❝I don't think I can wait any longer.❞
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧*:･ﾟ✧
On Tuesday, Harry, Y/N, Ron, and Hermione walked into their Transfiguration classroom. Professor Umbridge and her clipboard were sitting in a corner.
"Excellent," whispered Ron, as they sat down in their seats. "Let's see Umbridge get what she deserves."
"Ooh, someone pass me the popcorn," said Y/N, grinning.
When she was about to sit near Hermione, she saw Dean sitting alone; Seamus was sitting near Neville.
She caught Hermione's eyes.
"Mind if sit near Dean?"
"Nope, go on."
Y/N gave Hermione a grateful nod and took the seat near Dean.
"Why isn't your snogging partner sitting with you?" She asked him.
Dean shrugged. "A small fight."
Before Y/N could ask anything else, Professor McGonagall marched into the room without giving the slightest indication that she knew Professor Umbridge was there.
"That will do," she said and silence fell immediately. "Mr. Finnigan, kindly come here and hand back the homework- Miss Brown, please take this box of mice- don't be silly, girl, they won't hurt you- and hand one to each student-"
"Hem, hem," said Professor Umbridge, employing the same silly little cough she had used to interrupt Dumbledore on the first night of term.
Professor McGonagall ignored her. Seamus handed back Y/N's essay; Y/N took it without looking at him and saw that she'd got an 'E' (Exceeds Expectations).
"How are you always so good at Transfiguration?" Dean whispered, looking at her essay. "I only managed to get an 'A'!"
"Well, if you stopped poking your quill inside your mouse's butthole and actually paid attention, you'll get an 'E' too," Y/N whispered back.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.
"Right then, everyone, listen closely- Dean Thomas, if you do that to the mouse again I shall put you in detention- most of you have now successfully Vanished your snails and even those who were left with a certain amount of shell have got the gist of the spell. Today, we shall be-"
"Hem, hem," said Professor Umbridge.
"Yes?" said Professor McGonagall, turning round, her eyebrows so close together they seemed to form one long, severe line.
"I was just wondering, Professor, whether you received my note telling you of the date and time of your inspec-"
"Obviously I received it, or I would have asked you what you are doing in my classroom," said Professor McGonagall, turning her back firmly on Professor Umbridge. Many of the students exchanged looks of glee. "As I was saying: today, we shall be practising the altogether more difficult Vanishment of mice. Now, the Vanishing Spell-"
"Hem, hem."
"I wonder," said Professor McGonagall in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, "how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking."
Professor Umbridge looked as though she had just been slapped in the face. She did not speak, but straightened the parchment on her clipboard and began scribbling furiously.
"The girls are fighting, noooo," Dean whispered to Y/N, as the two of them burst into silent giggles.
Looking supremely unconcerned, Professor McGonagall addressed the class once more.
"As I was saying: the Vanishing Spell becomes more difficult with the complexity of the animal to be Vanished. The snail, as an invertebrate, does not present much of a challenge; the mouse, as a mammal, offers a much greater one. This is not, therefore, magic you can accomplish with your mind on your dinner. So- you know the incantation, let me see what you can do. . ."
"Yeah, so stop thinking about roasted potatoes and focus on the spell," Dean muttered to Y/N.
"Shut up, pigfart."
"Dunghead."
"Swamp rat."
"Clown face."
"Goblin shit."
"Miss Diggory, Mr. Thomas!"
Y/N and Dean went silent at Professor McGonagall's voice, both of them trying not to laugh.
Professor Umbridge did not follow Professor McGonagall around the class; perhaps she realised Professor McGonagall would not permit it.
She did, however, take many more notes while sitting in her corner, and when Professor McGonagall finally told them all to pack away, she rose with a grim expression on her face.
"Well, it's a start," said Ron, holding up a long wriggling mouse-tail and dropping it back into the box Lavender was passing around.
As they filed out of the classroom, Harry saw Professor Umbridge approach the teacher's desk; he nudged Ron, who nudged Hermione in turn, who then nudged Y/N, and the four of them deliberately fell back to eavesdrop.
"How long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" Professor Umbridge asked.
"Thirty-nine years this December," said Professor McGonagall brusquely, snapping her bag shut.
Professor Umbridge made a note.
"Very well," she said, "you will receive the results of your inspection in ten days' time."
"I can hardly wait," said Professor McGonagall, in a coldly indifferent voice, and she strode off towards the door. "Hurry up, you four," she added, sweeping Harry, Y/N, Ron, and Hermione before her.
Harry could not help giving her a faint smile and could have sworn he received one in return.
When they walked down the lawns towards the Forest for Care of Magical Creatures, they found Umbridge and her clipboard waiting for them beside Professor Grubbly-Plank.
"You do not usually take this class, is that correct?" Harry heard her ask as they arrived at the trestle table where the group of captive Bowtruckles were scrabbling around for woodlice like so many living twigs. Y/N's face lit up.
"Quite correct," said Professor Grubbly-Plank, hands behind her back and bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I am a substitute teacher standing in for Professor Hagrid."
"Hmm," said Professor Umbridge, dropping her voice, "I wonder- the Headmaster seems strangely reluctant to give me any information on the matter- can you tell me what is causing Professor Hagrid's very extended leave of absence?"
Harry saw Malfoy look up eagerly and watch Umbridge and Grubbly-Plank closely.
"'Fraid I can't," said Professor Grubbly-Plank breezily. "Don't know anything more about it than you do. Got an owl from Dumbledore, would I like a couple of weeks' teaching work. I accepted. That's as much as I know. Well. . . shall I get started then?"
"Yes, please do," said Professor Umbridge, scribbling on her clipboard.
Umbridge took a different tack in this class and wandered amongst the students, questioning them on magical creatures. Most people were able to answer well and Y/N's spirits lifted somewhat; at least the class was not letting Hagrid down.
