“When did you find out about this?” She asked, her voice dropping a few octaves.
“Actually, when I got home last night. It came as a bit of a shock, that’s for sure.”
“Guess I should have known on some level. You always were Sluggy’s prized possession.” She mused.
Harry looked uncomfortable.
“I dunno if I’d go THAT far.”
“Oh, come off it, Harry.”
“Do you want to sit together on the train ride there? I know you’re dead awful at flying.” He teased.
“Thanks, I appreciate that. But yes, why not? It’ll be like old times’ sake.” She smiled at the thought.
“Except Ron won’t be there.”
Hermione was secretly thrilled. Ron was annoying her a lot more often than he usually did. She sighed.
“Yeah… poor Ron.”
“Do you get an assistant for Transfiguration?” He asked.
Hermione frowned.
“An assistant?”
He nodded.
“Yeah, I get one for potions. I’m expecting it to be someone a lot younger – a trainee.”
Hermione looked thoughtful.
“Hm, maybe I do! I’ll ask McGonagall. Harry, the only reason you ever got through Potions was because of that bloody book.” She said, a bit more aid in her tone than she’d meant.
“Hey! I got an “exceeds expectations” on my O.W.L.S.” He said defensively.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
“These are more difficult potions, Harry!” she exclaimed.
Harry smiled at her.
“Follow me to my office, I’d like to show you something.” He said, a bit deviously.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
He sighed in exasperation
“Just follow me, Hermione.”
He led her out of the office, meandering between the large groups of Ministry wizards carefully. They got to his office, and he unlocked the door, opening it and walking in. He strode over to his desk, then opened one of the drawers swiftly. From it, he extracted a tattered looking book.
“HARRY JAMES POTTER!” Hermione screeched.
“Shut it, will you?!” He said in a hushed whisper.
She shot a very angry look at him.
“You were SUPPOSED to get rid of it!” She accused.
A flood of images filled her head of Harry explaining how Malfoy was hit with that awful curse from that damn book. Her eyes narrowed to slits.
“Come off it, I needed it. I’m not using it for bad things. Besides, I’ve memorized how to do most of the Potions. I used to read this book every night, Hermione. I was bound to pick up a few things. I only have to teach the kids how to do a Draught of Living Death.”
Hermione wasn’t appeased. She glared at him angrily.
“Harry, how the *** did you find that book?!”
He looked at her sheepishly.
“Well, you know the Room of Requirement appears to whomever is in need of it, and supplies what the seeker needs…”
