Chapter 3: Something New
"Ginny what do you think you are doing?!" Hermione practically yelled once they got into their room. "Are you trying to embarrass me?" Ginny just smiled and removed her cloak. She walked over to the girl and gently put her hands on her shoulders.
"Hermione couldn't you see how she would look at you?" Hermione thought back to the look she got right before Jade had parted ways with them and how her blue eyes almost seemed to glow in the moonlight. "She's into you 'Mione! This is the perfect opportunity to explore your newly discovered interests. You'll be here for the school year so if something happens great! But if not at least you won't have to see each other ever again y'know? It's brilliant." Hermione watched her friend walk to the bathroom beaming from ear to ear. Hermione undressed and got into her pajamas.
Right. She thought sarcastically. Brilliant, brilliant for whom exactly? What if she was just being friendly?Hermione sighed and laid her head back against her pillow as she lazily waved her hand and dimmed the lights. She would never admit it to Ginny, but she was excited for tomorrow. Something about Jade, the way she looked at her and the way her smile gave her goose bumps. Something was different about her and Hermione definitely wanted to know what.
x—x
The next day came too soon for Hermione, who rose when the sunlight hit her eyes through the drapes of her room. Ginny was already up of course and in the shower. Hermione sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes. Hermione was finishing getting dressed when Ginny stepped out of the bathroom fully dressed and towel drying her hair.
"Good morning, Hermione!" Ginny said extremely cheerful. "Are you ready for your big date?!" Hermione scuffed and finished pulling her hair back into a loose pony tail.
"It's not a date, Ginny." Hermione wrung a black leather belt through her jean shorts and buckled it. "You're coming with me, and besides she didn't ask just me." Hermione grabbed her shoulder bag. "Are you ready for breakfast Gin?" Ginny turned and magically dried her hair.
"Should we wait for the boys?" Ginny asked as they walked into the common room. To their surprised the boys were already up and sitting on the sofa. They turned to look at the girls and stood up.
"About bloody time!" Ron said stretching his arms. "It's almost eleven thirty and the studious Hermione Granger is just getting out of bed. It's an omen." Harry and Ginny laughed as Hermione gasped and looked at her watch.
"It's eleven thirty?!" Hermione looked at Ginny. "Why did you let me sleep in so late?!" Ginny smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
"You just looked so peaceful that I didn't want to wake you," Ginny said and grabbed Harry's hand as he stood. "So when I got back from breakfast and you were still sleeping I just let you."
"Well, are you ready to get go eat then?" Ron said walking past the trio and out the doors. Her friends followed her to the dining hall and noticed it was changed into a buffet style restaurant with a various assortment of breakfast foods, fruit, and juice.
While on other long tables were ingredients to make sandwiches and soups as well as pizza and a Chinese food bar. "This place keeps amazing me." Hermione said to herself as they found a booth to seat themselves in.
Ginny and Ron immediately grabbed their plates and headed to the kiosk of eggs, bacon, and pancakes, along with other hot foods. Harry laughed and nodded his head to the side as he got up. Hermione followed him to the bagels and fruit.
"I guess breakfast wasn't enough for them this morning." Harry mentioned as he spread some cream cheese on a toasted bagel. Hermione smiled and grabbed a bowl of mixed fruit and some orange juice. She also made herself a bagel with jam and a bowl of oatmeal. Just because she missed breakfast didn't mean she wouldn't eat her favorite breakfast foods.
Hermione was about to sit down when Jade entered the hall flanked by blonde haired girls who were obviously twins, and a tall brunette boy. They were laughing about something when the boy and the blonde on her right went to grab some food. The two American girls walked towards Hermione and she stiffened slightly almost tempted to hold her breath as they neared. Jade finally looked up from her conversation and smiled at Hermione.
"Good afternoon, Hermione." She greeted as the two paused beside her. "Elise, this is Hermione Granger, from Hogwarts. Hermione, this is Elise Kiely, that other blonde is her sister Evette." Elise smiled at Hermione, who, if her hands weren't full of food would have shook her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione." Elise said before averting her gaze to the food. "If you don't mind though, I'm going to get some pancakes before they're all gone." With a wave of her hand Elise headed towards the kiosk and Hermione was left with Jade.
"Did you sleep well?" Jade asked gently as she walked with Hermione back to her table. "Sometimes the potion can cause you not to sleep unless you eat enough to counter act the rest of it in your system." Hermione nodded slowly as they reached her booth.
