Since I've been absent for a while, I thought I might as well upload another chapter quickly, to partially compensate.

With Hannah's chapter, we get to see how the news of Death Eaters affect students more generally.

HANNAH XIII

At lunch time, on Wednesday, the day after it was announced that eleven dangerous criminals escaped Azkaban, the mass breakout was the only subject on everybody's lips. At the Hufflepuff table, Hannah was engaged in a very lively, tense conversation with other people from her house.

"My parents are already at the point where they are wondering whether I should stay at Hogwarts," Roger Malone said. "They believe it is not safe with those criminals wandering freely."

"I don't think it would be much safer elsewhere," Wayne said. "At least, in Hogwarts, we are protected by all kinds of sorts and spells. And we have Dumbledore."

"Are you sure that Dumbledore could protect us?" Megan asked. "Remember, he's lost his mind."

"He hasn't lost his mind," Ernie interfered. "I would say that if the escape of those criminals proves something, it's that he was lucid the whole time. It looks more like people at the Ministry have lost their minds, if they allowed so many dangerous people to escape."

No one dared to answer this time. All those who usually didn't believe Dumbledore about Voldemort's return remained silent. Finally, Wayne spoke up.

"I may not agree with Dumbledore on everything, and he's sometimes… strange, but we have no cause to panic, Roger. I mean, even without Dumbledore, Hogwarts is a safe place."

"I agree with Wayne on that," Ernie said.

"I don't know," Justin opposed. "You remember that guy, Pettigrew? How he managed to get inside the castle?"

"He never got inside the castle," Ernie corrected.

"Well, he got inside the park, at least. You remember how we had a Quidditch game cancelled because of that? And Mad-Eye last year? The guy who impersonated him? He's still outside. Who says none of the ten others will try their chance as well?"

This perspective sent shivers within their group. Hannah had thought about that possibility, but she only dared to discuss it with her closest friends. It meant that so far, she only talked about it with Susan and Ernie. Hannah was terrorized by the idea of another murderer making its way into their school right under their nose. She had spent the first day asking questions to everybody, talking about the massive escape. After an entire night of sleep, and the period of questioning, she was now afraid and looked over her shoulder the whole morning. She even looked closely at her professors, wondering if one of them could be an assassin under disguise. She still struggled to accept that she spent the last year being taught by one of the four people who tortured Neville's parents until they drove them crazy. The three others were free as well now.

"Let's try to not panic," Ernie tried to reassure everybody. "This is Hogwarts. It remains the safest place in the world. I mean, even You-Know-Who never ever dared to attack it, even when he was all powerful."

The mention of You-Know-Who caused another chill to travel through the group. Ernie had said it in a casual way, as if it wasn't a big deal, to reassure people. The idea of You-Know-Who had hung in the air over the entire previous day, but no one dared to even mention it. Now, it was out in the open. And Wayne was the first to react, speaking in the same reassuring way as Ernie did.

"Anyway, You-Know-Who is dead. So if he himself didn't dare to threaten Hogwarts, I don't see how petty criminals could."

"Petty criminals?" someone said behind their back, outraged.

Hannah turned sharply. Susan hadn't been there with them at the table. She arrived late for lunch. And she arrived right when Wayne described the people who participated to the slaughter of her family as petty criminals.

"Well, I mean…" the boy stammered a moment. "They are not as dangerous as You-Know-Who was. They cannot be, I mean. They got arrested almost as soon as their boss died."

Susan looked coldly at Wayne. "They managed to escape Azkaban. Do you believe some petty criminals, like you said, could do that?" Wayne had no answer. "And secondly, Wayne, their master is not dead."

An icy silence settled in their group. Other people around who likely heard Susan stopped talking as well. They all looked at her. Some seemed very interested in what she got to tell.

No one Hannah spoke to had dared to voice this possibility. They were all in such a shock following the news of the massive escape that Hannah suspected no one wanted to be the first to say that it was possible. That Lord Voldemort was behind this. And yet, it was not only the most likely explanation. To Hannah, and she knew that others thought the same although they didn't speak about it yet, this was a certainty. But to other people, such as Wayne, this was inconceivable. And he retorted to voice his own thoughts.

