Secrets from the Future

Chapter 9. JEALOUSY

After a miserable, sleepless night, Harry decided to get ready for the day before everyone else. Dressed, he left the dormitory silently, just as his mates were waking up.

Despite the fact that it was still early, there were already small groups of students in the common room, nervously waiting for the start of classes.

Harry slowly descended the staircase, massaging his head which was aching from the lack of sleep. He then noticed Hermione sitting by the fireplace, reading a large, old book resting on her knees. "Good morning!"

She looked up from her book and greeted him with a large smile. "Harry! I was waiting for you." She stood up, moved closer and gave him a peck on the cheek. "It looks like you didn't sleep too well last night."

"No..." he replied, lowering his gaze.

Hermione stared at him gloomily. "Listen, Harry. We need to talk..."

Harry turned away, annoyed. After that horrible night, he still felt too confused and tired to handle a discussion that early in the morning.

"I know that Mark's death has hit you hard, and I can understand if you aren't ready to talk to anyone about it... even to me. But I feel like this is making you sad and I really want to help."

"Please, Hermione. It's just not the right time to..."

"Well, then tell me when is the right time!" she cut him off, raising her voice. Hermione then realized that everybody had just turned to look at them, so she started whispering. "I can't stand to see you like this and not being able to do anything to help! Something is hurting you and you need to talk with someone about it!"

"A lot of things are hurting me at the moment!" exclaimed Harry, beginning to feel his temper rise. "It's just that... well, I don't know if..."

"You know that you can tell me anything and that I'll listen without judging you. I promise!" Hermione pressed, hoping to get beyond the invisible barrier that Harry had put up between them.

Both looked at each other intensely. Seeing that Hermione was very serious made Harry smile. "All right then. But we'll talk tonight, after dinner."

"Perfect! Promise me you won't change your mind! It's too important for me... you know that," she reminded him, feeling more encouraged than before.

***O***

"It is not my intention to hide the great pleasure I feel when I think that th is will be your last year here at Hogwarts..." Professor Snape said silkily, welcoming back to his seventh year students. "Unfortunately, I am unable to forget that there are still many months before we are finally rid of each other."

Finishing his sentence, Snape looked with distaste at each Gryffindor student, allowing his gaze to linger on Harry and Hermione, who were sitting at the same desk at the back of the classroom. Harry stubbornly returned the stare until Snape moved his attention onto someone else as he started to pace the room. The place looked more gloomy than ever. The dungeons had no windows and were extremely cold, lit only by a few torches hanging from the stone walls.

Just like the previous year, only a few Gryffindor students had been accepted into Advanced Potions. In addition to Harry and Hermione, also in the class were Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, and Seamus Finnigan. Ron and the others had to take an alternate course.

On the other hand, all the Slytherins, including Crabbe and Goyle, whose intelligences resembled that of a troll, had been accepted with high marks. This, of course, showed the obvious favoritism of the teacher. Among the Slytherins, young Draco Malfoy was Snape's favorite student. Tall, blonde, with cold gray eyes and a treacherous character like that his father Lucius, he was always in competition with Harry, ever since first year.

That morning, there was a new Gryffindor student in the class. Theo Mustle was sitting next to Seamus, a few desks in front of Harry.

"Now, enough with the friendly greetings!" Snape spoke again, with his usual authoritarian tone. "I remind you that at the end of the year, you'll have to pass the final examination. The O.W.L.s you somehow managed to pass in fifth year could be considered childish by comparison to N.E.W.T.s. That is why I expect the best from each and every one of you, starting today!" Snape pointed his curved nose to each student in turn, arousing a note of uneasiness in them.

"Why don't we start with a quick revision, then? Does anyone remember the effects, or better, the uses of a Blood-Replenishing Potion?"

At his question, everyone looked at each other bewildered, not knowing the answer. Snape had briefly mentioned that potion in one of the last lessons the previous year; no one had even thought to look it up in their books. The only ones to raise their hands were Hermione and Theo.

"Yes, Mr. Mustle?"

"The Blood-Replenishing Potion compensates for lost blood. In order for it to work properly, the wizard in need must take it every hour."

At Theo's reply, all of the students turned to him, extremely surprised, especially the Gryffindors; the Slytherins were sneering at him, most of all Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle.

Snape didn't object, meaning he could find nothing wrong with the answer. "Can anyone tell me the main ingredients of this potion?"

Once again, Hermione and Theo raised their hands, however Snape turned to someone else this time. "Mr. Potter?"

