Karana Belle: oh look, a new chapter! Hopefully you'll like this chapter too. Reviewers:
citcat299—I thought it was funny too!
Makotojs—yep. You're exactly right! A point to you! Are you going to finish the story?
Stephanie—I really wonder if I should have a sequel. I guess it depends how far this story goes! (at LEAST 20 chapters I'm sure.)
artpixie37—well, I'll have to keep them in mind, but it all up to you reviewers what it turns into.
Alenor—yes, it IS scary that Lockhart is back. I really feel sorry for Hermione. Especially in this chapter…
EosRaven—Hah, that's funny. I think that a lot of people would loose their appetite. And if they wouldn't well…they might have some problems.
draco's gurl—thank you! Even though I, personally, like the more recent chapters better than the first ones.
xxkatherinexx—I know doesn't it? It just makes me want to hug something. A ferret…
Drakulya—hah. I female ferret…you know that's an idea…if ferret wins I just might do that.
Friday13—Candy…the egg wouldn't last very long then…but maybe there could be a romantic connection thingy…
SwTnDrEaMyPnAy—uh oh, I don't think that this is considered soon is it?
some1 who reviewed—well, I'm happy you're so enthusiastic about it! It makes me happy!
Sacagawea—I know. We just all want them to be tortured. And I'm glad that you're glad that Lockhart is in the story!
Joou Himeko Dah—you make me so happy when you say it was a nice chapter:Cyber hug:
SPUW Commander, Ruler of the eastern hemisphere, whatever!—does it really change so much with Lockhart there? Of course you'd pick a ferret, especially since I told you about the idea at school…
HGDM lova—really? It's new? I'm so happy! I think I'll celebrate!
Exploded toilet bowl—you're joking again! Man, and I was really hoping that you would pick a dung:cough:
Blue Dragon Skies—yeah, that is right. Thanks!
boyluvr250—you really thought it was Draco at first? Yes! It was accomplished. That's what I wanted everyone to think. Yeah, he probably should still be in St. Mungo's, but maybe the Nurse was going crazy so she signed the papers or something…
Cold-eyes-for-you—you are so nice. I could just cry! But I won't cause I'm sure you guys want me to put up this chapter, right?
Crystal56—I don't think this is soon enough? Do you? I'll beg on my knees if you spare me!
Goddess-Hope—well, I hope he doesn't know that a relationship is bad cause then he would be breaking the rules on purpose! And yes he is stupid. And just in case this is what you were really asking, I know that it's illegal too. But it is a weird twist don't you think? And you've got time to think. I'm keeping the poll open till we come to a decision or the egg hatches…
A Horribly Nauseating Class
Chapter Twelve
"I wonder what Professor Lockhart finds so interesting at this table?" Ron said as he glanced at the Professor once again. Hermione deliberately ignored him. She was trying her best not to believe that Gilderoy Lockhart had a 'thing' for her.
Harry looked at Hermione and smiled sympathetically, after all Harry knew what it was like to have someone that liked him. Especially someone that he wasn't too fond of. Hermione smiled back.
"At least you understand Harry." Then the telltale sound of wings flapping filled the air in the Great Hall. Hermione waited for the owl that brought her Daily Prophet to land on the table. But what surprised her was that there were four owls sitting on the table, each of them fighting to become the first to deliver their message.
Hermione sighed and, a little curiously, reached for one of the letters. There was a big envelope that was slightly bulging at the sides. And on the front of it there was 'Hermione Granger' written in red.
She opened the envelope (most of her fellow Gryffindors waiting to see what it was too) and immediately covered her ears. A loud voice could be heard singing these words:
Oh, your eyes are like caramel balls
And your face is divine
I'm sure you'll hear me call
'Hermione won't you be mine?'
If the words weren't bad enough, it was made up for when the song repeated itself five more times. By the time that the singing was finished the whole school body was looking at Hermione.
Her face a deep red, Hermione looked at the letter that had come from the envelope. It read:
My dear lovely Hermione,
I love you so much and I am so happy that you are reading this letter of mine. I hope that you will enjoy my little gift to you. It's in the envelope.
With all the love in the world,
Yo-Yo Boy
Dropping the letter (where it went into the hands of Lavender and Parvati) she hesitantly drew out the gift. Hermione groaned as she held up a red yo-yo. She looked at Harry, who nodded, confirming her unspoken but understood question. Great. Now I've got a love letter from Lockhart. I think I'm going to be sick.
