A/N ~ I FEEL SO BAD FOR TAKING SO LONG ON THIS CHAPTER, SO SORRY GUYS.

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Harry woke up on September the 1st, the day they were to return to Hogwarts, to a weird intense feeling in the room.

He rubbed his eyes and grabbed his glasses from his nightstand, before scrambling them on.

Sitting on her bed, was Y/N, staring intensely across the room at the window sill of their bedroom. Her hair and eyes indicated that she probably just woke up.

"Er... Niff, what are you doing?" Harry asked hesitantly, trying not to laugh.

"Shh!" Y/N hushed, not breaking her eyes from a certain brown rock that sat on the side of the windowsill.

Harry raised his eyebrows and watched as her eyes narrowed.

After a few seconds, there was tiny sound of explosion, and little shreds of the brown rock flew into different directions.

"WAIT-"

"YES!" Y/N exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear and punching the air.

"May I know what's happening, now?" Harry asked, grinning, as he watched Y/N celebrate to herself.

"I can control my exitiumagus powers!" Y/N said triumphantly. "I've been practicing every day, in the morning, and this is the first time I actually did it- Harry, I can control my powers!"

"That's brilliant," Harry chuckled. "I don't know if I should be scared or-"

Harry broke into a fit of laughter when Y/N bounced off her bed and crashed into his arms, hugging him tightly, as they both fell back onto Harry's bed.

Y/N lost balance and their foreheads bumped into each other painfully. It was one of those bumps where only one side receives the pain.

"Ow!" Y/N exclaimed, her hand jumping to her forehead, as Harry's laugh grew louder.

Y/N scowled at him for a moment, but accidentally let out a snort of laughter.

Once she started, she couldn't seem to stop. They both laughed together uncontrollably, rolling on the bed and hitting each other's arms.

"What, were you trying to get matching scars-?" Harry said through his laughter, feeling tears of laughter form at the corner of his eyes.

It felt amazing, just laughing with Y/N, with her head buried in his chest, and her bracelet glowing pink...

He felt like he had the potential to be alright again. To actually laugh at little things like that. For that little moment, even with Voldemort inside his head, Harry felt safe again.

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Once both Y/N and Harry changed into their clothes, packed their things and briefly cleaned their room, they headed out the door and down the stairs, Bamboo and Hedwig screeching in their cages.

It had been nice staying in Grimmauld Place, even with Mrs Black's screaming portrait, Kreacher's casual insults, and Harry's annoying mood swings.

Harry smiled at Y/N and linked her hand in his, trotting down the flight of stairs, exited for Hogwarts.

"Hey, wait up!" came Ginny's voice, as Y/N and Harry passed through the second floor.

A beaming Ginny and Hermione came out from the hallway with their bags slung over their shoulders. Y/N grinned at the two of them, as the four started down the stairs again.

"Good morning," Y/N greeted her two friends. "Oh- Hermione, I finished The Little Prince and-"

"Ooh, you did?" Hermione smiled excitedly. "I thought you said the story was confusing."

"Well, it was my Uncle's present to me, I gotta finish it." Y/N muttered. "I have a question about the rose... Was the prince boy in love with the rose or something? 'Cause it's kind of odd... or were they just friends?"

"No one knows really, the author never confirmed." Hermione said, as Harry and Ginny blinked at the two in confusion. "But I personally like to think Antoine de Saint-Exupéry portrayed the rose as his lover."

"I don't know about this book, but I'm invested." said Ginny, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, it's a beautiful story." Hermione said seriously. "I made a full story analysis of The Little Prince in year five, at my old muggle school."

"Year five? The- what?" Ginny frowned.

"Never mind that right now," Hermione said quickly. "we're going to be late aren't we?" she said anxiously, glancing down at her watch.

"No, I don't think so," Ginny shrugged. "Not unless Fred and George- ARGHHHH!"

Ginny was interrupted by two loud cracks in the air.

Hermione, Harry and Y/N turned to their side in horror to see that Fred and George had apparated right where Ginny stood earlier.

Ginny was sent down two flights of stairs, cussing at the twins along the way, ending up in a pile on the first floor.

"Ginny!" Y/N hurried down the stairs, but Ginny had already abruptly stood up, scowling, before flipping the twins off heatedly.

Mrs Black's painting was screaming at the top of her voice, and so was Mrs Weasley.

"-COULD'VE DONE HER SERIOUS INJURY, YOU IDIOTS-"

"-FILTHY HALF-BREEDS; BESMIRCHING THE HOUSE OF MY FATHER'S-"

"I'm fine, Y/N, let's go," Ginny said quietly, walking away quickly as Mrs Weasley started screaming at the twins.

