Harry of Hog and the Saga of Hogswarth

A/N: I know the chapter breaks may seem weird, but I am trying to keep chapters at a decent length, and to keep one perspective within each chapter while still seeing as many people as possible's view of events. I anticipate that the perspectives will interlace more as the story progresses, but for now we are not even into the action! I am desperately trying to build up the characters and to bring the setting to life as much as I can, because I am so in love with this storyline, I want to do it justice. But I need your feedback, because I really feel I am running in circles, afraid to push the plot too much and therefore probably being somewhat repetitive, without any sort of progression whatsoever. Grr arr, myself! Well this chapter brings another Hermione pov, and I have already decided to include some R/Hr somehow, even though the big moment of admitting whatever will not happen for a few more chapters according to my current game plan. But you know, in my original plan I had the storyline play out over 7 chapters… I really hope you all prefer it this way, and aren't too disappointed that I am making the story last longer. This chapter's title is inspired by the title of one of my favourite Italian songs "Piccola Stella Senza Cielo", and roughly translated it means "little star without a sky," which sort of pertains to the last Hermione-centric chapter, which was entitled Breakaway. Hermione's thoughts and actions centre a lot around the fact that she has never known her parents and has pretty much grown up with the rebels, therefore never belonging anywhere, or with anyone. Unlike Ginny and Harry, Hermione does not even know who her parents were, and this bothers her more obviously than it bothers Ron, because Ron tends to group himself with Harry, thinking of him as a brother and therefore subconsciously sharing his background and his revengeful feelings toward Riddle for what happened to Lily and James. …Well, um, Psychology 101 has now ended and you can proceed with the story… ;)

Reviews:

rweasley500: Thank you so much!! I really appreciate all your support, and I'm so happy that you liked the Cho connection… I like to kind of "introduce" Harry to girls before he meets Ginny, so he'll be different that Ron. :) The old lady won't be as significant as what you said… I just like to have random characters in there to connect to the books whichever way I can :) Happy Christmas!!!

Avanell: Yeah let's hope that he does! But you have to remember that he doesn't really understand about girls and what his feelings mean… don't worry though, he'll realise. :) I'm happy that you like the H/R/Hr relationship, because it's really important to me to convey that aspect. :)

Cynthia Cacciola: Thank you!!! 3

elfhobbit01: lol! What a strange thought you have there… hmmmmm… Well thank you so much:D

Jessica: I'm so happy that you decided to read my story… wow I can't believe you really think that!!

And lastly… HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone!!! 3 Thank you so much for all your support:D

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Chapter 9: Piccola Stella

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Harry had told Ron and Hermione about Lupin's plans for them, and they had been preparing for their excursion ever since. Hermione knew that Harry was very anxious to get a move on, but she was more reluctant. From what she had gathered from Ron, Harry had been intent on finding and killing the person who had killed his parents ever since he first found out what had happened to them. She could imagine feeling the same way if she had known more about her parents, but Minerva had never told her much, and Hermione had therefore never been able to connect with them the same way that Harry obviously had with his. Ron, for his part, seemed as eager to revenge Harry's parents as Harry himself, yet he seemed much more composed about the task ahead, and far less restless than Harry. This was strange, thought Hermione. Even though she had only known Ron a very short time she had him figured as a rash, impulsive person, the first to rush into battle. No, Ron may be short-tempered with Hermione, but as far as the battle was concerned, Ron's strength turned out not only to be physical. He had spent increasingly more time with Lupin, poring over maps and drawing lines and crosses here and there. Hermione had seen them at it a few times, and she was not amused. She had always been complimented on her cleverness, and strategising was one of the few useful things she could put her mind to work on out in the forest, and now this boy came in and was better at it than she was! It left her feeling so frustrated, she didn't know what to do with herself sometimes.

"Hermione," came a voice behind her, and Hermione spun around expecting to find Ron or Harry. Her face fell slightly when she saw that it was only Dean Thomas, approaching her with two bows and a quiver of arrows. "I was hoping that you would accompany me to the archery clearing milady?" he asked, bowing extravagantly, though the effect was slightly ruined by the smirk on his face.

Hermione smiled. She and Dean had known each other for many years, and although Hermione's archery skills far surpassed Dean's, and all the others' for that matter, he still insisted they train together. "Not today Dean, sorry," she said.

Dean's face fell. "Oh? Well it is to be expected isn't it? You have new training partners now," he said, and though his voice was light, his eyes gave him away.

"Dean, honestly," Hermione huffed. "I am going to the castle with Ron and Harry, we are to do reconnaissance for Lupin."

