I Think I Like Him

20. The Marauders Map

Word count: 1376

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A week later found Harry in the courtyard, Ron and Hermione at either one of his shoulders. He watched Professor Mcgonagall in silence for a few seconds before letting out a sharp exhale. Ron thumped his back dutifully and he could sense Hermione's encouraging smile.

He buried his hand in his pocket, pulling out an unsigned permission slip. He trudged forward through the snow, stopping in front of the Teacher.

"Professor?"

Mcgonagall looked down at him and plucked the form from his hand. She unfolded it curtly, furrowing her brow when she saw the signature box empty.

"Potter?"

"I was wondering if you could sign it?"

"This-" she held up the parchment, "-is meant to be signed by either a parent or guardian, and since I am neither it would be inappropriate and improper."

"But Professor-"

"The answer is no." At his heartbroken expression, the woman squeezed his arm, "I'm sorry, Potter" the meaningful look she gave him told Harry that it was not simply the technicality of who signed the letter; it was because of Sirius Black.

Harry sighed, bitterly. As McGonagall walked away, Hermione and Ron came from behind him with pats on the back from gloved hands. "I'm sorry Harry- we can stay here too, if you want?"

Harry shook his head at Hermione, "no, you two have fun. I'll be fine here."

"Oh Harry, are you sure?"

"Completely"

Hermione hugged him, "won't be fun without you"

"Obviously"

She smiled and let go.

"Promise to bring back half of Honeydukes for ya, mate."

"Cheers, Ron" He waved as the pair walked away, before turning back to the castle.

He weaved through the hurrying students, all headed in the opposite direction- excited for a day at Hogsmeade.

Harry stopped abruptly as he found himself at the entrance to Gryffindor common room. Just as he was about to tell Sir Cadogan the password, the Portrait swung open, Harry's seeker instincts being the only thing sparing him a trip to the hospital ward, by backing up quickly; landing him on the floor.

"Sorry Harry!" Both Fred and George Weasley said in unison. They helped him up by the elbows, brushing down the arms of his robes.

"Where are you going anyway, Harry?"

"Yea, me and Fred are already late for Hogsmeade, so what you going in there for?" Said the twin who he know new as George, motioning to the common room behind them.

"The Dursley's wouldn't sign the slip, so I'm just gonna catch-up with my herbology homewor-"

"You can't miss your first Hogsmeade weekend, Harry!" Fred said, as him and George spun him around, walking him back down the corridor.

"If anyone sees me-"

"They won't" George pushed something into his arms, and Harry looked down to find his invisibility cloak.

"Wait, why do you have my cloak?" They stopped, and Harry looked at them expectantly.

"don't worry Harry, we only grabbed it for you" George said quickly.