Quaffles, Anyone?

Chapter Fourteen

Gryffindor Versus Hufflepuff

Harry gulped and rushed behind a nearby pillar. It's confirmed, he liked Hermione but with Viktor in the way… how can he cope?

Harry peaked around the pillar and saw Hermione talking to Viktor…

“Why?” Harry muttered bringing his gaze to the ice fountain “Why's everything has to happened to me!” he said loudly

“Which one, Harry?” It was Ron who probably came back from Rapticon Sr.'s company

“R-Ron” Harry said shakily “Where's Professor Raptor?”

“Oh” he said grinning “they are just somewhere near the tall Christmas tree. They just told me a great story”

“You know what?” Harry said feeling a bit irritated “Tell me that story next time because I'm not in the mood!”

“What's wrong? A while ago you were giddy as a little tyke and now you look like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning”

“Sorry” said Harry looking down “It's just that…” Harry thumbed to where Hermione was then Ron peeked and said

“That's Krum!” Ron said in a hushed voice “What's he doing here?”

“I dunno” Harry said still looking down

“Did he steal your date?” Ron asked Harry “Because if he is then I'm going to talk to him” he started walking to Hermione and Viktor

“Ron, wait!” Harry said as Ron walked towards Hermione “Dammit!” Harry said loudly hiding behind the pillar again. Harry started walking towards the buffet table. He wanted to get away from the ballroom as fast as possible.

“Hello Harry. Where are you headin' to?” said the voice of Rapticon Sr.

“Professor” Harry said “I was just going to check the ice fountain”

“Then why are you heading for the doors if the ice fountain is there” he pointed to the other direction “Why? Is there something wrong and where's Hermione?”

“Er…” Harry said feeling very uneasy

“If you don't want to say then I'm okay with it” Rapticon Sr. smiled “Just say it when you are ready” with a nod, Rapticon Sr. left Harry

Harry walked to the double doors of the ballroom. He had to think and sacrificing this great night would be the price. The band started playing a lively jazz tune making the dancers do lively dancing. He was already leaving the ballroom when someone called his name

“Harry? Where are you going?”

Harry turned and saw Hermione behind him

“H-Hermione” Harry blushed “W-What are you doing here?”

“I'm your date, remember?” Hermione said going beside him “I can't just leave you like that”

“Y-Yeah” Harry said “I was just on my way outside to get some fresh air”

“I see” she said smiling at him as they continued walking. Harry could hear the distant sounds of the music from the ballroom coming up.

The climate started to become cold when they walked for five minutes. Harry concluded that they were near the entrance hall. Harry could hear the sounds of crickets when they entered the entrance hall in glorious Christmas décor making Harry grin thinking of the times he and Ron would help Rapticon Sr. decorate.

“Lavender says that you and Ron helped decorating this place” Harry heard Hermione “You two did a great job”

Harry smiled as they passed the double doors that lead to the Great Hall.

“I-I remembered your face back in the Yule Ball” Hermione said “Even though I was with Viktor, I saw you in the crowd with Parvati” she chuckled “I saw your face when you saw me”

“You were different” Harry said his throat dry “I was shocked that you looked er…”

“What?” Hermione asked as they passed through the entrance hall's doors leading them to the snow covered ground of Hogwarts

“It looks great right?” Harry said trying to change the subject. The grounds looked great. Christmas lights provided by Rapticon Sr. lined-up by the path down the grounds lit happily whilst fireflies would dance on top of the lake below.

“It looks great” Hermione said “I remembered looking out of the window and see you, Harry, Professor Raptor and his two friends would have trouble putting up these lights since they were electricity”

Harry remembered a week ago when they set up these lights…

That was only a week ago

“Professor?” Harry said “These lights run on electricity” as he, Ron, Rapticon Sr., Figment and Elvis walked down the grounds carrying boxes of Christmas lights

Rapticon Sr. froze on his tracks and looked at Harry looking a bit perplexed

“You know what?” he said “I'm crazy enough to see this work” he continued on

They stopped at a post Elvis set up earlier on

“You guys sort the lights while me, Harry and Ron hang these up” Rapticon Sr. gestured the boxes to Figment and Elvis

Rapticon Sr. conjured a stool beside the post with his wand, grabbed a rope of Christmas lights and started walking up the stool so he can hang the lights on the post

“Let's test the lights” Rapticon Sr. said taking out his wands

“Er - Professor? I think this is a bad idea” Ron said looking at the lights

“This will work… Illuminatisia!”

Then everything came in a fraction of a second: when the lights lit up they all exploded making Elvis jump and run around as his coat caught on fire forcing him to roll on the snow with Ron laughing as he watched Elvis complain.

“Sorry, Elvis!” Rapticon Sr. called looking sorry “Looks like I will have these modified”

Harry shook his head laughing when he saw Figment grabbing a bucket of water and throwing the contents to Elvis only realizing that the water in the bucket was frozen making Figment look surprised when the ice hit Elvis on the head making him unconscious on the snow floor.

Harry laughed when he remembered this memory and discovering that Hermione was out watching them from the castle made him smile

“Why are you laughing?” Hermione asked as they walked to a Christmas garden that Hagrid, McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick made according to Rapticon Sr.

“I was just - never mind” Harry said as they walked across the small pond

Harry then felt Hermione hold his hand very slowly making him feel a sensation in his gut

“A-Are you cold?” Harry asked shakily looking at Hermione who looked a bit pink from the cold. Harry wanted to lend her his jacket robe which came with his dress robes

“I'm fine” she said “If there is a wedding then I'll be their `something blue'”

Harry took a deep breath when Hermione said this

“Let's stay here” Harry said as they stood by an area overlooking the frozen lake

Harry leaned on the railings looking at the lake, Hermione followed. The scenery was beautiful

“I saw Viktor” Harry said

“Oh, you did?” Hermione said surprised “He came to ask me something but when Ron came to me back there” she said thumbing to the castle “He asked where you were then I realized I forgot about my date then… here we are”

“You can go with Viktor if you want” Harry said feeling very nervous

“No” Hermione said at once “I came to the ball with you, I'll leave the ball with you and besides” she said moving closer to Harry and leaning her head to his shoulder “We are having fun right?”

Harry looked at Hermione

“Yeah, you are right”

He wanted to jump to the lake due to nervousness

“Hagrid did a great job with the garden” Hermione said looking around “It looks so romantic”

“It looks great” Harry said

“Always you” Hermione said smiling at him “You always say good things to other people”

He smiled and half-heartedly held Hermione's shoulder giving her a one-arm hug but holding her shoulder meant feeling her skin which was very cold

“Hermione, you are cold. Are you sure you're fine?” Harry asked

Hermione then started shaking

“Yeah, I'm freaking cold here” she said holding her shoulders

Harry took out his jacket robe and placed it on Hermione

“Thanks” she said smiling at him. Then there was a very, very long pause that lasted twenty minutes “Viktor never lent his cloak to me back at the Yule Ball, though”

Harry gulped. If Hermione was going to talk about Viktor the whole night, he thought it would be best he left so his feelings for Hermione wouldn't make him feel jealous.

