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Harry Potter and the Flame of Flamora by Zanarkand
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Harry Potter and the Flame of Flamora

Zanarkand

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters. They are the property of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros, etc. No money was made from the creation of this story.

Chapter Six: The New Quidditch Captain

It was the morning of September 19th, a very special day for Harry for two significant reasons. The first reason was that this evening was the Quidditch tryouts and first practice for the Gryffindor team, and the second reason being that it was also Hermione Granger's birthday. Harry rose from his bed and stretched his arms and back as he reached over to his night table and picked up his glasses. He looked at the clock and noticed that it read fifteen minutes to eight o'clock.

Harry got out of bed and looked around the room to only find Neville sleeping in his bed. He rummaged through his trunk and dug out some clothes. He opened the drawer of his night table and took out a small brown envelope. He carefully placed it into his pants pocket and quickly he made his way to the Gryffindor bathrooms to get ready for the day.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Harry made his way to the common room to find a large number of Gryffindors laughing and smiling. He made his way to the center of the crowd to find Hermione blushing at everyone. Nancy and Ron were already by her side, with their arms around her, all three with bright smiles on their faces. A chorus of "Happy Birthday" soon rose from the crowd as Hermione noticed Harry. She gave him a sparkling grin as she released Ron and Nancy to give him a big hug.

"Happy Birthday," he smiled at her as he tightened the embrace. He then whispered, "I'll give you present later, when there are not so many people around."

The two broke their hug and continued to smile at each other, Hermione winking at Harry. After several minutes of further cheering and singing, everyone left the common room and made their way down to the Great Hall, where they found the remainder of the Gryffindor students eating at their table.

Harry and Hermione took their seats as Nancy and Ron took seats opposite to them. The three continued to talk about their classes, with Ron grumbling about how he hasn't had enough time to finish his essay for Harry and his Muggle Studies Class with all of Hermione and his prefect duties.

"Oh they aren't that bad," Hermione said as she sipped some of her pumpkin juice. "All we have to do is patrol the halls."

"Yeah but that takes time," Ron replied, his cheeks filled with his breakfast. "How do you expect me to keep up with my classes if we're forced to walk around the corridors all night?"

"I swear, Ron," Hermione's voice growing aggravated. "If it's not one thing with you, it's definitely another."

"What?" Ron responded after swallowing a big gulp of pumpkin juice. "I'm actually trying to be a good student!"

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Nancy asked Harry, who didn't seem to mind or notice the fact that they were fighting.

Harry looked at her as he took a bite out of his toast. He gently shook his head before stating, "These two are always like this. I'm surprised that they lasted so long without getting into an argument."

"Is this healthy?" Nancy asked with a loud voice, trying to ignore the commotion coming from Ron and Hermione.

"I don't really think it is," Harry replied as he took a drink of his pumpkin juice. "Though…I guess if they take out their frustrations on each other, they won't take it out on me."

Ron and Hermione's bickering was soon stopped when they saw William Weinstein walking up towards them. Hermione looked over at Harry, whose eyes were fixed on William with an icy glare. To their dismay, William stopped by Hermione and got down on his knees.

"Dear Hermione," William smiled at her. "Why didn't you tell me that it was your birthday?"

"Hey, do you mind?" Ron interrupted with a growl. "She and I were in the middle of something."

"Hold your tongue," William retorted as he shot a glare at Ron.

"Hey, that isn't necessary," Nancy responded in Ron's defense as she rose from the bench.

William stood up as well causing everyone around the Great Hall to turn towards them. Harry looked from Nancy to William, uncertain if he should say something.

"I have no quarrel with you," William snapped as he looked at Nancy, his face covered with aggravation. "All I wanted to do is talk to Hermione."

Hermione groaned to herself as she picked up her bag and swung over her shoulder, nearly hitting William's legs. She rose from the bench and before anyone could say another word, she stormed out of the Great Hall. William was dumbfounded by Hermione's actions and turned to face Nancy.

"Look what you did, you self righteous witch!" William roared as he looked at Nancy, his hands in the air.

"Don't speak to her like that!" Ron shouted as he stood from the bench, turning his aggravation towards William.

Harry let out a soft sigh and quietly got up and picked up his bag. He was glad that no one had noticed him and he quickly hurried out the Great Hall after Hermione, leaving Nancy, Ron, and William to yell at each other.

Harry walked out of the main doors and found Hermione pacing back and forth, grumbling to herself, occasionally stomping hard on the ground. He walked over to her, placed his book bag on the ground next to hers, and watched her continue to pace as placed his hands into his pockets. Hermione had noticed Harry's presence, but decided not to say anything for the fears of blurting something offensive towards him.