"Overall," said Professor Umbridge, returning to Professor Grubbly-Plank's side after a lengthy interrogation of Dean Thomas, "how do you, as a temporary member of staff- an objective outsider, I suppose you might say- how do you find Hogwarts? Do you feel you receive enough support from the school management?"
"Oh, yes, Dumbledore's excellent," said Professor Grubbly-Plank heartily. "Yes, I'm very happy with the way things are run, very happy indeed."
Looking politely incredulous, Umbridge made a tiny note on her clipboard and went on, "And what are you planning to cover with this class this year- assuming, of course, that Professor Hagrid does not return?"
"Oh, I'll take them through the creatures that most often come up in O.W.L.," said Professor Grubbly-Plank. "Not much left to do- they've studied unicorns and Bowtruckles, I thought we'd cover Porlocks and Kneazles, make sure they can recognise Crups and Knarls, you know. . ."
"Well, you seem to know what you're doing, at any rate," said Professor Umbridge, making a very obvious tick on her clipboard. "Now, I hear there have been injuries in this class?"
Malfoy hastened to answer the question.
"That was me," he said. "I was slashed by a Hippogriff."
"A Hippogriff?" said Professor Umbridge, now scribbling frantically.
"Only because he was too stupid to listen to what Hagrid told him to do," said Harry angrily.
"He very well deserved it too, if you ask me," said Y/N, matching his anger.
Both Ron and Hermione groaned. Professor Umbridge turned her head slowly in their direction.
"Another night's detention, I think," she said softly. "Well, thank you very much, Professor Grubbly-Plank, I think that's all I need here. You will be receiving the results of your inspection within ten days."
"Jolly good," said Professor Grubbly-Plank, and Professor Umbridge set off back across the lawn to the castle.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧*:･ﾟ✧
It was nearly midnight when Harry and Y/N left Umbridge's office that night. Y/N's closed wound was now open again and Harry's hand was bleeding so severely that it was staining the scarf he had wrapped around it.
The pair expected the common room to be empty when they returned, but Ron and Hermione had sat up waiting for them.
"Here," Hermione said anxiously, pushing two small bowls of yellow liquid towards them, "soak your hand in that, it's a solution of strained and pickled Murtlap tentacles, it should help."
"Thank you so much, Harmonica," said Y/N.
She and Harry placed their bleeding, aching hand into the bowl and experienced a wonderful feeling of relief.
"Thanks," Harry said gratefully,
"I still reckon you two should complain about this," said Ron in a low voice.
"No," said Harry and Y/N flatly.
"McGonagall would go nuts if she knew-"
"Yeah, she probably would," said Harry dully. "And how long do you reckon it'd take Umbridge to pass another decree saying anyone who complains about the High Inquisitor gets sacked immediately?"
Ron opened his mouth to retort but nothing came out and, after a moment, he closed it again, defeated.
"She's an awful woman," said Hermione in a small voice. "Awful. You know, I was just saying to Ron when you two came in. . . we've got to do something about her."
"I suggested poison," said Ron grimly.
"I second that," said Y/N.
"No. . . I mean, something about what a dreadful teacher she is, and how we're not going to learn any Defence from her at all," said Hermione.
"Well, what can we do about that?" said Ron, yawning. "It's too late, isn't it? She's got the job, she's here to stay. Fudge'll make sure of that."
"Well," said Hermione tentatively. "You know, I was thinking today. . ." she shot a slightly nervous look at Harry and then plunged on, "I was thinking that- maybe the time's come when we should just- just do it ourselves."
"Do what ourselves?" said Harry suspiciously, still floating his hand in the essence of Murtlap tentacles.
"Well- learn Defence Against the Dark Arts ourselves," said Hermione.
"Come off it," groaned Ron. "You want us to do extra work? D'you realise Harry and I are behind on homework again and it's only the second week?"
"But this is much more important than homework!" said Hermione.
Harry, Y/N, and Ron goggled at her.
"Are you feeling alright?" said Y/N, checking the temperature on her forehead. "Do I need to call Madam Pomfrey?"
"I didn't think there was anything in the universe more important than homework!" said Ron.
"Don't be silly, of course there is," said Hermione, swatting Y/N's hand away. "It's about preparing ourselves, like Harry said in Umbridge's first lesson, for what's waiting for us out there. It's about making sure we really can defend ourselves. We need a teacher, a proper one, who can show us how to use the spells and correct us if we're going wrong."
"What if we ask uncle Moony. . .?" Y/N began.
"No, no, we can't ask Lupin," said Hermione. "He's too busy with the Order and, anyway, the most we could see him is during Hogsmeade weekends and that's not nearly often enough."
"Who, then?" said Harry, frowning at her.
Hermione heaved a very deep sigh.
"Isn't it obvious?" she said. "I'm talking about you, Harry."
There was a moment's silence. A light night breeze rattled the windowpanes behind Ron, and the fire guttered.
"About me what?" said Harry.
"I'm talking about you teaching us Defence Against the Dark Arts."
"That's. . . wait, I like it," Y/N said slowly.
"Yes?" Hermione said eagerly. Y/N nodded.
Harry stared at the two girls. Then he turned to Ron, ready to exchange the exasperated looks they sometimes shared when Hermione elaborated on far-fetched schemes like S.P.E.W. To Harry's consternation, however, Ron did not look exasperated.
He was frowning slightly, apparently thinking. Then he said, "That's an idea."
"What's an idea?" said Harry.
"You," said Ron. "Teaching us to do it."
"But. . ."
Harry was grinning now, sure his friends were pulling his leg.
"But I'm not a teacher, I can't-"
"Harry, you're the best in the year at Defence Against the Dark Arts," said Hermione. "Think what you've done!"
"How d'you mean?"
