A Taste of Magic

Chapter 89: 89th Course - Conviction

There was a pall over Hogwarts. The air felt colder than it should, before the coming winter. Things were gloomy and a pervasive sense of unease filled the air and saturated the stones. Students moved from place to place a little more swiftly, not meandering at all. Even the professors felt affected by it, being a little more reserved.

In contrast, Hogsmeade felt more bright and airy. Laughter could be heard all over and the students acted more open and free there. It was as if the chilly atmosphere did not reach them there and they were taking full advantage of that.

"Hey Kid," Aberforth greeted when Harry walked into the Hog's Head.

"Hello Mr. Abe," Harry greeted back. He embraced Willie and Nillie and exchanged cheery comments with them. "How've things been?"

"Not too bad," Aberforth said. He looked at Harry with a slightly uncomfortable expression. "You got a minute?"

"Sure, what's up?" Harry asked, concerned.

Aberforth rubbed his neck. "I normally wouldn't ask this, especially not to a kid. It isn't your concern. But you mind checking up on Al for me? He's been a little out of sorts."

"I've noticed he's been a little more reserved at meal times," Harry said. "I was actually going to ask you and Auntie Ari if he was okay."

"We've been trying to break him out of his funk but we haven't been successful," Aberforth confessed. "Nick and Penny and Drake haven't been all that successful either. I hate to ask you 'cause you're a kid and you shouldn't be worried about stuff like this, but he thinks highly of you and well, we'd appreciate it."

"Of course," Harry said. "Do you know what's going on?"

"Not entirely." Aberforth sighed deeply. "But this funk isn't exactly new. It's just deeper this time. He was like this during the wars. He gets like this when he has to wrestle with something mentally."

"I don't know what I can do," Harry said slowly, "but I'll do what I can. He's done so much for me. I want to help."

"You're a good kid," Aberforth said with a small smile. He patted Harry on the shoulder. "Thanks."

"Of course. I'm one of you, right?"

Aberforth's smile grew. "Yeah you are, poor kid."

-0-

Dumbledore looked up. Belatedly, he realized that someone had been knocking on the door for some time. "Come in," he called out, feeling slightly embarrassed. Embarrassment became pleasant confusion when he saw Harry come in bearing a tray. "Oh hello Harry. What brings you to my office?"

"We haven't had a tea in a while," Harry said. He put the tray on Dumbledore's desk. "Thought it would be nice for us to share one. Don't worry, I already finished my homework for the day." He grinned. "Good thing I'm not a prefect and have the time, right?"

Dumbledore chuckled lightly. "Surely you have better ways to spend your time?"

"I don't think so," Harry said frankly. He laid out the food. Fresh scones, still warm, sat alongside small tarts filled with fruit and custard. Bacon sandwiches and cucumber and cress sandwiches were cut into triangles. A pot of black tea puffed gently and small bowls of extra fruit jam and clotted cream waited beside the sugar and cream for the tea.