar meow. He looks behind him and sees Crookshanks coming down from the girl's side and pushing his head a few times against his legs before going up to the boy's side in front of Sirius who immediately follow,

When they reached the third year dorm and sneaks inside with Crookshanks. They were assaulted by a large noise. It seems at least one of the boys was snoring like a pig while an earthquake was happening, it surprised Sirius that the caste was not shaken on its foundation. Sirius saw that all the boys were able to sleep through which was a miracle. Silencing charm is a fifth-year spell even if someone can cast it would not survive this onslaught of noise. Sirius is certain that most silencing charm cast by an adult will crack and maybe even break at this noise.

Sirius sees the bed with the redhead in it and who made the noise. Next to the redhead, he sees one of the anchors he had in Azkaban, Harry Potter his godson. He found that Harry was kind of small for his age while his father was one of the tallest of his year and Lily wasn't small either. He sees Crookshanks running towards the bed Ron and disappears under the bed.

Sirius walks to Harry before he decides to stand on the other side of Ron's bed because if the rat attacks and he dodges it would not accidentally hit Harry if he is on the other side. When he is closing in on Ron's bed suddenly a noise like a whistle shrieks through the room. Sirius sees a sneakoscope lying on the bed table by Harry's bed wrapped in socks.

Everybody woke up but Sirius only had eyes for the bed with Ron in it. Ron had also woke up and screamed when he sees Sirius Black with a knife above him.

Ron screamed "aaaahhhh!"

Ron tries to run away but stumbles when he tries to get out of his bed. Sirius looks around as the rat wasn't in the bed and sees everybody else is awake but only Harry had his wand pointed at him. Secretly Sirius is very proud of Harry.

Harry says "everybody out…. wait"

However, before everybody is out of bed they hear a meow. Glass shatters on the floor and Scabbers rush past Harry's bare feet as Harry had already both feet on the ground. Crookshanks was chasing Scabbers. Harry found it weird as Crookshanks had never been in their dorm before and it looks more like Crookshanks want to capture Scabbers instead of grabbing them to kill before eating it. Crookshanks run after Scabbers through the crack of the door as the door wasn't completely closed.

Harry focused back to the other side of Ron's bed close to the door said: "show yourself."

He sees a silhouette moving towards the partly opened door. Harry screams "Incarcerous."

The silhouette turns around with the knife and managed to cut the ropes that were heading toward him. He could because the ropes would be loose around him as Harry didn't have time to concentrate as he had when he trained with Professor Lupin and it was an upper-year spell (sixth year). If he could have the silhouette wouldn't have the chance to cut the ropes as it would approach faster and the ropes would be too strong to be cut by a knife before they hit a target. The silhouette head out of the door and Harry wants to chase but he heard Seamus ask "Harry is Ron okay?"

Harry looks at the ground and doesn't see Ron lying where he landed almost two minutes ago. Harry asked "Ron? Ron?"

Harry looks around before he notices movement on the floor and Ron's head comes out from under his bed.

Ron asked afraid "Is he gone?"

5th February 1994, Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

After almost 15 minutes the entire Gryffindor House, in pyjamas, stand before McGonagall, who wears a tartan robe and an expression of irritation on her face.

Professor McGonagall said in a quiet Common Room to Ron so everyone could hear "that's preposterous, Weasley. How could Sirius Black possibly have got through the portrait hole?"

Ron almost screamed "I don't know how he got in! I was a bit busy dodging his knife!"

Just then, a curiously content but slightly disappointed Crookshanks wends his way past Ron's legs but affectionally pushed against the legs of others. When Crookshanks went to his owner and jumped in her arms while pushing his head against her.

Ron screamed, "and this bloody cat ate my rat!"

Hermione screamed back "that's a lie!"

Ron looks angry at her before with venom in his voice saying: "it is not and you bloody well know it!"

The angry face stuns Hermione for a bit as it did others. Harry didn't see it as he was listening but looking at the fire in the fireplace looking away from everybody else.

Professor McGonagall said in a loud voice "silence!"

Professor McGonagall asks looking at Percy "have you seen Sir Cadogan?"

