Turns of time
Disclaimer: Of course you all know that the characters in this fic is not mine!!!
A/N: Hey hi! Sorry I just had to remove the first few chaps I already placed. I just had to put in some tinsy tiny minor changes. Hope you still like this fic.
Honestly, I think this story sucks, the longer it gets. The worse it gets. hehe! Care to encourage me??? Review!!! Please???
Chapter 1
The warning
"Bloody hell!!! First day back in school and we got divinations as our first subject!!" Ron bellowed. Harry who was starring at the enchanted ceiling, looked at his bestfriend.
"What's the matter Ron?" Hermione asked while putting some cream into her porridge. "You always loved making up your future." Ron looked at Hermione and scowled.
Harry just laughed, it was true he and Ron had a great time making up their predictions. That is until they ran out of catastrophes to list down. Hermione wasn't exactly thrilled about that.
"It wouldn't be that bad, besides you don't have Trelawney breathing down your neck foretelling your death!" Harry said while standing up getting ready for class. "Come on Ron it's a long way up to her tower!"
"You're right.. What do you reckon her greeting will be when she sees you?" Ron grinned.
"Shut up."
"Well I guess I'll see you two in Mcgonagall's class later!" Hermione said laughing and at the same time heading for the opposite direction.
Once they entered the stifling hot classroom Harry made a beeline for the seat near the window and pushed it open, he sat back, closed his eyes and felt the cool wind caress his face.
"Good morning my children welcome! Today we are going to start learning how to interpret flames." Trelawney said in her usual misty voice as she floated from table to poufs handing out used candles.
When she reached Ron and Harry's table, she looked at Harry with a very sad expression as if somebody's pet died. Ron turned to looked at Harry just in time to see him roll his eyes.
Ron sniggered at this.
As Trelawney sat at her seat. She looked at Harry and said, "My dear boy would you kindly close the window? I'm afraid the wind would disturb the flames!" And smiled beadily at Harry.
Harry in turn got up and turned to close the window, as he looked at the magnificent lawn before closing it, he saw a student emerge from the woods.bloody.
Harry squinted his eyes for a better look, the boy looked upward, met Harry's eyes then the boy held up something in his hand as if wanting Harry to take it.
"My boy would you kindly tell me the problem as to why you still haven't closed the window?" Trelawney said, voice changing. Possibly irritated, Harry thought, pleased. "No professor, It's just that I thought I saw .."
Harry turned to look at the lawn again but the boy was gone.
"Is it some omen? What do you see?" Trelawney said with anticipation. Walking towards Harry.
"No Professor, its nothing I just thought I saw something" Harry said closing the window and returning to his seat.
"Are you sure it's nothing, maybe.." Trelawney said walking back to her seat. "Yes professor I'm sure." Harry said turning to look at Ron whose face was contorted from trying hard not to laugh.
He opened his mouth to say something to his friend, but thought better of it. Thinking, maybe he's just imagining things.
But then again nothing's impossible. He learned that while staying at Hogwarts for almost 7 years.
"Now I would like you to take basins from that cupboard and fill them with water." Trelawney said pointing a long thin finger at the far end of the classroom. " then light your candles and let the wax drip slowly on top of the water. Wait until figure appears. Consult your book for the signs"
Ron and Harry got up and waited as the rest of the class rushed past them towards the cupboard.
"Okay. Spill. What did you see on the lawn? Knowing you it's something weird." Ron said lowering his voice. Harry looked at him witheringly.
"Hey don't look at me like that, it's not my fault I have a friend who's a magnet for mysterious things."
"Okay, I'll tell you.." Harry said grinning "later."
"Aww come on, no use leaving me in suspense"
"I'll tell you later, I don't want repeating it again to Hermione" Harry said reaching for a ceramic basin, which was chipped at several places. And filling it with water with a nearby pitcher."
"But.." Ron said, following him back to their seat.
"Shut up." Harry placed the basin carefully at the table. He turned to look at Ron who was looking at him sullenly. "You better go get a basin and lets get this nonsense over with."
Ron returned later, sloshing water at the front of his robes. Harry looked up "Are you ever so clumsy, Weasley?"
"Shut up or I will let my wax drip on your hand" He sat down lit his candle and started to let it drip.
After a while of working in silence and Ron mumbling beside him because his candle died out several times.
"Harry do you think this is enough wax?" Ron said nudging Harry with his elbow. "Dunno, maybe." Harry said dipping the wick in water "think we should use the book now?"
"Do you want help boys?" Trelawney appeared peering into the contents in Harry's basin. Harry snuck a look at Ron whose nose is now dangerously near the water so as not to let Trelawney see him bite his lips and watery eyes from laughing silently.
"Oh my...." Trelawney said peering at the basin. "this is bad.."
Here we go again! Harry mused, rolling his eyes, slumping back.
=================== "Good morning class. Another start of the school year! As you all know I'm Professor Vector. Well except for the newcomers."
Professor Vector gestured toward the doorway as Hermione sat down at the front row.
"Now I would like all of you" Vector said pointing at the back "to seat with some who already has attended this class for the past 3 years"
As the students settled down Vector motioned for someone at the far end of the room to come forward. Hermione looked up to face the person.
It was Malfoy.
Hermione's eyes widened with surprise. What the blazes of hell is he doing here?
"Mr. Malfoy would you kindly sit next to Ms. Granger over here?" Professor Vector said, looking pointedly at Hermione.
At this Hermione's jaw dropped. Bloody hell, Professor Viktor is asking Malfoy to sit next to her.
She turned around to look at Malfoy's reaction. He had the same reaction with her.
Clearly he also didn't like the arrangements.
"Mr. Malfoy would you please sit down?" Professor Vector said pointing at Hermione's table.
"But." Malfoy insisted.
"No buts.Mrs. Malfoy plaintively said that I seat you with the brightest student."
Malfoy grumbled as he threw his bag at their table and sat down.
Hermione opened her mouth to announce her displeasure, that she would rather die than to seat with him, but Malfoy shut her up. "Don't say a word or touch me you filthy mudblood. I don't like this arrangement a bit!" He sneered.
