Chapter XVI: Hogsmeade
(Harry P.O.V)
Harry had awoken with a yawn, he had gone to bed early after a tough loss during the quidditch pick-up game. Harry had gone head to head with Cedric for the first time, and needless to say, it wasn't as easy as flying against Malfoy because Cedric was skilled in his own right, snatching the snitch right from under him which lead to a friendly roasting by Corner who happened to be on the winning team.
Fred and George, however, had made him feel a lot better as they had joined the pick-up game as well and had told him that even with how great their brother was at flying, Charlie had lost occasionally too and not to beat himself up over it. However, Harry was glad he had gotten to bed early, as when he woke for his morning exercises, he didn't feel so exhausted, and the Hogwarts Hallways were as open as can be due to most people getting some sleep in before beginning their Hogsmeade weekend.
As Harry got dressed in his workout clothes, he recalled the shocked face of Daphne, and while part of Harry had wanted to ask her out so badly, the other half knew it wasn't the right time. It didn't help that he was also bubbling with rage from the fact that somebody had physically attacked her, and while he assumed it was Malfoy, he wanted to make no rash moves, and more importantly, Harry knew that Daphne wasn't the type of girl who wanted others to fight her battles. So as much as it bothered him, he had to push the chilling feeling he got in his chest every time he recalled seeing the bruise aside, for now at least.
The walk from Gryffindor Tower down to the Castle Grounds was a long one, even with knowledge of the secret passageways, but it only got longer as Harry noticed movement in the Greenhouse near the edge of the castle. Harry sat there in observation as he watched the figure he now saw was Neville, getting dangerously close to a Venomous Tentacula plant. Harry knew it well as he observed his palm where the plant had left a burning pain on for a while due to his "mishandling" of it.
However, Neville showed absolutely no fear regarding the plant as he watered it, speaking to it softly, "Hey, don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. It's feeding time now."
Harry was certain the plant couldn't understand what Neville was saying, but it didn't explain how a plant that had been so fickle for him, had gently laid down its branches at Neville's word, as from a cannister Neville began to sprinkle what looked like fish-flakes, but Harry assumed was a fertilizer type ingredient over the plant who upon being thoroughly full, slowly brought its branches up once more almost as if it was intending to give Neville the time to back away.
A bright grin over-took Neville's face as he nodded, "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow, I need to go see Professor Sprout now to work on the Mandrakes." The plant seemed to bow as Neville left that section of the Greenhouse, and Harry couldn't do anything but watch in amazement.
He entered the greenhouse and while not intending to, he seemed to have scared Neville as he spoke, "That was incredible."
"Waa!" Neville cried from surprise before turning to see Harry, "Oh, sorry, didn't know there was anyone else in here. Do you need something Harry?"
"Not really," Harry said with a shrug, "I've just never seen anyone handle a Tentacula like that, the plant and I had a very different relationship the last time I worked with it."
"Uh, thanks," Neville said lacking in confidence, "The trick is just remembering their living things. I think of them as magical creatures with feelings and fears just like us, or hippogriffs, or Nifflers, just because they can't make noise doesn't mean they don't get frightened, it's all just part of the approach, I guess." Neville said looking down at the ground, "Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you, you're probably busy getting ready for Hogsmeade or something."
"Not really," Harry said with a chuckle, "Didn't end up getting a date."
"But you're Harry Potter?" Neville said in almost complete confusion, "How did everybody say no to you?"
"Oh, they didn't," Harry said, "I just didn't really ask anyone else outside of Greengrass. She turned me down."
"I know how that feels," Neville said glumly.
"Hey," Harry said taking a seat beside Neville on the workbench, "At least you had the guts to ask the girl you like out, Corner couldn't even do that."
"Thanks, Harry," Neville said, "Still hurt to get shot down."
"Tell me about it," Harry said with a groan, "I've been getting shot down for months."
Neville laughed causing Harry to smirk before he spoke, "Look if you're not doing anything today Longbottom, why don't you come out to Hogsmeade with Corner and I. Could be fun."