"You know what, I'm not sure I want someone this stupid teaching me," Ron said to Hermione and Y/N, smirking slightly. He turned to Harry.
"Let's think," he said, pulling a face like Goyle concentrating. "Uh. . . first year- you saved the Philosopher's Stone from You-Know-Who."
"But that was luck," said Harry, "it wasn't skill-"
"Second year," Ron interrupted, "you killed the Basilisk and destroyed Riddle."
"Yeah, but if Fawkes hadn't turned up, I-"
"Third year," said Ron, louder still, "you fought off about a hundred Dementors at once-"
"You know that was a fluke, if the Time-Turner hadn't-"
"Last year," Ron said, almost shouting now, "you fought off You-Know-Who again-"
"Listen to me!" said Harry, almost angrily, because the three of them were smirking now. "Just listen to me, all right? It sounds great when you say it like that, but all that stuff was luck- I didn't know what I was doing half the time, I didn't plan any of it, I just did whatever I could think of, and I nearly always had help-"
Ron, Y/N, and Hermione were still smirking and Harry felt his temper rise; he wasn't even sure why he was feeling so angry.
"You don't know what it's like! You- all three of you- you've never had to face him, have you? You think it's just memorizing a bunch of spells and throwing them at him, like you're in class or something? The whole time you're sure you know there's nothing between you and dying except your own- your own brain or guts or whatever- like you can think straight when you know you're about a nanosecond from being murdered, or tortured, or watching your friends die- they've never taught us that in their classes, what it's like to deal with things like that- and you three sit there acting like I'm a clever little boy to be standing here, alive, like Cedric was stupid, like he messed up- you just don't get it, that could just as easily have been me, it would have been if Voldemort hadn't needed me-"
"We weren't saying anything like that, mate," said Ron, glancing at Y/N. "We weren't having a go at Cedric, we didn't- you've got the wrong end of the-"
He looked helplessly at Hermione and Y/N; Hermione's face was stricken and Y/N looked slightly angry.
"You really don't get it, do you?" She said harshly.
"Don't you see, Harry?" Hermione said timidly. "This. . . this is exactly why we need you. . . we need to know what it's really like. . . facing him. . . facing V-Voldemort."
It was the first time she had ever said Voldemort's name, Y/N's face looked both angry and hurt, and it was that, more than anything else, that calmed Harry. Still breathing hard, he sank back into his chair.
"Well. . . think about it," said Hermione quietly. "Please?"
Harry could not think of anything to say. He was feeling ashamed of his outburst already. He nodded, hardly aware of what he was agreeing to.
Hermione stood up.
"Well, I'm off to bed," she said, in a voice that was clearly as natural as she could make it. "Y/N?"
Y/N was staring at Harry.
"I was wondering if I could talk to Harry," she said, not taking her eyes off him. "Alone?"
Hermione and Ron nodded and left. Harry turned to Y/N.
"Listen, I am sorry, Y/N, I didn't mean to bring your brother into this-"
"Forget it," Y/N said, scooting closer to him. "I wanted to tell you something- more like show you something, if you're done with your tantrums, that is?"
Harry smiled weakly and nodded. Y/N put her hand inside her pocket and pulled something out. Harry's eyes widened.
It was Cedric's bracelet.
"You- you fixed it?" Harry said breathlessly, grabbing it from her hand and examining it. "You fixed it! You fixed it!"
"Yeah, I fixed it," said Y/N, chuckling. "I was just talking to Neville the other day and. . . I can't let my past hold me back, you know? Ceddy wouldn't want that. He wouldn't want me to push everything away and drown in my sadness. . . so," she took a deep breath, "I've decided that it's time to move on. Like actually move on."
Harry stared at her, his heart rising and beating faster in joy and hope. She had fixed her brother's bracelet and decided to move on, that was all he wanted. That was what he'd been waiting for. . . well, there was still the issue with her parents.
"That's great, Y/N," said Harry, grinning widely.
Y/N smiled at him.
The pair stayed in the common room for another half an hour, just talking. Harry felt lighter than he'd felt ever since he came to Hogwarts.
Hermione made no mention of Harry giving Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons for two whole weeks after her original suggestion.
Harry's and Y/N's detentions with Umbridge were finally over.
Ron had had four more Quidditch practices and not been shouted at during the last two; and all four of them had managed to Vanish their mice in Transfiguration, before the subject was broached again, on a wild, blustery evening at the end of September, when the four them were sitting in the library, looking up potion ingredients for Snape.
"I was wondering," Hermione said suddenly, "whether you'd thought any more about Defence Against the Dark Arts, Harry."
"Course I have," said Harry grumpily, "can't forget it, can we, with that hag teaching us-"
"I meant the idea I had- about you teaching us."
"Well," he said slowly, "yeah, I- I've thought about it a bit."
"And?" said Hermione eagerly.
"You did listen to what I said about a load of it being luck, didn't you?"
"Yes, Harry," said Y/N gently, "but all the same, there's no point pretending that you're not good at Defence Against the Dark Arts, because you are. You can produce a Patronus-"
"So can you!" said Harry.
"Well, I haven't faced Voldemort three times and escaped, have I?"
"She's right, Harry," said Hermione. "What do you think? Will you teach us?”
"Just you three, yeah?" said Harry.
"Well," said Hermione, looking a mite anxious again. "Well. . . now, don't fly off the handle again, Harry, please. . . but I really think you ought to teach anyone who wants to learn. I mean, we're talking about defending ourselves against V-Voldemort. It doesn't seem fair if we don't offer the chance to other people."
Harry considered this for a moment, then said, "Yeah, but I doubt anyone except you three would want to be taught by me. I'm a nutter, remember?"
"Well, I think you might be surprised how many people would be interested in hearing what you've got to say," said Hermione seriously. "Look, you know the first weekend in October's a Hogsmeade weekend? How would it be if we tell anyone who's interested to meet us in the village and we can talk it over?"
