Chapter 7:
Education, and other important things
Hermione was sitting in Transfiguration on Wednesday afternoon when Harry and Ron both out of breath had run in. They looked around only seeing the cat both looked extremely relieved.
"Well we beat her, could you imagine McGonagall's face if we'd been late?" Ron said while Hermione groaned quietly as the cat on the desk jumped off transforming back into Professor McGonagall.
"Well Mr. Weasley I suppose it'd look rather like this, don't you think?" She asked sarcastically as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Perhaps I should transfigure both you and Mr. Potter here into pocket watches so you'd stand a chance at being on time."
"Sorry Professor we just got lost," Harry said sheepishly looking at his sister who was giving him a sympathetic look. She had been waiting for him, but he told her to go ahead when she finished her breakfast. That morning Hedwig had delivered a note from Hagrid inviting Harry, and Hermione to afternoon tea. The twins had fallen into a routine in the mornings, each meeting in the common room, and then eating breakfast then they'd walk to their class together. It'd been an easy routine to fall into, even the first few days when neither of them had been sleeping very well. Hermione had been asked not to stay the night with Harry, and she had grudgingly accepted not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable.
Harry had explained to her that if she needed him she was to come straight to him, screw what the others thought. Although it had taken her body a few days to adjust to being alone, and fortunately it hadn't put any strain on her other than the few nights of bad sleep. Now she was getting more comfortable and had even been able to sleep the entire night. Harry seemed to be doing fine with the separation as well. Although he missed knowing that she was right beside him he realized that it was for the best.
"Well, maybe a map then. Now take your seats, we are transfiguring matches into needles today." Professor McGonagall said as she walked back to her desk while Harry and Ron sat down quickly. Looking at the two of them Hermione just shook her head as she went back to her Transfiguration. They'd been at it for the entirety of the class period but finally, Hermione's match started to change. She looked at it with wide eyes and then looked up at Professor McGonagall raising her hand sheepishly. "Uhm Professor I think I've done it." She said a little uncertainly as the Professor stood up walking to her table and taking the match now needle between her fingers.
"Well done Ms. Potter! Now, class, do you see how the wood has changed to metal and instead of being flimsy it's become sturdy and strong. The tip has grown pointed and a small hole has been added to the top. Yes Ms. Potter very well done, you are remarkably like your mother. 10 points to Gryffindor." Professor McGonagall said with a kind smile as she walked to her desk after laying the needle back down carefully onto Hermione's desk.
Hermione bit her lip as she heard scoffs at the praise and looked at Harry who grinned widely at her giving her a thumbs up. Looking relieved she relaxed into her seat. She hated the whispers and stares that she and Harry got wherever they went. It made her uncomfortable, and now she could never tell whether or not people were being nasty and cruel, or just gossiping. Especially with the praise, she gained from other Professor, hardly anyone in her year even spoke to her. No one in her dorms talked to her anymore all the girls snidely calling her a know it all. Ron only spoke to her because he'd quickly become Harry's best friend and having twin brothers knew enough not to try to get between them. Neville was always kind and had quickly become a close friend, and Fred and George were always pleasant along with Lee Jordan and two of the older girls named Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson.
Harry was quick to stop the unkind whispers when he was around, but his overprotective tendencies could be suffocating. It wasn't like she wasn't used to being an outcast. In fact, at all of her old schools she and Harry both had been cast out, but now it felt like she may be alone, since Harry got along fairly well with everyone in their year, except for the Slytherins. She figured that what was making her sad now was the fact that she had hoped Hogwarts would be the place she belonged, and now she was terrified of being completely alone. Though part of her rationalized that would never happen, and that Harry would never leave her to be with his friends, but her insecurities ate away at her. All she could do was put on a brave face and keep it hidden from the others.
Hooking her arm through Harry's they walked to Potions the one class they hadn't had. It was down in the dungeons and immediately when Harry and Hermione made their way down they felt the air chill and the temperature drop. Biting her lip nervously as they walked into the classroom each sitting beside each other while Gryffindor and Slytherin students alike filed in. Biting her lip as Neville sat on her other side, and Ron sat on the other side of Harry she sighed.
"I've heard that Snape has it in for Gryffindor, and he favors Slytherin since he's their head of house," Ron murmured quietly to Harry. Harry frowned as the man walked in. He had the sneaking suspicion that the Professor disliked him, and he wasn't quite sure why. Harry sat up as the professor started calling the role. Pausing when he got to Harry and Hermione's names he looked at them both. His eyes were black like Hagrid's without any of the warmth or kindness. They were cold cruel and calculating without an ounce of love inside them.