"You want to hang out with me," Neville said in confusion, "But, you're Harry Potter, and Corner's pretty popular too after that big prank, why would you want to hang out with me. I'm nobody."
"You're not nobody," Harry said kindly, "You're Neville Longbottom, the best Herbology student I'd say Hogwarts has ever seen. Plus, it's like I said before, had our parents managed to make it through the war, we'd probably have become friends anyway. No pressure or anything, but if you want to come with, just know you're invited. Might be nice to have a more serious member in our group to help keep Corner and I in-line, or at least try to."
"You really want me to go to Hogsmeade with you guys?" Neville said still clearly struggling to understand the kindness he was receiving. It really made his blood boil with how shot the kid's confidence was, as from everything Harry could observe, besides being a bit forgetful, and a bit clumsy, but nowhere near the level of Tonks, there was absolutely nothing wrong with Neville.
"Yeah," Harry said with a shrug, "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. Plus, what are you going to do if you stay here, most of the castle's going to be gone anyways?"
"And this isn't a prank, right?" Neville said, "Because Finch-Fletchley and Macmillan have done something like this before and it wasn't-"
"It's not a prank Nev," Harry said patiently, "Genuine offer, you're not as worthless as you seem to believe you are, you're strong, I can see it."
It was quiet for a moment, and it felt like an eternity had passed before Neville nodded, "Okay, I'll meet you guys at breakfast."
"Sounds good," Harry said warmly, "See you then."
(Daphne P.O.V)
Daphne had awoken later than normal, and part of the reason for that was the fact that she wasn't able to get to sleep. Harry Potter, his emerald green eyes, his lazy smile, his cedar and green apple scent, every aspect of the boy was invading her mind and it had become very consuming. She was at his mercy in the broom closet, she had been preparing for the outcome of being forced to go to Hogsmeade with him, but instead, he had simply asked for her notes.
The way Harry talked about how he wanted to spend his Hogsmeade trip had done something to her, the way he talked about wanting to hold her hand and go shop to shop or look at the small cottages was something she had never imagine Potter would say. She had expected for him to simply want to find a dark corner and snog, but he sounded like he wanted more than physical affection.
However, none of that mattered as he hadn't forced her to do anything. For a moment, her mind wandered into what someone like Malfoy, Nott, Crabbe, or Goyle would have done if they were in Harry's position, and that thought filled her with dread. Yes, she had been expecting the 'worse' but what confused her more was the fact that the 'worse' never came. As Harry left the broom closet, a certain sadness had hit her heart, and for a moment, but only a moment Daphne had relented that maybe she wouldn't have minded going with Harry to Hogsmeade.
Still, assuming it was just a passing fancy and not wanting to get too hung up on Harry, Daphne crawled out of bed and into the shower. She had promised herself that she was going to push Harry out of her mind for the rest of the day, but that had lasted all of five minutes, as while Daphne closed her eyes, allowing the shampoo to rinse out of her long blonde hair, the image of Harry smiling down on her from his broomstick flashed into her mind and she cursed beneath her breath, "God damn it."
Her shower had been longer than usual, but she had felt awake and ready after her cleanse. Wrapped in her towel, she walked towards the clothes she had brought in with her and smiled, "Potter's not the only one who can play games."
She could have sworn she went through every single winter outfit in her dresser before she had chosen the one she liked. She had opted for a tight white thermal shirt covered by a black double-breasted wool-blend long pea coat with a belt that wrapped snugly around and showed off her thin waist. Finding the appropriate jeans was also an issue, because while at first, she planned for leggings, she had stumbled across the pair of jeans that Tracey had always said made her butt look good, and quickly wiggled into her light blue jeans that cut of at her ankles before rolling her charmed self-warming socks on and slipping them into her black-combat boots.
As Daphne began to do her hair in the mirror, curling it slightly, she couldn't help but smile as she thought to herself, Damn I look good. However, that thought was interrupted by another, Why do I even care though?
Maybe because you want Harry to look at you? Her thoughts echoed. Yes, maybe it was true, she did want Harry to look at her, but only because the Flyboy had taken so much pleasure in making fun of her, that now, Daphne felt it was her turn. Now, feeling thoroughly confident, she had finally reached down to the common room where she found Tracey and Blaise waiting. Tracey smiled at her, "Hey, you're wearing those jeans."
