AN: Writing hurts like a bitch when your wrist hurts. I don't even know how I did it! I think I might be sleep walking; getting up in the middle of the night and karate-chopping cinder blocks or fighting crime. Thankfully, this chapter nearly finished already. Enjoy it.
Chapter 4
Kitsune Tales
I paced in poorly veiled anxiety. A path had been worn into the forest floor marking my routes. Back and forth, eight formation, circles. The grass and been trampled past saving and dirt was starting to show through the normally lush ground. All movement came to a stop when my ears picked up the excited chatter of fourth years.
"A'right! Gather 'round, everyone! I got a real treat fer ya today! A rare specimen!"
My legs quaked beneath me, struggling to hold me up.
"Um, Hagrid? Have you seen Hermione?" Harry's voice could be heard over the subdued whispering that grew louder upon voicing his concern for my welfare.
"Hermione is runnin' a few erran's fer Professor McGonagall. As far as I know, she'll be in'n'out fer the rest of the week. Now turn yer books to page 297!"
'This is it.' I thought to myself. 'No going back.'
"Come on out, Ember." Hagrid called out.
After planning out the entire school year, one would think that my analytical mind could handle such a task. But I couldn't. This is different than a simple essay or assignment. Harry is out there. My closest friends are out there. Along with my most detested enemy. Despite what Ron proclaims on a regular basis, Draco is quite intelligent. Incredibly so. If I weren't here or wasn't the way I am, he'd be the top of the class. No doubt he finds my lack of attendance to be suspicious. If I make one wrong move, one mistake, his keen mind would make note of it. He would go through the facts and discover that Ember was in fact Hermione, the bane his existence. Not that I mean to be. I can't help that I'm more organized and talented than he. I was, quite literally, born to be a witch.
I took a deep breath and put one paw in front of the other. The heavy foliage of the bush hiding me brushed against my face and fur. My nose peeked out first followed by my jaw until finally my whole head was sticking out of the vegetation.
The class of fourth years were not impressed. "Sir, I'm confused. I thought this a class to study magical creatures. That is just a fox."
Hagrid gave a hearty laugh. "That be no fox, Miss Patil. Ya gotta learn that not everythin' is as it seems." I crept out slowly, listening to my instincts without relying on them. The disinterested muttering turned to awed gasps when they spotted my extra tails. Only then did they notice the fire burning brightly against my fur. "Now, who 'ere can tell me what she is? Anyone? Wow, class is a bit dull without Hermione aroun'."
The hand of Blaise Zabini, a Slytherin and one of Draco's friends, went up in the air. "That is a Kitsune. I'm not sure what kind though. I am puzzled as to how you came about her as Kitsunes are indigenous to Japan, not Scotland, and how you are still alive. It is not uncommon knowledge that Kitsunes value their freedom above all else. To those that have read of them, anyway."
"Excellent, Mr. Zabini! Ten points fer Slytherin! And Ember 'ere volunteered. I may not be a genius like Hermione, but I'm smart enough ta know not ter try an' capture a Kitsune. Can anyone tell me why?"
Zabini raised his hand again. "Not only are the Kitsune elusive, but they are one of the only creatures capable of using magic. There are thirteen known species of Kitsune, each with a different style of combat. Though all Kitsunes can produce fire, only a Fire Kitsune has complete mastery over the element. Fire Kitsunes also happen to be one of the most common of the Kitsune. Air is a close second."
I silently padded up to the group as Zabini took my place as the know-it-all. I knew by the proud glint in his dark eyes as he was awarded another ten points that I had competition. Thankfully, all the teachers loved me more. They will call on me first. Except Snape. He'll no doubt reward Zabini double the points and a higher grade. It's unfair and totally biased, but complaining would get me nowhere fast. All I can do is create potions perfectly and give him no room to mock me.
Pansy Parkinson was cooing at me and trying call me over, but I ignored her. I know Hagrid told me to play fair and try to be as unbiased as I can, but I didn't want Pansy of all people touching my fur. Instead, I approached Neville, the poor boy that seemed to have the most rotten of luck. He whimpered and tried to shuffled away, so I jumped onto the stone wall to get closer. I bumped my head against his arm, rumbling in my own fox version of a purr. Neville stilled for a moment of terror that morphed into wonder as he realized I meant him no harm.