Percy said, "yes Professor McGonagall I just saw him."

Percy looks around before pointing to a painting near the stairs to the dorms where Sir Cadogan just gave a bouquet of flowers to a young-looking woman who accepted and blushed.

Professor McGonagall said "Sir Cadogan? Sir Cadogan?"

Sir Cadogan hearing his name and sensing the attention focused on him, perks up instantly and walks through different paintings until he is in the closed painting near Professor McGonagall.

Sir Cadogan said with a bow "what can I mean for you, my good lady?"

Professor McGonagall tries not to roll her eyes at Sir Cadogan's attempt at flattery and asked "Sir Cadogan. Is it possible that you let a mysterious man enter Gryffindor Tower tonight?"

Sir Cadogan answered "certainly, good lady! He had the password. Had the whole week, in fact. On a little piece of paper."

Professor McGonagall turns around to face all the Gryffindor students as she walks past them to talk to Sir Cadogan. She asked, "which abysmally foolish person wrote down the passwords and then proceeded to lose them!"

The whole houses look once more at Neville. McGonagall sighs.

Professor McGonagall said, "is it always going to be you, Longbottom?"

Neville looks to the ground ashamed and said nervously " I'm afraid so, ma'am."

Professor McGonagall looks around and first panics when she doesn't notice Harry but when she sees his black mob of hair sitting near the fireplace the tension in her disappears.

Professor McGonagall looks at the large group that is the whole Gryffindor house and said "while we know Sirius Black is gone tonight, I think you can safely assume he will, at some future time, attempt to return. Let me be clear. You are not to move about the castle alone. And you are not to write down the password! Understood!"

Everybody nods their head. McGonagall gives the ties of her robe a sharp tug and collects herself.

Before Professor McGonagall leaves the Common Room completely she says "very well then. Go to bed."

As the students drift off, Ron casts a last angry glance toward Hermione, who now holds Crookshanks in her arms almost protectively.

Professor McGonagall wait before almost everybody is walking upstairs she walked toward Harry and asked: "Harry are you alright?"

Professor McGonagall sees Hermione looking with concern in her eyes to Harry. Professor McGonagall knew that Harry and Hermione had made up and even though she was appalled it took Harry that long.

Harry doesn't look at either Professor McGonagall or Hermione as he continues to look in the fire in the fireplace while saying "I could've killed him. I should have killed him."

Hermione and Professor McGonagall look with wide eyes at Harry for what he said. Harry stood up before walking to the big window. Harry is staring out the window when he says "he was right here. Close enough to touch. I could've killed him. I should have as he killed my parents and probably many others."

Professor McGonagall knew Harry would find out but she didn't know how she would (wrongly) put her bet on Hermione as she didn't know she (Professor McGonagall) without knowing told Harry during Hogsmeade weekend before Christmas in the Three Broomsticks when Harry was under his invisibility cloak. She knew nothing of the cloak of invisibility as James(, Lilly and his parents) never told Professor McGonagall the Potter family have one and certainly not that it is a family heirloom and never loses power or looks used.

Professor McGonagall doesn't know how to reassure Harry when Crookshanks jumps out of Hermione's arms and walks to Harry. When Crookshanks reaches Harry, he starts pushing against Harry's legs affectionally and Harry bends down to pet him. When Harry wants to stand up Crookshanks jumps in Harry's arms which surprised Hermione because Crookshanks had never done that to anyone before except her. Not even her parents, Ginny, Katie or one of her dormmates he allowed to pet him, he never jumped in their hands. Sure he allowed some to carry him but only if they gently grabbed him. Crookshanks jumped on Harry's lap before but he never jumped in his arms before.

Hermione said, "I know you wouldn't Harry because that is not you."

Professor McGonagall said "that is right Harry, what Miss Grang- Hermione said is right. Now off to bed both of you tomorrow maybe a Saturday but I am sure you are very busy."

Harry wants to put Crookshanks down but Crookshanks doesn't let go. Harry said "Hermione could you make Crookshanks let go?"