"Looking good, Daph," Blaise said with a grin.
"Really good," Tracey said with a grin, "Do you have a secret date that we don't know about, because if you do, first, rude for not telling me, and secondly, good for you."
"Nope," Daphne said with a smile, "No date, just going with you too."
"Then why-" Blaise started but Tracey answered for him.
"Harry's not going to be able to keep his eyes off you," Tracey said with a smile, "Although, he wasn't really looking at anyone else before. If you too like each other, why don't you just date?"
This time, instead of voicing a complaint about Potter, Daphne just remained silent before turning to the Common Room exit, "Come on, let's get some breakfast. I'm starved."
Tracey clearly was not a fan of her question getting glossed over, but if Daphne were honest with herself, she didn't really know the reason yet either. Something inside her told her that it wasn't time yet. Harry was still too arrogant and troublesome, and while Daphne had to relent the fact that Harry was nice and sweet, she needed him to become humbler before she could ever really consider dating him. Now a broom closet encounter, Daphne was still weighing that one in her mind.
Daphne felt like she was glowing, though she didn't really do it for anyone besides herself and Potter, she felt a confident smirk rise to her face as she saw the heads of boys and some girls even turn to face her. However, to Daphne's dismay, all that confidence she was feeling went straight out the window upon entering the Great Hall. Standing there, next to her sister was Harry Potter looking more handsome than she had ever seen before. She thought he was attractive in his uniform, but the way his black thermal clung to his chest, the way his off-white jacket hung on his shoulders, how cute his hair looked sticking out from the back of his beanie, Daphne quickly determined that she was thoroughly unprepared to see Harry in street clothes.
Her eyes were only pulled from the scene of seeing Harry, Astoria, Corner, and Longbottom of all people having what seemed to be a light-hearted discussion by Tracey's strange observation, "Hey Daph," She spoke in a whisper, "Have you seen Weasley anywhere?"
"Which one?" Daphne spoke with an indifferent shrug.
"The youngest one, the one in our year," Tracey said still scanning the tables.
"I don't see him," Daphne admitted, "But why do you care?"
"I don't," Tracey said, "It's just, I don't think I've seen him miss a meal since his sister was kidnapped. It's just a little concerning."
"Last week I saw him sitting underneath the quidditch bleachers by himself," Blaise said with a shrug, "It was a bit disappointing. I haven't really seen him since then, I just thought he was having a bad day, but that was a week ago now."
"I just sort of feel bad for him I guess," Tracey said with a shrug as she drank her pumpkin juice, "I mean, he lost his sister, lost his chance to get on the quidditch team, I heard that Fay Dunbar turned him down for a chance to go with Harry to Hogsmeade, even Finnegan and Thomas aren't really talking to him as much. I mean, even Longbottom has Potter looking out for him, even the Weasleys aren't seeming to look for him."
"He's a hothead," Daphne said with a shrug, "I wouldn't want to hang around with him either. Play shitty games, earn shitty prizes."
"I know," Tracey said silently, "But still, it's just sad."
Daphne turned to her friend, she understood where her friend was coming from. Unlike most Pure-Blood witches who focused solely on magical education, Tracey's mother prior to her death was a muggle, and for years of her life, Tracey had believed she was a squib. Magic never seemed to really click for her, and her oddness at school had left her being bullied and ostracized. It wasn't until Tracey had turned eight that she had her first major display of magic, and her father had reintroduced her to the magical world where Daphne and Tracey had become fast friends despite her Pure-Blood status.
To Daphne, loneliness never bothered her, but to Tracey, seeing another person suffering from it killed her. She had wanted to reach out to Longbottom, but the consequences of trying to help one of Malfoy's favorite targets didn't really sit well with her. Yes, Tracey was kind and compassionate something rare for the House of Snakes, it's what made her such a good friend, she was the warmth to Daphne's Ice Queen Persona, but she wasn't stupid enough to get involved against the great risk of being bullied herself.