"Susan, I get it, you're worried. I'm worried me too. But this is no reason to claim that a dead guy somehow came back and to put everything that happens on his supposed return. You-Know-Who is dead! He died fourteen years ago! You should know it, you're dating the guy who got him killed!"

The atmosphere turned even icier. Susan stared at Wayne in utter… disgust. Hannah seldom saw this kind of expression on her friend's face. But she supposed this was understandable in that context. Some of the criminals who escaped Azkaban yesterday had murdered her grandparents, her uncle, her aunt, and her cousins.

But it wasn't Susan who replied to Wayne's comments. Instead, it was a seventh-year student who Hannah knew had very established thoughts on the matter, and not the kind she enjoyed to hear.

"He's right. It's not because your family was killed that it gives you the right to say anything."

Hannah was stunned by the words that guy used. Susan stared back at him. She was furious now.

"Do you have any idea what it is?" she said in a very threatening, though low voice. "To hear people from your family, people you love getting killed? While you're nearby and powerless to do anything to save them? Do you know what it is to have the people who killed them wandering free, ready to kill again?"

"And what do you know about it? You weren't even born when it happened. You didn't even know your family before they all died."

Hannah would have slapped the guy across the face for saying this if he had been in striking distance. However, he was too far away, several students separating them. Hannah looked at her best friend. Her expression was beyond anger now. She was still obviously furious, but also pale. And Hannah perceived that something else was about to break.

"I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat at the same table than people like this."

On those words, Susan turned her back and walked away. Hannah stared at the boy who insulted her best friend, and also to Wayne. The latter looked ashamed as other people at the table turned hostile on him. Hannah turned towards her friends.

"I'll go and see how she is."

No one opposed her idea. She headed for the exit of the Great Hall, walking quickly to catch up on her friend. She followed her from afar through a few corridors and stairs, unable to catch up on her. Susan was walking fast as well. Hannah lost sight of her a few times. She finally got sight of her untied red mane turning a corner. Hannah quickened her pace and turned the corner… only to find her talking with Michael Corner. Hannah was confused for a moment… before realizing by looking at her back that this wasn't Susan. From afar, catching only a glimpse when she turned, she mistook Ginny Weasley's back with that of Susan. Hannah shook her head and walked back. She had truly lost Susan's track. But her friend needed her. She couldn't leave her alone right now.

She wondered where Susan could have gone. Maybe in their common room. Only, Susan hadn't headed this way. Hufflepuff's common room was on the first floor, almost next to the Great Hall. Maybe she went for a walk outside. But then, she would have headed a different way as well, not towards the stairs. And she would have gone to their common room to take her coat, cloak, gloves and everything else. They were in January, and the temperature was really cold. Susan had mistakenly gone outside in such weather in the past without anything to cover her, and she had come back immediately. She wouldn't have made the same mistake again. Though, given her anger, she may have gone outside from another exit in the castle and forgotten about it. Then she would have gone back to their common room to get her gear. Unless she remained outside despite the cold. Hannah feared this for a moment, but then she decided to not think the worst. It wasn't because Death Eaters were free that they should assume the worst every time now. No, if Hannah had to guess where Susan could have gone with the path she took… it was the library. Hannah headed in this direction.

Indeed, Hannah found her best friend sitting alone at an isolated table, plunged into her books. She approached her carefully, out of concern for her but also because she was afraid of Madam Pince. Susan didn't give any sign that she was aware of her best friend's presence when Hannah stood next to her.

"Susan," Hannah whispered. But her friend didn't react, her eyes still fixed on her books. "Are you alright?"

Still no reaction. Hannah knew she should be patient. She sat next to her friend and waited a moment for her to acknowledge her presence. She didn't. So Hannah spoke up again.

"Susan, I'm sorry. Don't care about what this guy said. He's an idiot."

"Leave me alone," Susan muttered.

"Susan, I get why you're angry…"

"Leave me alone! Could you shut up for once!"

Hannah was shocked by the outburst, but not for long. For Madam Pince showed up right away.

"Silence in the library," she vehemently berated them.

Susan paid no attention to Pince. Hannah feared the worst for a moment. Aside from causing trouble in the library, ignoring Madam Pince was the other thing to never do if you didn't want the librarian to literally kick you out. Hannah was quick to react.

"I apologize, Madam Pince. It was me. I'm sorry."