"Ah, Mr. and Ms. Potter our new celebrities." He said his voice full of disgust as he went back to the role some of the Slytherins snickering. When he was done calling the role he stood up at the front of the class. "You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word—like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach." The students were all silent as they looked at him.
"Mr. Potter!" said Snape suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Hermione's hand shot up into the air but Snape didn't even look at her, in fact, he seemed to be constantly avoiding looking in her direction. Harry frowned rubbing the back of his neck looking at Hermione he sighed. "I don't know sir." He said quietly.
"Tut tut I see fame isn't everything now is it, Mr. Potter, well now let's try again. Tell me where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
"I don't know," Harry told him looking at Hermione who was practically waving her hand he sighed knowing she knew the answer.
"Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming eh- Potter?" Snape sneered then straightening. "Last chance Mr. Potter, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
"I'm sorry sir I don't know, but clearly my sister does, I guess that maybe fame doesn't affect everyone's brains," Harry said forcing himself to meet the man's cold black eyes.
"Sit down Ms. Potter!" Snape snapped at Hermione before glaring at Harry even more. "For your information, Potter, asphodel, and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?" With that Snape swept up his cloak before moving back to the front of the class. "And a point will be taken from Gryffindor for your cheek Potter."
Sighing Hermione listened to the lecture and turned to the appropriate page in her book before turning her attention back to Snape, who told them to get to brewing. She bit her lip starting to cut up her ingredients. She was quietly telling Neville what to do because the boy was so nervous he was shaking. Then her eyes widened as Neville's cauldron started to melt.
"Idiot boy!" Snape snarled as he walked over with a flick of his wand cleaning the mess. He glared at Neville who was cowering back.
"Sir don't blame Neville it was my fault! I misread the instructions I was trying to help and I told him to put the Quills in, I was about to do it to my own when his started melting." Hermione said defiantly looking at the man whose eyes flashed with what she was sure was mistaken for compassion.
"Ms. Potter, no need to lie, I know you and your brother were doing it to make yourselves look good." He snarled as he met her eyes. "Now that is two more points from Gryffindor, for your incompetence. If you'd just pay better attention like Mr. Malfoy here then I may be able to make halfway decent potion makers out of you." Snape snarled
The rest of the class passed by in mostly the same manner. Harry and Hermione seemingly to blame for every mishap, although Snape was much kinder to Hermione then most of the other Gryffindors, that was until he'd look into her eyes. Then his gaze would harden, and he'd spat something cruel. When it was finally time to get out of class Harry knew that it was official Snape hated him.
Sighing softly as Harry walked into the common room with his sister he stretched. "I'm going over to Hagrid's in about five minutes, are you still going to come?" He asked looking down at his twin sister who'd just opened up her book. At the mention of Hagrid, her eyes widened. "I forgot all about it! I don't think I can, I'm going to try and finish my homework Harry, but you can take Ron with you, I'm sure he'd love to go."
Harry pouted slightly but nodded at her showing he understood. Walking out of the common room through the portrait hole he found Ron walking up the stairs. "Hey, Ron want to come have tea with me at Hagrid's?" He asked grinning as the red-headed boy nodded.
"Alright just let me put my things away," Ron said with a happy smile as he rushed off to the portrait. A few minutes later he was back outside ready to go. Walking with Harry to the giant hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. When they knocked on the door Hagrid's smiling face greeted them and let them both in while the dog who was later introduced to them as Fang just barked.
While Harry and Ron were talking with Hagrid Hermione was curled up in her favorite chair reading. She was alone for a while, so she'd gotten what little she had left of her homework done. She was so into her book that she didn't hear it when voices started carrying from the portrait hole. She only looked up when a body cast a shadow over her book and looking up she met the eyes of none other than Fred Weasley. "Hi, Fred!" She said with a warm smile shutting her book.
"I'm George," Fred said determinedly looking down at her with what could be considered a disappointed scowl.
"No you're not you're Fred, your voice is deeper than George's," Hermione remarked to him with a smirk as she heard a laugh from behind her. Glancing over the back of the seat she saw George laughing.
"Well, we haven't fooled her yet have we Freddie?" George grinned as he moved to sit in one of the chairs beside her while Fred sat in the other.
"It's only a matter of time George, not even mum can keep us straight all the time." Fred grinned as he picked up the book resting in Hermione's lap. "So Potter what are you reading this time?"
