The Dark Phoenix

Harry woke up to a pair of large fuzzy green orbs. A familiar house-elf voice whispered, "Dobby has brought Harry Potter a change of clothes sir."

Harry instinctively reached out with his right hand and found his glasses on a small table next to the bed he was in. He fumbled slightly putting them on with only one hand. Somehow, he knew he was still holding onto Hermione's hand the moment he woke and didn't want to wake her. His mind was on a fast track recalling what had happened in the early morning hours as the desire to help his friend returned aching in his chest. Harry wondered how he ended up in a bed next to Hermione when the last thing he remembered was drifting into a concerned sleep, sitting in a chair, holding her hand. Harry's attention came back to what had woke him. Dobby was now clearly in focus, his ever present toothy grin cheerily greeting Harry, but betraying concern when Dobby looked at Hermione.

"Thanks Dobby," Harry whispered back. He looked over at a sleeping Hermione, and smiled without thinking, before carefully removing his hand from hers so as not to wake her. Looking around Harry realized that it was already morning, Saturday morning to be exact, and he was grateful that Dobby had brought him something to wear other than his pajamas. He was also grateful that curtains had been drawn around the two beds that he and Hermione were in. The thought of Ron, or someone else, finding out that he had held Hermione's hand all night and slept in a bed beside her would probably not be good. 'Especially Ron, now that he's asked her to the Fall Dance,' he thought.

Looking a little nervous Dobby whispered, "Is Harry Potter's 'Mione better now?"

"I think so." Harry slipped out of bed putting his feet on the cool stone floor and whispered, "I know she'll be alright in time. She's got lots of friends to help her through this."

Dobby put Harry's change of clothes on the bed and nodded vigorously, his large hears flopping a bit. "Dobby is 'Mione's friend. Dobby and Winky is 'Mione's friend. Dobby and Winky say that Harry Potter and his 'Mione make beautiful music together."

"What?"

"Dobby and Winky heard Harry Potter and his 'Mione under Sir Godric's tree. Harry Potter and his 'Mione make beautiful music together," Dobby said beaming brightly.

Harry was caught completely off guard, but the memory of an innocent kiss under Godric's tree was still vivid in his memory. It wasn't something he wanted the whole school to know. Moreover, here was Dobby saying that he and Winky had seen them kissing, and evidently thought he and Hermione were boyfriend-girlfriend. At least that's what he figured Dobby meant saying they made 'beautiful music together'. "Ah… Dobby. Have you and Winky told anyone else?" Harry asked anxiously. "Hermione was just thanking me for saving her life. It was all innocent. Really."

"Dobby and Winky has told no one sir. Dobby not understands Harry Potter sir. But Dobby and Winky says nothing as Harry Potter wishes." With that, Dobby seemed to fade away and disappear.

Harry looked over at Hermione who was sleeping soundly, and since the curtains were already drawn, decided to change clothes quickly. He then made is way down to breakfast thinking that maybe going to the Fall Dance was just not going to work out..

"Didn't get to see Hermione either eh?" said Ron dejectedly sitting down next to Harry and reaching for a bowl of cereal. "Madam Pomfrey said no one was to wake her up. Said she might have visitors later today, provided she was up to it."

"Yeah," was all Harry mumbled taking a mindless bite out of a sausage.

Neither Harry nor Ron said much, their thoughts were on their friend in the Hospital Wing. However, that didn't stop almost everyone else in the great hall from talking about what had happened in the night before. It didn't seem to matter whether they knew anything about it or not. It seemed to matter less that they could ask Harry or Ron what had really happened. Harry and Ron could both overhear comments being made from other tables around them. There were comments about Sirius Black having made another attack to one of the Gryffindor girls having a nightmare.

When the rest of Gryffindor started showing up for breakfast all talk was about Hermione and wondering how she was doing. Harry noticed how questions and rumors were reaching a fevered pitch across the Great Room from table to table. For the most part, it wasn't being blown too far out of proportion now that most of Gryffindor was present to set facts straight. Harry heard Neville saying to a third year Hufflepuff girl, "Yes, Harry carried her to the hospital wing. No, he didn't break into the girls dorm. Of course I know. I was there. I walked behind him and Ron, I should know how she got to the hospital wing." After the initial questions from their friends, everyone let them be. Harry and Ron were both fairly quiet and Harry was tired of listening to all the speculation as to what had happened to Hermione. 'Isn't it obvious that Hermione remembers being attacked,' he thought with irritation.