"Would it be wrong for me to say that you look cute when you're angry?" Harry asked with a small smile on his face. Hermione shot him a glare, causing a cold shiver up his spine. "Well…then pretend I didn't say it."

"Why does Ron have to be so stubborn?" Hermione finally growled as she stopped and looked at Harry. "I mean, can't he just let go of his pride for once?"

"You know that it's Ron," Harry said softly as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Ron doesn't know how to handle his frustrations, so he complains about them. I don't think there is anyway to stop him."

"But…" Hermione tried to object, but was silenced when Harry placed a finger on her soft lips.

"Don't think about it too much," Harry continued as he smiled at her. "You're only going to work yourself up. And if my memory serves me correctly, today is your birthday. Please, calm down."

Harry moved his finger away from her lips and placed his hand into his pocket. Hermione couldn't help but smile at how mature Harry was acting, and he, in turn, gave her his lopsided grin. Harry pulled out the small envelope from his pocket and opened it. He let the contents fall into the palm of his hand, and Hermione's eyes grew wide when she looked at it.

A necklace had fallen into his hand. It was of a light blue crystal shaped into a small rose held by a thin silver chain. Hermione looked into his eyes, her mouth open and a look of surprise and awe covered her face.

"Where did you get it?" Hermione smiled at him, as he placed it delicately into her hands.

"Oh, I saw it on our way to the Apothecary when we were in Diagon Alley," Harry replied with a grin in his face, completely delighted to see that Hermione liked the gift. "When you guys were done shopping for your potions ingredients, I quickly ran back and bought it. I thought that you would like it."

"Like it…I love it," Hermione giggled as she looked into his eyes. "Help me put it on."

Harry took the necklace and moved his hands around her neck to clasp it, she holding up her hair for him. She looked down on it and gave him a delighted smile. "Well it doesn't match with what I'm wearing, but it's beautiful."

"It's a reflection of its wearer," Harry replied softly, turning bright red.

"Oh, so you're saying that I don't match?" Hermione asked, a frown forming on her face.

Harry's face sank and he tried to explain what he meant, but didn't get a chance to when she smiled back up at him and gave him a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. Harry smiled back and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"What do we have here?" Hermione and Harry heard from behind them. It was Parvati Patil with a giggling Lavender Brown.

"Oh, it's nothing," Harry replied as he and Hermione released each other.

Parvati's gaze soon fell upon Hermione's necklace, her mouth dropping. "Wow…who gave you this?" Parvati asked as she walked over to them and examined it. Lavender's attention too fell upon the necklace as she gazed at it with admiration.

"Oh…" Hermione started as she looked at Harry. Harry shook his head slightly and Hermione quickly replied, "My parents did…for my birthday. I just wanted to try it on and Harry was helping me out."

"Right," Lavender giggled as she looked at Harry. "Just helping you put it on, you say?"

"Yeah," Harry responded to her sarcastic remark. "That's all."

"I saw this in Diagon Alley," Parvati said as she looked at Hermione. "It cost almost twenty galleons, I think."

Hermione's eyes grew wide as she looked from Parvarti to Harry, who gave her a shaky smile. Hermione cleared her throat before saying, "I never knew it cost that much…I couldn't possibly accept it."

Harry's expression fell to one of complete shock as he interrupted, "But you're parents bought it for you. They must really want you to have it."

"Yeah, but twenty galleons," she continued. "That's too much."

"Nothing could possibly be too much for their only daughter."

"Well, we're going to head over to Herbology," Pavarti said with a curious expression on her face. "We'll see you two there later."

Harry and Hermione waved at them as they walked away. When they were no longer in sight Hermione turned to Harry with her hand on the necklace. "Twenty galleons? That's too much, Harry!"

"Please, Hermione," Harry responded as he ran his hand through his untamed hair. "I really want you to have it. The cost doesn't matter to me. If you don't accept it, you'll really hurt my feelings."

"Harry…" Hermione groaned softly as she looked into his pleading eyes. She took a deep breath and gave him a quick hug. "Thank you for the present. I love it."

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

The day continued rather smoothly. Ron and Hermione hadn't bickered at all day due to the fact that they refused to talk to each other. Harry tried to ease the mood on several occasions by talking to the two, but they would respond to him but not the other. Harry finally gave up after their Care of Magical Creatures class, where Hagrid taught them about Scorpides; a creature that resembled an overgrown scorpion with two tails rather than one.

After class, Hermione made her way back to the Gryffindor common room as Ron and Harry headed towards their Muggle Studies class. The time passed by slowly for Harry as he listened to his professor explain how a television worked and what it's function was in Muggle society. Ron was completely intrigued by everything he was hearing, but Harry had to bite his lip in order to keep himself from falling asleep.