Harry didn't know much of anything about the Blood-Replenishing Potion, except that Mr. Weasley had to take it while he was at St. Mungo's Hospital while recovering from being bitten by Voldemort's snake. "Uh... Armadillo bile maybe?" He replied, resigned, accustomed to Snape's special treatment.

A satisfied grin appeared in Snape's pale face; Draco sneered in amusement.

"Mr. Mustle?" the teacher called.

"The main ingredients are a third of salamander blood, a third of frog brain, a third of Ashwinder eggs, and a little bit of powdered Graphorn horn," replied Theo, proudly.

"Well, well, well Mr. Potter. It seems that Mr. Mustle here is more prepared than you, despite the fact that he has joined our class only today," commented Snape, glaring at Harry intensely. "Five points to Gryffindor for Mr. Mustle's two correct answers. However, I shall have to take ten for Mr. Potter's incompetence!"

Hermione frowned at Snape in disapproval. She couldn't stand any injustice, especially that done in order to hurt or ridicule someone else.

"And now, I want everyone at work. You're to prepare a Blood-Replenishing Potion. You will then leave it in class steep for an entire week. All the necessary ingredients are ready for you," he said, pointing at the students' cupboard.

Snape sat down at his desk, while the students remained motionless at their seats. "What are you waiting for? I WANT YOU ALL AT WORK, IMMEDIATELY!" shouted Snape; everyone jumped in panic. They stood up at the same time, bumping into each other.

***O***

When Harry entered the Great Hall for lunch, he felt as if his brain was about to explode. The first two hours of Potions had been followed by two hours of Transfiguration, during which Professor McGonagall started with a detailed review of the Inanimatus Conjurus spell.

Harry sat between Ron and Hermione at Gryffindor table and for a while wanted to go lay down on his bed.

"It looks like the new student is really smart. Have you talked to him yet?" Hermione asked as she filled her plate with stew and mashed potatoes.

"We spoke a little last night, but... well, I don't think I like him very much." Harry replied, wrinkling his nose in displeasure.

"Are you talking about that Theo Mustle?" Ron interrupted into the discussion, after a mouthful of roasted chicken. "He's sitting right there with Neville and Seamus. Why don't you like him?"

"Just a feeling," Harry replied, unwilling to talk about that strange incident he had when he shook Theo's hand.

Ron stared at Theo across the table, then shrugged his shoulders as he decided to change the subject. "The first day of school is always the worst," he commented. "But I can take anything if in trade there's something much, much better!"

Harry had the distinct impression that Ron was eager to talk about his new single bedroom; Harry didn't want to disappoint him. "Hey, I'll bet you slept better than okay last night, didn't you?"

"Oh, Harry you won't believe how great my new Head Boy room is!" exclaimed Ron, smiling enthusiastically. "The room is almost as big as our old dormitory and the walls are covered with posters of all of the most famous Quidditch teams in the world. There is a breathtaking view from the window, and there is also a bathroom just for me! I can't believe I'm Head Boy, Harry!"

"Ronald Weasley, you best get off cloud nine and start thinking about your duties instead!" Hermione scolded him. "Don't forget that being Head Boy isn't just about having a single room with a private bathroom, and being trusted by the teachers. Your most important responsibility is to make sure that all of the other students respect the school rules, and also... monitor the students' behavior, patrol the corridors..."

"I know, I know, I KNOW! You don't have to remind me!" Ron huffed, annoyed.

"Now that it's come up, there's something important I need to tell you," Hermione explained, searching through her school bag. "It's your turn tonight to patrol the corridors. You'll be with Ernie Macmillan," she added, after reviewing a small sheet of parchment that she had just taken from her bag.

"What did you say?" Ron shouted as he almost fell from his seat. "You must be joking, aren't you? Give me that!" he said shocked, snatching the parchment from Hermione's hands. "Oh no! I completely forgot about this... I can't patrol the corridors tonight! Seriously, I can't!"

"Why not?" asked Hermione, frowning at him.

"Because... because... I've something else to do tonight, that's why!" he replied, feeling uncomfortable. He then looked around warily and added in a whisper, "I'm seeing Luna tonight... Why don't you take my place? Please Hermione! I'll do anything if you take my place!"

"You know I can't!" she replied sternly.

"Please, Hermione, please. You spent a whole month with Harry. Luna and I haven't really seen each other since July!" Ron begged.

Hermione rolled her eyes, annoyed. "All right then. I'll take your place, but you owe me one."