"Reconnaissance?" Dean said quickly, "Have you got room for one more then?" he asked, looking at her expectantly.

Hermione sighed. "Lupin asked for the three of us. I am sure he would have said something to you if-"

"Say no more, I understand," Dean said, him smile stretching painfully wide, "The three of you, off on another adventure. I have barely been able to get a moment alone with you for weeks, Hermione," he finished, the annoyance in his voice more obvious now.

"Dean…" Hermione started, but found herself at a loss. It was true, she had spent pretty much all of her time with Harry and Ron ever since they had arrived at the camp. She hadn't thought much of it – they were new, and she had kind of appointed herself their mentor in human behaviour, being the first person they had met. But her other friends, Dean, Seamus and Justin, all those she had known for so long… she had neglected them. And yet, even though it pained her to even think it, she didn't want Dean to come along with them. All her life she had moved around with Minerva, a strict woman albeit not unkind, never having a chance to feel at home anywhere… and even though she had only known Ron and Harry for a few weeks, she had never felt more comfortable with them than anyone. She could talk to them about anything, silences between them were never awkward, and she had no problem showing her frustrations with them – perhaps with Ron more than Harry – because she knew that they would not desert her. Was she selfish? Was she keeping the two lost boys away from the others to make them dependent on her? Yet they seemed to give little inclination of wanting to talk to the others. They did – both Harry and Ron had spent a good deal of their time with the other rebels, but Hermione was almost always included somehow. Was that wrong?

"You know what Hermione, don't bother. I just… let me know when you have a need for me," Dean said bitterly, and turned on his heel.

"Dean… Dean!" Hermione called after him, but he just kept walking. She sighed, started to turn around, but was startled when a hand touched her shoulder. She spun around to face Ron, who quickly withdrew his hand as though burned.

"Sorry!" he said quickly.

"No it's fine," she said breathlessly. "You startled me is all."

"I was just… What was that about?" said Ron, looking after Dean with a frown.

"Oh, Dean was just… he wanted to come with us," said Hermione, watching Ron closely for his reaction. Maybe Ron would rather have Dean there than her, maybe he thought that Dean would be more useful? Hermione's mind was already reeling with the possibilities.

"And what did you tell him?" asked Ron sharply.

Hermione blinked. 'Or maybe he doesn't,' she thought. "Well, I told him… Lupin's orders. The three of you. Um, us. Not him," she finished lamely.

"Right," said Ron, shooting a look in the direction Dean went, though he was long gone now.

"Right, so…"

"So… oh!" Ron said, blushing slightly, "Harry told me to come get you. We're ready to go."

The trio had set out from the camp a few hours earlier. They were travelling light, as they would try to get into the castle ground under the pretence of participating in the tournament. Harry and Hermione both carried bows and quivers on their backs, Ron was carrying a small sack of food, a bit of money and spare clothing as well as having his sword strapped across his back. Harry's sword rested in the sheath hanging from his belt, and Hermione had a dagger strapped from her belt. Harry and Ron were wearing regular trousers and tunics – although cleaner than they would have normally had them – while Hermione had acquired a simple blue dress with wide sleeves. The boys wore simple leather boots and Hermione some lighter shoes, and although she had complained of this obvious disadvantage for if they had to escape, Lupin had assured her that this little touch completed the illusion that Harry, Ron and Hermione were simply three youths who had travelled from afar in order to partake in the festivities. Hermione had smiled politely, but as he turned away from her she rolled her eyes. The sacrifices one had to make on account of being a woman… it was easy for him to order her into dresses and pretty shoes, he was not the one whose life it was risking! And Harry and Ron were no better, they simply smirked at her and went on their way. Probably thought it was funny.

Hermione noticed that the forest was less thick now; they were nearing the edge. She held up a hand in front of Ron and Harry, and turned to face them.

"Alright," she said. "Now remember what we have discussed. No gaping at the women or children. Absolutely under no circumstances appear not to have seen a city before, or a castle. And most importantly-"

"Don't jump Riddle the first chance we get," Harry finished, rolling his eyes at her. "I think it finally hit home around the 417th time you told us Hermione."

Ron snorted, but at Hermione's look fell silent.

"Alright, be that way. Just don't come crying to me when you have been arrested and killed," she said, then poked out her tongue at them and turned around to continue walking.

"We promise," the boys chorused, and Hermione smiled despite herself.

A little further along, the trees finally ceased, and Harry and Ron got their first look at the world outside the forest. And they gaped. Hermione tried to be annoyed with them, but found herself unable to. It was like a blind man regaining his sight, to see those two just taking in everything around them.