"I think the feast afterwards helped because I slept like a rock." Jade laughed gently and nodded. "Thanks for your concern though, but I think your friends are trying to get your attention." Hermione looked over Jade's shoulder and saw her three friends watching with smirks on their faces. Jade shot them a playful glare and nodded.
"I hope you're ready to see the rest of this place when you're done eating." Jade mentioned as she started to walk to the food bar. "I look forward to seeing you soon." She smiled brightly at Hermione before heading over to grab some food. Hermione blushed slightly as she turned and saw Ron, red faced staring after Jade, and Ginny smirking at her knowingly.
"What?" Hermione said, trying to dodge Ginny's eyes. "We were just talking." Ginny giggled and returned to her food. Hermione looked over at Ron who was still eyeing in the direction of Jade and her friends. She suddenly felt irritated with his lack of tact. "I think you're drooling Ron." Hermione spat, stabbing a strawberry with her fork. Ron turned back to his friends and absent-mindedly wiped his chin, even though there was no actual drool.
"Who was that you were talking with Hermione?" He asked as he glanced back over his shoulder. "She's hot. Do you think she'd come hang out with us today?" Harry shrugged his shoulders at his grinning friend, but noticed Hermione get stiff.
"She probably already has plans." Hermione said sternly stabbing another piece of fruit and shoving it into her mouth. Was she getting jealous? Of course not, she was just tired of Ron's skirt chasing is all. That's what she told herself at least. "Besides, I'm sure she has a higher intellect than talking about quidditch twenty-four/seven."
Ron was completely ignoring her and eating his food with stealing the occasional glance in Jade's direction. Hermione finished her bagel and downed her juice before standing up and grabbing Ginny's arm.
"I need some air." She breathed before dragging her friend out the door with her.
"Hey!" Ginny complained as they stopped at the bench where Hermione had previously sat the other day. "I wasn't finished eating y'know." Hermione sat down heavily and sighed.
"I can't stand Ron's skirt chasing anymore." Hermione said holding her head in her hands. "It's becoming unbearable and irritating. Can't he just keep it between him and Harry instead of speaking whatever thought comes into his mind about any girl that crosses his path?" Ginny sat down next to Hermione and smiled evilly.
"Hermione…" Ginny said slowly. Hermione looked over at the red head. "Are you jealous that Ron was talking about Jade?" Hermione was surprised and blushed slightly and shook her head.
"Of course not Ginny, that's absurd!" Hermione almost shouted. Ginny laughed at the girl and put a hand on her back. "We barely know each other and…and how do you know she's not just being a good host?" Hermione denied the fact that she found Jade attractive let alone that she'd be jealous of Ron speaking about her. "Besides, she probably just wants to be friends, stop with those crazy thoughts."
"Crazy thoughts?" The voice came from behind her and Hermione almost fell off the bench. Jade chuckled and rested her elbows on the back of the bench. "I guess you really can't stand well without me hm?" Hermione was blushing wildly and avoiding eye contact with Jade before her face went back to its normal color. Ginny was giggling at the comedy that was unfolding in front of her as Ron and Harry appeared suddenly from the hall.
"What's so funny, Gin?" Harry asked as he slipped his hand into hers. Ginny smiled warmly at him and laid a kiss on his cheek. "Hello, I'm Harry, Harry Potter." He held out his hand and Jade took it.
"I'm Jade McHale. Pleased to meet you, although everyone here knows who you are Harry."
Even across the world Harry was famous for defeating Voldemort and surviving the killing curse twice in his lifetime. Ron stepped forward and seized Jade's hand, brought it up to his lips and kissed it softly. Hermione thought she felt her blood boil and had to take a few breaths to calm her rising anger.
"I'm Ronald Weasley." He said still holding her hand. Jade raised her eyebrows and slowly pulled her hand out of his grasp. Ginny tried to stifle a giggle, but it escaped as a snort as Ron's eyes narrowed in her direction.
"Nice to meet you." Jade said finally getting her hand back. She turned to look at Hermione and smiled again. "So, are you ready to go?" She glanced at Ginny also, who shook her head slowly and feigned a troubled look.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Ginny said as she smacked her forehead. "I just remembered, Harry and I had planned to spend the day exploring around the campus since we haven't had much alone time together."
"What are you talking about Gi-" Harry started to say. But Ginny shot him a wide eyed look and barely shook her head. "O-ooh! I remember now, sorry, I guess I forgot too!" Hermione glared at her two friends, knowing what Ginny was trying to do.