Ron nudged Harry. Harry noticed the direction that Ron was looking. Harry caught a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Granger being discretely led toward the hospital wing by Professor McGonagall. Without a word to one another they both got up, said a few comments to those nearby about seeing them later and left.

As they got close to the Hospital Wing they saw Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore leaving, evidently headed toward the staffroom. The door was still open but it was about to be closed by Madam Pomfrey who said, "Not jus' yet you two. Give 'em a minute er so."

"Madam Pomfrey? Please - I'd like them to come in," pleaded Hermione.

"Vera well." Madam Pomfrey motioned for Harry and Ron to come in.

As Harry and Ron came toward Hermione lying down in a hospital bed Mrs. Granger was sitting beside her daughter stroking her hair as her father patted her hand. Mrs. Granger looked up and gave the two a warm smile and said, "I thought we might be seeing the two of you. I'm glad you're here."

Harry looked at Hermione and was struck at the difference in her appearance, her persona. She had been asleep earlier when he left for breakfast and he hadn't noticed. But now, here she was lying there greeting him and Ron with a sad smile. Normally she was lively, quick-witted, and ever observant. She looked a shadow of her usual self.

Even though she was less of herself, she still noticed how Harry and Ron looked at her and tried to put more effort into her smile. "I'll be alright. I'm just feeling kind of - down. But nothing a little sunshine and a few friends can't fix up," she said encouragingly.

Hermione looked around and her eyes watered as she spoke. "I remember everything. I remember being stabbed and the Death Eater who stabbed me. I remember the ride to the hospital and mum riding in the ambulance with me. After that everything went black and the next thing I remember was seeing a little blonde haired girl. She and I were in a very dark and cold place. I asked her what her name was and she said she didn't have a name yet. I asked her where we were and she said that I was only lost and needed to go home. She told me that mum, dad, and two friends were looking for me and that I needed to go. Everywhere I looked it was dark and black. I told her I didn't know which way to go. She pointed and told me to go. She told me to listen, to listen with my heart. The ones that love me and care about me would call my name and I was to go with them. I listened and I heard Harry call my name and then I heard the rest of you calling my name." Hermione paused as a couple of tears trickled down her cheek. "I owe my life to all of you. You risked your lives to save me. You could have all died trying to save me."

Harry felt like he had a large lump in his throat but still managed to choke out, "What are friends for?" Ron couldn't say anything, he just nodded in agreement.

"You're a bit of trouble but you're worth the effort pumpkin," said Mr. Granger shakily trying to make light of the risk they all took. "You're mother and I hoped you would never remember what happened and would be spared having to go through this."

"That's quite a story about the spell. 'The Breath of Life' I believe it's called. I don't think anyone else remembers much about it. All your father and I remember is calling your name." Mrs. Granger looked at Harry and Ron.

"That's all I remember."

"Same here," Ron said regaining his voice, "and there was no little girl. There was only the four of us within the spell that Dumbledore cast."

Hermione sighed. "I really wanted to thank her for pointing me in the right direction."

"Tis enough you two. You can visit again this afternoon. An' before ya ask. I believe she can return ta tomorrow." Madam Pomfrey shooed Harry and Ron out the door.

They relayed the message to everyone in the common room that Hermione could have visitors later in the afternoon and that she'd be returning the next day. Jim Bennet asked Harry and Ron an obvious question. "What do you suppose would cheer Hermione up?"

Harry looked at Ron and they both shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe some candy er flowers?" suggested Ron.

"Something to show she's appreciated. It wouldn't have to be big. Something little," said Harry. Harry noticed people were taking off in different directions following up on ideas. He wasn't sure what he would do and wandered the castle. He found himself heading toward Hagrid's hut. After telling Hagrid how she was doing, and Hagrid looked very much relieved, he made a suggestion.