"Why do we have to do it outside school?" said Ron.
"Because," said Hermione, returning to the diagram of the Chinese Chomping Cabbage she was copying, "I don't think Umbridge would be very happy if she found out what we were up to."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧*:･ﾟ✧
A week before the Hogsmeade trip, Harry and Ron were catching up on their homework, Hermione was knitting elf cloths, and Y/N was sitting with Dean on the other side of the common room with a carpet in the middle.
"What are you two doing with that carpet?" Neville asked them while passing by.
"We're trying to bewitch it," said Dean.
"Why?"
"So that Dean and I can sit on it and fly around Hogwarts, singing-" Y/N started when Dean joined in. "-A WHOLE NEW WOOOORLD!"
"A NEW FANTASTIC POINT OF VIEW!"
"NO ONE TO TELL US-"
"-We're horrible singers," Dean finished as he and Y/N burst into loud laughter.
Neville looked extremely confused but he smiled anyway.
Before he could say anything, Harry called her.
"Y/N, Alice is here," he said, pointing at the window, where the Diggory family owl came swooping in.
"A-Alice?" whispered Neville.
"Yeah, my Mum named her," said Y/N, "and yes, they were friends."
A shocked smile spread across Neville's round face.
Y/N excused herself from him and Dean and walked over to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She untied the letter from Alice's leg and opened it.
"It's from mother dearest," she mumbled, her eyes scanning the letter. Harry, Ron, and Hermione watched her with anticipation; once Y/N had finished reading, her face fell, her smile turning upside down.
"What does it say?" Hermione asked, concerned.
Y/N sank into the couch, her eyes were glossy.
"They're doing it," she said in a whisper, a faraway look in her eyes. "Mum and Dad. . . They're actually getting a divorce."
"What?" The other three said together.
"Yeah, they've decided it," said Y/N, gulping. "Everything's official- it's gonna happen next week."
Hermione put an arm around her shoulder and hugged her sideways.
"I just- I just never thought they'd actually do it," said Y/N, who looked like she wanted to crumble down and cry.
"It'll be okay," said Hermione consolingly.
"I need to send a letter telling them my preference of the custody," said Y/N. "So that they can submit it to the Wizengamot- since I can't go there in person."
"You'd be choosing to stay with Bekah, right?" said Ron.
"Of course," said Y/N. "I mean, I love my Dad and all but, you know. . ."
"We understand," said Hermione, rubbing her back comfortingly.
"She's a much better parent anyway," Ron muttered to Harry, who secretly agreed.
"At least they won't be fighting anymore," said Harry, reaching for her hand. "They've come to a final decision, haven't they? You don't have to keep worrying about them now."
"Yeah. . ." Y/N said slowly, a look of resolute reaching her eyes. "Yeah, you're right. They can't keep fighting. If this is what makes them happy, then, well, I just need to accept it."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent the rest of the night distracting Y/N and making her laugh. Even Dean and Neville joined in. Harry couldn't help but be happy about her parents' decision. He knew he shouldn't be but his insides were filled with slight amusement.
All of his problems were solved.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧*:･ﾟ✧
The morning of the Hogsmeade visit dawned bright but windy. After breakfast, they queued up in front of Filch, who matched their names to the long list of students who had permission from their parents or guardian to visit the village.
"Where are we going, anyway?" Harry asked. "The Three Broomsticks?"
"Oh- no," said Hermione, "no, it's always packed and really noisy. I've told the others to meet us in the Hog's Head, that other pub, you know the one, it's not on the main road. I think it's a bit. . . you know. . . dodgy. . . but students don't normally go in there, so I don't think we'll be overheard."
They walked down the main street past Zonko's Wizarding Joke Shop, where they were not surprised to see Fred, George, and Lee Jordan, past the post office, from which owls issued at regular intervals, and turned up a side-street at the top of which stood a small inn.
A battered wooden sign hung from a rusty bracket over the door, with a picture on it of a wild boar's severed head, leaking blood onto the white cloth around it. The sign creaked in the wind as they approached. All four of them hesitated outside the door.
"Well, come on," said Hermione, slightly nervously. Harry led the way inside.
It was not at all like the Three Broomsticks, whose large bar gave an impression of gleaming warmth and cleanliness. The Hog's Head bar comprised one small, dingy, and very dirty room. The bay windows were so encrusted with grime that very little daylight could permeate the room, which was lit instead with the stubs of candles sitting on rough wooden tables.
A lot of shady and hooded people were in there. Y/N did not like it even one bit.
"I don't know about this, Harmonica," she muttered, as they crossed to the bar. She was looking particularly at a heavily veiled witch. "Has it occurred to you Umbridge might be under that?"
Hermione cast an appraising eye over the veiled figure.
"Umbridge is shorter than that woman," she said quietly. "And anyway, even if Umbridge does come in here there's nothing she can do to stop us, Y/N, because I've double- and triple-checked the school rules. We're not out of bounds; I specifically asked Professor Flitwick whether students were allowed to come in the Hog's Head, and he said yes, but he advised me strongly to bring our own glasses. And I've looked up everything I can think of about study groups and homework groups and they're definitely allowed. I just don't think it's a good idea if we parade what we're doing."
"No," said Harry drily, "especially as it's not exactly a homework group you're planning, is it?"
The barman sidled towards them out of a back room. He was a grumpy-looking old man with a great deal of long grey hair and beard.
"What?" he grunted.
"Four Butterbeers, please," said Hermione.
The man reached beneath the counter and pulled up three very dusty, very dirty bottles, which he slammed on the bar.
"Six Sickles," he said.
"I'll get them," said Harry quickly, passing over the silver. He, Y/N, Ron, and Hermione retreated to the furthest table from the bar and sat down, looking around.