It was at that time that Lavender and Parvati finished the letter, "Oh! That is so sweet! Hermione has a Secret Admirer!" The Hogwarts students nodded their head and turned to their food (most of the Slytherins wondering why anyone would like the Mudblood).
Lavender continued, "And he even has a cute name! The Yo-Yo Boy…" she sighed dreamily, "I wish I could have a secret admirer. You are so lucky Hermione."
Parvati smiled, "Exactly! And may I remind you not to try and figure out who it is. It would take the fun out of it! Not to mention the mystery…"
"Having a Secret Admirer is not fun at all." Hermione tried to reason, "All it is is a headache." Harry nodded, agreeing with his best friend.
A look of horror came upon Lavender's and Parvati's face, "You can't mean that Hermione!" they said in unison.
Hermione rolled her eyes and decided to ignore the two. So instead she reached for a second letter. It didn't have any name on the front but when she turned the envelope over to open it there was a wax emblem on the back.
It had a fancy 'M' that was in green with a silver background. Groaning once again Hermione opened the envelope, muttering under her breath, "What does Malfoy want?" Inside there was a small letter in a neat and flowing script.
Mudblood
I've decided to keep the egg for the next couple of days, so don't worry about coming to get it.
When I decide that it is your turn I will send it to you via Crabbe and Goyle.
And I don't like what you did to my face. You should've been the one to get a bloody nose. After all, that's what Mudblood's are for.
So next time I expect you to catch me when I fall. Or else I might make Snape dock house points.
I would think that you would be smart enough not to try killing me again. And maybe you should get a book on more effective ways to get rid of someone. I don't think that anyone has died from falling five feet to the ground.
The most handsome in the entire world,
Draco Malfoy
Hermione looked up from the letter and searched for Draco at the Slytherin table. When she found him he was looking at her and smirking. Hermione sent him a 'if looks could kill you'd be dead' glare and he just smirked even wider.
"What are you looking at Hermione?" The bookworm turned around to see who had spoken—Parvati. One half of the Patil Duo was currently trying to put on some eye shadow while at the same time trying to look at Hermione.
Not a very good thing because it was at that moment that she brushed some blue eye shadow onto her open eye. Needless to say Parvati screamed, causing all the heads to turn once again towards the Gryffindor table. But seeing that no one was dying they all turned back towards their food.
Hermione rolled her eyes while she waved her wand and got rid of the irritant. Needless to say Parvati's eye would be red for the rest of the day.
"Oh, you're a life-saver Hermione! I could just hug you to death!" Parvati then proceeded to do just that. After sitting there for a couple of minutes with her breath coming in shorter and more demanding gasps Hermione finally choked out:
"Could…. y-you…. let…let g-go…." Parvati gasped and apologized multiple times, after letting go of Hermione of course. Parvati also tried to pat down Hermione's wild bushy hair a little seeing as it had frizzed out from static electricity.
Five minutes later Parvati was still apologizing. Hermione sighed, "Could you please stop saying sorry? I've already forgiven you."
Parvati blushed, "Sorry." Then Lavender (who had successfully put Hermione's hair back to what it was before the laws of nature came into play) calmly pointed out that there were still two more owls waiting for her.
So Hermione reached for the third letter. This one had no writing or seals on it at all. Hermione thought that she was safe and was hoping beyond hopes that it wouldn't be an unwanted letter.
Miss Granger
I've always thought that you were very intelligent, but I'm a little shy to actually talk to you. Not to mention that my fellow housemates wouldn't be very happy if I respected someone like you.
Could you please meet me today at four by Greenhouse Two? I would really enjoy being able to talk to you. I really hope that I'll see you there.
Sincerely,
Alden
Hermione scanned the letter one more time and deciding that it was innocent enough made a mental note to go to Greenhouse Two at four. And just in case it's a trick I'll bring my wand and be on my guard. She nodded, satisfied that even after many years of service Hermione Granger's brain still worked.
The Gryffindor bookworm quietly slipped the letter into her pocket, sighing with relief when no one noticed. After all, Hermione thought, I don't want them to worry about me. She was about to get back to eating breakfast when the last owl hooted.