"Open your eye's up Malfoy. It's not like I'm jumping for joy to have you sit beside me either." Hermione hissed back.
"What are you a snake?"
"Is there a problem?" Vector asked.
Hell, this is going to be the longest lesson ever, Hemione thought. Looking at Malfoy at the corner of her eye. She slumped lower at her seat and blew a strand of her brown hair away from her face.
==================
Harry sat down at his usual table at McGonagall's class as Ron and Hermione sat next to him.
"Okay Harry, what is it that you saw earlier?" Ron asked, pointing at Hermione "She's here now."
"Whatever it is, it can wait until lunch. McGonagall just entered."
Hermione said.
"But Harry." Ron insisted kneeling beside Harry.
"Ohh. Shut up will you? McGonagall's already looking at us!" Hermione
hissed.
"Potter, Granger, Weasley! What the hell are you three doing? Get your quills put and copy this down." Mcgonagall barked.
They spent the rest of their lesson quietly doing their work. Until Ron pushed a piece of parchment under Harry nose. Making Harry's inkbottle wobble, Harry made a quick grab for it. He glared at Ron. Ron smiled sheepishly.
"Bloody hell! Aren't you two going to quiet down?" Hermione whispered. "Somebody is trying to work here."
Ron stuck his tongue out when turned her head back down went on copying.
Harry opened the note
Come on! please tell me! You don't need to say it. Just write it. So that you won't have to repeat it to Hermione later!
Harry turned to Ron and mouthed " la---ter ".
"Well you have been repeating the word later so much. Instead of wasting your saliva over the same word over and over again. Why don't you just tell me what you saw!" muttered Ron.
With that Ron started throwing the worn out book they were supposed to turn into dogs and jabbing his wand at the book.
At the end of the lesson where Professor Mcgonagall was collecting the dogs (Hermione's was an obedient little white poodle) She was really upset when she saw Ron's dog still had a strap for a tail and it was connected to the back of the dog's head.
================= "Honestly Ron. What's gotten into you?" Hermione snapped as she stood up to gather all her things. "You're lucky Mcgonagall isn't in a bad mood."( "You call that screaming, not in a bad mood" said Harry, inserting his little finger inside his ear.)
"Oh look who's talking you're the one who looked like you ate a sour grape!" Ron said.
"Oh you would look like that if you have Malfoy sitting next to you all period. Sneering at you!" Hermione snapped back.
"It's the same experience! You're staying at the same quarters right?" Ron asked bewildered.
Harry looked at Ron questioningly.
"Headgirl?" Ron sighed looking at Harry. "OH!" Harry said nodding.
"It's already bad enough that I have to see his sneering face every morning, I get out of my room! I don't know why Malfoy was at my Arithmancy class. But this year officially sucks" Hermione said, irritated.
"What the Merlin's beard gotten into him?" said Hermione, nudging at Ron and looking at Harry curiously, who's staring blankly ahead.
"Dunno. Bet it has something to do with what he saw earlier." Ron shrugged. "He said he wanted to wait until you're here, then he'll tell it."
"Harry? Harry?" Hermione waved her hands in front of his eyes.
"Huh?" Harry turned to face Hermione, bewildered.
"Okay now Hermione's here and we're not in class. You can tell us now, What you saw." Ron said stopping Harry.
"Best to get this over with." Harry said, heading toward the door.
Once they were outside Harry started to tell them every detail.
"As I was closing the window at Trelawney's class. I looked down and saw this figure, this student. His robes were all torn and he was all bloody--- "
"You saw a student at the grounds during class hours? Hermione assigned prefects to roam the grounds! How come he didn't get detention?" Ron whined. Harry looked at him, exasperated.
"Will you please let Harry finish?" Hermione said making a motion as if she wanted to wring Ron's head off.
"You two done yet?" Harry said looking his two friends.
They nodded.
Harry took a deep breath and continued.
"Then the boy turned his head up and met my eye, then he held out his hand.
It's like he wanted to give me something. He was holding something gleaming. He wore a grim expression."
"That---was creepy." Hermione shook her head and started to walk to the great hall for lunch. The other two followed.
"Who do you reckon that is?" Ron asked.
"Dunno. I have no idea. But there's something creepy about him."
"Do you think he knows you?" Hermione asked wearing a worried expression.
"Ummm... Do you know who you're referring to?" Ron asked, "This person here is practically the most famous kid that ever lived!" prodding Harry's face with his fingers.
"Well.yeah okay... er.. But it was impossible for the kid to see his scar!" Hermione said, pointing at Harry's scar.
"Will you two quit poking at my face?" Harry said massaging his cheek.
"That had really hurt Ron." Looking at him, he said "She's quite right you know."
"Hah! Told you!" Hermione said grinning triumphantly.
"What is little Potter telling his little friends now?" came a drawling voice behind them.
Hermione turned around and said "Can't you say a sentence more clearly Malfoy? Or is there something wrong with your tongue."
"Goyle, did you hear someone talk, or is it just a little rat." Malfoy snapped. Looking at the floor as if searching for something.
"Oh now there's something wrong with your ear?" Ron asked grinning wickedly.
"And eyes." Harry injected, "Don't forget the eyes."
"You think we should bring him to the hospital wing? Or is really like that ever since he was born?" Hermione said turning her back towards Draco.
Malfoy whipped out his wand.
Harry saw this and pushed Hermione aside a little to forcefully but even so, the spell hit her.
Hermione dropped at the floor shocked, mouth bleeding. Ron instantly ran beside Hermione, dropping to his knees.
"You're going to pay for that Malfoy." Harry said, aiming his wand at Malfoy.
Malfoy was looking at Hermione, cluching his stomach, laughing, his hair cascading in front of his face.
"Don't do it Harry no use spending your energy at this git." Hermione said. Spitting the blood out at Malfoy, then standing up wincing in pain.
"I'm sorry Hermione." Harry said, still looking at Malfoy menacingly.
"Let's go, Harry." Hermione said glaring at Malfoy.