"So, who did you say is supposed to be meeting us?" Harry asked, wrenching open the rusty top of his Butterbeer and taking a swig.
"Just a couple of people," Hermione repeated, checking her watch and looking anxiously towards the door. "I told them to be here about now and I'm sure they all know where it is- oh, look, this might be them now."
The door of the pub had opened. A thick band of dusty sunlight split the room in two for a moment and then vanished, blocked by the incoming rush of a crowd of people.
First came Neville with Dean and Lavender, who were closely followed by Parvati and Padma Patil with Cho and one of her usually-giggling girlfriends, then (on her own and looking so dreamy she might have walked in by accident) Luna Lovegood; then Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson, Colin and Dennis Creevey, Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, three Ravenclaw boys Harry was pretty sure were called Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner and Terry Boot, Ginny, closely followed by Zacharias Smith, Daphne Greengrass, Charlotte Wenlock, Annabelle Walker, (to Harry's slight distress) Alexander Walker, and, bringing up the rear, Fred and George Weasley with their friend Lee Jordan, all three of whom were carrying large paper bags crammed with Zonko's merchandise.
"A couple of people?" said Harry hoarsely to Hermione. "A couple of people?"
"Yes, well, the idea seemed quite popular," said Hermione happily. "Ron, do you want to pull up some more chairs?"
"What have you been telling people?" Harry said in a low voice. "What are they expecting?"
"I've told you, they just want to hear what you've got to say," said Hermione soothingly; but Harry continued to look at her so furiously that she added quickly, "you don't have to do anything yet, I'll speak to them first."
"Hey, you," Dean said to Y/N, taking a seat near her.
"Seamus didn't want to come, huh?" Y/N asked tiredly.
Dean shook his head sadly.
"You guys are still fighting?" said Y/N.
Dean nodded. "It'll be okay, he'll come around."
In twos and threes, the new arrivals settled around Harry, Ron, and Hermione, some looking rather excited, others curious, Luna Lovegood gazing dreamily into space. When everybody had pulled up a chair, the chatter died out. Every eye was upon Harry.
"Er," said Hermione, her voice slightly higher than usual out of nerves. "Well- er- hi."
The group focused its attention on her instead, though eyes continued to dart back regularly to Harry.
"Well. . . erm. . . well, you know why you're here. Erm. . . well, Harry here had the idea- I mean" (Harry had thrown her a sharp look) "I had the idea- that it might be good if people who wanted to study Defence Against the Dark Arts- and I mean, really study it, you know, not the rubbish that Umbridge is doing with us because nobody could call that Defence Against the Dark Arts- ("Hear, hear," said Anthony Goldstein, and Hermione looked heartened) "-Well, I thought it would be good if we, well, took matters into our own hands."
She paused, looked sideways at Harry, and went on, "And by that I mean learning how to defend ourselves properly, not just in theory but doing the real spells-"
"You want to pass your Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L. too, though, I bet?" said Michael Corner, who was watching her closely.
"Of course I do," said Hermione at once. "But more than that, I want to be properly trained in defence because. . . because. . ." she took a great breath and finished, "because Lord Voldemort is back."
The reaction was immediate and predictable. Cho's friend shrieked and slopped Butterbeer down herself; Terry Boot gave a kind of involuntary twitch; Padma Patil shuddered, and Neville gave an odd yelp that he managed to turn into a cough. All of them, however, looked fixedly, even eagerly, at Harry.
"Well. . . that's the plan, anyway," said Hermione. "If you want to join us, we need to decide how we're going to-"
"Where's the proof You-Know-Who's back?" said Zacharias in a rather aggressive voice.
"Well, Dumbledore believes it-" Hermione began.
"You mean, Dumbledore believes him," said Zach, nodding at Harry.
"Zach, that's enough," said Y/N sternly. "Shut up now."
"I think we've got the right to know exactly what makes him say You-Know-Who's back."
"Look," said Hermione, intervening swiftly, "that's really not what this meeting was supposed to be about-"
"It's okay, Hermione," said Harry.
It had just dawned on him why there were so many people there. He thought Hermione should have seen this coming. Some of these people- maybe even most of them- had turned up in the hopes of hearing Harry's story firsthand.
"What makes me say You-Know-Who's back?" he repeated, looking Zacharias straight in the face. "I saw him. But Dumbledore told the whole school what happened last year, and if you didn't believe him, you won't believe me, and I'm not wasting an afternoon trying to convince anyone."
The whole group seemed to have held its breath while Harry spoke. Y/N put her hands over her face, resting her elbows on the table. She knew exactly where this conversation was going.
Zacharias said dismissively, "All Dumbledore told us last year was that Cedric got killed by You-Know-Who and that you brought his body back to Hogwarts. He didn't give us details, he didn't tell us exactly how my best friend got murdered, I think we'd all like to know-"
"If you've come to hear exactly what it looks like when Voldemort murders someone I can't help you," Harry said. His temper, always so close to the surface these days, was rising again. He did not take his eyes from Zacharias Smith's aggressive face, and was determined not to look at Y/N. "I don't want to talk about Cedric, all right? So if that's what you're here for, you might as well clear out."
Y/N did not dare take her hands off her face; she knew everyone at the table was throwing pity looks at her.
"So," said Hermione, her voice very high-pitched again. "So. . . like I was saying. . . if you want to learn some defence, then we need to work out how we're going to do it, how often we're going to meet and where we're going to-"
"Is it true," interrupted Susan Bones, looking at Harry, "that you can produce a Patronus?"
There was a murmur of interest around the group at this.
"Yeah," said Harry slightly defensively. "Y/N can too!"
Y/N did not react.
"A corporeal Patronus?" said Susan Bones.
"Yes," said Harry.
"Blimey, Harry!" said Dean. "I didn't know you could do that!"