Hermione started, and then quickly apologized to the small animal. Pulling out two bronze knuts Hermione placed them in the small pouch around the owl's neck and took the paper tied around its leg.
She flipped through the Daily Prophet, looking for something interesting. It was then that an article caught her eye.
Daily Prophet Page 9
Oliver Wood: Dead or Alive?
The body of our prized Quidditch Star was found outside of
the Leaky Cauldron late last night, beaten and out cold.
After he was rushed to St. Mungo's we asked what was to
become of him.
"Wood should be fine. But he might have to stay in extensive
care."-Doctor Bellbee. Let's all hope that Oliver Wood does
get better. But the question is: -Who did this to him?
Aurors are on the job investigating, and they hope to find the
assailant quickly. Interviewing one of the Aurors:
"We haven't found anything yet, but with time we know something will show up."-Pam Geogo.
Yes, well good thing the Aurors are on the job. And let's root for our Favorite Quidditch Star around.
Hermione frowned as she read the last sentence. Ron, seeing the look on her face stopped his conversation with Harry to ask, "What's wrong Hermione?"
By then the Gryffindors sitting around them dropped their own conversations to hear what she had to say. When Hermione didn't answer right away Harry snatched the Daily Prophet out of her hand.
After quickly scanning the paper Harry looked at Hermione. Ron, becoming angry that he didn't know what was happening snapped, "Well? Are you going to read it out loud?"
Harry looked at Ron before he started to read the article. At the end Ron guffawed.
"That's what has you all worked up?" Ron started laughing, "Wood and some other person were probably drunk and then they started beating each other up! That's the only explanation!" He doubled over in laughter again and it took the rest of breakfast to quiet him.
While Ron was busy laughing his head off Hermione shook her head, Yes. Of course Ron is right. After all we killed Voldermort last year. I probably just ate something weird and now I'm feeling the after effects.
(1)
The common room was very quiet, seeing as most of the Gryffindor seventh years were either catching some 'z's in their dorms, enjoying the day outside, or spending time with their special other.
Ron was sleeping and Harry was flying on his broom around the Quidditch Pitch. Hermione was sitting by the empty fireplace rereading Hogwarts: A History again. Hermione looked up from her book to the clock on the wall. It's 3:45. I should probably get going.
Hermione looked around and saw that the only other people in the room were Lavender and Parvati, who were in the corner giggling. Breathing a sigh of relief she made her way out of the portrait.
Upon walking out of the hole Hermione turned around to say hello to the knights in the picture.
"Hello Sir Percival and Sir Borus. How are you today?" The mentioned men both bowed politely and answered her question. Hermione smiled and walked off down the hall, towards the entrance hall and the school grounds.
Once she was gone Borus turned his blonde head towards his companion. "What Percival? You're not going to try and seduce the poor girl?"
"Nope." Percival said conversationally, "I thought about what you said and I noticed that you were right…she isn't one of the best-looking ones in this school, even though she is quite pretty, and I always must have the best!"
Borus's eyes lit up, "Did you hear that?" he yelled causing the other knights in the portrait to wince, including the only woman. "Let's mark this day: September 16, as the day that Percival said I was right!"
But because Borus was so busy trying to find some paper to write on he didn't hear the end of Percival's comment.
"After all. The best is Lady Chris. And we both agree that I can only have the best…"
(2)
Hermione walked by the Quidditch Pitch as she went towards Greenhouse two. But what she saw surprised her. Ginny and Harry were sitting near the bottom of the seats around the pitch talking. Well, there's nothing wrong with that. Hermione peered closer. Is that Harry's arm around Ginny?
Hermione shook her head and continued walking. "Of course it isn't. Why would Harry have his arm around Ginny? It was just a trick of the shadows." Soon Hermione came to the rows of Greenhouses, where the students took their Herbology lessons.
She stopped in front of one that had a number two on the door and the side of the greenhouse. Hermione walked around the perimeter of it once, and since she didn't see anyone, she stood beside the back exit of the greenhouse to wait.
A couple minutes later Hermione felt a soft tap on her shoulder. She quickly turned around to see a boy about half a foot taller than her with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. Hermione smiled.
"You must be Alden." Hermione held out her hand and the boy hesitantly took it, giving it a firm handshake.
