A/N: I don't own Harry Potter. Hope you like it!
Chapter 13
The next morning she woke up and smiled, remembering the past weekend. She couldn't wait to tell her parents about Harry and Ron in her next letter. Anxiously she paced around the common room waiting for the boys to get up. "How can they sleep in today?" she thought. Personally, she loved Mondays, it was the start of the school week and she couldn't wait to learn the new material the professors were planning.
Moments later, both Ron and Harry greeted her both looking very tired and bewildered by Hermione's high-spirited excitement which was not shared by either of them.
The day was going fine until they were walking back from Herbology and Wood caught up with them to tell Harry about the last minute practice he had just set up for that night. Apparently, he wanted to re-run over an offensive strategy with the chasers he had shown them earlier and wanted the whole team to be at practice.
Hermione looked over at Harry and felt bad when she saw a nervous look pass over his face after Wood left.
"You'll do fine, mate," said Ron obviously seeing Harry's face as well.
The three walked in silence back up to the castle and Harry said little for the rest of the day until he left for the Quidditch pitch after dinner.
"He'll be fine, won't he?" asked Hermione as she and Ron headed back to the common room.
"Yeah, he should be," said Ron although something in his voice sounded kind of doubtful.
"You don't think he'll get hurt very badly, do you?" She knew Harry was more worried about losing than getting hurt, but she knew most Muggle sports could become very brutal and bloody very quickly, and she doubted Quidditch was any different.
"No, he won't. The worst that could happen is a broken nose, or arm, or something. Professional Quidditch can get mean, but I don't think the teachers will let it get too out of hand," reassured Ron. "Although, a Chaser did get a concussion after getting hit in the head with a bludger when my brother Charlie was seeker. He was out for a month," said Ron almost as an afterthought.
"A month?"
Hermione was becoming more and more anxious. Harry couldn't be out for a month. He would fall so far behind in his lessons!
"Well, maybe it was less. Fred and George never seem to get hurt."
"Does your whole family play Quidditch?" asked Hermione intrigued.
"All of us but Percy."
"Is Charlie the oldest?"
"No, Bill is. He's in Egypt right now working as a Curse Breaker for Gringotts."
"What does Charlie do then?" She knew he had to be done with school; otherwise she was sure she would've met him already.
"He's working with dragons in Romania," said Ron. "He was brilliant at Quidditch. He was Quidditch Captain while he was here, and could've gone on and played for England, but chose dragons instead."
Hermione was fascinated; a Curse Breaker and someone who studies dragons. She could just imagine some of the curses the ancient Egyptians placed on the tombs, and although she knew very little about dragons, she knew enough to know they were extremely dangerous and one had to not only be brave and tough, but also very smart to work with them. She was interested in what wizards and witches did after they graduated besides the obvious jobs such as working in the Ministry.
"So, there are six of you all together?" asked Hermione quickly doing the math in her head listening to Ron talk about his brothers. She had always had trouble imagining just one sibling, and couldn't begin to even imagine what it would be like to have a multiple of them.
"Seven, actually," answered Ron though his voice sounded slightly bitter when he said this.
Hermione detected the change in his voice for only a fraction of a second before the number he told her registered in her brain.
"Seven?" repeated Hermione surprised. She couldn't even begin to fathom having more than two siblings, much less six.
"Yeah, there's me and my five brothers, then there's my sister, Ginny. She'll be coming here next year."
"Wow," thought Hermione, "seven children."
"Do all of you have red hair?" she asked.
Ron, Fred, George, and Percy all did, and she wondered if it was every Weasley sibling, or just those four.
"Yeah, so do mum and dad," he said off hand.
Hermione was fascinated. She was finding Ron's family to be even more interesting than some of the lessons Professor Quirrell had taught them.
"Wow," said Hermione. "I bet it can get a little wild when you're at home."
Hermione thought back to how quiet and calm her life was when she was at home. Since it was only she and her parents, it could hardly be called chaotic, or even anything similar to that. And although she loved the peacefulness of it all, as well as the organization her family seemed to have fallen into over the years, she sometimes found herself wondering what it would be like to live in a more rambunctious home.
"Yeah, it can," agreed Ron. "Most of the time it's nice, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be an only child. Or at least, have a few less siblings."
Hermione smiled. "I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have siblings. Although, I have trouble only imagining one, much less six."
Ron shrugged his shoulders lightly and smiled at her, "I can hardly imagine being an only child."