"Anything you want, I promise!" The smile had returned to Ron's face.

"I'll think of something, don't you worry..." she said, throwing a glance at Harry out of the corner of her eyes.

Harry smiled at her in reply. Their attention was then caught by the arrival of the mail. Very quickly, the entire ceiling was covered with grey and white owls, delivering letters and packages as they flew gracefully to their owners.

Even Harry got mail, which seldom happened. One of the school owls, small with gray and black spots, glided right above his head and delivered a small envelope. The stamp on the wax seal was from the Headmaster.

Harry stared at the envelope in his hands for a few seconds, surprised.

"Come on, open it!" Hermione exhorted him; Harry wasted no time.

Dear Mr. Potter,

It is my wish to meet in my office, tonight after dinner, to discuss several very important matters. Please do not be late.

Faithfully yours,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster

"That's perfect!" Hermione exclaimed, after reading the letter over Harry's shoulder. "Dumbledore wants to talk to you, and we were waiting for this, weren't we?"

"I'm sorry. What are so excited about?" asked Ron worriedly.

Hermione rolled her eyes before replying. "Tonight, Harry will be able to share with him our concerns about Erudio, particularly about what Wizzy told Harry. And maybe..." She stopped abruptly, piquing the curiosity of the other two.

"And maybe?" asked Harry.

"I meant, maybe you could also tell him about what's been bothering you. Well... you know..."

"What's been bothering him?" asked Ron, puzzled. Hermione glared at him in response, as if to say "Why don't you shut up?"

Harry didn't know if he could open himself up to Dumbledore, even thought he knew Hermione was right. "I'll think about it..." he whispered, unwilling to tell her no.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Hermione, satisfied, as she refilled her plate with another serving of stew.

***O***

Dumbledore's office had not changed much in the past few years. The paintings of the previous Headmasters were hanging on the walls... ancient wizards with long, white beards pretending to be asleep while listening to all that was said in there. The shelves were full of dusty books, puffing stills, and other odd magical devices. Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his old, dark wooden desk

Harry found him already there, with his bright blue robe, usual pointed hat, and long silver beard and hair.

"Have a seat, Harry." The Headmaster indicated towards one of the two small armchairs sitting in front of his desk; Harry obediently sat, feeling oddly nervous.

"Would you like some chamomile tea?" asked the ancient man, conjuring a small tray with a steaming teapot and two cups.

"Thank you, sir," replied Harry as Dumbledore poured the tea into the cups.

"I've called you here because there is something important I need to ask you," started the Headmaster, handing a cup to Harry and staring at him intensely from behind his half-moon spectacles. "After the tragic loss of Mark Evans, we haven't had a chance to talk. How are you feeling in this particular moment of your life?"

Harry lowered his gaze, grasping the hot cup firmly. That was the question he feared the most. Certainly, Mark's death had shaken him deeply, but it more than just that. He still had nightmares, and was worried about his future encounter with Voldemort. He feared he was not worthy of such an important role to play. He afraid to fail and become the cause of his beloved ones' unhappiness. At the same time though, he didn't want to show his weakness.

"All of us may go through moments of uncertainty in our life. It's perfectly normal. Are you sure you don't want to tell me anything?" asked Dumbledore, a strange twinkling in his blue eyes.

"Not... not at the moment, sir," replied Harry after a brief hesitation. Even though he knew that he had to be honest with Dumbledore, he chose to wait a little longer and try to make more sense of everything by himself first.

"Well, I shall have to wait then until you're ready to talk to me." Dumbledore sighed deeply. "Now, I'd like to explain what I have planned for you this year. You've certainly wondered why Magnus Erudio is here at Hogwarts. You already know that he's a Seer, exactly as you are. That's why I'm deeply convinced that you'll appreciate his help in learning how to control your powers and use them properly."

Harry shifted in his armchair, feeling uncomfortable; a few drops of hot tea fell on his trousers. "Excuse me, sir, are you sure that..."

"Please, Harry, don't take my decision the wrong way," Dumbledore cut him off quietly. "Surely you haven't forgotten what happened in July on Privet Drive ? You need to be able to use your powers correctly and, most importantly I think, you need to be able to control your temper."

"I can assure you that I'm doing my best to control my temper!" exclaimed Harry, disappointed by the Headmaster's lack of trust.

"Unfortunately, in this matter, your best isn't enough. Please Harry, let us guide you. You'll find that Magnus Erudio is an excellent teacher and..."

