Chapter Nine – Hogwarts Knight
"I suppose you do not know the status of Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom, do you Miss Granger?"
Hermione shook her head, her curiosity now piqued.
"They are Hogwarts Knights."
Hermione simply blinked blankly at McGonnagal.
"But I thought that was just a myth?" Hermione questioned, "Students charged with the protection of Hogwarts and its students."
"It is not a myth it is simply a very old tradition which stemmed from, as so much does at Hogwarts, the tension between Salazar Slytherin and the other founders of Hogwarts. Deciding that that tension would inevitably lead to a battle that could possibly harm the students of the school Godric Gryffindor convinced Rowina Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff to grant students special status within the school and whom would be called upon to protect their peers in times of crisis."
"But from what I understand that role has been taken over by the Prefects and Head Girl and boy, why the need for Hogwarts Knights?" Hermione questioned.
"Gryffindor and the others were not expecting an academic battle ahead of them Miss Granger but a physical and magical battle, one which only those who were trained in defensive magic could overcome, prefects on the other hand deal with matters such as school discipline and assisting student settle into life at Hogwarts."
Hermione took a moment to absorb all this information.
"If you need further proof that what I am saying is the truth than you need only look at the numerous suits of armor around Hogwarts."
With these words McGonagal led Hermione to a nearby corridor and to one such suit of armor. McGonnagal tapped the suit of armor with her wand and the knight instantly stood up straight and saluted the Professor.
"Turn around if you please," McGonnagal said to the Knight and he immediately obeyed turning on the spot to face the wall.
Hermione stepped forward and read the scrawling script engraved across the Knights Shoulders.
"Theordore Merrythought, Ravenclaw Knight 1853."
Hermione took a step back and stared at the Knight in awe.
"Every suit of armor represents a student that has served as a Hogwarts Knight. None are ever forgotten and several have perishished protecting this school. You can turn around now Merrythought."
The Knight did what he was told and you would have hardly known that he had moved at all.
"Do all the students know this?" Hermione asked eager for more information.
"I doubt it, though some may have heard of the myth as you did and may account for the respect that the boys often receive although understandably not from the Slytherin students. Still it is never officially announced who the Knights are and only these suits of armor pay tribute to those students. It is more likely that most students simply heard about Harry and his friends battles against Voldermort and therefore trust them in times of crisis as you may have witnessed on the train."
Hermione nodded but was still in a state of shock. She never would have thought that her new friends could carry such a heavy burden on their shoulders, she felt a twinge of guilt and shame when she recalled her bouts of depression over the past few years, compared to them her problems seemed so trivial.
"Now that you know the truth, you can understand why Dumbledore is eager to have Ronald Weasley stay so close to you, especially because of the high level of importance both he and I place in your academic progress throughout this year. But above all else we wish for you to remain safe while you are here."
"Thank you Professor," Hermione replied feeling herself well up with emotions. That she should mean so much to so many people would have been beyond her belief just a few years ago.
"But this will mean that you must be extremely cautious from now on, I have already written to your parents to inform them of the situation."
Hermione started at this.
"What if they decide to take me out of Hogwarts Boys? I don't think I could bare it, to leave my new friends and be thrown back into Hogwarts Girls where everything is so incredibly tedious and pointless."
McGonnagal cleared her throat at this and Hermione blushed remembering that her professor was still the Headmistress of the school that she had just insulted.
"I can understand how you must be feeling but we must consult your parents, if they feel that it is inappropriate for you to remain here than there is little else we can do I'm afraid."
Hermione sighed before replying.
"Yes Professor, of course."
Ron leaned against the door frame of the bathroom and watched as Dobby rearranged his bed so that it now stood beside the entrance to the room and directly opposite Hermione's bed. Ron tapped his fingers unconsciously on the door frame before folding them.
"Oh!"
Ron turned to see John standing in the doorway of the room uncertain whether he should enter or not.
"Um, hello," Ron greeted feeling his face heat up, "I assume McGonnagal's told you," Ron added desperately hoping that their Head of House had indeed informed John of the situation otherwise he would have absolutely no hope of explaining the situation to him.