Before Hermione could answer George butted in. "Dreadfully boring thing reading, I mean c'mon why read when you could have some fun with us."
"Because I happen to enjoy reading, and who says spending time with the two of you is fun?"
"Ouch Potter you wound us." George dramatically gripped his heart.
"Yeah, Potter words hurt too ya know," Fred said with a pout causing Hermione to laugh.
"Oh, I'm sorry boys have I hurt your egos? If you ask me they could use with a bit of deflating, but since I value your friendships so very much why don't you tell me what the two of you have in mind?" Hermione said snatching her book back and hugging it to her chest.
"Well, you see Potter" George started grinning at her.
"We may need your help."
"Why do you need my help?"
"See that's the fun part right Fred?"
"Too true George."
"What do you two want me to do?" Hermione said exasperatedly
"Well you see we need you to cause an itty bitty distraction and get Filch away from his office," Fred said shrugging.
"So we can sneak some dung bombs into his office," George added.
"He's been on the rampage lately with that bloody cat. George and I decided he needed to be brought down a couple of notches."
Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at the twins then she grinned widely shaking her head. "I'm in! But mostly so I can call in a favor later on, so I help you now you help me later, deal?"
The twins looked at each other with wide eyes and then they looked at the small witch in front of them with grins that screamed trouble. "Deal!" The said together grinning wider.
"You know they're wrong about you Potter, we heard you were just a goody-two-shoes bookworm." Fred laughed and looked at George.
"Unless we are already corrupting her Fred in which case I'd say that's a new record wouldn't you?"
"As if you two could actually corrupt me, and I may be a bookworm but I do know how to have fun!" Hermione said glaring at the two in a playful manner standing up.
Just then Lee Jordan burst into the room his eyes wide with excitement. "Did she agree yet guys? I mean we're about to have the perfect opening, Peeves is causing all sorts of trouble on the fifth floor!" He said his eyes shining with excitement as he saw Hermione he practically threw himself on the ground at her feet. "Please, Potter! No one will expect you, you've already got the entire staff eating out of the palm of your hand…"
"Lee!" Hermione said trying to interrupt him.
"And you're so smart, honestly I promise you won't get into any trouble!"
"LEE!" The twins yelled together grinning as their friend just blinked at them.
"She's already agreed, mate!" Fred said with a laugh at the relieved expression crossing Lee's features. He grinned at George when Hermione squealed when Lee picked her up in a tight hug and spun her around.
"You're the best Potter, just bloody brilliant, I knew there was a reason why I begged Fred and George to befriend you." Lee grinned at her.
"Lee put me down!" Hermione squeaked unable to contain her laughter. "I swear if I knew this would happen I would've refused to help." She teased her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well let's go, boys, I'd hate to miss our perfect opportunity." She grinned as she sat her book down on the coffee table and slipped her shoes back on.
Together the four of them walked out through the portrait hole and they made their way downstairs. Stopping right before they got to Filch's to the ground grinning.
"Alright Potter, we need you to run into Filch's office and tell him Peeves is terrorizing the fifth floor. Make sure you make it believable." Fred told her with a grin.
"Yeah you've got to sell it, you know wide terrified eyes, maybe even cry a little because that Peeves is a nasty bugger," Lee said with a grin before patting Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione bit her lip and counted to three before making her eyes wide and teary. She allowed the other three time to hide and then ran off down the corridor. "Mr. Filch, Mr. Filch!" She cried the fake tears streaming down her face as she banged on the office door. "Mr. Filch its Peeves!" She whimpered as the door opened revealing the old caretaker who had long hair even though he was balding and wide unkind eyes. "Where is he girl tell me!" Filch demanded staring at the Bushy haired redhead.
"He's on the fifth floor. He was terrorizing the paintings and then he started flinging armor at me." She whimpered watching as the caretaker stepped out of his office shutting and locking the door then immediately started running to the stairs shouting "I've got you this time!" She stood there for a minute watching as the red-eyed cat streaked past her and after its master. Hermione made sure they were out of sight before stepping back wiping her eyes. She grinned as the twins came running up to her with Lee trailing behind them.
"Bravo Ms. Potter! You're acting skills could use some improvement though." Fred teased.
"Yeah, you were laying it on a bit thick with those tears." George smirked as they walked into the office casting 'Alohomora' immediately unlocking the door.
"I was just doing what Lee told me to!" Hermione smirked leaning against the threshold keeping an eye out for Filch.
