Prisoner, Who?

Chapter 13 : THE MARAUDER'S MAP

HARRY POV

After Laia stormed off, I knew what I'd said to her the night before was my absolute worst. How could I have blamed her? She never wanted me to lose. But in that moment, I had lashed out, and I couldn't take it back. Ron had been just as upset as me after the match, and maybe that fueled our frustration. Plus, seeing Laia support Hermione when Ron was mad at her only added to the mess. And Laia being friends with Cedric... well, the way they acted yesterday felt like more than just friendship. Maybe they don't even realize it yet.

Hermione turned to us, eyes flashing. "Guys, have you lost your minds? Ron, you're hurting her. Can't you see that? Why can't she talk to others? Why not? Didn't we all wish that she'd make more friends besides us? How can you hold onto that and keep insulting her?"

Ron crossed his arms, grumbling. "Hermione, you didn't see how they were acting yesterday."

"Whatever it is, that's up to her. You really think she thought Harry was a loser? How could you even think that?"

"She said-" Ron faltered.

"Did she say the exact words, Ron?"

"No... but-"

"Exactly. She wouldn't. She'd never think like that, and you know it. Both of you do. Harry, do you really believe she wanted you to lose just so Cedric could win? She was the one who suggested I charm your glasses to repel the rain. And you didn't see how terrified she was when you fell from your broomstick. How can you say those things to her? She's known Cedric long before the match. How's that her fault?"

Hermione's voice softened as she turned to me. "Harry, Laia's barely spoken a word since yesterday. She's not slept. You guys hurt her, whether you meant to or not."

With that, Hermione left the Great Hall, and she was right. I could tell by the guilt on Ron's face that he knew it too.

"We need to talk to her," I said quietly.

"Yeah, we do," Ron agreed, but the worry in his eyes mirrored mine.

Laia wasn't in any of her classes that day, and that wasn't like her at all. She rarely missed a class, which only meant she was really upset. And it was my fault. I'd blamed her for the match because I couldn't handle losing. But now, I'd lost something far more important.

After dinner, Ron and I waited for her in the common room, sitting in silence. When she finally walked in, her eyes met mine for a brief second before she started toward the girls' staircase. I stood up, calling after her.

"Laia-"

She stopped walking but didn't turn around. Didn't say anything.

I swallowed hard, stepping closer. "Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things. I messed up. I'm sorry."

Ron joined in, his voice softer than usual. "Yeah, Laia, I'm sorry too. We went too far. I was upset about the match and everything, but I should've thought before I spoke. You'd never go against us. I know that now. I'm really sorry."

I hesitated, but then stepped closer and wrapped my arms around her from behind. "Laia, I was the real loser. Not because of the game, but because I blamed you. I was wrong. You've always had my back, and I threw that away just because I couldn't deal with my own feelings."

Ron moved beside me, adding, "Please, yell at us, slap us, anything. We deserve it."

Finally, Laia turned around, tears streaming down her face. She didn't say a word, but she wrapped her arms around us both, pulling us into a hug. In that moment, we knew we were forgiven. No words were needed.