Chapter 47: September
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Gripclaw gleefully called out as he embraced the dark haired teenager in the courtyard. "Nice to meet you on your turf this time."
"Well met, Gripclaw," Harry bowed to the account manager. "Are you ready to harvest a snake?"
"We are," Gripclaw gestured to the eight goblins currently behind him. "Though my colleagues are eager to see the size of the beast. They think you've somehow exaggerated the size."
"10 Galleons they're wrong," Harry smirked, making Gripclaw guffaw.
"I told them Heir Potter is no liar but they would not listen."
"You are still okay with the guest list who will be accompanying me?"
"By your right, anyone you wish to have join you is most certainly welcome," Gripclaw scanned the courtyard. They were attracting quite a bit of attention. Harry saw Malfoy trying to feign disinterest but by his body language, he was listening closely. Harry decided to twist the knife.
"Are you ready to enter the Salazar Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets?" Harry asked the goblins. "Greg, Vinny, Millie! Daphne and Tracey are going to join us. Would you like to as well?"
Draco cast off any aspersions of his disinterest as five of his housemates walked by him, Millie making a point to "accidentally" bump him on the way by.
"Auntie!" Susan gleefully shouted out as Amelia walked up the path from the gates.
"That looks like everyone," Harry said. McGonagall and Dumbledore joined Colin and Luna to complete the group and together they made their way up to the second floor of the bathroom.
Harry led the group to the bathroom where they assembled around the sinks. Harry hissed to open the grate and moved back.
"This part can get a little messy, I do apologize," Harry said. He moved to enter the pipe when a hand held him back.
"If I may," Dumbledore said. With a few flicks of his wand, he created a platform on which people could stand. "We will have to do this in groups so shout when you are at the bottom."
"I will stay at the top in case the grate decides to close," Harry said. First, the goblins descended, followed by the Slytherins with McGonagall. Then, Amelia, Ginny, Susan and Luna boarded with Colin, Harry, Hermione, Neville and Dumbledore riding down last. It was snug but somehow they all fit.
Harry led them down the passage toward the chamber. Dumbledore graciously vanished the bones, leaving the snake skin for the goblins to collect. The renderers scoffed at its size, still dubious of the reported size of the snake.
Before long, the group arrived at the circular door leading to the chamber. Harry hissed the password to open that as well to general gasps from the gathered throng as the torches lit to illuminate the snake.
"You fought that thing?" Susan was the first to speak as the rest of the group, goblins included.
"I survived it trying to kill me, yes," Harry crossed his arms, feeling uncomfortable with the attention cast his way. A clink of coins caught his attention as the goblin team begrudgingly gave Gripclaw his winnings.
"I tried to tell them," Gripclaw smirked at Harry after giving him his take.
"Seeing is believing, I guess," Harry shrugged before he realized he was losing circulation in his left hand. Looking down, he spied Hermione with a death grip on his elbow.
"I never realized," Hermione stared wide-eyed at the Basilisk corpse. "When I was petrified, I didn't even see the creature. I just woke up in the Hospital Wing. I can't believe you fought this alone."
"If I had my druthers, I wouldn't have been the only human to fight it," Harry admitted. "Though having Fawkes helped a whole lot."
"He certainly is a helpful bird when he wants to be," Dumbledore said.
"How did you fight that thing?" Colin asked in between snapping pictures of the carcass.
Harry started to speak first of the confrontation with Lockhart that forced him to go forward alone, followed by the meeting the true culprit, Harry artfully left off names just to be safe, followed by Fawkes bringing the hat which gave him the sword used to defeat it. Halfway through his story, he noticed Luna had sat down with a quill and was writing extensively.
"Wow…" Greg said. "So you came down here to put a stop to whoever was behind the Chamber and ended up fighting a snake with a sword?"
"All of my first plans weren't working," Harry said. "Even my strongest spells were bouncing off its hide. The only ones that did any damage were one that hit the hole where its eye was and another that hit inside its mouth."
"Do you think my father could acquire any of this?" Daphne asked as she walked the length of the snake's corpse. "So many rare potions can be made with the parts of this animal. I'm sure he'd love to negotiate getting some."
"Have him add that to the topics to speak with Gripclaw about," Harry said. "They're the ones harvesting the animal. What they do with the parts is up to them."
Gripclaw stood in the shadows and listened. As much as he liked the young Potter, he was still wary of wizards wishing to backstab him. To hear Potter cede control over this was as good an example of having ones faith rewarded as Gripclaw had ever seen.
I've got to tell Ragnok about this wizard, Gripclaw said. He understands more of honor than some goblins, even.
"Well we're going to start rendering the creature," Gripclaw approached the group. "This is probably going to be messy for anyone with a weak stomach."
Harry opted to searching throughout the Chamber, looking for anything else but all he found was an old study whose books had long since decayed.
"One thing I never thought to ask," Dumbledore said as Harry returned to the chamber. All the flesh was off the with the bones the only thing left which the goblins were in the process of shrinking. "How did you get out of the Chamber, back up to the bathroom?"
"Oh that," Harry said. "I just say 'up' in Parseltongue and the person in front of the pipe is sucked up."
"Ah," Dumbledore nodded. "Probably should have asked before we went down, I guess. I'll provide the same platform for groups to get back up."
Harry turned to the goblins and asked them how they were going to transport the carcass which now sat in four large trunks.
"Easy," Gripclaw said. "Thanks to the headmaster, we can do this."
He touched a gold seal on the trunk and it disappeared. Repeating the process three more times, the chamber was now oddly empty.
"Each trunk is fitted with a portkey to move it back to our workshop within Gringotts," Gripclaw said. "We will complete the rendering and sale by December after which you will receive your cut."
"Thank you, Gripclaw," Harry bowed.
Harry then took Gripclaw off to the side where they discussed something in a whispers. Gripclaw finally nodded before they shook hands and parted.
With the business they came down to accomplish done, everyone made their way back to the top, Hermione still keeping a firm hold on Harry's arm, as she would the rest of the day.
The rest of the weekend passed and soon it was Monday and Hermione was bouncing on the balls of her feet outside the Ancient Runes classroom.