"Yes, she did," John replied avoiding his eye contact and instead walking over to talk to Dobby whose face had instantly lit up the instant John had stepped into the room.
Ron watched as John pulled out a small handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Dobby. While Dobby was professing his good fortune at having such a friend, John simply smiled and squeezed the elfs shoulder, the next moment Dobby disappeared and a deafening silence descended upon the room.
Ron heard John take a deep breath before standing up again.
"I think I'll take my bath now," John said his back still facing Ron.
"Okay, sure," Ron replied moving towards the window where his bed now stood and began to rummage through his bag, not really needing to find anything but simply allowing John privacy for whatever he needed to do.
The instant he heard the bathroom door click close Ron collapsed into his bed.
"Dumbledore is evil," Ron groaned rubbing his face tiredly.
Hermione pulled the tank top over her head and then began buttoning up her pajama top.
"Dumbledore is evil," she told her reflection.
'Does he really think that sharing a room with Ronald Weasley will make it any easier to hide my true identity?'
Before she could even take a step back into the now shared dorm room she froze and stared at Ron.
He must have sensed her presence and he turned around guiltily.
"Sorry I didn't ask you first but I just thought that this would make you – well us more comfortable," Hermione saw Ron's ears turn slightly pink before he turned back and finished off the spell.
"What do you think?" Ron asked his back still facing her.
Hermione couldn't help but smile as she looked at the large maroon colored curtain that encircled not only her bed but half of the entire room, while Ron's bed, desk and chest of clothes were pushed against the wall beside the entrance to the room.
"It's not really necessary, it hardly leaves you any room at all," Hermione said hastily.
"Don't worry about it, I shared a room with four other guys for almost three years now, this is more than enough room for me," Ron said as he walked over to his bed and slumped down into it, "But you're not used to sharing a room so I thought it would make you feel more comfortable.
"Thank you," Hermione said walking over to Ron, "How are you feeling? Still sore?"
"Not at all, Madame Pomfrey is a miracle worker that's for sure."
Another awkward silence descended on the couple before Ron suddenly jumped from his bed and Hermione had to stumble backwards to avoid him hitting her.
"I'll take my bath now."
"Oh right," Hermione's eyes suddenly widened, "Wait just let me get some of my things out of the bathroom.
Without another word she raced back into the bathroom and instantly pulled all of her female hygiene products as well as underwear and other female clothing from the room, she hastily tossed them into the nearby hamper before dragging it out of the bathroom and pushing it inside the curtained area of the room.
When she turned back to look at Ron she saw his face buried in a transfiguration textbook.
"Okay, its all yours," Hermione said before disappearing behind the curtain herself.
'How the hell am I going to get through this?'
Ron let the book drop and threw it back onto his bed, he hoped that Hermione didn't see how red his face was when he had seen her underwear sticking out of the top of the hamper.
After a quick shower, where Ron had spent half of the time fascinated by Hermione's citrus smelling shampoo bottle. Ron stepped back into the room making sure to make as much noise as possible before entering the room.
He saw that half of Hermione's curtain was pulled aside and he saw John sitting at his desk reviewing his notes.
Hermione looked up from her work and her eyes widened when she saw that Ron was only wearing pajama bottoms and was currently drying his hair with a towel providing her with an ample view of his arms and chest.
She felt her face and neck heat up and pulled her eyes away from Ron and turned back to her notes although they now seemed completely incoherent to her.
"Potions, huh?"
Hermione jumped when she heard Ron's voice behind her and she felt herself shake when his hand landed on the desk beside her as he leaned over to look at her notes.
"Oh, you're almost done, do you mind if I compare my essay with yours?"
Hermione shook her head mutely, not trusting herself to speak aloud.
She watched out of the corner of her eye as Ron put the towel on the handle of the bathroom door before padding over to his own desk and pulling out a notebook and a roll of parchment.
She instantly drew her eyes away from him when she heard him dragging his chair over to place beside her.
He placed his notes on the table and sat down, taking the quill out of his mouth he scribbled a few more notes in his book before unrolling his parchment.
"Would you mind proof-reading this for me?"
Hermione took the parchment without looking into Ron's face and began perusing his work.
