After two of the trio pair off, Harry feels he carries the load of his destiny truly alone.
From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/3376/
Lonely Road
Sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was to be a trying time for our young hero, Harry Potter. He no longer had Quidditch to escape to and there was a sudden rift in his friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. As if being passed over for Gryffindor prefect wasn't enough to make feel like a third wheel, Ron and Hermione announced on the train ride to school that they were together and had been since the Department of Mysteries incident. Harry felt a wide range of emotions at the revealing of his two friends new found relationship, none stronger however than abandonment. As happy as he should have felt for his two best friends, he couldn't help but feel so isolated from them now. His two dearest friends in the world had paired off and left him alone.
Harry tried the best he could those following weeks to put on a happy face for his friends. Though their relationship deeply hurt him, he did not want to be the one to put any strain on it. And so Harry tried to play along with Ron and Hermione as if not a thing had changed in the world.
Though this act had been for the most part successful, there were occasionally awkward moments for the trio. Most of which were the small, subtle things Ron and Hermione would do like any normal couple, such as hold hands and whisper loving words into each others ears. However when these things would happen in front of Harry, they were just extra shards added into his already shattered heart.
“What's the matter with you mate, you look a bit ill” Ron asked one Saturday morning when he saw Harry, pale as Sir Nicolas, at breakfast. Harry hadn't gotten much sleep these days.
“Nothing, but I'd better head to the library to work on that Transfiguration essay McGonagall assigned us” Harry replied as he stood to leave, slightly glancing at Ron's hand that rested upon Hermione's.
“But I thought we were going to all work on it together and besides they day has just begu—“ Hermione called after him but was cut off by Harry's “G'bye” as he exited the Great Hall. Both of them stared after him with worry in their eyes. Neither of them knew why Harry suddenly became so distant, it reminded them a bit of Harry's attitude from last year…
“Something is really bothering him” Hermione said breaking their silence. “I'm really worried about him. I want you to talk to him tonight.”
“I'll see what I can do Hermione, but you know how hard Harry is to reach when he's sunken into one of his depressions.”
“Well something needs to be said and who better than his best friend.”
“I suppose” he moaned back, not looking forward to a possible confrontation with his bothered friend.
Harry avoided Ron and Hermione for the rest of the day. Most of the time he spent in either an empty classroom working on spells or in the corner of the library working on assignments. Neither Ron nor Hermione could really spend much time to look for him due to their prefect duties, but Ron planned on having a talk with him later that night in the dormitory.
Later on that night as Harry looked through his old family album that Hagrid had made him after first year, he decided to head down to the common room to see if Ginny was up for a game of wizard's chess. He needed something to keep his mind and heart from sinking any lower and a friendly game of chess with a friend was just the thing to distract him. However, as he reached the foot of the staircase he heard two familiar voices chatting by the fire, apparently finished with their patrolling. Harry peeked around the corner to see Ron and Hermione on the couch, resting by the fire.
“I'm tired” Hermione yawned as she shut her eyes and leaned into Ron for a cuddle. “Have you talked to Harry yet?”
“No, I was a bit busy...”
“Ron…”
“I know I know Hermione, I'll be back down in a bit with your report” Ron groaned as he sat up to leave. Harry was about to rush up to the bedroom when he heard Hermione's voice call out to Ron.
“I love you.”
“I love you too” Ron replied with a grin and he went back to the couch and gave her a kiss. Suddenly that was more than Harry could bear. He ran up to the room and dived into his trunk and pulled out two things: his father's invisibility cloak and his firebolt. He wrapped himself and his broom in the cloak and closed the trunk as Ron entered the room.
“Harry?” Ron searched the room for his friend but the room was completely empty. As Ron searched around, Harry left the room through the open door, headed down the stairs, through the common room and out the portrait hole. “He's gone!” Ron exclaimed to Hermione as he rushed down the stairs.
“What?!” Hermione replied with worry in her voice. “We've got to look for him!” And with that they left the common room and split up on their search for Harry Potter. Meanwhile, Harry was off to the only place he could escape to: the Quidditch Pitch.
When he walked onto the Pitch, it was faintly lit by the half-moon directly above him. It seemed that all the stars twinkled a little brighter that night.
“Perfect” he whispered to himself as he removed the cloak and kicked off from the ground and into the midnight sky. He flew around the stadium, free of any kind of worry, especially the prophecy which he had yet to reveal to anyone. He was reminiscing of his first flying lesson, his first Quidditch match and of Gryffindor's Quidditch Cup victory in third year. Oh the joy he felt as every memory passed through his mind, as every wisp of air flowed through his unruly hair. Flying away his sorrows, Harry had found peace at last. He then landed at top the Gryffindor bleacher and stared endlessly into the heavens. It was a bit cold so he summoned his cloak (“Accio Invisibility Cloak!” he called) and wrapped it around his shoulders so that it looked like his head was floating.