"Excited Hermione?" Neville asked while chuckling.
"Just a little," Hermione tried to calm herself to no avail. Parvati and Lavender joined Neville in chuckling while Harry leaned against the wall, watching her. "Of all the electives, this one intrigued me the most. There's so much you can do with Runes."
"I know," Lavender said. "I'm excited to see what we'll learn, though obviously not as excited as you are."
Eventually, the door opened and the students filed in. In front of the class stood a woman so young that, if it weren't for the green and grey robes she wore, Harry would have thought her a student.
"Good morning, class," the professor said, her short brown hair bobbing along with her as she spoke. "Welcome to Ancient Runes, I am Professor Babbling. This will be one of the more difficult areas of study for any of you. Like with Potions, there is no wand waving, nor any incantations. Although, unlike potions, you'll find this classroom brighter and, I hope, it will smell better as well."
The class laughed at her joke. She smiled a natural, easy smile and continued her welcoming speech.
"Runes are one of the oldest branches of magic, predating wands by at least a couple hundred years, if not longer. It can be used to strengthen clothes, enchant items and also is used in warding schemes. There is great beauty in Runes but there is also danger."
She walked around the classroom and showed several examples. First there was a robe that couldn't be torn, a necklace which repulsed a stunner she sent at it and then simple ward scheme that obscured her from being seen.
"I am considered to be a prodigy in Runes and yet in my second year, I was messing around with Runes. In my inexperience, I almost blew myself and a classmate up. We are a long way away from anything that complex, however. Up until Halloween we will be learning two Rune alphabets: Elder Futhark and Younger Futhark.
"From there we will learn how to combine them into basic runes that you will be tested on at the end of the term before holiday break," Babbling said. "After that, the second term will consist of a longer-term project that you will probably continue to work on into fourth year."
From there, the class got to work learning the Elder Futhark alphabet until the bell rang.
After Runes, they had their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class of which the entire castle was buzzing. Paired with the Hufflepuffs, Harry sat front and center in the classroom, waiting for Professor Lupin to get started. Lupin started the class leaning on the teachers desk.
"Good afternoon class," Lupin's grey eyes scanned the room, his mere presence inviting the student's interest. "My name is Remus Lupin. I am your Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts. During this class for the year, I will be teaching you all about all manner of dark creatures you will encounter and how to defend against them. We will start small with creatures like Red Caps, Hinkypunks and Grindylows before moving on to creatures like Lethifolds, Vampires and Werewolves.
"Can anyone tell me what the first weapon you have to fight these creatures is? Light your wand to answer," He asked the class. "Yes Mr. Weasley."
"Your wand," Ron said, as if the answer was plain as day.
"Wrong," Lupin said, startling the rest of the class. "Yes Miss Brown?"
"Is it a dagger?"
"Not in the slightest," Lupin chuckled. "Miss Bones, do you know?"
"Your mind," she said, seriously.
"Figured you'd know that, knowing who your aunt is. 10 points to Hufflepuff," Lupin said. He drew his wand and placed it on the desk. "Without a thought-out approach and thoroughly planning, your wand is just a piece of wood. Knowing what spells to use, what tactics work best and what your next move should be are as crucial as the wand in your hand and will help you to function even if…"
He snapped his wand up like a cowboy drawing their revolver and cast a red spell which disarmed Ron.
Turning, he cast spell after spell, making one wand clatter to the ground after another. Eventually working his way back to the center, he took aim at Neville.
"Protego," Neville shouted as a shield intercepted the spell. Neville was on his feet with Susan and Hannah covering his flank. On the next row over, Harry and Hermione had their usual formation with Hermione half covered by Harry and Harry conjuring his shield on his non-wand arm. Lupin turned to them and cast three spells, two of which Hermione shielded and the third that Harry deflected. Harry pushed forward, levitating their desk in front of him as he advanced.
"That's enough," Lupin chuckled at Harry's ingenuity. "I figured you two would be ready after everything I've heard from Professor Flitwick. Well done, Mr. Longbottom and nice reaction to you, Miss Bones, Miss Abbott.
"Notice how they formed up to provide a more solid defense, how they jumped at the first spell. A former mentor of mine would be very proud at your vigilance. This is just one example of what I mean when I talk about being prepared in your mind. 10 points to each of your houses. Mr. Potter, you can stop using the desk as a shield anytime."
Blushing a little in embarrassment, Harry retreated and floated the desk back down.
"Half of this class will be learning about dealing with these creatures and the other half will be preparing your mind for what you will face once you are outside of school. No matter where you go, there will be dangers that you might have to face and, regardless of your career path, it is my job to prepare you to face them if you must," Lupin said. "Forgive me for sounding macabre but it is my job as Defense Professor to prepare you for the worst-case scenario in the hopes you will never have to face it."
You could hear a pin drop in the classroom as Lupin spoke, the seriousness of the subject finally sinking after two years of subpar instruction. Lupin shifted to a lighter tone, going through a few of the creatures they would deal with that month. As class ended, Harry hung around to speak with Lupin.
"Yes Mr. Potter," Lupin felt weird addressing someone he met as a baby as mister but he powered on. "How may I help you?"
"I was hoping to speak to you about the train," Harry said. "First of all, thank you for helping to drive the Dementor away."
"It is my job, Harry," Lupin cursed inwardly as he slipped into informal address. "I'm glad I could help."
"Would you be able to teach any of us that spell?" Harry asked. "There's a lot of Dementors around a population of students who have no idea how to protect themselves. That whole idea makes me uneasy."
"The Patronus Charm, that is what is called, by the way," Lupin said. "Is an intensely difficult spell to learn. Well above the OWL level. I'm not even sure NEWT students could master it."
"Can you at least try?" Harry started to plead. "I don't care if it's tough to learn. There's too many benefits to not try."
"Okay, okay," Lupin held up his hands to stall Harry. "I will give it a shot. I remember Professor McGonagall saying that you have formed a club for defense?"
"Yes, sir," Harry nodded. "After last year with Lockhart, a bunch of students and I got together to help one another learn and improve our defense acumen. According to Madam Bones, she hasn't had this many qualified applicants to the Auror program in a decade because of the D.A."
