WHO: Ernie MacMillan & Hannah Abbott
WHERE: Random barely used corridor
WHAT: Hannah's nerves lead Ernie to a revelation!
WHEN: Wed. afternoon
RATING: PG
STATUS: DONE



It was even worse than fifth year. Preparing for her OWLs had been nerve-wracking, yes, but it wasn't the end of the world if she did poorly. A few subjects she actually wanted to drop, the others as long as she got an E in, she'd be okay, and some she could even survive with an A. Yes, she'd panicked, but that's because of all the pressure the professors kept putting on them. True, her Transfiguration skills were ruined by one panic attack (which left Hannah forever hateful regarding flamingos), and Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey had demanded she take a calming draught after she broke down crying in the middle of class one day. But aside from that, she'd been fine, really.

Okay, so it hadn't been easy. Which was why, as NEWTs had only days to go, Hannah was a frequent visitor in Madam Pomfrey's Hospital Wing. Not only were NEWTs more important than OWLs could ever dream of being, but she'd missed almost her entire sixth year. As much extra time as she'd spent, she knew she'd caught on to most everything her classmates had learned. But what if one question, just that one question that separated her from an A and an E, was something Professor Snape had discussed in Defense the year before, or the one thing that Professor Flitwick hadn't mentioned they'd gone over? Then what?

She was trying to put off going to the Hospital Wing, at least until she got another two chapters of revising in. She knew Madam Pomfrey would likely send for her shortly, as she probably should. Hannah's nails were bitten to the quick, her hair was a knotted mess piled on her head, and there were dark bags under her eyes from little sleep, and poor sleep when she finally did so. Everywhere she went she carried her school books, sneaking in a reading here or jotting a few notes there. Though she'd never considered herself stupid, she knew things didn't come as naturally to her as they did to Hermione, or even to Teddy.

Teddy. Another reason revising was so awful. Every single time she came across one of the spells he'd taught her, her already fragile psyche broke down and she cried yet again. And, yet again, Madam Pomfrey shoved a potion down her throat, even though the reason for Hannah's tears was beyond the kindly witch's understanding. It was, quite possibly, the third most miserable period of Hannah's life. Sad, really, how all three had come within such a short time of each other.

She'd foregone the common room as her chosen location to read that afternoon, knowing it would be packed with younger students who had no idea how important the upcoming time period was. All they knew was it was almost time for summer hols and soon they'd be free of lessons and exams for a couple of months. They'd go home, play with their friends, visit with their families, and then return. But Hannah wouldn't be returning, and if she did poorly on these exams, she also wouldn't be doing a halfway decent career. It was yet another piece of heartache to add to her collection as she slid down the cold, castle wall, pulling her knees to her chest in the corridor where Theodore Nott had found her crying months before. Probably a mistake, all things considered, but it was the only place she knew that was quiet, out of the way, and easy to get to. Blond hair spilling over her face, she bent her head and unrolled several sheets of parchment and opened her Herbology book, copying it and scribbling extra notes just as quickly as she could.

It might have been NEWT time, but Ernie was still Head Boy, and thus, held responsibilities until the very last day at school. Ernie took his job seriously so even though he really wanted to be spending time in the library studying, he was conducting a round instead. He was nearly finished his task when he wandered down the corridor few frequented. However, that was precisely the reason he always checked it. Who knew what trouble someone could get into there? He heard someone ruffling papers as well as what sounded like sniffles and gulping. What the...? Ernie's eyes searched the area, landing on a familiar blond head. Oh, Helga...

"Hannah? Love?" Some might have seen Ernie's stoicism, but he had never hid himself from Hannah. Hence, he felt no shame in dropping to his knees next to her and pulled her close to his chest, books and all. He knew the last years had been horrible for her. She didn't deal well with stress, but add all that heartache on top of it?

Oh, Merlin, she'd needed that hug. Desperately. Though she was surprised to see him, Hannah hesitated barely a second before leaning into Ernie's hold, her hands dropping the books and parchment and instead clinging to the soft fabric of the shirt he wore. "Hi," she said a moment later with a difficult swallow. The lump in her throat that had resided there for the last several weeks only seemed to bob up and down in place as she gulped. "How did you... What are you doing down here? First years come down here!" Leaning back, she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her jumper and began picking each parchment sheet up carefully, trying not to smudge the still wet in.