“You know, most would be a little bothered by the sight of a floating head.”
Hermione had found him.
Harry gave her a grin as she walked over and took a seat next to him. He looked her in the eyes then took his gaze back to the skies.
“Harry…” Hermione started but thought better of continuing. She looked at his face and saw that there were no more words to be said between them. She then followed Harry's gaze and looked quietly into the endless sky, intertwining her hand with his.
“Ron. Ron. RON!”
“Who, wha…what's happening” Ron stammered as Hermione woke him up from his place on the couch in the common room. “Oh…I came back and you weren't here yet so I thought I'd wait up…did you find Harry?”
“Yes he's fine, he was at the Pitch. He's just gone up to bed” Hermione replied to her obviously tired boyfriend. “Sorry to have worried you, but he needed some time. I still don't know what exactly is bothering him, but I think he'll open up when he's ready.” Ron looked down in concentration for a moment then spoke.
“I'm sure he's fine, I'll have a quick chat with him before he nods off, so I'd better get going, G'night Hermione” Ron stated and gave his girl a quick kiss before heading up the staircase. When he reached the room he saw that the blinds around Harry's bed were closed. “You know you gave us a right good scare there mate. You had the both of us worried when you disappeared.” There were a few seconds of silence before Harry responded.
“I'm sorry to have caused you two a commotion, but I'm fine now. G'night Ron.”
“Are you sure you're fine, because I'm not so sure. You've been off all school year” Ron pried.
“Its only been a few weeks Ron. G'night”
“You know what I mean!”
“G'night Ron.”
“Fine mate, whatever. Whenever you're ready to quit being a git, Hermione and I will be ready to listen.” Harry took in his best mates words before finally closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.
When Harry awoke, the room was already cleared out. Everyone was presumably at breakfast already. He let out a sigh before he changed clothes and headed down to join everyone else. When he reached the common room he saw Ron and Hermione once again on the couch. This time they noticed him.
“Good morning Harry” Hermione exclaimed. “We were waiting for you, ready for breakfast?”
“Yeah, let's go” Harry replied and the trio proceeded out the portrait hole and down to the Great Hall. Everyone was too caught up in their meal to notice the three enter. They headed to the nearest empty spot at Gryffindor table and were about to take a seat when Professor McGonagall lightly grabbed Harry by the shoulder.
“Mr. Potter, I'm afraid you'll have to take a rain-check on your breakfast this morning. The Headmaster needs to speak with you immediately” the transfiguration professor stated. “I'm to escort you to his office this moment, follow me.” Harry didn't get a chance to respond before McGonagall started on her way out of the Great Hall.
“I'll see you guys in class I suppose” Harry called to his friends, both of which wore worried expressions on their faces. “I have a feeling this isn't going to be good” Harry thought to himself as he exited the Hall on the heels of the Deputy Headmistress.
A few silent minutes passed until Harry arrived at the stone gargoyle. Professor McGonagall uttered the password and the spiral staircase to the Headmaster appeared. Harry quietly followed his teacher up the steps and through the oak doors of Albus Dumbledore's office, where they found him stroking his pet phoenix, Fawks.
“Ah, thank you Minerva. You may leave. Harry, please have a seat.” Harry reluctantly took a seat opposite his Headmaster as McGonagall exited the room, leaving them alone. “I've no doubt that you are curious as to why I have summoned you, so I shall cut to the chase. Voldemort is gaining power everyday, as you know, and your destinies are bringing you two closer to your inevitable fates. Though I wish it were not so, Harry, I will do all in my power to insure that you are prepared for the coming battle. With that said you will be excused from all exams and, when need be, classes in order for you to undergo private training, everyday, until the time has come for you to face Voldemort in your final confrontation. I will be personally training you.”
Harry was completely still in his chair, dumbstruck. The reality of the prophecy was setting in like never before; private training with the most powerful wizard in the Wizarding World, in the hopes of preparing Harry James Potter for a duel to the death. It was overwhelming. However, while the training should have given Harry a sense of security, there was another part of the message that bothered him. The lessons were to be everyday until the final battle. The urgency in this decision pointed to one thing…
“The battle…It's going to be sooner than later isn't it professor” Harry asked barely above a whisper, never allowing his eyes to meet those of his Headmaster.
