Close Or Far From The Law

Chapter 25 : 24. Rescue in progress

Hermione had assured them that she had a method but that they should act as usual for the moment. If Neville and Ron had been easily convinced without any more questions on their part, Harry had his on the tip of his tongue. Especially since he read a growing anxiety in the brunette and he guessed more or less that it all had to do with the secret she had been keeping since the beginning of the year. It was partly a relief to finally know, but on the other hand, for it to put his best friend in this state… He hated it. So he sat next to her while Neville and Ron played chess as usual. She must have known what was going through her head because she greeted him with a fragile smile.

-I'm sorry.

-That's not really what I want to hear, you know. I know you're sorry and I am too.

For all the things he couldn't tell them but kept them safe, really safe. He clenched his fists in his pockets, his eyes on Neville focused on his pawns who were trying to tell him how to play. A real calamity the witches chess pieces for that, Harry preferred them very silent. Especially since there was a certain cruel aspect to seeing them tear each other down on set and being aware of it.

-What I want to know is if you will get better.

Hermione looked surprised and Harry felt himself blush as she rested her head on his shoulder. It wasn't that often that they were this close and he almost got a bad shiver when he met Ginny's gaze. Ron's little sister scared him but it wasn't a subject he had discussed with anyone yet. She was strange, really strange. Of course, it was not trivial to have been possessed by Voldemort but still… Besides, Harry had questions about him but he had avoided them for them too. Because Voldemort hated it when he talked about anyone else while training, he knew that. The man had a kind of possessiveness that maddened her heart while giving her pleasure. Harry blamed himself for it but he could only love being needed by Voldemort for his balance. That someone needs him so much….

-Yes, I will be better. The year is almost over and you're going to find out. You know, I hate hiding things from you, it usually always ends up putting us in danger.

Harry was fine with that and he was still waiting for his to create a huge tsunami with irreversible repercussions. He wanted to say it but Voldemort's spell held him back. For better and for worse.

-Why did you do that, Mione?

-I don't really know... I wanted to think I was the best. I wanted to show this world that a Muggle-born could be amazing.

-You're the. You have to prove it to yourself first, not to others.

Hermione squeezed his hand, Harry felt a very curious look from Ron on them and like... He couldn't translate the feeling that shone in the eyes of the redhead who lost a tower. A little unfocused, one had to believe. Harry didn't pull away even though he was embarrassed. A part of his mind kept searching for the differences between Hermione's rapprochement and Voldemort's. But it was like comparing a sparrow and an eagle. Both were flying and then? It was ridiculous, very ridiculous.

You're so nice... And you've changed too, you know. But in a good way. You really are someone we can count on, Harry. THANKS.

-I'm doing my best... You supported Ron and me well and we have to grow up. I want to be able to be proud of who I am going to become and I think that starts now.

-Well said. You're fighting with Malfoy for second place in our year's rankings.

-No, with Theodore Nott and Padma Patil for third place, I would say. With Snape still giving me low grades in Potions, I wouldn't have any better, I don't think.

-What an imbecile that one is…

Harry turned his head sharply towards Hermione, almost hitting his chin on the top of her head.