"I'll come along." Ron chimed in as he straightened up and slightly puffed out his chest. Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "I don't have anything planned for today." Ginny elbowed Harry slightly and whispered something to him.
"Actually mate," Harry mentioned after his and Ginny's secret discussion. Jade looked over curiously at Hermione who just shrugged. Apparently they weren't being as discreet as they thought, except to Ron. "Dean and Seamus said they had something they wanted to talk to you about when you were done eating. Something about a quidditch match and needing your strategic prowess." Flattery was always the way to get Ron to listen. Jade walked around the bench and looked at Hermione.
"Guess it's just me and you then." She smiled and offered her hand to her to help Hermione up. Hermione blushed, but obliged and Jade easily pulled her up. Hermione watched as a smiling Ginny walked off with Harry, and Ron headed back to the dorm muttering something to himself. "You have some interesting friends Miss Granger, one of Harry Potter's closest friends and then Ginny, always trying to get us together." Hermione mentally smacked herself. Ginny wasn't very discreet in the least. "And then Ron trying to be charming."
"I'm sorry about that, by the way." Hermione apologized as they headed past the buildings to a remote trail heading into a small forest. "The new found fame makes him think he can win any girl's heart."
Jade nodded in understanding. As they passed buildings, she explained more in depth what each department was. One subject Hermione was particularly interested in was the Study of Wandless and Silent Magic.
"I've read about it and learned a few things," Hermione said as they passed the building. "But I've never tried offensive or defensive spells without my wand. Does everyone who studies here learn this?" Jade nodded and then turned to the fountain in the middle of the quad.
She extended her right hand and slowly started waving her hand back and forth before making an action that she was pulling something up from the ground. Hermione watched, mesmerized as the fountains started to churn and suddenly a wave of water shot up and danced beautifully in the air before settling back down into the marble pool. Jade looked back at her and smiled.
"We start learning how to use it in our fifth year, after we master the more basic spells." Jade said as they continued to walk. "I'm nineteen now so, I've been learning for three years now? That's what I rely on mainly for my magic. I hardly use my wand much anymore." Hermione smiled and as they reached the forest she stopped and it suddenly reminded her of the dark forest, minus the dark part. The sun was shining brightly through the tall trees.
"Jade," Hermione started as they broke the line of trees and ventured deeper into the woods again as she saw fairies flit by giggling. "Where are we going? We are getting pretty far away from the school." She smiled and gently grabbed Hermione's hand sending chills up her arm.
"Just follow me." They walked for another few minutes, passing every sort of magical creature that seemed to be following them. Finally they came to a break in the trees that opened up to a large crystal blue lake.
"It's beautiful." Hermione whispered as she sat in awe of the lake that was bordered by white capped mountains. "This was well worth the wait." Jade chuckled and continued around the lake towards a large open field that resembled a quidditch pitch except there was only one hoop that was far taller than the quidditch hoops.
"That's not what I came to show you, but I'm glad you enjoy the scenery." They reached a large fenced in paddock that was attached to a large blue barn. Inside the paddock were several pegasus, some white or grey and some black. "This is what I came to show you Hermione."
Jade whistled and a dapple grey pegasus lifted its head and began trotting over while tossing his head, gently extending his wings. Hermione was startled as the winged horse got larger as it neared. Not quite as large as the Beauxbatons beasts, but still larger than the average horse. The grey horse stopped at the fence and let Jade grab its face as she rubbed its forehead gently.
"Amazing." Hermione whispered in awe. "Is it yours?" Jade nodded and patted the horse's neck gently white feeding it some grass.
"This is Cirro. He is my pegasus for Sky Ball." Jade turned to Hermione and smiled. "Do you want to go for a ride?" Hermione looked at Jade with wide eyes and rubbed her hands together nervously. Jade smiled and gently grabbed Hermione's hand and brought it to the animal's nose. "Just let him sniff you, he's a good boy."
Hermione gently placed her hand in front of Cirro's nose and he sniffed her curiously. Jade then put Hermione's hand gently on his nose and he nuzzled it gently. After seeing this Jade opened the paddock gate and Cirro trotted out. She threw a halter on him with a lead rope that was resting on the fence and quickly lifted Hermione up on his back behind his wings.
"Wait!" Hermione gasped suddenly realizing she was higher than she wanted to be. "I'm not sure about this!" Before she could say anything else, Jade settled herself behind Hermione and slipped her arms under hers to grab the rope. Jade leaned closer and it caused Hermione to blush furiously. Thank god she was behind her.