When class was finally over, Harry and Ron packed up their things and walked towards the Great Hall for dinner. The two were giddy with anticipation for their first Quidditch practice. As they walked into the Great Hall, Harry noticed Hermione chatting with Nancy, and Harry quickly pulled Ron to a halt.

"What is it, Harry?" Ron asked as he turned to look at him.

"You and Hermione need to start talking to each other," Harry replied with a stern look. "Your silence is driving me mad, and it isn't making Nancy feel any more comfortable either."

"Well, she started it," Ron said with a stubborn tone, his arms crossed.

"Please Ron," Harry pleaded. "It's her birthday."

"Oh…all right Harry," Ron responded as the two walked over towards the Gryffindor table and took their seats opposite of Hermione and Nancy's.

The two had been talking about Hermione's necklace when they noticed the boys sit down. Ron and Harry gave them a smile as food magically appeared on their plates.

"Hermione…so...sor…," Ron stuttered with his words, causing Hermione and Nancy to look at him with confused expressions. Harry looked over at him and quickly, but softly elbowed him in the ribs. "Sorry about early."

Hermione's eyes grew wide at what she had just heard. Never before had she ever heard Ron apologize for fighting with her. She looked at Harry, who was in the process of devouring a chicken wing. She smiled back at Ron before answering, "Oh, it's quite all right. It was my fault too."

"Now, was that so hard to do?" Nancy asked as she took a sip of her pumpkin juice, completely relieved that Ron and Hermione were once again on speaking terms.

Dinner passed by quickly as the four talked about their classes and how glad that the weekend had finally arrived. Nancy and Hermione giggled at Harry when they saw his expression change to that of utter boredom when Ron explained what Harry and he studied in Muggle Studies that day. Harry carelessly twirled his mashed potatoes with his fork before he changed the subject to their first Quidditch practice.

After dinner, Nancy and Hermione walked back to the common room to finish their homework, both wanting to give themselves an easier workload for the weekend. Harry and Ron continued ahead and walked towards the Gryffindor Quidditch locker room to get ready for their first practice. Harry looked over to the Quidditch pitch and was taken aback on how good it looked. His heart grew at anticipation as he and Ron entered the locker room.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Ron and Harry walked onto the Quidditch pitch in their red and gold uniforms, the Firebolt in Harry's hand and the Clean Sweep in Ron's. They soon noticed that there were only a few people standing there. They found Dean standing next to Ginny, who was also dressed in her uniform, Andrew Kirke and Jack Slopper, their uncoordinated beaters playing around with their bats, and three other Gryffindors waiting patiently with their brooms. To Harry and Ron's surprise, one of the three happened to be Seamus Finnigan.

"Hey Seamus," Harry smiled as he walked over towards him. "I didn't know you were going to try out?"

"I wasn't planning on it," he replied as he held his broom tightly in his hands. "Dean dragged me over here, telling me that he didn't want to be the only person out here who didn't know what he was doing."

"That was nice of him," Ron responded as he looked over at Dean and Ginny, his eyes narrowing on Dean. Dean mistook Ron's gaze as a friendly one and waved at them. "He's treating my sister right…isn't he?"

"I guess he is," Seamus answered with an unsure tone. "They haven't fought or anything."

Ginny and Dean made their way over and stopped by the three to form a small circle. Ginny looked over towards Harry and said, "Well…shouldn't we begin the tryouts?"

"Yeah I guess," Harry replied with a nod.

"How will we decide who gets on?" Ron asked looking over to his younger sister.

"Well, I say that the people who played last year should be the judges," Ginny responded sounding that she has rehearsed this before their conversation. "So we'll just have them do several drills, like throwing and dodging practice, and we'll keep the people we feel are the best."

"You've got it all figured out," Harry smiled at her before he looked over at the two newcomers standing there with clueless looks on their faces. "You'd make a good Quidditch captain."

Ginny couldn't help but giggle at the idea. "Me…don't me stupid. I'm good at giving out orders but I'm not a team leader…actually I was wondering if you would like the job."

"Me…" Harry replied, taken aback by Ginny's suggestion. "I don't know if I'm the right person for that job."

"Well in that case, I am," a professional, yet irritating voice said behind them. They all turned to find William Weinstein walking over towards them, obviously eavesdropping on their conversation. "I was the Quidditch captain of my old team and we were undefeated."

"That's great and all," Ginny replied, trying her best to refrain for commenting on his boastfulness. "The players will decide who their captain is, and that can only happen after we form a full team."

"Well, I'm an outstanding Chaser," he grinned as he held his broom out to everyone to see. "My Nimbus two-thousand-and-one and I scored over fifty goals last year. I even once got two hundred and two points for my team during one game."