"The D.A?" Lupin repeated back to him.
"Stands for Defense Association," Harry said. "We need a professor to oversee all the clubs. Last year Professor McGonagall stood in but I was hoping you might be the observer this year?"
"Of course I would observe," Lupin cracked his first smile. "There might be some nights I have to ask Professor McGonagall to oversee in my stead but I will gladly help out there. That'll probably be the best place to teach the Patronus charm. Where is this group held?"
"There's a place on the third floor that Professor Flitwick has outfitted as general common area. We call it Geneva."
"Geneva, huh?" Lupin looked impressed. "I'm not sure I ever wandered through there when I was a student, which is saying something. I'll be there Thursday."
"Excellent," Harry beamed at Lupin agreeing. "And thank you for today's class. It's the best Defense class I've had in two years here."
"Glad to hear it," Lupin laughed. "But don't get soft of on me. Professor Flitwick is particularly effusive in his praise of you and Miss Granger. He sets a high standard; hopefully you don't let him down."
"Wouldn't dream of it, professor," Harry joined Lupin's laugh, feeling an easy camaraderie with the older man.
"Listen, it's almost dinner and I'm sure you're starving," Lupin pushed off the desk. "I will talk to you later and let me know when the D.A. plans on meeting."
"Will do," Harry said over his shoulder as he walked out the door.
"What did he say?" Harry didn't get two steps over the threshold before Hermione bombarded him with questions.
"He's going to try," Harry said. "He said it's called the Patronus Charm. It is something taught in seventh year, if it is taught at Hogwarts at all. He's going to oversee the D.A. and use some of that time to teach the group how to do it, if possible."
"Wonderful," Hermione jumped for joy, literally, at being taught. "Do you think the charm is in the defense book Tonks gave you, now that we know what we're looking for?"
"It's worth a look," Harry admitted. "If not, we'll just have to make a trip to the…"
"Library!" Hermione's eyes took a special gleam thinking of her sanctum. "Let's look though the book tonight."
"As if there was anything chance of us doing anything else," Harry nudged her with his shoulder, causing her to glare in his general direction. Laughing, they walked off toward dinner.
That night, Hermione was leading Harry through their review for Arithmancy when a shadow robbed them of their light.
"Hey Potter," Dean shuffled his feet as he stood in front of Harry. Lavender set down her quill and Neville looked up from the Herbology text he was reading. "I noticed today that you were one of the few who was ready for Lupin's attacks. I'm not blind, I see the way muggleborns are treated and I know I'll probably have to defend myself. "
Harry gestured for Dean to sit on the sofa, Hermione moving to give him room.
"Hanging around with Seamus and Ron hasn't been great for my studies. I'll admit it's been fun but I don't want to be embarrassed like I was today. Someday that might actually cost me my life."
"I get it," Harry said, honestly. "Have you ever come to any of the D.A. meetings?"
Dean shook his head, finding his feet incredibly interesting.
"The first meeting is Thursday," Harry said. "Talk to Cedric; he's a fifth year Hufflepuff prefect. He took the reins on setting up the D.A. last year and he'll get you up to snuff and see where you can work."
"Thanks, Potter," Dean smiled. "I know we haven't talked much beyond the occasional word but thanks for doing this."
"I get it," Harry looked beyond Dean to Hermione. "Believe me, I get it. And call me Harry."
True to his word, Dean was at the next meeting, shaking hands with Cedric.
"Welcome to the D.A., Dean," Cedric greeted him with his winning smile. "Harry tells me you're interested in learning to defend yourself. I know your defense lessons have been uneven. Take a seat and tell me what you'd like to learn."
While Dean was talking with Cedric, Lupin was holding court with the other students.
"Now the only thing that will work against a Dementor is called the Patronus Charm," Lupin paced in front of the students, telling them about the wand motion. "Now that you've learned the wand motion, you have the incantation: Expecto Patronum. Say it with me."
"Expecto Patronum," the D.A. said.
"No no no," Lupin said. "That just won't do. Once more with gusto."
"Expecto Patronum!" the D.A. shouted.
"Perfect!" Lupin praised. "The third component to this spell is emotion. Dementors feed on fear and pain but to do that, they first must remove any happiness in the area. To cast a Patronus, you'll need to select a memory; a happy memory, your happiest memory. If you are successful, you will conjure a shield that will prevent any Dementor from advancing. The final form of this spell is corporeal."
"Expecto Patronum," Lupin cast, sending a white light out of his wand that took the form a wolf, prowling up and down before laying down next to one of the fountains.
"Now I want you all to spread out and give it a try," Lupin said. "I don't expect you to get anything beyond a vapor but that's okay. Just a word of warning: this spell will tire you out. If you need to take a break, take one. If I see anyone pushing themselves too far, I will step in; that way I don't end up with Madam Pomfrey on my case."
Hermione wracked her brains for a happy memory. Coming to stop on a memory of her father reading her Lord of the Rings, she cast the spell.
"Expecto Patronum," she said, waving her wand. A thin, silver vapor emitted from the tip but died just as soon as it started. Growling in frustration, she moved from memory to memory with none of them helping more than the first.
Across from her, Harry was having a similar difficulty. He was trying to remember the all-encompassing joy that he felt the first time he rode a broom but nothing would come out of his wand. He vented his frustration and sat heavily on one of the benches.
"I told you it wouldn't be easy," Lupin said, sitting down next to him.
"I've tried my memory of when I was blissfully happy but nothing is happening," Harry said. "Can I ask what you use?"
"A memory of my friends," Lupin said, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "When I was at school, I had three of the best friends a guy could as for and they came at a time where I was sure I'd never have friends.
"We got into a lot of trouble at school but also a lot of fun. Those were good times," Lupin's smile turned wistful. "Sometimes it is our closest friends who provide the most powerful emotions."
Harry paused and sat up. He looked at Hermione, her bushy hair a mess as she mussed it up as she paced, trying to think of a happy memory. He remembered Paris, them leaning in to kiss and then moved on to their first kiss.