"Yeah well that's your first mistake, Lee is the last person you want to listen to." Fred and George chimed grinning at each other as they strategically placed the dung bombs.
"Oi, you two gits would be lost without me!" Lee said standing once they finished placing the bombs. The three walked out of the classroom easily locking the door again. Then Fred hooking his arm through Hermione's they made their way down the corridor. They were about halfway to the end when they heard Filch's angry voice. Looking at one another they immediately pulled Hermione into a hidden alcove behind a tapestry.
It was a rather tight fit and Hermione found herself sandwiched between Lee and George while Fred pulled out a piece of parchment winking at Hermione. She watched in wonder as he pulled out his wand tapping the parchment and quietly murmuring, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." Using the light that filtered into the alcove Hermione watched in fascination as she saw Filch's footsteps approaching the place they were hiding, but then veer into another corridor at the last moment. As soon as it seemed that he was far enough away Fred tugged her out of the alcove with George and Lee following behind them. "Mischief managed." Fred murmured before folding the now blank parchment up and putting it back into his pocket. He pulled Hermione with him running upstairs quickly to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?"
"Caput Draconis," Fred said walking in quickly still pulling Hermione along, while George and Lee followed. As soon as they were inside their common room the four fell to the ground in fits of laughter. Each giddy with relief at the fact that they had managed not to get caught. "That was the best!" George grinned and looked at Hermione.
Hermione grinned at him before looking at Fred and pulling herself together despite the tears of mirth in her eyes giving him a pointed look. "What is that parchment?" She asked quietly looking around to make sure they were alone. Fred grinned at her checking the room as he pulled it out.
"This is the secret to our success. We knicked it from Filch's office our first year." Fred said with a happy smirk.
"You see Potter all you have to do is tap the parchment-like so and say, I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." George grinned and laughed as Hermione watched the title appear with wide eyes.
"Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs are proud to present the Marauder's map." She read aloud before looking at the three grinning boys.
"We owe them so much," Lee said almost dreamily before taking the parchment and opening it to show Hermione the complete map of Hogwarts showing everyone currently in the school.
"This is brilliant!" Hermione said in wonder looking at the older boys.
Fred grinned at her before putting his wand on the paper. "Yeah, but when you're done you have to say 'Mischief Managed' otherwise anyone will be able to read it."
"Someday, we'll take you through the hidden passages," George said with a smile as he relaxed.
"Can I tell Harry about this?"
Fred looked at the other two boys before running his hand through his hair. "If you really want to then yeah, but only if you're sure he won't turn us in."
"Not that we don't trust Harry, he's a great bloke."
"It's just we're very careful with who we let know about the map. We wouldn't have even let you know if Filch hadn't shown up." Lee said with a shrug relaxing in one of the squishy armchairs while Fred and George sat on a couch with Hermione in between them.
"I'm not going to keep it a secret, but I'm not going to just go up to him either. I'll tell him if he asks, but until he asks I think he's better off in the dark." Hermione decided stretching as she picked her book back up.
"Who's better off in the dark?" Harry asked as he walked into the common room with Ron.
"Just this boy who Eloise has a crush on," Hermione answered offhandedly with a smile at her brother and his friend.
"Oh well you're probably right then, it's not your place to tell him, Mione." Harry smiled as he sat down in a chair beside Lee.
Hermione smiled and nodded as Lee, George, and Fred snickered quietly. "So Harry how was Hagrid?"
"Good I mean a little weird, I think he knows why Snape hates us, but he refuses to admit it," Harry said with a shrug,
"Oh don't take it personally mate, Snape hates most of his students," Fred said with a shrug.
"If not all, but most especially Gryffindors." George grinned.
"He's probably just being harder on you because you have much better hair than he does anyway," Lee said noncommittally causing Fred and George to start laughing.
Hermione rolled her eyes at her three friends and got up sitting on the arm of Harry's chair. "Forgive them, they've been doing this since they decided to disturb me from my reading," Hermione said affectionately. Harry just laughed and then suddenly remembering something frowned as he met his sister's eyes. "Did you know that there was an attempted robbery at Gringotts? It had to have happened while we were there, but the vault had been cleared right before. It's odd isn't it?"
"It's odd that anyone would try to break into Gringotts in the first place." Ron butted in leaning forward in his seat.
Hermione just frowned and looked at Harry biting her lip. "Did Hagrid say anything about it?" She asked with a frown rubbing her face.
"No he just got really quiet, wouldn't even meet my eyes for a bit."
