A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 44

Reposted: December 6, 2021

Last edited: December 6, 2021 (just added two small lines)

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Over 70 people on Wattpad have yawned at that point, plus several on ao3 *cackles*

Summary: Harry speaks with Remus and Sirius; Rita Skeeter writes an article and Tracey is not amused

Although they were now fully aware of Harry's innocence, the other students were notably more awkward toward him. During Transfiguration, the Hufflepuffs generally avoided looking his way, which would have been fine if it weren't for the reason why.

Care of Magical Creatures was a little bit better, though the pitying looks from Lavender and Parvati were not welcome. At least they were quickly distracted when Hagrid told the class they would be taking the skrewts on a walk.

"Take this thing for a walk?" Draco squawked. "And where exactly are we supposed to fix the leash? Around the sting, the blasting end, or the sucker?"

"Roun' the middle," Hagrid said. "Er— yeh might want ter put on yer dragon-hide gloves, jus' as an extra precaution, like. Harry— you come here an' help me with this big one..."

Puzzled, Harry followed him.

"So— yeh nearly became a champion," Hagrid said.

Ah, that was why he singled him out.

"Yeah." Harry really didn't want to talk about it. "I wish I knew who put my name in."

He watched Hagrid look away. "Yeah. I do, too. An' I don' know why Dumbledore was so insistent, either." He let out a long sigh. "I wish I had known about yer relatives. I wouldn't 'ave taken yeh to 'im."

Harry shrugged. He didn't blame Hagrid for trusting Dumbledore. Most of the wizarding world did.

"Look like they're havin' fun, don' they?" Hagrid said.

Harry winced as a skrewt's end exploded, causing it to shoot forward and drag Theo along. Daphne, who was being dragged across her stomach, tripped Lavender, causing her to lose her grip on the leash. "Sorry!" Daphne shouted as Lavender fell face first into the mud.

"Oh! Before I forget, Professor Lupin wants to see you after lunch," Hagrid informed him.

Harry felt his stomach twist. He had not spoken to Remus since his name was pulled, but he knew he couldn't avoid him forever. "Thanks, Hagrid."

"Don' mention it," Hagrid said, patting him on the back and sending him falling to his knees.

Harry took his time eating, keeping his gaze focused on the food in front of him and not looking up whenever he felt concerned eyes watching him.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as Remus stood and headed for the entrance. Harry waited a moment before following.

Remus and Severus were quietly talking together when he stepped inside the office. For a moment, they all stood there in tense silence.

"Do you really view me as your son?" Harry blurted out.

Remus' eyes widened. "Is that what's been bothering you?"

Harry shrugged, unable to meet his eyes.

"Oh, Harry, of course I do. And I know Sirius does, too."

"I'm guessing he knows," Harry said, forcing himself to meet Remus' gaze. "About the tournament."

"Yes. Do you want to talk to him?"