Hermione could see him in the corner of her eye, but she didn't turn to face him.
At the edge of class, Harry flipped through a textbook too quickly for him to actually be reading.
''Mr Potter, you don't learn by skimming.'' Professor McGonagall said, her voice like a whip. ''Read slowly''
He flipped through another page. ''I am, Professor.''
For what felt like the hundredth time, she instinctively glanced to her right. The chair was still empty.
Today, Ron hadn't attended a single lesson. She wasn't stupid — he was probably with his sister, and not just skipping class.
It was still strange to sit on her own though.
Hermione tried to listen to the lecture about the laws of transfiguration, but her attention was fixed on Harry. He stopped pretending to be reading now, with his textbook closed. He had sunk in his seat and stared up at the ceiling.
Then, when class ended, Professor McGonagall had said, ''Miss Granger, a word.''
In front of Professor McGonagall's desk, Hermione was left tongue-tied. Teachers never kept her after class.
''I'm sorry, Professor. I was listening, it's just, well-''
''Let me stop you there.'' She cut her off ''You aren't in trouble. You are a good student, even a great student.''
She blinked. ''Really?''
''When I want to talk to a student after class, it doesn't always mean they are in trouble.'' Professor Mcgonagal clarified. ''Now, sit.''
She sat opposite the woman, folding her hands in her lap.
''I am not asking you this as your Professor, but as the head of Gryffindor house.'' She started. ''This isn't the approach I would like to take, but I'm afraid that I have no other option.'' She looked Hermione in the eye. ''What is going on with Mr Potter?''
She blinked again. ''Excuse me, ma'am. But what do you mean?''
''I think that you know, Miss Granger.'' Professor McGonagall said. ''I'm sure that you know that he disappeared from school grounds.''
''Yes.'' Hermione chewed through her lip. ''When — when he went to see his family.''
Professor McGonagall sighed. ''Where was he really?''
''I don't know.'' She said immediately. ''I don't think it was family, but I'm not certain. He wouldn't tell me.''
Professor McGonagall steeled her fingers. ''I see.''
''I really don't know. I swear.'' Hermione went on, without catching her breath. ''I don't mean to be rude, but why are you asking me?''
''Because you are his friend.'' She tapped her long, bony fingers against the wooden desk. ''And because he is notoriously tight-lipped. Quite like his mother.''
Hermione spoke slower this time: ''Like his mother?''
''Yes. Very much like his mother.'' She said. ''Back to my original point. Are you telling me that you don't know anything?''
''Yes, ma'am,'' Hermione said. ''I really don't know anything.''
She narrowed her eyes into slits. ''Is that so? I hope you aren't just defending him. This is very important.''
Hermione nodded. ''I'm not. I promise. If I knew something, then I would tell you.''
''I would expect you to Miss Granger. But friendship can blind us.'' She paused. ''I will ask you one final time. Do you know anything? I'm not only referring to when he left the school without informing an adult...but everything that has occurred in this last month.''
She had only one answer for her. ''I don't know, ma'am.''
Hermione trailed after Harry.
Within the castle, it was simple. She stayed in a crowd, and only had to keep an eye on the general direction he was going in, but once inside, that changed.
Several times, she had to hide behind trees, under bridges, or even had to backtrack, to not get caught, and that was before Harry decided to enter the Forbidden Forest.
For half a minute Hermione considered. The Forbidden Forest wasn't somewhere students went in. Then, she entered, once checking over her shoulder
''Why are you following me?''
The shadows of the forest were on him and it was only because of his voice, that could she tell who it was.
''Why are you in the Forbidden Forest?'' Hermione asked once she found her voice. ''It's off bounds, Harry.''
Harry finally stepped from the shadows, so she could take his face in. He looked pale and worn down with bags under his eyes.
''I guess I came in here because I didn't think you'd follow me this far.'' He said ''Why are you following me?''
That is something even Hermione didn't know. She said, ''I'm not following you.''
He narrowed his eyes at her. ''Yeah, you are.''
She insisted. ''I'm not. I just wanted to know why you're in the Forbidden Forest of all places. It's very dangerous.''
Harry's lips twisted coldly. ''I think I know that better than anyone.''
''I don't know if you do.'' She said. ''You're the most reckless person I've ever known.''
