They call me a criminal

Chapter 14

I gasped for air sitting up, when I looked around me I saw Harry in the bed directly next to me. Fred and George sat beside him with Ron.

"Clara?" Fred whispered rushing to my side. I stared up at him confused, "am I alright?" He nodded, "a dementor attacked you, and Harry. Dumbledores furious." I sat back trying to take that in. "Why me? Out of all the students in the stands." Fred sighed, "they remembered you." I bit my lip, looking over at Harry. "Is he okay?" Fred nodded, "he's just resting."

Madam Pomfrey pulled open the curtains. "You're looking better dear, slightly pale. How are you feeling?" I shrugged, "I'm fine." She smiled, "you should be free to leave then. Goodnight dear." Fred offered his hand to help me out of bed which I gratefully accepted. "I'll take her to eat something. See you all later." I waved at George and Ron, and followed Fred to the great hall.

It looked pretty empty now, a few students around. We sat down at Gryffindor table and Fred passed me a plate. I slowly ate some of the vegetables picturing the dementors face directly in front of mine. I shivered trying to brush that off, and enjoy the food. "Who got that dementor away from me?" I asked. Fred pointed his fork at the teachers table. "Professor Lupin, I didn't even notice, I'm sorry." I shrugged, "you were playing quidditch I wouldn't expect you to." When we finished Fred grabbed my hand. "Shall we go for a walk." I looked down at it, enjoying the warmth that immediately spread to my body. "Sure."

He led me around the castle and I felt as though I was holding onto his hand for dear life. "Fred?" I whispered. He turned to look at me, "yes Clara."

"Thank you," I whispered meaning it. He gently placed a kiss on my forehead and I leaned my head onto his chest listening to his heartbeat. I let him wrap his arms around me and I took it all in, how great it felt to just be held, to feel like someone else was taking the burden off of me. I closed my eyes, feeling relaxed for just a moment as he ran his fingers through my hair. "Everything's gonna be alright." He whispered sending chills up my arms. I stepped back, "you don't really believe that do you?" He nodded, "I'm not letting you go through this alone anymore no matter how hard you try." I allowed him to have the benefit of my doubt and he led us back to the common room. It seemed like everyone else had gone to bed. "Night love." I smiled, "goodnight."

A few weeks went by and everyone had plans to go to Hogsmeade today. I saw Fred and George just about to leave for the town. Fred caught my eye and waved me over. "I can stay here with you today, so that you're not alone." I scoffed, "you're not letting George go by himself. You both love these trips, go enjoy." He smiled leaning down and placing a quick kiss on my lips. I watched as he walked away, leaving me stunned. I turned around to see Hermione and Ron standing there. "Ron... I didn't know.." he shook his head laughing. "As if I'd be bothered, date him if you'd like, I'm serious." I smiled, "I don't know about dating." Hermione hit me, "he just kissed you. Of course you two should date Clara." I laughed, "have fun today."

I decided I should get outside today so I threw on a coat and a pair of jeans making my way out there. "Harry?" I whispered seeing him walking infront of me. He spun around, telling me to come closer. "I'm going to Hogsmeade? Want to come?" I shook my head, "I can't risk getting caught out there. Dementors and all." He nodded, "I'll see you later then?" I waved as he took off and I walked outside.

"Beautiful day for a walk?" I saw professor Lupin behind me. "It is nice out." He nodded telling me to keep walking. "How's everything been going?" I shrugged, "better I think. People still hate me, but I have my friends." Lupin smiled, "and Fred?" I laughed, "a friend." He shook his head, "if you say so." We stopped by the lake where he tossed a few stones in. "Have you given any thought as to where your going this summer?" I looked down, "I have some ideas." He nodded, "that's good to plan ahead."

"Do you think all of this will be forgotten by next year?" I asked. He sighed, "hopefully for the school, I don't think you'll forget, you're clearly a very strong student, I think you'll move past it, but it will always be with you." I shook my head, "that's unfortunate." He nodded, "very."