'She must be angry about sharing a room with me,' Ron thought to himself after another hour passed without Hermione saying a word to him, 'But its not exactly my fault is it?'
He sighed as he recalled the conversation he had with Harry.
"I can't share a room with John!" Ron pulled at his hair as he spoke while he paced the empty classroom that he had dragged Harry and Neville into.
"Why not?" Neville questioned.
"Because," Ron replied lamely.
"Well if you won't than I will," Harry stated watching Ron pace the room from one of the desks.
"Wh-at?! Why would you do that?" Ron sputtered.
"Because one of us has to guard him, I just thought that since you are such good friends you'd be comfortable sharing a room with him."
'Yeah well that's because you are an idiot Harry Potter!' Ron screamed inwardly.
"And if not you than it'll either be me or Neville."
Ron stopped in his pacing and stared at Harry and Neville his mouth agape.
"I'm surprised that his parents haven't owled Dumbledore insisting that he return home instantly," Harry added.
"He sure does seem to change schools a lot," Neville noted taking a seat beside Harry, "Look Ron, if it bothers that much I can do it."
Ron gritted his teeth and glared at Harry before speaking.
"Fine! I'll do it."
Ron wanted to punch Harry when he saw the superior smirk appear on his friends face.
If Ron was perfectly honest with himself, he didn't agree only because he wanted to protect Hermione, although it was a factor, but rather the thought of her sleeping in the same room with another guy made him ill. He wasn't particularly fond of the idea of her leaving Hogwarts either, he only just found her, and he didn't want to lose her before he got to know her.
Hermione felt Ron's eyes on her again and lifted her eyes just in time to see him withdraw his from her face.
She sighed inwardly before sitting up straight and handing back his charms essay.
"There were just a few minor errors here and there but it's pretty well researched," Hermione said twirling her quill in her hand.
"You sound almost shocked," Ron laughed, "I do have a brain you know. How else do you think I can tutor other students."
Hermione bit her lip at the reminder of their previous argument.
Ron must have noticed her apprehension because he stood up from his seat before speaking.
"I don't sell my exam notes, but I do help students prepare theirs."
Hermione watched as he collected his books and returned to his side of the room.
"If you'd like," Ron continued turning around to look at her from his seat at his own desk, "You could join me sometime and I could show you my 'teaching methods'."
He had spoken the last few words with a smile on his face so she knew he wasn't angry at her and Hermione felt relief swell over.
"I'd like that."
Ron nodded before turning back to sort out his notes.
After a few minutes he stood from his seat and stretched.
"Well, that's enough for one night I think, what about you?"
"I may revise this Transfiguration essay first, but you go ahead," Hermione replied not looking up from her work.
"Do you mean the one due in a month?" Ron asked incredously.
"Yes," Hermione replied.
Hermione thought she heard Ron mutter what sounded like 'mental' under his breath before she heard his bed curtains close.
She turned around in her seat and saw that he had indeed gone to sleep. She pulled open her desk drawer and the letter she had received from her mother.
Dearest Hermione,
Your father and I were so incredibly relieved when we heard that you were not hurt, and rather grateful to the young man who saved your life. I was rather shocked when Professor McGonnagal told me of your new living arrangements, and your father was in quite a fit, but don't worry I can deal with him.
Although I am worried about your identity being discovered I was equally shocked to learn that it was none other than Ronald Weasley that would be staying with you. Is he not the young man that you mention so often in your letters?
Well whatever the case, I do want you to be careful and take every precaution to protect yourself and if you sense that anyone suspects your true identity than you must tell Professor McGonnagal immediately. We are both so proud of what you are doing Hermione but we do not want you to hurt yourself in the process.
Love Mum and Dad.
P.S. Don't be afraid to use magic on any boys that look at you funny - Dad
Ignore your father - Mum
Hermione sighed and folded the letter before returning it to her cupboard. She had been surprised when her parents had not insisted on her leaving Hogwarts and yet embarrassed that her mother was so perceptive. It was true that she mentioned Ron often in her letters but only because she was incredibly grateful for him saving her life twice, first at the lake and now from Sirius Black. Hermione turned to look at the drawn curtains around Ron's bed where she could hear him snoring.
