Chapter 51: Land of Confusion

(A/N: The previous two chapters, especially the previous one have been changed. This one might be confusing if you haven't read the changes.)

The days following Halloween, all anyone would talk about was Sirius Black.

"He's probably walking among us now," Cho Change theorized. "He's just invisible."

"Probably figured out how to turn himself transparent," her friend Marietta nodded. "We've probably walked through him three times."

"I'm sure he's just apparated out," Zacharias Smith said. "Forgot it was Halloween and popped out."

Hermione rolled her eyes at this; it was useless reminding them about the rules regarding apparition. For Harry, he kept postulating how Sirius was getting around the castle without being seen but then again, if he was one of his father's friends, their antics were legendary enough he probably mastered the art of sneaking around the castle.

Dumbledore had tasked Alfred with repairing the portrait of the Fat Lady. Alfred had it done by the following morning with a mending charm after which Dumbledore added a couple imperturbable and impervious charms onto her portrait to keep her safe. The Fat Lady demanded a troll but Dumbledore nixed that as an unnecessary danger to the students.

Life returned to normal, at least for the most part. Ron had taken to try to cozy up to Hermione despite her many attempts to rebuff him.

"Hey Herms," Ron caught her attention after Charms, smiling brightly. "Do you want to go for a walk in the courtyard? It's not too cold out."

Harry shook his head and kept moving. Much as he would like to step in, he knew Hermione liked to fight her own battles.

"No thank you, Ronald," Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. Even if she weren't dating Harry, Ron wouldn't be a choice she'd make. "It's not a good fit, you and me. And if you call me Herms again, you won't ever be having kids."

"But I thought maybe, I don't know, we could get to know each other better!" Ron protested. "Spend some more time together, you know?"

"There's a great girl out there for you but it's not me, Ron," Hermione said.

"How do you know unless you try?" Ron said. "You say we're too different, but they say that opposites attract."

"No, Ron," Hermione said with some finality. "Now if you don't mind, I've got homework to do."

Hermione sped off toward the library, leaving a confused Ron in her wake. Ron shook his head and moved off toward the common room. What am I doing wrong? Ron thought. I'll have to write mum and maybe I'll another conversation with Seamus is necessary.

Ron wasn't the only person in the castle trying to figure everything out. Currently Draco Malfoy was persona non grata, especially in Slytherin. The house, led by Daphne, had made It clear they did not abide his actions. He had written his father, with no response. First, the hippogriff wasn't executed, Hagrid wasn't fired and now everyone except Pansy had abandoned him. He had no power, no influence within the house and Flint had even made it clear that if he performed like he did last year, he would be off the Quidditch team.

"I don't care that your father bought the brooms," Flint said. "I'll use the school brooms if it means our Seeker can do his job."

Harry, for his part, felt a small bit of pity for Draco. If he hadn't made it his mission to antagonize Harry, Harry might even feel prompted to extend an olive branch. Maybe if Draco apologized, he still would but he expected Hagrid to be named Minister of Magic before that happened. Still, he felt bad for him.

"You don't have to make him an outcast on my behalf," Harry told Daphne when he arrived in the library. It was common practice now for Harry, Hermione, Neville, Lavender and Parvati to study in the library with Susan, Hannah and the Slytherin Four. They were running out of space since Padma joined from time to time and Millie became a staple of the group as well.

"Maybe not," Daphne admitted. "However there's two things to consider. First, pureblood families are raised with a certain respect and decorum. The first rule is that family comes first, no matter what. To insult someone's family is a good way for them to declare a blood feud with your entire house. Hard to do business if you're fighting a blood feud. Second, we are formally aligned and as such, the house of Greengrass won't stand for any slight against House Potter.

"You've stripped Draco of all power within the house; I just put in the finishing blow," Daphne smiled. "With no allies, Draco just has money and nobody in Slytherin is lacking for money enough to be bought by him."

"I could just outbid him, anyway," Harry joked. His last statement from the goblins was enticing. Their muggle investments were growing faster than any wizarding investment they had and it was all because Lily Potter had the idea to invest there.

"I'll keep that in mind," Daphne smirked. After formally aligning, she was relaxing. Still a little stiff but she was warmer and her wry humor shined through more. "This time last year, Draco was trying leverage his way into a betrothal contract for me. He told me if I fought, he would go after my sister."

A small tear escaped her eye. Harry rubbed her back in support.

"Thank you," she smiled at him before continuing her story. "Anyway, when you embarrassed him in the game last year, it gave me enough leverage to allow my father time to stall. With our alliance, there's no chance of it happening now."