He tentatively placed a hand atop my head and began showing that Gryffindor bravery when I encouraged his gentle petting. He chuckled, almost hysterically, and turned to his classmates. "Hey guys, look. She's not trying to kill me."
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" Hagrid clapped his hands. "Now, yer all's assignment is ter write a essay about the histery of Kitsunes an' why we know so little about 'em. Take the the rest o'the class ter start on yer readin'."
That's how the rest of the classes went for the day. Third period was filled with more fourth years just as awed by me as the last. I released my fox form and happily ate Hagrid's offerings for lunch and shifted back for fourth period full of third years. Fifth was occupied by sixth years. By the time dinner came around, I had learned more about the lore of Kitsune just by listening to the students conversing.
Kitsunes were separated by two classes: the benevolent beings that served Inari, the god of rice and the rogue Kitsunes that were much more mischievous and did not follow Inari. The good Kitsunes, or zenko, rewarded honest and hard working people while playing tricks on greedy lords and particularly savage samurais. They are champions of the defenseless and downtrodden and acted as a guide to many that wished to travel the path of light. The darker Kitsunes, yako or nogitsune, could vary from playfully mischievous to downright malicious. They enjoyed pulling pranks on everyone and just making their day a little harder. To those that insulted them they tortured until the victim begged for death. Not directly of course. Nogitsune would drain the entire family of everything of value. Cattles would stop producing milk, game would die off or became scarce, nearby water sources would run dry, and the family's fortune would slowly drain away. Some Kitsunes could take a spirit form and possess others, making them do horrible things before releasing them to face the consequences of actions they themselves didn't commit. Getting on a nogitsune's bad side was a one way ticket to hell on earth. And so terribly easy. Kitsunes are thought to be incredibly sensitive beings and easy to offend. Not as much as the hippogriff, but a close third right underneath the Griffin.
I left Hagrid's hut with promises to show up bright and early to prepare for another day of classes and headed for the Great Hall. Remaining in fox form nearly all day made my five senses much more sensitive to the world around me. I could smell the mouthwatering aroma of tonight's dinner wafting through the air. The succulent scent of a roast teased my nose along with the starchy savor of potatoes and gravy. I am proud to say that I am definitely a meat and potatoes kind of girl, and the aroma was extra tantalizing tonight. I blamed my sudden ravenous appetite on the fact that my body felt drained and weary from holding another shape throughout the day. A simple spell sent my books to my dorm room and I slid up behind Harry and Ron talking with Seamus and Neville.
"GAH!" Ron jumped in fright as soon as he noticed me. The small group and a few others in the hall turned to stare at the overdramatic Weasley. "How in the bloody hell did you do that?"
Harry smiled in relief. "There you are, Hermione. Where have you been all day? You missed an amazing class with Hagrid. He got a Kitsune to appear for the period. It was amazing!" Neville pitched in with enthusiasm he usually only showed for herbology. He ranted on about how sweet the fox was and proceeded to describe it. I hadn't gotten a chance to look at my reflection in that form, so I listened with rapt attention. Apparently I was very wafish, more of something you'd see on paper than in the woods. My coat was a creamy pearl and my chin and underbelly was pure white. The white fur made a strange hook on my sides, the point facing forward. My five tails were quite fluffy with a slight curl and looked to be very soft. Not that he would know. I only allowed him to pet my head and neck. If his hand went any further, I pulled away. To have someone petting my naked of furred back would have been really weird and uncomfortable. My ears and paws faded to black, not that you'd notice when the fox has a fire collar and bracelets! A little bigger than a normal fox, I was about the size of a border collie and just as sweet. Until Draco, that prat, called 'her' a flea bitten mongrel.
Ron cackled with glee. "Ember set his robes on fire! He's not hurt unfortunately, but it was hilarious to watch him squeal like a girl."
I cackled at the memory and bounced one of the thick tomes I borrowed from the library, detailing the Tri-Wizard Tournaments of the past, in my hand before slamming it onto Ron's head. "Sounds like you all had a nice time today."
Harry stopped. "Speaking of, where were you all day?"
"Oh, just doing a few things for Professor McGonagall. Nothing too interesting. Just a bit of research and the like. You'd all find it very dull." I shifted uneasily. Though lying was simple enough, I hated to lie to my best friend. As much as I wanted to share my new form with him, I couldn't. Not yet at least. A sharp whistle caused all of us to freeze and look up. We had reached the Great Hall without even knowing it, and a certain Bulgarian had noticed our entry. Viktor and his friends were waving me over to join them. "Well, I cannot ignore my savior's call. Life debt bond and all. I'll see you all in the common room."