"There's something I need to tell you about Magnus Erudio." It was Harry's turn to interrupt. "Last summer something odd happened and... well, something that made me start to think. When Hagrid came for my birthday, Erudio ordered him not to say anything about Mark's condition. He wanted to keep me in the dark about that, right as Mark was dying!"

"You're absolutely right, Harry. I didn't agree with Erudio's decision at the time either. But, you must understand that in his own way, he wanted to protect you."

"Protect me from what?"

"From suffering, from disappointment! For the same reasons I did my best to keep you in the dark in the past. I'm talking about the prophecy, the truth about your mother being a Seer. Maybe I realized too late how wrong I was." Dumbledore lowered his gaze. "My behavior has pushed you to make hazardous decisions. It's my fault that the ones you care about have paid with their lives."

Harry was certain Dumbledore was talking about Sirius Black's death; Harry couldn't blame him for thinking that it was also his fault.

"You are a young man now and are able to face your life with conscience and wisdom, accepting your responsibilities if necessary. For this reason, I know that you'll understand the importance of controlling your faculties. Nobody is perfect, Harry. The important thing is that we are able to accept our limits."

Harry nodded. Dumbledore's wise words were finally helping him to understand that accepting the help of the others isn't a sign of weakness, but one of maturity.

"Do you... do you trust Magnus Erudio?" asked Harry, still doubtful.

"Completely!" the Headmaster replied, smiling widely.

***O***

Leaving Dumbledore's office, Harry felt much better than when he had entered it an hour earlier. Talking with the Headmaster had helped lighten the heavy weight he had been feeling on his heart.

Walking down one of the long corridors of the school, Harry suddenly felt the full exhaustion of the previous night and full day he had. Massaging his eyes with his hands, he turned a corner and bumped into someone.

"Oops! I-I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming," he exclaimed, mortified.

"Oh, don't worry. I wasn't watching either," replied Jane, the girl he met on the train. "I'm so lucky to run into you, Harry Potter! With all of these stairs and corridors, I got completely lost. If you don't help me finding the way, I think I'm going to wander for the whole night!" As she finished talking, she again brushed a lock of curly hair away from her forehead in almost a flirtatious manner.

Harry rolled his eyes, wondering for what unfathomable reason he had to run into her, Jane the chatterbox. He sighed deeply, but did his best to be as polite as possible. "All right, I'll show you the way. Let's go!"

Gryffindor tower was on the seventh floor; they were on the second floor. Harry quickly reached one of the shortcuts he knew, but it seemed that Filch had already sealed it for the night. The shortcut was hidden behind a painting of an ancient warlock with a pirate's eye patch; the painting would not let then through.

"Looks like we take the long way, then," said Harry, resigned.

"Oh, well, never mind," exclaimed Jane. "The longer way is often the safer way, or at least, my mum always says so. I usually don't care what she says, actually, but I have to admit that she has been right from time to time."

Harry desperately wanted to reach his dormitory as quickly as possible. He didn't reply and walked faster.

"Today, we had Charms with Professor Flitwick and you can't imagine how much I enjoyed the lesson. Even though I already knew everything about the topics, I think it's always helpful for a little revision, don't you agree? Ginny Weasley is really good at Charms. With all the answers that she and I gave, we gained about fifty points together! And it's just the first day!"

"Jane, listen to me carefully!" Harry stopped abruptly and stood right in front of her. "I'm happy that your first day has been wonderful. Unfortunately, mine has been extremely difficult, so, please... please, will you try to just shut up until we reach the common room?"

Jane looked extremely offended by Harry's words and turned to look away from him without adding a word. After this "discussion," they started walking in silence. After two flights of stairs, they started down a dark corridor.

"Lumos!" Harry lit his wand; Jane did the same.

Suddenly, he heard voices and stopped again, putting his hand on Jane's shoulder to stop her also.

"What's wrong now?" she asked, annoyed.

"Shhh. Someone's there," Harry whispered, then extinguishing his wand and indicating to flatten themselves against the wall.

They waited for a few seconds. Finally, the voices came closer and it was possible to see two shadows slowly walking along the corridor with a lit wand.

"Don't worry, my friend. I spoke to him tonight and I'm sure he understands now the importance of the matter." It was Dumbledore's voice.

"I know, I know. But I still feel that something bad is still troubling him and that this is just the beginning," replied Magnus Erudio.

"Trust me, Magnus. I know him better than you do. He'll follow your suggestions. You just need to have a little more faith, that's all!"

