Chapter Text
“You don’t know that,” Hermione says as she opens the door in front of her. Harry shakes his head as he takes hold of the door and Hermione walks quickly through the small hallway between the carriages. Ron and Neville follow her before Harry rushes after them.
“No, I don’t,” Neville says. His hands sign along with his words out of habit. “But that doesn’t change the fact that the little rat escaped Azkaban. The place is supposed to be the best we have, and still, Pettigrew got out.”
Harry pats Neville on his back and pushes him forward, urging him to move on. “They’ll have him back in custody before you know it. You heard dad, the entire Auror department has been put on the case.” And even if that was a lie, James will make sure it’s one of the department’s top priorities. Harry hasn’t missed the fights James had with Lily when they thought Harry, Neville and Iris were asleep. Mum is scared that James will do something stupid if it comes to Pettigrew. Or that Harry and Neville will go after the man alone if they knew the whole truth. Harry wonders what this truth is. He already knows that it was Pettigrew who gave away Neville’s parents’ location to Voldemort, and that he was the one casting the curse that permanently damaged Sirius’ hearing. What else is there to know? And what could be worse than all that?
“Yes, even my father is involved with the search,” Ron says. “Not standard work for the head of the Department of Charmed Muggle Artefacts.”
Harry smiles at him. He can always count on Ron to help in situations like this. It’s bad enough that everyone is staring at Neville again, as if he somehow is involved with Pettigrew’s escape from Azkaban. Don’t they understand that Neville would be the last person that wants that man on the loose? If it hadn’t been for Pettigrew switching sides and giving away the Longbottom’s location, his parents might not have died.
Hermione shakes her head. “Your father is involved with everything at the Ministry, Ron,” she says. “He’s too curious for his own good. You’ve heard Shacklebolt at Harry’s and Neville’s birthday party. Your father always stops by at the Auror office to find out the latest news.”
Neville and Harry both laugh as Ron looks affronted. It’s not easy for Ron, Harry knows this. His best friend wants to have a father with an exciting job, just as Harry and Neville’s dad. It’s not his fault his father just loves Muggle artefacts more than he loves fighting criminals.
“You mean to say that my dad isn’t an asset to the Ministry?” Ron asks.
“You never heard me say that,” Hermione says as she looks into the last compartment of the carriage. She shakes her head and moves towards the next carriage. Harry wonders where Iris has gone. It’s her first time going and already she’s missing. Harry told her to stay close, now that Pettigrew is on the loose. They all know the man has it in for their family. And Harry will never forgive himself if his little sister gets hurt.
“What did she mean by that?” Ron asks.
“That she loves your dad and all his questions every time she comes to visit you,” Neville jokes. Harry has to hold in his laugh and hides his mouth behind his hand. He hasn’t forgotten the last letter he received from Hermione this summer holiday. Her worries about Pettigrew’s escape and then all the complaints about Mister Weasley and the million questions Hermione had to answer during her week at the Weasley household.
“I can’t help it that my dad won’t leave her alone,” Ron answers and then he’s gone to the next carriage. Neville and Harry follow him.
The hallway of this carriage isn’t empty. At the other end, Malfoy just steps out of one of the bathrooms. He looks at Harry and his friends without moving. Harry shakes his head and looks in the first compartment. His sister isn’t there either.
“Look, it’s silly Malfoy,” Neville says. “Do you think he will find us worthy of his words this year?”
“Probably not,” Ron says. “I’ve heard that he doesn’t ever say a word, not even in classes with only Slytherins.”
“Who cares about Malfoy,” Harry says as he steps around his friends to check the next compartment. Lavender and Parvati look up from their magazine and big smiles form on their faces.
“Shit,” Harry says. “It’s the girlish squad.” He quickly steps forward, in the hope Lavender and Parvati don’t decide to come out and join them.
“Oh, Harry, they will be so glad you smiled at them,” Hermione says in a mocking voice. “I will be hearing all about it tonight, how they will conquer your heart this year with their beautiful looks and perfect smiles. A Quidditch champion like you would be unable to resist them.”
Ron and Neville laugh. Harry shakes his head. “Small chance,” he says.
“Not a chance at all, I would guess,” Neville spurts out between his laughter. Harry and he lock eyes for a second, and Harry can’t help but smile at his brother. Of course, Neville already knows. It’s not as if Harry has ever been able to keep a secret from him.