Y/N entered the kitchen to Rolf talking excitedly to Ron, who seemed like he wanted more than anything to leave the room.

Remus was talking to Bill and Sirius quietly, his face slightly tense. They didn't look up at all when Y/N, Harry, Hermione and Ginny entered the room.

They all sat down and ate breakfast, as the adults ignored them and continued to mutter their conversation, and as Rolf continued to harass Ron's ears.

"-she told me her father spotted a Fistle Fairy on their vacation," Y/N heard her brother blabber. "she's amazing, really, you all will love her, I promise."

Y/N saw from the corner of her eyes that the twins were sneaking their Weasley's Wizard Wheezes inventions and joke products into their bags.

George caught her eye and they both sniggered mischievously.

Once they were all done, Mrs Weasley led the kids out of the house, their baggages all sorted by Moody.

They were accompanied by several Aurors, Remus, and a big black dog- Sirius.

"He's not coming with us, is he?" Y/N asked Remus in concern. Sirius barked happily in reply, wagging his tail eagerly. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"I tried to stop him," Mrs Weasley pursed her lips. "but Dumbledore approved- said he needed some fresh air."

Grimmauld Place was near King's Cross, so the group walked by foot to the station, taking no longer than twenty minutes.

Half way through, Tonks approached them at the corner of the street with Y/N's trunk, her hair bright purple again.

She had packed Y/N's things from Lupin Cottage for her, and Remus did for Rolf, so they didn't have to go back and get their things.

"Thank you so much, Tonks." Y/N beamed up at the witch, who grinned back at her happily.

"It's nothing," she said, turning to the Quartet. "you lot ready for your O.W.L. exams?"

"Yes!" Hermione replied brightly.

"Don't remind me." Ron muttered bitterly. Hermione threw him a look and Y/N and Harry chuckled.

They finally arrived at the busy King's Kross station, Sirius barking in excitement at the crowded atmosphere.

"Padfoot, are you barking mad?" Mad-eye growled. "Yer not supposed to attract attention!"

"Everyone, through the barrier now," Mrs Weasley ushered, motioning for Ron and Hermione to walk faster.

When it was Y/N's turn to walk through the barrier between platform 9 and 10, she felt the familiar choking feeling in her throat, stopping her trolley once she arrived in platform nine and three-quarters.

Y/N looked around the platform. Hundreds of kids were saying good bye to their parents, most of them were trying to struggle out of their dad's embrace or their mum's kiss.

She used to that. And now, she regretted it more than anything... and one day, so would they.

Sure, she loved Hogwarts, but she also loved her family... she missed them. Dearly.

Y/N and Rolf were forced to resume their lives normally, when their mother was dead and their father was merely a broken shadow of his old self.

Parting from Remus was also another thing.

"Guess this is good bye for now." Remus said quietly.

Y/N turned around to find her godfather looking down at his feet, fidgeting with his coat.

"Guess it is." she muttered quietly, her stomach churning. "I... I'll miss us- baking together- you, me and Rolf, back at Lupin Cottage."

"I'll miss your salty cookies," Remus grinned, Y/N laughed at the recent memory. "and you'll miss my protective arse."

"Yes, I'll miss that too." Y/N laughed loudly and rushed forwards to wrap her arms around her godfather's torso. "Thanks for everything, Moony."

Remus sighed happily and hugged her back, now understanding what it was like, being a parent.

"Please stay safe," he beckoned, finally able to pull away from her. "don't do anything risky. Practice controlling your powers, but never use them against anyone, alright?"

"Even Malfoy?" Y/N sarcastically pouted.

"Y/N..." Remus said warningly.

"Just kidding," Y/N chuckled.

"Where's my hug?" Tonks appeared from behind them, smiling at the two, and extending her arms.

Y/N threw herself into Tonks' arms and embraced her tightly, as Rolf gave Remus a quick hug.

"I'll miss you so much," Y/N said to the young witch.

"I'll miss you too, Y/N." Tonks giggled over her shoulder, rubbing her back. "I'll also miss your salty-"

"Oh, drop it." Y/N snapped, smiling slightly when Tonks pulled away. "When I return for Christmas break, you and Remus better be dating."

"Oh, shut up." Tonks hissed quietly, glancing at Remus nervously. "You know how stubborn he is. He'll love anyone but himself."

"But just try, alright?" Y/N pleaded. "I know he loves you. We love you. I want you in our family. Please?"

"I'll think about it." Tonks said, giving her a warm smile.

"I'll miss you, fellow badass Hufflepuff," Rolf pushed Y/N to the side to give Tonks a big hug. "To think that we'll be working together in a few years..."

"You'll be an amazing Auror, Rolfie." Tonks laughed.