"I'll do as you ask, Albus. I'll do everything possible to not be influenced by what I saw. At the point we are at, everything can be still changed."

Harry was listening attentively, trying to hear every word they were saying. They certainly seemed to be talking about him, but what had Erudio meant when mentioning his visions? Was he talking about the future? Harry shivered.

"What are they talking about?" asked Jane, in a whisper.

"Shhh!" Harry hissed at her.

"Well, I wish you good night, Magnus," said Dumbledore once they reached the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

"Good night to you, Albus," replied Erudio, entering and then closing the door behind him. The Headmaster then turned on his heels and left the corridor.

"Let's go, quick!" Harry lit his wand again and ran along the corridor, passing the Defense classroom. In his mind, thousands of ideas were already chasing each other.

"About whom were they talking?" asked Jane, more and more curious.

"No idea!" Harry replied, hastily.

"Anyway, I certainly wouldn't like to be in his shoes," she exclaimed, deeply concerned.

Harry stopped again and frowned at her. "What do you mean?"

"I-I mean... I mean..." she stammered, taken by surprise. "I wouldn't like to have all that attention from my teachers on me. I'd feel pressed by a terrible weight and I'd feel trapped, that's all! Of course, being one of the best students wouldn't be bad either, but I'd rather just be number two and have a quieter life."

They stared at each other for a moment. Harry felt an awkward sensation inside and for the first time since he had met her, he realized that maybe this girl wasn't just some stupid little girl.

Suddenly, Harry and Jane were dazzled by a very strong light and had to cover their eyes with their hands.

"Aha! Caught! Two sweethearts out walking this late at ni..."

"HARRY?" Hermione's eyes widened in shock.

The blinding light lowered and the four teens stared at each others for a few seconds, their mouths open in surprise. On one side were Harry and Jane, Harry standing in front of her in a hidden corner of the corridor. On the other side were Hermione and Ernie Macmillan with their shining Head Girl and prefect badges attached to their robes, wands lit at full power.

"What are you doing here?" asked Hermione, bewildered.

Harry raised his eyebrows, wishing to find himself anywhere else, very far from there. "I was... we were going back to the common room."

"Oh, we see that! Perhaps Hermione wanted to know what you're doing here with another girl... who is not her!" Ernie pointed out, smiling maliciously.

"Ernie, please!" Hermione scolded him, feeling her temper beginning to rise.

"Hey, listen to me! Your boyfriend and I weren't doing anything bad!" Jane interjected herself into the conversation, frowning at Hermione.

"Did anyone ask your opinion?" shouted Hermione, looking her over from head to toe.

"Girls, please! You don't have to..." Harry's clumsy attempt to make peace was brusquely cut off by Hermione.

"Harry James Potter, I will talk to you later!" Finishing her sentence, Hermione turned on her heels and walked away as quickly as she could.

"Well, Harry, I'm sorry to say this, but... you've really done it this time!" commented Ernie, deeply sorry for him.

"I didn't do anything at all!" shouted Harry exasperated, before running after his girlfriend. "Hermione, HERMIONE! Please wait!" Shortly, he was at her side; he stretched out his hand and gripped her by the arm, making her turn to face him.

"Would you please tell me what the hell is wrong with you?"

"Do you really want to know what's wrong?" Hermione was forcing herself to remain calm, though she was feeling a painful knot in her throat. "I'm so disappointed with you, Harry! I thought you were with Dumbledore. But on the contrary, I caught you walking hand in hand with another girl! Is this the big secret that's been tormenting you?"

"Hand in hand? You must be joking!" he exclaimed, horrified by that accusation. "I just met Jane by chance while I was going back to the common room and she asked me to show her the way, that's all!"

"JANE? Tell me, when did you become friends with JANE?" Hermione insisted with tears in her eyes.

Harry felt deeply confused. It looked like anything he said was just the wrong thing to say. He desperately tried to think of something more reasonable to solve the problem and chose the harder way. "I won't stand here, listening to your absurd accusations. We should just go to bed now. Tomorrow morning, we'll talk quietly about this."

"Very well! If that's how you want to solve problems, it's fine by me! Good night and sleep well!" After finishing, Hermione ran upstairs; this time Harry didn't follow her.

Feeling the anger rising inside, he clenched his fists and violently beat them against the stone walls, hurting himself. Breathing deeply, he tried to calm down, thinking that the better thing to do was wait until the following morning and explain to Hermione his version what happened.

Why are girls so difficult to understand? he kept asking himself on his way to Gryffindor tower.

8