He shrugged. ''You still haven't told me what you want exactly.''
''Why do I have to want something — can't I just want to talk to you?''
''I doubt it.'' He muttered. ''Nowadays, you talk to me when you want to know if I did something, or why I did something.''
''I do not.''
''Then why are you here?'' He growled. ''I know what you think about me, so obviously you're only going to talk to me when you want to question me.''
''Why are you so suspicious?'' She asked. ''I'm not lying, Harry. I just want to talk.''
''Because you think that I killed Colin.''
''It's — it's.''
''You do.'' A dark gleam caught Harry's eye ''You think that I killed him. You, Ron, and everyone here.'' He said. ''But be honest, if you think that then why did you even come here? It's only the two of us in here.''
A chill climbed up her spine, and it was only then did Harry realise what he said. ''I'm not saying I would, it, just, you know.'' He said calmly.
There was a stretch of silence ''I miss how things were before. I really do.''
He had his hands in his pockets. ''Do you?''
''Yes, of course. I know you do too.''
''And what makes you say that?''
''I just know you do.''
''Don't try to put words into my mouth.'' In moments, Harry's face twisted with cold fury. ''Don't.'' As Hermione opened her mouth, he went on. ''At least Ron's honest now. But you — you're not. You're just lying to my face and think I'll believe it. And I'm not even why things are like this now, you're the one who believes every little thing. I'm the heir just because I can talk to snakes?''
She swallowed a lump. ''That -- that isn't why-''
''No.'' He hissed. ''Apparently, I snuck out the night it happened. He calls me a liar, but he lied about that! I stayed in the dorms all night, I didn't leave, and even if I did, that doesn't mean anything.'' His green eyes smouldered. ''I'm not the heir.''
Hermione had frozen in silence. If she said another word, he may just snap.
''Call me the heir, go ahead.'' He said. ''You've never actually said it, you've just hinted at it. But I want you to say it.''
When she began to back away, he stalked after her, until her back hit the tree.
''I said call me the heir.''
''Harry.''
Seeming to hear the tremor in her voice, he stopped and turned away. ''Maybe you're right.'' He whispered. ''Things used to be easier, but I think it's a bit too late now.''
Harry started to walk and left the Forbidden Forest, leaving her alone with the insects and creatures which lurked in the shadows.
She was still frozen on the spot, mind racing
Her knees wobbled and she pressed her hand over her chest, feeling her heart.
It felt as if it was going to explode.
When Hermione finally left the Forbidden Forest, she took her seat on an empty table in the common room, eyes to the ground.
At first, Ron didn't seem to notice Hermione, but once departing from Ginny, he sat opposite her, and with a simple glance, asked.
''You okay?''
''Of course, I am.'' She forced a smile. ''Why do you ask?''
''I ain't blind.'' He said. ''What's up?''
''Nothing is wrong. I'm perfectly fine.'' She said and then changed the subject. ''Why weren't you in class today?''
''Just wasn't feeling it,'' Ron admitted. ''I wanted to see if Ginny was still okay too.''
''I hope that she's okay.'' She murmured. ''What happened was horrible.''
''More than horrible,'' Ron grumbled. ''Did you read the papers from the other day — about the Travers?''
''I didn't read it, but I heard what happened'' She admitted. ''I know what they did, but I almost can't believe that they were killed...by Auror's no less.''
''Yeah,'' Ron muttered. ''They obviously did what they did to Ginny, but I didn't think they'd just, you know…'' He shook his head. ''But seriously, what's up? I know when something's off with you.''
She sighed, and relented ''I talked with Harry today.''
Ron's freckled face creased. ''And how'd that go?''
''It didn't go well.'' She closed her eyes. ''He was just so angry, I have never seen him like that before.''
He looked serious. ''Harry's like a different person these days.''
''He is still Harry.'' She whispered. ''Do you still think he's the heir?''
''I dunno.'' He shrugged. ''I don't know why he would be, but maybe. A lot of the things add up...''
A knot of nausea strung along in her stomach. ''But what if he isn't lying -- what if he isn't the heir, what would we do then?''
Ron fixed his eyes on the ceiling. ''Well, I'd say sorry.''
She thought: Then so will I.
