HP: god of potions

Chapter 99

Fred joked, "What are you worried about? Plus, we have Gray. Worst case, he could just…" He mimed a killing motion. Gray sighed, "Come on. She's annoying, but not that annoying. Plus, I'm not a serial killer." Hermione smiled as the group began signing the parchment, "What should we call ourselves?" Hermione asked. Angelina suggested, "What about the Anti-Umbridge League?" Hermione shook her head. "We need something that doesn't give away what we're doing." Gray grinned. "I think it should be Hogwarts' Army." The room buzzed with excitement as Harry smiled at Gray's idea. "Hogwarts' Army it is, then," Hermione declared. "The H.A. for short."

Fred, George, and Lee stood up, stretching as the meeting broke up. "We'll let you know when we're going to meet," Hermione announced. The group dispersed, and soon Gray, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were trudging back to the castle through Hogsmeade. Hermione beamed. "I think that went well. Thank you, Gray, for doing this," she said. Gray sighed, lost in thought about a dream he'd had—the very reason he agreed to help.

-scene change-

In the dark and gloomy boys' dormitory of Slytherin, two young, posh second-year students lounged on their respective beds, their voices dripping with mockery. They spoke loud enough for anyone nearby to hear, their sharp words aimed at a tall, lean boy with dark black hair streaked faintly with red, who sat by the window, engrossed in an alchemy book. "Look at him," one of them sneered, casting a sideways glance. "The so-called 'Chosen Bastard.' Doesn't even come close to Harry Potter, does he? A joke compared to the real Chosen One."

"Of course not," the other chimed in, his tone smug. "You'd think someone born from professor snape would amount to something, but no, he's just a bastard. Born of an affair, no less. Disgraceful." The words stung, but the boy—Gray—remained seated, his eyes fixed on the pages, though his hands trembled slightly. The two continued their taunts, their laughter echoing through the room. "He'll never measure up," one of them declared. "A fraud, that's what he is."

Finally, Gray had enough. He snapped the book shut, his sharp nose flaring slightly as he stood, his tall frame casting a shadow across the room. Without a word, he walked to the door, his footsteps heavy, his silence deafening. As the door clicked shut behind him, the boys burst into renewed laughter, their cruel voices fading as Gray left. Once outside, Gray mounted his broom and soared into the crisp night air, leaving the oppressive walls of Hogwarts behind. He glided over the grounds, seeking solace in the solitude of the sky. Settling on a quiet perch near the Forbidden Forest, he resumed reading his alchemy book, the faint glow of moonlight illuminating the pages.

"Why am I not surprised to find you here, Gray?" a familiar voice called from behind. Startled, Gray turned to see Hermione, her bushy hair slightly tousled by the breeze. His sad expression melted into a soft smile at the sight of her. "Hermione," he greeted, closing the book but keeping his finger on the page. "What brings you here?"

She walked closer, her perceptive eyes scanning his face. "They called you the 'Chosen Bastard,' didn't they?" she asked gently, her voice filled with both understanding and anger.

Gray sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "It's fine. I'm used to it," he replied, though the bitterness in his tone betrayed his words. Hermione shook her head, sitting down beside him. "It's not fine, Gray," she said firmly. "You deserve better than their cruelty. They don't know you." For a moment, the two sat in silence, the stars above them twinkling faintly. Then Gray smiled at her, his genuine gratitude evident. "Thank you, Hermione," he said softly.

Hermione smiled back, her expression warm and kind. "Now," she said, gesturing to the book in his hands, "show me what you're working on. Alchemy, I assume?" Gray's face lit up as he began explaining, the sadness in his voice replaced with excitement. Hermione listened attentively, occasionally asking questions or offering insights of her own. Together, they delved into the intricate art of alchemy, their shared passion bringing them both a sense of happiness and comfort in the quiet night.

-scene change-

Yes, the dream was only a small memory—yes, a memory. Gray could tell it was related to time, which baffled him as he recognized himself in that dream. "A reality where I am born as the son of Snape, that is interesting," he thought to himself as he looked at Hermione, who was showing more concern than usual. "Guess I am not the only one having that dream," he murmured as Hermione asked aloud, "And did you see Cho, Harry?" Harry stiffened. "What about her?" Hermione teased, "Well, she couldn't keep her eyes off you, could she?!" Harry tried to suppress a smile but failed, a small grin breaking through. "Hhhh," Gray suddenly chuckled, putting the absolute fear of God into Harry, who said, "I swear I will not show any public affection," which made Gray look at him weirdly as he said, "Relax, you're safe," before speeding up.

The next day, Gray was walking down a stone hallway, reading his notes, when Angelina came rushing toward him, looking furious. "Gray, you won't believe...that Umbridge woman...this is too much!" Gray sighed. "What's she done now?" Angelina grabbed his arm. "Follow me." They hurried down the corridor, weaving through a crowd of murmuring students surrounding a large bulletin board. Pushing to the front, Gray saw a proclamation in bold writing: "By order of the Hogwarts High Inquisitor: All student organizations, societies, teams, groups, and clubs are henceforth disbanded. Permission to reform must be approved by High Inquisitor Umbridge. No student organization can exist without the knowledge and approval of the High Inquisitor. Any student found to be a part of an illegal organization will be expelled immediately."

Angelina's fury was palpable. "She refused to allow us to reform the Gryffindor team. We had to go to Dumbledore to get her to allow it." Gray looked at the notice and thought, "Not bad," before he said, "Not only that, but what about the H.A.?" Angelina's frustration grew as the full weight of Umbridge's oppressive rule sank in. "Are you sure you won't just, you know," she mimed for Gray to deal with Umbridge. He sighed and replied, "Come on, be nice," before leaving for the Gryffindor common room. There, he found Harry pacing restlessly in front of the fireplace, his frustration evident. Hermione and Ron sat nearby, watching him. "This isn't a coincidence," Harry said sharply, turning to face them. "She knows." Ron shook his head quickly. "She can't!" he argued, but Harry wasn't convinced.

"Look, we don't know how many people could have overheard our meeting and told her," Harry said, his voice rising with suspicion. Ron, trying to reason, added, "Or somebody at the meeting could have blabbed to her." Hermione interjected confidently, "No, they couldn't have. The parchment we all signed was enchanted, like I said. No one can betray the H.A. without us knowing." Gray smiled at Hermione unnaturally and said, "As expected of you," which made Hermione contort awkwardly. Ron looked at her funny and whispered, "Remember, he has a girl he likes," but she just smacked him. Harry stopped pacing and grinned at Hermione, his appreciation clear. "What would we do without you, Hermione?" She beamed proudly at him, but the moment was interrupted as Hedwig suddenly fluttered through the open window and collapsed to the floor.