"That's really impressive," said Alex, and Harry's face broke into a smug grin.
"And did you kill a Basilisk with that sword in Dumbledore's office?" demanded Terry Boot. "That's what one of the portraits on the wall told me when I was in there last year. . ."
"Er- yeah, I did, yeah," said Harry.
Justin Finch-Fletchley whistled; the Creevey brothers exchanged awestruck looks and Lavender Brown said "Wow!" softly.
"And in our first year," said Neville to the group at large, "he saved that Philological Stone-"
"Philosopher's," hissed Hermione.
"Yes, that- from You-Know-Who," finished Neville.
Hannah Abbott's eyes were as round as Galleons.
"And that's not to mention," said Cho, "all the tasks he had to get through in the Triwizard Tournament last year- getting past dragons and merpeople and Acromantula and things. . ."
There was a murmur of impressed agreement around the table. Y/N finally leaned back in her chair and rested her head on Dean's shoulder, not particularly looking at anyone.
"Yes, well," said Hermione hastily, "are we agreed we want to take lessons from Harry?”
There was a murmur of general agreement. Zacharias was the only one who folded his arms and said nothing.
"Right," said Hermione, looking relieved that something had at last been settled. "Well, then, the next question is how often we do it. I really don't think there's any point in meeting less than once a week-"
"Hang on," said Angelina, "we need to make sure this doesn't clash with our Quidditch practice."
"No," said Cho, "nor with ours."
"Nor ours," added Zach.
"I'm sure we can find a night that suits everyone," said Hermione, slightly impatiently, "but you know, this is rather important, we're talking about learning to defend ourselves against V-Voldemort's Death Eaters. We need to decide how often we're going to meet."
"Well, once a week sounds cool," said Lee Jordan.
"As long as-" began Angelina.
"Yes, yes, we know about the Quidditch," said Hermione in a tense voice. "Well, the other thing to decide is where we're going to meet. . ."
This was rather more difficult; the whole group fell silent.
"Library?" suggested Katie Bell after a few moments.
"I can't see Madam Pince being too chuffed with us doing jinxes in the library," said Harry.
"Maybe an unused classroom?" said Dean.
"Yeah," said Ron, "McGonagall might let us have hers, she did when Harry was practising for the Triwizard."
"Right, well, we'll try to find somewhere," said Hermione. "We'll send a message round to everybody when we've got a time and a place for the first meeting."
She rummaged in her bag and produced parchment and a quill, then hesitated, rather as though she was steeling herself to say something.
"I- I think everybody should write their name down, just so we know who was here. But I also think," she took a deep breath, "that we all ought to agree not to shout about what we're doing. So if you sign, you're agreeing not to tell Umbridge or anybody else what we're up to."
Fred reached out for the parchment and cheerfully wrote his signature, but Harry noticed at once that several people looked less than happy at the prospect of putting their names on the list.
"Er. . ." said Zacharias slowly, not taking the parchment that George was trying to pass to him, "well. . . I'm sure Ernie or Alex will tell me when the meeting is."
But Ernie was looking rather hesitant about signing, too. Hermione raised her eyebrows at him.
"I- well, we are prefects," Ernie burst out. "And if this list was found. . . well, I mean to say. . . you said yourself, if Umbridge finds out-"
"Oh give me that," said Charlotte Wenlock, signing her name in the parchment. Seeing his fellow prefect sign made Ernie less hesitant.
"Ernie, do you really think I'd leave that list lying around?" said Hermione testily.
"No. No, of course not," said Ernie, looking slightly less anxious. "I- yes, of course I'll sign."
Nobody raised objections after Ernie. When the last person- Zacharias- had signed, Hermione took the parchment back and slipped it carefully into her bag. There was an odd feeling in the group now. It was as though they had just signed some kind of contract.
"Well, time's ticking on," said Fred briskly, getting to his feet. "George, Lee, and I have got items of a sensitive nature to purchase, we'll be seeing you all later."
In twos and threes, the rest of the group took their leave, too.
"You were pretty quiet the whole time," Harry said to Y/N, packing up their things. "Is everything-"
Without answering, Y/N pushed past him and stormed out of the pub. She saw Zach and the others walking back within a small distance.
She marched up to them and grabbed Zach's arm roughly and turned him around, glowering with rage. The others turned too.
"What the hell was that all about?" Y/N snarled. "What is up with you, dingus?"
"What is up with me?" said Zach angrily, he'd never taken that tone with her before. "I asked him what everyone was thinking."
"Why did you have to drag Ceddy into this?" Y/N said heatedly. "Do you really wanna hear how he died so badly?"
"Yeah, I do," Zach sneered. "I think I have the right to know exactly how my best friend got murdered."
"Zach. . ." Daphne whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't be stupid, Zach," said Y/N. "It's not-"
"I am being stupid?" Zach gave a harsh laugh. "Cedric is dead, Y/N, he's gone. He got killed last year. You know I don't have any siblings, Cedric was like my brother- the brother I never had, he was my first ever friend. Ever since I set foot into Hogwarts, he's been there for me. He was more than just a friend, he was family. And you just expect me to shut my mouth and not even ask how he died?"
Y/N saw tears spill out of his eyes, and she calmed down a little.
"I- I understand," she said. "But what Harry's saying is the truth, Zach. Voldermort killed our Cedric, you can't take that out on Harry-"
Zach gave another spiteful laugh, wiping his tears.
"Just answer me this, Y/N," he said, looking down at her. "If the roles were reversed, and if it were actually Ced who'd gotten out of that maze alive, carrying Harry's dead body, do you really think his best mate Ron would be friendly with Cedric?"
"I- well-"
"Do you really think Ron wouldn't question Cedric every chance he gets to know how his best friend died?" Zach repeated.
His words made Y/N stop momentarily, she balled her fists and said nothing.