"Expecto Patronum," Harry cast. A white shield erupted from his wand, bright enough that the rest of the D.A. turned to witness it.
"Excellent!" Lupin said. "Well done, Harry."
Hermione pounced on him.
"How did you do that?" Hermione was almost frantic. "I've been trying and trying but I can't get anything beyond vapor."
"I thought of Paris," Harry leaned in to whisper before stepping up to address the students whose rapt attention he suddenly had. "Professor Lupin told me he thinks of his friends from school so I pictured my best friend and remembered some our best times."
Harry tried to be as coy as possible though she could swear she saw Daphne's smug smirk of recognition.
"Expecto Patronum," Harry heard behind him and felt the glow of Hermione's wand. Daphne was next to cast, thinking of the times when she was little and she read to Astoria.
"Expecto Patronum," Daphne's wand lit brighter than Harry's, its light starting to take form, even.
"Incredible," Lupin said. "I have never seen a group catch onto it this quickly before."
"Maybe they didn't have half as good a teacher," Harry said. "You said it's about a happy memory but it's not; it's about the emotion itself and you let the emotion guide you to a memory.
"That's not to say this is perfect," Harry said. "But it's a better platform from which we can build."
Lupin looked around him in wonder as Geneva started to light up in the lights of nascent Patroni. None of them would drive a Dementor back but it was a better start than most had.
"Excellent work, all," Lupin commended. "Let's stop with the Patronus lessons for now. Do remember, it is much harder to cast in the presence of a Dementor."
"You aren't too tired, are you?" Cedric walked up to Harry. "We were denied a true contest by the fool Lockhart last year. Figure it'll be a good warm up for our upcoming match."
The new Quidditch schedules had been released and Gryffindor was matched with Hufflepuff after a complaint from Professor Snape that Gryffindor and Slytherin were always the first match.
"You're on," Harry brought his grin to full strength. "Hermione is my second. Who's yours?"
"Roger Davies," Cedric's teeth were on full display to their awaited duel. "Professor Lupin, would you referee?"
"Are you sure about this, Harry?" Lupin wondered about Harry going up against a student two years his senior.
"Yes, professor," Harry was resolute.
"Well in that case, I think we need," Lupin waved his wand and bleachers appeared. "a place for people to watch and hopefully learn something."
Harry went to one end, Cedric to the other. The bowed and waited for the other to cast their first spell.
"Stupefy," Cedric called out. Harry dodged the stunner and sent another back Cedric's way, followed by a leg-locker. Cedric dodged the stunner but was forced to shield the leg-locker.
"Impedimenta," Cedric launched his next salvo, hoping to slow Harry down. Harry deflected the curse just in time but was caught unaware as a bludgeoning curse headed his way. Turning his left shoulder into it, Harry rolled off the spell, hitting the platform with a thud to which the crowd groaned audibly. Knowing Cedric wouldn't give up lightly, Harry rolled and scrambled to his feet. Harry cast two Kamehamehas and launched them at Cedric. One was intercepted by Cedric's stunner, a purple smoke emitting from collision. Cedric side stepped the second blue ball and launched a quick jet of flame to push Harry back. Harry stood his ground, to Cedric's surprise.
"Aguamenti," Harry turned the fire into steam, completely obscuring Harry from Cedric's vision. "Aguamenti, Glacius, duro. impervius"
Cedric laughed at the spell chain, thinking Harry was just casting wildly until he realized Harry was casting at the floor that was now covered in ice. Cedric tried to melt it with a jet of flame but the flame was repelled before it reached the ice.
"Expelliarmus," Cedric knew he was toast from the moment Harry cast his last spell. His wand was ripped from his hand and launched into Harry's awaiting hand.
"Well done," Lupin lead the audience in a round of applause. "Excellent mobility and casting from the both of you. Can anyone tell me what Mr. Potter did to win?"
"He changed the surface," Daphne said. "First he used the water spell to intercept Diggory's Incendio and then used the smoke to cast spells on the platform itself. Diggory was so focused on finding Potter, he didn't see what was happening at his feet."
"Excellent summation, Miss Greengrass," Lupin said. "Quite imaginative on your part, Mr. Potter."
"Credit actually goes to Mr. Crabbe," Harry said. "We were talking this summer about the water charm, either using it with incendio to make steam or glacius to make ice. When Cedric cast incendio at me, I thought it would give me the opportunity to test it. I also used duro and impervious to harden the ice and keep any other spell from reaching it."
"Excellent creativity," Lupin complimented. "I hope everyone here learned something tonight but it is getting close to curfew."
Harry stepped off the platform and made his way toward the person he hoped to speak with most.
"How was your first meeting?" Harry asked Dean who was sitting on one of the benches.
"It was fabulous," Dean said. "You all really know your stuff. I certainly have a lot to catch up on."
"You will," Harry then noticed he had some parchment and quill. "Did you do that?"
"Oh," Dean had forgotten the drawing he was working on. "Uh, yeah. I like to draw. Sometimes I'll even take notes this way as it's a visual way for me to learn."
"Can I look?" Harry asked to which Dean acquiesced. It wasn't complete but it was a nice portrait of Harry battling Cedric. "This is good. Really good. You know if you brought this level of quill work to Ancient Runes, I imagine you'd do well. Why aren't you taking anything beyond Care and Divination?"
"Ron and Seamus seemed to think it was best," Dean said. "I looked into Runes but it looked too difficult."
"You could speak to Professor Babbling," Harry said. "She told us good quill work is a key to the study. We've only had the first class so if you wanted to add it, now would be the time."
"I will speak with her then," Dean smiled. "Thank you Harry. I think I learned more about defense from watching the two of you duel than I did the last two years."
"Well next meeting, I'll be facing off against the Slytherin Four," Harry said. "They said they've spent the summer cooking up a strategy which makes me nervous and excited."
"Thank you again, Dean," Harry said. "I'm glad to get to know you better. If you need anything, we're here for you. Lavender, Parvati, Hermione, Neville and I."
"Thanks, Harry," Dean walked out of Geneva back toward Gryffindor tower.
"Did he have a good first meeting?" Hermione asked.
