The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 116: An Even Keel

Everything felt much brighter now.  Katie felt like she literally had a weight removed from her and she swore to never get like that again.  She hated putting Harry through it, their friends, and herself.  She definitely never wanted to feel that way again.

The next day she found Lyla and firmly hugged her, squeezing her tight despite how much she wriggled and struggled.  "Thanks Lyla," Katie said, her voice muffled by Lyla's hair.

Lyla stopped struggling.  "You stopped being a bitch?"

"Yes."

"Did you talk to Harry?"

"Yes."

"Are you back together?"

"Yes."

"Am I the best sister you could ever possibly have for helping you and dealing with you?"

Katie ground her teeth.  "...yes."

"And don't you forget it."

"You won't ever let me," Katie sighed with a smile.  "But seriously, thank you for helping me getting my head out."

"Well, what are sisters for.  Now let me go."

"But you used to love having big sister hugs all the time.  You used to beg me for them."

"That was years ago!  Let me go!"

Katie saw Hermione walk into the common room and let Lyla go, rolling her eyes when Lyla stuck her tongue out at her.  "Hermione, could I talk with you please?"  She waited for Hermione to come close.  "I'm so so sorry.  I can't believe I ever made you feel like you had to return something precious.  Please know it wasn't personal.  It was never you or even how Harry was treating you.  You two have a bond that I never want to see broken for any reason.  I hope you can forgive me."

Hermione hugged Katie tightly.  "I'm just glad everything worked out.  I don't blame you.  I was really scared and well, Harry would never make a choice to hurt someone over a friendship.  So if it would have helped, I would have done it."

Katie squeezed her back.  "It was really wrong of me to have done that to you and I really hope you can forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive.  Like I said, I'm just glad it all worked out."  Hermione leaned back and smiled tearily at the older girl.  "He really loves you."

"And he really loves you too.  I wouldn't want him to lose you either," Katie said sincerely.

Hermione sighed.  "Oh Harry."

"Right?" Katie giggled.

-0-

I can't believe I'm doing this again.

The Practical Defense Club was popular once more.  The majority of the school had come to the first meeting and now they were doing the specialized ones.  Today was a focus on defensive charms and Remus, having just taught the Boggart lesson to his third years, decided to repeat it for the club.  He found a new Boggart and brought it to the great hall for practice.  Only people who wanted to try their skills against it participated with others standing far back.

Harry had no intention of approaching it.  He had enough Dementor exposure to last a lifetime.  Unfortunately, one of the third years lost their head, ironically enough chased by a headless horseman, and caused a minor stampede of fleeing students.

Leading the Boggart to Harry.

Harry waited, his wand out, the Boggart Banishing Charm on his lips with the Patronus Charm just waiting.  The Boggart stopped and looked down on him, holding his severed head to look blankly at Harry.  The figure writhed, undulated.  It shrank and with a burst of foul light and smoke, it changed.