“Er - I'm kind of sleepy” Harry said “Do you want to go back to the common room?”

“No” Hermione said looking at the scenery “I'll just stay here. Oh, do you need this?” Hermione said looking at Harry holding his jacket robe

“Er - no. I don't need it” Harry said “You can borrow it - no - in fact keep it. You can have, it is yours”

“Really?” Hermione said blushing a bit “Gee, Thanks… you are the best date I ever had” she giggled making Harry blush

“Yeah, thanks for the compliment… and oh yeah… You look great tonight” Harry said trying to return the compliment

Harry saw Hermione blushed furiously “Stop torturing me!” she said playfully

“Torturing you?” Harry asked “What do you mean?”

“Never mind” Hermione said hiding her blushing faces with the jacket coat's collar “You make me nervous when you say those things”

Harry smiled, bade her goodbye and left. The thought of his compliments making Hermione nervous made him smile. Harry looked back and saw Hermione holding his jacket robe as if she likes it

“There you are Harry!” Elvis ran up to him from the entrance hall “Have you seen Figment around?” he asked in a panicky voice

“No, why?” Harry said

“Good” Elvis said looking relieved “Because I was walking in the buffet trying to grab some of those kidney steaks, I slipped on a giant booger!” he said

“Er - are you sure it wasn't an oyster?” Harry asked surprised of something gross and that big would be lying in the ballroom

Elvis looked thoughtfully and said “Well, it could've been but the thing is that I slid the thing out by wiping it on Hagrid's coat then I left” he said

“Then why are you looking for Figment?” Harry asked

“Um… when I wiped it on Hagrid's coat I blamed Figment for that when Hagrid asked so I was hoping that I didn't run into him or - you know” he said smiling gingerly

“I see” Harry said “Er - I'll be going now”

“Ok” Elvis said as they both walked to the entrance hall “If Figment is looking for me then tell him that I'm polishing my gun at the ballroom. See ya Harry!” he bade goodbye as he walked to a corridor that lead to the ballroom leaving Harry to his thoughts.

- - -

The euphoria of the Christmas Ball hasn't quite died yet since it was one of the greatest things that happened this year. But what got the attention of the students was the Hogwarts Ballroom that was used in the gala party. The thought of having a room that big made the school think that they should have the Yule Ball there but what got the students in their toes was the surprise appearance of Viktor Krum who appeared in the Great Hall two days before the end of the holidays.

“Harry! Ronald!” Viktor said as he gave them both a hug at the entrance hall “Notice my English? I've been taking lessons!” Harry had to admit, Viktor sounded British but a faint of his Bulgarian accent could be heard

“Hello Viktor, how's Bulgaria?” Ron said rather happily seeing all the students watching him talking to a Quidditch celebrity

Harry gave Ron a perplexed look so Ron leaned to Harry and said “Actually, I can explain. When I told Hermione where you were, she left and that left me with Viktor so we got to talking and then - you know”

Harry looked disgruntled when Ron said this

“Where's Her-my-oh-nee?” Viktor asked looking around

“She's at the library” Harry said “You want to go there and make out with her? Because I'm fine with that!” he added muttering

“I beg your pardon?” Viktor said

“What did you say, Harry?” Ron asked giving his best friend a confused look

“Nothing!” Harry said loudly as if he is talking to a deaf person “I didn't say anything because if I did say something then I would say -”

“Say what, Harry?” said Hermione behind him making him jump. She was as pretty as two nights ago.

“H-Hermione” Harry said his voice lowering “Y-Your hair… it's straight!” he said in a relieved voice

“Oh” she said smiling stroking her own hair “I thought of keeping the look since Fiyuna loved my hair straight back at the ball. Is it nice, Harry?” she added shaking her head making her hair fly around

“Y-Yeah, it's nice” he said looking at Viktor and Ron “Er - I think I'll go now”

“Aren't you going to eat with us?” Viktor asked “I want to ask you lots of question about Her-my-oh-nee's -”

But Harry couldn't stop himself with all the emotion stored inside him

“Oh, if you want me to join your little tea party so you can now more about Hermione's bio then I just want to say sorry! I don't have Hermione's number -”

“Harry!” Hermione said looking surprised

“ - because my stupid uncle won't make me have some stupid calls in their little Muggle shanty where a pig and a gossip queen lives!” Harry was saying this in a very angry tone “And if you think I'm allergic to eastern Europeans -”

“Funny you should ask because I am Eastern European” Rapticon Sr. said behind him followed by Fiyuna still cloaked. He looked and saw Viktor Krum “Viktor! I see you are Bulgarian, my mother is half-Bulgarian. Maybe with a little tea we can get to know each other” he said as he led Viktor to the Great Hall

“That would be great, sir” Viktor said bowing to him completely forgetting Harry's behavior

Harry saw as Rapticon Sr., Viktor, Fiyuna and a worried looking Hermione who was looking at Harry with concern walked to the Great Hall. Ron then followed.

“What? Are you going to abandon me?” Harry asked seething

“No I'm not” Ron said at once “But if you are going to act like that in front of us and I don't want an angry Harry, right? You got it all wrong Harry!” he added looking at Harry's disgruntled face “I know you are jealous when a boy goes to Hermione but I haven't seen anything going on between the two of them -”

“Ron, save it” Harry said feeling a bit embarrassed “I just feel like I need some time to think”

“Are you gonna be okay?” Ron asked holding Harry's shoulder

“Yeah” Harry said quietly and looked at Ron “I'll be fine” Ron then patted Harry at the back and left to the Great Hall

Harry walked across the grounds feeling very sad, lonely and embarrassed

“Don't be sad” said a dreamy voice. It was Luna

“Oh, hi Luna” Harry said “It's been a while”

“Oh yes it has been” Luna said dreamily “Did you enjoy the ball? I know I did. You and Hermione looked great dancing back there” she added smiling at Harry

“Why aren't you at the Great Hall?” Harry asked changing the subject

“I'm done eating” Luna said at once “I was just out here looking for seeds”

“Er - why's that?” Harry asked

“Because if I get enough” she said rather excitedly “I can lure one of the legendary Creamy-puffed Quailjugglers!”

“I see” Harry said smiling “Who did you go out with at the ball?”