"Look, I love you like my sister, Y/N," said Zach, his tone turning soft. "But please don't expect me to be buddies with Potter because every time I look at him, all I can see is the image of him holding Cedric's lifeless body. I'll see you later."
With that, he turned and walked away.
"I'll- I'll talk to him, okay?" said Daphne, and she hurried off after him.
"Listen, Y/N, he's just going through a rough time right now," said Alex. "I mean, this is not even the worst side, he's actually acting a bit better lately."
"All thanks to Daphne," said Ernie. "She stayed at Zach's house the whole summer, helping him heal and get better."
"We'll talk to him," said Charlotte. "It's just, Cedric meant a lot to all of us, so I guess it just. . . hurts."
"I'll see you guys later, then," said Y/N, as they mumbled a 'goodbye' and followed Zach and Daphne.
Y/N let out a muffled grunt, stomping her foot on the ground, and rubbing her face in frustration. She wanted someone to take her back to fourth year, when things were so much easier and a lot happier.
"Why does everything keep getting worse?"
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Y/N felt gloomy for the rest of the weekend. Harry and Ron spent much of Sunday catching up with all their homework again, and although this could hardly be called fun, the last burst of autumn sunshine persisted, so rather than sitting hunched over tables in the common room they took their work outside and lounged in the shade of a large beech tree on the edge of the lake.
Hermione and Y/N were up to date with all their work, so Hermione brought more wool outside with her and bewitched her knitting needles so that they flashed and clicked in midair beside her, producing more hats and scarves.
Y/N spent most of her time writing letters to Cedric, telling him about their secret defence class idea, her parents' divorce, and Zach's outburst at the meeting.
Dear Ceddy,
. . . he's just being a downright d-word right now, you have no idea. He's not the Zach we know at all! I just wish you were here to knock some sense into him. Then there's Mum and Dad. . .
On Sunday evening, Harry, Y/N, and Ron went to the Quidditch pitch for their usual private practice. But when the sky had started to drizzle slightly, the three of them decided to cut their practice short.
Y/N went into the girls' changing room and got out of her Quidditch robes, putting on a Gryffindor jumper instead. When she walked out, Harry was waiting for her and Ron was nowhere to be found.
"Where's Ronnie?" She asked Harry, who quickly shoved something inside his pocket and looked up at her.
"Uh- he said he was hungry," Harry answered in a strange tone. He looked extremely nervous.
Y/N quirked an eyebrow and joined him, he was standing in the middle of the Quidditch pitch and made no move whatsoever to leave. The slight drizzle of rain had now started to pour heavier.
"We need to get back for dinner!" Y/N said urgently, using one hand to cover her face from the rain.
Harry, however, still didn't move. Y/N then noticed that his glasses weren't getting wet; he'd obviously used the Impervius Charm on them.
"Y/N, can I ask you something?" He said, as Y/N slowly took her hand away from her face, the rain falling freely down on the two of them.
"Sure," she said shakily.
Harry took her hands in his. The only source of light was the bright full moon, and the sky full of stars, which were exceptionally shiny that night.
"I don't think I can wait any longer," Harry started, staring deeply into her eyes. "Last year, we've both confessed that we like each other in more than just a friendly way, and decided to take things slow and put the labels after the tournament was over, remember?"
"Right. . ." said Y/N, her heart beating faster, her mind racing as to where he was taking this conversation.
"I know things went downhill after that but my feelings for you didn't," Harry continued, tasting the rainwater at the tip of his lips as he talked. "In fact, they only went uphill, Y/N. You drive me crazy in ways I can't even explain, you're the only girl I've ever felt this way for. I know you had a lot of things going on- and you still do, and I can't promise to fix all of your problems but I can promise that you don't have to face them alone, so if you'll let me, I'll stand by you. . . as someone more than just your friend."
"Harry, are you. . ." Y/N trailed off, excitement and nervousness rushing in her veins.
"At this point, I don't think it's just 'like' anymore," said Harry, stepping closer and closer to her with each word. "What I feel for you- it's much more than that. Not just a twelve-year-old crush, not just a silly attraction, it's more. I- I am in love with you, Y/N, I am so damn in love with you, it's scary, really. The way you care more about others than yourself, the way you put everyone else first, the way you don't take shit from anyone, your kindness, your bravery, your humour, everything just makes me fall for you more every day.
"So if you still feel the same way about me as you did last year. . ."
He took out a piece of folded parchment from his pocket, and when Y/N took it, she understood that he'd put the charm on the parchment too, it felt dry against her wet hand.
Without even waiting for a second, she unfolded the note and felt her heart skip a beat.
Dear Miss Quaffle,
Will you be my snogging partner?
Instead of answering, she grabbed the front collar of his jumper and pulled him in, smashing her lips onto his.
The kiss was soft and gentle, yet so passionate. Harry pulled her even closer to him by her waist, pressing their bodies together as their lips moved in sync, the rain mixing with it ever so lightly. The kiss wasn't filled with any doubts or hesitation, it was filled with so much love.
Y/N kissed him like this was the last time she'd ever kiss him, her whole boy felt hot even though they were kissing right under the rain, their clothes completely drenched. She felt like someone had opened the cage of a thousand butterflies inside her.
After crushing on each other for so long, after eye-snogging each other for years, they'd finally come clean about their feelings. Fucking finally.
And it took them only four years.
They pulled away, breathing heavily, but smiling all the same. Y/N wrapped her arms fully around his neck, resting their foreheads against each other, smiling so wide and their cheeks burning.
"You know I suck at romantic speeches," Y/N said breathlessly. "But I just want you to know that I love you too, Potterson, you make me happy when I feel like I could never smile anymore. I can't promise a perfect relationship because I won't be a perfect girlfriend, I'll yell at you, I'll punch you in the nose if you piss me off and then I'll kiss it better," Harry chuckled, "I am stubborn, I am an impatient prick but no one can love your awkward arse more than me, I assure you that."