"Hi," he replied, chuckling some. He didn't find her distress funny, but her politeness even then. "I am quite the thorough Head Boy, hm? I wanted to make sure no one was attempting to burn the castle down." He winced a bit, thinking about that time last year. Probably a bad choice of words...

"Hannah, love..." He pawed her cheek gently. "Talk to me."

She sighed at his words and pulled away from his touch. Not to get away from it, exactly, but because she then flopped back against the wall. Her knees instinctively pulled into her chest and she let them be the prop for her elbows, which held her head up. "I don't know. Nothing. Everything. It's just... Ugh." It was just the worst semester of her school career, unless you counted the term where her mum had been murdered. Which she really didn't, at least not in terms of school things. Life issues, perhaps, but not this sort of thing. "I'm not ready," she finished a breath later.

Ernie followed her, sliding in next to her on the wall and laying a hand on one of Hannah's knees. "Yes, you are," he disputed. His tone was firm and non-relenting on that score. He looked around at the mess. "But I do think you need sleep for Helga's sake."

Shooting a side glance, Hannah gave a small smirk. "I'm pretty sure you can't take the exams for me, love. I think they'll know you don't look much like a Hannah. Maybe we can fudge the name on the exam so they think it's Hannibal, instead?"

"Are we eating people now too?" Ernie was proud to have caught one of her muggle references and beamed. "That isn't very nice, you know!"

It however took Hannah a moment to catch the reference herself. Nudging him lightly in the ribs with her elbow, she couldn't help the tiny giggle. "You git," she said with a smile. "I meant Hannibal the general in the...I think it was the Punic war. They fought the Romans, I know that much. Didn't quite get that far before I left school. Primary school, I mean." Even after all the years they'd been friends, it still sometimes surprised Hannah the things she knew that Ernie didn't and vice versa. Though it was a relatively famous war, maybe he did know. For all she knew, there'd been wizards in it. She hadn't exactly paid much attention in History of Magic. "He didn't eat people, I don't think. But he did use elephants in war."

"Ah," Ernie said, feeling stupid. "The war where the Romans wanted to take over everything ever? Yes, I've heard of it." He smiled sheepishly, nudging her. "I still get bonus points for that reference, Hannah!"

Gently, Hannah rested her head on his shoulder and glanced up at him with a smile. "You do, I admit it. Though you still don't get the Simpsons, and I must say that breaks my heart. And you haven't seen The Lion King, yet. Have to make sure we get that one in, Hermione will demand it, you know."

"The telly just...it still just looks weird to me, Han." He laughed at himself and tugged playfully at her hair. "Now, why don't you tell your very best mate, Ernie, all about what troubles you? We can't have a repeat of fifth year now, can we? My dad might kill me."

She gave a small pout, which was more genuine than she really would have liked. "Aw, really? You would've liked my flamingos, I think, they were awfully colourful. I would've kept one with me if it weren't for, you know, it ruining my chances of taking NEWT transfiguration." To be truthful, she didn't want to tell her very best mate, Ernie, what was bothering her. He'd done more than enough for her already over the years, and she didn't need to retell the same tales he'd already heard over and over.

"I'm sure they were the best flamingos ever." He nudged her playfully, but his eyes remained serious. "It's going to be alright, you know." He glanced around the deserted wing. "We all have to go through...well, frankly, shite, to arrive somewhere worthwhile, I think." Hadn't that been the case for him? Well, Hannah had been through more so she'd definitely have something amazing soon. Ernie just knew it. Then again, he wasn't in Hufflepuff for nothing.

It sounded so simple when he said it. But Hannah had once had that optimism and enthusiasm. Now? It didn't come quite as easily. Every time she thought things were getting better, they took a turn for the worst.  And, to be honest, she wasn't sure how much more she could take. "I've been ready for my somewhere worthwhile for a while now, Ernie," she reminded him softly "And I don't like sounding like a whiner, but quite frankly, I'm tired of it."

"Don't most say that though? And isn't there always someone worst off?" Ernie shrugged his shoulders again before working out a kink in his back. Sitting like that had been a silly idea. Turning back to her, he touched her cheek, rubbing gently. "Love, it won't always be this hard. You're tired and you're worried, but when your brain clears? You'll remember that God of yours and this will all seem like some silly dream."