“I went out with that Brian Goldman from Hufflepuff. Speaking of Hufflepuff, how's your Quidditch team? Hermione's a natural” she said fiddling with her butterbeer bottlecap necklace

“It's going fine” Harry said as they passed Hagrid's cabin “Aren't you going to get those seeds now? Hagrid has a lot around his cabin”

“Really?” Luna said “Looks like I'll be going then, bye Harry” she waved to Harry and left

Harry walked to the shoreline of lake and sat there feeling the snow at his palms as he sat there thinking of the ball.

“Hello, Harry” said Figment holding two apples. He tossed one to Harry and sat beside him in the shorelines of the lake “Ron told me you were out here and Hermione wanted to give you this so you will have something to eat” he gestured to the apple on Harry's hand “Don't worry, I'm not here to read your mind”

“Then, what are you doing here?” Harry asked taking a bite from the apple

“I just want to adore nature's wonders” he said pulling out a dead flower and with his psychic ability, he made it bloom again

“Can psychics bring the dead back to life?” Harry asked

“No” Figment said looking at the flower “They can't bring the dead back to life. Only a miracle can do that” he then made the flower fly into the breeze “Well, I just came here to give you that apple so I'm off and if you see Elvis tell him that oyster thing he slipped on during the ball was my fault”

Harry nodded and Figment left

It was a quiet moment for Harry. He looked at his watch and saw students walking out of the entrance hall. Lunch must be done.

Harry stood up and started walking up the snow to the entrance hall. He stopped dead when he saw Rapticon Sr., Viktor, Hermione, Ron, Figment and Elvis walking out of the entrance hall. Still feeling embarrassed about what happened a while ago Harry kept his distance so he won't be seen but he feels that Figment can sense him since he was giving glances to his direction.

Harry saw the troupe walking across the grounds with Rapticon Sr. in the lead, every time they would stop, Rapticon Sr. would talk to Viktor and wave his arm at the horizon as if telling him about the grounds of Hogwarts. Harry felt left out when he saw Viktor, Figment, Elvis, Hermione and Ron laughing, probably something Rapticon Sr. said since Rapticon Sr. wasn't laughing but he was smiling to himself, something he would do if he said a joke.

Harry glared at Viktor when Hermione held his shoulders from laughing then Harry heard Rapticon Sr. said

“And if we go over there we can see a shrub that has a shape of Mickey Rooney… If you don't know him then let me give you a brief explanation…”

Harry was about to turn and head straight to the entrance hall when he caught Figment's gaze at him, Harry saw Figment tapping Hermione in the shoulder and started whispering something to her. Harry felt an uncomfortable lurch when Hermione looked at Figment surprisingly and looked at Harry, this triggered him to start walking fast hearing the footsteps of his best friend going closer

“Harry! I want to talk to you!” he heard Hermione's voice. Harry's pace has gone an unusual speed when he started running.

“Harry!”

Harry ignored her as he passed some students, Harry ran up the Grand Staircase passing every portrait greeting him, making near-misses with the moving staircases ignoring Hermione's calls

“Harry! I know you can hear me!”

Harry could see passing students look at them wondering what's going on

Harry saw the portrait of the Fat Lady and nearly shouted the recent password

“Hippogriff!” he bellowed making the Fat Lady swung her portrait in a surprised way

“Are you alright my dear? Can I sing for you?” she called when Harry moved into the common room being greeted by fellow Gryffindors. When Harry put his first step on the staircase leading to the boy's dormitories he heard Hermione's voice

“HARRY JAMES POTTER!” she bellowed at the top of her voice “COME HERE THIS INSTANT!”

Harry ran up the staircase and ran straight for the dormitory. He shut the door, locked it and sat on his four poster bed thinking on what to do. It was only a matter of time when he heard loud banging on the door

“HARRY! STOP BEING CHILDISH! I WANT TO TALK TO YOU!” Hermione yelled from behind “The last thing you want is a door between the two of us!” she said

Harry then felt a sense of dread when he realized that Hermione can do -

“Alohomora!” she shouted making the door click open. Harry saw Hermione entered looking angry and worried

“Harry!” she said marching up to him “What's going on? Explain yourself! Now!” she said in her bossy tone

Harry looked into Hermione's eyes then finally he said

“First of all, please calm down -”

“Calm down?” she said briskly “Calm down? How can I calm down if you are acting like this? Why did you act like that in front of Viktor?”

Harry then looked down at his shoes feeling a bit ashamed

“Harry” Hermione said calmly kneeling to him, she lifted his chin so they were looking at each other “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Harry thought that lying to her would make it worst… he had to tell her… but it was too soon.

“I-I” Harry stuttered

“I what?” Hermione asked holding Harry's shoulders her face filled with concern

“Well” Harry said his voice lowering “there is something going on with me”

“What is it?” she asked looking as if she knew he was thinking of

“Actually, it's a girl problem” Harry finally said his face turning as red as Ron's hair and to his surprise, Hermione smiled.

“Is this girl… a friend?” she asked, Harry noticed her cheeks were turning pinkish

“Someone I met” Harry said “at the train to Hogwarts”

“I see” she said “Is she a Gryffindor?” she added gingerly

Harry half-heartedly nodded making her giggle briefly

“Someone you met on the train, a Gryffindor… is it Parvati?” she guessed but she said this cautiously

“Er - no. I've only met Parvati on the castle” Harry explained

“Is it Ginny?” she asked looking very anxious

“I met her on Platform nine and three-quarters back on my first day” Harry said

“Is it me?” she said frowning

Harry felt his heart beat… he was about to say `yes' but changed mid-word

“Ye - no” he said quickly

“Sorry?”

“No, why would it be? You're my best friend, nothing more” Harry then paused “nothing less”

“Well” Hermione said looking a bit red in the face and to Harry's surprise, disappointed “I see your problem looks serious but” she swayed her leg as her foot brushed against the carpet “why are you angry with Viktor? Is he with the girl in question?” she said smirking at him as if she wants Harry to say something else

“I-I think he is” Harry said smiling at her

“Are you sure you're okay?” she asked standing up “Did you get the apple from Figment?”

“Yeah” Harry said

“Don't worry” she said smiling at him “if that certain girl you like come to you, I'm sure she'll be the luckiest girl in the world”

Harry nodded

“Do you mind? I think I'll take a little nap” Harry said

“Oh” she said “okay… you do that and if you need anything, me and Ron will be there for you” Harry thought Hermione was about to bend to give him a kiss on the forehead but Harry saw Hermione look at him thoughtfully, she shook her head and stood up again looking at Harry looking a bit embarrassed.