"He knows something then. We'll have to find out what at some point." Hermione said then looked at Ron who was staring at her with a bewildered look on his face. "I think I broke your friend." She said with a laugh as she rolled her eyes at the youngest Weasley boy.
"Did not!" He snapped at her standing up with a glare. "I'm going to the feast!" He declared before stalking back to the portrait hole. Fred, George, and Lee stood up as well and grinned good-naturedly.
"Well if ickle Ronniekins is going then I guess we should too," Fred smirked.
"You two coming?" George asked with a smile as he looked at Harry and Hermione. The Potter twins nodded.
"I'm still having trouble sleeping," Hermione admitted.
"I know me too," Harry sighed, "but we just have to get used to it, we haven't slept in the same bed in a month, surely we can make it through this," he said quietly.
"Yeah, c'mon they'll come back and ask where we've been," Hermione sighed.
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The next Thursday morning Harry and Hermione woke up and went down to the Great hall after getting ready to find it buzzing with excitement. Sitting down at the Gryffindor table Harry was listening as Seamus excitedly described his flying ability. Seamus's Dad was a muggle and his mum was a witch. Although it seemed that Seamus was incredibly well versed in both worlds.
Hermione was tuning in and out of the conversation as Ron joined in bragging about how good he was. That was when Hermione saw the flash of blonde in her peripheral. Frowning she saw Draco Malfoy sneering at Ron in disgust. She and Harry had done a relatively good job of avoiding the Slytherin, although that didn't stop him from trying to be as cruel as he could. In ways, he was much worse than Dudley ever had a dream of being. Which in a weird way made Hermione appreciate the fact that her cousin wasn't a total jerk.
"You Weaslebe flying?" Malfoy snorted, "I doubt your family can even afford a broomstick." Looking at Seamus Malfoy glared at the boy, "And you Finnigan, what'd your filthy Muggle father have to say about your flying?" Malfoy smirked at the two boys as Hermione quickly grabbed Harry and shoved him down shaking her head at him. "Ah Potter, I can't wait to see the two of you fly. I bet it'll be entertaining to see you both falling off."
As Malfoy continued to torment those he considered below him the mail came. A black owl flew by their table dropping a small parcel in Neville's lap. Neville, like Harry and Hermione, was extremely nervous about flying. His nerves carried on into everything he did, and Hermione could see it as he shakily opened his package pulling out a glass sphere.
"Hey look Neville's got a remembrall! When the glass fills with red smoke it means you've forgotten something!" Ron said and then explained for Harry's benefit. Hermione watched fascinated as the glass immediately filled with red smoke the moment Neville touched it.
"The only problem is I don't remember what I've forgotten." Neville frowned at the glass sphere. Quicker than any one of them could blink Malfoy had snatched the little orb away from Neville and was now holding it with a triumphant smirk.
"Well, Longbottom I guess this is mine now." Malfoy grinned and tossed the glass ball a few times gloatingly.
"Give it back Malfoy," Hermione said standing up so she was toe to toe with the blonde snake.
"And if I don't?"
"I'll hex you hard enough that you won't be able to walk for a year," Hermione said her brown eyes flashing dangerously. In that moment any teacher who had James Potter in class would swear that Hermione looked more like his daughter then Harry his son. The scene was familiar a Potter standing up for a friend that everyone else viewed as weaker than themselves. The whole hall was watching with baited breath to see what would happen next.
"Mr. Malfoy. Is that your remembrall?" The stern voice of Professor McGonagall asked cutting through the silent stupor of the students.
"No ma'am its Neville's and Malfoy won't give it back," Hermione said glaring at the boy in question.
"Thank you, Ms. Potter, now Mr. Malfoy give it back to Mr. Longbottom and return to the Slytherin table." Professor McGonagall said fixing the boy with a hard stare. Malfoy reluctantly handed the ball to Neville before turning on his heel and walking to his table.
"Ms. Potter next time perhaps it will be best if you remember that you have no authority to hex a fellow student." Professor McGonagall said with a slight glare at Hermione that didn't quite reach her eyes before she walked back up to the staff table. Hermione smirked slightly as she sat back down blushing as the entire table stared at her.
"Thanks, Hermione, but you didn't have to do that for me," Neville said sadly looking down.
"Of course I did Neville we're friends and that's what friends do." Hermione grinned before standing up with Harry by her side. "Well, we'll see you outside." She grinned as she and Harry walked out to the courtyard where a greying woman was standing. She had her hands on her hips as the twins walked up. Soon all of Gryffindor and Slytherin were lined up at her insistence. One student to each broom. There were two lines and the students were facing one another.