Blaise too understood that about Tracey. He was the one who had gone to comfort Tracey on the anniversary of her mother's death and had learned everything about her then. Blaise while more on the calculating side also had splashes of humanity inside him and it was why he would never run with Malfoy's gang. It was part of the reason he detested his mother for her constant marrying and divorcing of men in order to gain wealth, he didn't like seeing people down, at least not people he didn't consider enemies.
"You could try and reach out to him," Blaise suggested, "But it's Ron we're talking about, he's not a big fan of snakes."
"You wouldn't get jealous of me being around another guy?" Tracey asked softly.
"Not unless you start snogging him," Blaise said with a smirk, "Then we're going to have a problem."
Tracey smiled as she kissed her boyfriend's cheek before returning to their meal. It hadn't been long however until the clock struck ten and the students began to be shuttled out towards the Hogsmeade carriages. Daphne wanted to hurl as she watched Brown approach Harry whisper something in his ear before giggling and walking away to return to her friends. Her disgust turned into a slight grin, however, as she watched Harry turn to Corner and Longbottom before rolling his eyes and pretending to shoot himself in the head.
At least you won't have to worry about Brown, Daphne thought to herself before responding harshly, I don't care, I don't care, I don't care.
Yet, as much as her brain wanted to deny it, she couldn't help but admit seeing Harry turn down other girls for her made her feel a bit warmer inside before she entered the carriage of her own alongside Blaise and Tracey. Blaise then spoke excitedly, "I'm so thrilled to be out of the castle, exam cramming was killing me."
"Yeah," Tracey echoed, "But look on the bright side, when summer comes around, it's going to be awesome. I mean honestly, I don't know how my dad did it, but he really came through winning those World Cup tickets."
"I know," Blaise said excitedly, "Bulgaria is definitely going to crush Ireland this year."
"Babe, I love you," Tracey said with a snicker, "But you are completely out of your mind. Ireland's definitely taking it all the way."
"Wanna bet?" Blaise said, "Loser has to take the winner out to dinner."
"Looks like you're going to be buying me dinner then," Tracey said smiling as she leaned into her boyfriend's side before turning to Daphne who was currently looking out the window as they left the castle grounds, "Who do you have winning, Daph?"
"Huh?" Daphne asked dumbly.
"Stop zoning out," Tracey said with fake annoyance.
"Sorry," Daphne said, "It's just you two lovebirds are so gross and annoying it's the only way to protect myself." Tracey gave her a mock glare before she smirked and Daphne returned it before asking, "What were you saying?"
"Who do you think is winning the World Cup this summer?" Tracey repeated.
"Oh Bulgaria," Daphne said, "I mean, Krum's on that team, right?" She asked looking for confirmation as she didn't care much for the sport, upon getting the nod from Tracey she continued, "Seekers win games, I'm not really sure why they even bother having the other positions have the time, and in terms of Seekers, Krum's the best in the world."
"Logical as always," Tracey said shaking her head, "Where's your Irish pride."
"Unlike you freckles," Daphne said with a chuckle, "I don't have any Irish blood in me. Although, I guess it's not much comfort since England's team is god awful according to Astoria."
Tracey released a laugh before together, the carriage-mates all stared in awe at the sight of the winter-wonderland they had just entered, Hogsmeade village covered in the first snow of the year, they had finally arrived. As they unloaded from the carriage, Daphne saw Tracey staring at something in front of the carriage mysteriously before shaking her head and turning back to Daphne, "So, where to first?" She asked allowed.
Daphne let an ever-rare genuine smile come out, "Honeydukes. I'm going to need my sugar quills if I'm going to make it through the first exams. Just don't let me buy too many, I don't want to get fat."
"Afraid a certain Green-Eyes boy won't like you as much," Blaise asked with a chuckle.
"This is a Potter-free day," Daphne growled, "Mention him again and I'll hurt you."
"Whatever you say, Princess," Blaise started before getting elbowed in the side, "Right, okay, only Potter gets to call you that."