Harry didn't enjoy listening to William brag about his record, but something in his stomach sank when he realized how valuable he would be to the Gryffindor team if they were planning on making another run for the Quidditch Cup this year. Harry took a step forward and spoke before Ginny had a change to say something insulting.

"Let's start the tryouts."

The six nodded as they walked over to the other students. Harry thought for a second before explaining that they were going to go through a set of drills to see how everybody would perform and upon the completion of the drills, the decision of who stays and who goes will be made. Ginny noticed Harry's ability to talk to the newcomers almost immediately and she grinned at him knowing that her statement about making Harry captain had some sort of backing.

Ron was relieved when he discovered that none of the newcomers wanted the job of Keeper, meaning that he would be able to keep his position. However, it also appeared that all the newcomers wanted the position of Chasers, which to Harry and Ginny's dismay meant that they would not be able to find replacements for Andrew or Jack. Harry took a deep breath before explaining how the Chasers tryout would move along.

It was a fairly simple drill. Chasers were responsible for scoring goals, but were also responsible for stealing the quaffle away from the opposing Chasers. Ron would take his position in front of the three large hoops, and Andrew and Jack would be ready with a bludger. They would then have three students play as defensive Chasers, while three others played offense. Harry explained that each person's performance would determine whether or not they would make the team. Harry also added that he would be overlooking the progress of the drill from a higher altitude and would make comments as the drill progressed.

Everybody was in agreement and Ron, Andrew, and Jack took their respective positions. Harry told them that Ginny, Dean, and Seamus would be play defense and that William and the two younger and seemingly frail newcomers would play offense. Harry got on his Firebolt and soon noticed William's envious stare. Harry decided not to comment on it and flew up into the air until he was able to get a clean view of the entire pitch.

Harry signaled them to begin and carefully watched them; somewhat intrigued to know what William was capable of. William let out a war cry as he charged forward with the quaffle cradled in his arm. Harry's eyes went wide as he watched William fly elegantly through all three of the defensive Chasers, dodge both bludgers, and score a goal on a very unsuspecting Ron. There wasn't a single moment during that entire run when William looked like he wasn't in complete control of what he was doing. Harry's heart started to pound harder when he realized that with William, no other team stood a chance, but then again, it was William, one of the most aggravating people he had ever met.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

The tryouts went by quickly, Harry already making up his mind who would make the team after watching them play for ten minutes. He winced every now and then when we watched something go horribly wrong below. It wasn't anything life threatening, but it still wasn't a pleasant sight either.

On several occasions, William passed the quaffle to one of the newcomers, but to everybody's dismay, William had thrown the quaffle so hard that when a newcomer caught it, it would cause him to spin out of control. Harry immediately knew that the newcomers would not be suited to play for the team. They both had slow reflexes and were not capable of flying and holding the quaffle at the same time.

Harry though was completely impressed with how well Dean and Ginny did. Ginny had excellent technique and was able to maneuver very well. Plus, due to her small size, she was able to fly through several sticky situations untouched. She had a strong arm and a very wide shooting range, able to beat out her older brother with two out of her three shots. Ginny possessed the tenacity to be a Chasers and Harry grinned to see that she definitely had to skills to pull it off.

Dean possessed absolutely no flying ability, not being able to move much once he was off the ground, however his arm was incredible. He threw the quaffle so hard that it almost wasn't visible as it traveled towards Ron. Ron was able to block the majority of his shots, but obviously paid the price by grimacing about how much it hurt afterwards. Harry knew that with a proper strategy and good old fashion flight training, Dean would also be another invaluable person to their team.

Harry called the tryouts to a halt and everyone lowered themselves to the ground. Harry commented on how impressed he was with everyone's performance and that they were all outstanding players. Harry knew he was lying about Seamus and the two newcomers. Seamus possessed the potential to become a strong player, but was nothing compared to Ginny, Dean, and William. However, before he could say anymore, the two newcomers exclaimed that they didn't like playing Quidditch and would rather support the team in the stands than over the pitch. Harry thanked them for coming out and the two solemnly walked back towards the castle.

"Well," Ron sighed as he looked back at the others. "Now what?"

"What did you think, Harry?" Ginny asked as she looked at him, she trying to recover her breath. "Who do you think should be on the team?"

"Well…" Harry replied as he looked at the rest of them.

"Just spit it out, Harry," Ginny insisted, obviously growing impatient with Harry's silence. "We trust your judgment."

"Well…" Harry started again as he took a deep breath. "Ron will stay as Keeper…Andrew and Jack will stay as our Beaters…William, Ginny…and Dean should be our Chasers."

Harry watched Seamus lower his head as he started to turn away from the group. Harry quickly stated, "Seamus, you don't have to go?"