"Alright, when you're ready put your right hand over your broom and say up. Enunciate clearly and be ready." Madame Hooch the flight instructor informed the first years walking between the two lines.
Looking at one another Harry and Hermione stuck out their right hands. "Up!" They said at the same time, their brooms flying into their hands immediately. Looking around they noticed only a few others had been able to do it, one of them happened to be Malfoy. Shaking her head Hermione sighed as Neville struggled with getting the broom up. She didn't know how she could help so she let him keep trying. She sighed in relief as his broom flew into his hand, even though he was one of the last ones. She looked over to see Harry laughing while Ron clutched his nose. Shaking her head she turned her attention back to Madame Hooch.
"Good now grip the end of your broomstick tightly, don't need anyone sliding off, and sling your leg over. Then kick off the ground and hover 2 feet then lean forward touch back down at the sound of my whistle." Madame Hooch said lifting the whistle to her lips. Before she even got the chance Neville was already rising into the air. Harry and Hermione looked at each other with wide eyes as Neville kept going higher and higher. "Mr. Longbottom get down here right this instant!" Shouted Madame Hooch. As Neville just traveled higher. Finally, his panic gripped him and he started flailing, letting go of the broom he fell off.
Hermione screamed running to him kneeling beside him as the boy moaned in pain. Madame Hooch gently pushed her back as she took her place taking his arm. "Oh dear, I think it's a broken wrist," Hooch said standing up with the boy. "I'm going to take Mr. Longbottom to the infirmary, if I see any broom in the air, you'll be out of Hogwarts on the first train home." She said threateningly as she helped Neville walk to the castle.
"Well it seems like Longbottom is just as incompetent at flying as with anything else, he's a disgrace to the name of wizard." Malfoy spat causing the rest of Slytherin to laugh.
"Shut up Malfoy!" Hermione said angrily standing only Harry's arm holding her back.
"Oh, I'm sorry Potter did I insult your boyfriend?" Malfoy smirked then produced Neville's remembrall seemingly out of nowhere. "I bet if he had this he would've remembered to fall on his fat arse."
"Give it here Malfoy," Harry said glaring.
"No I don't think I will, I think I'll put this somewhere Longbottom can't find it," Malfoy said climbing onto his broom. "If you want it come and get it." He sneered at the twins flying up away from them.
With a shared look of determination, Harry and Hermione grabbed their own brooms each following Draco without a second thought. As they rose into the air Hermione had never felt so alive, she'd always envied birds for their ability to fly away from danger and into freedom. Now she truly understood just what it was she'd been missing. Harry felt the same way as both twins stopped in front of Malfoy. "Give it here Malfoy or I'll know you off your broom," Harry yelled.
"Is that so? Have it your way then." Malfoy smirked and threw the ball as hard as he could Harry immediately zooming after it. Hermione glared at Malfoy before following her brother frowning as he made a daring dive to catch the ball with ease. Throwing it up Hermione smirked her reflexes helping her catch the sphere with as much ease as Harry zooming past his head. The two of them smirked as they got to the ground, the first year Gryffindors surrounding them.
"Harry, Mione that was awesome! You two swear you've never flown before?" Ron asked looking at them with wide eyes.
"That's the first time I can remember flying on a broomstick." Hermione laughed looking over at Harry.
"Yeah, no other time that I can remember." Harry smirked as he stretched, "It was fun though."
"Potter! The both of you!" Professor McGonagall called looking furious as she walked up to them. "Follow me, now!"
Harry grabbed Hermione's hand looking at her with wide eyes as they quietly followed their head of house. Hermione was hoping they didn't get expelled, after all, they'd only been trying to help a friend. It seemed like the words to defend themselves wouldn't come through as they silently walked beside McGonagall. Harry sighed if they were going to be expelled then he would take the brunt of it and beg to follow Hagrid around as his assistant. Even though the thought of watching Ron and the rest becoming wizard's without him caused him to have a sinking feeling in his gut, but he knew how much it'd kill Hermione to be expelled, and even if it meant losing his wand he'd be fine as long as his sister was happy.
Following Professor McGonagall through the long corridors, both twins were confused when she stopped outside of the Charms classroom. "Professor Flitwick, may I borrow Wood?" Professor McGonagall asked as she peeked inside. A few minutes later an older boy stood before the two twins looking just as confused as they felt.
"You needed me, Professor?"