Harry's smile got bigger if that was even possible, he rubbed his nose against hers.
"An impatient prick?" He teased. "Like a cactus?"
"Shut up, you cheeseball, don't ruin my flow!"
"Alright, carry on, you cactus!"
Y/N laughed and continued,
"So yeah, what I am saying is- if it wasn't so damn obvious before- yes, Hazzarold, I will be your snogging partner."
Harry quickly lifted her off her feet and spun her around in excitement. Y/N let out a yelp and laughed, holding onto his neck tightly. He put her down and captured her lips in another lingering kiss, the rain still pouring down on them like glitter from the sky.
"Not gonna lie, I kinda wanted to bring it up first and ask you," said Y/N. "But you beat me to it."
"I missed my opportunity to ask you to the Yule Ball by waiting," said Harry. "I wasn't going to do the same mistake again."
"Speaking of the ball. . ." Y/N began, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She took one of his hands from her waist and interlocked their fingers, hearing a faint click of their bracelets, and started to lead him in a slow dance.
"Really? In the middle of the Quidditch pitch? Under the rain?" Harry asked, amused as he and Y/N moved together in sync.
"Can you think of a better place?"
Harry shook his head, grinning.
He and Y/N danced the night away under the stars, not even caring if their steps were sloppy, not caring if anyone was watching them because, at that moment, nothing in the entire universe mattered, nothing except for the two of them.
"You know, I don't think this rain's a coincidence," said Y/N after five minutes of dancing. "This is probably your parents and my brother giving us their blessings from above."
Harry smiled beautifully.
"I think you're right," he said, twirling her around and bringing her back into his arms. "What if Umbridge catches us?"
"Pfft, I don't give a shit," said Y/N. "We all know she'd be just jealous that she hasn't got someone like this to dance with."
Harry chuckled. "I still can't believe it, you know," he said, "that you're my girlfriend. Y/N Diggory is my girlfriend. Wow."
"Why do you sound so surprised?"
"I just never thought you'd choose me," Harry said sincerely, still slow dancing. "I guess I am just waiting to wake up and realize that all of this had just been a wonderful dream."
Y/N smiled and pecked his lips.
"It's always been you, Harry," she said. "And if you still think you might be dreaming-" she slapped him softly on the cheek, "-that should wake you up."
Harry laughed heartily and kissed her nose, the smile never leaving his face.
After some time- or it might've been several hours- the couple decided to return to the castle, remembering to put a Hot Air Charm on them before going inside the Gryffindor Tower.
As soon as they entered through the portrait hole, Y/N saw almost all the Gryffindors sitting in the common room, waiting. All eyes fell on the pair.
"Well?" They chorused, staring at Harry.
Before Y/N could utter a word, Harry grabbed her waist and kissed her, dipping her a little. The Gryffindor Tower burst into loud cheers, so loud Y/N was sure the whole country could hear them. Some people were clapping; some wolf whistled; some were just shouting.
"Finally!" Hermione squealed.
"About time, if you ask me," said Ron.
"See? He's her lobster," said Dean.
"I always knew, you know," said Lee, who was fake sobbing into his handkerchief. "I watched them grow up and all."
"How did they know?" Y/N asked Harry after they pulled away.
"Probably Ron," said Harry sheepishly.
They walked further into the common room, many people shouted "congratulations", while the boys thumped Harry on the back. Ron, Hermione, Dean, Fred, and George approached them.
"Oh I am so happy for you two!" said Hermione, jumping up and down.
"Best mate or not- you hurt her, you'll have to answer to me, Harry," said Ron, but he was smiling.
"We would say 'us too' but we all know our little wolf would beat the shit out of you if you hurt her," said Fred, making them laugh.
"So good luck, Harry," said George. "You definitely need it."
"Professor Flitwick owes us five Galleons," said Fred, looking at his twin.
"That reminds me," said Dean. "Professor Sprout owes me ten sickles."
"Excuse me?" said Y/N, raising her eyebrows. "What are-"
"Okay, everyone, let's give the happy couple room to breathe, go on!" said Fred suddenly, leading them away. But just when he said that, Parvati strode up to them.
"That's my girl you have in your arms, Potter," she said in a mock tone of seriousness, her hands on her hips.
"I-"
"Don't worry, Paru," said Y/N, cutting Harry off. "I'll leave him for you any time."
She winked at Parvati, who giggled and winked back. Harry looked at the girls in disbelief.
"But really, congratulations, you two!" Parvati said, beaming. "I've been rooting for you since third year!"
"Thanks," said Y/N. Parvati smiled at them one last time and wandered off.
After another round of congratulations, people went on with their own conversations. Harry and Y/N joined Ron and Hermione near the fireplace. Harry immediately put an arm around Y/N as she cuddled up to him.
"Oh no, do we have to watch them get all lovey-dovey in front of us from now on?" Ron said to Hermione, sounding terrified.
"You can just close your eyes when we do this-" said Y/N as she pulled Harry into a kiss by his jaw, both of them smirking into each other lips.
Ron groaned and covered his face with a pillow. Hermione giggled.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of doing that," Harry whispered, slightly pulling away.
"Good because there's more from where that came from," said Y/N.
Even though their lives weren't perfect, Y/N and Harry felt they could tackle anything as long as they have each other. Because with everything that was happening around them, finding comfort in each other was exactly what they needed.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Author's note♡
Legend has it that everyone in the clouds is sobbing their ass off rn.
Harry Potter and Y/N Diggory are finally an official couple now. How're y'all feeling?
I am actually soooo excited because I have so many plans for them yaaayyy :D
QOTD: which era do you prefer, the marauders era or the golden trio era? marauders 4ever <3
~Madison Potter✧*。