"But, I'm not on the team," Seamus replied as he looked back at Harry, a truly depressed look on his face.

"You don't have a position on our team now, but you can be our reserved players," Harry continued, watching Seamus' eyes light up. "I mean, if someone gets too hurt to play a game, we'll need someone to take their spot."

"Really, you mean it?" Seamus smiled at him. William gave Harry a peculiar look as Harry nodded, wondering why he would want such an untalented person to stay on the team.

"That'll be awesome," Dean smiled as he and Seamus slapped their hands in the air.

"Now that leaves us with one thing…" Ginny started as she looked back at Harry. "We need to decide who will be our new captain."

"I volunteer my services," William announced as he raised his arm into the air.

"No offense William," Ginny retorted as she looked at him. "You may be an outstanding Chasers, but you're not much of a team player."

"What?" William replied with a look of utter shock. "I am too a team player. What I do benefits our team! The more points I put up the better for our team!"

"Yes, but we need a person who puts their team ahead of their own ego," Ginny spoke in a clear voice so everybody could hear exactly what she said.

"Not all Americans are like this, right?" Dean whispered to Ron as they watch Ginny and William argue.

"Oh no," Ron replied quietly. "Most of them are really pleasant. I can't explain this one." Ron sighed as he glared at William.

"Now listen here girl!" William roared as he took a step forward. This action caused Ron and Dean end their conversation and the two also took a step forward, ready to defend of Ginny. Harry noticed that the situation was getting too tense for comfort and immediately stepped forward.

"Stop this!" he shouted causing everyone to turn and look at him. He lowered his voice, but his tone stayed firm. "If we're going to fight over something as stupid as naming someone captain, we're not going to last as a team once we play a real game. Everyone, please calm down now before we all start saying things that we would much rather keep to ourselves."

Ginny and Ron were completely taken aback by how Harry had handled the situation and both raised their hands to point at him. As if on cue, they both smiled and announced, "Harry! You be the captain!"

"What? I never…" Harry replied, his voice pleading.

"All in favor, raise your hands," Dean smiled as he lifted his arm into the air. Seamus, Ginny, Ron, Andrew, and Jack raised their hands immediately. They all looked over at William and with a heavy sigh and look of defeat, he raised his hand as well.

"Then it's settled," Ginny smiled as she looked at everyone. "Harry Potter is the new Gryffindor Quidditch captain!"

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Harry had finished getting dressed and placed his Quidditch uniform back into his locker. The remainder of the practice was somewhat productive, but the overall dislike between Ginny and William had become more evident. They would refuse to the pass the quaffle to each other, only to add to their frustrations. It almost got to the point where the two were trying to steal the quaffle away from each other. Harry had no answer for this problem. He didn't want to bench either of them because he needed both of them to play, but he knew that something needed to be done to stop their fighting.

He and Ron left the locker room to find Ginny talking with Hermione. Hermione smiled at the two as they walked towards them.

"So I hear that you're the new Quidditch captain," Hermione exclaimed as she looked at Harry, his cheeks turning slightly red.

"Yeah…" He started as he nervously scratched the side of his head. "I was volunteered for it."

"Blimey, the position was yours the moment you set foot back on the pitch," Ron laughed as he patted Harry on the back.

"Where's Nancy?" Harry asked curiously when he noticed that she wasn't in sight.

"Oh, she said that she had to go over to the library to finish up on essay," Hermione replied as the three started walking. They waved bye to Ginny, who was waiting behind for Dean and Seamus.

"That reminds me," Ron spoke suddenly as something popped in his mind. "I got to get going, I'll see you guys later."

Before Harry or Hermione could say another word, Ron had hurried up a flight of stairs. The two looked at each other, wondering where Ron was going. For the past week, he would sometimes vanish for a span of an hour or so, but would never tell Harry or Hermione about his whereabouts. The moment either of them had asked him about it, he would look blankly at them before quickly changing the subject.

"We need to figure out where he's going," Hermione said as she took a step up the stairs, only to have Harry take her hand before she could climb the next step. She turned and looked at Harry with a confused look.

"We can't just go chasing after him," Harry replied as he looked into her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Harry spoke again. "I mean he can probably hear us if we start climbing up the stairs."

"Then how do you suppose we find him?" She asked as she stepped back down from the step, with her arms crossed.

"Hey don't forget," Harry said with a grin. He then started to imitate Snape's voice. "Harry Potter is a hooligan you has no respect for the school rules."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Hermione replied, trying to fight back her giggle.

"We'll just use the Marauder's map," Harry smiled as he took her hand and walked towards the Gryffindor common room.