Daphne turned to Tracey before laughing earning a slight glare from Blaise as together, the three of them began their tour through Hogsmeade, a feeling of warmth in Daphne's chest. Today, she had promised herself, was going to be a good day.
(Harry P.O.V)
As the cold air blew past Harry's face, a semblance of joy ran through his body as he, Michael and Neville had gone shop to shop, stocking up on sweets, new food for Loki, and most importantly a long stop at Zonko's Joke Shop. Harry laughed at Neville's reaction every time he and Michael would plan for their uses of Nose-Biting Teacups, and Hiccough Sweets. Harry had never laughed harder than when Neville had commented on Harry and Michael's plan to hide a nose-biting teacup in a cauldron during potions class so it could jump onto Snape's nose.
Harry wasn't entirely sure if Neville had meant for it to be funny or serious when he said, "I think you're going to need a bigger teacup," But he couldn't stop himself from chuckling at the meek grin on Neville's face as he spoke aloud, "An engorgement charm could probably do the trick though."
"Nice thinking Longbottom," Michael said deviously as he took the teacup to the counter, and while Neville protested heavily that he wanted nothing to do with pranking as his grandmother would kill him, it hadn't stopped Michael and Harry from chanting, "One of us! One of us!"
Eventually, with a determination not to crack up himself, Neville had agreed to buy a pack of frogspawn soap in order to get back at the bullying he had received from Ernie and Justin in the past. While Neville tried to look ashamed, Harry could tell he was feeling a bit more devious than he had let on. Harry couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he thought, Found our Moony.
They had been shopping around for about an hour, after just exiting Dogweed and Deathcap, where Neville had given both Harry and Michael and extensive lesson in Herbology when Harry's stomach growled loudly. Both Neville and Michael turned to each other before turning to Harry, "How are you already hungry? I saw you put down like forty pancakes?" Michael said with a look of disbelief.
"Hey," Harry said, "I'm a growing boy, give me a break."
"How have you not eaten yourself into poverty already," Michael said.
"I have resources," Harry said cryptically causing the three of them to laugh as they entered The Three Broomsticks Pub.
Harry, Neville, and Michael had no sooner sat down when he saw Hermione walk in the door. Harry was expecting for more people to follow in after her, but nobody came, instead, she simply sat alone on a stool near the bar, a stack of shrunken books purchased from Tomes and Scrolls sitting beside her. Harry seemingly wasn't the only who saw her, as Neville too stared at the bushy-haired witch before he spoke, "Is she all alone?"
"Yeah," Michael said tiredly, "That's how it is in Ravenclaw tower. She normally just heads up to the dormitory and locks herself in to read after classes are over. She's not really all that bad of a person, but she can just be really bossy and it's overwhelming. Most people choose to just leave her alone."
"We should invite her to sit with us," Neville spoke nervously, clearly feeling like he was too new to the friend group to make an executive decision like that.
Harry turned to Michael who simply shrugged before he spoke, "Leave it to the Puff to worry about other people before himself. Fine," Michael said with a sigh, "Go ask her to join, I'm going to prepare for the lecture."
"Surely she can't be that bad," Neville said meekly, "She's always been kind to me."
"Go ahead man," Harry said with the same lazy grin, "More the merrier, Corner's just being a drama queen right now."
Neville nodded and Harry watched as the blonde-haired boy approached the renowned bookworm before Michael turned to him, "He is so into her."
"Are you serious?" Harry said shaking his head, "He's just being nice."
"Five galleons, they're a couple by the end of fourth year," Michael said confidently.
Harry shook his best-friends hand and smiled, "Alright, I'm in."
They had just finished negotiating their arrangement when both Neville and Hermione joined the table. Neville sat down across from Hermione as the four of them waited for Madam Rosmerta, an attractive woman, with long blonde hair and bright green eyes. The four sat in awkward silence before Hermione spoke first, "Um, thanks for letting me sit with you all."
"Sure thing," Harry said warmly, "Why were you all alone anyway?"
"I don't really make friends to well," Hermione spoke slowly, "Not real friends anyway."
"What do you mean?" Neville asked kindly.