"Yes he did," Harry said, turning to Hermione to stop her walking. "Hey can I say something?"
"Of course you can, Harry," Hermione said.
"Are you happy with the way our relationship is progressing?" Harry asked.
"I am yes," Hermione's tone grew nervous. "Why?"
"Well I was thinking," Harry began slowly.
"That's dangerous," Hermione joked.
"I'm serious," Harry pushed back. "I love the time we spend together but we don't really spend a whole lot of time just us. It would be nice to have some time- and a place- where we could just be alone. The two of us. I know there aren't a whole lot of opportunities for dates within the castle but I'd like to find a way so we're spending some quality time, just you and me."
"Oh Harry," Hermione smiled at his sweetness. "I think that sounds wonderful. For a moment, I thought you were wanting to break up. I've seen the way the girls are looking at you."
"Yeah I have too," Harry moped. "I get they don't know I'm taken but some of the looks have been positively predatory."
"I get it, Harry," Hermione soothed. "I like the idea of finding a way to date but we're stuck within the castle, at least until Hogsmeade."
"There's got to be a way," Harry thought hard as they walked back toward the common room. Maybe Fred and George would know something.
(A/N: I made an edit to the previous chapter where Harry said they didn't have Lupin until Tuesday. Just for clarity, they have Runes, Charms and Defense on Monday/Wednesday, Arithmancy, Transfiguration, Herbology, Care Tuesday/Thursday with Double Potions and Charms on Friday and Astronomy on Thursday. I like to think of Hogwarts as having four class periods in a day, two morning and two after lunch, each about 90 minutes long.
Dean's way of note taking by drawing is reference to someone I knew growing up. He was a former Disney imagineer and he literally drew pictures for his notes, it was fascinating.
Small cliffhanger at the end which will be resolved next chapter)
Chapter 48: Why Can't This Be Love
Harry banged his head on the wall. Even talking to Fred and George was proving unhelpful. After one last assault on the stone wall, Dobby popped in.
"Does Master Harry require anything?" Dobby said after the stars cleared from Harry's vision. Harry was so preoccupied, he didn't even correct Dobby's use of 'Master.'
"Not unless you know of a place where Hermione and I can be alone without the chance of being bothered"
"Oh but Dobby knows," Dobby's ears bounced as his little head bobbed in excitement at being helpful. "All the castle elves speak of a room that fits that idea perfectly."
"Show me," Harry's eyes brightened at the prospect and sprinted down the corridor, hot on Dobby's heels.
A short while later, he stared at the door in front of him. Everything hinged on the next conversation.
"Enter," McGonagall called after Harry knocked on her door.
Harry walked up to her desk where the Gryffindor head was penning a letter. Setting down her quill, McGonagall regarded Harry with her usual no-nonsense gaze.
"How can I help you, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall said.
"There's something that I want to do but I'd like to run it by you before I do it," McGonagall found her curiosity piquing. She motioned for him to continue.
"Over the summer," Harry fidgeted with his hands as he began. "Hermione and I decided to try and date, to make an honest effort to try for something more than friendship."
"Congratulations but I do not see why you need to tell me this," McGonagall kept her stern look in place while, inwardly, she was smiling broadly. "While I am your head of house and your magical guardian, who you date is none of my business."
"Well this next part is," Harry said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "I would like to do something special for Hermione's birthday on Sunday. To do this, we would likely disappear for most of the afternoon, if not the entire day."
"That is an issue," McGonagall admitted. "While it is no secret what happens in broom cupboards in this castle, I cannot in good faith sign on to a male student sequestering a female student without any adult supervision."
"Which is why I am coming to you," Harry said. "The place I have found will give us the privacy I am looking for. I'll tell you where it is and how to access it in case you need to check in on us.
"I'll have us back to the dorms by curfew, I promise," Harry's eyes widened as he tried to make it clear just how important this was to him.
"If I can make random checks on you," McGonagall took off her glasses and rubbed her nose. "Then you have my permission. However, if I find you are using this for any broom cupboard activities, I will be displeased. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am," Harry nodded seriously. "Thank you, ma'am."
Harry backed out of the office and sped to his next destination. He had a night to work everything out. He was so quick to exit, he never saw the smile blossom on McGonagall's face. I have to tell Filius, she thought. Thankfully, Lavender and Parvati were kind enough to distract Hermione so Harry could prepare everything.
"Oh you look so pretty!" Parvati said as she put the finishing touches on Hermione's makeup. Fay was in the corner, reading as she often during the girl nights. She would occasionally join in but mostly she preferred to keep to herself.
"Do I?" Hermione asked as Lavender's hand appeared in front of her, holding a hand mirror. Hermione gasped at the sight that met her eyes. Parvati worked some sort magic to make her eyes pop. She then a touch of rouge to her cheeks and red lipstick to her lips. She had to admit she never looked better. They had even teased her hair into soft ringlets that they then braided into a loose plait that was pulled over her left shoulder. "Oh wow."
"Merlin," Lavender remarked as she came around to see Hermione's new look. "Yup that mascara of yours is amazing, Parvati. Great technique on the eyes too. Girl it's a good thing Harry snapped you up when you did; you're gorgeous."
"All thanks to the two of you," Hermione was still enamored with her reflection. "You two really worked your magic."
Lavender laughed at Hermione's pun and took a seat to allow Parvati to work on her makeup.
"Don't put yourself down," Lavender said. "You've got great eyes, high cheek bones and a great figure taking shape."
"My figure has nothing on you," Hermione called attention to Lavender's assets that called the attention of every male eye this year.
"Oh these?" Lavender pointed to her chest. "They'll be fine once I grow into them but for now, they're just too big. I can't get a guy to look me in the eye lately and that's getting annoying.
"No girl, you've got a great figure that suits you perfectly. With your perfect carriage and natural grace, you're going to be so hot in a few years. Not that your physical traits are there alone. You're sharp, engaging and witty; something I wish I had. Everyone just seems 'dumb blonde with huge tits' when they look at me. They see 'exotic beauty' when they see Parvati."
"There's more to you than that," Hermione said. "You're both creative and innovative with your cosmetics; hard working when you need to be and wickedly funny. You're especially good at making the boys laugh, Lavender."