Hermione walks to Harry and sees that Crookshanks was holding on to Harry and has one of his claws in the shirt Harry was wearing but obviously not hurting Harry or at least Harry didn't show it. When Hermione wanted to grab Crookshanks, Crookshanks meows and purrs for a bit that Hermione understands. Hermione was also happy Crookshanks was smart as cats would probably show threatening signs that Crookshanks didn't.

Hermione put her arms down and said: "Harry it seems Crookshanks wants to stay with you tonight."

Harry sighed and asked, "are you sure?"

Hermione nodded. Harry tried to put Crookshanks down and when he succeeds and with a small tear on his shirt from Crookshanks claw Crookshanks immediately jumps back onto Harry. He used his claws to hold onto Harry. Harry's face twitches when he feels the claw and said: "okay Crookshanks withdraw your claws."

When Harry said that he grabs a hold of Crookshanks. When Harry holds Crookshanks tightly and said "okay you can come with me for the night" Crookshanks withdrew his claws.

Harry said "goodnight Hermione, Professor McGonagall."

Hermione said "goodnight" before giving him a tight hug on his back to not crush Crookshanks and said when she let go "sweet dreams Harry."

Harry looks at her and Hermione gave him a radiant smile. Harry thought 'if I think about that smile I am sure I would have a nice dream.' (a/n innocent dream for your information nothing adult-like Hermione already has. Although some snogging would certainly be in Harry's upcoming dreams).

Professor McGonagall said "sweet dreams Harry' and gave him a caring grandmotherly smile. Harry responded, "the same to both of you Hermione and Professor McGonagall."

When they were sure Harry was out of hearing range Professor McGonagall with a stern voice didn't want to do but needed to say "Miss Granger don't you dare to use the time-tuner to get back to a time before Sirius Black entered the tower. I know you didn't go for a teacher as my office is closest and you see Harry is fine so you don't have to go back and I know you haven't as you came down as sleepy as most if not all except the third year boy dorm of course."

Hermione was lying if she said it didn't cross her mind even though to just capture Sirius Black but she was seriously doubting if she could as a defence against the dark arts was not her strong suit. She understands the theory but was having trouble with the practical part of most classes while Harry understands the theory way better than an average student almost as good if not more than Hermione suspected. Harry has no problem with the practical part in defence against the dark arts he was always the first (after the first half-year of their first year) to perfectly or adequately cast the spell, some of the time it was perfectly cast on the first try. Most of the time it was cast very well, not perfectly but way more than just adequate what she and most of the others had if not everybody besides Harry.

'Perfectly cast doesn't mean that you mastered it though' Hermione thought to feel a bit bad after the thought was gone as the thought was to downplay Harry's best class and his good work but to be honest most of the practical part of the classes except potions Harry was good in, but other than defence against the dark arts he was never the first to succeed to cast the spell and nowhere near perfectly until they are done with the spell sometimes even a week or two later. She was right with her thought as you don't master it when you cast it perfectly, to master it takes time, but when she thought about it was hurting for a second as it was almost bad-mouthing Harry which she never wanted to do. She didn't even do it during the big fight while some tried to do it (to get a reaction out of Hermione not to bad mouth Harry), she even told them to not do it and protected Harry even though they were fighting about the broomstick until almost a week ago.

Hermione was brought back to the present when she sees Professor McGonagall with a stern face. Hermione remembered what Professor McGonagall said and with an ashamed blush for her thought said "of course not Professor McGonagall. I would not use it to go back in time to the time Sirius Black was here."

Professor McGonagall looks at her for a minute before she gave a short nod and said "okay Miss Granger I believe you. Have a good night and sleep well. Before I forget I am happy you and Harry are friends again."

'If not more or soon more' Professor McGonagall thought. Professor McGonagall (and Professor Flitwick) were the only professors who didn't change their bet with the Weasley twins as they were both good friends with James and Lily (and Professor McGonagall's best friends with Dorea and friends with Charlus since they were students.)

Let's end here for now. I got a bit sidetracked and didn't get where I wanted to be. In the next chapter the firebolt would return, Hogsmeade weekend, the Quidditch match Ravenclaw-Gryffindor and more if the word count allows it.

Please read and review but PMs are also appreciated. Let me know your thoughts.