"Most people just hang around me so I can help them with their homework and then they leave," Hermione said glumly, "Sorry, I don't want to be a downer, what have you three been doing, hopefully not planning more trouble."
"What else would we be doing, Granger?" Michael said with a grin.
"The fact that you two have only received detentions is amazing," Hermione said with a sigh, "I still remember the prank on the first day of school."
"That was a pretty good one," Harry said with a smile.
"Pretty good," Michael said, "That was masterful. Don't sell us short Potter."
"You two are completely insane," Hermione said shaking her head.
Harry smiled as he and Corner wrapped their arms around Neville and grinned, "Us, three you mean."
"I haven't even done anything," Neville said sheepishly.
"You haven't done anything, yet," Michael corrected with a grin as Neville turned to a nervous smile on his face. Hermione simply shook her head, though Harry did see a slight smile of amusement at the three boy's antics, and soon, Madam Rosmerta had arrived where the four ordered their drinks and Harry had ordered an absurd amount of hash browns and eggs.
When the food had arrived, Harry smiled devilishly at the pile of food in front of him, and he couldn't help but acknowledge the concerned look on Hermione's face as she spoke, "How are you going to be able to eat all of that?"
"Fast metabolism Granger," Harry spoke confidently, "fast metabolism."
It had taken about half an hour for Harry to finish his food, and while what Michael said was true about Hermione being slightly bossy, the witches company wasn't a bad thing, as over that half-hour, she had quizzed the three boys on information for the exams, and while it was clear Harry desperately needed Daphne's notes for potions, following the coincidental cramming session, he certainly felt more confident for his exams than he first thought, his headstart helped, but you could never be too sure, and that confidence had seemed to spread towards Corner, and Neville as well.
As the four left The Three Broomsticks, Harry's eyes were instantly drawn to the Blonde-Haired Princess. He hadn't seen her the entire day, but at just the first glimpse, Harry couldn't believe just how beautiful she looked in the light snow. Harry had wanted to approach her, but he stopped himself, Daphne looked like she was at peace for once, and after all the things that she had been going through the last few days, Harry decided he didn't want to disturb it, even by accident.
Hermione shivered upon feeling the cold breeze break through her coat, and she spoke lightly, "Thanks for letting me sit with you all, but I think I'm going to freeze to death if I stay out here, plus I need to bring these books back to the castle. I'll see you all later, if that's okay?"
"Do you want any help?" Neville asked kindly, as Harry noticed him staring at Hermione's large stack of books.
"No I'm okay," Hermione said with a smile, "Thanks for inviting me though Neville, it was really nice."
"No problem," Neville said with a slight grin, and Harry cursed underneath his breath as Michael gave him a knowing look. Harry nearly decided to just forfeit the bet and pay the five galleons that moment but was distracted upon another chilly gust of air. It was cold, of that there was no doubt, but he swore it felt like it was getting colder than before.
The three boys waived as Hermione walked away, before trying to push the chills out of his body, Harry spoke, "Well, there's still plenty to see." Harry had wanted to go see Andromeda and Ted, possibly even Sirius if he was currently there and not back in their house in Boston, but while Harry liked Corner and Neville, he wasn't sure he was ready to introduce that part of his life to them yet, so instead, the three boys pushed through, finishing their leisure shopping and began refilling their school supplies.
As the three Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, Harry and Corner ventured towards Spintwitches Sporting Needs where Corner, who had received some galleons from his mother after making the quidditch team began to purchase his pads and helmets in the standard Ravenclaw Blue and Bronze. However, it wasn't just Michael who seemed entranced by the store, Neville too looked simply fascinated by the wall of broomsticks, ranging from new Nimbus 2001s to used Nimbus 2000s, Cleansweeps, and even the broom Harry recognized as the Brazilian's National Team's broom of choice, the Varápidos.
Harry nudged Neville, "Do you fly?"
"Not really," Neville said, clearly looking haunted by some awful memory, "Gran always told me I was too clumsy to fly."
"You don't seem that bad to me," Harry said with a shrug, "I'd say if you leaned out a bit, you'd make a fair Keeper. You got the right build for it."