Their conversation on siblings stopped as they reached the common room entrance and gave the password. After grabbing an open table, Hermione grabbed some parchment and began to write to her parents while Ron attempted to begin his homework. Hermione glanced over at him doubting the fact he would actually start it. Thinking back to the conversation they had moments before, Hermione smiled slightly and decided that maybe Ron wasn't as big as an annoyance as she had previously written him out to be.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I'm sorry if you think this letter is a little overdue. I've been so busy with school and everything that I've only now found time to write a letter longer than a few sentences.
School, as usual, is still wonderful as are two of the new friends I made. I told you about them earlier, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. However, last time I wrote to you about them was in a different context. I'm sure you remember them though, Harry defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and Ron is his friend. They were the two who snuck out of Gryffindor Tower that one night when I followed them.
Although they were two of the most frustrating boys I've ever met, I've recently gotten to know them better, and so far I really like them.
Hermione stopped writing for a moment and debated on whether or not to tell her parents how she befriended them. She knew they would be terribly worried about her, and may even re-think letting her return if they knew she was almost killed by a mountain troll. But on the other hand, she didn't want to lie to them and she knew if she didn't at least skim over how she befriended them, her parents would become curious and want to know details.
You will never believe what happened on Halloween. An actual mountain troll got into the school. Of course, none of students were anywhere near danger. One of the professors was able to retain it in the farthest dungeon which is nowhere near anywhere a student would be, and after the Prefects made sure all the younger students were safely back in the dormitories, the professors were able to knock it out. It was all rather exciting, even though it was quite frightening.
Hermione wondered if she should cross that line out. For her, nothing about the troll experience was exciting – nothing! On the contrary it was the absolute most terrifying thing Hermione had ever faced in her life, but she was sure from a different bystander's point of view it probably was exciting. Deciding to leave it in there she began to write more, firmly deciding to sugar coat how she befriended the boys.
That's actually how I befriended Harry and Ron. Because it was safer for the students in their houses, the feast was actually magically transported to each of the different house's common rooms. Through all the confusion and shifting around, I found myself sitting next to Harry and Ron. Our main conversation was about the troll break in, but at the end of the conversation I found myself actually starting to like them. I also recently met Hagrid. Harry introduced me. I don't know if I've mentioned him in my previous letters, but he was the man who first led us to Hogwarts. He was also the person who introduced Harry to the Wizarding world. I'm sure I mentioned Harry grew up with Muggles, so he had no idea about the magical world at all. He (Hagrid) is very, very nice, but he can seem sort of intimidating when you first meet him. He's at least twice the size of a normal person, so I'm sure he has some Giant blood in him, or a growth charm backfired on him and couldn't be reversed. Overall, once you get past the rough exterior, he is very pleasant.
The other boy I met, Ron, who I told you about earlier, is actually very interesting. He can also be very annoying, but interesting as well. I could hardly believe it when he told me he had six siblings! Can you imagine having seven children? Also, his entire family has bright red hair, including their mum and dad, and they all went to school at Hogwarts! His two eldest brothers have already graduated and one works with dragons, and the other works as a Curse Breaker for Gringotts. I'm sure you remember Gringotts, it's that large wizard bank run by goblins. His other brother Percy, just happens to be a Prefect. I first met him at the start of term feast, and so far I find him very smart and enjoyable. I hope I become Prefect someday. Oddly enough, neither Ron nor his two twin brothers seem to be very much like Percy. In fact, his twin brothers are more pranksters than anything else. So far I've found some of their jokes and pranks to be funny, but others I believe are somewhat too childish and most of them are almost guaranteed to lose points for Gryffindor, but they seem nice overall. They also happen to be beaters on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
Speaking of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, our first game is this Saturday and poor Harry I think is near terrified. The Quidditch Captain, Oliver Wood, has been having these long and often practices which even though there suppose to strengthen the team, I think are just adding to Harry's nerves. I'm sure Harry will do well though, I hope so at least.
Lesson wise, school, as usual, is fascinating. Now that the professor's believe we're ready, the lessons are getting more advanced and much more interesting, and I'm sure it will only get better. I am of course keeping up with my studies and so far have received top marks on all my assignments.
Hermione was nearly finished with her letter when Ron, who's eyes had been skimming over the chapter they were suppose to read instead of actually reading it, interrupted her.
"You know, what if we did something to make him feel better. You know, like show our support."
"As in the whole house?" she asked. She knew Harry knew he had their support, but Ron may be up to something if they could get the whole house to support Harry, or well at least the first years.
"Yeah, I don't know. Something to boost his spirits during the game."