“We have come across some information regarding Voldemort's future plans. He does not plan on dragging this war out. He is recruiting more allies as we speak preparing for a full on attack on the Ministry of Magic; one battle to decide it all. It will be a matter of months until he's fully prepared” Dumbledore said, his voice a mix of anger, regret and perhaps even fear. Harry noticed this and realized he had to force himself to be strong in his resolve. He was needed and this war would not be won on doubt.
“Well then professor” Harry started, with confidence in his voice, “I'll do everything in my power to prepare myself for what's to come…for my parents and for Sirius. Their sacrifices will not be in vain.” While his words were steady, Dumbledore could see the doubt and fear written in his emerald eyes.
“Harry…why haven't you told your friends of the prophecy?” Harry was caught completely off guard by this but answered:
“Because they don't need to. This is my future. They don't need to be held down by it as well. The prophecy said it, in the end it comes down to just Voldemort and I. I walk alone on this path…and I plan to keep it that way.”
“This war may come down to a duel between you and Voldemort, but understand this Harry: you will never be alone in anything you do.”
“Professor…Thank you.”
“You're welcome Harry. I'm sure you have a lot to consider, so I'll let classes be optional today, however, I do expect you to keep good marks in all your classes. You should still study for your lessons; for I've no doubt your future will lead you to into your seventh year here at Hogwarts. Private lessons will begin tomorrow after dinner. Meet me here in my office. You may leave.” Harry stood from his chair, giving Dumbledore a final nod before leaving his office.
If there was one thing Harry was not up for after that meeting, it was class. He slowly made his way back to Gryffindor tower, thankful that he didn't have to go back to class. After convincing the Fat Lady that he wasn't cutting classes, he made his way to the common room and into a favorite chair by the fire. Harry sat there for quite a while, just thinking of everything that had just been thrust onto him. It just wasn't fair…none of it was. And as he had admitted to Dumbledore earlier, this was to be a lonely road for him, which provided no comfort.
Harry was brought back from his thoughts when a few students came bustling through the portrait hole. It was lunch break. Not wanting to risk being confronted by Ron and Hermione, he made his way to the Fat Lady himself to escape any explanations. Unfortunately for Harry, as soon as the portrait swung open, he was face to face with the two people he wanted to see least.
“Harry!” Hermione squeaked in surprise. “What are you doing here? You didn't show up to any of your classes! What did Dumbledore want? Is it serious? Is everyone okay? Are you okay?”
“Whoa, calm down there Hermione” Ron pleaded, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “At least give him a second to answer.”
“Everyone's fine Hermione” Harry answered shortly. “Just Voldemort business, but I really have to go now. I'll talk to you later.” Hermione would not give up so easily.
“Harry James Potter, you do NOT just casually mention Voldemort business and walk away without explanation” Hermione half shouted, causing Ron to cringe at the sound of the Dark Lord's name. “What's going on?”
“Will you lower your voice? This isn't exactly public knowledge you're asking for!”
“Fine! Let's go for a walk then and discuss it calmly” Hermione suggested.
“Hermione, what about lunch? We just wanted to check if Harry was okay and he is, we can talk details after classes are through. I'm starving” Ron groaned.
“You can go ahead and leave, Ron, I'll meet you at dinner since I have Arithmacy next.”
“Fine then, Harry will I be seeing you in Herbology after lunch?”
“No,” Harry answered “Dumbledore said it's okay if I skive off classes for today, so I'm going to take advantage of it.”
“Dumbledore said what?”
“I'll explain it on our walk.”
“Lucky bloke, guess I'll see you later tonight then.”
“Bye, Ron.”
“Bye, Harry. See you later tonight Hermione” and with that Ron left the two to their inevitable row. After a few minutes of walking in silence, the two friends found themselves outside and approaching the lake. Hermione had so many questions on her mind, many of which had nothing to do with Harry's mysterious meeting with the Headmaster today. She wanted to know why he had suddenly distanced himself form her and Ron. Why his eyes carried a look of defeat every time she looked into them. She wanted to know what he was hiding, but more importantly why he felt he had to carry whatever load it was on his own. Didn't he realize yet that she'd always be there for him? She was his best friend and always would be…she'd proved that many a time in their years of friendship. Yet here he was, still trying to turn her away. She had to know why.
“Well” Hermione began as they reached the edge of the lake. “Do you plan on telling what's the matter, or are you waiting for lunch period to end so you won't have to tell me?”
“Honestly Hermione” Harry retorted. “There's not much for me to tell that you don't know already. Dumbledore called me into his office to tell me that Voldemort is getting stronger.”
“And? We know that, there's more so what is it?”
“And…I'll be receiving private training from Dumbledore himself from now on. I start lessons tomorrow and will have them everyday from then on.”