Susan snapped her head back so fast that Hannah heard it despite her eyes being focused on Madam Pince, who threw daggers at her.

"Out! Now!"

Hannah didn't hesitate to run away, without the opportunity to look at Susan. She returned to the Great Hall, where the atmosphere between her friends had not improved. This made for a pretty miserable lunch time.

Hannah didn't see Susan before the Herbology class. She was positioned next to Harry, who himself was next to Ron and Hermione. Hannah found herself between Susan and Ernie, her partner for today. Her best friend looked at her right when she took place.

"I'm sorry, Hannah," she said immediately.

"It's fine," Hannah said, having already forgiven her. "In your place, I might have snapped earlier."

"Hard morning?" Harry asked, on a tone that told he already knew the answer.

"I don't know how you stand this, Harry. It's horrible," Susan bitterly said.

Susan had a very hard time since the news of the massive escape of Azkaban came out. Already yesterday, students had asked her about it. The Daily Prophet had provided information on the crimes of each Death Eater who escaped the prison. This included the information that some participated to the murders of Susan's family, with the names of her relatives being published for everyone to read. It didn't take long before Susan and everyone else who was a relative of someone killed by those people became unwilling celebrities. Even Hannah, who was fond of gossiping, found it more than inappropriate. Talking about who dated who was something, but harassing people because their family was murdered… The worst so far had been Slytherins, especially Pansy Parkinson and her followers who truly harassed and intimidated people like Susan.

The Herbology lesson was a gloomy affair. Professor Sprout had to reprimand students on several occasions. No one had the heart to focus on their Screechsnap seedlings. The massive escape from Azkaban was on everyone's mind. This went like that for the whole afternoon.

At dinner, Hannah whispered with Susan in the hope other people wouldn't hear what they were talking about.

"Have you seen how Neville was miserable in Herbology?" Hannah asked her friend. "It's his favorite subject."

"He just learned that the four people who tortured his parents were free, and people keep asking him about it, Hannah. Did you expect him to jump out of joy?"

"Of course not. I know," Hannah protested. "That's why I feel sorry for him. I can't begin to imagine what he's going through."

"I can. And believe me, Hannah, it's horrible." Susan sighed, taking another swallow of water. "I wish I had my mother's family name. This way, I would at least avoid the attention, like Ron does."

"What kind of attention is Ron avoiding?" Silently, she thought this boy warranted no attention. Still one year after the facts, she failed to understand how she could date a guy like him.

"Did you read the information about Antonin Dolohov in the newspaper?"

Hannah nodded. His photo and name were the first on the front page. "Yes, I recall."

"The two men he killed, Fabian and Gideon Prewet?"

Hannah nodded again. In the middle of nodding, she had the sudden impression she heard those names before. But when? Susan gave her the explanation.

"Ron is their nephew. His mother was their sister."

For the first time in a very long time, Hannah felt pity for Ronald Weasley. She even looked in his direction, but he wasn't looking toward her, instead busy talking with Harry and Hermione.

"Do you think many people will come to the Practical Training?"

It had been announced earlier today. During breakfast, Professor Evans told them she was opening her classroom during evenings and weekends so that students could practice the spells they wanted. She said it would give them an opportunity to actually practice magic outside their lessons, given rules inside the castle severely limited their right to train outside classes. They would even have the opportunity to cast spells on each other, as long as a professor was there to supervise and authorize it. She ended her speech by saying it was important that they get the chance to train in order to really know how to defend themselves for their upcoming exams and more.

Hannah, much like many students, hadn't missed it when she insisted it was for more than exams. This couldn't be a coincidence if she created these free periods of Practical Training the day after they announced the escape of highly dangerous criminals. Some wondered why Dumbledore had not created a Duelling Club like three years ago, but considering how it went back then, Hannah supposed the Headmaster looked for another approach. The first session of Practical Training would begin after dinner.

"I hope so," Susan said. "I'm going, in any case."

"I'm going too. Harry should come as well. It's his mother who organized this, after all."

"No, he can't."

Hannah frowned. "He can't? Why?"

Susan looked very exasperated when she answered, but not because of Hannah. "Remedial Potions."

"Again?" Hannah asked, not understanding. "But he already had some earlier this week." She shook her head. "Come on, he can't be that bad at Potions."

