𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌 | 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳

39 || To Cast a Patronus

Harry and Ron were not speaking to Hermione; I assumed they were both upset about our Firebolts. However, as Ron was hanging out with Harry, Hermione was my only solace; Dante was alright but he didn't come in the common room as much as he used to, and wasn't showing up to meals as often.

So, I put my disappointment about not being able to fly on the Firebolt aside in order to keep my friendship with Hermione, and I'm glad I did, because the workload was getting intense with our multitude of classes.

Just before the start of term and after the end of holiday break, Wood sought Harry and I out.

"Had a good Christmas?" he said, and then, without waiting for an answer, he sat down, lowered his voice, and said, "I've been doing some thinking over Christmas. After the last match, you know. If the Dementors come to the next one...I mean...we can't afford you to--well--"

Wood broke off, looking awkward.

"We're working on it," I said. "Professor Lupin's going to teach us the charm to repel them."

"Ah," said Wood, his expression clearing. "Well, in that case--I really didn't want to lose you as Seeker, Harry. And I need my Chaser. Have you ordered a new broom yet?"

"No," said Harry, and then explained about the Firebolts.

"Jinxed? How could it be jinxed?"

"Sirius Black," Harry said wearily. "He's supposed to be after us. So McGonagall reckons he might have sent it."

Waving aside the information that a famous murderer was after his teammates, Wood said, "But Black couldn't have bought a Firebolt! He's on the run! The whole country's on the lookout for him! How could he just walk into Quality Quidditch Supplies and buy a broomstick?"

"I know," said Harry, "but McGonagall still wants to strip it down--"

Wood went pale.

"I'll go and talk to her, Harry," he promised. "I'll make her see reason...A Firebolt...two Firebolts, on our team...She wants Gryffindor to win as much as we do...I'll make her see sense. Firebolts..."

The prospect of the next week had me excited, no doubt about it; it was now that Professor Lupin promised he would teach Harry and I to repel dementors. After class, we set a date for Thursday.

"Still looks ill, doesn't he?" Ron said as we walked away from the classroom."What d'you reckon's the matter with him?"

Hermione "tuh" 'ed loudly from behind us.

"What is it?" I asked, making sure neither boy answered before me lest they say something rude. "Do you know?"

"Well, isn't it obvious?" Hermione ignored me, looking straight at Ron.

"If you don't want to tell us, don't," snapped Ron.

"Fine," Hermione said, and marched away.

I caught up with her, panting slightly because of all the books I was carrying.

"You know?' I said, breathing a bit heavily.

"If you'd done the essay, you'd know too," Hermione snapped.

"Oh, sorry," I said, temper rising. "It's just that there's a mass murderer after me who also happens to be my father. Lay off me, I'm not Ron."

Hermione took a deep breath and massaged her temples.

"I shouldn't have taken the time-turner," she murmured tiredly. Looking closer, I could see dark circles under her eyelids. "I"m working so hard, and..." she broke off.