Harry turns around to continue his track down the carriage to look for Iris. He only makes it two steps before a force hits him in the chest. Platinum blond hair and angry grey eyes are in front of Harry’s face. Malfoy’s fists slam against Harry’s chest, over and over. Harry tries to get a hold of Malfoy’s hands to stop the assault.
“What the bloody hell,” Harry shouts. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Malfoy doesn’t respond. He just repeatedly hits his fist against Harry’s chest. Tears fall from Malfoy’s eyes. It’s as if he’s desperate and Harry doesn’t understand. What did he do to upset Malfoy like this? He can’t still be angry that Harry helped their house-elf Dobby get his freedom. Or could he?
Neville manoeuvres around Harry and takes a hold of one of Malfoy’s arms. “Get off him, you idiot,” he says. Malfoy doesn’t seem to hear him. He just pulls his arm free and slams his fist at Harry’s chest.
“The mute has lost it,” Ron jokes behind Harry.
Harry shakes his head. Something is wrong here. He’s seen this before, a long time ago, when he was still little. Uncle Sirius standing in front of Uncle Remus, slamming into him because he didn’t know how else to communicate his frustration. Back when Uncle Sirius was still struggling with the fact he would never hear again.
“Don’t talk about him like that,” Hermione says.
“Why not?” Ron asks. “He never speaks. That makes him a mute, doesn’t it?”
Harry gets a hold of Malfoy’s arms and keeps them in front of his chest. He looks Malfoy in the eyes. “It’s okay,” he says.
“Fuck, Harry. Of course, it’s not okay for Ron to call him a mute,” Hermione says.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” Harry answers. “Now go and run back to our bags and get me some parchment and a quill.”
“Why do you need parchment and a quill?” Ron asks.
Harry just shakes his head as he uses all his force to keep Malfoy’s first inches from his chest. Harry doesn’t feel like having to visit the hospital wing on his first night back. He can already envision the letter he will receive from his mother once she hears. ‘Can’t you be careful for one day? Do I always have to worry about you? Why can’t you be more like Neville?’ Not that Neville never gets in trouble. But Lily doesn’t see that. She only sees that Harry gets hurt saving his brother over and over again.
“You think he’s?” Neville asks from the side. Harry nods. Malfoy has to be. Harry doesn’t know why he never noticed before. There is a completely different reason why Malfoy never speaks. It’s not because the boy is a pure-blood git who thinks he’s better than everyone. He probably doesn’t have a clue what others have said and just doesn’t know what to answer. If Harry is right, Malfoy can’t hear a single sound around him.
“Come along, Ron,” Hermione says behind Harry.
“What, why?” Ron asks. “Can’t you get the parchment by yourself?”
“Just come along,” Hermione says in that tone that forces you to comply. Ron sighs, but he turns to follow Hermione.
“Can you at least tell me what’s going on?” Harry can hear Ron say before the carriage door shuts behind them.
“I’ll go find Uncle Remus, he can help,” Neville says. He runs to the other side of the carriage and then he’s gone.
“Just you and me now,” Harry tells Malfoy. “Will you stop hitting me if I let you go?”
Malfoy stares at Harry’s mouth. His eyes are wide and Harry thinks that Malfoy truly doesn’t understand.
Harry lets go of Malfoy and Malfoy rests his fist on Harry’s chest again. Softer this time. It seems he’s given up. Malfoy shudders and large tears fall from his eyes. Harry doesn’t think and just wraps his arms around Malfoy’s body and pulls him against his chest.
“Just cry, it’s okay,” he says knowing Malfoy can’t hear him. He laughs softly. Uncle Remus once told Harry how he still talks to Sirius when Sirius can’t see his lips move, knowing Sirius can’t hear, but somehow hoping he knows he’s loved and cherished.
And maybe it works, because Malfoy doesn’t fight the arms wrapped around him. He just rests his head against Harry’s shoulder and cries. And that is fine for now. Harry can stand here as long as it takes for one of the others to return with help.
* * *
Harry doesn’t know how long it takes for Malfoy to calm down, and he doesn’t care either. He just holds Malfoy in his arms and lets him cry. It’s the least he can do for the boy now that Harry understands him a little better.