"Yes. That's me." His voice sounded oddly familiar but Hermione shook it off. I probably heard his voice in the hallway or on the train sometime.
"So what did you want to ask me, Alden?" Hermione looked into his eyes, and an odd thought popped into her head, those eye's are familiar too…like I've seen them somewhere before. It must be déjà vu.
He seemed somewhat hesitant to answer the question and finally he said, "I really just want to get to know you." Alden looked at something over Hermione's shoulder.
"Um…sure thing Alden. As long as you tell me about yourself too." Hermione sat down on the ground with her back leaning on the Greenhouse. Alden stood up for a few more seconds before sitting down beside her.
Hermione smiled, "Well…where to start…"
(3)
An hour and a half later Hermione was walking back through the halls towards the common room, a content smile on her face. She had just come in from the 'meeting' with Alden and they had talked for a long while. Talking mostly about things happening in school.
Hermione found out that Alden liked to read Action books and sometimes would stay up late just to read some of the Muggle ones. His reasoning for staying up late is that he wouldn't want his dorm mates to catch him reading them. Alden was a fairly bright student, according to what he said about his grades, and he was second in his year with grades.
It was odd though. Alden didn't talk at all about his family. I was the one who mentioned anything about family. Maybe he just doesn't like talking about his family to someone he just met. Alden will probably open up with time. And at least I know that we will meet again next Sunday.
Hermione walked into the common room humming softly under her breath. And when she walked in she was bombarded with questions.
"Where were you for two hours? I was worried that some werewolf had come and kidnapped you!" Ron had jumped out of nowhere and landed right in front of her.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ron it wasn't for two hours. It was only an hour and a half. And I was just outside. Nothing wrong with that. And speaking of werewolves don't you know that there is a New Moon tonight?"
That shut Ron up. He stood there for a whole minute with his mouth hanging open. And when he finally gained his sense Hermione was already reading on the sofa again.
Ron quietly walked over towards Hermione and sat down beside her. He kept on shifting his position every five seconds and would cast nervous glances towards an oblivious friend.
Finally after about 15 minutes of this state of nervousness Ron drew in a big breath and opened his mouth, "Hermione?"
The targeted person looked up from her book, "Yes Ron?"
Ron gulped and looked into the fireplace. "Do you…do you want to take a walk around the lake after dinner?" His ears turned red. Hermione didn't notice and smiled.
"Sure Ron. Just like old times. Why don't we ask Harry to come as well?" Hermione smiled. Ron face fell, but only for a second, which was followed by a forced smile.
"Of course. We can't have Harry not come." Ron silently berated himself for being a fool. Of course she wouldn't want to go with you and not Harry as well. Let's just hope that Harry has some plans of his own…
Ron's thinking was cut off when Hermione looked at the clock and said, "Well, we'd better get going to dinner. After all, I'm sure your stomach needs filling, right Ron?" She laughed and Ron laughed too, albeit very weakly; but Hermione never noticed a thing.
(4)
Hermione placed her fork down on her empty plate. She had just finished off a jelly-filled pastry, which was preceded by a healthy plate of spaghetti. Glancing at her two best friends Hermione smiled. Ron was stuffing his face as if this meal was his last and Harry was slowly eating his own food, staring off into space.
Curious Hermione followed Harry's gaze and saw that he was looking at…Ginny! Sure enough Ginny Weasley was sitting beside Parvati and Lavender and laughing at something they had said.
Looking back to Harry, Hermione saw a small smile slowly form on his face. Hermione raised her eyebrow but decided to not say anything about it.
At least not for the moment.
Hermione cleared her throat, successfully getting the attention of Harry (who looked a little disappointed) and Ron (who was still lifting his fork to his mouth). "Harry. Ron and I are going to go to the lake. Do you want to come with us?"
Once again Hermione missed Ron's face as it fell, but she didn't miss the quick glance that Harry sent down the table, to a group of laughing girls.
Harry looked back at Hermione, "Well, I'd love to." Another glance down the table showed how much he really did, "But I have a lot of homework I need to finish." Hermione nodded, agreeing with the thought.
It was then that Ginny came over, "Oh Hermione. Could you help me with my homework in a little bit?" Hermione smiled sadly.
"I'm sorry Gin. But Ron and I are going to the lake right after dinner." Ginny smiled a little too sweetly at this, and looked at her red-eared brother, "Speaking of which, would you like to come with us?"