"Wait- where's Harry?" Y/N suddenly asked, looking around the station. She could see the Weasleys and Hermione nearby, but not Harry.

"Sirius is talking to him," said Remus casually. "the usual godfather and son talk. Oh- there he is."

Y/N looked over to where Remus was staring at and saw Harry walking into the station, staring ahead of him blankly, like he was seeing a ghost.

"Alright, I'll go get him." Y/N said, slightly concerned.

She gave both Remus and Tonks another wave and headed towards the stunned-looking Harry in the middle of the crowd. "Harry-"

Harry finally broke his gaze from whatever he was staring at.

"Oh- hey." he mumbled.

"What- what's going on?" Y/N asked, looking back at where Harry was staring at earlier.

"I was talking to Sirius." Harry replied bluntly.

"I meant- why do you look so peaky?" Y/N frowned, gently putting a hand on Harry's forehead in concern. "You alright?"

"I thought... I thought  Vol- never mind, it's probably nothing." Harry shook his head.

Y/N continued to frown at him suspiciously, but decided to let go of the topic.

A black dog appeared from the crowd and trotted towards Y/N and Harry excitedly, its tongue hanging out adorably.

"Hello, Snuffles," Y/N beamed down at the dog, that seemed to be grinning back at her. "I'll miss you. I would hug you, but... fleas, you know?"

Sirius let out a low growl, and Y/N and Harry laughed.

Y/N kneeled down and the dog immediately hopped into her arms, making her stagger back slightly.

Y/N gathering, gathering herself back up and hugging the dog back.

"Aw, your dog knows how to hug!" pouted Susan Bones, who was near by with her mother.

"Yes, he does," Y/N chuckled, ruffling the dog's ink black fur.

Finally, they said all their goodbyes to Mrs Weasley and the other Aurors, and hopped onto the bright scarlet train, where first years were running around excitedly.

"Where're Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked Y/N.

"They're prefects. They have their own compartment." Y/N explained. Harry nodded, feeling a tinge of envy in the pit of his stomach. "It's alright, we can go sit with Ginny or the twins."

Since they were apparently quite late, there were no empty compartments at all.

Y/N looked into each compartment on the train, but they were all either full, or filled with people they would never get along with.

The two walked past the fifth year Slytherins' compartment.

To Y/N's surprise and dislike, Pansy was staring at Harry... with a flirtatious grin on her face.

Pansy. Pansy Parkinson? She'd never acted like she was ever interested in Harry- in fact, she despised him as much as Malfoy did.

Y/N was glad to see that Harry's eyes weren't on Pansy, but they were, instead, glaring at Malfoy.

Malfoy had flashed Y/N a smirk, examining her up and down.

Harry immediately stepped closer to Y/N, blocking her from the Slytherins, and grabbed her hand, before heading towards the end of the train hurriedly.

They eventually met Ginny and Neville along the way. They seemed to be struggling with the same problem.

"Hello Harry, Hello Y/N." Neville grinned at the two. He was holding a weird-looking cactus in one arm, and his bag in the other.

"Hey Nev," Y/N smiled, before turning to Ginny. "found any empty compartments?"

"Not yet... let's see..." Ginny led the other three to the end of the train, where she stopped at the second last compartment. "Ah, this one's alright."

"Er... I dunno..." Neville muttered, not meeting her eyes. "Seems full to me-"

"That's rubbish," Ginny laughed. "It's only Loony Lovegood."

"Don't call her that, Gin," Y/N scolded cooly. "but I agree with Neville. We should find another compartment-"

"Don't be silly, she's fine." Ginny said, laughing. "She's an interesting girl."

"It's not her," Y/N scoffed. "it's my bloody brother and the lovey-dovey side of him!"

Ginny didn't listen. She slid the compartment door open, to find Luna excitedly telling a story to Rolf, who stared at her dreamily, a small smile visible on his lips.

"Hey Luna, Rolf," Ginny started, poking her head into the compartment. "do you mind if we take these seats?"

"No, you can join." Luna shrugged.

Luna Lovegood was a very interesting girl, indeed. She was petite and had long dirty blonde hair that fell to her waist, along with wide curious eyes.

She was wearing a knitted blue and purple sweater, with some odd jewelry.

Her wand was neatly tucked behind her ear, and she was clutching onto a turquoise magazine called The Quibbler.

She was facing Rolf, showing him the magazine, like she was telling him a bedtime story from it.

She fell silent, though, as the four entered the compartment. Y/N gave her a small wave and she waved back.

"Had a nice summer, Luna?" Ginny asked, taking a seat next to Rolf.

