A Young Wizard's Journey - Goblet of Fire

The Amazing Bouncing Ferret

The trip up to the castle felt oddly slow. Harry and Ron were still muttering away to each other, no doubt attempting to theorise what may be happening at the castle. Ginny and Luna were happily discussing their upcoming new lessons. Hermione leant in towards Y/N whose eyes were on the rain-soaked carriage window

'You alright?'

'Yeah' muttered Y/N 'Just... I haven't been like that with Malfoy in a long time. A very long time. And whilst that word brings out a change in me, I used to be... I dunno... more careful? I don't regret it, no part of me regrets it but... I dunno.'

Hermione wrapped her hand around his and leant in, she kissed his cheek lightly and then nuzzled her face into his neck. A second later and her voice spoke, albeit slightly muffled.

'Are you worried?'

'The last time I acted like this, I was angry. Very angry at the basilisk, at Ron, at anyone really. Now all this stuff with the Dominators is happening and suddenly it's like I've lost mercy.'

'Do you really think Malfoy deserves your mercy?'

'Do you not?'

'I didn't say that, I'm just asking what you think.'

Y/N took a deep breath.

'I think Malfoy has grown up in a family where he's had certain things hammered into him. Perhaps he's not like his father. Perhaps he is. But if I just start attacking anyone who does something wrong... I mean, I cut Ron's cheek last year. And whilst that's worked out in some ways-'

Hermione placed a finger to his lips.

'If you're really worried about this, we'll speak to Remus about it. But you stressing yourself out now isn't going to help us.'

Y/N nodded and pulled her into a hug, but as he stared out at the lights of Hogwarts castle steadily growing larger, he couldn't help but feel a small tugging sensation. Was he truly becoming merciless? Or was it simply a reaction to everything he'd been through? He definitely wasn't prepared to fall for a trap the same way he had with Quirrell, but was this really the path he wanted to go down? Just blindly attacking anyone who said or did anything he didn't agree with?

Hermione was right, being alone with his thoughts right now wasn't a good thing. And so, he simply pulled her closer into him and watched as they finally came to a halt alongside the stone steps to the entrance hall.

The six of them clambered out of the carriage and jogged their way up the stairs and into the entrance hall just in time to watch Peeves throw a handful of water bombs at some second years before speeding off away. Professor McGonagall was stood glaring after the poltergeist.

'Lovely weather,' said Y/N dryly as she turned to face them.

'Positively dashing,' she replied as she shook her head, 'and I'm ever so grateful for Peeves deciding that the rain happening entirely outside wasn't enough.' She waved her wand, and the puddles of water began to dry as they made their way into the Great Hall.

They bid Luna farewell as she split off towards the Ravenclaw table and they settled themselves around the Gryffindor one.

Y/N glanced up at the staff table to see three empty seats. Hagrid's, Minerva's, and the new Defence teachers, and felt his heart sink. Despite his insistence that it wasn't him, Y/N was half expecting to see Remus sat there. He did however catch Dumbledore's eye, who gave him a very small nod and a smile.

They chatted quietly amongst each other and Nearly Headless Nick, who was hovering alongside them, until the Great Hall doors opened and in came a flood of first years. Each looked as though they'd been dipped into the lake, and one even seemed to be walking in Hagrid's giant overcoat. Y/N was surprised the boy could even support its weight.