Hermione thought about it for a minute. "That's actually a very good idea, Ron. How do you think we should do it though?"
Ron shrugged. "Well, I was thinking something like a poster or something along those lines…" he trailed off.
"What about a banner?" asked Hermione excitedly.
Ron smiled, "Yeah, a banner."
"Now how do you suppose we go around to getting and making one," muttered Hermione starting to think. "We should also ask the other first years. I'm sure they would like to help," she added.
"Well, what about those sheets Scabbers destroyed?" asked Ron, glad Hermione liked his idea.
"I think that just might work," she said excitedly. "Let me go ask the others if they want to be part of it," she said tucking her letter safely away and quickly walking over to where Dean and Seamus were playing a game and to Neville who looked like he was attempting to do homework that was above his intelligence level.
After explaining it to them and once again to Lavender and Parvati who had just come back from dinner it was apparent the first years where very approving of the idea.
"What should it say though?" asked Lavender looking around at the group.
"Go Harry?" suggested Seamus shrugging. It seemed like the obvious choice.
"We could do that," said Hermione grabbing a piece of parchment in case she had to write down different idea, "but what about something more exciting."
To her, "Go Harry," would work, but it was so commonly used.
"What about 'Potter for President?" mumbled Neville who was sitting farthest away from the group.
Hermione thought it over and began to really like the sound of it. Looking around, she saw the group thinking it over and repeating it in their head.
"I like it," said Parvati. "I think it would work well."
Dean and Seamus nodded in agreement. Looking at everyone in the group it seemed to be the general consensus.
"Potter for President it is then," said Hermione.
"Just so he doesn't find out, I think we should wait until a little closer to Saturday," stated Hermione authoritatively. "I think Thursday or Friday would be best."
Hermione noticed Dean and Seamus catch each other's eyes with slightly startled looks on their faces. She assumed it was because of how she took charge of the situation, but she wanted it to be perfect and she wasn't assured the other Gryffindor first years could do it properly.
After making sure everyone understood what was going on, she, Ron, and the other first years went back to their previous activities to not allow Harry any suspicions. Getting her letter back out she quickly finished it so she could send tomorrow.
Anyways, I wish I could write more, but the first years have decided to make a banner for Harry to boost his spirits and I want to help plan it out. I cannot wait to come home and am counting down the days until Christmas Holiday. I have so much to tell you when I get home, I can hardly wait. I love you! And once again, I absolutely love this school and I will be careful.
All my love,
Your Daughter,
Hermione
Not long after she finished her letter, Harry came in from practice and set his bag down on the table.
"How was it?" asked Ron, noticing Harry's face.
"Alright, I suppose," he said looking at them.
Hermione was becoming anxious. She hated seeing Harry like this and really wanted to find a way to help take his mind of off the upcoming match.
"Here, Harry. I checked this out recently and I think this will help take your mind off things," said Hermione grabbing Quidditch Through the Ages out of her bag. "For a little bit, anyway."
"Thanks," said Harry giving her a small half hearted smile.
Hermione watched Harry closely the next couple of days as the match grew nearer. None of the first year Gryffindors had even hinted about the banner, so she was fairly confident Harry still had no idea. Hermione decided that Thursday would be the best time to do it, since it was the last Quidditch practice for Harry before the match.
When Thursday evening arrived, Ron grabbed a Scabbers destroyed sheet and brought it down to a corner of the common room. Hermione was a bit anxious people would ask what they were doing and it would somehow reach Harry, but surprisingly no one seemed to really notice or care. Hermione decided it was best for her to oversee the operation and make sure everyone was doing their job correctly, since anything really artistic wasn't exactly her strong point, and she didn't want it to be ruined.
Roughly thirty minutes later, the Gryffindors first years, minus Harry, stood back to admire their work. Hermione examined it closely. It looked good, but there was just something missing, but what?
"There's something missing," she said moving her head examining it. She assumed by the few nods she saw out of the corner of her eye that the others agreed.
"What about a loin? You know, for Gryffindor?" asked Dean.
Hermione looked at it and tried to imagine a loin with it and how it would look.
"I think that would look good," said Parvati backing up Dean.
Lavender agreed. "It would really add to it."
"Well, that'd be great," said Ron sarcastically, "but who here can draw."
"Hey, Dean. You're a pretty good drawer, mate. You try," said Seamus nudging Dean.
Dean kind of shrugged a little.