At this moment, Hermione reappeared and slammed her bags down.

"That good, huh?" Neville asked. "Let me guess, he still wants a date, even though everyone else in the castle has surmised you're dating Harry?"

Hermione growled in frustration, pulling out her Potions text, parchment and quill, slamming the ink bottle down hard enough that some of the ink splattered onto her parchment. Harry drew his wand and cleaned the parchment.

"How can I get it through his head that I'm not interested?" Hermione growled.

"You could always try punching him," Daphne said. "That might the message across. You could also just tell him you and Harry are dating."

"I'm not sure either of those would work," Hermione said. "He's just fixated on me, for some reason. Though at this point, the school more or less knew they were dating so what was the bother of hiding it?"

"We're not really hiding it," Harry said. "We're just not drawing attention to it. We're not the kind of couple who is comfortable with public displays of affection."

"Yeah but it might take Ron seeing us snog to get it through his head," Hermione said. "Not that I necessarily want it to come to that."

"I get it," Harry said. "it's too bad the Dementors are making the weather so shitty. Much as I don't like Ron at the moment, his idea of walking around the grounds with you holds a lot of merit."

Since Sirius Black's foray into the castle, the Dementors had been getting anxious. They had apparently wanted to search the castle that night but Dumbledore rejected that out of hand. Still, you could almost feel their frustration in the air. Meanwhile, Harry continued to be puzzled by Black. Something wasn't adding up and it was really starting to bother him.

Harry continued to puzzle the Sirius Black issue but couldn't focus too much as school required his full focus. It was the following the Defense class where he stayed after to patch things up with Lupin.

"It's okay, Harry," Lupin held his hands up. "It's been years since I've been called to the carpet like that. You look so much like James but in that moment you were entirely Lily. I admit, it felt like she was back when you were yelling at me."

Lupin chuckled sadly, missing Lily even more than the day she was murdered.

"I should have been there," Lupin admitted. "I talked to Minerva about your time with Vernon and Petunia. There's nothing I can say but I am sorry."

"I am sorry as well," Harry said. "I keep trying to say the past is the past but I couldn't stop myself at lashing out at you. You had lost two friends; another was imprisoned for supposedly betraying them. Add in Pettigrew's apparent death and I can't imagine how hard it must have been."

"Supposedly? Apparent?" Lupin latched onto those words.

"Well everything I've been told was that Sirius was as close as a brother to my father; that he's my godfather," Harry said. "It's just hard to see him betraying them. We asked Madam Bones to pull the trial records and it shows there wasn't one, Hermione went ballistic at that, so did Luna, Susan and Madam Bones. Madam Bones has been trying to dig deeper but keeps getting blocked, she won't say by what or who. Add in that all that was recovered from Pettigrew was a finger; it doesn't all add up. There's a missing piece. I'm not saying I think he's innocent, just that there's more to this story than we know."

Lupin debated telling Harry the secret he had held his entire life but was waylayed when the bell rang.

"Interesting argument," Lupin nodded and was startled when the bell rang. "You better head down to dinner. Once again, I am sorry Harry. I can't excuse the past but hopefully I can make it up to you going forward?"

"I'd like that," Harry smiled and nodded. "As I told Dumbledore a while back, trust is earned but I'm interested to hear any stories of my parents. I have scant few of those."

"Of course, Harry," Lupin smiled brightly. "I would be honored. Now on to dinner with you."

Harry arrived at dinner feeling lighter after his discussion.

"Wow," Luna turned toward Harry as he took his spot between her and Hermione. "You've got a swarm of Humberdingers fluttering around you. Something good happen?"

"Yes, Luna," Harry smiled at his friend as he loaded his plate with Bangers and Mash. "Just had a wonderful talk with Professor Lupin."

"I assume he's much easier to talk to now that the full moon has passed," Luna said, confirming that she had also figured out his secret. "I'm glad you've kept the Nargles clear of you."

"Well if you see any, tell them to piss off," Harry joked, causing Hermione to smack him for his language.

After dinner, Hermione was sitting in the common room petting Crookshanks. The cat was a godsend to the tower as everyone noticed a distinct lack of mice, rats and spiders in the common room. That was to say, most rats. There was still one exception.

"How can you cuddle that beast," Ron said from the couch across from her, his tone bitter. Crookshanks narrowed his eyes at the offending redhead. Though their hair was similar to one another, he didn't care for the boy. "Just hold tight to him so Scabbers can relax in my pocket."

Pocket was almost a trigger as Crookshanks pounced from Hermione's lap toward Ron's quivering pocket. Scabbers shot out of the pocket as if he was a firework. Crookshanks mewled as the rat scrambled for safety.