That night, she could not sleep. She had been tossing and turning for hours, and it was only as the clock struck 2:30, did she give up. She kept her eyes wide, staring out into the darkness, and then, it appeared.
A raven materialised out of thin air, almost magically. It was silent but quick, as it landed on the end of her bed.
She gasped. ''What are you doing in here?''
A blood-red envelope dropped from its beak, dipping into her lap, and then the raven faded away like a gust of wind.
Hermione blinked, & wondered if she had fallen asleep, and this was just a dream, but once she picked the envelope up and felt the parchment, she knew that wasn't the case
Hello Hermione. I'm going to keep this as short as possible, but could you come down to the common room? I know we have fallen out, but I want to talk.
I would ask directly, but I can't come into your room because boys can't enter. Animals don't have that problem, however.
Sincerely, Harry Potter.
Once Hermione was done, she was immediately suspicious.
Harry didn't want anything to do with her earlier, but now he suddenly wanted to talk in the middle of the night.
That was also assuming it was even him.
No, it probably was. He had mentioned that they had fallen out, which was true.
However, when Hermione made her way out of the girl's dormitories, she still brought her wand. Just in case.
Down below, a figure sat in the dimly lit part of the common room.
''Harry, is that you?'' She asked but received no answer. ''If it is, then say so.''
''I'm sorry if I scared you, that wasn't my intention.
Hermione took a step closer, so the light would shine on his face. It was Harry, but now there was a regal air to him, and when he looked at her, there was a glint in his eye that she didn't like.
''Please, sit down.'' Harry waved towards the sofa opposite him, ''You look exhausted.''
She decided against it. ''It's late.'' She said carefully. ''Why did you want to see me, Harry?'' Then, she noticed the invisibility cloak that was by his side
His smile widened. ''I'm sure you at least have an idea.'' He said. ''I am surprised you came down here, though.''
She folded her arms. ''You were the one who sent the letter.''
''That is true.'' He said. ''But you also think that I am the heir of Slytherin, don't you?''
Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. ''That isn't funny.''
''It certainly isn't funny.'' He no longer smiled. ''If I was the heir, then I could kill you.'' And then he let out a stream of laughter. ''Oh, I'm only joking, Hermione. I'm not the heir.''
Hermione swallowed. ''I said that it wasn't funny.'' She whispered. ''And at this rate, you may just wake everyone up.''
''You won't need to worry about that.'' He said silkily. ''I've charmed it so that no one will hear a thing. Even if one of us screams, the other Gryffindors will be none the wiser.
''And why would you do that?'' She asked quietly. ''We won't be...screaming.''
He looked amused. ''But it's still possible, and we wouldn't want anyone walking in on us, would we?'' He paused. ''That would get us into trouble.''
She hesitated. ''And where is your wand? I don't see it anywhere.''
''My wand?'' He said humourlessly. ''And for what reason would I have to show you my wand.''
She felt her wand in her pocket. ''Well — just in case you lost it. Have you lost it, Harry?''
He smiled again. ''I see. You're suspicious.'' He pulled out a wand from his pocket. ''Is this enough to prove that it is me?''
''I never said you weren't Harry.'' She said. ''I was just wondering if you had lost your wand.''
''And why would you think that?'' He asked curiously. ''I wouldn't call myself a clumsy person.''
''Well….I suppose it was just…..just a feeling.''
''A feeling?'' He echoed. ''I do hope that you believe me now.''
''Of course.'' She said. ''I believe you.''
''I'm glad.'' He said. ''Then, please. Sit down.''
''I don't think I need to sit.'' She said. ''I'm quite fine with standing.''
''If I didn't know any better, I would say that you disliked me.'' He said, in a way that made it sound like he was about to laugh. ''Please, sit.''
''I'm going to bed, and so should you. It's 3 AM.''
''But you have only just come down'' He said softly. ''I am going to ask you to stay, and I hope as my friend that you will listen.''
''I'm going to bed.'' She persisted. ''It's late and-''
''Then I will not stop you from trying.'' He said. ''But I will tell you that I have locked the doors, and with your magical abilities, I very much doubt that you will manage to break them.''
She steeled herself. ''Who are you?'' She whispered hoarsely. ''What did you do with Harry?''