“You're going to have daily training with one of the most powerful wizards in a century. It seems a bit drastic don't you think? What is he expecting you to duel with Voldemort or something” Hermione commented sarcastically, causing an uncomfortable squirm from Harry. Thankfully she didn't notice.
“I'm sure it's just a safety precaution” Harry said nervously, eyes wandering onto anything but his best friend. “I've been a popular target in the past after all.” Hermione noticeably stiffened at those words. “Hermione, what's the mat--” but before he could finish, she had thrown her arms around his neck and began sobbing softly into his chest.
“I'm sorry…I'm sorry life has been so unfair to you. I'm sorry that you've lost so many people that loved you. I'm sorry if I haven't been the friend I should be. I'm sorry for everything Harry. But I'm still here, and I always will be…you know that don't you?”
“I know you're here…but you won't always be. I need to start relying on myself, especially now. I've been selfish bringing every problem to you. I need to grow into my person and I can't do that with you always holding my hand. And besides, you've got more important things to give your attention to. You don't need my burdens right now.”
“That's rubbish! Not once have you ever made me help you. I choose to do so because you're my best friend. Anyone trying to carry their problems alone would be miserable and the way you've distanced yourself from everyone is proving that. What do you think could be more important to me than our friendship that would warrant you shutting me out?”
“Your relationship.” Hermione was speechless. She never once considered how her relationship with Ron would affect Harry.
“How could I be so stupid” she asked herself. “He just lost Sirius a few months ago. He must've felt so alone…abandoned even. Then his two best friends form a relationship, isolating him even more. I'm an idiot” but before she could voice anything out loud, they were interrupted by a booming voice across the grounds.
“HERMIONE, CLASSES ARE GONNA BE STARTIN' SOON. GET YOUR BUTT TER CLASS” Hagrid called, his hands forming an O around his mouth to amplify his voice.
“You'd better go” Harry said turning away from her.
“But Harry”
“We'll talk later. I promise. See you later.” Hermione very reluctantly turned away from Harry and ran towards the castle. Harry watching her back until she disappeared from sight.
Author Note: As some Green Day fans may have noticed, the title and Harry's outlook on the prophecy was very much influenced by the song, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” I listen to it all the time these days because it really does remind me of Harry and the situation he's in.
Without classes, the day passed quickly for Harry as he wandered the campus, thinking of what he'd say to Hermione. He'd already told her too much. Now she'll think I'm jealous of her relationship with Ron now. Idiot Harry scolded himself. At least I didn't tell her I'm excused from exams; she'd have really dug into me if she found out. Come to think about it, it'd probably be best if I didn't tell anyone about that. Don't want everyone to think Dumbledore's playing favorites. His inner-ramblings were brought to an abrupt stop when he walked right into a pile of red hair.
“Ginny! Sorry about that” Harry apologized to the youngest Weasley, helping her up. “What're you doing here?”
“Me? I should be asking you that” Ginny said, dusting herself off. “I just got out of Divination and if memory serves me right, you should be on the other side of the grounds getting out of the Potions dungeon.”
“Oh, right. Well I didn't have to go to classes today so I found myself kind of just…wandering around for a bit.”
“Well from the looks of your wandering, you were pretty lost in thought there. I should have a nice bruise on my bum to prove it.”
“Yeah, sorry again.”
“It's fine. What had you so caught up though? Is everything alright?” Harry told his friends he was fine so often, it seemed like an automated response. But looking into Ginny's eyes, for some reason he couldn't find the energy to hide anymore. He didn't even want to. For once he wanted to be honest.
“Actually Gin, I don't think so. Thing's haven't been alright with me for quite some time.” There was a brief silence between the two before Ginny replied.
“Harry.”
“Yeah?”
“Get your broom and meet me at the Pitch” Ginny demanded before rushing off and leaving Harry rather bewildered by the request.
After dropping by the dormitory to retrieve his Firebolt, Harry made his way towards the Quidditch Pitch. When he arrived Ginny was already there awaiting him leaning on the goal post, broom in hand. As she noticed him approach, she gave him a curious nod before mounting her broom and kicking off.
“Well what're you waiting for?” Ginny called down to him. “The air's nice tonight, c'mon up!” Harry shot her a grin before mounting up and kicking off. That old familiar feeling from the previous night was back. The freedom was beyond refreshing. It cleansed his soul.
“I thought this might cheer you up a bit” Ginny said pulling up next to him. “With a smile like that, it's obvious flying is in your bones. Wouldn't be the same without it would you?”
“No doubt about that one” Harry answered, brushing loose strands of his unruly hair from his face.
“I know how you feel. The sky can be pretty liberating, nothing quite like it. So are you warmed up then?”
“Warmed up? For what?”