"He's not. But Snape vanishes his potions anytime he notices something wrong, even the slightest flaw. If you don't believe me, ask Hermione."

"Professor Snape has always favored Slytherins, but that…" Hannah was speechless. "I mean, we don't have Potions class with the Gryffindors, I haven't never seen it, but… Does he truly have something against Harry? Personally?"

"I don't know. I think so. From what Harry told me, he and his father were in the same year back when they were students at Hogwarts. They hated each other."

"And what? Snape is hating Harry in return? Because his father hated Snape?" Hannah asked, bewildered by such an absurdity.

"Looks like it." Susan spoke even lower. "I know Dumbledore is intelligent, but I wonder where Snape would be if he hadn't taken his defence after… this man died. I mean, he might have ended up in Azkaban, and his photo would be next to those of the Lestranges, the Snydes, the Lees, Rookwood, Dolohov and all the others today."

The thought of another teacher that could have been a Death Eater sent shivers along Hannah's spine. She tried to think about something else.

"Still, that kind of hate…" Hannah muttered. "The way I hear about that, it sounds so personal, so targeted… What could have Harry's father done for Snape to hate his son so much? It's not as if Harry's father could have tried to kill him?" She then thought about the most absurd reason for such a personal hate. "Or that he stole his girlfriend?"

Susan grimaced. The thought of their Potions teacher with a woman seemed to entice her as much as it enticed Hannah. To Hannah, the thought was so absurd that she almost laughed.

"Well, anyway, it will be good to train," Hannah said. "With our O.W.L.s approaching, we need to practice." Hannah would also feel safer if she knew she could disarm or neutralize someone no matter the circumstances. "Speaking of practice, Professor Flitwick just informed me we had a repetition next Saturday."

"Good, this will help to change my ideas," Susan commented, looking a little better.

The slightly better mood was partially ruined when a student, from Slytherin nonetheless, asked Susan whether it truly was her family who was slaughtered by some of the escapees. He may have seemed only genuinely curious, but this didn't make it any better for Susan.

After dinner, Hannah, Susan, Ernie, Justin, Wayne and Megan headed for the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, where the first Practical Training session would take place. When they arrived, a few students were already there, discussing with Professor Evans. Tables and chairs had disappeared, leaving an entirely free space to train. Dolores Umbridge was there as well, sitting in a corner, her clipboard in hand, writing something. From what Hannah could judge, she was within earshot of the conversation their professor was having.

"What is she doing here?" Susan asked between her teeth, not needing to specify who she was talking about.

"Probably evaluating our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher again," Hannah suggested.

"Again?" The question didn't come from their group of friends, but rather from Parvati Patil, who was standing somewhere nearby with her friend Lavender. "She didn't have enough already? Do you think she's still trying to kick Mrs Evan's out?"

"Do you really need an answer, Parvati?" Susan asked her sarcastically.

"I thought she would be done with it for a time," Parvati retorted, sounding annoyed. "That woman, Umbridge… My mother wrote me about her. She actually tried to get Mrs Evans fire yesterday. She was even summoned to present her defence by this committee that must decide to fire teachers or not."

"What?" Ernie asked, dumbfounded. He wasn't the only one.

"Yeah. But Umbridge didn't get her way. My mother says there were not enough votes to fire Mrs Evans." Parvati in their teacher's direction. "But it looks like Umbridge is not done with her."

"Are you really surprised?" Susan asked. "The Ministry wanted to make Umbridge our teacher this year. No wonder she's still trying to oust Professor Evans."

"Well, she doesn't seem to be over," Parvati said, still annoyed. "She's after Trelawney and Hagrid too. For Hagrid, it doesn't bother me that much, but Trelawney… That's really unfair the treatment this woman gives her."

"Welcome to the world of the Ministry, where nothing is fair," Susan ironized.

On that, Susan walked away, heading towards Hermione who just came into the classroom.

"Does she have a problem?" Parvati asked the others.

"It's been hard for her, Parvati," Hannah explained. "Ever since those prisoners escaped Azkaban… People ask her all the time about those who murdered her family."

"Oh. I see. Well, I wish she didn't take it on me. I never asked her about her family."

