McKinnon

| CHAPTER NINETEEN |

Sarai was beginning to feel suffocated again. She felt as if she never had any alone time. Dean and Seamus seemed dedicated to walking her back and forth to classes, even leaving earlier than usual during meals to make sure they could get her there on time. They especially weren't keen on letting Michael be the only one to walk her to class, since the last time, he'd been held back by his quidditch captain, already strategizing next years' success for the Ravenclaws. The boys had also noticed that Blaise Zabini, had taken a liking to badgering her outside of class as well, which added to Sarai's irritable mood. She hadn't been able to see Snuffles in quite a few weeks since the second break- in from Black. She spent most of her time cursing his name under her breath. While Dean and Seamus had their hearts in the right place, trying to make sure their best friend was okay, realistically Sarai doubted they'd be able to do anything if Sirius Black did turn up to kill her. Three thirteen year old wizards would be no match for an Azkaban escapee.
She had begun enjoying the time she spent with Hermione, while studying. She found out, she was actually a much better Transfiguration tutor than Michael could ever be, but she'd never tell him that. The two were sitting in the Gryffindor tower, books open and long rolls of parchment sprawled over the coffee tables. Sarai had decidedly taken a break from the endless homework she had been assigned, and was currently fiddling with the Himitsu-baku. She had twisted the dial on the right corner of the box, to reveal a small piece of wood peek out and then hide back again, when she had turned the dial too far. Twisting it back slower this time, the slab slowly.
"oh!" She said softly, as she fiddled the wooden slab. She pushed the slab sideways, and it slid into place to its side. The lid of the box slid further back slightly. The small slot that was opened before, had grown bigger, filling Sarai with excitement.
"Hermione, check it out!"
Hermione snapped her head up to look at the Himitsu-baku. She noticed the improvement, Sarai had made with the puzzle and let out an excited 'oooh'.
"That's wonderful, Sarai, really." She looked up at Sarai revealing the dark circles under her eyes. Sarai took a second to study Hermione, while she took a closer look at her beloved puzzle. Her frizzy brown hair, which was usually bushy, beautiful locks, was starting to look thinner, and was sticking out everywhere as though she had taken to pulling it out, from stress. The freckles she once had scattered across her face were nonexistent, from being cooped up in the common room or the library. Hermione's frame seemed a little smaller itself, as if she'd forgotten to eat a few meals. In a sense, Hermione reminded her of Snuffles from when she had first met the poor dog. Tired, hungry, and a little bit of desperation in her eyes that were accompanied by large dark circles. She had a bit of a glazed look in her chocolate brown eyes, most likely from the lack of sleep. Sarai felt a pang of pity in her chest. Hermione definitely had experienced an unnaturally difficult third-year. Sarai could hardly imagine how she was keeping up with it all.
"Hermione," Sarai said a little cautiously. As if she was worried about spooking a skittish animal, "Are you well?"
Hermione looked up at her in confusion, "What are you talking about?" She asked.
"You look like you haven't slept or eaten in ages. Are you taking care of yourself?" Sarai pressed on. She feared for her health.
"I'm just a little worn out from all the classes I'm taking." Hermione admitted warily, "And Ron almost getting stabbed from Sirius Black really spooked me."
Sarai listened to Hermione carefully, as she vented about everything that had been going on that year for her. Between running back and forth between classes, to worrying about Harry being killed by Sirius Black, to the boys not talking to her ever. From the Scabbers and Crookshanks war, to worrying about Buckbeak, Hermione had taken the weight of the world on her shoulders and was forced to carry it by herself. Sarai watched as a small tear carefully slipped from hermione's eye.
"I'm just so tired." Hermione explained, "All the time, it's like I get caught up finally just to have another wave of--of bollocks hit me in the face like a ton of bricks."
Sarai raised an eyebrow, Hermione had never been known for her use of foul language, but the more time she spent with Hermione, the more the girl seemed to open up to her.
"And I'm bloody lonely, Sarai." Hermione cried exasperatedly, "My best friends won't talk to me, haven't talked to me hardly at all this year, just because I cared more about Harry not dying than a stupid quidditch match!"
At this Professor McGonagall entered through the portrait hole, and placed a small flyer on the bulletin board, before leaving just as quickly as she had entered. A small gaggle of Gryffindors crowded around the bulletin.
"Hogsmeade, next weekend!" Someone said reading the new notice. Hermione's head snapped up to the are where the bulletin was and her face began to crumple even more. She threw her face in her hands.
"And Harry has been sneaking into Hogsmeade with that stupid map--oh." Hermione covered her mouth with her hands as she looked at Sarai with a frightened expression.
Sarai blinked, "Map?"
Hermione shook her head, "No, no," She mumbled to herself before begging, "Oh please don't say anything!"
Sarai took one look at the frazzled girls desperate face and threw her hands up. "It's fine, relax, Hermione." She said emphasizing the word. "Take a deep breath. Now." In the firmest voice she could.
Hermione did as she said, "Now, I'm not going to say anything, but." Sarai said, as Hermione dropped her shoulders, "What map?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably. "It's nothing." She said nervously. Sarai raised an eyebrow, showing that she wasn't believing any farce Hermione was going to throw her way. No matter how intelligent she was.
"There's a map that shows the secret passageways to Hogsmeade." Hermione admitted in a quiet voice. "It's just the ways to get to Hogsmeade." She added, nervously. "Harry used it around Christmas to get into Hogsmeade."
Sarai folded her arms against her chest, "Is he insane?" She asked dumbfounded. "Do you realize what could happen if someone else got ahold of the map?" Sarai whispered furiously to Hermione.
She squirmed, as tears began welling up in her eyes, "I tried to tell them---" She said her voice cracking. "They wouldn't listen..."
Sarai's face softened as she let out a sigh. "It's alright, just--just breathe." Sarai could only handle so much crying from Hermione. Especially when the other gryffindors were starting to look at them and whisper. "Listen, I won't say anything, but you better convince him to hand it in. You remember last time, information for the castle was released. This is much worse." Warned Sarai, "Especially, If that's how Black is managing to get into the Castle. If the Professor's don't know about the passageways, they won't be able to properly protect us."
Hermione nodded quietly as she brushed the tears off of her face, "And," Sarai said, patting Hermione's knee, "I don't know about Harry, but I personally would prefer if Black didn't kill me this year. I've got a lot going for me."

