Safety in the Pages of a Book
Hermione walked slowly around the small living room of Shell Cottage, her mind going a thousand miles per hour. She wasn't sure what really happened in the last few days, and she hadn't really stopped to talk to anyone about it. Fleur was nice about it, but she seemed to walk on eggshells around all of them. Bill was the opposite. He liked to talk, not caring if he ruffled feathers – Hermione really liked that about him. Everyone who returned from Malfoy Manor had sustained some sort or injury, or something worse. Hermione didn't feel that it was right for her to need help, to be anything but fine, when Luna was trapped and tortured for months and Dobby was –
She stopped her thoughts when she saw a book sitting half open on the coffee table, a pen resting in its pages. She let her curiosity get the better of her, flipping it open and taking a look at the most recent page.
Dear Journal,
We're safe again, or, as safe as we're going to be for a while…
It looked like Dean's journal, the one she had seen him writing in every now and then. She flipped back a few pages, finding an entry from when he was on the run. This one looked different; it didn't start with 'Dear Journal'.
How can you tell if a goblin's a goblin?
Is there a test we can take?
Is that how you tell if a goblin's a goblin?
I need to know, for heaven's sake.
Is it in the way they walk?
With their stumpy legs and endearing wobble.
Is it in the way they talk?
Their attitude and endless squabble.
How'd you know if a goblin's a goblin?
I'm asking for a friend.
How can you tell if a goblin's a goblin?
Do you ask them about their gold?
Is that how you tell if a goblin's a goblin?
because I would if I were that bold.
Can they hear any better,
with their ears that larger?
Can they see any better,
with that stare? So harsh.
How'd you know if a goblin's a goblin?
I'm asking for a friend.
How can you tell if a goblin's a goblin?
Is it in the company they keep?
Is that how you tell if a goblins a goblin?
If so what company should I seek?
Maybe I am a goblin?
It would explain my ears.
But I don't feel like a goblin?
But I do share their fears.
How'd you know if a goblin's a goblin?
I'm asking for a friend.
What Makes a Goblin?
by D. Thomas
Hermione jumped when she heard a voice clearing across the room. She looked up to see Dean staring at her, a small smile on his face.
"There wasn't much else to do while on the run."
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," Hermione said, placing the journal back. "I shouldn't have been going through your stuff."
"It's okay. It's not Shakespeare, though." Dean picked up the book Hermione had just thrown down. "You should see the one about trees; riveting." Hermione smiled for the first time since they had arrived at the cottage. Dean looked slightly shocked, then returned her smile – glad to see she wouldn't be closed off from them forever.
"Maybe I'll write one about what makes you tick next time," he said, before turning on the spot and walking from the room, taking the book with him.
"I'd like that," Hermione said softly, knowing he couldn't hear her. "I'd like that a lot."
A/N: Words - 594
Written for - June Funfair: Karaoke - 'Goblins'