"He'll never burden you with more than you can handle," Hannah recited, more from instant reaction than actually feeling the words. Though Ernie did have a point. Her faith had never failed her before. And, so far, she'd survived everything thrown at her. He worked in mysterious ways, they said, and maybe they were right. Losing her mum had been horrible, but she'd become closer to her dad and her brothers because of it. And it had tied her to Teddy. Who she might have lost, but if she hadn't had him around, well, her seventh year would've been much different to say the least. "I don't mean to be such a baby about it," she assured him, leaning absently into his hand. "I know, I should be tougher about it all."

"You're not a baby," Ernie protested, nudging her knee in a very 'duh, don't be silly' way. "You have a right to get down, Hannah. I just..." He gestured around the place. "I'd rather you not come here and tell the walls when I'm around to talk to, you know?" He smiled softly, his eyes honest and caring. He might have had his girlfriend, but Hannah was still his very best friend. Nay, a sister.

Hannah rolled her eyes, but leaned against him just the same. Hermione or no Hermione, Ernie was still her human pillow. She just had to hope the new girlfriend wouldn't get too angry with sharing him. Teddy had gotten jealous about Ernie so many times that Hannah would understand if Hermione did the same with her. She hoped they were good enough friends to get past that, and they had already talked it out, after all. But still. "I wasn't talking to the walls, you nut. They haven't heard a peep out of me except to complain about how horrible Professor Flitwick is."

"Shhhh, the walls DO have ears," Ernie teased. He let her use his body for that cushion. He loved Hermione, but Hannah was a sister and could lean on him at will. Especially when she was so upset. Though she did seem a bit better than when Ernie first found her at least. "And think about it this way. You get through the next weeks and then..." He lowered his voice. "You can see my dad try to dance. Hmmm."

Well, that pretty much did it. Hannah giggled helplessly, shaking her head. "You know, your dad's very fit for a dad. If he and your mum ever... Well, I can't say I wouldn't..." Well, she would, because she adored Mrs. Macmillan just as much as her husband and never wanted anything to happen to the pair of them. But it was worth saying so just for the expression on her best mate's face.

"Hannah Abbott! That's a horrid thing to say!" Ernie's face? Oh, yes, the picture of disgust and shock.

"I know, isn't it?" she teased, leaning up to kiss his chin. "But fair enough. I'm still sure he's a brilliant dancer. You, on the other hand... Well, you're required to save me a dance and that's final. Hermione does not get the Ernie Macmillan Monopoly."

"After that? Pffft." He held a hand up and shook his head.

Pouting her lower lip, Hannah sighed. "Fine. I'll just dance with Derek all night. I'm afraid he won't be complaining. Hmm, I wonder if your dad would dance with me... And hey, is your sister still seeing that one bloke? I wouldn't mind dancing with him once or twice."

"You cannot break up every couple in my family!" Ernie rolled his eyes, but cracked a small smile. "And don't go leading Derek on."

At that, she paused. "Do you think I am?" she questioned, looking worried. "I've told him it won't work out between us, especially now, I mean, I'm not only older but I'm leaving school and he's still got two whole years left. He does get that, doesn't he? He offered to accompany me at the wedding, did I tell you? It's sweet, too, but..." As a girl not many blokes had ever been interested in, Hannah never knew how to react to such attention. Was she teasing him unintentionally?

"Um...I don't know? I hope he realizes that, but...just be careful yeah? That's my little cousin." Even if Derek thought it was insulting, Ernie loved him and wanted to protect him. He couldn't help it. It was an older cousin's prerogative.

Hannah smiled at his protective nature and reached up to tweak a piece of his hair. "I'm not planning on tromping all over that sweet little heart of his, if that's what you're thinking. I adore him, but like my own little cousin." A slightly wicked grin crossed her face. "You know, at least till he leaves school, begins a highly successful career, and can support me and our four children. We'd really be related, then, can you imagine?" An Ernie fix had been exactly what she'd needed.

Ernie wasn't distracted, however. "I mean it, Hannah. I don't know if he does realise it is just...you know. Friendly like. Are you sure?"

