Estranged • Harry Potter {2}

14

Telekinesis.

Hermione wanted to start with what the book said would be the hardest to master. Conjuring was much easier. If I wanted something bad enough I could have it but I didn't want anything that bad so that made it a bit difficult. But telekinesis... absolutely not.

Hermione took notes. I practiced. She yelled at me. I practiced. She studied. I... practiced.

The boys had no idea what we were doing and honestly, I didn't want them to know. I was avoiding Ron, especially after hearing about what Bellatrix did. I couldn't face him. I was nothing like that beady crazy woman but we shared the same blood, and that was shameful enough.

Hermione and I practiced practically all night but in the morning right before class, she wanted to do it again. Only a knock on our door stopped us.

Professor McGonagall told us we needed to get to the infirmary straight away. Hermione and I practically ran there as both boys weren't in the common room. My mind raced, wondering which one it could be or maybe both.

I knew Hermione was thinking the same thing.

We both arrived out of breath and Harry was there to greet us; way too calm. We quickly went to the bed where Madame Pomfrey was checking Ron. He was strapped to the bed unconscious.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Long story." Harry replied. He didn't seem to have slept a wink either.

Madame Pomfrey pulled up a chair for Hermione and I looked over to see Ginny already there. She was the last of his siblings still at school and she looked the most unwell of us all.

I might have been avoiding all the Weasleys...

"Hi." She said weakly.

"Is he alright?" I asked.

"He will be." Madame Pomfrey replied for her. I turned away and Harry slid his hand into mine as rushed feet hurried over to us.

Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore and Slughorn were all by our side.

"Quick thinking on your part Harry, using bezoar." Dumbledore said, concerned for the boys. "You must be very proud of your student Horace."

"Hm? Oh yes, very proud." Slughorn said absentmindedly.

I glanced at him and watched his face change. Was he there?"

"I think we agree, Potter's actions were heroic. The question is, why were they necessary?" McGonagall asked.

"Why indeed?" Dumbledore asked, going to his old friend.

"This appears to be a gift, Horace." Dumbledore took the bottle from Slughorn. "You don't remember who gave you this bottle?" he popped open the lid and took a whiff. "Which, by the way, possesses remarkably subtle hints of licorice and cherry when not polluted with poison."

I tugged on Harry's arm gently and he looked at me. "Were you with him?"

"I didn't drink any." He said quickly.

I let out a breath of relief and Harry smiled a little, turning back to the professors.

"Actually I had intended to give it as a gift myself." Slughorn replied as Snape took the bottle and took his own sniff.

"To whom, I might ask?" Dumbledore asked.

"To you... headmaster." Slughorn said shamefully.

Wow... someone was after the headmaster.

Everyone exchanged looks, thinking the exact same thing. I looked at Hermione and watched her scoot closer to Ron, ignoring everyone else in the room.