"Yes, quite enjoyable." Luna said in her dreamy voice, her eyes fixed curiously on Harry. "You're Harry Potter."

"I know I am." said Harry.

Y/N threw him a look. Neville, on the other hand, slipped out an accidental snort.

Luna turned to him with a blank expression.

"I don't know who you are," she declared, examining Neville in interest.

Y/N had a feeling she wasn't trying to be rude. Perhaps it was simply how she speaks.

"Oh, I didn't tell you..." Rolf muttered. "Harry Potter is my sister's boyfriend."

"Thanks, Rolf." Y/N said bitterly, as Harry blushed pink.

"I thought that was a well-known thing," Luna frowned her thin eyebrows. "Or at least, us Ravenclaws had known for quite a while..."

Y/N and Harry swapped confused looks.

"Luna, this is Neville Longbottom." Ginny said quickly, trying to break the ice. "Everyone, this is Luna Lovegood. She's in my year, but a Ravenclaw."

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure," Luna said in a sing-song voice.

"I love your necklace," Y/N acknowledged, looking impressively at Luna's beaded butterbeer cork necklace.

"Thanks, Y/N. It keeps away the nargles." Luna whispered secretively. "And I think your bracelet is lovely."

She was looking down at the chain bracelet Harry had given to Y/N on her birthday.

"Thank you," Y/N beamed, catching Harry's eye. "Each of the little gems glow when I feel different emotions."

"What a thoughtful present, Harry Potter." Luna complimented, smiling softly.

Everyone raised their eyebrows, but didn't question how Luna knew Harry gave Y/N the bracelet.

"I can tell from the way Y/N's admiring it." Luna explained dreamily. Rolf stared at the girl proudly, grinning to himself.

The Hogwarts Express finally started moving. Y/N looked out the wide window and her heart lifted with joy, as Remus and Tonks waved at her with identical proud grins on their faces.

Sirius the dog was now chasing the train, barking excitedly. Harry chuckled to himself, but Y/N was slightly worried.

As Moody had said, he shouldn't be attracting attention.

A few minutes after the train took off, Luna continued to talk to Rolf about her magazine, and Rolf listened carefully. Y/N started asking Nevill about his summer.

"The usual. Stayed home with Gran." Neville replied. "Look what I got for my birthday, though- it's Mimbulus Mimbletonia!"

He held out his cactus plant proudly. Y/N, Ginny and Harry stared at it blankly.

"Er... what does it do?" Harry asked.

"Lots of things!" Neville replied brightly. "It's amazing for self-defense! Here- hold Trevor for me,"

He dumped his fat old toad into Harry's hands and held up the plant to his eye-level, before choosing the right spot and prodded the plant with the tip of his quill.

Immediately, dark green liquid came squirting out of it, spraying everyone, everywhere. Y/N and Ginny gasped loudly.

Harry, Y/N and Rolf were covered from head-to-toe with the sap, Ginny had flung her hands in front of her face just in time so her face was safe, and Luna's magazine had shielded her from the liquid completely.

Y/N was so caught off guard, that she caused Neville's quill to explode in his hands, making him yell in horror.

"I'm sorry!" Y/N quickly apologized.

"That was you?" Luna asked curiously, lowering her magazine, unbothered.

"Yes... I'm sorry, Neville." Y/N watched guiltily as Neville tried to calm himself down.

"It's- it's all good... s-sorry, everyone." Neville said quietly.

"No problem," Rolf replied grimly, as he pulled out his wand, his nose flaring at the green substance in disgust. "Scourgify,"

All the liquid disappeared and they all sighed in relief.

For the rest of the ride, Ginny chatted with Neville. Luna and Rolf quizzed each other, reading questions from the back of the Quibbler magazine.

Y/N and Harry mostly talked about Quidditch and their predictions about their Gryffindor team, since Oliver Wood had graduated.

"You've got to tryout," Harry said eagerly. "since we'll need a new Keeper. You're amazing on a broom."

"I'll think about it." Y/N shrugged. She glanced at the others, and made sure they were all occupied with talking. "Alright, Harry... I know you've been having the dreams again."

"What? I'm- not..." Harry lied, looking away from Y/N's firm gaze.

"I slept in the same room as you for a whole month," Y/N said cooly. "I know he's affecting you more and more this year. What've you been seeing?"

Harry knew the answer to that. He saw her. In Voldemort's mind.

He's been seeing flashes of the same things over and over- Y/N, a mysterious door, and a glowing crystal ball. And he knew... he could feel Voldemort's frustration... his anger.

"Just flashbacks of that day at the graveyard." Harry replied.

Not long after that, Ron and Hermione popped into their compartment, looking extremely bored and exhausted.