I took a step forward only to be yanked back by a redhead. "Be a friend and get me an autograph, yeah?"
I shot a glare at the Weasley. "One: remove your hand from my arm or you'll pull back a bloody stub. Two: Viktor is a person just like you, me, and Harry. Stop treating him like he's any different. And three: It wasn't too long ago you were speaking ill of him for saving my life and invoking the debt I owe! Now take your seat and shut your mouth or I shall become very cross with you."
A large hand settled onto my lower back. "Iz there problem?"
Judging from the awestruck expressions of all but Harry and the familiar timbre of the accented voice, I deduced that Viktor had come over to check on me. I guess now that the shock of the life debt has worn off and Viktor hadn't ordered anything unsavory of me, everyone was much more fascinated by the fact that he was a celebrity in the Quidditch world. "Nothing to worry over, Viktor. Neville here was just telling me about an exciting class he had today."
"Da! I hear zat… Ha-greed haz a Kitzune in hiz care. I cannot vait to zee it tomorrow. It iz rare. Ve are exzited to zee such lovely creature."
Hagrid had requested each of his classes to keep me a secret until the week's end so he could surprise the others. I'm not too surprised that the entire school knew about the Kitsune now. "You look excited."
"It iz not everyday you meet Kitsune! Come, Mila. Comeran iz dying to show you new charm he learn. He zay only you vill… ap-app-ree-che-ate zuch vurk."
"I would love to see this charm." I smiled up at Viktor, sparing a brief grin to my friends. "I'll see you both in the common room."
All but Ron smiled and nodded. Instead, the sixth Weasley was staring at the lack of space between me and Viktor. Before I could scold him, I was guided down the aisle. My skin burned with the seething glares of jealous females and spiteful snakes. Both in Pansy Parkinson's case. And Daphne Greengrass. And her little sister, Astoria. And Millicent Bulstrode. All of them, in fact. The Durmstrang men were much happier to see me.
"Mimi! Zere you are!"
"Vare vere you all day?"
"Ve hear you vere gone."
"Come drink vith us!"
Viktor guided me to the bench and sat down beside me. I picked at my steak and potatoes as he chatted animatedly with his classmates, slipping into Bulgarian several times. His cheeks would flush and he'd mumble an apology before resuming his stilted English. To be perfectly honest, I thought it was adorable. I had a vague idea of what he was talking about, an advanced spell in Charms, and it was cute the way he switched languages when he got excited. I caught the word Patronus and I grew eager to put in my two sickles. Not only had I seen it used against the very reason it was created, but I participated and had one, too. I conjured a Patronus to fend off Dementors. If Viktor needed help, I was more than capable of sharing my knowledge. "Excuse me, Viktor. Are you studying the Patronus Charm? Is that what you all wanted to talk about?"
Their conversation came to a halt. "Da. Very advanced spell. It iz used vor…"
"Shielding yourself from a Dementor and can be used to send messages. Though it is safer than using an owl, as the message cannot be intercepted, not many can produce the full-bodied charm required for the task." I completed his explanation.
Viktor, and the rest of the Durmstrang men, looked rather impressed. "Da. That's vite. How do you know zo much about charm? It iz NEWT level."
Giggles bubbled up my throat, surprising me because I am not a giggly girl. "Advanced it may be, but I was desperate and surrounded by dementors. Harry learned from our last Dark Arts teacher. I taught myself."
Asen, a dark haired and brown eyed boy, rubbed his chin. "I hear about zat. School vas guarded by dementors. Because ov prizon break, da?"
"Yeah. Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban to hunt down Peter Pettigrew, the Secret Keeper that betrayed the Potter family. Harry's less than pleasant childhood made him a prime target for the creatures. I learned to protect him only to find out he had learned the charm himself. We ended up facing a horde of what must have been a hundred dementors. He'll tell you he chased them off all by himself, and he believes it to be true, but I had a hand in helping him. Don't say anything. He feels as if that is one of his greatest accomplishments. Well, one that he can remember anyway. Harry said killing Voldemort doesn't count because he was too young to recall how he did it." It didn't escape my notice that a spare few Slytherins flinched at the name of the Dark Wizard. The Bulgarians, it seemed, could not have cared less. I pointed this out to them.