“For this” the sneaky Weasley answered, pulling a golden ball, no bigger than a walnut, from her robes. It was a Snitch.
“How'd you get your hands on that?” Harry asked a bit shocked, his smile widening.
“Being on the team has its advantages, but let's get this game started, shall we?” Ginny extended her arm and released the Snitch from her grasp. The second it was freed its golden wings sped it out of sight. “On three. One. Two. THREE!” Both Gryffindor Seekers took off around the stadium, minds filled with but one worry in the world: a single golden Snitch.
Hermione stomped into the Great Hall, a look of great frustration on her face.
After her final class of the day, Potions, she had gone to the library to study for a few hours. When she was satisfied, Hermione decided it was time to finish her conversation with Harry. It had been weighing on her mind heavily and not much of the day's lessons, after their talk, had gotten through to her. Her thoughts were too occupied with concern. She made her way to the common room in hopes of finding him, but the only ones she found were Seamus and Lavender playing a game of Exploding Snap. She asked Seamus if Harry was in their room, but he wasn't. After letting out a sigh,
Hermione left the common room and headed outside for the lake. Harry enjoyed the calm of the lake and often went there alone to think. “But apparently not tonight” she muttered to herself as he was no where to be found when she arrived. Now she was irked. The Great Hall she realized angrily. He's probably stuffing his face with Ron.
She very carefully scanned the Gryffindor table, searching for the raven haired boy but found only the familiar red head with an empty seat beside him. She very quickly stalked over to her boyfriend who hadn't noticed her come in yet. “Where is Harry” she asked icily.
“Oh bugger! Hermione?! You scared the daylights out of me” Ron complained holding his chest.
“Have you seen him?”
“No, I haven't seen him since you two left on your walk at lunch. Where've you been? I saved you a sea...”
“Neville, do you know where Harry is” Hermione asked the rounded boy sharply, cutting Ron off. The look on her face was truly menacing and it frightened the fellow Gryffindor nearly to death.
“I…I…I…” Neville stammered.
“I saw him” said a voice dreamily from behind.
“What?” Hermione turned around and came eye to eye with the Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood. “Oh, Luna. You've seen him then? Where is he?”
“I saw him outside a few hours ago, holding his broomstick” replied Luna calmly not even looking at Hermione, but staring up into the enchanted ceiling.
“Flying, of course” said Hermione before running out of the Great Hall, leaving an angry looking Ron staring after her.
Hermione was about to explode as she approached the Pitch. First Harry distanced himself and wouldn't reveal to her why. Then when she finally got him to open up some, their conversation was disrupted and ended by Hagrid. Finally she couldn't even locate him for the better part of the evening only to have his obvious whereabouts pointed out by Loony Lovegood. “Harry James Potter is going to get an earful for putting me through this rubbish” she told herself.
The moment she entered the Pitch she spotted him high above the ground racing his Firebolt. She was ready to call him down when another person flew into view beside him. Though they were fairly high up, Hermione could distinguish that long red hair anywhere. “Ginny?” Hermione whispered to herself, squinting towards the sky. She was bit taken aback by her presence with Harry, especially after getting a good look at his face. Spread across it was a very visible and wide smile. It was the first genuine look of happiness she had seen him wear all year.
Well Ron would be relieved at this sight Hermione thought to herself. Ron had told her over the summer that he hoped for Harry and Ginny to get closer this year. “Better my best mate than possibly some arse I know nothing about” he had told her. Hermione had never given the statement serious thought because Ginny had told her that she was over Harry and even if she wasn't, Hermione assumed that Harry didn't reciprocate her feelings. Or does he? Seeing the two together, alone, like this made the clever witch doubt her previous assumptions and doubt was no ordinary occurrence for the brightest witch in Hogwarts. But there was something else Hermione was feeling at the moment, watching the two friends together. A feeling she couldn't place, but it made her chest tighten and stomach unsettled. It wasn't a good feeling to say the least. Her frustration from earlier dissipated and she suddenly couldn't bring herself to interrupt them so she made her way back to the castle. Harry was happy. For now that'd do.
“CAUGHT YAH!” Harry raised his hand in triumph; the golden Snitch secured in his palm.
“That brings the total to what? Seven to one” Ginny huffed out of breath. “Even after being suspended for a season, you can still out fly me!”
“That's not true Gin. My Firebolt's beating you if anything. Not me. And from what I remember, it wasn't a suspension. It was a lifetime ban.”
“Harry, don't be silly. You know all you have to do is ask McGonagall and you'll be back on the team now that that cow Umbridge is gone.”
“I know you're right and I was considering coming back but…I'll have my hands full this year. I honestly don't think I'll have the time.”