They walked away towards the great hall leaving Malfoy behind.
"Hermione, you sure you're okay?" asked Ron, holding Hermione up.
"Yep, never better!" Hermione grinned. "Now will you put me down?"
"If you say so." said Ron. Shrugging Hermione off.
"That slimy git is really going to pay for this." Harry said clenching his fist.
Just as they sat down at the Gryffindor table, Draco entered the great hall, looked at Gryffindor table. When he saw Hermione glaring at him. He turned to the dimwits beside him, whispered something, then laughed out loud.
The other two were already piling food at their plate.
"What's our next class?" Harry asked between mouthfuls of mashed potato. Hermione opened her bag and fished out their schedule.
"We have Care of Magical creatures. At two. I have ancient runes after lunch. so from..one to two is your free time. Then I guess I'll meet you two at Hagrid's later." Then she folded the schedule and stuck it at her pocket.
"Well. how 'bout staying at Hagrid's while waiting for his class to begin?" Harry asked Ron, who was gulping down pumpkin juice.
"S'okay." Ron wiped his mouth with his robes.
Hermione wrinkled her nose.
Harry saw this and laughed.
"What??" Ron asked.
After lunch Hermione sped up to her ancient runes class. Leaving Harry and Ron at the entrance hall. As they stepped out to the warm sunlight, Ron asked Harry, "Okay, where exactly did you see the kid?"
Harry looked around and pointed at the path leading to the Forbidden Forest, near Hagrid's Hut.
"Do you reckon Hagrid knows something about this?" Ron asked, squinting.
"Maybe, lets ask." Harry said sprinting down toward Hagrid's.
When they reached Hagrid's. They saw him at the paddock handling First years.
"Damn! How can we ask him?" Ron asked when he reached Harry's side, panting.
Harry, on the other hand wasn't paying attention. He was looking at the path leading to the forest.
He started to walk toward the forest, dazed, when suddenly Ron grabbed his hand.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ron asked, shaking Harry out of his trance.
"Huh? Oh! Hmm? Didn't you hear and see that? There's something flashing in the woods. And clashing and faint murmurings." Harry said pointing his thumb to the forest.
"What the.. I didn't see or hear anything Harry. Snap out of it!" Ron said, shaking Harry still.
"B-but." Harry stammered looking at Ron and back at the forest.
" 'Arry! Ron! Wat are yer two doing here?" Hagrid greeted them. "Aren't yer two s'posed to be on yer class." He said carrying barrels.
"Nah! Don't have class for now." said Ron grinning. "Say Hagrid did you see a mysterious boy here, earlier this morning?"
"Huh? Nope. none tha' I know of. why d'ya ask?" Hagrid asked, stacking the barrels up against his hut.
"Because Harry here had seen this kid and can't stop thinking about it." Ron said jerking his head to Harry. Who was still staring at the forest.
" 'Arry yer okay? No use w'rryin 'bout tha' it's just yer imag'nation." Hagrid grinned down at Harry.
Harry in turn grinned back absent mindedly.
"Now why don' yer two wait in here." He said pushing Harry inside the hut. "While I finish up wid the first yers."
Then he pushed a plate of rock cakes then rushed out to meet his students, which were already running around.
=============================================================== After a moment of silence and nursing hot tea, Ron said " okay what's the deal? What is really happening with you?
After you saw this kid, you all of a sudden entered this creepy trance. You're seeing and hearing something nobody else can see or hear. Are you sure your not making this up?"
"Do I look like I'm making this all up?" Harry said, grasping his head with his elbows on the table. "Look, my head is spinning. And I don't understand anything that has happened since this morning when I saw that darn kid---".
"---But one thing's for sure, there something with that kid that's messing me up. I kept seeing things that other people don't see or hear thing that other people can't hear." said Harry, looking up.
Peering at Ron's eyes. "The thing I saw earlier?" said Harry sighing, closing his eyes. "that kid---I saw him again, he entered the forest. After he entered I heard screaming, then something was clashing and flashing--- like someone in there was fighting with sword---then it died out---after several moments---there's this faint murmurings coming from the woods. Like the wind murmuring some kind of incantation I don't understand---"
"You saw the kid again, Harry?" Ron and Harry looked at the door Hermione was standing behind the closed doors of Hagrid's hut.
Harry nodded.
"How old do you think this kid is?" Hermione asked. She seated herself beside Harry. Harry's brow furrowed, "Don't know.. Maybe around 10 or 11 years old." Harry said, rubbing his temple.
"Was he wearing Hogwarts robes?" Hermione asked looking at Harry straight in the eye. " Yeah---an old one too." Harry replied warily.
"Must be around 11 years old then. Maybe a first year.. And your saying you're the only one who sees him" Hermione looked at Harry. Harry nodded.
Hermione looked at Ron, who was looking confused. "...then maybe... He's a ghost..."
"Oh come off it 'mione!" said Ron, as they got out to meet their classmates. "There are lots of ghost in Hogwarts, how come no one there had an impact on Harry like this?"
"He's right, I mean why don't Nearly Headless Nick affect me like this kid had?" said Harry, stretching his hands up in the air.
"Maybe. he died a horrible death!---Oh wait Nick died a horrible death too. Maybe he was.he was not ready yet.maybe he too was murdered by You-know-who!" said Hermione, looking up at Harry for approval.
Harry started towards the door and looked at Hermione like she was crazy then said, "My parents?"
"Oh! Right.. Maybe he left something undone.." said Hermione, following Ron outside where the class started to gather.
"Like an unfinished business?" said Ron, scratching his head.
"Yeah! Maybe it's something important..." Hermione perked up after she said this.
"Quiet now. I don't want the other students to hear this." said Harry, looking straight ahead.
"What is little Potter doing now that he won't tell any one?"
They turned around just to see Malfoy walking toward them with the rest of the Slytherin six years behind him and Pansy clutching his hand.
Ron made a move toward Malfoy but Harry and Hermione held him back. "Stay out of this Malfoy, you don't want to get involved with this---unless you're willing to put you life in danger." Harry said advancing toward Malfoy.