"Yes follow me." Professor McGonagall said before leading the three students into an empty classroom where Peeves was drifting about. "Peeves get out!" The poltergeist looked at her and blew a raspberry before giving her a rather rude hand gesture throwing the chalk he had been using to write rude words on the chalkboard with a loud clang and wooshing off in a huff.
"Harry, Hermione this is Oliver Wood, Wood I believe I've found you, two new players."
The burly fifth year now known as Oliver Wood brightened considerably as he looked at the two of them. "What positions are you thinking Professor?"
"Harry here should be a seeker, I watched him take a 50-foot dive after this." McGonagall held up the remembrall. "I tell you Charlie Weasley himself couldn't have done it." With that sentence, Wood's eyes glittered with excitement as he looked at Harry sizing him up.
"Well, what do you two know of Quidditch?"
"We know the basics but not much more," Hermione said sheepishly.
"Harry's the right build for a seeker lithe, lean, he should have plenty of speed though now what about her?" Wood looked at Hermione with a kind smile trying to ease the nerves that were present in her eyes.
"I'm thinking a Chaser, Potter here threw up the remembrall 20ft and Hermione was able to catch it by speeding forward. I think she'll also have a mean aim, and with Katie Bell quitting this year after she fell off her broom last year I figure you could use another. She's also smart, she'd be good at strategizing, and being a twin well I think she'd be able to sync up with Johnson and Spinnet easily. Was that both of your first times on a broom?"
Hermione and Harry both nodded nervously as they looked at the Professor. "Yes ma'am we wouldn't have done it, but we had to get the remembrall back," Harry said softly while Hermione nodded.
Wood looked at Hermione appraisingly and nodded at McGonagall. "You're right, she'll be fast and with a little bit of work we can get her strength and aim near perfect, I think. Alright, but we'll have to get them both better brooms, maybe Nimbus 2000's or perhaps some Cleansweep 7's."
"I'll have to talk to Dumbledore first and get him to wave the first year rule, I just don't think I can lose to Slytherin again, last year I couldn't look Severus in the eyes for a week," McGonagall said slightly bitter before looking at the two twins who looked extremely confused. "I want to hear that you two have been working extremely hard or I may rethink not giving either of the two of you punishment." She warned causing the twins to nod in understanding. "You know I think your Father would've been very proud of you both, he was a fantastic Quidditch player as well." She said and with that, she was gone out of the room.
HJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJPHJP
"You've got to be joking!" Ron yelled that night at the feast shaking his head looking at Harry. "First years never make the house teams, you two have got to be the youngest players in…"
"In a century least that's what Wood said." Harry grinned at Ron as he started shoveling food into his mouth. "And we start practicing next week, but keep it to yourself it's supposed to be a secret," Harry said quietly. Looking around he shook his head figuring Hermione was still in the library researching Quidditch and flying. He looked up when he saw Fred George and Hermione walking into the great hall.
"Harry Congratulations mate!" Fred grinned clapping him on the shoulder.
"Yeah, you and Mione here have got to be bloody good since Wood's practically been skipping to classes!" George said laughing as Hermione sat in the seat next to Harry.
"We would love to stay and chat but Lee thinks he found another passage out of the castle so we're going to inspect it." Fred grinned clapping Harry on the shoulder again.
"I bet it's the one we found in our first week behind Gregory the Swarmy," George said as they walked back out of the hall.
Hermione had just started eating when Malfoy walked up to their table that sneer on his face like usual. "Eating your last meal Potter? When are they sending you back to the muggles?"
"You're pretty brave with your little friends around Malfoy," Harry said looking at the blonde boy. Crabbe and Goyle were anything but little, but unable to do anything they just cracked their knuckles threateningly.
"I can beat you on my own Potter, why don't you and I have a wizard's duel. You do know what a wizard's duel is don't you?"
"Of course he does! And I'm his second who's yours!" Ron said immediately causing Hermione to glare at the redheaded boy.
Malfoy looked between Crabbe and Goyle sizing them up before looking at Ron with a shrug saying "Crabbe. I guess I'll see you two at midnight in the trophy room." Malfoy said before walking off towards their table.
"Ron, why do I need a second?"
"It's in case you die, but don't worry only real wizards die you and Malfoy won't be able to really hurt each other yet."
"You idiot Ronald Weasley!" Hermione said as soon as Malfoy was gone. "You're going to get my brother in trouble, and then you're going to cost Gryffindor points!"
"Mione I love you but it's none of your business," Harry told her seriously frowning as he saw the anger in her eyes. He watched as she got up stalking out of the hall.