"Thanks, Harry," Neville said nervously, "But I don't think I'd be any good."
"Well, you won't know until you try," Harry said kindly, "I'll talk with Cedric and Wood about setting up another pick-up game. I have an old Comet 140 at home, it's not perfect, but you could have it if you want to just try flying out again. I think you really just need some confidence. I mean, you're confident when it comes to Herbology and you're like the best Herbology student I know. You've got to win the battle in your mind before you do anything else."
A small grin appeared on Neville's face, "You really think I could be a good Keeper?"
"We won't know until we put you in a game," Harry said simply.
"I guess there is no harm in trying," Neville said cautiously, "Right?"
"Right," Harry said in confirmation before Michael appeared by their side with his equipment shrunk down enough to fit in his pocket.
"What are we talking about?" Michael asked.
"Talking about getting Nev on a broom during a pick-up game," Harry said simply.
"He'd probably be a good keeper," Michael said with a nod.
"See," Harry said with a chuckle, "What did I tell you?"
(Harry P.O.V)
The day was winding to a close, and honestly, Harry despite not having the date he would have wanted had a pretty good time with Neville and Michael. Neville was a stabilizing force to their group, adding caution and responsibility, something that Michael and Harry seemed to have a passion for throwing to the wind. The three now exhausted friends had sat down, leaning against a large tree as they stared off into the distance, looking at the abandoned house with sealed windows and boarded up doors called the shrieking shack. While Harry knew the truth of the matter, he knew he shouldn't tell, and he simply sat back and listened as Neville spoke, "What do you suppose is in there?"
"Ghosts," Michael said, "At least that's Dumbledore said. I even asked Nearly Headless Nick about it once, not even the Hogwarts ghosts want to go there."
"Really?" Neville said in interest, "I always heard that a gruesome murder took place in the house, that's why the house makes the shrieking sound. It's supposed to the victim crying out on the monthly anniversary of their death."
"Creepy," Harry spoke, not wanting to give everything away.
His breath was visible now, and Harry had realized the sky was darkening. He could have sworn it wasn't that late, but it wasn't as if Harry had a watch on his to tell the time. There was probably a spell for it, but Harry certainly didn't know it. So, trusting what he saw, and not wanting to get sick, he rose from his seat, offering his hand to Corner and Neville as he spoke, "You two ready to head back?"
"Sure," Michael said, "Might as well call it early, got exams to study for and all that fun stuff."
"Come on Corner," Harry said with a grin, "We both know you don't study."
"Don't expose me like that Potter," Michael said with a chuckle before Harry turned to Neville. The boy was trembling slightly and while it certainly wasn't warm, Neville was dressed in enough layers in which he shouldn't have been shivering. Michael had turned to the Hufflepuff boy as he spoke, "You alright, Longbottom?"
That's when Harry felt it, his hand began to tremble as well, and instantly, Harry's mind kicked into combat mode as he spoke, "We need to get back. Something's not right."
What Harry had loved about his friendship with Corner was that the two seemed to share an unspoken connection, and without a word, they helped Neville to his feet as they proceeded towards the center of town on their way to the carriages. It seemed that Harry was right about something being wrong, as Harry saw many people beginning to tremble as they attempted to shuffle their way into stores for warmth.
Then, it hit Harry and instantly he began to reach for his wand as a grey and freezing mist began to overtake the town, "Get back to the carriages, now!"
"Harry," Neville spoke trying to see through the mist, "What's going on?"
But before Harry could say another word, out of the mist came a host of at least ten dementors and the sounds of screaming filled the air. Quickly, Harry grabbed the wrists of Michael and Neville, not wanting them to fall victim to a dementors pressure, though their trembling bodies showed that it was already beginning to affect them. Then Harry heard a shout that carried a name Harry wasn't prepared for, "Daphne!"
Harry let go of his two friends' wrists as he spoke, "Get back to the carriages, right now."
"What about you?" Neville asked.
"I'll be fine, just-," Harry started.
"Not a chance," Michael said firmly, "We stay together."