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Harry and Hermione stood behind a corner looking down at the Marauder's map, both under Harry's Invisibility cloak. Harry pointed to the dot with Ron's name above it and pointed it towards a door across the hall. Hermione nodded and quickly stuck her head out of the cloak and peaked around the corner to ensure that no one was coming. When no one approached, Hermione covered herself with the cloak and the two took a step forward towards it, but Harry suddenly pulled her back.

"What?" she whispered as she looked at him.

"Someone's coming," Harry replied quietly his head very still.

They heard footsteps and looked down at the map to find that the person approaching them was Nancy Mason. Harry looked at Hermione with a curious expression and she returned it with a shrug.

They watched Nancy walk by them and opened the door to the room where Ron was. As she walked in, she pulled the door behind her, but failed to completely close it. Harry and Hermione nodded to each other and quietly crept to the door and peered inside. They found Nancy taking a seat next to Ron inside an empty classroom. Harry and Hermione gave each other unsure looks and quickly refocused their attention on Nancy and Ron when they heard them talking.

"Could you help me with my Charms?" Ron asked her. "I just remembered that I'm going to have a practical exam on Tuesday."

"Sure thing Ron," she replied with a soft giggle as she looked over to his book. "Oh, I remember this charm."

Harry felt Hermione's warm arm wrap around his shoulder and he looked to she her smiling at them.

"They should get some privacy," she whispered to him as they both quietly walked away from the door. Harry rolled up the Marauder's map and placed it in his pocket. He then pulled off the Invisibility Cloak and tucked it under his arm as he and Hermione made their way back to the Gryffindor common room.

"Wonder why he'd want to keep it a secret though?" Harry asked her, holding her hand tenderly in his, occasionally giving it a soft squeeze.

"Silly, Ron doesn't want anyone to know that he's being tutored," Hermione replied as they rounded a corner and continued walking. "Besides, it looked like they were having a good time together."

"I guess we never needed to give them a friendly push," Harry smiled, causing her to giggle at him.

They rounded another corner only to be stopped by Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Harry and Hermione immediately released their hands as Malfoy gave Harry his usual snarled smirk.

"What's this, Potty?" Draco said with his eyes full of malice. "Out of your common room this late? That calls for a detention."

"No," Hermione spoke up before Harry had a chance to open his mouth. "I am just escorting him back from the library. We were doing research for our Herbology essay."

"That doesn't matter," Pansy laughed as she placed her hands on her hips. "He is still out of the common room way passed the allowed time and that is violating school rules."

"Have you two honestly read your prefect handbooks?" Hermione asked as she glared at the two. Draco and Pansy looked at each other and didn't answer, obviously haven't even opened theirs. "It says that a student is only allowed to be out of his or her common room after curfew if he or she is being escorted by a prefect."

Malfoy and Pansy looked at each other and then back at Hermione, with a distrustful look. Hermione sighed and took a deep breath, "So, as you can see, I am escorting Harry, so he is allowed to be out of the Gryffindor common room."

"It's only a technicality," Malfoy snarled as he glared at Harry.

"Listen," Hermione growled as she took a step forward towards Malfoy. "If you do not leave us alone and continue your prefect duties, I will have no choice by report your lack of responsibility to Professor McGonagall. I'm sure she'll gladly have a chat with Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape about having you two being replaced by students who can actually handle the job."

"Fine," Malfoy replied as he crossed his arms. "You may go, Potter."

Harry smiled at Malfoy and Pansy as he and Hermione walked passed them. He could hear them grumbling and couldn't help but look at Hermione with astonishment. Her expression hadn't changed and he could tell that she was still angry at how Malfoy and Pansy had approached them.

When Malfoy and Pansy were no longer in hearing distance, Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulder pulling her closer to him. She rested her head against him and wrapped her arm around his waist. He kissed her forehead and whispered, "Thank you for helping me back there."

"It was nothing," she replied with a smile as they stopped in front of the Fat Lady's Portrait. The two released each other and Harry approached the portrait to whisper the password when the common room door opened to show William Weinstein.

He smiled at the two and walked by Harry to stand in front of Hermione. Harry looked at him with one of his eyebrows raised, wondering what William was planning to do. Hermione looked at Harry but then up at William when he stopped in front of her.

"I'm sorry about this morning," he smiled at her and she, in turn, nodded to him. "I do want to give you something for your birthday though." He took out his wand from his pocket and pointed it to his hand. With a flick of his wrist and he called, "Orchideous!"

Beautiful flowers shot out of the end of his wand and a bouquet was formed in his hand. He placed his wand back into his pocket and he took Hermione's hand. He leaned down and kissed it, which caused Harry's eyes to narrow and his blood to boil. William then handed her flowers and smiled. "Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman. Happy Birthday, fair Hermione."