"Thank you for saying that," Lavender moved to lay a hand on Hermione's before being pushed back by Parvati.
"Not yet; I'm still working," Parvati admonished, going back to work on Lavender's makeup. "Thank you, Hermione. Sometimes I wish more people would see us for who we are but, sadly, most don't take the time to look that deep."
"Most people only see what they want to see" Fay interjected from her bunk. "It's just a shame that most people will see us as we appear and not as we are; the layers, the depth. They all get lost when you only see the wrapping and don't dig any deeper, especially males."
"Most males," Parvati interjected. "Harry's one of the few perceptive ones, as is Neville. Zacharias Smith might be the worst. He asked me on a date to Hogsmeade, said he never tried Indian Food before and heard the flavor was memorable. I couldn't say no quick enough."
"But he's a second year," Hermione said. "He can't go to Hogsmeade until next year."
"We know," Lavender and Parvati said at the same time.
"Thank you for that detail, though," Fay said. "He's cute but if he's going to be a prick, I don't think I'll be going near him, thank you very much."
"Yeah he's less a Badger and more a porcupine," Lavender said. "I know Hannah and Susan wish he was sorted somewhere else… like Durmstrang."
"Maybe he'll transfer," Hermione wrinkled her nose at the thought. "And take McLaggen with him."
"Oh that swot," Fay rolled her eyes. "Did you hear about him making a move on Katie Bell?"
"No!" Lavender, Parvati and Hermione all chorused.
"Yup," Fay popped the P. "Told her 'you're developing rather nicely. How's about a stud like me take you out?'"
"What did she say?" Hermione's jaw dropped at the crass overture.
"Nothing at first," Fay said. "She kneed him in the balls and then told him he needed to do some more 'developing' of his own first."
The girls laughed at the image Fay's story conjured.
"Good thing they're not all like that," Hermione said through her laughter. "Neville is a perfect gentleman, so is Harry."
"Taunting us with one boy who's taken and another who is smitten with a 'Puff," Fay said. "Thanks, Granger."
"Sure but they're not the only nice ones in the house. The twins are cute and quite humorous, Colin is nice if a bit shy but he's a long way from McLaggen-"
"-Or Weasley," Lavender said. "I don't think he would know what color my eyes are; it's annoying."
"He's a lot better this year," Hermione said. "At least away from the dining table. He's put in more effort in classes, stopped being such a loudmouth; he's even using my name instead of "know-it-all" or "bookworm."
"He's better, I'll give you that," Parvati said. "However, he's still got a lot of growing to do before I'd consider him anything close to a gentleman."
"Point taken," Hermione admitted.
The party went well into the night with the girls swapping stories. Fay even consented to letting Parvati do a makeover for her. That night, after taking the time to unbraid her hair and clean off the makeup, Hermione went to bed smiling at having made real friends. She was so content, she forgot tomorrow was her birthday.
Arriving in the common room, she went to her favorite couch, book in hand. She was so set in her routine, she didn't realize someone else was there until she sat down.
"Oop" Hermione stood quickly as she felt something on the sofa, despite there being nothing there. Reaching out, she ran her hands along the fabric until, lo and behold, she bumped into what certainly felt like a leg.
"Surprise," Hermione jumped a foot in the air as the couch spoke only to relax as Harry took off his invisibility cloak. "Happy birthday, Hermione."
Hermione's irritation gave way to joy at the sight of her boyfriend. Harry started to rise when he was thrown back into the sofa by the bullet that was Hermione Granger.
"Harry. James. Potter!" Hermione's muffled voice came from his chest. She lifted her head and glared at him. "Don't scare me like that!"
She held onto her stern look for another few seconds before breaking into a wide smile. Harry leaned down and met Hermione midway for a kiss. Slipping her hands around his neck, the kiss became a full-blown snog.
"How's it feel to be a full year older Miss Fourteen Year Old," Harry grinned cheekily. "Fourteen and dating a boy almost a full year younger. What a cradle robber, you are."
"It's a good thing you're cute," Hermione retorted. "If you weren't, heaven knows what would happen."
"Are you ready for the day?" Harry asked, looking a little too innocent.
"What did you do?" Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"You'll see," was all Harry would say. "Ready for breakfast?"
"I could eat," Hermione said, cautiously. "Shall we?"
"We shall," Harry extended his elbow to escort her down. His heart rejoiced as Hermione slipped her hand through the opening and pressed herself close to him on the walk down. Feeling her grip his arm firmly with both hands, her thumbs running circles over his forearm, Harry was in heaven. Thankfully it was Sunday and they didn't have to worry about being caught.
Arm-in-arm, they arrived at the deserted Great Hall just as breakfast was set to begin. Like every year, there was a plate covered by a silver serving top.
"What have you done this year," Hermione asked aloud as she reached for her covered food.
"Not me this time," Harry said. "Dobby wanted to cook for you for your birthday, as his gift to you."
"Thank you, Dobby," Hermione smiled sweetly as she lifted the top. Underneath was a croissant with a bowl of fruit and some coffee: the breakfast they had their final night in France. "How did you…?"
"Dobby noticed mistress loved that breakfast," Dobby said as he popped in. "Dobby wanted to do something special for mistresses birthday."
"You can just call me 'Hermione,' Dobby," Hermione said. "I'm not your mistress, though I do appreciate the effort you went to for my breakfast."
"That's not all Her-mine'e," Dobby struggled through her name. "Dobby as worked with Harry to-"
The rest of what Dobby was going to say was cut off by Harry shaking his head.
"With Harry to what?" Hermione's inquisitive side arrived in full force.
"You'll find out," is all Harry would say, trying fruitlessly to cover the impish smile that appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"With Harry to what," Hermione said again, her tone taking on a dangerous edge.
"You'll. Find. Out," Harry repeated, emphasizing every word.
Tybalt arrived midway through breakfast with letters and gifts from the Grangers. Hermione read the note from her parents and squealed in glee about something she wouldn't share. She figured if Harry was going to keep secrets, so would she. After breakfast, Harry lead Hermione through their usual walk along the grounds before the frost set in.