"Ooh! We're scared to death! Run for your lives!" Pug-faced Pancy shrieked out, then squeezed Malfoy's hand and leaned her head on Malfoy's shoulder.
"If there's one thing I don't understand is why some guys, however a git they are, are putting up with this kind of girl."Hermione said, looking at Pansy from head to toe.
".fat..with a face like a pug..all squished in the middle...what a pity.."("Ohh! Heartless and cold! Way to go!" Harry cheered.)_
"Why you...you..you.." Pancy shrieked, attempting to walk towards Hermione.
"Oh I forgot a voice fit for a banshee to!" said Hermione, wincing.
"Arghh---Draco!" Pansy whined.
Malfoy put his hand out coolly to stop Pansy from charging Hermione.
Then he slowly sauntered toward Hermione running his hand through his ungelled hair. Harry and Ron immediately pointed their wands at him, but the rest of the Slytherins also drew their wand out and pointed them at Harry and Ron.
Two against a big crowd, does not exactly spell out victory.
"Why?" said Malfoy, stopping an inch in front of Hermione, then smiled.
"Who then do you think is worthy for me?" he said, checking Hermione out from head to toe.
"You wouldn't be that bad.." He reached out to touch her cheek.
Hermione slapped his hand off, he chuckled. Then he tilted his head closed his eyes and kissed her.
=====================================================================
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise.
She saw Harry and Ron mouth hang open. Malfoy's hand, holding her chin. His tongue was trying to open her mouth.
He only stopped when he felt something pointed jab the side of his stomach.
Malfoy backed away smiling. Hermione then said softly, "Do that again and I swear you're going to wake up in the hospital wing two months later."
Malfoy ran his hands through his hair, licked his lips before he turned to walk towards his gang smiling.
" Let's go Harry we have no time for this kind of people." Hermione said turning her heels and strode back to the paddock. Ron and Harry followed her not taking their wands off the Slytherins, mouths still hanging open. Malfoy then folded his arms in front of him and continued smiling.
When Hermione was sure she was out of earshot, she slowly let out a shaky breath. "Damn that, Malfoy!" She muttered under her breath. She has never seen any guy that close nor kiss her. Malfoy.. kissed her..... she closed her eyes and tried to imagine it again. Before an image formed she quickly opened her eyes and shuddered. What was she thinking?
Kissing Malfoy was like swallowing goblets of polyjuice potion.
After Hagrid's class, Hermione quickly strode back to the castle. Harry and Ron had to jog, in order to catch her.
"Look if your still upset over Draco's actions earlier.." Harry trailed off. Then Ron quickly added, "We can beat him up for you!"
Hermione threw them a withering look, "There's no need for you to do that, you can't let something like that disturb you! So what, it's just a little kiss, it's no big deal! Plus if you beat him up, there's no telling what he could do to what's left of your short carrer in hogswarts, now that he's head boy. " Hermione stopped walking suddenly, Harry and Ron nearly collided with her. "Umm. listen I need to go to the library.to check something see you at the great hall." After that she dashed off leaving Harry and Ron thinking.
"She could always do something to counter his decisions. It's not like they don't hold the same amout of power in their hands." Ron stated as they started to walk back to towards the castle. "I think she's still upset over what Draco did.. Want to hex him?" Ron asked Harry.
"No, honestly, I think we should let Hermione deal with this." Harry said sternly.
Hermione looked at the tapestry in front of her. She closed her eyes and let out a long slow sigh. Whether Draco was in there lounging about or not, she would go in and walk straight to her room whatever happens.
She said so herself. It was just a small kiss; it's no big deal. Nothings ever gonna change, everything just going to be fine.
She opened her eyes and looked determinedly at the tapestry and jabbed the right figures running around the moth eaten cloth. After the wall opened, she peeked her head inside the room for any signs of life.
Nothing.
She silently thanked the heavens above. And proceeded to enter the room. She leaned on the wall, closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath.
After Ron and Harry ate. They met Hermione at the portrait hole levitating 6 giant books. ("They are the hogwarts year books. They contain pictures and profiles of every student in Hogwarts!".) ("hogwarts is a thousand years old!) ("yep! I started with the first 6 years!)
Then ushered them up the stairs into the dormitory.
They each got to look through 2 books but they still haven't found out anything. By the end of the night even Hermione seemed to lose hope.
"Don't worry tomorrow I'll just bring another set!" Hermione said cheekily as she went up to her room. Ron and Harry just looked at each other warily.
Hermione had just sat down at her desk in Professor Vector's class, when Malfoy said, "move over mudblood I don't want you to soil my books.."
"Funny. You didn't think of that when you kissed me!" Hermione challenged.
"Why?" Malfoy asked eyes glinting wickedly, leaning towards Hermione's face. "You want another? I must say you tasted good yesterday." He said tilting his head. Hermione flushed deep red but she wasn't going to let Malfoy beat her. not this time. She raised her hand and slapped Malfoy on his left cheek hard.
Malfoy staggered backward, laughing. He leaned in again, when Professor Vector came in looking sternly at him. He sat down quietly and smiled innocently at Professor Vector.
Ron worriedly looked out the window. He just got out of his class, having taken one ofe his brothers skiving snackboxes.
He hasn't seen Harry since this morning. When he got of bed, he sleepily walked towards Harry's canopy. He tried to shake the lump on the bed. When he pulled the covers off, he only found pillows piled vertically atop schoolbooks.
When Hermione entered the Great Hall without Harry in tow and a worried expression on her face. He stopped chewing on his toast, after they both realized that Harry was missing they quickly left the hall to search for him before classes started.
But they still haven't found him.
He went up the Gryffindor common room hoping to find Harry there or a simple note saying where he is.
He looked past a window absent-mindedly and did a double take when he saw a black haired figure trudging slowly towards the forest. He quickly turned and ran, hoping to catch the boy before he reached the forest.
A/N: as you can see.. there are already chapter titles!! Hehe!!!! Please review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on!!!! Please?????? Please give me your comments, suggestions and problems.. Well you know what I mean.