Malfoy moves away from Harry when his tears have died out. He wipes his hand over his eyes to get rid of the last moisture.
“Are you okay?” Harry asks. He signs along with his words.
Malfoy follows his hands and then shakes his head. Harry repeats the movements with his hands. Malfoy watches the movement and then drops his head. He takes a hold of his own hands and stares at them. Has he never learned to speak with them?
“Fuck,” Harry says. He carefully lifts Malfoy’s head so his eyes are back on Harry. “Do you understand?” Harry asks. He moves his hands slowly this time in the hope that will help Malfoy.
Malfoy reaches out and takes hold of Harry’s hands. He shakes his head and then let's go again.
Harry wants to ask Malfoy how he communicates with his family, but he doesn’t know how. Not if Malfoy doesn’t know sign language. Why didn’t he ever learn? Just getting by with lip reading is impossible. Uncle Sirius once told Harry how hard it is. That it takes a lot of practice and energy. And even then, he can only pick up half of the words. Is this why Malfoy is always on his own. Because he can’t communicate with others? He must be extremely lonely. Harry wouldn’t survive if he couldn’t be part of his social group. His friends are what makes school fun. And not just that. If it wasn’t for Hermione Harry wouldn’t be able to get proper grades. He will never be motivated enough.
“Bloody Merlin, Malfoy,” Harry says. “That you haven’t lost it until now is a miracle.” He again moves his hand along with his words and Malfoy watches them move. His grey eyes glitter a little. Harry wonders if it’s because of the tears that had fallen from them just now, or if it’s because Malfoy is fascinated with the way Harry tries to communicate with him.
Harry looks behind him. What is keeping Hermione and Ron? How difficult is it to get back to their trunks and get some parchment?
With a shock, the train stops. Harry turns his head just in time to see Malfoy fall towards him. Harry catches him and helps him back on his feet. “Are you okay?” he signs again, already shaking his head when he’s only halfway through the sentence. “I know, you don’t understand. Can you at least smile at me to let me know you’re okay?” Harry asks.
Malfoy doesn’t smile. He turns towards the window and shivers. The rain outside has intensified. The world has turned black. And is it just Harry, or is it getting cold in here? He breathes out and can see his own breath. Malfoy moves closer to Harry when the lights in the train go out.
“What’s going on?” Harry says. He notices that Malfoy shakes beside him and without thinking, Harry pulls him even closer and keeps his arm around his shoulders.
The door at the end of the carriage opens and something slides inside. A creature with a hood moves closer as the air around Harry seems to freeze. What is a Dementor doing on the train to Hogwarts? Do they think Pettigrew is on it? Will he be on his way to Hogwarts to try to avenge his master by finishing the job that killed Voldemort? Is Neville in danger? Neville is in one of the carriages from where the Dementor came. Maybe something might have already happened to him. And what about Uncle Remus? Neville was on his way to get him. Are they still alive? They are probably dead. And little Iris, still defenceless with her limited control over her magic. What if Pettigrew found her first? Will Harry be the only child returning to their parents tonight? It will destroy mum if something were to happen to Iris. She was scared to let her go to Hogwarts with Pettigrew on the loose. James said there was nothing to worry about. Not with Dumbledore at Hogwarts and Uncle Remus as one of her teachers. But it wasn’t enough to keep them safe. Nobody is safe. Pettigrew will kill them all. Harry will be alone in this world.
Harry snaps out of his mind when Malfoy slips away from his arm. Harry turns to see Malfoy fall to the ground, his body limp and his eyes closed. Harry crouches down and lifts Malfoy’s face in his hands. He quickly checks if there are no wounds from Malfoy’s fall. “Don’t leave me,” Harry whispers. “Everyone else has already left me. I want to be your friend.” Harry doesn’t know where that comes from, but he knows it’s true. He wants to be Malfoy’s friend and help him.
The Dementor is right in front of them and Harry’s insides freeze. He shivers and looks up at the empty hole where the Dementor’s face should be. “We’ve done nothing wrong,” Harry says. A faint scream echoes in his head. His mother’s screams from long ago. The agony she went through when Bellatrix Lestrange tried to torture her to death after Voldemort had gone. Harry blinks away a tear. He hasn’t remembered that night in ages. The nightmares about it left him before he could properly remember. Only to return now, as if it happened yesterday.
