𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 (𝖽𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖿𝗈𝗒 𝗑 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋)

Chapter 26

(Your PoV)

A few days passed while at Grimmauld Place.

We were quite worried for Mr Weasley, and I spent most of my time trying to comfort Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny.

Then we found out that we could visit Mr Weasley at St. Mungo's.

So, the day before Christmas, we went.

"Mr Weasley!" I said, walking in through the doors to his little room.

"Ah, Y/n! So good to see you!" he said.

I looked him up and down and saw bandages wrapped around his neck and head.

(A/N: Honestly I can't remember)

We visited and talked with him. After a few hours, we decided to head back to Sirius's house.

On the last day of break, Mrs Weasley poked her head into Harry and Ron's bedroom, where they were playing wizard chess, watched by me, Hermione, and Ginny, and Crookshanks.

"Harry, Y/n, dear, could you two come down to the kitchen? Professor Snape would like to speak with you."

I sighed and reluctantly followed her downstairs, with Harry close behind me.

We went down to the kitchen.

"Sit down, Potter."

"You know," said Sirius loudly, "I think I'd prefer it if you didn't give the orders here, Snape. It's my house."

"I was supposed to see you two alone, but Black -"

"I'm his godfather," said Sirius, loud as ever.

"I am here on Dumbledore's orders," said Snape, whose voice was getting more and more waspish, "but by all means stay, Black, I know you like to feel... involved."

"What's that supposed to mean?" demanded Sirius.

"Merely that I am sure you must feel, ah, frustrated by the fact that you can do nothing useful for the Order."

Snape turned to face us.

"The headmaster had sent me here to tell you both this, Potter, that it is his wish for you to study Occlumency this term."

"Study what?" I asked blankly.

"Occlumency, Potter. The magical defence of the mind against external penetration. An obscure branch of magic, but a highly useful one."

"Why do we have to study the Occlu- thing?" Harry asked.

"Because the headmaster thinks it's a good idea," said Snape smoothly. "You will receive private lessons once a week, but you will not tell anyone what you are doing, least of all Dolores Umbridge. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Harry and I said together.

"Who's going to be teaching us?" Harry asked.

"I am."

"Why can't Dumbledore teach them?" asked Sirius aggressively. "Why you?"

"I suppose because it is a headmaster's privilege to delegate less enjoyable tasks," answered Snape silkily. "I assure you I did not beg for the job. I will expect both of you at six o'clock on Monday evening, Potter. My office. If anybody asks, you are taking Remedial Potions. Nobody wig has seen you in my classes should deny you need them."

He turned on his heal and walked away.

The Weasleys, plus Hermione walked in, all following Mr Weasley.

"Cured!" he announced brightly. "Completely cured!"

"That's amazing, really!" I said, standing up.

The meal was cheerful, all talking about how glad we were to have him well.

(A/N: I don't care what the book says, it was a cheerful meal!)

Tomorrow we were to be escorted back to Hogwarts on the Knight Bus with Lupin and Tonks.

The next day, we awoke, our bags already packed, and dressed. We ate a hurried breakfast and left for the Knight Bus.

We rolled through a snowy Hogsmeade and we came to a halt outside the Hogwarts gates.

Lupin and Tonks helped us with our stuff and then got off to say good-bye.

We walked through the snowy gates and up to the large oak doors.

<><><><><><><><>

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around.

Nothing.

There was another tap on my should, so I again turned around.

Nothing.

A third tap. I turned to see none other than Draco.

"Draco!" I said, hugging him.

"So, how was your break?" he asked.

"Good, yours?"

"It was alright."

We walked to the Slytherin common room together.

"Hey, Draco? I've been wanting to try something... how strong are you?"

"Um, I'm not sure...."

"Ok, well, if I fall it's your fault!"

I went behind him and jumped on his back.

"Piggy-back ride!" I said, as he caught my leg and helped me get into a good position.

He sighed and continued to walk to the Slytherin dungeons.

I had my arms around his neck tightly, to make sure I wouldn't fall, and I was position well enough on his back. His arms were holding me as well, right under my kneecap.

(A/N: You all know how to picture this, right? You all know how to picture a piggyback ride? Or at least, that's what I call it...)

We walked in through the door and I heard a shriek of anger.

Pugface Parkinson was storming off to her dorm, angered by the sight of me and Draco.

Star was sitting on the couch with Bryson, laughing as we walked towards them.

"Ok, I'm gonna throw you onto the couch... ready, 3... 2... 1!" Draco said, and I fell backwards onto the other couch.

I lay there, comfortable.

"If you don't move then I'm going to sit on you!" Draco warned.

I quickly moved out of the way.

"So, Star, how was your break?" I asked.

"Good."

"And you, Bryson?"

"Oh, it was pretty nice."

"That's good," I said, putting my head on Draco's shoulder.