Y/N passed Ron a chocolate frog as he slumped down across her and sighed. Apparently, Malfoy and Pansy were also made Slytherin prefects.

"They're so going to abuse their power." Hermione said heatedly.

What was Dumbledore playing at? Why did he even think of choosing Malfoy over Zabini or Nott?

It was like he was trying to avoid Harry.

There was definitely something odd going on, and Dumbledore was keeping it from them... again.

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They finally arrived at Hogwarts at seven in the evening, everyone properly dressed in their school robes.

"Niff- Y/N- wake up, we're here."

Y/N jumped slightly, her eyes jolting open, and her cheek leaving Harry's shoulder. Harry laughed slightly as she looked around in confusion.

"Were you actually sleeping?" he asked her with a chuckle.

"No... I was about to," Y/N muttered, glancing at Ron and Hermione, who were bickering like always.

Luna and Rolf were already standing on their feet.

"Luna, do you mind if... I stick around with you during the feast?" Y/N heard Rolf ask the blonde quietly. "I usually- I usually sit with Cedric, you see-"

"Of course you can." Luna smiled, putting a hand on his arm gently. "It's like having a friend."

"But I am your friend, Luna," Rolf frowned. Luna's eyebrows raised even higher than usual.

"That's nice," she said with an innocent smile.

Rolf nodded gratefully and helped her with her bags, before leaving the compartment with the Ravenclaw by his side.

The Quartet grabbed their bags and pets and hopped off the Hogwarts Express, along with everybody else.

Y/N could smell the familiar scent of the Hogwarts grounds. She took a breath in and sighed, giving Harry a grin.

Harry smiled, pulling her close to him and kissing her quickly on the side of her head.

"C'mon, you two." Ron called impatiently.

He and Hermione were already heading towards one of the self-pulling carriages parked near Hogsmeade station.

Pigwigeon was screeching irritably in its cage and Crookshanks was squirming in Hermione's arms.

"Where's Hagrid?" Harry asked Y/N, as they strode out of the busy station.

"Dunno..." Y/N said quietly, looking back at the station with narrowed eyes. "He's probably alright, Harry. Don't worry about it."

The two walked to Ron and Hermione's carriage, feeling the chilly evening wind beat against their faces.

Y/N hopped on and sat next to Hermione, but Harry had froze in his spot, standing still with his eyes slightly wide.

"Harry?" Y/N frowned.

"What are they?" Harry asked, still staring at the front of the carriage.

"What are what?" Hermione asked, her voice trailing with panic.

"This horse thing," Harry continued, not breaking his eyes from whatever he was talking about.

"Mate, nothing's pulling the carriage." Ron whispered, "they've been pulling themselves since forever."

"But it's in front of you!" Harry said irritatingly. "Are you not seeing this? Y/N, you see it, don't you?"

"I don't..." Y/N said hesitantly. Harry scoffed and finally hopped onto the carriage irritatingly. "But I believe you, I just can't see... it."

"You're not going mad," came a dreamy voice from a carriage beside them. Luna smiled from behind her magazine, with the confused Rolf and Ginny on her carriage. "I can see them too... you're just as sane as I am."

Harry nodded once, and the carriages took off.

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"Hagrid's not there," Harry complained worriedly.

The Great hall was filled with teachers and students, but Hagrid remained missing from the staff table.

"I'm sure he's fine." Hermione muttered, but she, too, was scanning the staff table suspiciously. "Who's that?"

She was staring at a short lady, who had toad-like features and a rather creepy smile. Her short brown hair was curled into huge locks and she was wearing a ghastly pink cardigan.

"That's the Umbridge woman- she was at my hearing!" Harry exclaimed. "She works for Fudge!"

"She can't be!" Y/N gasped. "You're telling me the Ministry is taking over Hogwarts, now?"

"That's not good..." Hermione narrowed her eyes at the woman.

"What's she going to teach, anyway?" Ron asked bitterly.

There was only one free job at the moment. The Defevcse Against the Dark Arts teacher...

"No way..." Y/N whispered.

"Psst! Hey- you- Scamander!"

The Quartet whipped their heads around to find Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle sniggering behind them, form the Slytherin table.

"I see you've changed over the summer, Scamander." Malfoy sneered, raising his eyebrows at her slyly.

Yes, Y/N had changed over the summer quite a lot, as well as Harry- some of their features were undeniably more noticeable.

Ron's face turned bright red and Hermione threw a long death glare at the him.

Y/N felt her face burn hot, but before she could fire something back, Harry reached out and spun her shoulder back aggressively.

"Watch it." Harry shot at Malfoy threateningly, still keeping his hand firmly on Y/N's shoulder.

Malfoy turned to his two friends and they all howled with laughter.