“Stay away from us,” Harry begs as the Dementor lets his hand slide just above Draco’s head. Harry cries out as the screams in his head become louder by the second. He needs to concentrate. Get your wand out of your pocket, he orders himself. Only his hands shake and his fingers won’t cooperate. And his mother keeps screaming. Harry’s wand won’t come out of his back pocket. He can’t stop the Dementor.
Harry looks down at Malfoy. He looks kind of peaceful now that he’s passed out. Harry wishes he would just pass out. That it would all be over. He wants his mother’s screams to stop. He doesn’t want to live now that all his friends are dead. He will never be happy again. It would be better if it was done. If Harry would die today at least he won’t have to live the rest of his life alone.
The Dementor pulls his hood up a little and bends over Malfoy. “Please,” Harry whispers. “Please stop.” Deep down, Harry knows that something is wrong. He’s not alone. His friends aren’t dead. They can’t be. And his mother isn’t being tortured right now. She survived. It’s the Dementor who makes Harry feel this way. If only Harry could remember how to stop it.
The Dementor doesn’t pay any attention to Harry. And Harry can’t do anything to stop it. He can only watch as Malfoy’s face is lifted off his legs and held by the Dementor.
Just when all hope seems lost a bright wolf runs up to them. The Dementor raises and turns around. Harry looks and sees his Uncle Remus standing in the door of the carriage, his wand stretched out and a stern look on his face.
“None of us is hiding Pettigrew in their cloaks,” Remus says.
It’s enough for the Dementor to slide away. Some warmth sweeps back into Harry’s body and he lets out a deep breath. A bar of chocolate is pushed into his hand and Harry smiles up at his uncle.
“Are you okay?” Remus asks.
“I am now,” Harry answers. “Is Malfoy all right? Were you on time?”
Remus checks Malfoy and nods his head. “He’s still in one piece. Only unconscious at the moment. Let’s get him into an empty compartment.”
Harry nods and lets Remus lift Malfoy off his lap. He stands up and looks around. “Where is Neville?” he asks.
“He’s with Iris. They are both okay,” Remus says.
Harry sighs. “Thank Merlin,” he says.
“It was bad, was it?” Remus asks as they carry Malfoy into the first empty compartment they find.
“I remembered that night when Lestrange came to question my parents,” Harry tells Remus.
Remus doesn’t say anything. Harry knows Remus still feels guilty for not being there that night. Not that anyone ever blamed him. He was at St Mungo's to support his husband. It was a bad time. And Lily and James survived, Lestrange got caught and Harry wasn’t harmed. It could have been so much worse. Harry could have become an orphan just like Neville. But now that the Dementor is gone Harry can appreciate how amazing his life has been up to now. He’s a lucky boy and he will never forget it again.
* * *
Harry can’t take his eyes off Malfoy. He’s still unconscious. But his features aren’t as horrible as they were when the Dementor was close. Now his face is relaxed and he looks at peace.
“I’m sure he will wake up in a moment,” Remus says. “Is he one of your friends?”
Harry shakes his head. “I never paid him much attention,” he says. “Not until today, at least. I think he’s lonely.” Harry takes another bite of his chocolate bar. He knows Remus won’t let him be until the bar is finished.
“A Malfoy lonely? I would think he would be quite popular,” Remus says.
“He never talks. We thought it was a status thing. But I think…” Harry starts. He’s not sure how to explain it properly. “He doesn’t respond to sounds.”
“You think he’s deaf?” Remus asks.
“Yes, I think he is,” Harry says. “That’s why Neville came to get you. You can help him, can’t you?” Harry takes another look at the unconscious Malfoy. “He was upset when we ran into him. He attacked me and then just cried. I asked Hermione to get some parchment so he can explain what is wrong. I’m sure she will be back soon.”
Remus smiles at Harry and shuffles his hand through Harry’s hair.
“Stop it,” Harry complains with a smile on his face.
“Yes, sorry,” Remus says.
Harry shakes his head. “You’re going to forget half the time, aren’t you,” he says. “To act like our teacher and not our uncle.”
Remus sighs. “You know I will.”
“It’s okay,” Harry says. “Just try to keep it down. I do have a reputation to keep up. I don’t want others to think I’m soft.”
“Oh, no, we can’t have that. What if the truth comes out that you are a big softy?” Remus teases.