The saturday of the Hogsmeade visit, Sarai had made it her mission to go see Snuffles. She was extremely worried about him. It had been over a month since she'd last gone down to visit him, with the added security impressed over the castle. She told Michael she'd catch up with him later at dinner, after he'd promised to bring her back a load of sweets from Honeydukes. Originally they had planned to use Hogsmeade day as their next date, but Terry had caused a huge fuss about him not spending nearly enough time with him. Sarai had giggled at his friend's antics, and told him that they could plan their date another time.
Sarai had made her way back from the kitchens, her bag filled with as much food she thought would last Snuffles, and made her way out of the castle and directly to the forbidden forest, for her usual meeting spot with Snuffles.
"Snuff-" She was cut off by Snuffles tackling her to the ground. The large shaggy haired dog, barked at her in accusation before licking her face repeatedly, "I--" Fighting Snuffles burst of affection, "I missed you too, getoff!" She said using her arm to push him off of her. "Down!" She commanded in a firm voice.
Snuffles stopped in his tracks. She had definitely gotten more comfortable giving him verbal commands. He sat down obediently. Sarai sat up, and straightened her t-shirt.
"Now, We have got to work on the tackling me. You're gonna end up getting me hurt you know," She scolded, before pulling out the pastries from her bag. "I'm sorry it's been so long, but that prick Sirius Black has made it even harder to get any privacy in the castle."
Snuffles whined softly, before Sarai held out a mince pastry in her hand for him to bite out of. "Honestly, Snuffles. I'm just ready for break." Sarai admitted, "I miss Grandpa, and I'm over having to look over my shoulder. And I'm especially over having people tail me nonstop." She complained.
"My anxiety has gotten better" She admitted, pulling out her himitsu-baku. "Dad got me this for Christmas. It helps keep my mind off things." She explained as she began fiddling with it. "Oh, me and Michael started dating." She added. Snuffles tilted his head, in curiosity, "Well, not dating, just dates."
She got up suddenly, causing Snuffles to stand on all four legs abruptly. "Let's go for a walk, it's nice enough outside to be out by the lake."
The two walked along the edge of the forest. Sarai went on to explain all of the happenings since the start of the new term. She had talked about the quidditch match, and how she had given Michael a kiss on the cheek. She mentioned how she had befriended Hermione, and the map she had mentioned. She talked about Blaise, and his insistence to bother her any chance he got her alone. She mentioned how she secretly admired Astoria, and how perfect she seemed in every way possible. How she desperately wished she could become friends with her even though she was a slytherin. She mentioned Dean and Seamus, and how they had become her fierce protectors, walking to her to every single class, making her leave early so they could leave on time.
"I haven't actually had my first kiss yet," Sarai admitted as she skipped a pebble across the lake. Snuffles had taken to plopping on the grass next to her as she talked. "I think I'm nervous, you know?" She said turning to Snuffled before giggling, "Well, you're a dog. So I don't expect you would. I bet you'd be quite the ladies man if you weren't a stray."
"I wonder if there's a reason Michael hasn't kissed me yet." She wondered aloud. "There can't be something wrong with me right?" She again looked to Snuffles for confirmation. He gave a little snort in response. As if it'd been a preposterous notion to suggest. "Maybe I've sent the wrong signals?" Sarai fretted.
It was nice, Sarai had to admit to herself. To worry about something like a first kiss. "But why go out of his way to reschedule a second date? I don't know, Snuffles," Sarai sighed half-heartedly, "This is all so confusing."
Snuffles ears twitched at the sound of the rustle of bushes. Sarai turned her head to see sparks of red fly past her, towards Snuffles, who had jumped out of the way.

"GET THE BLOODY HELL AWAY FROM HER!"

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