Snogging Pox

Side Effects

Last Time:

Harry was struggling after getting a vicious kick to the gut, but he removed the gravity charm he was under, a charm he made to help build strength, and started fighting back ...

XXXXXXXXXX

Neville went over and sat next to Ron in the Great Hall, "Hey Ron ... where's Harry?" The budding herbologist asked as he looked around the crowded room quickly filling with hungry people wanting breakfast.

"He's coming ... can you believe we have to go to classes this morning right before leaving? We're the only year that has to! It bloody sucks!" The redhead grumbled trying to change the subject. He was willing to bet that Harry fell asleep in the training room and was trying to avoid the Slytherins as he left the deepest depths of the dungeons. It was the one thing they haven't got a chance to tell the young herbologist about ... Neville guessed about all on his own and knew something was going, but knew they will tell him like always once they got the chance. Not a moment later he saw Harry running passed a startled Draco and heading towards them.

"Yeah, but it makes sense. We are the year working on passing our NEWTS. I think it's only for our year though ... the seventh years get a break since they are taking it, at least it's only half classes." said Neville who smiled as Harry sat down with them.

Harry panted slightly out of breath, "Hey guys, ready for classes?"

"Yeah ... are you ok? You look like you just ran a dozen laps around the Quidditch field" Neville asked, he was tempted to check for a fever.

(More like up ten flights of dungeons.) Harry thought in exhaustion, he was glad he kept a spare uniform in the lavish bathroom above the training room. "Had to take a few detours to safely get passed Draco and his goons ... ooook, Hermione is clearly still mad." Harry winced as the bushy haired girl shot him a glare from her spot at the table.

Ron frowned, "Yeah about that, Ginny thinks it has something to do with potions, but she doesn't know anything beyond that."

"Guess we'll find out ... oh, I checked Salazar's study before coming here. Nothing specifically on occlumency." Harry whispered.

Breakfast was a little awkward. Harry could feel Hermione's eyes boring into his head as if trying to set him on fire and Ron was feeling it too. They quickly finished their meals and went through their shortened classes. The DADA class with Professor Snape was a little scary. Snape was staring at him most of the time. He was sure the professor was beyond pissed about having to take Harry into his NEWTs class and teaching occlumency.

It wasn't his fault! He wanted to jump up and say, 'I'm sorry, ok! Dumbledick is making me take your class! Don't snarl at me!', but that probably wouldn't be wise ...

Professor Slughorn's potions class was the last class and it was great. The wizard explained some guidelines to help study and prepare for the NEWTs like the other classes, but explained that Professor Snape would be teaching those in conjunction with the DADA classes. It was also revealed that Harry just barely edged out Hermione for the best potion that was brewed that day earning a small prize in the form of a box of cauldron cakes. Harry was proud of himself for doing so well and gladly accepted the treat ...

Victory is sweet!

Unfortunately, Harry noticed a certain witch wasn't happy about this, "This is ridiculous. I'm going to talk to her." said Harry as he saw Hermione storm out of the classroom the second class was over.

"Yeah, we should clear the air before the holidays and since she won't calm down and talk to us we better start it. Meet you in a second, mate." Ron called over his shoulder as Harry took off after Hermione. The redhead took a second to steady his heart rate before collecting all of his things. He didn't know why, but he just can't focus on anything other than his friend's big strong hands ... it was so strange.