Aidan shrugged and proceeded to scarf down a scone. Vasil was much cleaner in his eating habits. "Fear ov name makes people fear perzon more."
I threw my hands in the air. "Thank you! You don't know how many times I've said that for people to look at me as if I'm the crazy one!"
Comeran set his elbows on the table and leaned forward. "Vait! Are ve vorgetting zat Her-my-own haz cast Patronus? Zat iz no eazy task!"
A man further down the table belted something in bulgarian. I looked expectantly up at Viktor, waiting for translation. He swallowed a mouthful of perfectly juicy meat. "Vlad demands you prove it."
That didn't surprise me. A fourth year able to produce a full-bodied Patronus? It was unheard of. If this Vlad had asked me to conjure one at any other time, I would have done it with a smirk on my face. Nothing pleased me more than showing nay-sayers that a Muggleborn witch could do everything a Pureblood could, and in my case even surpass the limits and expectations. However, I had just spent my entire day as a fox. A magical fox. I didn't want to cast spells. I wanted to crawl into my bed and sleep for a week. But I couldn't back down. Besides, I think I have enough juice left in me for a Patronus. I pulled my wand out of my robe pocket and thought of everything that made me happy. Baking cookies with my mother. Listening to my father read me stories. Seeing Viktor walk through the doors. "Expecto Patronum."
A silver mist erupted from my wand and form into a very real looking fox. The small body yipped and darted in the air, flitting between the young men. It wasn't long before the apparition faded. I slumped over the table, sagging in exhaustion. Viktor's smile vanished and he wrapped his arms around my waist and chest, holding me up as best as he could. "Mila! Are you alvite?"
I placed a shaky hand on the forearm resting across my bust. "I'm fine. I think I've just pushed myself a little too hard today. I'll be okay after a night of sleep."
His face softened, but the frown was still in place. "I 'ave veeling zat you do zis many timez. Lucky vor you, so do ve. Dimitri! Mila needs a power up!"
The men of Durmstrang cackled as the tall, dark, and mysterious Dimitri ruffled through his satchel. "I'm sorry. Don't you mean a Pepper Up?"
Viktor shook his head as he tucked me into his side, helping me to stay upright. "No. Ourz iz secret potion. Vurk better than Pepper Up. You be running laps in no time!"
I was too focused on Viktor that I didn't see Dimitri pour a sickly looking greenish-brown liquid into a leftover glass goblet and set it in front of me. Though I may not have noticed the service, I certainly noticed it now. The first thing to catch my attention was the murky fog spilling over the rim of the cup and fading into thin air. The liquid swirled lazily within it's confines and did nothing to make it appealing. "Viktor? What is that?"
"Zat iz our Pepper Up. Only better." He used his free hand to nudge it closer. "Drink! You be up and running in no time!"
I looked between my savior and the goblet. "That does not look like a Pepper Up. That resembles a number of things, none of which I would ever want in my mouth."
Several men barked out a laugh. "Vat iz matter? You not trust me?"
"I trust you. It's your friend I don't trust."
Viktor chuckled, scooting the cup even closer. "Zat vat I say first time. Trust in me."
I eyed the potion in disgust. "I think something moved in there."
"Drink or I take you to bed."
I swear the drink hissed. "I think I'd prefer sleeping in a Basilisk's mouth over putting that anywhere near my lips."
A sly smirk appeared on his face. "I never zay your bed."
My face burned with embarrassment and I picked up the glass, downing its contents as Viktor and his friends laughed. When the potion hit my tongue, the taste wasn't all that bad. It certainly was bad, but not as bad as it appeared. I had swallowed two mouthfuls when the aftertaste kicked in. Over the summer, Ron and I joined Harry on the spare view visits he was allowed with his godfather. We learned early on that Sirius was quite the drinker. Firewhiskey, Brandy, Port, Patron, Vodka, Gin, Tequila, and other various alcoholic beverages. Sirius didn't discriminate. He encouraged the three of us to have a taste of some concoction he made himself. The second it hit my tongue I regretted it and every wrong decision I have ever made. This aftertaste is so much worse. Way worse.
I managed to swallow before my body began hacking. I was vaguely aware of someone hitting my back and rubbing soothing circles into my muscles. Tears stung and blurred my vision making it hard for me to see Viktor. "I thought you said it wasn't bad!"
"I never zay zat. I zay it give energy. You are not tired, da?"