"Now mind ya, I'm not suggestin' anythin'. I'm just commentin'. But I happen to recall seein' some Royal Queens up tha hillside a couple ah miles behind the castle in the forest. Oh, ah Royal Queens are sometimes called Purple Queens round these parts. They're gorgeous purple orchids, softern velevet tha petals are, an' a fragrance that'd cheer anyone." Hagrid looked from side to side and said in a lowered voice. "I'm sure a fella with ah broom an' ah invisibility cloak could make a quick trip of it." Then in his regular voice. "I'd ask ya for tea but ya probably have some errands to run." Hagrid winked at Harry and then turned to put a pot of water on the fire to warm for tea.

When Harry got back from his "errand" he found nearly half of Gryffindor, as well as some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, had shown up in the Hospital Wing to see Hermione. Harry was pleased; evidently, Hermione had made quite an impression as Prefect.

"There ya are mate. We thought maybe you had forgotten about a friend of ours up here in the hospital wing," Ron teased.

"Never." Harry brought out a bouquet of Purple Queens from behind his back amidst oos and ahs.

"Oh Harry they're beautiful." Hermione breathed in their fragrance and the sparkle in her eyes came back briefly. "Ahhh, heavenly."

Harry leaned in close and whispered just loud enough for Hermione to hear. "They're from me and Hagrid. He told me where to find them."

"Thank you Harry."

"Here Harry, I'll put them on the table with the rest." Ginny took the flowers and put them on a table piled high with small gifts. Harry noticed that Ginny and several other girls took great delight in smelling the Purple Queens on the way to the table.

Someone closer to the door said, "Slytherin? What are you doing here?"

The crowd of well-wishers parted as a first year Slytherin made is way toward Hermione, his chin held high, and carrying a box. Someone else asked suspiciously, "What's in the box Slytherin?"

"None of your business. It's for Prefect Granger."

"Hello, . Get a letter from home?" asked Hermione.

The young boy paused, and nodded slightly. It was obvious it was something he didn't want to talk about in front of everyone. He reached in his pocket and took out some type of device which he put in his mouth and then opened the box. About a dozen fairies flew out chattering in their soft and high pitched language. started talking in the same language amidst gasps from the crowd. The fairies pointed toward Hermione and nodded. One of the fairies let out a sound Harry could only guess was the equivalent of an exclamation and flew toward the Purple Queens on the table. The rest of the fairies followed. It looked like they were breathing in the fragrance with something next to ecstasy.

"Looks like the fairies fancy the Royal Queens you got Harry," said Neville.

said something more in fairy getting their attention and motioned toward Hermione. They flew toward Hermione and began to sing, glowing brightly. Delicate and enchanting as the tinkling of glass wind chimes the song of fairies, everyone was entranced. When they were done singing, they waved to and waved back as they flew out the window. took out whatever it was he had in his mouth and put it back in his pocket.

"I've never heard fairies sing before. That was wonderful , thank you."

"Wow," said Jim. "Where did you find the fairies and how can you talk to them?"

"In a Hawthorn tree of course, and none of your business how I can talk to them." gave a curt bow to Hermione and left.

"Almost makes ya think not all Slytherin's are bad blokes," said Fred.

"Right 'O, but he's only a first year. They haven't had enough time to corrupt him yet. Besides a Slytherin is always up to somethin' - it's their nature," said George who laughed when Hermione eyed him amongst snickers of agreement to his comment.

Hermione cleared her throat and everyone was silent. "I just wanted to apologize for not recognizing some of you last night. I - I just …."

A round of responses ensued. "No, no, think nothing of it." "It's alright, we understand." "It's okay Hermione."

"Do you really remember everything? Being stabbed and all?" asked Tim.

It was suddenly very silent. Hermione seemed to deflate thinking back on the memory. "Yes," she said slowly. "I remember everything." There were a few gasps among the girls, a "Blimey" from Seamus, and a few "Merlin's" from others.

"Ow. What was that for? I was just curious."

"We're supposed to be here to cheer her up you twit," said Jim who had just hit his brother up side the head.

"Sorry," he said to Hermione.

"That's okay -I'm starting to feel a little tired."

Almost everyone shuffled toward the door. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Neville stayed behind. Distantly in the corridor, Tim could be heard again. "Ow, I said I was sorry."

"Is there anything you need?" asked Harry.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you, all of you. I'll be back in Gryffindor tomorrow."