No, though Lavender did earlier this morning, and Parvati was present when her best friend asked Susan who in her family was killed. Hannah might like Parvati most of the time, but there were moments when she found her and Lavender inconsiderate, blind, arrogant, or even outright stupid. All Gryffindor traits. Although Parvati didn't ask Susan about her family herself, she was standing right next to Lavender when she did. Susan probably didn't enjoy being requested to give information about her dead relatives in front of Harry's former girlfriend.

Hannah wondered how it could feel to date a boy who had a former girlfriend following him in almost all his classes. She didn't really have experience in this domain, having briefly dated Ron without him having another girlfriend before her. He technically went to the Yule Ball with Parvati, but it had become clear quickly enough that their date was a disaster. Parvati even later confessed to Hannah that she almost viewed accompanying Ron to the Yule Ball as some kind of joke. A joke that turned to be rather bad than enjoyable like Parvati had hoped. Hannah even wondered back at the time if Parvati had been trying to make Harry jealous at the Yule Ball. She doubted it was the case, but if it ever was, Parvati's plan had failed miserably. As miserably as Hannah's own relationship with Ron. Not for the first time, she wondered if she should tell him what Parvati actually thought of their disastrous date at the Yule Ball.

Hannah was taken out of her thoughts by the voice of Lily Evans.

"Okay, everyone. I'm glad to see you've come in numbers," she told them all. "This is not a lesson. You're free to train and practice whatever spell you want, as long as the spells are legal. You can throw spells at someone else if he or she agrees to it. If you need material or tools, like cushions, come and see me. You use the place in the classroom you want as long as it isn't already used by someone else. I wish you good training."

Students rushed to occupy a specific space in the classroom. This led to several conflicts and arguments, which Professor Evans had to solve. Still, after fifteen minutes, everyone was settled and training.

Hannah practiced mainly with Susan. One threw a Disarming Charm, while the other tried to stop it with a Shield Charm. In fact, everyone in their group did the same. A few students seemed to have come with the wrong idea. With the way this period was presented, they thought they could practice whatever spell or charm they wanted. Factually speaking, it was true. But seeing how the fifth-year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors trained, one trying to cast a charm and the other student trying to stop it, they all ended up doing the same.

Around the middle of the period, Umbridge started approaching students to ask them questions. Between her little voice and the many noises surrounding, wands jumping from student's hands, incantations being shouted and even screamed, curses when someone lost, and even a few spells that hit the tables and chairs against the walls, Hannah could not hear what the High Inquisitor was asking, nor what the students answered her. But Hannah's attempt at spying on the High Inquisitor resulted in Susan managing to disarm her several times.

"Hannah, are you even trying?" Susan said, giving back her wand to her friend after it slipped through her fingers for the fifth time in a row.

"Sorry. I'm trying to hear what Umbridge is saying," she explained. Right now, the High Inquisitor was questioning a second-year student who struggled to even cast a Disarming Charm.

"Better to not care about that woman," Susan whispered.

"It's not you who risks losing your badge because of her."

Early this morning, all prefects had received a brochure. It bore the signature of both the High Inquisitor and the Minister of Magic himself. The document explained their new responsibilities resulting from recent amendments to a multitude of educational decrees. Among these was that disciplinary sanctions given by prefects could now be reviewed, suspended, modified or outright cancelled, just like sanctions given by the school's staff. This was the result of Ron giving a detention to Goyle before the Christmas holidays. Hannah had been surprised by Ron's intelligence on this occasion. It was brilliant to use a gap in the educational decrees so Umbridge could not cancel the detention. But now, the gap was gone.

Truthfully, Hannah was angry at Ron. It might have seemed brilliant, even funny at the time, but because of him, the High Inquisitor could now alter any disciplinary sanction Hannah and other prefects could give. Umbridge also had the authority to review and evaluate prefects. They were now submitted to the same requirements as the staff. Mrs Umbridge could report to the same committee and recommend that a student be deprived of his position as prefect. Worse, prefects were being given the opportunity to evaluate not only the professors, but also other prefects, and to give their observations and reports to the High Inquisitor. Hannah could already imagine Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson making reports on all of them. So yes, she was curious to know what Umbridge was saying and what was being told her.

"Let's try to focus on what we're doing right now," Susan said. "Try to disarm me, Hannah."

She succeeded. But at the next try, Susan not only blocked her Expelliarmus, but she returned it towards Hannah with so much efficiency that it was Hannah who lost her wand. Maybe if she had not been distracted by Umbridge approaching her, she could have made her own Shield Charm and avoided this.