Overall Harry felt that the day probably could've ended better. He was laying on his bed looking up at the ceiling and waiting for midnight. He figured Hermione was right, but he couldn't back out now. Sighing as he figured it was time to go he and Ron made their way into the Common room. As soon as they got to the ground Harry looked up to find Hermione in a dark blue bathrobe standing with her arms crossed glaring at them. "Ugh, what are you doing?" Ron groaned glaring at his best friend's twin.
"You honestly don't think I'm letting him go with only you as protection do you Ronald?" Hermione said with a raised brow causing Ron to sputter indignantly. "He's my twin brother I wouldn't let him go without me anyway, someone has to keep the git out of trouble." She murmured shaking her head as Harry elbowed her in the ribs with a smirk thankful she wasn't mad at him, or at least not mad enough to stop speaking to him.
"Can you two please stop fighting," Harry mumbled.
Walking out of the portrait the trio quietly made their way to the trophy room. Before they got there, however, they saw Neville curled up with a look of panic on his face. Sighing in relief as he saw the three of them he stood up. "I forgot the password." He whimpered.
"Honestly Neville its pig snout but she's not there right now, how's your arm?" Hermione asked worriedly gently taking his arm in her hand.
"Madame Pomfrey healed me right up, but I couldn't get into the tower and I've been wondering ever since."
"Well c'mon then won't do you any good to be alone," Hermione said.
"What! You can't just invite people, this is Harry's duel and the two of you are going to get us caught." Ron exclaimed angrily as they walked closer to the Trophy room stopping. For a moment they didn't hear anything and Harry thought that Malfoy had chickened out at the last minute.
Then they heard the rough voice of Mr. Filch. "Sniff them out my sweet they may be hiding in the corners." With wide eyes, the four backed away from the Trophy room until Neville hit a suit of armor. With wide eyes, they all took off running somehow going through a hidden corridor and ending up in the corridor next to their Charms class. All four froze as a figure appeared in front of them.
"Ickle firsties out of bed! Naughty naughty you'll get caughty." Peeves chimed in his annoying singsong voice.
"Peeves shh please don't tell keep quiet." Hermione pleaded biting her lip.
Peeves eyes just glittered with mischief "it's for your own good ya know."
Ron finally getting angry swiped at the Poltergeist, "get out of the way!" he growled. This was the wrong thing to do as they poltergeist shot up bellowing.
"STUDENTS OUT OF BED! STUDENTS ON THE CHARMS FLOOR!"
The four of them sprinted across the corridor ending up at a locked door. "It's pointless!" Ron said kicking the door in anger.
"Oh move over!" Hermione said shoving the other three out of her way pulling out her wand. "Alohomora." She said quietly with a slight wave of her wand opening the now unlocked door the other three bolted in while Hermione shut the door behind them. Listening intently Hermione finally heard Filch talking to Peeves.
"Where did they go Peeves, tell me!"
"You have to say please."
"Tell me now Peeves!"
"Shan't say nothing if you don't say please."
"Fine please."
"NOTHING! HAHAHAHAHA" Peeves shouted loudly and cackled at his own joke leaving Filch to curse and yell his voice fading as he went farther and farther away.
"Well that was close, Neville get off!" Harry said looking at the boy who'd been tugging at his bathrobe sleeve for a minute or two. Following his gaze, Harry gulped as he saw a huge dog standing there growling and snarling. That wasn't the frightening thing, however, the terrifying part was the dog had three heads each barking foaming and snapping at the four students. Harry deciding that Filch was better than the dog forced the door open and ran out with Ron, Hermione, and Neville on his tracks. They didn't stop running till they got back to the portrait hole where the fat lady just stared at them incredulously.
"Where have you four been?" She asked.
"It doesn't matter Pig snout, pig snout, pig snout!" Harry said flying into the common room as soon as the door was opened.
"Why in the bloody hell is there a vicious three-headed dog in the school!?"
"Oh honestly Ronald don't you pay attention it was standing on a trap door it was obviously guarding something."
With that Harry's eyes widened as he remembered something Hagrid had told him. Meeting Hermione's eyes he knew she was thinking the same. Hagrid had said that the only place safer then Gringotts was Hogwarts, and now the twins thought they knew where the small package was being kept.
So this chapter was particularly difficult for me to write. I hope it turned out okay, and I'd appreciate if you'd let me know what you thought. I'm sorry for any errors I missed, and I own nothing it all property of J.K. Rowling.