“But the team needs you Harry and besides, busy with what? You won't have to run the D.A. this year now that the real Moody is heading Defense Against the Dark Arts and you're still not prefect.”
“Maybe I'll tell you some other time but for now let's head back in. I'm starving!” Ginny let out a small sigh of disappointment before submitting.
“Fine, but I'm sure dinner has been over for a while.”
“We'll sneak into the kitchen and I'll have Dobby whip us up something really quick.”
“Sounds good to me, lead the way.” The two decided to fly to the castle gates before finally dismounting. Upon entering the castle they very quietly made their way to the painting of a bowl of fruit. Once they reached their destination, Harry tickled the pair which let out a giggle before revealing the entrance into the kitchen. They were happily greeted by a number of house elves, all of whom offered their services to them. Harry kindly refused their help until he saw the elf he was looking for.
“Dobby!” called Harry upon seeing him across the room. The little house elf's eyes lit up at the sight of him and he quickly ran over to greet his wizard friend.
“Harry Potter has come to visit Dobby! Oh what a very kind wizard he is! What can Dobby do for Harry Potter this fine evening?” asked Dobby, his big round eyes seemingly glossed over with tears of joy at the chance to help the boy who set him free so many year ago.
“Well I haven't had a bite to eat all day so do you think you would prepare some sandwiches for me and my friend?”
“Oh yes sir, yes sir! You and your pretty friend just wait right here!” said Dobby delightedly, running off to prepare the food. While Harry and Ginny waited at a small wooden table, they made small-talk with Dobby's friend, Winky, who was wearing a hat that was unmistakably knitted by Hermione. Winky was apparently getting used to being free. It wasn't too long after when Dobby hobbled up to them; a large tray in hand with sandwiches and two goblets of pumpkin juice. He set everything down in front of them then took Winky off to help him with chores. Both teens too hungry for any pretense of manners took huge bites into their food and large swigs of their juice. Midway through the meal, Harry decided to make conversation.
“Whatever happened with you and Dean? I remember you saying you were interested in him last year.”
“Oh, that ended before it even really started. We talked a bit at the beginning of this year and found out we really don't have much in common.”
“Oh. Well that's too bad. He's a nice guy.”
“I've met nicer” Ginny simply stated, briefly making eye contact with Harry before returning her concentration back to her plate. They finished eating in silence.
“Wow, you out did yourself Dobby” Harry proclaimed, his mouth slightly agape in satisfaction. “Thank you. I'm sorry to have put you through the trouble this time of night.”
“Oh no, no, no, no, no trouble at all sir!” replied the enthused elf. “Harry Potter never need apologize to Dobby! Now you two go have a goodnights sleep. Come visit Dobby whenever you please!” Harry and Ginny bid their friend a final goodbye before departing for Gryffindor Tower.
The common room was deserted and very dimly lit. The waning fire looked ready to breathe its last breath as Harry walked Ginny to the staircase that led to the girl's dormitories.
“Ginny, I really don't think I can thank you enough. I really needed this tonight.”
“It really was no problem at all. Anytime you wanna fly or just talk even, I'll be here.”
“Thanks Gin. I'll definitely take you up on both of those offers sometime.” Harry leaned down and gave her a warm hug. “And don't forget I offer the same services to you. Any time.”
”Thanks Harry.” They broke apart, but not until after Ginny leaned in and, on tip-toe, gave Harry a kiss on the cheek. “G'night” and on that final note she ran up the stairs, leaving Harry with a lopsided grin on his face as he made his way up to his room. However, as Harry closed his door there was a small noise back down in the common room. A chair creaked from its occupant slowly rising in the shadows, a head of bushy hair framing a very flushed face.
-->
Author Note: Sorry this has taken me so long. I didn't want to write over winter break plus I've been having total writers block with this fic. The sad thing is that even with all this time, I still didn't accomplish what I wanted in this chapter. I fully intended to have his first lesson with Dumbledore but I have no idea how to approach it. And I really don't know how other authors can just make up spells that sound real to the HP universe. Leave it to incantations to kill my creativity. But I couldn't go any longer without updating and getting some feedback on this so here you go. And one more thing. Sorry if this fic is starting to look like a script with all the dialogue; I'm really no good at narrative paragraphs.
A sleep deprived Hermione made her way into the Great Hall the following morning. On her way she passed by her roommates, Lavender and Parvati.
“Hermione, why were you in so late last night?” Parvati asked. “You look horrible! You look like you didn't sleep a wink last night.”
“She was probably off having a good snog with Ron” Lavender added which threw the two into a fit of giggles.
