Kassandra Bauer and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)

Chapter 13: Expecto Patronum.

Although, Hermione meant well. Or at least, that's what I thought at any rate. We were all still plenty mad at her for what happened with Harry's broomstick. Ryan on the other hand, didn't seem that interested in a broomstick anymore. He just sat on the Common Room Couch in silence. 

"Are you okay, Ryan?" I asked.

"I don't know." Ryan answered. "I mean, I suppose this shouldn't have been a surprise. Mom and Dad had no shortage of classes lately. But I can't help but feel... maybe... it was my fault." He admitted.

"Huh?" I asked confused.

"Maybe if I had been born normal. You know, not had Autism. Maybe Mom and Dad would be happier. And not gotten divorce." Ryan explained. 

I didn't know much about Autism. But I did know that it wasn't Ryan's fault. He didn't do anything wrong. "Do you know what a Divorce is, Kassie?" He asked.

"Only by reputation. It's when a Mater and Pater decide to split up." I answered. "Forever." 

Ryan nodded. "And that's what my Mom and Dad are doing." 

"So... w-what does that mean for you and your sister?" I asked.

Ryan sighed. And he tried to keep a straight face. "Well, Sophie is going to live with Mom. And I'm living with Dad. According to this letter, Dad says that it's not my fault, and it had been built up for some time." He answered. 

"And Emily?" I asked.

"She's got her 'own place and her own life'. Away from me." Ryan answered. He even pulled out some Socialite paper to prove it. And there Emily was. A full view of her as a socialite. "All she says is that Mom and Dad's marriage was doomed to fail anyway and she's not surprised." 

"Ryan..." I wanted to say. 

"Just go." Ryan dismissed me. 

I felt bad for Ryan, but I did what he wanted. He still had Horus. I could... well, I could only imagine what Ryan was going through at that moment. 

I went back up to my Dorm where Hermione was. "Is Ryan okay?" She asked.

"He's still upset. But Horus I think is keeping him company." I answered. 

"What a nightmare." Hermione commented. "Poor Ryan." 

"It's not his fault." I said. "I mean, we all knew that Ryan's parents were having issues. He said it-" 

"I always thought he was just exaggerating."  Hermione commented. "I guess I was wrong." She didn't seem to know what to say either.

"Are you angry at Ryan?" I asked.

"No." Hermione answered. "He's probably angry at me though. I mean not the Gods. They were angry that I insulted them about not taking their jobs seriously. But rather, they were disappointed I made terrible judgement."

"You mean about the Firebolts?" I asked.

Hermione nodded. "That's... understandable." I said. 

"But I still defend what I did." Hermione added. "Though... I should've just gone to the Gods about it." 

I didn't want to talk about it anymore. So I stopped talking. 

And Hermione nodded. "Okay. I see."

Ron was the most furious out of all of us. According to him, and I'm quoting him on this: 'Stripping down a Firebolt is nothing less than Criminal Damage that should get you locked up in Azkaban.' 

Hermione was avoiding the Common Room at all costs and she'd taken refuge in the Library. At least until Madam Pince would kick her out when it was closing time. It kind of got lonely in the Common Room, so I was glad when the New Year came and the Tower of Gryffindor became crowded and noisy again.