“See ya Harry” she said and she left the dormitory making Harry wonder why was Hermione feeling a bit unusual

- - -

“Professor?” Harry asked Rapticon Sr. during the last day of the holidays at the Defense Against the Dark Arts room. Since Hermione and Ron showed Viktor around the castle, Harry felt like he wanted to be alone and apparently, he passed by Rapticon Sr. and accepted his request to help him sorting out folders of student data. A muggle-style organizing system that Harry recognized when he studied at Muggle schools

“Yes Harry?” Rapticon Sr. said sitting behind his desk as he placed some papers on a folder which was labeled `McDogal, Dorag'

“That girl back in the ball” Harry then placed three folders that were labeled with student names from Hufflepuff in a filing cabinet “the one in black. Who is she?”

Rapticon Sr. put down the folder and looked at Harry through his square rimmed spectacles that he wore for the first time

“Why'd you ask a question, Harry?” he asked as he looked back on the folder he was holding

“Because I had a feeling you had something to do with it” Harry said

“That girl you danced with at the ball is a friend of mine” Rapticon Sr. said not looking at Harry but rather focused with the contents of the folder which was labeled `Malfoy, Draco' “she asked if she can dance with you”

“But why do I get this feeling I know her?” Harry asked putting a folder into the filling cabinet “As if I met her somewhere”

“All I can say is that she is a friend of mine and Fiyuna” Rapticon Sr. said standing up looking for something in the cabinets behind him

“But -”

“Don't ask questions, that matter is between me and Fiyuna”

“Wait -”

“No” Rapticon Sr. said sitting down

“But -”

“No” he continued making Harry a bit irate

“How -”

“No”

“Er”

“No”

“Can I - ?”

“No!” Rapticon Sr. said looking at Harry straight in the eyes “Man Fiyuna is right, you act like him”

“Who is this guy - ?”

“Don't ask any questions” Rapticon Sr. said going back to the folders on his desk “That is all I ask”

Harry shrugged his shoulders and grabbed the next folder and his stomach made a back flip. It was Hermione's

Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. he was wiping his glasses with a piece of towel. It wouldn't hurt to just take a peek. Harry opened the folder and saw a bio-data of Hermione and a picture pinned to it, just like in the magical world, it was moving. Harry grinned at it looking at her pretty face. She was a bossy sort of girl back then and ever since Harry and Ron saved her from that mountain troll, she seemed more human than usual. She smiled at Harry this and there and Harry noticed how great her smile was. Harry wished this picture was what she looked like recently, her straight shoulder length hair made her prettier than ever.

“Harry? If you want I can let you keep that picture” Rapticon Sr. said making Harry go back to earth.

“Sorry, Professor?” Harry asked his face going red closing the folder of Hermione

“You can keep that picture of Hermione, since she gave me her latest picture since she had a little change in appearance” Rapticon Sr. brought out a picture of Hermione with straight hair, it looked like it was taken from the ball since Harry noticed her dress.

“Er - no thanks Professor” Harry said blushing a bit

“Oh c'mon. You practically like her ever since the ball. Look, you blush when she's around, your angry when a boy is near her. You are not jealous anymore”

Harry knew Rapticon Sr. was right so he nodded remove the picture from the folder and placed it in his pocket.

“Um - don't tell Hermione I gave you her picture since she could get a bit nervous at times” Rapticon Sr. said

“Sure, sir”

“You may go now, Harry”

“Yes, Professor” Harry then left the room, he took out the picture of Hermione and grinned at her pretty face. He then felt someone right in front of him

“Hey”

It was Hermione

Harry quickly hid the picture in his pocket

“Hermione? Where's Viktor and Ron?”

“I left both of them so I can check on you” she said “Elvis told me you were here so I brought something for you” she gave him a chocolate frog

“Thanks” Harry took the chocolate frog from her “You ditched touring Viktor around with Ron to see me?” Harry asked as they both walked out of the corridor and into the Grand Staircase

“Of course, I felt bad that you didn't come with us so I came up to check on you” she said

“Thanks for doing that” Harry said, he noticed biting her lower lip and looking a bit pink “and for the chocolate”

“Your welcome” she said

“When will your trademark bushy hair go back?” Harry said looking at Hermione's sleek and straight hair

“I think somewhere around late February since that's when our second Quidditch match comes” she looked at Harry “I don't want my hair to be messy” she added

“I like your new hairstyle” Harry said looking at Hermione “It makes you more noticeable”

Harry saw Hermione looking down as they walked down the steps. Harry noticed she was smiling

“Hermione, are you alright?” Harry looked at Hermione's eyes

“I'm fine” she said “Stop looking at me like that!” she hid her blushes

“Sorry to make you uncomfortable” he said

“Me? Uncomfortable? As if” Hermione said using her bossy voice which she usually used to play around

They entered the portrait of the Fat Lady when they reached their floor

“I hope first day of the new term will do us good” Harry said as they both sank into a couch “Aren't you going back to tour around with Viktor since you're done checking up on me”

“I don't feel like it” Hermione said stretching her arms in the air “Besides, I rather spend my afternoon with you since I've been spending too much time with Viktor. I hate alienating my friends” she said looking at Harry

“I can see that” Harry said wholeheartedly stroking Hermione's hair “You never leave your friends. It's usually us who leave you for the wrong reasons”

They both exchanged smiles and it took a while till Hermione said

“I'm so glad you are my friend” she leaned to Harry and gave him a hug

Harry smiled but the moment was broken when Ron came in

“There you are!” Ron said. Harry noticed Hermione pulling him away briskly as if she didn't want Ron to see her do that “We've been wondering where you were! He wants to know if the correct pronunciation is `Her-my-oh-nee', blimey!”

“I'm coming” Hermione said and looked at Harry and gave a wink. She stood up and followed Ron outside the Fat Lady's portrait

“Be careful or the love bug might bite” it was Ginny, she moved and sat next to Harry

“What do you mean?” Harry asked

“You like her, do you?” Ginny said prodding Harry in the waist

“Stop that, will you?” Harry said

“All I'm saying that I sense something between the two of ever since I saw you dance back at the ball”

“Did everyone see that?” Harry said

“Maybe since the two of you were so transfixed by each other you didn't notice the Gryffindors looking at you” she giggled receiving a pillow shot from Harry

“Hermione's my best friend. I don't like her that way” Harry lied

“Whatever you say” Ginny giggled as she climbed up the staircase to the girl's dormitories.

Harry shrugged and took out the picture of Hermione, he grinned and put it back in his pocket and started thinking of the week ahead of him. Rapticon Sr.'s classes, Quidditch practices and Viktor Krum in the mix, yeah, Harry thought, this will be a good term.

- - -

Harry wrote down notes from the board Rapticon Sr. was writing and again - like the last time and the time before that - it was about mummies, not it was a bad thing… Professor Raptor always had a way with mummies and he always make it fun to learn and he was the next best thing to Professor Lupin and Professor Moody at least.