Ginny looked taken aback, she looked at her brother again as if he was crazy, "Well, I'm sorry too Hermione but I've got to start on that homework or I'm going to be up all night! Have fun!" With that the youngest Weasley left the Great Hall.
About thirty seconds later Harry got up from his seat, pushing his plate to the middle of the table. "Well, better start on that Homework." And he too left, but instead of turning right to go to the seventh year towers he turned right-towards the Gryffindor tower.
Hermione just shook it off he probably forgot that we don't sleep there anymore. After all, he has been going that way for six years; and old habits die-hard.
The smartest witch at Hogwarts looked over at the oldest Weasley still in school. Ron was just cleaning off another plateful of food. "Ron." Hermione started, "Can we go now?"
It took a couple seconds for what Hermione to say to register in Ron's head and when it did he nodded and grinned. He seems a little too happy. I wonder why?
It was when they were walking out of the Great Hall that it hit Hermione, Why would Harry have homework? We don't have any classes. She pondered this while Ron led her out to the Castle grounds
(5)
The setting sun reflected off the placid surface of the lake. There was no wind to move the water, but all the small water bugs that slid across the cool water sent endless ripples over the surface. Hermione sat down on one of the outcroppings of rock, her feet hanging over the edge.
Hermione looked out across the lake to the sunset, "It's beautiful out here." She turned to Ron and saw him looking at her.
"Yeah." He answered. Hermione just smiled and turned back to watch the sunset. A couple minutes passed before someone spoke again.
"You know what Ron?" Hermione turned back towards one of her best friends since the first year.
"What?" Ron whispered, his blue eyes boring into her brown ones.
"It's kind of weird sitting here without Harry." Hermione smiled widely and swung her legs back and forth and watching her reflection on the water.
"Oh." Hermione didn't miss the disappointment in Ron's voice this time. She turned to him.
"What's wrong Ron? You know you can always talk to me, right?" Hermione searched his eyes, trying to find something there to help her. Ron gulped and then grabbed her hands in his.
"Hermione?" he started nervously, "Do you like Harry?" he sounded desperate like he had to know the answer to live.
Hermione laughed, "Of course I do, Ron!" his face fell, "Just like I like you. You guys are the best friends a girl can ever have." Hermione squeezed his hand in a sisterly way.
Ron looked into her eyes for a moment before looking back at the sunset. Hermione could see him swallow. Time seemed to go slowly for the next few moments. Ron turned back to look deeply into her eyes and he opened his mouth.
"Hermione…I—" but he never got to finish that sentence cause at that moment someone yelled.
"Hermione! Ron! What a surprise to find you two here!" Ron quickly dropped Hermione's hands and they both looked over to see who had called: Lavender Brown. She jogged the rest of the way over.
"Hello Lavender, is Parvati's eye all right now? I forgot to ask during dinner." Hermione stood up to meet the Gryffindor girl; Ron got up and stood right behind Hermione.
"Oh, that's so sweet of you to ask!" Lavender gave Hermione a big hug, "Why don't we go and ask Parvati right now? She's with Padma in the seventh year Ravenclaw common room." Hermione nodded and they both walked off towards the castle, leaving Ron beside the lake, all alone.
"I love you Hermione." Ron whispered to no one; the word was carried off on the slight wind that swept towards the Forbidden Forest. He sighed, ran a hand through his red hair, and started back for the castle.
(6)
Karana: well, there we go. The next chapter! And it's been over two months again. But for some reason I just couldn't make myself write! And I had the chance and the ideas! I hope you all won't kill me so I'm going to give you all cheesecake! Unless you don't like cheesecake… :runs for cover: oh and don't worry about Ron he will find someone else. There now I don't feel guilty. After all I don't want you all to think that I'm going to have Ron be heartbroken at the end of this fic do you?
Results for first session of what the egg should turn into:
Baby-8 votesPhoenix-10 votes
Dragon-6 votes
Ferret-8 votes
Each other-2 votes
Candy-1 vote
Perfect book-1 vote
Love between Draco and Hermione-1 vote
Okay, now this is going to last till we come to a decision or it's time for the egg to hatch. So for each chapter onward you can only pick one. That means you can vote again each chapter but only for one thing!