His lips spread into an even wider grin. ''But I am Harry.'' He says, ''Or at least, I am in this moment in time.''
Hermione whipped her wand out, but with a simple glance, it glided into the boy's hand. He snapped it into two like a twig.
''Sit.'' He said calmly, ''Please.''
''No.'' Hermione's voice quivered. ''No, I'm not going to-''
''I said sit.'' He boomed, with Harry's wand drawn on her. ''If you don't, then I will kill you where you stand. If you do, then you may live.''
She finally sat down, cold sweat dripping down the nape of her neck.
Then he began to speak in a sleek and smooth fashion. ''I must say it's a pleasure to meet you, after all that I have heard.''
''What — what do you mean?''
''Harry has told me all about you.'' He clarified. ''I have to thank you. You have made this easier than I could have possibly imagined.''
Then it all clicked: ''You're the heir of Slytherin!''
''I am.''
The room around her seemed to spin. ''Then he was innocent all along.''
''He was.''
Hermione's eyes glistened. ''How long have you been Harry for?''
''This is only the second time I have taken control of his body.'' He admitted. ''Although I'm sure you could tell. I never tried to hide that fact, because, in the end, it doesn't matter.''
''But — but why?'' She stumbled out. ''Why Harry?''
''It was a coincidence.'' He said softly. ''The truth is he should be dead now, but plans change and you will take his place. Now, where is the letter?''
She glanced at the table between them. ''The letter?''
''Yes, the letter. Did you leave the letter in the dormitories?''
''I'm not sure.'' Hermione watched his wand. ''I-I think so….''
He rose from the sofa, bringing the cloak with him. ''Then we are leaving.''
''Why are we leaving?'' Hermione asked, eyes wide ''Where are we going?''
'Harry' sighed. ''If you won't come with me, then I will kill you here instead, and I will do everything I can to make you suffer.''
It was so casual. Like her life meant absolutely nothing to him.
She blinked away her tears: ''Please — please. I don't want to die. Please.''
He smiled in return. ''I know, but if you don't come, then I will kill you. And if you scream, then I will rip your tongue out and watch as you asphyxiate.''
No longer able to stop herself, tears streamed down Hermione's cheek, and though she still had her tongue, she gagged, knowing what was to come.
''Come.'' He whispered. ''This is my final warning.''
When she looked up at him, Harry's face was just a blur, but his expression almost looked like one of twisted excitement. ''Where are you taking me?''
He only answered after letting out a soft, melodic hum.
''We are off to meet a Baslisk.''
Harry gazed up at the ceiling and wondered when he had woken up. He sat up on the sofa, massaging his forehead, a razor-sharp pain rattling about in his skull.
I don't even remember going to bed. He thought. I don't even remember coming back yesterday.
Nor did Harry remember bringing his bag down into the common room. Nonetheless, he picked it up off the hard wooden floor. Inside, there were a few textbooks, a cloak, and some other items, but no diary.
Two nights ago, Emily's diary had gone missing, and he had been searching ever since.
If someone stole it, he thought, They'll regret it.
Someone must have stolen it, but who? And when they found what was inside, what would happen?
She said she had enemies, enemies that would kill Emily if they found out about her.
No, he thought, I'm not going to let that happen.
He pulled his wand out and twirled it between his fingers, feeling the way it was slightly chipped.
This was his fault. If he just put a tracker on it, then none of this would have happened.
Just another one of his mistakes.
Perhaps as a way to divert his attention, he went to the window and watched as rain fell.
It was still early and no one else seemed to be awake, and the morning was so dark he had to squint to see.
Was that a tongue?
The cold sensation of dread crept up behind him.
It was hard to tell from this far away, and perhaps the angle made it look like a tongue.
That was probably it.
After all, people didn't randomly find tongues lying in the dirt.
When Harry stepped out from the common room, he didn't bother to cover himself from the rain.
Just outside, there was a tongue in the soil. Or at least, a chunk of it.
His imagination went wild: a bloody murder occurring when the whole castle was asleep.
Harry turned his eyes to the direction of the tower.
Hermione Granger hung from the Gryffindor tower, bound by metal chains. And like before, the word Heir, was written across the walls in blood-red ink.
And then, he screamed.