A beam of light shines into the compartment. Harry looks out the window. The rain has stopped and the sun is trying to fight its way out of the clouds. It’s so different from only minutes ago, when the Dementors had entered the train and almost killed Malfoy.
“Were they here for Pettigrew?” Harry asks.
“Yes, they were,” Remus says. This is what Harry loves about his uncles. They don’t sugarcoat things and just tell it how it is. Not like his parents, who still try to protect Harry and Neville from the dangers of this world.
“They shouldn’t have boarded the train,” Remus says. “I’ll have to inform Dumbledore about it once we arrive at Hogwarts. It’s already bad enough that the creatures will be protecting the grounds this year. I just wonder why they went after young Mister Malfoy.”
At that moment Malfoy stirs. He blinks with his eyes and then sits up a little straighter. He looks at Harry and then towards Remus. Harry smiles at him, in the hope Malfoy understands that everything is okay. Remus fishes another bar of chocolate from his pocket and hands it to Malfoy.
“Eat it, it will help,” he says.
Malfoy doesn’t respond. He looks at the chocolate and then up to Remus. Remus pushes the chocolate closer to Malfoy. Malfoy hesitates and then takes the bar. With care, he removes the wrapping, breaks off a single piece and eats it slowly.
“I think you’re right,” Remus says. “How are you feeling?” he signs.
Malfoy shakes his head and then breaks off another piece of chocolate.
“He doesn’t understand signs,” Harry informs Remus.
Remus’ face snaps towards Harry. His eyes are wide and dark. “What do you mean?” he asks.
Harry closes his eyes for a second. Of course, Remus will get upset about this. “He doesn’t speak BSL,” he says. “I’ve already tried that.”
“Has he only just turned deaf?” Remus asks.
“Don’t think so. He’s never said a word as long as I know him,” Harry says.
They both look back at Malfoy. He still eats the chocolate Remus had given him. He doesn’t look at them but just stares out of the window where the landscape is again speeding by. Malfoy seems calmer now. More like the boy he normally is. Quiet and unaware of the world around him.
“I’ll inform the teachers,” Remus says. “He must be struggling with his schoolwork if he can’t hear what is being said in class.”
“Thank you, Uncle Remus,” Harry says.
The compartment door opens and Neville steps in. “It’s Professor Lupin, now,” he says when he sits down next to Harry. “And yes, Iris is fine. She’s with her friends and doesn’t want us to bother her. Her exact words were ‘I don’t need you two to look out for me, so stop bothering me.’”
Remus laughs and Harry gives him an angry look. “It’s not funny. I thought she died,” Harry says.
“You thought she died?” Neville asks. “Why would you think that?”
“The Dementors attacked him and Malfoy,” Remus says.
Neville jumps up, startling Malfoy. “They attacked you?” he shouts.
“Calm down, Nev, I’m fine. We both are,” Harry says. He doesn’t want Malfoy to run away. For some reason, he wants to keep him close and make sure he’s truly fine.
“Shit, man. I can’t believe they attacked you,” Neville says as he sits back down. “You had some chocolate?”
“Yes, Remus pushed it into my hand the moment the Dementor left,” Harry says. “It’s fine now. I know it wasn’t real. That it was all in my head.”
“But why did they attack you?” Neville asks.
“Neville, you remember what James told you about the Dementors,” Remus says. Neville nods. They had a long talk with dad when it was clear the Dementors would be guarding Hogwarts until Pettigrew was captured. Harry thought it was a bit much, but he understands now. The Dementors are dangerous if they would attack an unconscious person just because he’s scared. Or feels guilty about something, as Remus said earlier.
“You can’t trust the Dementors,” Remus explains. “They have different standards than us. If they think you are guilty, they won’t hesitate to hurt you.”
“He’s right, Neville,” Harry says. “We have to be careful. You don’t realise how awful it feels when they are close. For a second, I thought it would be better if I was dead because life was just going to be horrible from now on. It still freaks me out that I could think that.” Harry shudders and Remus hands him another bar of chocolate.
“That’s just sick,” Neville says. “Remus, why are they letting those creatures on a train filled with teenagers?”
“I don’t know, Neville. They were not supposed to come aboard,” Remus says. He stands up, pulls a couple of more bars of chocolate from somewhere and hands them around. “Eat these,” he says. “I should go and check the train, see if any other students need assistance.”
