Him - A Harry Potter Love Story

Chapter Three

"I can't believe there's a stupid age limit," Ron groans as we walk through the halls.

"Did you not hear a thing Dumbledore said?" Hermione asks, rolling her eyes.

"It's incredibly dangerous," I continue for her. "I'm sure people have died in the past. You'd be risking your life."

"We've been risking our life since we were eleven, Cassie," Harry points out.

"Hey, I've never been a part of any of your yearly death runs," I sigh. "I've chosen not to be. It's just common sense."

"You were petrified in second year because you were trying to help us," Ron says. I frown, crossing my arms.

"I didn't expect walking to the library to be dangerous," I say defensively.

I know that I'm not brave. I never understand what makes me a Gryffindor - I always refuse to be a part of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's plans. They always get into huge trouble - especially Harry. Even in first year, most of his time was spent being punished for things he tried to do that only proved why he was placed in Gryffindor. It has only gotten worse, of course. And how many times has he been in the hospital wing?

I always feel terrible for not helping them. I just can't risk my life like that - I'm not the type of person to go and stand up for myself, to be able to face death and win.

"It's okay, Cassie," Harry chuckles as we reached the Fat Lady's painting. "You're smart not to come with us. I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

He turns to walk in with Hermione and Ron, while I stand there for a spilt second. My stomach twists for a moment, and for what seems the hundredth time that night, I feel my cheeks turn slightly red. I quickly follow the others before the painting closes.

We all sit down in our usual spots by the crackling fire, Harry and I on the couch while Ron and Hermione sit on the armchairs on either side. I suddenly remember the leftover chocolate frogs from the train, pulling them out of my pocket with a grin.

"Look what I have," I sing. Ron practically lunges at me, and startled, I drop them all.

While Harry and Hermione can't stop laughing, Ron has fallen to the ground to pick them up.

"Ron!" I whine. "I was gonna share."

He rolls his eyes with a grin before tossing one to me. I raise an eyebrow, glancing at the other two.

"Fine," he sighs, giving one each to Hermione and Harry. Although I love food, I'm at least fair with it.

"Thanks, Cassie," Hermione laughs.

"Hey, I gave it to you!" Ron gasps, pasting a hurt expression on his face.

"Yes, Ron, thank you for stealing these frogs and then sharing them with us," Harry says, grinning. I laugh as Ron places a hand over his heart, leaning back dramatically.

"Honestly, Ron, you need to work on your acting skills," Hermione points out.

"Yeah, I didn't quite believe your act for some reason," I say, frowning.

For the next half hour, we sit there talking. Thankfully, Harry tries to steer the conversation away from the summer when Hermione mentions it. Soon she leaves to go to bed, and then Ron, leaving just Harry and I.

"You're okay, right?" he asks once again. I smile softly, looking at the boy next to me.

"I am. I'm glad to be back here..." I sigh a little. "Hopefully working will get my mind off of it."

"And this tournament," Harry adds. I nod, hoping he won't ask about me not wanting him to join.

"I wonder what the challenges will be."

"Probably trying to keep you away from a table covered with food."

I roll my eyes, hitting him lightly on his arm as he laughs. "Very funny, Potter," I say.

"Come on, you know I'm teasing," he says, smiling. I roll my eyes.

"I know." And I do know - in fact, I feel almost happy whenever he jokes around like that.

"Oh, about this summer..." he trails off for a moment before starting to speak again. He tells me everything; his dream, seeing the death eaters, then the man who cast the dark mark into the sky. I frown the whole time, thinking about the past few years and how You-Know-Who has been rising.

"Has your scar been hurting?" I ask, biting my lip.

"Yes. And much more often," he responds, his hand floating up to touch it.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I want to help, I really do-"

"No, Cassie," he says sharply, cutting me off. I quickly shut my mouth, surprised at his voice rising. "You've never felt comfortable with the things we get involved in. I'm not going to ask you to get yourself in trouble for me. Alright?"

I don't answer, not knowing what to say. His emerald eyes bore into my grey ones, pressuring me to make a decision.

"Alright."

"I don't want you getting hurt. That's all." His voice softens quickly, making me smile.

"I don't want you getting hurt, either." I hesitate a little before continuing, wrapping my arms around myself. "That's-that's why I was worried you'd enter in the tournament. I just don't know what I'd do if you...you know, got seriously injured."

"You don't need to worry about me, Cassie." He sends me a warm smile as he stands up. "I'm...I'm going to head to bed. I'll see you at breakfast."

"See you," I say softly as he walks away. I sit back on the couch, staring at the flames in front of me for a long moment, thinking.

Why on earth does Harry seem so...different all of a sudden? Why am I just now noticing how caring and sweet he is?

I stand up, glancing back around the room. Only a few people sit at one table, talking quietly.

I walk up the stairs, stepping into the room I share with Hermione, Lavender, and the Patil twins. Hermione is the only one awake, sitting in her bed and reading a book. She glances up when she hears me enter, a smile forming on her face, something weird in her eyes.

I pause in the middle of the room, furrowing my eyebrows. "What?"

"Nothing," she replies simply before looking back at the book. I sigh and then walk to my trunk, finding shorts and a soft tee-shirt to wear to bed. I go into the bathroom, change, brush my teeth, and then get into bed, facing the window, which my bed is closest to.

I fall asleep with a small smile on my face, despite all that had gone wrong that summer.

Edited 7-14-18