'It is really just gratitude I feel?'
"I am very pleased with your progress, Miss Granger."
Hermione smiled as she sat across from McGonnagal.
"Thank you, Professor. It was challenging at first because of the stark difference between classes but I enjoyed the challenge."
McGonnagal nodded at her before putting away her paperwork.
"And sharing a room with Mr Weasley hasn't caused you any problems?"
"It's not as bad as I thought and its actually pretty nice having such a good friend at Hogwarts."
McGonnagal pursed her lips and looked at Hermione for a moment before standing from her desk and walking over towards her.
"Now, I need to know if you intend to attend the Christmass Ball as yourself."
Hermione took a moment to realize what McGonnagal was asking her, after all, over the last month she had felt more herself in years.
"Do you mean as a girl, Professor?"
"Yes, because if that is the case then you will need to attend a few classes at Hogwarts Girls just to make sure that the students won't become suspicious when you arrive at the ball."
Hermione took a moment to think over the matter before replying.
"I'm still not sure, could I have a few days to think it over?"
"Very well but the sooner you make a decision the better, it will not be easy to convince the girls that you have been attending classes when they have not seen for over a month."
"Yes Professor."
Hermione sighed as stepped into the Gryffindor common room.
'It may be nice to dress up I suppose, and possibly talk to Ron as a girl.'
Hermione dragged herself up the staircase and into her and Ron's dorm room.
She dropped her bag at the foot of her bed before collapsing into the bed. The curtains surrounding her part of the room were currently pulled open and she turned her head to look out into the evening sky.
"Help!"
Hermione coughed and screamed causing her to swallow another mouthful of water.
She felt her eyes sting and tears began to fall down her cheeks.
"I don't want to die!" she cried grasping around to find her broom.
"I've got you," A calm voice spoke from above her.
"You must be tired."
Hermione jumped up from her bed when she heard the same voice speak to her. She turned around to see Ron sitting at his desk.
"You didn't even notice me when you walked in."
"Oh, yeah, I had some research to do," Hermione replied yawning.
"Hmm, well I'm going with Harry to play some Quidditch wanna come?"
"At this time of night? And didn't you go flying with Harry yesterday?" Hermione said in disbelief.
"It's only six, and yeah I did. So did you want to come?"
Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"No thanks," she replied falling back onto her bed.
"Okay, I'll see you later than," Ron said before she heard the door close.
Hermione yawned once more before getting up to have her shower before Ron returned. She was surprised he ever got any work done, he was always out playing quidditch or flying with Harry.
Ron saw the light of the bathroom turn on and moved his broom upwards before landing on balcony above his and Hermione's room. He kept his broom at his side and watched the sky darken.
He had at least an hour before Hermione would be finished in the bathroom and began studying before he could return. He knew that she needed time to take another potion and didn't want to be around while she took her shower so he had made a habit of leaving around the same time everyday. He yawned tiredly, the only problem was that he wasn't getting that much sleep and was begin to struggle keeping up with his study load.
Ron gripped his wand when he heard a strange sound and instantly jumped onto his broom before descending down to the window that looked into his room but saw that Hermione was still in the bathroom and scabbers was now chewing at the corner of one of his notebooks.
"Oh great," Ron sighed, "I don't know why I keep you at all,"
He quickly swerved and flew upwards when he saw Hermione walk out of the bathroom. Ron looked down at his watch and waited a few more minutes before beginning to make his way back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
Ron expected to find Hermione studying at her desk but to his surprise she was sleeping in her bed and her curtains were still wide open.
He shook his head before flicking his wand in the direction of her bed causing the curtains to close around her sleeping figure.
"Forgot to take the potion again," Ron chuckled.
A/N: Surprise! I hope you all like this quick update, I don't really know what happened but my brain was working overtime last night and I couldn't stop typing, in fact I already finished the next chapter but will need a day or two to edit. Please tell me what you think so far - I intend to make this story as realistic and believable as possible withing the HP universe. And once again please forgive any grammatical or spelling errors as I am human and sometimes miss things despite my efforts at editing.
Thank you for those that review - the large number of comments really does encourage me to get these chapters out quicker.