"How are things going, Miss Abbott?" Umbridge asked.

"They're going fine," she answered as Susan gave her back her wand, ignoring Umbridge's presence. The High Inquisitor seemed to be ignoring Susan as well.

"So, what brought you here tonight?"

"I wanted to train my spells," she replied, feeling stressed.

"Do you feel you need to?"

"I think so. I believe it is important to be prepared for the practical exams we will have at the end of the year."

"That's all?" the woman asked Hannah, way too sweet.

"That's all," Hannah confirmed, refusing to tell the other reasons for her presence.

"You need extra time to practice? Despite all the time you have within lessons?"

Hannah felt quite uncomfortable, feeling this woman was trying to trick her. But she tried to remain as respectful and composed as possible. "Yes. We spend a lot of time doing written homework, even if we write during most lessons. I don't want to fail a practical exam because I spent all my time with parchment and feathers."

The woman looked disappointed by her answers. She noted something on her clipboard. "I hope you will succeed at your O.W.L.s, Miss Abbott. It would be regrettable if a prefect like you was to fail."

She walked away towards Hermione and Ron. Hannah sighed in relief, turning towards Susan to resume training.

After the hour of practice, the students all left the classroom. Nothing noteworthy really happened. Professor Evans reminded them the classroom would be available for practice again tomorrow at the same hour.

"I hate this woman," Susan whispered as they left. For a moment, Hannah was confused, thinking she was referring to Mrs Evans, the mother of her boyfriend. Then she realized Susan was staring at Umbridge's back in the corridor.

"I hate her me too," Hannah confessed. She already had a lot on their shoulder with the O.W.L.s and prefect duties. This woman was making all of it even more difficult.

All the Hufflepuffs in their year headed for the library, where they all sat at the same table to complete as much homework as they could. Susan, though, left them when she saw Harry coming in. Hannah noticed how pale he looked. What could Snape be doing to him in those remedial courses?

"Is Susan alright?" Justin asked Hannah in a whisper, after Susan was far away enough. He was sitting next to her, and no one else seemed to hear him. "She's been quite edgy since we came back from the holidays."

"Between her parents who told her they would move at the end of the year, then the news that the people who murdered her grandparents and her uncle escaped prison, she doesn't have an easy time," Hannah explained.

"I wouldn't wish to be in her shoes," Justin said, casting a glance towards where their friend had disappeared, behind shelves. "I'm beginning to think she should never have started dating Harry."

"Justin!"

This caused their friends, and even some people at the neighboring tables, so look up at her. For a time, Hannah was afraid Madam Pince would show up as well, but lucky enough, the librarian was nowhere in sight. Justin had gone back to his homework, not wishing to attract attention. When Hannah was sure all the others were back to their homework as well, she whispered back at Justin.

"Come on, Justin. You're not being fair to Harry. It's not his fault what happened," she muttered angrily.

"It's not what you think, Hannah," Justin tried to explain. "It's just… She was harassed last year when people learned about her and Harry. And it was worse this year, because of what the Daily Prophet said. I agree with you, they have been unfair to Harry. I just wish Susan had not suffered from it as well. It's like you said. She already has a lot on her plate. I mean… Do you think she would have been assaulted by Dementors this summer if she had not been spending her time with Harry?"

"Maybe," Hannah reluctantly acknowledged. But she counterattacked. "Do you plan on turning against Harry again?"

"No," Justin protested. "Look, I'm over what happened last year. I know Harry didn't want to participate to the Triwizard Tournament. But… Look, I've been wrong about Harry twice. And I was unfair with him last year. I will not make the same mistake twice. I mean, Cedric died, and he's the only one who was there to see it. I'm not turning against him. I just… I just wish Susan didn't have to suffer because she's his girlfriend."

Hannah perceived some resentment in his voice. "Justin, with everything going on… You-Know-Who is back… the Death Eaters have escaped prison… Susan was attacked by Dementors… Cedric is dead… the Ministry of Magic wants to fire Dumbledore and half our teachers… we have our O.W.L.s coming…" Hannah wouldn't have thought she could say this a year ago. "I think who we are dating is of little concern."

"That's not what I'm saying…" Justin tried to say.