“And that is why mummifying a live body is strictly illegal in some countries” said Rapticon Sr. as he turned to the class. Cue to this, Hermione raised her hand…

“Yes, Miss Granger?” said Rapticon Sr., giving Hermione a look that says `not-you-again-but-I'm-not-irritated-at-you'

“What do you mean by some countries?”

“What I meant is that it is truth that mummifying live bodies is not anymore practiced today but it doesn't change the fact that some countries or some `cults' do these mummifications on their fellow man”

“Why?” asked Dean

“I dunno… It's probably for their sick entertainment…” said Rapticon Sr. as he walked down the aisle of chairs.

Ron raised his hand.

“Yes, Wealey… my gifted student” said the Rapticon Sr. beaming

“Er - is it true that they use a poker thingy for pulling out a brain through their noses?” asked the red haired teen

“If I tried on Mr. Malfoy over there will you believe it's true?” said Rapticon Sr. with his smile that tends to make the class laugh or shudder sometimes.

“Er… no sir” said Ron

“I rather tried it on you weasel” muttered Malfoy in a loud tone. “Ouch!”

Harry looked back and saw Malfoy rub his head as Rapticon Sr. tossed a chalk to Malfoy while looking at Ron which made the class burst in laughter.

“Did that hurt Malfoy?” asked Rapticon Sr. with a smile

“Um… yes professor…” said Malfoy smiling back

“Well…” Rapticon Sr. “that will be a point for Slytherin for accepting pain”. He turned to the blackboard as the class including some Slytherins laughing in their wake.

After class, Harry, Ron and Hermione went down to the Great Hall for lunch.

“Professor Raptor is still the same as always” Ron said as they went down the Grand Staircase

“But we all like him” Hermione said smiling “He's like the best teacher since Lupin and I hope he stays next year”

“Hopefully” Ron said “He makes me feel smart”

“Because like he says, you are the top student of his class” Harry said to Ron

“Why not, Hermione?” Ron said surprised that he found out this new piece of information

“Because you get `O's” Hermione said with irate “and I get `O's too but you do a more stupendous job than me”

“I think you're still brilliant in classes” Ron said as they entered the entrance hall “I'm not lying”

Hermione snorted

“You're worst as Harry when it comes to compliments”

“Are you saying when we say good things about you, you think we are just being polite?” Ron said raising an eyebrow

“I think so” Hermione said going inside the Great Hall

“But Harry and I think you are brilliant”

Hermione just shook her head

“I'm not that smart”

Ron and Harry looked at each other as they took a seat in the long table

“Alright, what if I said you look pretty” said Ron smirking

“It's not working Ron” Hermione said taking some chicken wings

“Well, it is true!” Ron said looking at her “Your hair, your face, you've totally change through the years!”

“Ronald” Hermione said looking up at the ceiling “Nobody thinks that”

“I think so” Harry said finally

Hermione then smiled and blushed

“Thanks Harry”

“How come you get affected by Harry?” Ron asked looking a bit aghast

Hermione just put her hand over her mouth and Harry noticed she was blushing

“Nothing Ron, just drop it” she said through a fit of giggling

“Why are you so predictable?” Ron said taking a corn on the cob

Hermione stopped giggling and said

“Alright, the reason why I don't get affected by you because you are obvious”

“What do you mean?” said Ron taking a bite out of the corn

“What I mean is that you compliment things to me as a regular basis and Harry however is er - unpredictable”

“I can be” Harry said eating his steak and mash potatoes

“Yeah, like the time you showed up in Grimmauld Place” Ron said “We were like talking then all of a sudden you showed up! We thought you were going to be there like in a week but you showed up”

“I didn't mean that kind of unpredictable” Hermione said

“Then what kind of `unpredictable' are you referring to?” Ron asked

“You know, Harry can do things that we can't do and like in Quidditch”

“What about Quidditch?”

“You expect him to catch the snitch in quick pace but how he catches the snitch is the one I'm talking about. Remember our first year?”

Harry remembered swallowing the snitch just to catch it

“I get it but I can see that” Ron said “apart from Quidditch, what unpredictable thing Harry can do?”

Hermione looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully and said

“He can be a great date, no doubt” Hermione said grinning

Harry nearly choked on his steak

“Then who's the better date? Viktor or Harry?” Ron asked smirking

“Ron” Harry said nervously “I think Hermione has enough of your questions”

“Sorry Ron, but that's my private thing” Hermione said as if settling the matter

“Oh yeah, don't forget” Harry said trying to change the subject as quick as possible “Our Hufflepuff match is at early February. Don't forget. Practice starts this Saturday and Slytherin versus Hufflepuff this month”

“It will be great to fly again” Hermione said looking at the window

Harry shrugged and looked up at the High Table. The professors were just attending to their food while Professor Flitwick laughed when Rapticon Sr. said something funny.

“But will your hair get in the way?” Ron asked smirking

“I'll keep it this way till the match” Hermione said “Besides, Harry likes it” she added looking at Harry with a smile that made Harry feel something

“Yeah” Harry said in an unemotional way

- - -

The month January died as the month of February came. Slytherin creamed the Ravenclaws at their match giving the Slytherins a great chance to take the Cup but Ron thinks that with them - the Gryffindor Team - around, Slytherin's chances are slim at best. Harry was getting more anxious since their match with Hufflepuff was drawing closer.

“Why don't you take a break from practices?” Fiyuna said to Harry when they both took a stroll around the lake with Figment a week before the match.

“I can't do that” said Harry “We need to aim high”

“But you have a keeper that doesn't miss a throw, two beaters that can pack a punch, three chasers that has great talent and a seeker who can do extraordinary things” Fiyuna smiled at Harry

“I know but I'm just nervous”

“You act like you are going to have your first match” Harry looked at Fiyuna and both exchange smirks

“I saw you danced with Hermione back at the ball”

“Well” Harry said, blushing a bit “She had no date so I asked her out”

“You like her” Fiyuna said at once

“I don't” Harry said turning red as a tomato

“You do and you know it. You can't escape Harry. You are trapped by something that even I can't tell” Fiyuna said

Harry looked at the ground

“Alright, I have this thing for Hermione but I can't believe I will like my best friend that way”

“Don't think you are” said Fiyuna at once

“What do you mean?”