"Thanks," she said with a fake smile on her face as she accepted them. William was pleased and was about to say something when Harry took a step forward.

"So where you going? It's kind of late for a stroll?" Harry asked, causing William to turn and look at him.

"Harry…I didn't even notice you there," William answered, which caused Harry's eyebrows to rise. "I needed to talk to Professor McGonagall about something. Private matters you know. Would you like to go with me, Hermione?"

"Actually, I need to finish up some homework," Hermione quickly answered as she gave him an apologetic, yet fake, smile. "Sorry."

"Oh think nothing of it," William smiled as he placed his hand on her shoulder. Hermione noticed Harry's hands clenching into fists. "I'll see you later then."

William gave Hermione another flashy smile as he made his way down the corridor. Hermione turned to find Harry had already walked into the common room. She quickly followed to find him taking a seat on the floor in front of the fire, placing his crumbled Invisibility cloak on the floor next to him. She looked around and noticed that for the exception of a few students reading, the Gryffindor common room was empty and quiet.

Hermione walked over towards Harry and took a seat in an armchair. Harry looked up at her and moved over so he could rest his back against the chair, next to Hermione's legs.

"What's wrong, Harry?" She asked as she tossed the flowers William had just given her into the warm fire in front them. This action seemed to calm Harry down, because she could see his body had started to relax.

"I really don't like that guy," Harry said as he turned to look at her. "Who does he think that he is? And to think, I was actually happy when I found out that he was a good Quidditch player."

"Leave him be," Hermione replied softly as she started to comb her fingers through his hair. "He's just one of those egocentric men who starves for attention. I'm sure the message will get through to him soon."

Harry smiled at Hermione as she continued to run her fingers through his hair, trying to make it part to the side, only to have it return back to its unruly form when she removed her fingers. Harry snickered at her before saying, "According to Ron, he's thicker than the walls of Hogwarts…it may take some time before he even acknowledges the fact that there may be something to acknowledge. Though since he is out and about without a prefect, I hope Malfoy finds him and gives him a detention."

Hermione giggled at him as he turned to look into the fire. One by one, the remaining students got up and headed up to their respective dormitories, leaving Hermione and Harry alone. Hermione continued to run her fingers through his hair as the two stared into the fire, enjoying its warmth, and enjoying each other's company.

Harry's mind again focused on the blazing fire, watching the yellow, orange, and red colors dance in front of him. His mind then traveled onto a memory that he had kept hidden inside him. He remembered the time when he had first spoken to Sirius through the Gryffindor fireplace. It was during his fourth year and he was trying to prepare for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.

Harry tried to push the memory away, but the moment he saw Sirius' face in his mind, the door holding his memory burst open causing everything to fall out. Hermione felt Harry's body shudder, but she didn't think much about it thinking that Harry must have just experienced a chill. However, when the shuddering persisted followed by a sob, she got worried.

"Harry?" she whispered, but he didn't respond. His body started to tremble and his sobbing became more erratic. "Harry, please…look at me."

Harry reluctantly turned to face her and Hermione's eyes began to water. Harry's face was covered in tears. He tried to hold them back when she saw his face, brushing his tears away with the sleeve of his robes, but he couldn't keep them from falling. Hermione touched his wet face with her hand, gently brushing a few of his tears away, and scooted over in the armchair.

"Come here."

Harry stood and snuggled into the armchair with Hermione, burying his face into her neck, wrapping his arms around her. Hermione wrapped her arms around him tightly, stroking the back of his neck gently. She rocked them back and forth slowly like a mother would to calm her child. However, her attempt failed. Harry clung to her tightly and allowed his tears to flow freely.

"What's wrong?" Hermione whispered into his hair, holding him securely against her. "What's wrong, Harry?"

"He's dead because of me," Harry sobbed, not moving his head away. "I let him die."

"You did not let him die," Hermione replied, her tears now sliding down her cheeks. "You did everything you could. There was nothing more you could do."

"But it's because of me," Harry weakly said as he moved his head, now resting it against her shoulder.

Hermione didn't know what to say. She remembered that during the earlier half of the summer, he had written to her confessing how he couldn't live with the guilt of Sirius' death and how he at times cried himself to sleep. Hermione tried to console him to the best of her abilities, but she knew that this was a situation where he needed to grieve and overcome his loss. Though she did make a promise to herself that she would not allow him to face his grief alone, and that she would be with him every step of the way.

She kissed his forehead and he looked up at her with a weak smile. He rested his head on her shoulder again and took deep breaths. She could tell that he was calming down as she kissed his forehead again. Harry had been her strength for so many years now. He was always the brave one of the group and with him near her; she felt that she could do anything. She had never witnessed him like this before, and it truly frightened her. She needed him to brave, not for just himself but for her as well.