"I'm going to have some fun, this year." Said the blonde, cocking an eyebrow at Harry and Y/N. "Seems like Potter's gone protective over little Miss Scamander."

"Bloody right," Ron snapped. "jealous, aren't you, Malfoy?"

"Don't even get me started with jealousy, Weasley" Malfoy sneered. "I've got a rich family, at least- you don't."

"Harry's got a girlfriend, at least-" Ron's voice rose. "you don't."

"Don't make me laugh," Malfoy made a face, but his voice was drastically less confident. His friends were already laughing. "you're telling me Potter found the courage to ask a girl out?"

"That's exactly what he's telling you." Said Hermione cooly.

Harry smirked triumphantly as Malfoy's face dropped in horror. Crabbe and Goyle had stopped laughing.

The Quartet sniggered and turned back to to face each other, unbothered.

Y/N suddenly felt a hand touch her knee from under the table. She looked to her side and found Harry grinning cheekily at her, resting his hand casually on her leg.

"Hope you don't mind," he said quietly, so only Y/N could hear him.

"Not at all." Y/N replied, trying not to sound as pleased as she actually was.

The little eleven-year-olds were quickly sorted into their houses, and not long after, Dumbledore stood up and clapped his hands together once, making mountains of food appear in front of them.

The Quartet chatted happily with each other, as they ate until they could barely breath (Ron still seemed like he could do with another eclair or two).

Harry's left hand remained on Y/N's bare knee, making her lose focus every now and then.

She glanced up at him occasionally, but Harry simply looked straight ahead of him, with the slightest smirk on his face.

"Students!" Dumbledore stood up from his tall chair, making everyone slowly fall silent. "Welcome back to Hogwarts... we are pleased to have you all back, with our new first years, now sorted into their houses and our two new professors-"

He gestured to the side, to the Umbridge woman and another tall dark witch.

"Professor Umbrudge will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and Professor Grubbly-Plank will be replacing Professor Hagrid for now. Now, Quidditch tryouts will be held-"

"Hem, hem," came a sweetish voice, from the seat next to Dumbledore's. It was the Umbridge woman.

She wore a disturbing smile that was absolutely nothing but fake. Umbridge adjusted her ugly cardigan and stood up. She was shorter than the chair she was sitting in.

"I would like to say a few words, Professor Dumbledore," said Umbridge, faking her tiny voice.

"Yes. Of course." Even Dumbledore's smile was more convincing than hers.

"Thank you, Headmaster." Umbridge continued in her sweetish voice. "I'd like to say that I am very happy to be back at Hogwarts- with all your smiling little faces looking up at me!"

There were no smiles. Not a single one.

Y/N felt half sleepy, half annoyed, as Umbridge continued with her sluggish speech. Ministry, Ministry, Ministry... she didn't even mention education, once.

Something about Umbridge was unsettling- maybe it was her clown-like smile... or her high-pitched, ear-bleeding voice? Or perhaps it was just her piercing pink cardigan?

"I am sure we're all going to be very good friends!" The woman finished.

"Yeah, I'll be her friend," Y/N muttered, "as long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan."

Harry and Ron snorted, and Hermione was still listening carefully to the speech.

Umbridge finally sat down, looking around for an applause.

When no student applauded, Professor Dumbledore started to clap politely, leading several weak claps from the professors.

"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge," the wizard cleared his throat. "that was very illuminating... now, as I was saying, Quidditch tryouts will be held next week-"

Y/N swore she saw Ron shuffle in his seat nervously at the mention of Quidditch.

"-and clubs will start in October. Have a wonderful year and please listen to your prefects. Good night all!"

Y/N felt Harry's hand leave her knee, as the students started to leave the Great Hall. They got off their seats and followed the others out.

"Coming, Hermy?" Y/N asked her friend. Hermione and Ron had stopped in their spots, glancing around hesitantly.

"Oh- erm, Ron and I are prefects." Hermione said guiltily. "We have to lead the first years-"

"It's alright, Hermione," Harry quickly said. "I'll just go with Y/N. We'll wait in the common room."

"See you, then." Hermione beamed, while Ron narrowed his eyes at Harry and Y/N suspiciously.

Harry grinned, before grabbing Y/N's hand and dragging her away from the busy hall.

"What's your hurry?" Y/N asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Nothing in particular," Harry shrugged, swinging his arm around her shoulder, heading towards the Gryffindor common room. "just want to spend time with you without getting killed by Ron."

"Fair enough," Y/N chuckled, as Harry pulled her closer and kissed her on the top of her head. "Your scar alright?"

"My sc-? Oh- yeah, it's alright." Harry muttered. "It burned a bit when I saw Dumbledore, in the Great Hall... do you think he's... I don't know- avoiding me?"