“Don't think you can't like your best friend because you are, Harry”

“But I'm not ready to tell her how I feel” Harry said

“Then just wait till something happens” Fiyuna and Harry started walking up a hill

“Er - can you not tell Hermione this?” Harry asked

“Your secret is safe with me” Fiyuna said ruffling Harry's hair

“Now Fiyuna's secret number is up to two” Figment said from behind

“Figment! Shh!” Fiyuna said to Figment

“I'm just a psychic” Figment shrugged his shoulders

“Two?” Harry asked “Can you ask me who the second is? Because the only students who talks to you is me and Hermione since I can tell you and Hermione spend time together”

Fiyuna smiled gingerly

“N-No Harry, I can't tell you because it wouldn't be a secret right?”

“I see” Harry said wondering if the other secret came from Hermione

“You know” Fiyuna said quietly “There are some times that I would love to hit Figment in the head because of his psychic ability”

“I heard that” Figment said from behind

- - -

“WELCOME! WELCOME! STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT HUFFLEPUFF VERSUS GRYFFINDOR! WITH YOUR COMMENTATORS FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY WHO ARE SPONSORING THIS MATCH FOR THE SERVICES OF WEASLEY WIZARDS WHEEZES!”

Harry smirked. He was getting prepared with his Quidditch gear in the locker rooms with the team. The thought of Fred and George going to Gryffindor matches just to commentate made him smile.

“Harry?” Hermione asked going to him “Can you help me loosen this brace? It's kind of tight”

Harry stood up and loosens Hermione's arm brace

“Thanks” she said

“No problem” Harry said then sniffed the air “Did you use scented soap?” Harry asked then realized he said something stupid

“Er - yeah” Hermione said giving him a timid look “Why'd you ask?”

“Nothing, nothing” Harry said blushing. He held his Firebolt to his shoulders

“This is it team, there's no turning back” Harry said

“He makes it sound like we are going to death sentence” Mark said under his hood with a smirk

“Mark!” Ginny said smiling

“I'm just saying” said Mark grabbing his Firebolt “or otherwise, we all might die”

The team laughed and with high spirits, they got out the door and moved to the pitch

“Our teams should be out at this time - there's Hufflepuff right now! With Zacharias Smith as team captain, the old bloke” Harry heard Fred say in the commentary receiving a mixed reaction from the crowd

Harry got out of the interiors of the stadium and received a standing ovation from the crowd as they got out

“Ah and there's Gryffindor!” George said on the commentary “They've won the Cup last year, isn't that right Fred?”

“That's right George. Anyway, we can see ickle Ronniekins from here, Harry, master seeker extraordinaire, I see Ginny. Hey Ginny! And there's whoa… Hermione's looking good-looking today. Too bad I didn't ask her out”

Harry looked up and saw Fred and George winking down at him

“Anyway, here comes Madam Hooch with the ball crate. Now, we can begin the game. Good luck teams!”

Harry mounted on his broom and flew up with the team behind him except for Ron who went to the goal post

“Now I want a nice, clean game! You all know the rules!” Madam Hooch called out

Harry noticed the sky was cloudy

Madam Hooch kicked the box open, the bludgers and snitch flew out of sight and she tossed the quaffle up to start the game.

“AND THE GAME BEGINS!” Fred and George shouted

Harry zoomed around the pitch for a golden sparkle but with all the players and their brooms, it was near impossible.

“Hufflepuff in possession - no wait - Gryffindor in possession, nice interception by our little sister - Ginny - Hermione - Katie - Hermione - Ginny… she's going to the goal - closer, closer… SCORE! GRYFFINDOR LEADS TEN TO ZERO! Great job Ginny!”

Harry saw Hermione and Ginny give each other a high five. Harry smirked and flew to Ron side of the goal

“Found it yet?” Ron called after him

“Not yet” Harry said

“Good luck” Ron said as Harry zoomed to the stands to check

“Hufflepuff is gonna get creamed! Smith has the quaffle - wait is that rain I see? Kind of early to have this weather” George said through commentary

Harry looked up and felt a raindrop hit his glasses. Harry took of his glasses and wiped them.

“But a little rain wouldn't stop the mighty Gryffindor and the durable Hufflepuff!” Fred called

Rain was pouring around the pitch making Harry soaked and wet as he put his glasses on again

“Harry!” It was Hermione flying to him “Are you alright?” she took his glasses, grabbed her wand from her pockets and said “Impervius!”

Harry wore them again and it was as clear as ever

“Thanks” Harry said and saw a bludger hurling towards them “Hermione look out!”

Hermione looked behind her and saw the bludger rushing towards her but was later whacked by Mark

“I told you someone could've died” he said smirking and with a nod he zoomed and disappeared into the rain

“You go now” Harry said and Hermione left

“Take out your umbrellas folks!” Fred said “It will be a wet match and a windy one too”

Harry felt the strong wind push him so he doubled back to the goal post where Ron was

“Are you alright Harry!?” Ron said wiping his face from the rain

“I'm fine, you?”

“Fine, I just hope I have visual sighting of the quaffle” Ron said “Wait a minute, Harry, I think I see the snitch” he pointed to the stands and Harry saw a tiny glimmer of gold

“Thanks Ron” Harry said giving a high five to Ron as he passed him to the stands

Harry zoomed up the stands to the snitch

“GRYFFINDOR SCORES AGAIN! THIRTY TO ZERO!” Harry heard George, how long did he not listen to the commentary since the rain started?

Harry saw the snitch realize his presence and it started flying down the field, Harry chased after it and felt someone behind him. The Hufflepuff seeker, Summerby

“Kirke is near the goal - c'mon Ron! Yes! Great job Ronald Weasley!” Harry heard Fred called as the snitch was nearing him

“Ginny passes it to Hermione… look at her go! She's zooming across the field with the goal nearing… Pity the keeper since Hermione's taking this one” George said

Harry saw Hermione zoomed below him, he looked up and saw the snitch near his fingers but a strong gust of wind pushed him back

“Whoa!” Harry gasped holding on to his broom. He nearly fell back there

“HERMIONE SCORES! LOOK AT THE KEEPER! He's practically quaking at fear!”

Harry sped up to the snitch but the very strong wind was pushing him back so hard, it was almost hard to get the snitch. Harry then urged his broom to go faster, to fight the winds. The snitch was only near his fingertips with Summerby behind him trying to catch up till -

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!”

It was Hermione screaming. Harry turned and realized the snitch so Harry nearly jumped and grabbed the snitch.

“Gryffindor wins!” Harry heard Fred and George shout “But who screamed?” George asked through the commentary

Harry flew to the other side to find what happened

“Harry!” Rapticon Sr. called at him from the high stands “Figment said the strong gust of wind that came earlier blew Hermione away! Check it out! I'll meet ya just outside of the field!”