Disclaimer: Of course you all know that the characters in this fic is not mine!!!
A/N: Hey hi! Sorry I just had to remove the first few chaps I already placed. I just had to put in some tinsy tiny minor changes. Hope you still like this fic.
Honestly, I think this story sucks, the longer it gets. The worse it gets. hehe! Care to encourage me??? Review!!! Please???
Chapter 1
The warning
"Bloody hell!!! First day back in school and we got divinations as our first subject!!" Ron bellowed. Harry who was starring at the enchanted ceiling, looked at his bestfriend.
"What's the matter Ron?" Hermione asked while putting some cream into her porridge. "You always loved making up your future." Ron looked at Hermione and scowled.
Harry just laughed, it was true he and Ron had a great time making up their predictions. That is until they ran out of catastrophes to list down. Hermione wasn't exactly thrilled about that.
"It wouldn't be that bad, besides you don't have Trelawney breathing down your neck foretelling your death!" Harry said while standing up getting ready for class. "Come on Ron it's a long way up to her tower!"
"You're right.. What do you reckon her greeting will be when she sees you?" Ron grinned.
"Shut up."
"Well I guess I'll see you two in Mcgonagall's class later!" Hermione said laughing and at the same time heading for the opposite direction.
Once they entered the stifling hot classroom Harry made a beeline for the seat near the window and pushed it open, he sat back, closed his eyes and felt the cool wind caress his face.
"Good morning my children welcome! Today we are going to start learning how to interpret flames." Trelawney said in her usual misty voice as she floated from table to poufs handing out used candles.
When she reached Ron and Harry's table, she looked at Harry with a very sad expression as if somebody's pet died. Ron turned to looked at Harry just in time to see him roll his eyes.
Ron sniggered at this.
As Trelawney sat at her seat. She looked at Harry and said, "My dear boy would you kindly close the window? I'm afraid the wind would disturb the flames!" And smiled beadily at Harry.
Harry in turn got up and turned to close the window, as he looked at the magnificent lawn before closing it, he saw a student emerge from the woods.bloody.
Harry squinted his eyes for a better look, the boy looked upward, met Harry's eyes then the boy held up something in his hand as if wanting Harry to take it.
"My boy would you kindly tell me the problem as to why you still haven't closed the window?" Trelawney said, voice changing. Possibly irritated, Harry thought, pleased. "No professor, It's just that I thought I saw .."
Harry turned to look at the lawn again but the boy was gone.
"Is it some omen? What do you see?" Trelawney said with anticipation. Walking towards Harry.
"No Professor, its nothing I just thought I saw something" Harry said closing the window and returning to his seat.
"Are you sure it's nothing, maybe.." Trelawney said walking back to her seat. "Yes professor I'm sure." Harry said turning to look at Ron whose face was contorted from trying hard not to laugh.
He opened his mouth to say something to his friend, but thought better of it. Thinking, maybe he's just imagining things.
But then again nothing's impossible. He learned that while staying at Hogwarts for almost 7 years.
"Now I would like you to take basins from that cupboard and fill them with water." Trelawney said pointing a long thin finger at the far end of the classroom. " then light your candles and let the wax drip slowly on top of the water. Wait until figure appears. Consult your book for the signs"
Ron and Harry got up and waited as the rest of the class rushed past them towards the cupboard.
"Okay. Spill. What did you see on the lawn? Knowing you it's something weird." Ron said lowering his voice. Harry looked at him witheringly.
"Hey don't look at me like that, it's not my fault I have a friend who's a magnet for mysterious things."
"Okay, I'll tell you.." Harry said grinning "later."
"Aww come on, no use leaving me in suspense"
"I'll tell you later, I don't want repeating it again to Hermione" Harry said reaching for a ceramic basin, which was chipped at several places. And filling it with water with a nearby pitcher."
"But.." Ron said, following him back to their seat.
"Shut up." Harry placed the basin carefully at the table. He turned to look at Ron who was looking at him sullenly. "You better go get a basin and lets get this nonsense over with."
Ron returned later, sloshing water at the front of his robes. Harry looked up "Are you ever so clumsy, Weasley?"
"Shut up or I will let my wax drip on your hand" He sat down lit his candle and started to let it drip.
After a while of working in silence and Ron mumbling beside him because his candle died out several times.
"Harry do you think this is enough wax?" Ron said nudging Harry with his elbow. "Dunno, maybe." Harry said dipping the wick in water "think we should use the book now?"
"Do you want help boys?" Trelawney appeared peering into the contents in Harry's basin. Harry snuck a look at Ron whose nose is now dangerously near the water so as not to let Trelawney see him bite his lips and watery eyes from laughing silently.
"Oh my...." Trelawney said peering at the basin. "this is bad.."
Here we go again! Harry mused, rolling his eyes, slumping back.
=================== "Good morning class. Another start of the school year! As you all know I'm Professor Vector. Well except for the newcomers."
Professor Vector gestured toward the doorway as Hermione sat down at the front row.
"Now I would like all of you" Vector said pointing at the back "to seat with some who already has attended this class for the past 3 years"
As the students settled down Vector motioned for someone at the far end of the room to come forward. Hermione looked up to face the person.
It was Malfoy.
Hermione's eyes widened with surprise. What the blazes of hell is he doing here?
"Mr. Malfoy would you kindly sit next to Ms. Granger over here?" Professor Vector said, looking pointedly at Hermione.
At this Hermione's jaw dropped. Bloody hell, Professor Viktor is asking Malfoy to sit next to her.
She turned around to look at Malfoy's reaction. He had the same reaction with her.
Clearly he also didn't like the arrangements.
"Mr. Malfoy would you please sit down?" Professor Vector said pointing at Hermione's table.
"But." Malfoy insisted.
"No buts.Mrs. Malfoy plaintively said that I seat you with the brightest student."
Malfoy grumbled as he threw his bag at their table and sat down.
Hermione opened her mouth to announce her displeasure, that she would rather die than to seat with him, but Malfoy shut her up. "Don't say a word or touch me you filthy mudblood. I don't like this arrangement a bit!" He sneered.
