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Part One / Chapter Twenty-Three
Charms was a polychromatic storm of lights shooting from students wands. Immense commotion filled the atmosphere, it was almost suffocating. One advantage came from this; being able to talk about Sirius without raising any particular suspicions from anyone. Venus was more irritated than usual, seemingly at the entire universe (except Constance, of course.) Ron sat in the assigned seat beside Venus, and she heard him say, "Hope this clears up . . . What's up with you, Hermione?"
Venus turned and Hermione stared out the window as well, unfocused. "Just thinking . . ." Hermione said, still frowning at the rain-washed window.
"About Siri . . . Snuffles?" said Harry.
"No . . . not exactly . . ." said Hermione slowly. "More . . . wondering . . . I suppose we're doing the right thing . . . I think . . . aren't we?"
Harry and Ron looked at each other. Now Venus was paying attention, she tore her eyes from the bird and on Hermione.
"Well, that clears that up," said Ron. "It would've been really annoying if you hadn't explained yourself properly."
Hermione looked at him as though she had only just realized he was there. Venus nudged her elbow into Ron's ribs at his cynical sass, shaking her head irritatingly. He smirked pridefully hearing Constance snicker at his sarcasm.
"I was just wondering," she said, her voice stronger now, "whether we're doing the right thing, starting this Defense Against the Dark Arts group."
"What!" said Harry and Ron together.
"Hermione, it was your idea in the first place!" said Ron indignantly receiving another nudge in the ribs. "Ouch! Venus!"
"I know," said Hermione, twisting her fingers together. "But after talking to Snuffles . . ."
"But he's all for it!" said Harry.
"Yes," said Hermione, staring at the window again. "Yes, that's what made me think maybe it wasn't a good idea after all. . . ."
Peeves floated over them on his stomach, peashooter at the ready; automatically all four of them lifted their bags to cover their heads until he had passed.
"Let's get this straight," said Harry angrily, as they put their bags back on the floor, "Sirius agrees with us, so you don't think we should do it anymore?"
Hermione looked tense and rather miserable. Now staring at her own hands she said, "Do you honestly trust his judgment?"
"Yes, I do!" said Harry at once. "He's always given us great advice!"