"Why would he?" Y/N questioned.

"Because I'm apparently slowly turning into Voldemort." Harry shrugged, feeling a slight sharp feeling struck his lightning scar.

"Dumbledore's not a coward," Y/N huffed. "Yes, he's suspicious and careless sometimes- but he wouldn't be avoiding you just to keep himself from getting attacked by You-Know-Who."

"You can say his name, you know." Harry said quietly.

"I know, I'm just used to sayingYou-Know-Who." Y/N said with a small smile. "but Voldemort it is- if that helps you sleep at night."

Harry felt his stomach do a backflip, as Y/N flashed him one of her sly smiles- the one where she bites her bottom lip slightly.

They finally reached the Fat Lady's portrait, but barely anyone was around, since the feast had only just finished.

"Oh no, we don't know what the password is." Y/N groaned.

"No password, no entry." the Fat Lady declared.

"Harry! Y/N!"

Y/N turned her head around to see Neville jogging down the hallway towards them, his arms still wrapped around his potted cactus plant.

"I know what the password is." he smiled at them excitedly. "I won't be forgetting it this time- it's Mimbulus Mimbletonia!"

"Correct," the Fat Lady smiled and swung her portrait open.

"Thanks, Neville." Y/N smiled thankfully at the round-faced boy.

"No problem," Neville grinned proudly and quickly threw himself into the portrait hole.

Neville sprinted up to his dormitory immediately, muttering that he was excited to read a book Professor Sprout had given him.

The common room was almost empty, with only Lavender and Parvati in front of the fireplace and Dean and Seamus in another corner.

"Hey Lavender, Hey Vati," Y/N waved at them cheerfully, finding herself and Harry a sofa, not far away from the two girls.

Parvati waved back at her with a wide smile, but Lavender was staring hesitantly at Harry, who was right besides Y/N.

Seamus seemed to be doing the same thing, as Dean greeted Harry politely.

"How was your break, Seamus?" Harry asked, almost demandingly, frowning at Seamus' expression.

"Wasn't bad," Seamus muttered in his strong Irish accent. "my mother didn't want me to come back... to Hogwarts."

"Mine too," Lavender said quietly, not meeting Y/N's eyes.

"What? Why?" Y/N asked, staring at her roommate in confusion.

"Well... because of your boyfriend." Seamus replied cooly, clearly taunting them.

Ironically, he din't know that Harry and Y/N were actually together.

Y/N raised her eyebrows, slightly taken back by his sudden attitude.

"What do you mean?" Harry snapped at him suddenly.

"Don't act like you don't know what you're doing," Seamus said boldly. "because my mum doesn't believe whatever bull crap you have to say about You-Know-Who."

"She reads the Daily Prophet, doesn't she?" Harry shot heatedly, feeling his anger slowly rise. "She thinks that I'm a liar and Dumbledore's an old fool?"

"Yeah, something like that." Seamus snarled. "What really happened to Diggory that night in the maze?"

"What're you asking Harry for?" Y/N snapped, eying Seamus fiercely. "Just go read the Daily Prophet like your mother, why don't you?"

"Don't have a go of my mother, Scamander-!"

"I'll have a go at anyone who calls Harry a liar, thank you very much." said Y/N loudly.

"So you believe his little tale?" Seamus scoffed, stepping towards them.

Dean pulled his arm back hesitantly, throwing Y/N and Harry an apologetic look.

"Yes, I do!" Y/N said, almost laughing.

"Then you're mad, too," Seamus hissed in disgust.

Harry jumped to his feet angrily, reaching for his wand- but Y/N was already up.

She pushed Harry back onto the sofa and crossed her arms- which was never a good sign. Harry could see the red jewel on her bracelet glow brightly.

"Feel free to say that again." said Y/N flatly. Her tone was calm, yet, it made everyone in the room fall silent and still- except for Seamus.

"You're. Mad. Harry just brainwashed you into believing his lie." Seamus taunted cooly.

As though by instinct, Y/N felt her eyes lock on a ceramic vase on the table in front of Dean and Seamus.

She forced her anger onto the object, hard, and within half a second, it exploded.

Lavender and Parvati shrieked in horror, Dean gasped loudly, and Seamus widened, his south agape. Harry was grinning widely and proudly at Y/N.

"Next time it might be one of your limbs." Y/N said in a tone that didn't match the meaning of her words at all. She sat back down next to Harry, ignoring Lavender's fearful mutters.

Soon enough, Seamus and Lavender took off to their dormitories, with Dean and Parvati following after them guiltily, as other students came flooding into the room.