"Open your eye's up Malfoy. It's not like I'm jumping for joy to have you sit beside me either." Hermione hissed back.
"What are you a snake?"
"Is there a problem?" Vector asked.
Hell, this is going to be the longest lesson ever, Hemione thought. Looking at Malfoy at the corner of her eye. She slumped lower at her seat and blew a strand of her brown hair away from her face.
==================
Harry sat down at his usual table at McGonagall's class as Ron and Hermione sat next to him.
"Okay Harry, what is it that you saw earlier?" Ron asked, pointing at Hermione "She's here now."
"Whatever it is, it can wait until lunch. McGonagall just entered."
Hermione said.
"But Harry." Ron insisted kneeling beside Harry.
"Ohh. Shut up will you? McGonagall's already looking at us!" Hermione
hissed.
"Potter, Granger, Weasley! What the hell are you three doing? Get your quills put and copy this down." Mcgonagall barked.
They spent the rest of their lesson quietly doing their work. Until Ron pushed a piece of parchment under Harry nose. Making Harry's inkbottle wobble, Harry made a quick grab for it. He glared at Ron. Ron smiled sheepishly.
"Bloody hell! Aren't you two going to quiet down?" Hermione whispered. "Somebody is trying to work here."
Ron stuck his tongue out when turned her head back down went on copying.
Harry opened the note
Come on! please tell me! You don't need to say it. Just write it. So that you won't have to repeat it to Hermione later!
Harry turned to Ron and mouthed " la---ter ".
"Well you have been repeating the word later so much. Instead of wasting your saliva over the same word over and over again. Why don't you just tell me what you saw!" muttered Ron.
With that Ron started throwing the worn out book they were supposed to turn into dogs and jabbing his wand at the book.
At the end of the lesson where Professor Mcgonagall was collecting the dogs (Hermione's was an obedient little white poodle) She was really upset when she saw Ron's dog still had a strap for a tail and it was connected to the back of the dog's head.
================= "Honestly Ron. What's gotten into you?" Hermione snapped as she stood up to gather all her things. "You're lucky Mcgonagall isn't in a bad mood."( "You call that screaming, not in a bad mood" said Harry, inserting his little finger inside his ear.)
"Oh look who's talking you're the one who looked like you ate a sour grape!" Ron said.
"Oh you would look like that if you have Malfoy sitting next to you all period. Sneering at you!" Hermione snapped back.
"It's the same experience! You're staying at the same quarters right?" Ron asked bewildered.
Harry looked at Ron questioningly.
"Headgirl?" Ron sighed looking at Harry. "OH!" Harry said nodding.
"It's already bad enough that I have to see his sneering face every morning, I get out of my room! I don't know why Malfoy was at my Arithmancy class. But this year officially sucks" Hermione said, irritated.
"What the Merlin's beard gotten into him?" said Hermione, nudging at Ron and looking at Harry curiously, who's staring blankly ahead.
"Dunno. Bet it has something to do with what he saw earlier." Ron shrugged. "He said he wanted to wait until you're here, then he'll tell it."
"Harry? Harry?" Hermione waved her hands in front of his eyes.
"Huh?" Harry turned to face Hermione, bewildered.
"Okay now Hermione's here and we're not in class. You can tell us now, What you saw." Ron said stopping Harry.
"Best to get this over with." Harry said, heading toward the door.
Once they were outside Harry started to tell them every detail.
"As I was closing the window at Trelawney's class. I looked down and saw this figure, this student. His robes were all torn and he was all bloody--- "
"You saw a student at the grounds during class hours? Hermione assigned prefects to roam the grounds! How come he didn't get detention?" Ron whined. Harry looked at him, exasperated.
"Will you please let Harry finish?" Hermione said making a motion as if she wanted to wring Ron's head off.
"You two done yet?" Harry said looking his two friends.
They nodded.
Harry took a deep breath and continued.
"Then the boy turned his head up and met my eye, then he held out his hand.
It's like he wanted to give me something. He was holding something gleaming. He wore a grim expression."
"That---was creepy." Hermione shook her head and started to walk to the great hall for lunch. The other two followed.
"Who do you reckon that is?" Ron asked.
"Dunno. I have no idea. But there's something creepy about him."
"Do you think he knows you?" Hermione asked wearing a worried expression.
"Ummm... Do you know who you're referring to?" Ron asked, "This person here is practically the most famous kid that ever lived!" prodding Harry's face with his fingers.
"Well.yeah okay... er.. But it was impossible for the kid to see his scar!" Hermione said, pointing at Harry's scar.
"Will you two quit poking at my face?" Harry said massaging his cheek.
"That had really hurt Ron." Looking at him, he said "She's quite right you know."
"Hah! Told you!" Hermione said grinning triumphantly.
"What is little Potter telling his little friends now?" came a drawling voice behind them.
Hermione turned around and said "Can't you say a sentence more clearly Malfoy? Or is there something wrong with your tongue."
"Goyle, did you hear someone talk, or is it just a little rat." Malfoy snapped. Looking at the floor as if searching for something.
"Oh now there's something wrong with your ear?" Ron asked grinning wickedly.
"And eyes." Harry injected, "Don't forget the eyes."
"You think we should bring him to the hospital wing? Or is really like that ever since he was born?" Hermione said turning her back towards Draco.
Malfoy whipped out his wand.
Harry saw this and pushed Hermione aside a little to forcefully but even so, the spell hit her.
Hermione dropped at the floor shocked, mouth bleeding. Ron instantly ran beside Hermione, dropping to his knees.
"You're going to pay for that Malfoy." Harry said, aiming his wand at Malfoy.
Malfoy was looking at Hermione, cluching his stomach, laughing, his hair cascading in front of his face.
"Don't do it Harry no use spending your energy at this git." Hermione said. Spitting the blood out at Malfoy, then standing up wincing in pain.
"I'm sorry Hermione." Harry said, still looking at Malfoy menacingly.
"Let's go, Harry." Hermione said glaring at Malfoy.