"I told you I was going to show the best parts of this place." Jade said quietly and held Hermione closer. "Just hold on tight, ok?" Hermione nodded and grabbed the silvery mane of the horse as Jade gave it a little kick and clicked her tongue.
Cirro tested his massive wings and started running at the lake. Right before they reached the edge, the animal lifted itself with a great flap of its wings and up into the air. Hermione's stomach flew to her throat as they rose higher and Jade turned Cirro towards the school campus.
They soared gracefully over the campus and Hermione was in awe of the view she was seeing. People walking around looked like ants and Hermione started to understand why Harry liked to fly so much. It was such a freeing experience to be above the ground, but she much preferred riding the winged horse than a broom stick since there was more to hold onto. She heard Jade laugh and as Hermione looked over her shoulder, the darker haired girl leaned forward and whispered into Hermione's ear.
"Hang on tight." Hermione shivered involuntarily and nodded. She felt Jade's body press against hers, holding her closer as she pulled the reins up and to the right. Hermione felt the muscles in Cirro's wings flex as he lifted them higher and towards the mountains. As they slowed to a glide, Jade lowered her hands slightly.
"Do you want to drive?" She offered Hermione the reins. Hermione looked down apprehensively. "It's really easy, just pull straight back to slow down, and the other directions are self-explanatory." Hermione looked over her shoulder and Jade looked back at her assuredly. Slowly Hermione grabbed the reins and veered Cirro to the left back towards the forest.
"Now don't hold too tight," Jade directed gently. "Or he might dive." Hermione nodded and loosened her grip a bit.
After a few more minutes of riding, Jade told Hermione to pull down on the reins slightly while flying over the lake. Slowly and elegantly began to descend back towards the ground. Hermione had gotten the hang of steering and as Cirro came closer to the ground she pulled slowly on the reins straight to her belly and as he touched down to the ground he trotted back to the paddock.
Jade slid off of the great horses back and offered her hands to Hermione who swung her leg over and slid off. She hit the ground kind of hard and stumbled into the slightly taller girl's chest, she underestimated the height of the winged animal. Before she realized that her nose was in the side of blue-eyed girl's neck, she noticed that Jade's hands were settled on her waist. Hermione tried to pull away, but her body wasn't responding for some reason.
"Maybe you should stay close to me," Jade said quietly as she gently moved Hermione away so they were looking into each other's eyes. "So I can catch you when you get clumsy."
Hermione blushed and coughed nervously as she looked up into Jade's bright blue eyes. She smiled kindly and Hermione couldn't help but notice Jade's hands lingering at her waist. Heat was radiating from them as Hermione's heart started to beat a little faster. As if she could read her mind, Jade coughed slightly and removed her hands smiling shyly at Hermione.
"Ahem." Jade cleared her throat. "Should we head back then?" This was the first sign of her being nervous that Hermione had seen all day, which in turn, made Hermione blush more if that was possible. She nodded slightly neglecting to make eye contact with the dark haired beauty. Jade swept her arm in front of her allowing Hermione to move first. She then watched and she gave Cirro an apple and shut the paddock gate.
"Thank you." Hermione said as Jade walked up to her. "That was the best flying experience I've ever had." She looked up and saw Jade smiling.
"You're very welcome, Hermione." She smiled at her and for a second their hands brushed against each other. Hermione swore she saw red start to creep into the girl's cheeks behind her black hair. "So, do you like quidditch?" Hermione was kind of surprised at the question and looked at her curiously. "I just ask because Sky Ball is sort of like quidditch, except on pegauses and usually it takes less time."
"Well my friends are really into quidditch," Hermione answered finally. "I enjoy watching it, but playing is a different story." Jade laughed as they neared the edge of the trees where they had entered.
"Well, I have a game tomorrow or more so a practice game before the season actually starts." As they left the trees, the sun washed over them and Hermione noticed how blue Jade's eyes actually were in direct light. "I was hoping you would come watch, since you've never seen it before. You could bring your friends of course."
"What is Sky Ball exactly?" Hermione asked as neared the fountain where Jade had displayed her wandless magic. "I mean, I saw the pitch and it resembles quidditch slightly, but is everything the same? With a seeker, beaters, a keeper, and chasers?" Jade stopped walking and sat on the edge of the fountain and Hermione did the same.
"It's very similar that's for sure." Jade answered as she leaned back and took in the sun. "There is a seeker per se, but it's called a striker, and they try to catch the ball and score. Then there are defense, which are like beaters, but we use minor defensive and offensive spells to attack. And finally there are the offensive players that try to score points by knocking the ball out of the striker's hand."
