Umbras ? Harry Potter

January 2, 1994 • Hogwarts

Harry knew that Hermione had meant well, but that didn't stop him from being angry with her. He had been the owner of the best broom in the world for a few short hours, and now, because of her interference, he didn't know whether he would ever see it again. He was positive that there was nothing wrong with the Firebolt now, but what sort of state would it be in once it had been subjected to all sorts of anti-jinx tests?

Ron was furious with Hermione too. As far as he was concerned, the stripping-down of a brand-new Firebolt was nothing less than criminal damage. Hermione, who remained convinced that she had acted for the best, started avoiding the common room. Harry and Ron supposed she had taken refuge in the library and didn't try to persuade her to come back. All in all, they were glad when the rest of the school returned shortly after New Year, and Gryffindor Tower became crowded and noisy again.

Ciara hadn't come on the Hogwarts Express, as her mother had apparated her to the station from their home. She tried to avoid seeing anyone, wanting a bit of alone time in her dorm, but was intercepted by Hermione in the entrance hall.

"Oh, Ciara!" Hermione exclaimed, wrapping her in a warm hug. "How was your break?"

"It was fine," Ciara replied, not wanting to divulge too much just yet. "And you?"

"Well, the gifts were amazing, thank you," Hermione started, "but I have to tell you something."

They made their way to a quiet corridor, where Hermione began recounting the latest drama about the Firebolt and her suspicions that Sirius Black had sent it. She explained how upset Harry and Ron had been, despite her only trying to look out for their safety.

Ciara listened intently, understanding both sides of the argument. Hermione had every reason to be cautious, especially given the circumstances. But she also sympathized with Harry and Ron's excitement over the mysterious and generous gift. It raised so many questions-how could Sirius, a fugitive, have obtained the money to buy such an expensive broomstick? And yet, in the magical world, there were always ways to explain the inexplicable.

As Hermione spoke, Ciara's thoughts drifted back to her own break and the unresolved issues she had left behind. She appreciated Hermione's concern for her friends, but she couldn't help but feel weighed down by her own worries. With a sigh, she returned her focus to Hermione's story, trying to be there for her friend despite her own troubles.

She reassured Hermione, which was all she could really do, before she switched the conversation to Buckbeak's trial.

"I found a few things over the break," she told Hermione, "I will get them to you tomorrow."

"Oh, thank you Ciara," Hermione told her, "Hagrid has been a mess."

They finished their conversation before Ciara excused herself to unpack for the start of classes the next day.

"See you tomorrow," they both said to one another before departing their separate ways.

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Their first class of the day was Care of Magical Creatures, which was outside, and the last thing anyone felt like doing was spending two hours on the grounds on a raw January morning, but Hagrid had provided a bonfire full of salamanders for their enjoyment, and they spent an unusually good lesson collecting dry wood and leaves to keep the fire blazing while the flame-loving lizards scampered up and down the crumbling, white-hot logs.

Ciara glanced around the class, noticing Harry standing nearby with his friends. She hesitated for a moment before making her way over to him. "Hey, Harry," she greeted softly, trying to sound casual.