They walked away towards the great hall leaving Malfoy behind.
"Hermione, you sure you're okay?" asked Ron, holding Hermione up.
"Yep, never better!" Hermione grinned. "Now will you put me down?"
"If you say so." said Ron. Shrugging Hermione off.
"That slimy git is really going to pay for this." Harry said clenching his fist.
Just as they sat down at the Gryffindor table, Draco entered the great hall, looked at Gryffindor table. When he saw Hermione glaring at him. He turned to the dimwits beside him, whispered something, then laughed out loud.
The other two were already piling food at their plate.
"What's our next class?" Harry asked between mouthfuls of mashed potato. Hermione opened her bag and fished out their schedule.
"We have Care of Magical creatures. At two. I have ancient runes after lunch. so from..one to two is your free time. Then I guess I'll meet you two at Hagrid's later." Then she folded the schedule and stuck it at her pocket.
"Well. how 'bout staying at Hagrid's while waiting for his class to begin?" Harry asked Ron, who was gulping down pumpkin juice.
"S'okay." Ron wiped his mouth with his robes.
Hermione wrinkled her nose.
Harry saw this and laughed.
"What??" Ron asked.
After lunch Hermione sped up to her ancient runes class. Leaving Harry and Ron at the entrance hall. As they stepped out to the warm sunlight, Ron asked Harry, "Okay, where exactly did you see the kid?"
Harry looked around and pointed at the path leading to the Forbidden Forest, near Hagrid's Hut.
"Do you reckon Hagrid knows something about this?" Ron asked, squinting.
"Maybe, lets ask." Harry said sprinting down toward Hagrid's.
When they reached Hagrid's. They saw him at the paddock handling First years.
"Damn! How can we ask him?" Ron asked when he reached Harry's side, panting.
Harry, on the other hand wasn't paying attention. He was looking at the path leading to the forest.
He started to walk toward the forest, dazed, when suddenly Ron grabbed his hand.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ron asked, shaking Harry out of his trance.
"Huh? Oh! Hmm? Didn't you hear and see that? There's something flashing in the woods. And clashing and faint murmurings." Harry said pointing his thumb to the forest.
"What the.. I didn't see or hear anything Harry. Snap out of it!" Ron said, shaking Harry still.
"B-but." Harry stammered looking at Ron and back at the forest.
" 'Arry! Ron! Wat are yer two doing here?" Hagrid greeted them. "Aren't yer two s'posed to be on yer class." He said carrying barrels.
"Nah! Don't have class for now." said Ron grinning. "Say Hagrid did you see a mysterious boy here, earlier this morning?"
"Huh? Nope. none tha' I know of. why d'ya ask?" Hagrid asked, stacking the barrels up against his hut.
"Because Harry here had seen this kid and can't stop thinking about it." Ron said jerking his head to Harry. Who was still staring at the forest.
" 'Arry yer okay? No use w'rryin 'bout tha' it's just yer imag'nation." Hagrid grinned down at Harry.
Harry in turn grinned back absent mindedly.
"Now why don' yer two wait in here." He said pushing Harry inside the hut. "While I finish up wid the first yers."
Then he pushed a plate of rock cakes then rushed out to meet his students, which were already running around.
=============================================================== After a moment of silence and nursing hot tea, Ron said " okay what's the deal? What is really happening with you?
After you saw this kid, you all of a sudden entered this creepy trance. You're seeing and hearing something nobody else can see or hear. Are you sure your not making this up?"
"Do I look like I'm making this all up?" Harry said, grasping his head with his elbows on the table. "Look, my head is spinning. And I don't understand anything that has happened since this morning when I saw that darn kid---".
"---But one thing's for sure, there something with that kid that's messing me up. I kept seeing things that other people don't see or hear thing that other people can't hear." said Harry, looking up.
Peering at Ron's eyes. "The thing I saw earlier?" said Harry sighing, closing his eyes. "that kid---I saw him again, he entered the forest. After he entered I heard screaming, then something was clashing and flashing--- like someone in there was fighting with sword---then it died out---after several moments---there's this faint murmurings coming from the woods. Like the wind murmuring some kind of incantation I don't understand---"
"You saw the kid again, Harry?" Ron and Harry looked at the door Hermione was standing behind the closed doors of Hagrid's hut.
Harry nodded.
"How old do you think this kid is?" Hermione asked. She seated herself beside Harry. Harry's brow furrowed, "Don't know.. Maybe around 10 or 11 years old." Harry said, rubbing his temple.
"Was he wearing Hogwarts robes?" Hermione asked looking at Harry straight in the eye. " Yeah---an old one too." Harry replied warily.
"Must be around 11 years old then. Maybe a first year.. And your saying you're the only one who sees him" Hermione looked at Harry. Harry nodded.
Hermione looked at Ron, who was looking confused. "...then maybe... He's a ghost..."
"Oh come off it 'mione!" said Ron, as they got out to meet their classmates. "There are lots of ghost in Hogwarts, how come no one there had an impact on Harry like this?"
"He's right, I mean why don't Nearly Headless Nick affect me like this kid had?" said Harry, stretching his hands up in the air.
"Maybe. he died a horrible death!---Oh wait Nick died a horrible death too. Maybe he was.he was not ready yet.maybe he too was murdered by You-know-who!" said Hermione, looking up at Harry for approval.
Harry started towards the door and looked at Hermione like she was crazy then said, "My parents?"
"Oh! Right.. Maybe he left something undone.." said Hermione, following Ron outside where the class started to gather.
"Like an unfinished business?" said Ron, scratching his head.
"Yeah! Maybe it's something important..." Hermione perked up after she said this.
"Quiet now. I don't want the other students to hear this." said Harry, looking straight ahead.
"What is little Potter doing now that he won't tell any one?"
They turned around just to see Malfoy walking toward them with the rest of the Slytherin six years behind him and Pansy clutching his hand.
Ron made a move toward Malfoy but Harry and Hermione held him back. "Stay out of this Malfoy, you don't want to get involved with this---unless you're willing to put you life in danger." Harry said advancing toward Malfoy.