"Well, I'm not entirely sure I was kidding," she countered. "About the future, I mean. But that's a long way away. If he doesn't get it, well... I'll break it to him gently. I admit it, for a while I thought he might mean it when he said if Teddy and I... Well." Shrugging her shoulders, she fiddled with the feather on her quill. "I'm not going to break his heart Ernie. There's plenty of completely brilliant, gorgeous, talented girls in his year. What about that Dorny girl? Jess? He did give her a stuffed doggie, after all."

"I don't know." Ernie didn't look convinced. He didn't have younger siblings so he was protective of Derek. "Just...something to keep in mind, yeah?" He didn't dwell on Teddy. If Hannah wanted to talk about it more, she would.

Hannah did want to talk about it, in a way. But she knew Ernie wouldn't have anything to say that he hadn't already told her more than once. She was tired of talking his ear off about someone who had once been a good friend and--

But she could talk about him! "He's mentioned you," she began, then went back to her notes, trying to make out her own furiously written scribbles among the neatly printed text of her book.

Ernie blinked. "Derek? Doesn't he usually? I mean he is my perfect cousin and all..."


"Teddy, actually." She kept her voice calm and collected, though even saying his name made her want to break into a fresh round of tears. But she held herself together, still looking down into her lap, where she'd rested her book. "And actually, Derek and I rarely talk about you."

"Hey, I don't believe that! You and Derek love me!" Ernie pouted though his mind did register that she mentioned Teddy again. "Oh...did he?"

She smiled a bit smugly, still not sparing him a glance. "We do love you. Hence why we don't talk about you. Imagine the stories that might get traded if we did?" Tucking her hair behind one ear, she shrugged. "Yeah. I was talking to him in the journals and he asked about you."

"Like they haven't been traded a million times back and forth already?" Ernie smirked though it wasn't lost on him that she still didn't look back at him. "Dare I ask what he was asking?" He really was almost afraid of the answer.

It wasn't her place to do so, but it had been Hermione who'd brought it up to Teddy to begin with. It wasn't Hannah's fault he'd then turned around and asked her. She apparently couldn't do anything else for him, she could at least try and get his friendship with Ernie back. "Apparently, he's not sure what to do where you're concerned."

"Do?" Ernie was caught off guard yet again where his old friends were concerned. "What? What did I do now?"

But she shook her head, finally looking up and catching his eye. "I don't think it's anything you've done. I think... I'm not sure he knows how to react around you. I might be reading too much into it, but I think he'd like to try again." Maybe she was reading too much into it, but she knew a part of her still knew Teddy better than most and she had a feeling she knew exactly what he'd meant by going to Ernie's closest friend to ask about Ernie.

Ernie fell silent. He fiddled with the edge of one of Hannah's books, thinking hard. "I...we were alright for awhile and then...I don't know." He looked back at her, blushing. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't talk to you about him."

"I don't mind it, really," she replied with a shrug. "It's sort of like when Mum... Well. When Mum died. I wanted to talk about her, but everyone was afraid I'd just start crying so no one really would." She smiled at him, though it was bittersweet. "You were alright for a while and then someone ended up making everyone with a journal look like prats, and then there was the me thing. It's okay, I know. Believe me, I know."

"I don't," Ernie admitted. "I mean...I can sort of understand it, but..." He looked down, ashamed at acting so wishy washy. "There will always be a thing there even when I don't want there to be. If feels like that anyway."

Gently, she reached over, rubbing his arm lightly. It was as if they'd switched places, her comforting him. "Yeah, but there'll always be a good thing and a bad thing. We're supposed to be going off to be adults soon, aren't we? Which means we learn to overcome obstacles and face adversity. Isn't that what we've been learning all this time?"

The irony wasn't lost on Ernie. She had been a mess and there she was trying to make him feel better! "I am going to work for the Ministry. I know what I said, but..." He grinned cheekily. "If there's any reason to do it, it's to prove to Theodore Nott that I'm a brilliant bloke, yeah?" He settled back against the wall, bringing Hannah with him. "I'll bring a thousand coffee cups and sweep anything they want, but I will work my way up and change what the hell is going on here."

She couldn't help it. Hannah flung her arms tightly around him, giving him a rib squishing hug. "Oh, I'm so glad!" she declared, kissing his cheek lightly. "It'd be such a waste, Ernie, someone as brilliant as you doing something dreadfully awful for a living just because some utter nonsense is going on now." Of course, that wouldn't do a single thing to get Theodore Nott to realise she was brilliant, but that was her concern, not Ernie's.