Once Remus is gone, Neville turns on Harry. “And what about Malfoy?” he asks. “What the fuck is he up to that the Dementors attacked you.”
“Neville, Malfoy did nothing,” Harry says. “He was even more frightened than me,” Harry says. For some reason, he doesn’t say that Malfoy passed out.
“Don’t tell me it wasn’t him the Dementors were after,” Neville says. “He’s a Malfoy and a Slytherin.”
Harry smacks Neville on the back of his head. “Are you insane,” he says. “Just because he’s in Slytherin doesn’t make him evil incarnate.”
Malfoy watches them and shakes his head with a grin on his face. Somehow Harry knows that Malfoy thinks he and Neville are two idiots. He laughs and then relaxes in his seat.
“Fine, he’s not evil,” Neville says as he slumps next to Harry. “Still, I think it’s strange. I don’t trust him.”
Harry raises his eyebrows.
“Just because we figured out that he’s deaf, doesn’t mean we have to become his friend,” Neville says. Harry opens his mouth to respond but Neville is quicker. “Who am I kidding? You wouldn’t be Harry Potter if you would let this go.”
Neville and Harry smile at each other and then both take a large bite of their chocolate bars.
Moments later Hermione opens the compartment door. “I’ve got the parchment,” she says before she sits down next to Malfoy like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
“Where’s Ron?” Harry asks.
“Oh, he stayed with Luna and Ginny,” Hermione says. “A Dementor came to check our compartment and they were pretty freaked out.”
“Yeah, I get that,” Harry says. “Did you tell them to eat some chocolate?”
“Yes, I did,” Hermione says. She looks at Malfoy for a second and then places a piece of parchment on her lap. “Now, let’s get this show on the road,” she says. She grabs the quill that’s stuck behind her ear and starts to write on the parchment. Harry looks over and smiles as he reads the words.
‘Malfoy, you don’t have to tell us anything. But we would like to know why you are upset with us? We didn’t mean to upset you in any way, so by knowing, we will be able to make sure it doesn’t happen again,’ it says.
Hermione hands the note to Malfoy who reads it. Harry watches him as his eyes skim over the words over and over again. Malfoy blinks a couple of times and Harry thinks he’s fighting more tears. Malfoy drops the parchment and stands up. He doesn’t look at any of them as he practically runs out of the compartment. Harry moves to go after him, but both Neville and Hermione stop him.
“He’s upset, we can’t just let him go like that,” Harry says.
“Harry, he clearly wants to be alone,” Hermione says. “You can’t force him to talk.”
Harry looks at Neville for support, but Neville shakes his head. “I agree with Hermione about this,” he says. “We hardly know him. And he’s not our problem.”
“I hate both of you, just so you know,” Harry says as he sits back down. “We can’t just let him be. Not now that we know he’s deaf.”
“You won’t be helping him by making him hate you,” Hermione says. And Harry knows she’s right. That doesn’t mean Harry is just going to give up on being Malfoy’s friend. He’s going to help that boy to become less lonely. Even if it’s the last thing he does.
* * *
Hogwarts is the same as always. Other students greet Harry as he walks to the Gryffindor table and sits down with his friends. He looks over at the Slytherin table and spots Malfoy at the very end. Harry can only see his platinum blond hair as his back is turned to Harry. Some older students sit around Malfoy. They don’t pay Malfoy any attention. Harry wonders if this bothers Malfoy. It would bother Harry, to be ignored by everyone around him. If only Harry could see Malfoy’s face, then he could see if Malfoy is upset or not. He probably is, isn’t he? How could he not be?
Ron’s hand waves in front of Harry. “Earth to Harry,” he says.
Harry snaps out of his thoughts and focuses on the people around him. “Sorry, what did you say?” he asks.
Ron laughs as he pats Harry on his back. Neville shakes his head and grins. Only Hermione looks behind her to see what Harry was staring at.
“You’re still worried about Malfoy?” she asks when she looks back at Harry.
“Forget about him,” Ron says. “He’s in Slytherin. I’m sure his housemates will look after him.” Ron looks at the doors and then at the empty plates in front of them. “Do you think it will be long before the first years are here? I’m hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” Hermione complains.