Harry nodded and flew and met Ron on the way

“Congrats Harry but did you hear Hermione scream? We got to save her”

Harry nodded and they both left the pitch and into the grounds of Hogwarts

“HERMIONE!” Ron yelled as they both lowered to the grounds

“Hermione! Where are you?! Yell back if you hear us!” Harry said through the mist of the rain making it a bit vague

It took a while till they heard Rapticon Sr. call from bellow

“Harry! Any luck?” he said as Harry and Ron flew down and dismounted their brooms

“I can't see through this rain!” Ron said as the rain pour at all of them

“Hermione!” Rapticon Sr. shouted. Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Hagrid, Filch and a the team came with umbrellas

“We heard what happened to Ms. Granger. Is she alright?” McGonagall asked Rapticon Sr. worriedly

“I hope so” Rapticon Sr. said

“Hermione!” Harry shouted

“I'm right here!”

Harry's spirit rose

“What happened?” he called out

“Don't worry!” Harry heard Hermione's voice “The moment the wind blew me away, I landed so no harm done! I just need to get through this rain! Is Ron with you?”

“He's here together with Professor Raptor!” Harry moved through the rain trying to follow Hermione's voice with Ron, Rapticon Sr. and the others following behind him

The rain became weaker and Harry could see a bit of the Forbidden Forest at the distant

“Hermione?” Harry called

“I'm here!”

“Where?”

Then Harry stopped when he saw her leaning to her broom

“Hermione!” Harry waved to her. She looked up and smiled but as Harry moved closer to where Hermione was. The mist subsided and right behind Hermione was the Whomping Willow.

“Harry? What are you looking at?” Hermione asked and looked behind her and gasped

“Hermione, be careful!” Ron shouted behind Harry “That's the Whomping Willow!”

Hermione nodded and moved quickly but then -

“Hermione!” Rapticon Sr. yelled pointing up

Harry looked up and saw the Whomping Willow raising its branches as if it was going to attack and you know what? It did

“AAAHH!!!” Hermione screamed as she threw herself to the other side dodging the branches that were flailing

“Hermione!” Harry and Ron shouted as they ran down the hill

“Potter! Weasley!” McGonagall called after them

Harry ran down the hill to the Whomping Willow's boundary

“Hermione look out!” Ron shouted

Hermione stood up and received a blow from a thin branch making her fly up and land on the ground. The sight of Hermione sitting up and rubbing her stomach in pain made Harry run very fast.

“POTTER! WEASLEY! YOU COME BACK HERE OR SOMEONE GETS HURT! LEAVE THIS TO THE TEACHERS!” Professor McGonagall shouted behind

The Whomping Willow lifted its branches and lowered it aiming for Hermione making her scream

“No!” Harry said

Harry jumped and pushed Hermione out of harm's way making the branch hit nothing but solid ground

“Ouch” Hermione said in a hushed voice closing her eyes in agony

Harry looked up and took out his wand

“Stupefy!”

A jet of red sparks shot out of his wand and it knocked out one of the branches

“Ron! Take Hermione and go!” Harry shouted

Ron nodded and carried Hermione but a branch out of nowhere hit both of them at the back making them fly over Harry's head

“Ouch!” Ron shouted as he landed on the wet ground

“Ron! Hermione!” Harry shouted running to them and kneeling between the two of them

“Harry watch out!” Hermione screamed pointing up

Harry looked up and saw the Whomping Willow's bigger branches rising up and started going down at the three of them. Harry shielded his friends ready to face any pain but -

He didn't feel anything. Harry looked up and was surprise to see the branch inches away from his face. Harry looked around and saw someone standing a few feet away from them. It was Figment.

“Run!” he said using his psychic ability to stop the branch, he was glowing with blue aura around him

Harry nodded and he, Ron and Hermione rolled out from under the branch.

“How about you?” Hermione said to Figment

“Just go!” he shouted holding his hands to the large branch which was slowly rising to the air. The Whomping Willow's other branches were moving idly

“C'mon Hermione” Ron said to Hermione who was holding both Harry's and Ron's hands “Are you hurt?”

Hermione looked at Ron “Just a little pain in the stomach but I'm fine”

Harry smiled but was interrupted when he felt a branch tripped the three of them

“Argh!” he heard Ron shout

Hermione looked up and realized two thin branches where grabbing her which made her scream

“Harry! Ron! It's got me!”

Harry and Ron lunged for Hermione's hand but she was being dragged by the Whomping Willow's branches

“Don't let go!” Hermione cried

“I won't!” Ron and Harry shouted pulling her back

Harry didn't want to let go. There were so many things he wanted to tell Hermione, like that he had feelings for her but this is getting out of hand.

Then Harry felt the effort gone, he saw Hermione crawling up to him as if she was released from the branches. Harry looked up and saw two cut branches.

“Go” said a hushed voice behind Harry

Harry looked up and saw Rapticon Sr. in a brown coat that reached his ankles and he was holding a sword that Harry recognized was the one he saw at the Defense Against the Dark Arts room

“I cut the branches to free Hermione. GO!” he said

Harry nodded and with Hermione clinging to his arm, Harry, Ron and Hermione climbed up the hill to get away from the uncontrollable Whomping Willow

“Wait!” Harry said turning back “How about you and Figment?”

“Leave this” Rapticon Sr. said glaring at the Whomping Willow “to us”

Rapticon Sr. pointed his sword to the Whomping Willow and said

“I command you! Fear me!” he shouted and a strong gust of wind started flying around him making his brown coat fly

“What's he doing?” Harry heard Ginny from behind

Harry saw Figment using his psychic ability to calm the branches down

“I said” Rapticon Sr. said at once pointing the sword at the tree. Harry noticed the sword was giving a very red glow “FEAR ME!”

Then rays of light started surrounding the sword

“Will he be alright?” Hermione said still clinging to Harry's arm making his hand numb

“You are getting stubborn” Rapticon Sr. said loudly “I said leave!”

The ray of light became blood red

“Tell it to leave!” Figment shouted still raising his hands to the branches calming it down. Figment was still glowing in blue aura

“I SAID FLEE!” Rapticon Sr. bellowed. He raised his sword and in a fraction of a second, he stabbed the Whomping Willow's trunk

Then all of sudden the branches froze and Figment lowered his hands and started gasping for air. Harry noticed the whole school was behind him watching what was happening

“It's not fleeing” Figment said

“It will” Rapticon Sr. said

The Whomping Willow's branches pointed to the air in quick succession then a black colored light flew out of it. Harry noticed a cry of pain when this happened.

“Sir!” Figment shouted “We have to leave!”

“Not yet!” Then Rapticon Sr. twisted the sword in the trunk making the Whomping Willow's branches flail around and more black things started shooting out.