Hermione nodded as she continued to explain the game. "See, the strikers try to get the ball to score through the hoop, but the offensive players try to knock the ball away from the strikers while the defense men try and protect them. You get two points if you knock the ball out of the striker's hands, and five points if the other players score. Ten points for every goal the striker can make and the games usually last around an hour and half." Hermione was surprised at how similar the games were, but also how different.
"I'm sure my friends would love to watch." Hermione said finally as she looked towards the clock tower to check the time. Hermione hadn't noticed how time had passed; it was almost five o' clock. "And of course I would come; I'd love to see the game in action." Jade smiled and stood up, offering her hand to her again to help her up. They started walking back to dining hall building as they continued to talk about Hogwarts and what Hermione had been interested in. They stood outside talking more when Hermione saw Ginny and Harry walking towards them. Ginny waved enthusiastically as she approached.
"Hey, you two!" Ginny said happily. "How was your day?" Ron followed slowly standing behind Harry. Jade smiled at everyone as they all walked towards the hall. Hermione felt a gentle hand grab her wrist and she paused as her friends walked through the door.
"I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed today." Jade said quietly once Hermione had turned to face her. "So thank you, for spending the day with me. Oh and the game tomorrow is at three o' clock." Hermione smiled and nodded slightly.
"Thank you for showing me around, Jade," It was Hermione's turn to grab the girl's hand and pull her towards the hall. "Now let's go eat." Jade smiled and they walked into the hall together. As they entered, the first thing Hermione saw was the Goblet of Fire that was standing near the faculty table. Hermione had almost forgotten about the Triwizard Tournament. She noticed Jade's eyes light up in realization.
"I almost forgot about the tournament." Jade said as she pulled a piece of paper out of her shoulder bag and a pen. Scratching her name on it hastily, she headed towards the goblet, before turning around to address Hermione. "Sorry Hermione I forgot to enter, will you be at the game tomorrow?"
Hermione smiled and nodded watching Jade grin back before heading towards the goblet. She noticed another large blonde haired boy dressed in leathers drop his name into the cup, obviously a student from Dalgang. Hermione found her friends and grabbed a plate full of turkey, mashed potatoes and salad before joining them.
"So Hermione," Ginny said as she sat down next to Ron. "You never did answer how your day was." Hermione fought hard to not blush or smile too wide so Ginny wouldn't be able to tease her about it later. She picked up a tomato from her salad and shoved it in her mouth.
"It was fine." She answered flatly, making sure not to make eye contact with the interrogating red head. "Jade just showed me around the campus and explained more about the subjects of their curriculum." Great answer, very expected since that is mainly what they did. Minus the flying around on a pegasus.
"Sounds boring," Ron drawled after he swallowed a mouth full of burger. "I should have gone. I'm sure I could've spiced things up." Hermione shot him a glare and felt her face start to flush. Ginny kicked Ron under the table. "Ow! Blimey Ginny, what was that for?" Ginny just shrugged and continued on with your meal.
"So did any of you enter your name into the goblet?" Hermione asked to change the conversation. Ron shook his head and so did Ginny. "What about you Harry?" Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"Why in the world would I want to enter that blasted tournament again?" Harry laughed at himself and took a swig of his orange juice. "I didn't want to be in it the first time, I bloody well won't do it again." Hermione giggled and took another bite of her salad. "What about you Hermione?" Harry asked curiously. "Have you thought about entering?"
"Oh heavens, no." Hermione said, surprised he even asked. "I'm more of the brains side than the action side of magic." Harry and Ginny laughed and Ron rolled his eyes.
"Hermione, you know as well as anyone in Hogwarts that you're a brilliant witch and highly offensive when needed." Ginny said sitting back in her chair. "Don't try and tell yourself that you wouldn't be a competitor if you did enter. So maybe you should." Hermione looked at her friends in horror.
"You can't be serious." Her friends looked at her with straight faces. "I don't think it'd be wise for me to enter any kind of tournament as dangerous as the Triwizard Tournament. Although I am curious who the Hogwarts champion will be." Hermione glanced sideways at where Jade was eating with her friends and they were conversing exuberantly.
Jade looked in her direction and caught Hermione's brown eyes while sending her a smile. Hermione absentmindedly smiled back, thank god none of her friends noticed. After dinner the four friends headed back to their dorms for the night. Hermione showered and as she lay down in bed recounting the events of that day and fell asleep with a smile playing across her lips.