"It's so beautiful," Hermione leaned on the bridge that separated the grounds from the castle and looked out on the forest sprawled around her.
"Yea it is," Harry couldn't take in the sights; he only had eyes for the girl next to him.
"Stop that," Hermione said, blushing.
"Stop what," Harry asked as he stepped closer.
"Staring at me," Hermione plainly said.
"Oh is there something else you'd rather I do?" Harry's impish smile returned as he slid his arm down her back and wrapped it around her waist.
"You're incorrigible," Hermione looked up into his eyes with a grin before leaning in.
"I am when it comes to you," Harry leaned in with Hermione. "What can I say? Once you've had a taste, you just keep coming back for more."
"Oh you mean like this?" Hermione's grin became a full-blown smile as their heads came together. Seconds turned to minutes but felt like hours as Hermione's heart hammered in her chest. Hermione held his head with both hands, running her fingers through his messy mane. Sight, smell, taste, touch; they all were filled with the young man whose entire being was focused solely on her in that moment. Their breathing grew heavy and before long but also entirely too soon, they broke apart to reintroduce oxygen to their bodies. Though the kiss broke, they remained close. Hermione leaned back into him as she took in the view. Harry wrapped his arms around her and held her close, letting her hear and feel the beat of his heart. In that moment, a thought- a single traitorous thought- floated through her brain.
This is everything I wanted, she thought. I could spend the rest of my life in this moment and it would be a life well-spent, I love this this much.
Her mind slammed shut at the conclusion to her thought.
We just started dating and I'm already at the L-word stage, she fumed silently. That's much too fast, right?
No, her second voice announced itself again. You've loved him for a while now.
Harry looked at his watch and realized they had spent the morning outside. Glad that no one had caught them snogging, he snaked his hand into hers and led her back into the castle while she finished her internal struggle to admit to herself what she knew to be a fact: she loved Harry Potter.
"Harry," Hermione broke out of her reverie as they were almost at the courtyard, still hand-in-hand. "We should separate."
"I've got a better idea," Harry flourished his free hand, pulling the invisibility cloak from him pocket. He flung it over them both just as they arrived at the courtyard. "Now we don't have to worry about being seen. Though you should keep close, just to make sure we're completely covered."
Hermione giggled and molded herself to him once again. They headed up staircase after staircase until they reached a specific landing. Hermione pulled to the right as they would often to when Harry pulled her to the left. Going with the flow, she let him lead her until he came to stop in front of a tapestry of a wizard teaching trolls to tap dance.
"What are we doing?" Hermione asked.
"You'll see," is all Harry would say as he stepped out from under the cloak. Hermione thought he'd gone crazy as he started to pace in front of the tapestry.
"What are you doing?"
"You'll see."
Hermione was about to ask again when the wall across from the tapestry shifted and a door appeared out of nowhere.
"Hermione Granger," Harry said as he opened the door. "Welcome to your birthday surprise."
Hermione stopped when she crossed the threshold and arrived in what she thought was the Granger house back in London.
"Harry you didn't…"
"No," Harry answered her unfinished question. "This is a special place in the castle called the Room of Requirement. If you pace in front of the wall like I did, focusing on what you really want, the room will show itself on the third pass. I figured for your birthday, it would be nice to have a place where we can be alone, just you and me."
"But what if someone needs to find us," Hermione's rule-following spirit was still well and truly in place. "We could get in trouble."
"That's why I went to McGonagall," Harry assuaged her concerns. "I told her where we were, how to find us and promised to return to the dorms by curfew. She gave us permission so long as we, and I quote, 'behave ourselves'."
"This is wonderful," Hermione moved around the room, barely resisting calling out for her parents. "Thank you, Harry. What did you have planned?"
"I have a few sandwiches for lunch," Harry said. "After that, I thought I'd give you your gifts. Then, we'd relax for a while until dinner."
After lunch, Dobby popped in with a few packages wrapped in periwinkle paper.
"The first is from Dobby, miss," Dobby bounced nervously from one foot the other as Hermione carefully opened his gift.
"Oh wow, Dobby," Hermione removed the last of the paper and picked up the tartan skirt that lay within. "This is fabulous."
"Dobby made it," Dobby said. "He knows how cold the castle can get so he wanted to make sure Miss Hermine'e stayed warm."
"Thank you, Dobby," Dobby bowed at her praise and popped out.
Moving on to the next package, Hermione opened it to find a periwinkle scarf made of pure silk.
"I caught you looking at that in France," Harry said. "You tried to hide it but it looked like you really wanted it. I know it'll be too cold to wear it up here most times but I hope you like it."
Hermione hugged Harry for all she was worth, finishing off the hug with a searing kiss.
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione beamed. "I love it."
"That's not all," Harry said. "Unroll the scarf."
Letting the material float through her hands, Hermione completely unfurled it. When she did, a host of feathers fell into her hand.
"These are all from Buckbeak," Harry said. "I had Hedwig take them to Scrivenshaft's to turn them into quills for you to use."
"This is wonderful," Hermione cooed. "Thank you Harry."
Hermione set the quills on the table and wrapped the scarf around her arms as she leaned into Harry's side.
"So we have all afternoon," Hermione said. "What would you like to do?"
Ignoring her suggestive tone, Harry had a different idea.
"Well I was thinking of recreating one of your favorite memories."
"You should have asked for the Eifel tower then," Hermione said.
"Not the memory I was thinking of," Harry said. "I was thinking to last year when you were in the Hospital Wing. I was hoping you'd pick out a book that I could read to you."
"You'd do that?" Hermione asked. "Even though I'm not sick, you'd read to me."
"I'd do anything for you," Harry said, realizing inwardly this was the most true statement he'd ever said. "I know it's a memory that's really special to you and I'd do anything to see you smile the way you smiled when I read to you in the Wing."
"I think I'd like that," Hermione said. "But we're at school and I'm not sure I want a wizarding book read to me."
"Well what book would you like?"
"I think I'd like Frankenstein," Hermione said. No sooner had she said the book title aloud than did Dobby pop in with the book in hand. "Thank you Dobby."
Dobby bowed again and popped out.