Just before Harry stepped out the Hospital Wing door, he gave Hermione one last look. She had a pleading look in her eyes that said, 'stay'. It hit Harry hard, that look. He thought to himself, 'Harry you fool. You shouldn't have let Ron take Hermione to the dance. So what, if it's a side effect, this feeling we have for each other. We should have let it run its course, whatever it is. Now, it would just be a mess. Ron would most likely not understand.' He rubbed his forehead. His scar had been hurting constantly ever since Voldemort had been reborn, but it was hurting more at the moment.

Still upset with himself Harry rolled around in his mind any possible solution to the open ended question of a relationship between Hermione and himself that was more than friendship. Sirius's letter! He had forgotten all about it. Remus had given it to him after their last special lesson. He had tucked it away in his trunk and hadn't read it.

Quickly he made his way up to the Fifth Year Boy's room. He was glad no one else was there and immediately dug his trunk extracting the letter from Sirius.

Harry,

I'm a little surprised you let Ron take Hermione to the dance knowing that she feels something for you too. I do understand the logic behind what you're doing. But it seems like a painful way to find out. Like I said, I'm not the best person to ask when it comes to these matters. I'll give this some thought and if I come up with a decent suggestion I'll be sure to pass it along as quick as I can.

Buckbeak and I have taken up permanent residence, so to speak. More like a prison since we can't take the risk of going anywhere. But I have the hope that we'll get to see you come Christmas. Christmas seems an eternity away cooped up in this place. Enough of my problems. Let me know how things are going for you in school and especially in Quidditch. I want to hear that Gryffindor wins the Quidditch cup this year - captain. Yes, I heard you made captain. Your father would have been proud of you. I know that I am.

Your Godfather

Sirius

PS Be sure not to leave this letter lying around.

Harry looked over the letter again. 'Great, nothing in here to help with this ache in my heart.' He felt emotionally drained. Out of frustration, he waded up the letter and gave it a toss. "Incendio Totalus," he muttered. The wadded up letter burst into flame and was gone before it ever hit the floor. He was stunned, he had just done wandless magic and knew that he had done it. Getting over his shock, he looked around the room quickly making sure no one had seen him do it. His heart was racing with the thrill of what he had just done 'But how?'. He carefully waded up a piece of parchment, gave it a toss and whispered, "Incendio Totalus," nothing happened. 'Darn, I did the same thing. What the hell was the difference?'

Ron walked in. "Whatcha doin' mate? Smells like somethin's burnin'."

"Oh, I was umm," Harry looked past Ron into the hallway.

Ron picked up on it and leaned back into the hallway. "All clear. What's up?"

"It was a letter from Sirius. He said not to leave it lying around so I incinerated it."

"Ah, I see. For a sec there I thought you had turned pyro on us. Anythin' else?"

"Yeah. He said that he and Buckbeak had taken up permanent residence somewhere. Of course, he couldn't say where in his letter. Right, he also said he hoped to see me come Christmas."

"Excellent. Maybe you could spend part of Christmas break at The Burrow instead of staying here at school."

"I'd like that."

Dark, damp and lit with torches. The place was familiar to Harry and yet he was sure he had never been here before. There were more than a dozen hooded figures standing before him. He was taking relish in not talking to them but letting the moment draw out. Then Harry spoke but the voice was not his own, but a menacing voice made every muscle in his body tense up.

"It has come to my attention that a family of muggles was tortured and killed East of Whitehaven." There were some chuckles in the crowd. "Ah, good, I'm glad to see we still know how to have fun." There was a long pause followed by, "However, I believe I gave explicit instructions there was to be no killings that would bring unnecessary attention of our existence to the Ministry."

"But master, the Ministry has already blamed the killings on a werewolf."

"Templeton," the menacing voice said silkily. "We all like to have fun now don't we?" Affirmation and laughter flowed from the crowd. "I have learned from my mistakes. I will not rush this. Our numbers will grow steadily and when the time is right, we will make our move. I like to have fun too Templeton." The crowd parted uneasily from around the hooded figure called Templeton.

"B-but Master…"

"Crucio!" Harry said with delight and the one named Templeton screamed.

Harry sat bolt upright in bed breathing heavily and shakily wiped cold sweat from his forehead. His scar was throbbing painfully. He tried to remember his dream, or vision, or what ever it was and felt uneasy. It was almost as though he were looking through the eyes of Voldemort. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep for a while. He could pace the floor in the dark common room or…. Harry stealthily gathered his invisibility cloak and made his way to the Hospital Wing. Hermione was sleeping peacefully. It did him a world of good to watch her, quietly, unseen, and his scar did not hurt near as much. A stolen kiss on Hermione's cheek and he returned to his bed in the dorm.

