Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JKR.

Definition of de trop: not wanted: superfluous or excessive

Mid-18th century. From French , literally means "excessive."

Note: This is yet another one of those that I don't know where to put. Although, I have a better idea of which story I'm putting this one in than with the other, Bedlam. Enjoy, and read the note at the end if you get confused.

De Trop

Dreams 'N Demise

375

"Was it really necessary?"

"I'm not sure. It could have been."

"But why would it be that important to him. Something's going on and it's not just with him. Others are starting to act weird as well."

"I know. Just think about Draco. When was the last time he said a word to us?"

"No, not like that. Things like how Dumbledore and Professor Lupin disappear after dinner every night."

"Oh."

"When was the last time Professor Lupin was available for Harry to talk to? You know, I think Harry knows more than he's letting on. And I bet it has something to do with her!"

"Exactly! Now do you see why--"

"No I don't, Ronald. I'm frustrated about all this too. But let's face it. This has nothing to do with us. Just leave it be."

"Nothing to do with us! Are you wankers? How can you believe that, 'Mione? This involves Harry. Har-ry! Our best friend! Of course it has something to do with us. I'm not going to just 'leave it be.' You don't see him at night. You don't hear him crying when he forgets to put up silencing spells around his bed. You don't-- you--"

"It's okay, Ron. I'm sorry. I know this has been hard on you. It's been hard on all of us to see him like this. But it's not something we can actively help him with. We just have to let him know that we'll be here for him. Support him and make sure he comes out of what ever this is whole and sane. I worry for you, Ron--just like I worry for him. But you're not going to do him any good if you keep on like this."

"I can't just sit back and do nothing while my best friend could be endangering his life senselessly!"

"It may do more harm than good."

"You don't know that. If you think she may have something to do with this, then she'll be the first."

"Ron!"

"It's nothing bad. Not really."

"I still don't see how it was necessary."

"We'll see in the morning. Fred and George 'll be there. They can help. 'Night, 'Mione."

"'Night, Ron."

Oh, Harry. I hope you know what you're doing.

Note: For those who are wondering, or confused in the beginning, after Ron answers her question Hermione changes the subject. See, Harry had left them in the common room a bit before. Ron being Ron didn't like whom Harry went to meet with. So he came up with this plan --with the help of a few others-- and has just told Hermione about it--just to give her a heads up about the next day. She asks "was it really necessary."