"Now," Hermione threw the book to Harry before cuddling into Harry's side. "I think you said you'd read to me, mister."
Harry made himself comfortable, looked down at her beaming face, opened the book and started to read. On and on, he read about Doctor Frankenstein and his monster, stopping only occasionally for a drink of gillywater which Dobby provided.
As the sun started to set, though Hermione pondered whether it was setting like that in Scotland where they were or London where the room was supposed to be, McGonagall made an appearance to check in on them.
"Good afternoon," McGonagall looked around in wonder at the room. "Turns out you were true to your word, Mr. Potter. To be honest, I thought you were becoming more of a Marauder like your father and were having me on. This room is incredible; I would like to investigate it further when you are done using it."
"Though we should probably keep this a secret," Harry said. "For one, it would give us a room for date nights and two, I'm sure other students wouldn't use it like we are."
"Well reasoned," McGonagall nodded. "I've done my duty then. I check in at Gryffindor tower at curfew to make certain you've kept to your promise, Mr. Potter."
McGonagall left them in peace and Harry continued reading until her felt Hermione's stomach rumble.
"Alright," Harry sat up, making Hermione huff in annoyance at being moved. "Time for dinner."
"What are we having?" Hermione asked as Harry walked through the living room into the perfect recreation of her mum's kitchen.
"Something I've been working on since this summer," Harry said as he pulled out a pot and started pouring water into it. The rest of the ingredients Dobby brought from the kitchen since that was the one thing the room could not provide and Harry got to work. Hermione sat on one of the stools around the island and watched Harry work. Once the water was ready, he added the pasta and turned to the pan where he combined tomatoes, herbs and spices as he was shown by Helen in the summer.
Harry then drained the water and added the spaghetti to the sauce he had made, added some fresh basil leaves on the top before serving it onto two plates at the dining table.
"Bon appetit," Harry said as he took off the apron. He pulled out the chair for Hermione and pushed it in as she sat.
"Harry," Hermione said breathlessly, as she looked over the meal. "This is incredible. Thank you."
"Hopefully it tastes good too," Harry watched with bated breath as Hermione dug in. After her first bite, her eyes widened and she let out an appreciative moan.
"Oh it's perfect," Hermione sighed contentedly. "Everything today has been perfect. Thank you, Harry."
"I hope you don't mind me keeping you all to myself on your birthday," Harry said. "But today I just didn't feel like sharing."
"I don't mind at all," Hermione smiled gratefully.
"To Hermione," Harry lifted his mug of butterbeer. "The girl who makes Hogwarts magical."
"You're one to talk," Hermione said after they clinked glasses. "You certainly know how to make a girl feel special."
Later that night, they walked back to the common room, disguised under the invisibility cloak. They had plenty of time to curfew and as such, never felt the need to walk with any kind of speed. At last they stood at the base of the stairway to the Gryffindor common room.
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione leaned in and kissed him one last time before they had to remove the cloak and return to their guise of being merely best friends. "I had a wonderful day."
"You're welcome Hermione," Harry leaned his forehead on hers. "I'm glad you're in my life."
"Me too," Hermione said. Harry stepped back and stowed the cloak. He gave the password and the Fat Lady swung forward to give them admittance.
"Harry!" Ron's voice called out as they entered. "Hermione! I've been looking for you all day. Where were you?"
Harry noticed the rest of their house feigning disinterest, though some were doing a poor job of it. The twins in particular were giving the two of them odd looks, as if they were trying to put together a puzzle but were missing a piece.
"We walked around the grounds," Hermione said. "Then spent the afternoon reading."
"Of course you'd be reading," Ron ribbed them. Hermione let it slide this time, too content to let anything bother her. "Hey have you finished the Potions assignment? I have a few questions that I was hoping you could help me with."
"Sure," Hermione acceded and walked over to his table to join him.
"Did you have a good time?" Lavender asked from the sofa.
"Yes," Harry smiled brightly. "Thank you for distracting Hermione so I could set everything up."
"Our pleasure," Lavender said. "Though you've got to show us where you went. We were in the library all day so you certainly weren't reading in there, assuming you were actually reading and not doing, I don't know, other things."
Lavender waggled her eyes as Parvati giggled.
"No, we were reading," Harry said. "Rather I was reading to her. We found a room that fit our needs and gave us some privacy."
"Ooh where?" Parvati bounced into an upright posture on the couch cushion, leaning forward in anticipation.
Harry hesitated but figured it was worth sharing what he found, since they helped him set everything up.
"Okay," he relented. "But keep them to yourselves, okay?"
The duo drank in everything Harry told them, their rapt attention making Harry uneasy as they were never this interested unless they were planning something. Eventually, Hermione rejoined the group with Neville, Luna and Ginny pulling chairs around. Together, they reviewed for the upcoming week and helped Ginny and Luna work ahead. They were both drinking in the knowledge and, much to Harry's surprise, were catching up to where the third years currently were. At curfew, McGonagall turned up to check that they had returned, prompting the group to break off and head to bed. Harry and Hermione went last, sharing a bone-crushing hug before separating to their respective stairways. They let their hands linger as they pulled apart, their fingers sliding over one another's hands as they parted, wishing for their physical contact to linger as long as possible.
Hermione entered her dorm room, changed into her pajamas and quickly fell into a peaceful slumber. The smile Harry put on her face never left as her dreams were filled with a messy-haired scoundrel who meant the world to her.
On the other side, Harry stared at the canopy above his bed, as one question zipped through his mind.
Can this be love? He asked himself. Is this how it feels to love someone?
Growing up at Privet Drive, he wasn't the best at recognizing love. He pondered what love was as the dorm room filled with the snores of his dorm mates. The question stayed on his brain long after he drifted off to sleep.
(a/n: This chapter was initially attached to the previous one but it developed so well, I had to make it its own. From the conversation with McGonagall to the scene with the third year girls- which I never intended to work that way but it took on a life of its own- to the birthday date. It also introduces the Room to the story. This chapter was among my favorites to write and I hope it is equally enjoyable to read. Thank you for all your follows, favorites and comments as they help inspire me to keep going.)