“ARGH!” Harry shouted holding his scar which was searing in excruciating pain

“Harry!” Hermione said as Harry sank to the ground

“I SAID FLEE!” Rapticon Sr. then released his sword from the trunk making the black stuff go out of the Whomping Willow. After for a long time, the black thing that came out of the tree disappeared into the sky.

“Rapticon Sr.!” Figment shouted pointing to the other side

Harry looked up the pain in his scar subsiding, something appeared behind the Whomping Willow. A tall hooded figure with a scabbed hand, a dementor

“I hate these things!” Rapticon Sr. said running to it

“Wait!” Harry shouted in an incredible effort since the pain in his forehead was still their “No weapon can fight that thing!”

But he was wrong. Rapticon Sr. slashed the dementor's torso making it yelp in pain as it dissolved into mist. Two more came out of nowhere and Rapticon Sr. ran up to it and in quick pace, he killed both them in one slash.

“Need help?” Figment said levitating the roots of a nearby tree to trap a dementor

“Thanks” Rapticon Sr. said

Then four dementors that were flying in mid-air above came up from the forest and started throwing menacing stares at Rapticon Sr.

“Be careful” Figment said looking up

“Don't worry” Rapticon Sr. said enigmatically. He jumped up to the flying dementors started making strings of sword strikes and combos with a tremendous effort to stay at the air for a long time

Rapticon Sr. landed on the ground and looked around for any dementors

“That's the last of them” Figment said holding his temples “I don't sense anything”

“Good”

The rain stopped and the clouds parted as rays of sunlight came shining down the wet grounds

“Harry?”

Harry looked up he saw Hermione looking at him in the eyes

“Are you alright?” she asked holding his forehead where his scar was “Does it hurt?” she whispered

Harry shook his head

“Are you alright, Harry?” it was Rapticon Sr., he was holding the sword which was now back to its faint glow of red

Harry nodded

“What was that thing?”

Rapticon Sr. smiled

“The Whomping Willow was in a state of possession” he said putting the sword in the sheath

“By who?” Ron asked bending down to help Harry up

“You know who I speak of” Rapticon Sr. said quietly to the three

“V-Voldemort?” Hermione said shakily

Rapticon Sr. looked at Hermione and nodded making her squeak

“This is bad news” said McGonagall looking pale “Dementors in the school and the Whomping Willow out of control. We should report this to Dumbledore”

“I think I know that already, Minerva” Dumbledore appeared from the crowd “I just want to tell the faculty and the students to go back to the castle except” he turned to Harry and Rapticon Sr. “You two”

“But -” Hermione said

“Sorry, Ms. Granger but I have to talk to them privately. You however were attacked by the Willow so I suggest Mr. Weasley and Figment should escort you to the hospital wing” Dumbledore said smiling

“But sir” Figment said

“You go Figment” Rapticon Sr. said at once “Hermione needs your help”

Figment nodded, gave the brooms of Ron and Hermione to them and guided Ron and Hermione to the castle together with the school, Hermione gave Harry a wave before she left.

Dumbledore looked at Rapticon Sr.

“I see now that you can fight and with that sword of yours we can ward of dementors”

“That's right sir” Rapticon Sr. said holding the hilt of the sword “I rather use these than my wand”

“Can I ask you a question?” Dumbledore asked

“Yes, sir”

“What happened to the Willow?” he asked

“I believe it was possessed by Voldemort. Harry here” he gestured to Harry “sensed him when I released him”

Dumbledore looked at Harry and Harry gave a feeble nod

“Anything else?” Dumbledore asked

“Then dementors came, I fought them. You saw me, didn't you?” Rapticon Sr. said

“Where you affected by them?”

“I cleared my mind so I won't be affected by them” said Rapticon Sr.

“I believe that sword was made from -”

“Russia” Rapticon Sr. said “It's a symbol of my citizenship in my hometown”

“I see” Dumbledore turned to Harry “Harry, is there anything you want to tell me at the moment?”

Harry shook his head

“Good” he smiled “Since you two look healthy. I believe we can go back to the castle?”

“Yes, sir”

Harry carried his Firebolt and followed suit

With Dumbledore at the lead Rapticon Sr. and Harry walked behind him. Harry had a lot of questions to ask

“Thanks” Harry said finding his voice “for saving us”

Rapticon Sr. looked at Harry and smiled

“You're welcome”

“Now I know you can fight with a wand” Harry said as the entrance hall became visible “that was some great swordsmanship back there… I thought dementors can only be affected by the Patronus Charm?”

“This sword is no ordinary sword Harry” Rapticon Sr. said “But I'll just say that for now”

“Okay” Harry said as they entered the entrance hall

“I think you should go back to your dormitory” Rapticon Sr. said and with a nod Harry left to the common room wondering what was going to happen

- - -

Harry entered the common room and ignored the stares from the wet troupe of Gryffindors as he went up the staircase to the boy's dormitories to find Ron there alone in new clothes

“Hey” Ron said “Hermione is suffering from bruised ribs but Madam Pomfrey says that she'll be fine. She'll be staying at the hospital wing for the night”

Harry sat down on his bed looking tired

“C'mon cheer up” Ron said “We won, no one got killed and Professor Raptor can fend off the dementors for you without a Patronus so you have nothing to worry about”

But what was bothering Harry was that the fact that Hermione nearly got killed and he felt guilty he didn't brought her out of harm's way completely now she's at the hospital wing and it was Voldemort who controlled the Willow. Thinking of Voldemort made Harry a bit disturbed so Harry thought of happy thoughts like that Voldemort can never hurt him when Dumbledore is around or that everyone is safe and that they've won the match.

“Professor Raptor was different back there” Ron said breaking the silence “Did you see what he did to the Willow? He stabbed it and released You-Know-Who from it then dementors showed up. What a day, eh?” Ron forced a smile

Harry looked at Ron and forced a smile

What a day, right, Harry thought. We just entered Quidditch Finals and Voldemort's trying to check up on me and I just found out my Defense Against the Dark Arts professor can really pack a punch and don't forget, Mark was almost right when he said that all of them could've died that time

“Just take a nap” Ron said patting Harry's back “I'll wake you up when lunch is ready”

Harry nodded and changed into more comfortable clothes. He lay on his bed and lulled himself to sleep.

He had a weird dream that Rapticon Sr. was sword dueling with Malfoy and that Mark showed Harry what he looked like under his hood and found out it was Ron and Hermione saying that she can't walk anymore since he was too late to save her from getting injured making Harry say many alibis like he was stuck in the lake because Fiyuna told him to jump in the lake where Dobby is being captivated by the merpeople.

“Harry, lunchtime” Ron said prodding him awake

Harry woke up and said

“I think it everything will be good. Nothing to worry about” Harry assured himself and Ron

“That's the spirit” Ron said smiling