“Thanks for the observation and no, I was not off snogging Ron last night. I fell asleep doing some late studying in the common room. Now leave me alone!” Hermione reprimanded as she pushed past them and towards her boyfriend who was seated a few meters away. “G'morning” she greeted him as she took a seat next to him.
“Morning” Ron responded with an unusual blankness. Hermione chose not to question his mood until ten minutes had passed them by without a single word being exchanged.
“Ron, what's the matter?” Hermione asked dropping her fork.
“What do you think is the matter?” Ron snapped back. “You completely ignored me last evening so you could look for Harry! How am I supposed to feel?”
“I was worried about him! I thought you were too but I'm apparently the only one doing anything about it!”
“Don't be thick. Of course I'm worried about him but not to the extent that I would blow you off! I mean Harry's Harry. There's always something to worry about when it comes to him. I doubt it's something to lose sleep over like you obviously did.” Hermione took a second to absorb his opinion before relenting.
“I'm sorry, okay? But I can't help but worry about him sometimes, I mean he is our best friend after all…and he barely even talks to us anymore.”
“We talk to him everyday!”
“Oh please, about what? Smalltalk about classes and that's it. We don't all communicate like we used to. Like a trio.”
“I miss the way were too but things are pretty different now” Ron stated taking a hold of her hand. “It's not like we can share everything like we used to.”
“That's the thing that's bothering me, Ron. Our relationship has pushed Harry away. He feels like we don't need him anymore and he needs us more than ever this year after the loss of Sirius.”
“Pushing him away? We've done nothing but reach out to him since we've noticed his problem. We can't force our help to someone who doesn't want it. Besides, Harry isn't the eleven year old boy you first met. He can take care of himself and if he really does need our help, he knows we're always here for him, even if he's not showing it right now. He'll come around Hermione. I promise.”
“I really do hope so” Hermione ended then fell into the arms of her boyfriend who gave her a comforting squeeze. Hermione managed a smile being held by her redhead. He really is the sweetest guy she thought to herself. They broke apart a short while later after Ron noticed who had just entered the Great Hall.
“Well speak of our man. Here comes Harry” Ron informed his girlfriend. Hermione turned to see Harry approach but her smile quickly faded when she saw him. At his side yet again was Ginny whom he seemed to be having an animated conversation with.
“Morning Ron. Hermione” Harry greeted. “I'm just gonna grab some toast to go since breakfast is almost over. I'll see you two in class?”
“Oh, you're right! I suppose I'll do the same” Ginny added.
“Alright, I'll walk you to class then” Harry offered his younger companion. The two then grabbed a piece of toast and started out of the Great Hall. “Later” Harry called back to his best friends whom were still seated.
“Later Harry” Ron replied. “Well that's the most normal I've seen him all year” Ron said a bit surprised, turning to Hermione. “I told you not to worry! He's looking better already isn't he?”
“Yes, I suppose he is” Hermione replied with Ron's earlier lack of emotion. “And he and your sister seem to have gotten closer.”
“How do you mean?”
“Well last night when I finally found him, they were flying alone together at the Pitch. By the look on Harry's face, he was enjoying their bit of quality time. And now today he's walking her to class…” The last part Hermione uttered a bit under her breath, but Ron was still able to hear it.
“Really now” Ron began, a smirk spreading across his face, “Do you think Harry is finally starting to warm up to my sister?”
“It would seem so.”
“Well I'd say it's about time. She's liked him for ages! Finally I might be able to relax a little when it comes to my sister's love life. I was ready to explode if I saw her with one more bloke like that Corner fellow.”
“Yeah…well we'd better head to Transfiguration now. Professor McGonagall won't let us turn in our essay if we're late.” The couple, though hand-in-hand, silently made their way to their first class of the day. Upon entering the classroom, people were already taking their essays out, everyone obviously nervous about their individual results. Harry walked in with his paper in hand, not wanting to waste any time. As soon as he took his usual seat next to Hermione, the class began. There weren't many words to be spoken between the trio because Professor McGonagall decided to have a pure lecturing period, which ended after four parchments worth of notes and the beginning of their next class, History of Magic with Professor Binns. Seeing as Binns classes were always lectures, everyone's hands were ready to fall off from all the notes by the time lunch had finally arrived.
“Hermione, I can't pick up my fork!” Ron gasped in horror. “My arms too used to the weight of a quill! I can't handle anything else after all that writing!”
“Oh Ron, quit exaggerating!” Hermione responded. “These notes will be loads of help when it comes to your studies. You won't have to borrow MINE for once. Besides, a few notes never hurt anyone.”
“A few?!”
“I wouldn't call it a wild exaggeration like most of Ron's complaints” Harry cut in. “You've got to admit Hermione, two straight periods of nothing but note taking is a bit ridiculous on the arm” he claimed massaging his elbow.