"Well, this is useless to talk about it, Justin." She raised her voice slightly for others around to hear her. "If you don't mind, I need to work."

Justin didn't bother her further. She didn't think he was jealous anymore. Maybe he was truly concerned for Susan. But it was useless to discuss something like that. Hannah would never suggest her best friend to break up with someone because other people didn't like him. It would be unfair. Susan wouldn't listen to her, anyway. When it came to their private life, Susan wasn't following Hannah's advice if she gave any. Her best friend always took her own decisions.

She thought about Harry. He must be having an even harder time. At least, from the conversations Hannah surprised, students were beginning to believe he could be telling the truth, or at least to no longer consider him crazy. But between the fact that people were still whispering behind his back, some still viewed him as crazy, a few mocked him because his mother was teaching them, others had also begun to ridicule him for taking remedial potions lessons as the news began to spread, and the Daily Prophet, supported by the Ministry, continued its smearing campaign against him. Even the subtle insinuations that Harry might not only be responsible, but also might have had a hand in Cedric's death, had not disappeared. For Hannah, and for a growing part of the students, the Ministry and the Daily Prophet talked nonsense more and more every day.

Hannah noticed Neville in a corner of the library, sitting with Ron, Hermione, Dean and Sophie Roper. He was another person who suffered from the news of Azkaban's breakout. Hannah had been aware of Neville's family history since last year, after Professor Moody showed them the effects of the Cruciatus Curse. That was when Susan revealed how Neville's parents were turned insane by four Death Eaters who tortured them, back when Neville was only a baby. The news that Bartemius Crouch Junior, one of the criminals who tortured his parents, had actually been free this whole time, had already affected him. Now the four torturers were free, and who knew where they were. On top of that, Neville was harassed by people who just discovered, thanks to the Daily Prophet, who his parents were. While Susan and Harry were used to the unwelcomed fame, Neville wasn't, so he took it way harder than they did. Even right now, he looked very miserable, and maybe even paler than Harry.

Hannah kept working until very late, like everyone else. But she cast glances towards Neville from time to time to check if he was fine. At some point, Neville was all alone at his table. Most of Hannah's friends were also gone by this time. She had noticed Neville staying later at the library yesterday as well. Maybe it was to avoid the unwanted attention from other students. It was more difficult to bother him when Madam Pince was around, ready to expel any student who spoke louder than the flap of a butterfly's wing.

Hannah looked at her watch. The curfew was not far away. She better go back to the common room. She stood up, gathered all her things in her bag, put it over her shoulder, and headed for the exit. Midway though, she looked at Neville, still deep into his books. She wondered if he would have problems if Madam Pince surprised him too late still in the library. He had already had a lot to not have their librarian on his back. She approached.

"Hi, Neville."

Despite saying so in barely a whisper, Neville jumped in surprise. His surprise was so sudden that Hannah almost jumped in return. She couldn't refrain from smiling at the situation, but she went back to her serious demeanour right away.

"Oh, hi, Hannah," the boy from Gryffindor said. But he looked away from her towards his books right away. "I'm sorry, I've got a lot of work to do."

"Yes, I know. We all do," she said. "I just wanted to warn you… Our curfew is approaching."

Neville looked at his watch. "Yes, I know."

"I just guessed you would like to avoid Madam Pince throwing you out."

"I'll be fine. I still have some time."

He kept staring at his books. Hannah wondered if he was really working or simply faking it to not have to talk to her.

"If you want, I can accompany you back to the Gryffindor Tower," she offered. It would force her to make a significant detour on her way to the Hufflepuff common room, especially at this hour, but she felt it was worth to not leave Neville alone.

"No, I'll be fine," he replied, still not looking at her.

Hannah looked down. There wasn't much to do. He wanted to be alone. "Okay. Well, have a good night, Neville." She walked away, but after only a few steps, she turned back. "Neville, if you ever need to talk, or help, anything, you can ask me."

The boy didn't react. He was still staring down at his books.

"Neville, did you hear me?"

He finally nodded, not saying a single word. She supposed it was the best she could hope for. At least, he heard her.

"Take care of yourself," she whispered.

She left the library.

Despite the amount of proofs, some students still refuse to believe the truth. But there is something to somewhat replace the DA.

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Next chapter: a perspective from outside Hogwarts