What if Sirius Black didn't die?

Chapter 23: Finishing up Term

UMBRIDGE SPOILS A BEAUTIFUL MORNING- Nicholas Hooper

HARRY POV:

The rest of the month was pretty boring and full of classes. Even though we had lots of free time, most of it was spent studying and finishing up homework. After the first Slug club party, we had to find dates for the initial Christmas party. That is, Hermione and I, along with the rest of the Slug Club. I still didn't ask anyone, because I didn't know who. Hermione pointed out that Ginny and Dean were fighting again when she arrived late to the last party with tears in her eyes. I put all types of those thoughts and focused on trying to get a date.

I wanted to talk to Hermione about it, but it always seemed like she was busy, and so was I. I didn't remember the last time all three of us sat down together for anything other than studying and doing homework. Of course, we all had conversations throughout the day, but short ones. Ron was with me most of the day, but Hermione had other classes along with electives. She also had to make sure she got top marks in each class, so we barely even saw her around.

She was either studying in the common room, in the library, at the dinner table, it always seemed like she had a book on hand. Ron and I, on the other hand, were just getting by. Defense Against the Dark Arts was the easiest as always, even though Snape was teaching it. Hermione was right when she said that Snape had the same approach to practice defense as me, as much I hated to admit it. It was like the DA. We didn't sit down and read the books like Umbridge or the rest made us do.

Professor Lupin also taught similarly. Wow. Look at me. I just used the name, Professor Lupin. In my thoughts, yes, but the schoolwork was getting to my head. Uhh. I was so glad that we would be leaving in a few days. After the Christmas party, which was- when was it? Think. Ah, yes, it's on the 20th. Wait- isn't that tomorrow? And on top of that, I had a 5-foot essay on conjuring spells to return to Professor McGonagall on the last day of term. I had to get on top of things, or else I would be spending the holidays in a transfiguration class (even though there's no class during the holiday). I decided to rush to the library, something I never thought I would do, but yes.

"I need to finish my essay, unfortunately," I said to Ron, grabbing my things and getting ready to leave.

"Coming to the library?" I asked, pausing to wait for his response.

"Nope. I spent the entire day in there yesterday per Hermione's orders," He rolled his eyes.

"Okay then, I'll see you at dinner," I said quickly turning around and exiting the common room.

"I was going to ask Ron to the Christmas party, but it seems he has other plans," Hermione said as she placed her books back on the shelves of the library.

"Like what?" I asked curiously.

"Oh, he didn't brag about it to you then?" Hermione snapped.

"What?" I said, clueless.

"Nevermind. He has the liberty to do as he pleases. " She snapped back as she returned yet another book.

"I really couldn't care less," She continued, hoping I wouldn't notice the uneasiness in her voice.

"What about you then? You can't just ask anyone you know." Hermione said in a low voice.

"Why not?" I asked as I looked at her curiously.

"See that girl there?" She said, looking behind me.

"That's Romilda Vane. Rumor has it she's trying to smuggle you a love potion." Hermione whispered as the girl with black curly hair turned around and gave me a flirty smile.

"Hey!" Hermione snapped angrily at me as I jumped around.

"She's only interested in you because she thinks you're the chosen one." She snapped.

"But I am the chosen one." I grinned, receiving a hit with a newspaper from Hermione on my head.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed as Hermione turned around.

"Okay, kidding. Well, I thought, since none of us have dates, we could go together!" I exclaimed, earning a hard stare from Madam Pince.

"As friends, of course." I quickly added, more quietly this time.

"Oh, why didn't I think of that?" Hermione groaned, realizing her mistake.

"That would've been perfect, but I already asked someone." She sighed.

"Okay then, I'll ask someone else, someone cool," I exclaimed.

We soon sat down and started finishing our last essays and any work that needed to be finished for the rest of the term. After I wrote the transfiguration essay, I needed to finish another page on a type of defense for Snape, and after that, I was done. Great plan, Harry. Now to do the actual work. Uhh. I honestly don't know how Hermione manages all of this along with extra classes and soon, apparition classes. I had heard that they were starting after the holidays, and I was not thrilled. I mean, yeah, teleporting and whatever, but broomsticks are so much easier. Besides, it feels like you're suffocating the entire time. Nonetheless, I was going to be attending apparition classes, as most everyone was, and it would probably come in handy in the future.

Both Sirius and Remus recommended it anyway, so I was stuck in apparition classes. It wasn't all that bad, besides, I would be attending with my two best friends, that is, if they've made up until then. I didn't have a clue about what Hermione was saying that Ron did, but I would surely ask him tonight. If we saw each other again. Oh, wait- dinner! I almost forgot. I looked up at the time, hoping for it to be dinner, but we had about two hours to go, and lots of words to write, so I buried my head back into my work and forced myself to focus, which was probably the hardest thing I've had to do. Oh, wait. Nope. Not the hardest. It was up there though.

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