“I wonder if Iris is going to get sorted into Gryffindor,” Neville says.
Harry bites his lips. “I hope so,” he says. He doesn’t want to think about how he won’t be able to look after her if she’s not in the same dorms as them. Not with Pettigrew on the loose.
“Did I tell you all about the food in Egypt?” Ron asks. “It was good, as long as they didn’t tell you what was in it. They eat crickets as snacks. Can you believe that?”
Harry doesn’t feel like eating crickets. He prefers something a little sweeter. Or would crickets be sweet? He has no idea what they taste like. “Did you have any crickets?” he asks.
Ron opens his mouth the answer, only the door to the Great Hall opens before he gets a chance.
Harry looks up to spot his sister between the group of first years. Iris looks at Harry and Neville and waves. Not long now and she will join their table. She has to. Harry needs to keep his family close so he can make sure they are all okay. At least until Pettigrew is apprehended. Until then it isn’t safe for any of them.
The Sorting Hat sings a silly song. Harry doesn’t pay it much attention. “Do you think she will be in Gryffindor?” Neville asks.
“She has to,” Harry says.
“She’s brainy, she’ll be in Ravenclaw,” Ron pipes in.
“What makes you say that?” Harry says. “Hermione is brainy, and she isn’t in Ravenclaw.”
“Harry, there is nothing wrong with Ravenclaw,” Hermione says in that accusing tone of hers.
“I know, but if she’s in a different dorm. I can’t protect her,” Harry says.
Neville and Harry lock eyes and Neville nods. “You’re right. It would be best.”
“What are you two on about? You think Pettigrew will get into the school and hurt her?” Ron asks.
Hermione shakes her head. “Pettigrew won’t get in here. Hogwarts is well protected. And there are Dementors outside the gates. He will never get past them.”
“He got past them before,” Harry says. “He’s got a special way to get around. He will be in the castle in no time. Trust me.”
Hermione opens her mouth to respond. But at that moment the first student gets sorted into Gryffindor and the entire table cheers, blocking out Hermione’s words.
“Let’s enjoy the sorting and discuss this later,” Neville tells her.
She agrees and together they watch as more and more students get sorted. When it’s Iris’ turn, she sits down with a brave face, but Harry can see that she’s scared. Somehow, she’s had nightmares these last couple of days of getting sorted into Slytherin. It’s crazy, there is only one place where Iris belongs. The same place where the Potter family has always been sorted. She will be in Gryffindor. Harry sits ready to stand up and applaud his sister into the fold.
And then the hat shouts RAVENCLAW.
Iris smiles, gets up and walks over to the Ravenclaw table. She waves towards Harry and Neville and then sits down between her new housemates. Harry slumps in his seat and stares at the Ravenclaw table. “She can’t be,” he whispers.
“Oh, Harry, stop worrying. Iris will be fine,” Hermione says.
Harry shakes his head. He knows that Iris will be fine. She’s an independent girl. And too smart for her own good. But this year is different. There is a real treat now. It’s not the same as first year when the enemy was close but unable to touch them. And it’s different from last year when the Basilisk terrorised the school. No, this year, Neville, Harry and Iris are the targets. The reason why the enemy is here. And no matter how smart or clever Iris is, she is an idiot when it comes to understanding the danger she’s in.
“We need to find Pettigrew before he finds her,” Harry says. He doesn’t care if his friends will help him. He’s not letting anything happen to his little sister.
“Yes,” Neville agrees. “We will. That rat won’t get away with what he did.”
“Fine, we go hunt for Pettigrew. But first, we eat,” Ron says.
Harry smiles at Ron as he loads up his plate with all the food that has just appeared. He knew he could count on his best friend. Ron understands. Last year it was his little sister that almost died. Ginny looks better now. She smiles again and seems to be happy to be back at Hogwarts. She even talks to Neville now. Harry had thought her crush would only intensify now Neville’s saved her from Tom Riddle and the Basilisk. But the opposite seems to have happened. Somehow, she doesn’t worship Neville anymore. And that is a good thing. As Neville is just a normal boy, just like the rest of them.
“You boys are insane. Pettigrew will never make it into the castle,” Hermione says. “The Aurors are on top of this case, he will be caught in no time.”
“Shut up, Hermione,” Neville says. “You don’t know half of it. That man is clever. He’s escaped Azkaban, he’s not going to get caught that easily.”