“Maybe. But maybe you wouldn't be sore at all if you were used to taking notes like I am. I feel fine.”
“I may never understand you, love” Ron simply replied. Hermione later cast, after much whining from Ron, a healing charm on both of her boy's arms so they could eat lunch, pain-free. A few minutes had passed into their meal when Harry had a thought.
“I wonder where Gin is.”
“You would now wouldn't you!” Ron remarked with a grin plastered on his face.
“What're you getting at, Ron?”
“Nothing…just that you and my sister seem to have gotten closer lately.”
“I guess that's true. It's nice to have someone to talk to.”
“And what's THAT supposed to mean?!” Hermione interjected.
“I mean…”
“I know what you meant! But what, am I not here to talk to?!”
“I've already told you Hermione, I don't want to…”
“Burden me, right. I remember and like I told you Harry…”
“So do you fancy her then?” Ron interrupted out of nowhere, apparently not listening to the quarrel taking place before him. Harry blushed a deep crimson before he was able to respond.
“Of…of course not! She's your girlfriend!” Harry awkwardly answered.
“What? No you git! I meant Ginny.” This caused Harry's blush to deepen.
“We're just friends, Ron”
“Yeah, so were me and Hermione here.” Ron then snaked his arms around his girlfriend's waist from behind and gave her a peck on the cheek, successfully making both his friends feel very uncomfortable.
“Right…I'm gonna head to Charms early. I'll see you two there.” Harry waved a hand goodbye then left the Great Hall, head hanging.
“RON!” Hermione shouted. “You can be so THICK sometimes!” She then got up from her seat and stormed out of the Great Hall, leaving a confused Ron once again.
“What did I do?”
Luckily for the Gryffindor's, Professor Flitwick decided on a practical lesson for the day. The lesson also allowed them the freedom of fresh air. The Charms Professor led his class out of the castle and to the lakefront where they were to work on a charm that would allow them to walk on water. Incantations were being shouted all over the place, being followed shortly by the sound of splashing water when the effects would disappear sooner than desired. Though the water was much colder than the students would have liked, it was an enjoyable period; for those who knew the drying charm anyway.
Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way to the Great Hall for dinner right when class was dismissed. Harry then remembered his first lesson with Dumbledore was to be later in the evening, right after his meal.
“Hey, I think I'm going to skip out on dinner tonight” Harry stated.
“Harry” Hermione began, “You'll need the energy for your lesson later tonight.”
“I know which is why I'm going to take a quick nap right now. But I don't know how long the lesson will be so don't wait up for me. I'll see you two tomorrow.”
“Lesson?” Ron asked confused.
“Don't worry about it, Harry. I'll explain everything to him at dinner. Good luck then and be careful. We don't know how serious Dumbledore will get during your workouts.” Hermione then bid him goodnight and continued on her way with Ron.
Harry laid in his bed, deep in thought; the conversation from lunch replaying in his mind. Am I not here to talk to?! When he had first heard Hermione speak those words there was an immediate response in his head that said Of course Hermione is always there to talk to. We're best friends. However, thinking back on their friendship so far this year, he wasn't sure if he believed it anymore. The trio's top priority used to be each other. Equally. But everything had changed the moment Ron and Hermione had begun seeing one another. Their top priorities became solely each other. Hermione became Ron's best friend and he hers. Then there was Harry…just Harry, feeling as if he were treading down the familiar path of solitude once again. He was back in his cupboard.
So do you fancy her then? The direct approach was the only approach when it came to Ron Weasley's methods of interrogation. Harry couldn't have been more embarrassed by the inquiry, especially after misinterpreting it in the first place. He never much liked discussing any of his feelings really, much less the ones for any girls he might like. Besides, it was Ginny. She had certainly matured since their first meeting all those years ago and yes, Ron would probably love the idea of knowing his sister was safe with his best mate but the desire…it just wasn't there on his half. He loved Ginny and he loved to spend time with her, especially these days with the absence of Ron and Hermione, but there was a void she simply could not fill for him. He missed Hermione and resented Ron for taking her away. Sometimes Harry just... wished it was me? The Boy Who Lived just had an epiphany. I fancy Hermione? No, that's ridiculous. But I just said I wish it was me with her. No, no, no, this is wrong. I can't let this happen. She's Ron's! This would certainly explain the way I've been acting about them being together. No, I can't let myself feel this way, it's wrong. Hermione is safest with Ron anyway. Ron has a future...No longer wishing to continue his inner-debate, Harry rose from his bed and began to make his way to Dumbledore's office. Those were dangerous thought best to avoid.