Hermione returned to Gryffindor tower the next day as promised but she was nowhere near her normal self. Hermione seemed drained of energy and moved as if she had weights attached to her arms and legs. Harry and Ron carried her books and took notes for her in all of their classes except Divination. Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott helped her out in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy since Hufflepuff had those classes with Gryffindor. Ron complained privately to Harry that taking notes for Hermione was going to kill him. But Harry was insistent and reminded Ron of all the times they had worked from Hermione's notes. Harry had to admit that taking notes in History of Magic class wasn't fatal but it was painful in the sense that it was much easier to fall asleep than listen to Professor Binns drone on and on. That particular class had been one of their favorites to scour Hermione's notes for study. How they missed the "old" Hermione.

Depression….it's like and insidious poison numbing body and soul, draining away your energy and desire to do anything at all. If left unchecked it can become an ever-tightening downward spiral of doing nothing because you're depressed. Then, you're depressed because you've done nothing. Left unto itself depression will consume its victim. Depression is overcome by being involved in the things we normally enjoy, the things that bring back the joy of life. It becomes important to identify those things in life that recharge the spirit whether it be walks along a calm waters edge, reading favorite books, or listening to favorite music. Not the least of things to be overlooked in the process of recovery is family and friends. Our most valuable treasure and resource in life are our friends. And Hermione had something even more rare and cherished than friends she had true friends.

A week had gone by and it was Saturday morning again. Hermione was not much improved. She had taken up sitting in by a window staring into the distance, doing little else. At present she was once again sitting in a chair looking into the empty sky, her homework only half-done, sitting on the floor beside her.

Harry and Ron were huddled at a small table near Hermione talking about what to do for her. She was oblivious to them, lost in her own dark thoughts. "This is awful ya know. She can't keep going on like this. Blimey, she's hardly touched her homework. Just look at her Harry. There's got to be something that will snap her out of this."

"Most of Gryffindor has already tried Ron. It's almost getting to be a contest to see who, or what, can finally bring her out of this. Frankly I'm getting worried."
"You're getting worried? What about me?" Ron paused and then swore. "And Snape didn't help in double potions Thursday. That cold hearted git," Ron said through clenched teeth. "I'd like to….."

Harry was in agreement and his lip curled as he thought back on it.

"Miss Granger. What would be the most economical means of brewing the desired potion if the only ingredients available are the ones listed on the board?"

"I don't know sir," Hermione said slowly.

Snape walked toward her desk. "Come, come. We've grown accustomed to your annoying hand always in the air. Put that sharp mind of yours to it. It's not that difficult." There was amused anticipation from the Slytherins in the room.

"Why don't you let her alone! Can't you tell she's not feeling well!"

The room went deafly silent. "Well, well, Mr. Longbottom. Finally showing some backbone? I'm afraid your little outburst will cost Gryffindor a point and if the potion we are all about to brew isn't perfect when I get to your cauldron it will cost another point," Snape said with relish.

"That's not fair!" Blood was pounding in Harry's ears. Hermione nudged Harry and said in a whisper, "Harry, don't."

"Fair? Why Mr. Potter I would have thought that of all people you would already know life is not fair. If it were, you would still have parents. But then again fair to one may not be so fair to another." Snape strode back to his desk and rounded on the class speaking with authority. "My job is to try and teach the students of Hogwarts about potions. If any of you feel that you know more, or are better qualified, please apply for the job. Until that time, this class will be run as I see fit. Mr. Potter that will be five points from Gryffindor for your unsolicited comment about fairness."

Hermione's hand went up with effort.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

Hermione spieled off the answer to Snape's earlier question.

"See what a little effort can do? One point for Gryffindor."

"Snape never gives points to Gryffindor," Harry said.

"Yeah, but we still lost six that class period," Ron reminded Harry.

That was true. Besides the five he had personally lost, Neville had lost two more. Neville lost the initial point plus, he lost one more when his potion was not up to snuff.

