A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 58

Reposted: December 26, 2021

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Summary: one problem down, a million more to go

Harry headed for the library, intending on doing some reading. He had just been having a lovely conversation with Umbridge about his living situation. She had been a Slytherin, Harry had heard, but she was clearly lacking in many departments that gave the Slytherin House its respected status.

That no-good bitch puts other toads to shame, he thought. I should send her another gift.

He was so lost in thought he didn't notice the other person until they had tapped on his shoulder. Harry jumped and whipped around.

Ginny's bright brown eyes were peering up at him. "Hello, Harry!"

"Uh, hi?" Harry took a few steps away. "What are you doing here?"

"I had to see you!" she said in a hushed whisper. "We haven't talked in a while."

I wonder why. "No, we have not," he said instead. He walked around her and continued to go deeper into the library.

Ginny followed. "The first Hogsmeade weekend is in two weeks. Do you think we could go together?"

Harry, who had just been reaching haphazardly for a book, paused and looked at her. "Sorry, but no."

Rage flashed in her eyes, but it disappeared quickly, leaving her confused. Her mouth opened and closed several times before she whirled around and took off.

Harry stared after her, baffled. Okay, that was strange, but Ron had said she had responded like this. He hurried after her. "Ginny!"

Ginny froze, her back ramrod straight. "Harry!" She sounded almost scared now. "I swear I didn't mean to get mad at you like that."

"No, it's not that," Harry rushed to reassure her. "Have you gone to Professor McGonagall?"

"I can't." Ginny looked miserable. "It's not as if I hadn't tried," she added as if afraid Harry would think she was making it up. "Even just looking at a teacher makes me feel funny, like I'm doing something wrong!"

"What about your parents? Or an adult that isn't a teacher?" Harry suggested. "How does thinking about talking to them feel?"

"It's different," Ginny replied slowly. "But not as bad. Why?"

"I was thinking we'd talk to Severus and Remus. They're already aware of your behavior, so they can tell your parents. Do you think you can manage?"

"Yeah. I think so." Ginny straightened her spine, looking better now that they had a plan.

"Then let's go."

Ginny fell in beside Harry, though she kept a good distance between them.

"How are they, anyway?" Ginny asked after a moment. "Professors Snape and Lupin?"

"Driving each other nuts," Harry told her, grinning when she laughed a little.

"Sounds like my brothers."

"I'm sure they could make it into a competition. You did not hear that from me."

"Noted."

Both Severus and Sirius were in Remus' quarters. Remus looked shaken, and Sirius was rubbing his back.

"Is there something wrong?" Sirius asked, pausing to look up. Remus didn't seem to notice.

"As if there isn't enough," Severus muttered.