“Then tell me,” Hermione says. “What’s so special about this criminal? I know he’s the one responsible for Sirius’ injury. But that alone doesn’t make him the most wanted man in the world.”
“Hermione,” Harry warns her. “Let it be.” But of course, Hermione doesn’t listen. Doesn’t she understand that there are things they don’t want to talk about? That she doesn’t have the right to know everything?
“No, I won’t let it be,” Hermione says. “You boys want to get yourself killed, and I won’t stand for it. I don’t want to be stuck alone with the girlish squad for the rest of the year. You can’t do that to me.”
Ron and Harry both try to hide a laugh that tries to escape them. The idea of Hermione being stuck with Lavender and Parvati is hilarious.
“Who cares about the girlish squad!” Neville shouts. His hands tremble and his fork falls on the table.
Harry reaches out and takes Neville’s hand in his. “Nobody does,” he says. Not compared to what must be going through Neville’s mind when he thinks of Pettigrew. That man cost him his parents. That is nothing compared to the bother the girlish squad gives them. Harry is sick of them anyway. They always try to hit on him. Don’t they get that he’s never going to like them? Who would want to date a girl anyway? They are only trouble. Just see how difficult Hermione can be from time to time. And she’s the most normal girl Harry knows.
“Clearly Hermione does,” Ron pipes in, still sniffling.
“I care about your lives,” Hermione says.
“And I care about getting the man that is responsible for my parents’ deaths back in jail,” Neville spits at her.
That shuts her up. Hermione stares at Neville with her spoon frozen in front of her open mouth. “What do you mean?” she asks.
Neville shakes his head. He regrets saying it now. Harry doesn’t need to look at him to know this. Neville never wants to talk about what happened. How a dear friend of his parents, one of James’ best friends betrayed them all. Harry is still grateful that Sirius was the secret keeper of his parents’ hiding place. The world could have been so different if they had switched secret keepers. Then Harry would be the orphan. And Neville would still have his parents. Would they have taken Harry in? Raised him as their own? Probably, but still. It’s different, knowing your real parents are dead and gone because of the betrayal of a friend.
“Pettigrew was the secret keeper for his parents,” Harry explains when it’s clear Neville isn’t going to say anything else.
“And he betrayed them?” Hermione asks.
Harry nods his head. He looks at Neville who gives a weak smile.
“Okay,” Hermione says. Her brow furrows and her jaw is set. She makes eye contact with Neville. “We’re going to catch that rat as soon as possible.”
“Welcome aboard, Hermione,” Ron jokes with his mouth full.
“You’re disgusting, Ron,” Hermione tells him.
The topic of conversation switches back to Ron’s holiday to Egypt after that. Wood stops by at some point to tell Harry Quidditch practice starts this Saturday at eleven since their first game will be against Slytherin. There will be no time to relax into the season, and Harry is fine with that. The amount of Quidditch he gets to play is the best part of being at school.
Harry, Ron, Neville and Hermione eat and joke around. Ron complains about his little sister and how she keeps interfering with his life. Harry ignores Lavender’s advances and Hermione is excited about all the subjects she’s taking this year. Before they even know it the meal has come to a close, Dumbledore has given his final warnings and they are off towards Gryffindor tower.
They step into the entrance hall and make to turn towards the stairs. Only some loud shouts on the other end of the hall make Harry stop in his tracks.
“Come on, Malfoy. Just act like a true Slytherin for once,” one of the older students shouts.
Harry watches as they walk up towards Malfoy, who’s in front of them, his back towards them. One of the students jumps on his back. Malfoy jumps and turns, his wand in his hand. The Slytherin boys laugh and push Malfoy around until Malfoy almost falls off the stairs towards the dungeons. More laughs and then they walk on. Malfoy stands still on the top of the stairs. He wipes his hand over his eyes and then turns. With careful steps, he descends to the dungeon.
“Harry, come on,” Neville shouts. Harry shakes his head and runs up the stairs to join his friends again. He’d forgotten about Malfoy for a little during the feast. But now Malfoy is back at the front of Harry’s mind. He seemed so lost just now. And Harry will make sure that will never happen again. Pettigrew can wait. First Harry has to make sure that Malfoy learns how to communicate with the world around him.
* * *