"It's so… big," Harry breathed. "I never really believed you when you told me there were no trees for such long stretches!"

Ron didn't seem like he was able to speak at all, and just nodded dumbly, never taking his eyes off the brown and yellow waves of ground stretching out ahead of them. The terrain was fairly even here, and Hermione could make out, some distance ahead, the walls of the castle of Hogswarth. She doubted if Harry and Ron had even noticed, they were too busy staring around and above them.

"The sky…" said Ron in awe. "It's… so big. It feels… eternal."

"One day I'll take you to the sea," Hermione said quietly, coming to stand beside Ron. "You cannot imagine."

Hermione felt Ron's eyes on her as she gazed up towards the sky. She felt something graze her hand, then-

"Look!" Harry shouted, and Ron and Hermione jumped apart. "I think I've found the castle!" Harry exclaimed excitedly, pointing.

Hermione rolled her eyes again. "Yes Harry, well spotted. Good to know you did not leave your ability to see inside the forest," she snapped. Harry frowned at her, but shrugged.

"Should we get a move on then?" and he marched on briskly, Ron and Hermione hurrying to catch up to him.

"Harry, remember what Lupin said," Hermione said breathlessly, Harry was walking very fast. "No rash actions."

"Sure, I know," Harry said absent-mindedly, not slowing down.

"Harry, just remember what -"

"I get it!" Harry barked at her. "I just want to get there. I want to see him."

Ron and Hermione glanced at each other but said nothing. Hermione had to trust Harry that he would keep him cool – otherwise she and Ron would just have to hold him back. At least she was not alone in her worries.

It took them a considerably short time to reach the castle. When they arrived at the outer gates they were all out of breath, and it took Hermione a few takes before she could communicate to the guard.

"We are here… for the tournament," she breathed. "We wish to participate."

The guard looked at her doubtfully. "Surely you are not including yourself milady?" At their looks he added, "No women are allowed to participate, the leaflets clearly state this. The gentlemen are allowed, and you can come in to watch…"

"Oh alright then," Hermione said quickly, because both Harry and Ron had opened their mouths as though to argue. "It doesn't matter," she hissed to them as they walked past the guard, "We're in, aren't we?"

And they were. No sooner had they passed through the archway into the grounds that they were greeted with a spectacular sight, which even took Hermione's breath away. Every way they looked there were people, men and women of all ages, in colourful clothes carrying food and weapons. There were tents and stalls, horses, guards, and big roped-off areas for the various competitions.

"Look," Hermione said, pointing. "The entrance to the castle is over there. Let's go and…"

But Harry and Ron's attention was elsewhere. A competition seemed to be underway, and the boys were already edging towards it, curious as to what was going on.

"Oh, alright then," Hermione huffed, figuring that they would not be much use while in this state. Their senses needed a little stimulation, after all, and they all deserved a bit of a rest.

"Hurrah!" Ron said, and he grabbed Hermione's wrist and practically hauled her over to the stands, following Harry who was already halfway there. Hermione glanced down at Ron's hand, but he seemed too caught up in everything to really notice. They reached the throng of people, and managed to edge their way to the front. There seemed to be a sword fight, two men panting and spitting, circling each other. They both had cuts and bruises and one seemed to be limping slightly, so Hermione figured the fight was pretty far along.

"What is happening?" asked Ron. "Is it a battle? Why is everyone just watching?"

"It is a competition," Hermione whispered, leaning close to him to prevent people overhearing this strange conversation. Ron seemed to shiver slightly when her breath hit his ear.

"What does the winner get?" he breathed.

"I don't know, it differs. I think there are different prizes for each task."

They stood and watched while the two men blocked and parried. They seemed equally matched in strength, and it took a while before the knight bearing red finally lucked out and hit the blue knight on the head with the hilt of his sword, knocking him out.

"I called it, I called it!" Ron yelled excitedly, trying to drown out the massive uproar from the surrounding audience.

"It was very noble of him not to kill the other knight," Hermione called back, just as excited. "They were both very good!"

"Yes, but the red one obviously had the upper hand right from when the other one stumbled a while back, did you see it?"

"I know, but I thought he might be able to regain the advantage, and if he hadn't let the red one go offensive his chances would have been alright," Hermione replied, her eyes on the blue knight being carried out of the circle on a stretcher, the red one lost among his many supporters who had come out to congratulate him. "Harry what do you th…" she glanced around. "Harry?"

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A/N: Ooo, cliffhanger! I hope you enjoyed this chapter; finally they got a move on! Next chapter will be from Harry and Ron's povs (hey, if you can say "pov"…), and yes we will see Ginny again!