Forged in Darkness (English) ON PAUSE

Chapter 7: Friends and Confessions

Saturday morning finally arrived, bringing with it a sense of relief. The week had been exhausting, and I needed a break. I had decided to spend the day with Hermione, hoping her wisdom could help me make sense of what I was going through.

After breakfast, we found ourselves in her room in Gryffindor Tower. Hermione opened the door with her foot since she was holding a stack of books, a serious expression on her face. "I picked up some things from the library to keep us occupied," she said with a smirk.

I looked at her suspiciously. "You're not telling me you plan to make me study even on the weekend, are you?"

She laughed, placing the books on her desk. "Not exactly, but you might find this new text on 'Interpersonal Relationships in Magic Schools' interesting. It's fascinating to understand how love can complicate things..."

I sighed as I sat next to her. "Hermione, I'm not sure a book can solve my problems. Things are getting more complicated than I imagined."

Hermione settled next to me, leaning back against the cushions. "Tell me everything," she said with a reassuring tone. "Yesterday, I kissed Fred, but before him, I kissed... Professor Lupin."

Hermione was shocked. "I'm shocked."

I laughed. "I imagine."

I nodded slowly, feeling a tide of emotions rise to the surface. "The thing is, now I'm torn in two and don't know what to do. Fred is so sweet and genuine, while Lupin... well, there's something about him that draws me in a way I can't explain, but I can't have a relationship with him. I mean, he's my professor."

Hermione looked at me with a mix of understanding and amusement. "Sarah, I have to tell you: you really have a talent for getting yourself into complicated situations. But you're not the first person to have a crush on a professor. Although I admit that with Lupin, things are... a bit more intense."

I blushed. "It's not just a crush! It's like there's a connection between us. But at the same time, Fred... he's Fred, and I don't want to hurt him."

Hermione gave me a pat on the shoulder. "You know what I think? I think Fred is the simpler and safer choice. He's nice, fun, and most importantly... he's not your professor. But I also want to remind you that you don't have to make a decision right away. You're young, you have time."

I gave a tentative smile. "Are you sure you haven't been assigned the divine mission of being my spiritual guide?"

She laughed heartily. "Oh, Sarah, don't exaggerate. I'm just a good friend. But I have to admit that your romantic dilemma reminds me a bit of a Jane Austen story... maybe you should look for a Mr. Darcy."

I pretended to think about it. "Or maybe a Mr. Weasley... or a Professor Lupin..."

Hermione gave me a playful nudge, laughing. "Listen, while you're here daydreaming, don't forget there are other guys who are keeping an eye on you. Draco, for example."

I turned to her, surprised. "Draco? He's just a jerk, and besides, I assure you he doesn't like me. He's my best friend."

Hermione shook her head, smiling. "If you say so... And then there's also Blaise Zabini. I don't know if you've noticed, but every time you enter a classroom, his eyes are always on you."

I covered my face with my hands, laughing. "For Merlin's beard, Hermione! He's also my best friend!"

As we laughed, Hermione gave me a warm hug. "Sarah, you're only 14 and discovering a whole new world of emotions. It's normal to feel confused."

I felt a bit more relieved. "Thanks, Hermione. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd probably blow up a potion or two," she replied with a mischievous smile.

We spent the rest of the morning chatting and joking, alternating between light moments and more serious discussions. Hermione helped me see things more clearly, even though I knew the final decision would be mine.

Later, as we were preparing for bed, Hermione gave me a knowing glance. "You know, Sarah, deep down I think you already know who to choose."

I looked at her with a questioning expression. "Really? And who would that be?"

She gave a mysterious smile. "That's a question only you can answer."

I smiled back, feeling she might be right. I still had time to figure it out, and with Hermione by my side, I knew I'd make it through.

We snuggled under the covers and turned off the lights. Before falling asleep, Hermione added one last thought. "Oh, and don't forget: if you dream about Voldemort again, make sure he at least looks ridiculous. Don't let him have all the power over your dreams."

"I'll try. Good night, Hermione." I burst out laughing, imagining Voldemort dancing around a pole. Okay, maybe that was too much, but how could I not imagine it!

"Good night, Sarah," she replied, and at that moment, I knew that no matter what happened, I would always have a friend to count on.
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The next morning, I woke up to find Hermione sitting on the bed.

"Sarah, you're finally awake, about time," I laughed.

"Look, I haven't slept this peacefully in months," the girl laughed along with me but then quickly became serious. "Listen, Sarah, I need to ask you a favor. Before you refuse, think carefully. Today is the verdict for Buckbeak; Harry, Ron, and I wanted to visit Hagrid to try to comfort him, and I'd really like it if you joined us."

I looked at her and immediately shook my head. "Hermione, you know what-"

She stopped me. "Yes, I know what you think about Harry, but you're my best friend, and they're my best friends. For once in my life, I'd like to be with all four of us. I believe this is the perfect opportunity, without anything to argue about."

I looked away from her, not wanting to argue with Potter, not today; but I also didn't want to say no to Hermione...