Chapter 223: Conflicts and Compromises (2/2)
”I think you're not the only one with confusion here,” Luna said. ”Dumbledore is probably having the same problems. Probably not like us but he is stressed too.”
”Yeah,” Chris nodded.
”You are more worried about Harry, aren't you?” Ginny said.
”Yup. It's going to be a huge threat if he doesn't control his feelings soon,” said Chris.
To fuel Chris' distress more, every single Divination and Care of Magical Creatures lesson was now conducted in the presence of Umbridge and her clipboard. She lurked by the fire in the heavily perfumed tower room, interrupting Professor Trelawney's increasingly hysterical talks with difficult questions about Ornithomancy and Heptomology, insisting that she predict students' answers before they gave them and demanding that she demonstrate her skill at the crystal ball, the tea leaves, and the rune stones in turn. Hagrid wasn't putting up a better show than Trelawney. Though he seemed to be following Chris' advice and had shown them nothing more frightening than a crup. He was also oddly distracted and jumpy in lessons, losing the thread of what he was saying while talking to the class, answering questions wrongly and glancing anxiously at Umbridge all the time.
These only gave Chris more reasons to loathe Umbridge.
Other than that, turned out Talisman making wasn't that easy, they had to be very patient about it as the process took a long time. Before Chris knew it, February had arrived, bringing with it wetter and warmer weather and the prospect of the second Hogsmeade visit of the year. Unfortunately, Chris and Colin had to hang back every evening for Quidditch practice. Angelina was determined to make Chris as perfect as possible. And honestly, Chris couldn't blame her, not after Ron's performance and lack of confidence.
”I can't go to Hogsmeade, this Valentine's Day,” Chris informed Jason as they walked beside the lake, a day before Valentine's Day.
”Let me guess, your secret group needs you,” Jason said flatly.
”No, Quidditch team does,” Chris replied calmly.
Jason sighed and didn't say anything.
”Hey, you know what happened to our Quidditch team, don't you?” Chris said coming to a halt. ”I can't bail on them now.”
”I know,” Jason stopped too. ”It's just — with your secret group, Quidditch and your friends — we hardly spend any time together.”
”I know,” Chris echoed. ”I'm a lot busy now because a lot of things are going on, but I promise I'll try to hang out more. Just like I am right now.”
Jason turned to face Chris.
”You are lucky I like you too much.”
”You are too,” Chris grinned.
Jason rolled his eyes but with a smirk, he kissed her.
On the morning of the fourteenth, Chris, Ginny, Colin and Luna sat with Hermione at breakfast. When Hermione heard that Ginny was going Hogsmeade with Luna (as Colin had Quidditch practice), she decided to join them as Harry was going with Padma and Ron had Quidditch practice like Chris and Colin. Harry joined them at breakfast after some time. He looked casual but Chris knew better. Chris had already mastered Occlumency and she was now replacing Harry's position as a seeker. No matter what he said, Chris knew those small things were hurting Harry. He didn't hate Chris but there was a bitterness in his voice whenever anyone mentioned his Occlumency lessons or Quidditch.
It was a fresh, breezy sort of day and when Chris entered the Quidditch ground after changing, she found Jason sitting on the stands alone, reading a book or pretending to be reading a book. Chris suddenly felt very warm and fuzzy in her heart. Jason had again gone out of his comfort zone for her.
”Isn't he Slytherin?” asked Kirke, the new beater. His tone was spiteful enough to Chris snap back at him but Colin spoke first.
”He is Chris' boyfriend.”
”Oh!” Kirke hastily looked at Chris, who was already glaring at him. ”Sorry.”
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To be continued. . .