"Thanks, Niff..." Harry whispered, staring at Y/N unbelievably. "you're getting good with your powers."

"It's easier when I'm irritated." said Y/N, shrugging, giving Harry a barely noticeable wink.

I'm bloody in love... a little scared, but definitely in love... Harry thought to himself.

He scooted closer to Y/N on the scarlet sofa and wrapped his arms around her body, as she curled into ball, nesting her head in his chest.

Y/N sighed tiredly, before looking up at Harry and planting a kiss on his jaw.

People were starting to flood into the common room, returning from the feast.

"Everyone clear out!" came Fred's booming voice. Y/N and Harry looked up in confusion, as Fred popped into view, shooing everyone away from Y/N and Harry.

"Make some space for Gryffindor's power couple!" George jumped in. People around him sniggered, and some Daily Prophet readers rolled their eyes.

They all knew that Y/N and Harry were a couple now, thanks to the twins. People eventually cleared out, most of them heading to their dormitories sleepily, some of them still in the room, but far away from Y/N and Harry.

"Your very welcome," George bowed, making Y/N and Harry chuckle.

"You can thank us by advertising our campaign," Fred cocked his eyebrows. "we need some willing first years to test out our new products, you see..."

"Not you though, Harry, you already gave us the galleons." George winked. "But Y/N..."

"Oh, sod off," Harry chuckled.

The twins gave Harry and Y/N another cheeky grin and approached Lee Jordan at the other end of the common room.

"I've missed this place." Y/N chuckled, just realizing how much she loved Hogwarts, despite all the danger and hate.

"It'll be weird trying to sleep without you." Harry finally said, hugging Y/N to himself. "Can you come sleep with me?"

"On your first night?" Y/N laughed lightly into his chest. "Don't think Ron'll like that... and I think I'd like to sleep with the girls today."

"Your bracelet says otherwise," Harry whispered and grinned down at Y/N's chain bracelet.

She looked at her wrist in panic and felt herself blush, as the tiny pink jewel glowed under Harry's chin brightly. Harry laughed loudly.

"It's funny when you get all embarrassed." he chuckled, resting his forehead on hers, enjoying their closeness. "Since you're not usually awkward."

"I'm not- awkward," Y/N protested, her voice muffled by Harry's firm embrace. "not as much as you are, anyway." she added triumphantly.

"Right, and says who?" Harry asked.

He raised his eyebrows, grinning down at Y/N, slowly traced his thumb down Y/N's cheek, then her bottom lip- before ending up below her chin, tilting her face upwards.

Y/N felt her boldness fade away as Harry stared into her eyes, grinning down at her broadly. He knew exactly what he was doing. She gulped, but stared back up at him challengingly.

"Says me." she whispered firmly. "You are awkward."

"I've got to prove you wrong, then." Harry smirked. Y/N's eyes went wide, as she processed the words that left his mouth.

Before she could think, Harry was leaning into her. His hand jumped to the side of her neck, pulling her even closer to him- his breath was brushing against her cheek and his grin was still plastered on his face- but he didn't kiss her.

(A/N ~ Harry !JAMES! Potter moment here-)

"Harry- we're in the common room-" Y/N whispered, her throat tightening. She could feel the tip of his nose touching hers, and looked around in panic. "-Harry, as much as I would like to- not now."

"No idea what you're talking about," Harry grinned.

He innocently pulled a piece of pillow fluff from Y/N's hair and leaned away, leaving her some personal space.

Y/N let out a breathless sigh, turning away from him and rolling her eyes.

"What do you think I was going to do?" Harry asked playfully.

"You knew exactly what you were doing," Y/N hissed. "unfortunately for you, I'm not interested in snogging you in front of everyone."

"Hark, who's talking?" Harry taunted, grinning cheekily at her. "Pretty sure I heard the phrase 'as much as I would like to' come from your mouth."

"Harry Potter, you are so-"

But Y/N was interrupted by Hermione and Ron finally walking into the room, leading a group of first years with them.

They quickly introduced the youngsters to their dormitories and came over to sit with Y/N and Harry, once they were done.

Y/N stared blankly at Harry the whole time, while Hermione told them all about being a prefect.

Something about Harry was different, this year. It was probably the fact that he was half possessed by Voldemort... or maybe it was his father's side slowly appearing in him.

Either way, Y/N knew what she felt for him was quite intense- as she had to hide her wrist behind her back.

∞ ϟ 9¾ ♔ ⚯͛ △r⃒⃘ ➵ ♆

A/N ~ um- I made you all wait that long for what😐 This wasn't a good chapter and ik it, but I PROMISE the next chapter will be a complete roller coaster.

Hope February treats you all well :)

- ScribblingQuills