Seamus came over to the table Harry and Ron were. He had a huge smile on his face. "You guys have got to hear this. It's the Bennet's, and things are getting ugly." Seeing the looks on their faces he said, "No, not like that. I mean ugly. Come on over. You've got to hear this," Seamus chuckled as laughter erupted from a crowded table.

While Harry and Ron had been fuming about Snape, Jim and Tim Bennet had coaxed Hermione out of her chair by the window to a table, all quite unnoticed by either Harry or Ron. Jim and Tim had talked her into judging an "ugly" contest between the two of them.

Getting to the table Harry saw Hermione with a much-welcomed grin on her face. She pointed to Jim and said, "Okaaay, round one. Round two starts with, um, Tim?" Tim nodded.

"You're ugly"

"You're uglier."

"Who you callin' ugly, ugly."

"Why you're so ugly the last time you were walking down the street in Diagon Alley the Sanitation Wizards were called out. Everyone thought the sewer had backed up."

"You're so ugly your picture is used as a laxative."

"Hey Tim, did you hear that the Hit Wizards are going to use your picture?

"Oh yeah, what for?

"They're going to threaten to show dangerous criminals your picture. They figure criminals will surrender without resistance rather than risk blindness. 'Cause you're so ugly! You're so ugly people turn prematurely gray when they look at you."

Hermione cleared her throat still grinning, almost to a chuckle. "Ah, that's two in a row Jim. Penalty."

"Sorry," he said trying to look sorry but failing.

"Tim, you're still uglier."

"Yeah? Well you look kinda like uncle Fuzzy.

"Time out. Time out. Breach of etiquette. You can't jump to the Fuzzy ugliness that quick.

Hermione just shrugged, chuckling. "I assume Penalty? Tim."

Tim hung his head in mock shame. "Oh, sorry." Then started up again. "You're uglier"

"No, uncle Fuzzy is ugliest."

They both nodded in agreement eliciting laughter from their audience.

Jim started up again. "You know you're starting to look an awful lot like uncle Fuzzy."

"No, I think you look more like uncle Fuzzy than me."

"Hey, this uncle Fuzzy ugliness is starting to make me sick, a little queasy, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, me too. Kinda makes me knot up in the bowels."

"Okay then. Let's start over….. You're Ugly! I mean reeealy UGLY! In fact, let me put it into a cheer for you. "U" "G" "L" "Y" You ain't got no alibi. You're ugly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're ugly

Jim let out a string of swear words as Hermione put her hand to her mouth, her eyes getting big and chuckling a little harder.

Tim retaliated, "You're so ugly that every time I look at you I wanna puke."

"Ha! When I look at you I have the urge to take a crap you're so ugly."

"Oh yeah! Well you look like a pile of crap."

"You're uglier than a pile of crap. And by the way, you're uglier than me."

"No, no. You must have got a bump on the head and you're suffering from delusions. You're definitely the ugliest."

"Me ugly? No, no. I'm very haaandsome."

"Aaaaagh! I think I'm going to be sick." Someone handed Jim a trash can. He took it making gagging and spitting noises.

"Hey! Don't let any of your ugliness rub off on that trash can."

"What I just put in this trash can ain't as ugly as you are," retorted Jim. Tim slapped his hand to his chest as though he had been wounded amongst the "oooooo's" and "Great come back" comments from the crowd.

"Hey Jim. I heard you got arrested for looking out the window the other day."

"How's that?"

"Yeah, you're so butt ugly they arrested you for mooning."

Even Jim had to pause and chuckle on that one. "Oh yeah? Well, you're uglier than cat poop."

"What? No way."

"Yeah, it's true. You'd best not fall asleep on a beach. If a cat comes along it'll try to bury you. Actually, this explains a lot as to when we were kids why mom always brought along a wand when she took us to a park and you played in the sand. If a cat mistook you for ugly cat poop, and buried you, then mom would magic you out."

"She did not!"

"It's true. I'm the oldest, I can remember. That's why to this day dad will say, 'Hey, look what the cat drug in' when you step through the door at home."

Jim jumped up from his chair laughing and ran, exiting the tower with Tim in hot pursuit. People were clutching their sides from laughing so hard. Hermione was wiping away a tear. Then, when she finally caught her breath.

"I think I've got some homework to do."

Harry thought, 'That's an improvement. At least she feels like doing homework and it was good to see her laugh again.'