"Catch that cat!" Ron shouted as he sprinted after the cat. Harry pulled his wand and summoned Scabbers to him. Learning from Crabbe's experience, he also stunned the rat. At this point, Hermione had grabbed her cat and was calming him down. "What did I tell you! That cat has it out for Scabbers!"

"That's not true," Ginny said. "Have you noticed any other rats or mice? You just told the cat where Scabbers was located. You know how smart he is and you told him where to attack."

"Yeah but look at Scabbers," Ron brandished the rodent. "He's all skin and bones. It's all that cat's fault!"

"Wasn't he that way before Crookshanks?" Harry asked. "You said Egypt didn't agree with him."

"Yeah… well… how's he supposed to get better with that monster?" Ron asked.

"You could leave him in your room or, better yet, get a damn cage for him," Harry suggested. "Instead of taking shots at Hermione and her familiar, you could actually take steps to protect yours. Hell do you know how many times I've nearly stepped on him; how many mornings I wake up to him on my bed staring at me?"

"Yeah, yeah," Ron scoffed as he walked away. "Boy-Who-Lived speaks and we move. I know how it works."

"That's not fair, Ronald," Luna's serene voice cut through. "Harry is just making good points and yet you shirk any responsibility by blaming others, all while using a name Harry hates."

You could hear a pin drop as Luna spoke, allowing all of Gryffindor to hear her statement to which a lot of people nodded along.

"Whatever you say, Loony," Ron said, not noticing the dark looks Harry, Ginny and Luna all gave him. "I know I'm outnumbered here. Couldn't even get my own family to take my side. Guess that means I have to vacate the common room."

Not willing to put up with his inferiority complex any longer, Harry rolled his eyes and turned back to Hermione. She was silently crying as Crookshanks fussed in her arms.

"I'm sorry, Ron," Hermione said quietly, as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry my cat is terrifying your rat."

"I'm sorry I shouted at you," Ron turned back, trying to calm himself. "But you need to keep that beast contained."

Hermione collapsed in fresh sobs, losing her grip on Crookshanks in her grief.

"I c-c-can't help it," Hermione sobbed out. "H-h-he's a good c-cat. It's j-just Scabbers he has a pr-problem with!"

Crookshanks noticed her becoming hysterical and started to butt her hands with his head, trying to get her to calm down and pet him.

"It's okay," Luna said. Just like with Harry she sat close, pulled Hermione's arm around herself and squeezed. Hedwig also flew in which she rarely did and perched herself on Hermione's shoulder and rubbing her head along Hermione's cheek. "Ron was right that Crookshanks doesn't seem to like his rat but calling this guy a beast is a step too far."

Luna rubbed the cat behind the ears as she spoke. The orange fluff ball relaxed and purred at her touch.

"I don't know why Ron's so upset," Ginny huffed. "All he does is complain about the fucking rat."

Hermione sniffled and admonished Ginny for her language.

"When he was getting ready for Hogwarts, he thought Hermes- Percy's Owl- was for him," Ginny said. "Ron was so excited to have an owl. He pouted for a week when he got Scabbers instead. Every day it was 'Scabbers is useless,' 'he's so fat and boring,' 'I wish he'd just die'.

"Ron's always had a bit of an issue with wanting things he can't have," Ginny continued. "When he doesn't get those things or when others get the thing he wants, that's when the worst of him comes out. Doesn't help mummy coddles him."

"He'll get over it," Harry watched Hermione relax at the calming ministrations of Hedwig, Crookshanks and Luna. "And if he doesn't, that's his issue. Yes Crookshanks does seem to have it out for his rat but what's stopping him getting a cage? Neville got one for Trevor after he kept escaping."

The mood of the Gryffindors was sullen after the confrontation with Hermione and Ron, splitting into factions who thought Ron was reasonable for his rat being unfairly targeted and one who thought Hermione's cat was just being a cat. The Dementor-driven weather wasn't helping any either.

That didn't deter Oliver Wood who was hellbent on readying his team to face Hufflepuff. Cedric had done the same as the castle turned its attention toward the upcoming match. That was with one exception.

The Gryffindors chittered excitedly as they entered the Defense classroom. They wondered what creature Lupin would have for them today when the drapes around the windows drew themselves.

"Everyone take your seats and open you books to page number 394," the dungeon bat said to the general groan of the class. Despite Hermione's suggestions to the contrary, Snape wouldn't relent.