"Ooh! We're scared to death! Run for your lives!" Pug-faced Pancy shrieked out, then squeezed Malfoy's hand and leaned her head on Malfoy's shoulder.
"If there's one thing I don't understand is why some guys, however a git they are, are putting up with this kind of girl."Hermione said, looking at Pansy from head to toe.
".fat..with a face like a pug..all squished in the middle...what a pity.."("Ohh! Heartless and cold! Way to go!" Harry cheered.)_
"Why you...you..you.." Pancy shrieked, attempting to walk towards Hermione.
"Oh I forgot a voice fit for a banshee to!" said Hermione, wincing.
"Arghh---Draco!" Pansy whined.
Malfoy put his hand out coolly to stop Pansy from charging Hermione.
Then he slowly sauntered toward Hermione running his hand through his ungelled hair. Harry and Ron immediately pointed their wands at him, but the rest of the Slytherins also drew their wand out and pointed them at Harry and Ron.
Two against a big crowd, does not exactly spell out victory.
"Why?" said Malfoy, stopping an inch in front of Hermione, then smiled.
"Who then do you think is worthy for me?" he said, checking Hermione out from head to toe.
"You wouldn't be that bad.." He reached out to touch her cheek.
Hermione slapped his hand off, he chuckled. Then he tilted his head closed his eyes and kissed her.
=====================================================================
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise.
She saw Harry and Ron mouth hang open. Malfoy's hand, holding her chin. His tongue was trying to open her mouth.
He only stopped when he felt something pointed jab the side of his stomach.
Malfoy backed away smiling. Hermione then said softly, "Do that again and I swear you're going to wake up in the hospital wing two months later."
Malfoy ran his hands through his hair, licked his lips before he turned to walk towards his gang smiling.
" Let's go Harry we have no time for this kind of people." Hermione said turning her heels and strode back to the paddock. Ron and Harry followed her not taking their wands off the Slytherins, mouths still hanging open. Malfoy then folded his arms in front of him and continued smiling.
When Hermione was sure she was out of earshot, she slowly let out a shaky breath. "Damn that, Malfoy!" She muttered under her breath. She has never seen any guy that close nor kiss her. Malfoy.. kissed her..... she closed her eyes and tried to imagine it again. Before an image formed she quickly opened her eyes and shuddered. What was she thinking?
Kissing Malfoy was like swallowing goblets of polyjuice potion.
After Hagrid's class, Hermione quickly strode back to the castle. Harry and Ron had to jog, in order to catch her.
"Look if your still upset over Draco's actions earlier.." Harry trailed off. Then Ron quickly added, "We can beat him up for you!"
Hermione threw them a withering look, "There's no need for you to do that, you can't let something like that disturb you! So what, it's just a little kiss, it's no big deal! Plus if you beat him up, there's no telling what he could do to what's left of your short carrer in hogswarts, now that he's head boy. " Hermione stopped walking suddenly, Harry and Ron nearly collided with her. "Umm. listen I need to go to the library.to check something see you at the great hall." After that she dashed off leaving Harry and Ron thinking.
"She could always do something to counter his decisions. It's not like they don't hold the same amout of power in their hands." Ron stated as they started to walk back to towards the castle. "I think she's still upset over what Draco did.. Want to hex him?" Ron asked Harry.
"No, honestly, I think we should let Hermione deal with this." Harry said sternly.
Hermione looked at the tapestry in front of her. She closed her eyes and let out a long slow sigh. Whether Draco was in there lounging about or not, she would go in and walk straight to her room whatever happens.
She said so herself. It was just a small kiss; it's no big deal. Nothings ever gonna change, everything just going to be fine.
She opened her eyes and looked determinedly at the tapestry and jabbed the right figures running around the moth eaten cloth. After the wall opened, she peeked her head inside the room for any signs of life.
Nothing.
She silently thanked the heavens above. And proceeded to enter the room. She leaned on the wall, closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath.
After Ron and Harry ate. They met Hermione at the portrait hole levitating 6 giant books. ("They are the hogwarts year books. They contain pictures and profiles of every student in Hogwarts!".) ("hogwarts is a thousand years old!) ("yep! I started with the first 6 years!)
Then ushered them up the stairs into the dormitory.
They each got to look through 2 books but they still haven't found out anything. By the end of the night even Hermione seemed to lose hope.
"Don't worry tomorrow I'll just bring another set!" Hermione said cheekily as she went up to her room. Ron and Harry just looked at each other warily.
Hermione had just sat down at her desk in Professor Vector's class, when Malfoy said, "move over mudblood I don't want you to soil my books.."
"Funny. You didn't think of that when you kissed me!" Hermione challenged.
"Why?" Malfoy asked eyes glinting wickedly, leaning towards Hermione's face. "You want another? I must say you tasted good yesterday." He said tilting his head. Hermione flushed deep red but she wasn't going to let Malfoy beat her. not this time. She raised her hand and slapped Malfoy on his left cheek hard.
Malfoy staggered backward, laughing. He leaned in again, when Professor Vector came in looking sternly at him. He sat down quietly and smiled innocently at Professor Vector.
Ron worriedly looked out the window. He just got out of his class, having taken one ofe his brothers skiving snackboxes.
He hasn't seen Harry since this morning. When he got of bed, he sleepily walked towards Harry's canopy. He tried to shake the lump on the bed. When he pulled the covers off, he only found pillows piled vertically atop schoolbooks.
When Hermione entered the Great Hall without Harry in tow and a worried expression on her face. He stopped chewing on his toast, after they both realized that Harry was missing they quickly left the hall to search for him before classes started.
But they still haven't found him.
He went up the Gryffindor common room hoping to find Harry there or a simple note saying where he is.
He looked past a window absent-mindedly and did a double take when he saw a black haired figure trudging slowly towards the forest. He quickly turned and ran, hoping to catch the boy before he reached the forest.
A/N: as you can see.. there are already chapter titles!! Hehe!!!! Please review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on!!!! Please?????? Please give me your comments, suggestions and problems.. Well you know what I mean.