True. The exhaustion I was feeling only a minute ago was gone, replaced with alertness and power. I coughed one more time in an attempt to regain my voice. "I guess you're right. Augh! Give me some pumpkin juice! My mouth tastes like a Potion rejects!"
Viktor ignored my request and loaded more food onto my plate. "Might vant to avoid shoogar vor vhile. Until potion out of zystum. You be up all night and tomorrow bouncing and running in castle. Horrible crash after. Eat meat and zalt. It vill vash out nasty taste."
I took his advice and started shoveling mashed potatoes in my mouth. The rich gravy did wonders to suppress the horrid aftertaste. The juices of the meat did the rest. Viktor made sure I had my fill before throwing his legs over the bench. "Vell, me and class are going vor run. Come vith us. Burn out energy or you vill not sleep tonight."
The Durmstrang men nodded, agreeing with the famous Seeker. Joining them in a run sounded fun. But I had never really gone running. In human form. "As fun as that sounds, I'm gonna have to pass. I'm not exactly a runner."
"Bah! Everyone runner in right condition! Ve at Durmstrang run every morning before breakvast and every evening after dinner. It good vor you. Keep you strong. And if you do not use up potion, you be up all night."
"Well, I can't have that." I have a full schedule this week. "Alright. Go easy on me."
Comeran grinned deviously. "Ve will see, Mimi."
"I don't like nicknames." I snapped playfully at the man.
"You let Viktor call you Mila."
I smirked allowed Viktor to help me to my feet. What a gentleman. "There is a difference between you both. Viktor saved my life. You didn't."
As we were walking out a silvery cat darted in the air in front of me and sat midair as though perched in a table. It opened it's mouth and McGonagall's voice came pouring out. "Miss Granger, I need to see you in my office after your run. It's about your extra credit project. Do make sure Mr. Krum escorts you safely." After saying her piece, the cat vanished like mist in a stiff breeze. I turned back to nod at the Head Table and continued down the Hall. I ignored the glares of envious females for there was nothing to covet.
Viktor looked back at the teachers. "Vat vas zat about?"
I shrugged nonchalantly. "Like I said, I'm working with Professor McGonagall all week. She probably just wants to outline tomorrow's schedule. Nothing to worry about."
I led them out the front door and onto the grounds of the school. Thanks to magic, my robes were sent to my room and my uniform was transfigured into running gear. The warm air called for shorts and a t-shirt. I reveled in the night air soaking into my skin.
The men whipped off their tops to reveal tank-clad or bare torsos. They stretched together, lightly conversing among themselves in a competitive and friendly manner. Viktor stuck close by, directing me in the proper stretches. While I was bending over to touch my toes, my Star Ball slipped out from beneath my shirt and thumped against my nose. I was irritated at first, but then realized this was the perfect time to give Viktor my Star Ball. I stood back up, lifted the necklace over my head and looped it on Viktor's neck. I looked up to see Viktor, his face so maddeningly close, peering at me with warm curiosity. Jumping back, I tried to will the heat from my face. "Sorry."
"No need to be sorry. Vat iz dis you give me?" His smile was bright and warm and made me feel all tingly.
"Well, it's a… um, charm I made myself! If you ever need me, anything at all, just touch this and call me. It should lead me right to you. I just thought I'd make your life a little easier. This castle is very big when you're looking for someone without help. Just… keep it safe, okay? I put a lot of effort into that."
Viktor beamed and slipped the ball under his shirt. I felt a vague sense of warmth and a heartbeat before his words pulled me back into reality. "Come on, boyz! Mila has meeting vith teacher and I don't vant her to be late!"
VHK
Viktor and I walked side by side through the torch lit halls of Hogwarts while Comeran lagged behind still recovering from our run. "Not a runner, she said. Not run a day in life, she said! Mimi run like za vind. Mimi iz liar… or natural."
I threw back my head and laughed. "Honestly, Comeran! That was the first time I ran willingly. I can't help it that my near death experiences have made me more athletic."
They hadn't. At least as far as I know. What I said was true to a point. That was the first time I had ever run willingly. I'm sure if it weren't for my Kistune counterpart, I would have collapsed before we had even reached the quarter mark. But I am a Kitsune and I kept up with their pace shockingly well. I always remained in front with Viktor, never faltering as some others had. My breathing hardly altered and I was one of the few that was not panting like an overheated dog after we finished.