"Miss Granger," Snape sneered as she reminded him that they were due to study Hinkypunks. "I am well aware of where this class is and what they need to do. Now everyone, turn to page 394."

Harry knew what Snape was doing and why he was teaching this particular subject. For the next hour, he put them through a lecture worthy of Professor Binns all about werewolves. After class was over, they embarked on a trip to the library to start on Snape's bullshit essay on werewolves.

It was during the essay that Harry learned of werewolves aversion to extreme heat and cold. With begrudging respect at Snape's essay providing knowledge, he finished the rough draft of the essay before dinner.

It was the Friday before the match when Hermione led Harry toward the Room of Requirement. Harry had arrived with his hair covering his eyes, a stick and several leaves stuck in the birds nest he called hair.

"Oof you look terrible," Hermione said as he entered.

"Thanks for the compliment," Harry pulled his hair back from his eyes. "I can always count on you to lift my spirits with a genuine compliment, Hermione."

"At your service," Hermione beamed. "Get showered and then we can go read for a while."

Go read was their code for heading to the Room for some private time. Even after a hot shower, Harry still felt Hermione practically dragging him along the way. Focusing on keeping his eyes open, Harry barely recognized Hermione pacing up and down in front of the wall. The door appeared and Hermione dragged him inside, slamming him into the door as soon as they entered. He couldn't even take in the room before Hermione attacked him with an aggressive snog.

"You look worn out, Quidditch Star," Hermione looking up at him through her eyelashes. Suddenly Harry wasn't so tired. "I hope you still have enough energy to take care of your girlfriend."

It was then that they realized they weren't alone. A nervous "eep" drew their attention. On the sofa the room provided were Lavender and Parvati. Parvati's hair was mussed worse than wind did to Harry's and Lavender's shirt had been cast aside, lying on the coffee table a short way away.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione and Lavender said as Harry quickly turned around.

"We didn't think anyone would use this tonight," Parvati and Hermione said in unison.

"Harry," Lavender said. "It's okay, you can turn around."

Harry turned back to see Lavender buttoning her blouse back up.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said. "I was just looking to get Harry to relax and let off some steam before tomorrow."

"It's okay," Parvati said as she put her hair back together. "We've been using this room since you told us about it, Harry. We didn't think you'd use it tonight."

"How long has this," Harry gestured to the two girls. "Been going on?"

"Since this summer," Lavender said. "Remember the perfume and cologne we came up with this summer?"

Harry and Hermione nodded. Hermione happened to be wearing the perfume as a matter of fact, a birthday gift from the duo.

"Well when we tried it," Parvati said. "We noticed an instant reaction to one another. We went to my father and got his reaction. When he didn't react, we knew what we had been trying to deny: we were extremely attracted to one another."

"I never knew," Hermione said. "All our conversations about boys, I thought you both were, you know…"

"Straight?" Lavender finished with a brilliant smile. "Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I don't like to gossip. I've been attracted to Parvati for a while now. I still like talking about boys, I just can't really envision dating one of them."

"You won't tell anyone, will you?" Parvati pleaded. "I don't know what it's like in the muggle world but same sex relationships are frowned up heavily by wizards."

"Of course we won't," Harry said. "It's none of anyone's business who you love or how you love them. Just give us a heads up if your using the room. Don't get me wrong, you're both attractive but I have my eyes set on someone else."

Lavender giggled nervously. Hermione smacked Harry setting laughter off in Parvati. The other three joined in and Lavender was soon rolling on the sofa at the ridiculous nature of the situation.

Sensing their respective needs, the room created two distinct rooms in which each couple could use. The next morning, a relaxed Harry who sat in the locker room that next morning. Clad in his seeker pads and kit, Harry listened to the wind howl overhead, thinking of the possible omen he saw that morning.

He had been up since dawn when, in a need of thirst, he got himself a drink of water. In the early light of the day, he saw movement. Walking across the grounds was a big, black dog who bore a striking resemblance to Paddy. Looking further, he saw that Crookshanks was walking with him.

Definitely not a Grim, Harry thought, if Crookshanks is walking with him. Some harbinger of death indeed.

Harry chuckled at the audacity of it all, Grims and other omens. It was all he could do to keep from harrumphing every time someone brought up Trelawney. According to Neville, Trelawney had doubled down and was predicting their deaths with every class. It was honestly comedic at this point. He kept chuckling at Trelawney's latest prediction where she said Harry and Neville would "die in a dessert" prompting Ron to tell them not to have any sweets for a while as he got ready for the game. Wood came in and Harry knew it was almost time for the match. Even in spite of the weather, he was looking forward to playing Cedric again.