They sat in that position for several quiet minutes. Hermione felt his body stop shuddering and she couldn't help but smile as she rested her head against his. Hermione held onto him, never wanting to let him go. She felt him stir his head against hers and felt his lips kissing her cheek. She looked into her eyes and she was glad to find that his strength had returned to them.

"Thank you," he whispered as he rested his chin on her shoulder, not releasing her from his grip. "Thank you for being here with me."

"You know that I'll always be here for you, silly," she smiled back at him as she placed a finger on his forehead and playful traced down his face, over his nose until she stopped on top of his lips. Hermione gave him a soft smile that instantly melted his heart. Harry released his one of his arms from her and allowed it to softly caress her cheek.

They heard the portrait door opening, but before Harry could move, they heard footsteps walking into the common room. Harry felt Hermione's body tense up and he knew that they would be caught if they didn't do something quickly. He looked around them and noticed that his Invisibility cloak on the floor next to the front leg of the chair. Harry reached for it, but was suddenly refrained from moving when he heard Ron speaking.

"I wonder where they went?" Ron asked as Harry heard his feet shuffle somewhere behind him. Hermione held her breath and tried her best to keep still. Harry again reached down, and when he felt his cloak, his slowly pulled it up towards them.

"Maybe they went to bed, it is ten o'clock after all," Nancy answered as they heard her feet walk towards them, but then stop and then walk away.

Harry took this as his cue, and quickly and quietly covered Hermione and himself with the cloak.

"What was that?" Ron asked as he walked towards the other armchair near the fireplace. Harry and Hermione held their breath as they saw him look around and shrug his shoulders. He walked away again, out of sight. They heard him walk around for a few seconds before he came to a halt. "Oh, thanks for helping me out again Nancy."

"Oh don't worry about it, Ron," Nancy replied, a ring of happiness in her voice. They then heard her voice sink to a concern and almost apprehensive level. "Do you still think that you will ask Hermione to the Christmas Ball?"

Harry and Hermione's eyes grew wide as they looked at each other. Hermione's lips curled into a small frown as her hopes for Ron to fall for Nancy dwindled away. Harry noticed this and softly nudged her head with his. She looked into his eyes and couldn't keep her smile from forming.

"I don't know," Ron answered.

His reply eased Harry and Hermione's nerves for the moment and they wanted to cheer, but they knew that they would be caught if they made a noise. They breathed slowly, feeling their breath on each other as they waited patiently for the two to do something.

Ron continued. "I was thinking that there might be someone else I want to go with."

Hermione let her mouth drop before she turned it into a smile. Harry grinned back at her as he nudged her head again. Hermione quietly repositioned herself, so they were sitting comfortably again with Harry's arms around her. Harry noticed that Hermione was still wearing the necklace he had given her, and he moved one of his hands to the small crystal rose and examined it. Hermione's grin grew when she looked at him, his eyes fixed on the delicate rose.

"Is there someone you would like to go with?" they heard Ron ask Nancy. They heard feet shuffling on the carpet, but unsure who was walking around.

"There is this one guy," Nancy replied with a soft giggle. "Though I don't know if he notices me or not."

"Oh, you must be joking," Ron said with his voice full of surprise. "Believe me, you are noticed by every guy in school…most with pulses and a few without."

Nancy giggled at Ron's compliment as the images of Nearly Headless Nick and Peeves formed in her head. Harry and Hermione heard her yawn, and they hoped that the two were going to head towards their dormitories.

"I'm tired. I'm sure Hermione is already in bed; she usually doesn't stay up this late," Nancy said sleepily. "Good night Ron."

"I'll get to bed too," Ron responded as Harry and Hermione heard the shuffling of feet towards the staircases. "I more day before the weekend begins. I love weekends."

The two heard footsteps moving up the stairs and after waiting a few seconds, Harry pulled the cloak off them and carefully looked over the top of the armchair to make sure that they had gone. When he noticed that no one was there, he got out of the armchair. Hermione then got up and raised her arms in the air to stretch her back. Harry couldn't refrain from grinning when noticed that the Invisibility Cloak had made her hair extra puffy. He started to run his fingers through her hair and tried his best to fix it.

"Thanks, kind sir," she smiled at him as the two made their way up the staircase. When Hermione got to the door that led to the girl's dormitories, she blew him a kiss and whispered, "I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you again for the present."

"Anything for you," Harry replied with his own smile. "Good night Hermione."

Hermione waved at him before closing the door behind her. With a deep breath, Harry continued to the climb the stairs. His mind soon focused on Ron and Nancy. So Ron…there is another girl you want to ask. I bet I know who it is. Maybe that extra push will be needed.

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