We came to a halt when I spotted McGonagall's office door. "This is my stop. I want to thank you again for accompanying me here. Especially you, Comeran. You had no obligation and you volunteered anyway."
He shrugged. "Zink nozing ov it. I am happy to help friend."
Viktor was practically glowing. "We are glad to help, Mila. Do you vant us to vait for you and ezcort you to room?"
"No, I'll be fine. Besides, how would you two find the way out? Go on back to your ship. Professor McGonagall will take care of me." I shooed them down the hall.
Viktor and Comeran wished me goodnight and started back from where we came. I highly doubt they'd get much grief from patrolling staff. I knocked on the door and entered when I was welcomed. McGonagall was sitting on a sofa in front of the fireplace, lit and warming the drafty castle office. She offered me the seat opposite her, a matching chair. I sunk into the well-worn cushion and waited for the Professor to explain our meeting.
She set her tea on the small coffee table between us with a gentle hand. "Good evening, Miss Granger. How was your run with the Durmstrang students?"
"It went well." I humoured her small talk. "Apparently, I am a natural runner and they have invited me to do so again tomorrow morning."
She smiled. "Wonderful. It's good to see you socializing and befriending our guests. Is Mr. Krum treating you well? Has he made you feel uncomfortable in any way?"
"Not at all. He has been very attentive and kind. He goes out of his way to make sure I am alright. I couldn't have asked for a better man to hold my life in his hands." It's true. It easily could have been anybody else. A person with less honor than Viktor. Someone, a pureblood even, that would have enjoyed abusing my life debt and humiliating me. Not Viktor. He was perhaps the sweetest man I have ever met.
"You don't know just how much better I feel hearing you say that. I was worried for you. Many in the past have abused the life debt. What once was an honored tradition became something to fear thanks to the greed and lust of men." She gave a shaky breath and I wondered if the topic was a little more personal than she let on. Could it be that McGonagall was once one of those women forced into a life debt through deception? Or one of her close friends? As much as I wanted to know, I refused to ask my favorite teacher what could be a sensitive inquiry. It was obvious that life debts were a subject of pain for the Head of Gryffindor. However, inquiring out of concern could show her that I could be a confidant for her just as she was for me. She was like a mother to me. More so than my actual mom. Minerva was the one to show me the wizarding world and had been the first to congratulate me on joining the ranks of Gryffindor. I missed my chance to offer my support as she had regained her composure and switched to the real reason I was here.
"Miss Granger, I have finished and sent your Animagus paperwork to the Ministry and have received a reply just before dinner. A representative or two will come by tomorrow after classes to question and evaluate your proficiency in the spell. They will then write down your description, ask you if you are willing to aid the Department of Law Enforcement's Aurors, on special missions and then they'll be on their way. Considering your Animagus form, should the press catch wind of this, they will swarm the castle in an attempt to question you. One of those deplorable vultures will be Rita Skeeter, a vile woman that writes more fiction than fact. Everything you say to her, everything she sees you doing, she will warp and twist so profoundly, it will make you sick. No matter how pure and good-natured you are, that… beady-eyed harlot will make you out to be the worst kind of witch. I suggest you agree to assist the Aurors as all the Animagi on their payroll are kept under heavy lock and key. You will still be on the registry, but your form won't be listed."
Rita Skeeter sounded exactly like the kind of reporter I neverwanted to meet. I was considering the perks of working with the Aurors when it struck me. "Isn't that the writer for the Daily Prophet?"
"The very same. I want you to be very wary of that woman, Hermione. Though you and I can easily see through her lies, others are not so observant. Many people read the Daily Prophet to lap at the drama she stirs for her own sick pleasure. She has destroyed many a reputation with her filthy deceits. Try to stay away from her."
I nodded and stretched, my robes and uniform brushing against my skin. "Alright, Professor. I shall do my best. I am not looking forward to the press. I hate unneeded attention. Seems I chose a good time to achieve my form though. The Tournament isn't far off and that will certainly keep her out of the Ministry's records."
"Indeed. Why do you think I finished the paperwork so early?" She chuckled lightly. "Come, Miss Granger. You will need your strength for tomorrow."
We both stood up and headed for the door. "I just have to make it 'til thursday; the day the champions are chosen. No one will be thinking of me then."
Monday was coming to an end. I only have to make it through tuesday and wednesday. Two days of constant vigilance. It couldn't be that hard. Three years as Harry Potter's best friend has taught me to always remain on guard. I can do this.