"Help!" The same voice cried, and knowing he was pressed for time Harry quickly relented as he led the charge through the mist towards the sound of the voice, Michael and Neville close behind him. The fog was thick, and the air was becoming so cold that it hurt to breathe, but if it was even possible, Harry became colder upon seeing the sight before him.
Blaise Zabini was on his knees, clutching his head in agony as he screamed for help. But that wasn't all, on the ground unconscious was one of the nicest people he'd met so far, Tracey Davis, and on the other side of the boy was Daphne, looking completely helpless as tears rolled down her cheeks as she too was beginning to slip away. Harry ran towards them, trying to use whatever Occlumency he could to keep the screaming out of his head as he approached the trio of snakes, but as if it materialized out of nowhere, a Dementor appeared, and Harry watched as a suction like effect took place on Blaise's head, falling him to the ground as well. Just before the dementor lunged towards Daphne, Harry jumped between them as he forced the memory of the Christmas Day into his head before shouting, "Expecto Patronum!"
From his wand, a silvery mist appeared, and Harry grit his teeth as the dementor bit at the white shield. The chills surrounding him, Michael and Neville seemed to subside as Harry shouted through gritted teeth, "Get them out of here!"
Wasting no time, both Michael and Neville sprang into action, as Neville wrapped the unconscious Tracey's arm around his neck, holding the limp girl as he began to run. Michael, who was built a bit stronger than Neville, lifted Blaise of the ground and through gritted teeth he spoke, "Come on you heavy bastard, help me out here."
"We'll get help!" Neville called as he began rushing Tracey to safety and all Harry could afford to do was nod, as he focused on the Patronus Charm.
Harry looked behind him and saw only a semi-conscious Daphne laying on the ground, in desperation he shouted, "Come on Princess, it's time to wake up! You've gotta move!"
But Daphne couldn't move, it looked to Harry as if Daphne was completely delusional as instead of making any effort to escape, all he heard her whisper in a frightened tone was, "Astoria."
While Harry felt confident in his ability to hold off the Dementor with his shield, that confidence was shattered as another two joined the first, and despite the effort, Harry was putting into the shield, his hands began to tremble once more. In the back of his mind, he saw the visions that weren't his of his mother and father's death. He heard his mother's voice pleading for his life, but he still pushed back, gritting his teeth as he shouted to himself, Come on Potter! You can do this! Come on!
What seemingly looked like a beak began to emerge from the mist, and Harry closed his eyes focusing solely on his memory. The smell of eggnog in Sirius' glass, the color of Tonks' hair being a mixture of red and green for the holiday, the scolding face of Andromeda as Harry reached for another cookie, the smile on the normally serious face of Remus. Every detail he could remember continued to fill his heart with joy, as a radiating pulse began to push through his wand causing the dementors to hiss. Harry smiled, he was winning, he took a step forward, pushing the dementors back until from behind, another appeared. "Shit," Harry whispered, his concentration breaking.
Then, a familiar voice called out, "Expecto Patronum!" From the side, Harry watched as the full-form of a jack-rabbit bound through the dementors, sending them screeching away, as with sweat on her brow, Harry saw Tonks, breathing deeply as she spoke, "You alright, Harry?'
Harry nodded, and soon, two more Aurors joined Tonks as she looked over at Daphne, "Harry, we've got it from here. Take the girl and get back to the castle. Go!"
Harry grit his teeth in anger, he was so close, he was almost there, but he hadn't gotten it. Pushing down what he felt was his failure, he leaned down and scooped up Daphne, who subconsciously slung to Harry's neck as he bolted towards the carriages where the Hogwarts Professors had begun to line up, guiding the students back to safety. Harry's body felt heavy, but eventually, he had found Professor McGonagall who upon seeing the situation instantly summoned a carriage to her as she ordered, "Get to the infirmary as soon as you arrive."
Harry nodded, and as he climbed into the carriage, he quickly reached for his wand, expanding a Chocolate Cauldron from his pocket, breaking off a piece and feeding it to Daphne in an attempt to try and stop her trembling. To Harry's great relief, it worked, and as Daphne's trembling subsided, she drifted slowly to sleep, still cradled in Harry's arms.