"Do you think you could draw a decent loin?" asked Hermione. Now she was really nervous. She really liked Dean, but she was terrified the banner may get ruined. "You can always try to salvage it with magic, if it's too bad." said a voice in her head.
"I'm pretty good, I guess," said Dean.
"Go ahead, Dean," encouraged Neville. "Try it."
With the majority of the first years encouraging him, Dean gave a little casual shrug and grabbed the quill. Hermione was torn between watching him, and turning her head away so she wouldn't have to see. There were a few times where Hermione wanted to stop him, but she figured if she bothered him too much, the first years would make her finish it and she knew she for sure wouldn't be able to do it. Besides, so far the outline was looking very good. After several more anxious minutes of Hermione ringing her hands and peering over shoulders, Dean finally stood back to admire his work.
"Well?" he asked tilting his head from side to side.
The first years responded with an assortment of compliments and Hermione breathed a deep sigh of relief. It looked good; in fact it looked very good. After all agreeing it was acceptable they quickly put it away before Harry came back. Getting ready for bed that night, Hermione thought back to the banner. She did like it, but she thought it needed just a little something more. Frustrated that she couldn't figure out what it was, she put the banner's imperfections to the back of her mind and went to sleep.
Friday afternoon after their last class found Hermione, Harry and Ron standing out on the grounds. The common room was getting ready for the match tomorrow and it wasn't helping Harry any, and the noise level was making it nearly impossible to do any homework. The weather had definitely become colder and the three of them were huddled around the jam jar Hermione had been using to practice her blue bell flames which she had recently mastered.
Turning their backs to the flame to warm up, they watched Snape walk across the yard. "Snape's limping," said Harry as they watched him. Instinctively, they crowded closer together; nervous Snape would see the fire and find something that was against school policy. Although Hermione felt a little more comfortable breaking smaller school rules, she definitely didn't want to get caught breaking them. She was sure Harry and Ron didn't want to either. Hermione bit back a small groan when she saw Professor Snape begin to limp over to them. She was sure they had guilty looks on their faces which probably caused him to investigate.
"Oh! I hope he hasn't seen the fire," thought Hermione anxiously. She didn't know how much trouble she would be in, but she did not want to find out. She was sure she would get in the most trouble, though, since she was the one who conjured it, and neither Harry nor Ron really played a part in it. Getting more anxious by the minute she thought of something to say to Professor McGonagall or even Professor Dumbledore assuming that's where Snape would take them to. She hoped so at least. She knew she probably had better chance of getting a slightly less severe punishment with them then if Snape dealt with them.
"What's that you've got there, Potter?" he asked in his low voice.
Hermione almost breathed a sigh a relief when she realized he hadn't seen the fire. She would've felt better, however, if she knew Harry wasn't going to get into trouble.
"It's Quidditch Through the Ages, Professor," said Harry innocently, showing Snape the book.
"Library books are not to be taken out the school," sneered Snape. "Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor."
Hermione knew he made up that rule. Students brought library books outside the school to study all the time, especially when the weather was nice. She figured, however, it was best to keep her mouth shut in case he took away more house points.
"He's just made that rule up," muttered Harry angrily, voicing Hermione's thoughts. "Wonder what's wrong with his leg?"
"Dunno," replied Ron, "but I hope it's really hurting him," said Ron bitterly as they watched Snape limp away.
Returning to the common room that evening, the excitement and noise level had not decreased any, and Hermione, Harry, and Ron found an empty table next to the window. Hermione could tell Harry was getting restless as she checked over their Charm's homework.
"I'm going to ask Snape if I can have it back," Harry said eventually.
"Better you than me," said Hermione and Ron together as Harry got up and left.
"Do you think Snape will give it back to him?" asked Hermione looking up from Harry's homework.
"Dunno," said Ron shrugging. "But I hope there are other teachers there when he asks."
After a little time had passed, Hermione began to worry. She was about to ask Ron whether he thought something may have happened when Harry returned to their table breathless.
"Did you get it?" asked Ron looking up from the mistakes he was fixing on his homework.
"No, but you'll never believe what I saw," he told them in low whisper. "Filch and Snape were in the teacher's lounge and Filch was bandaging Snape's leg. It looked really bloody from where I was standing and he mentioned the three headed dog," said Harry breathlessly. "You know what this means?"
Ron and Hermione looked at each other.
"He tried to get past that three headed dog at Halloween! That's where he was going when we saw him—he's after whatever it's guarding! And I'd bet my broomstick he let that troll in, to make a diversion!"
Hermione felt her eyes grow wide after listening to Harry's story. Although she knew he fully believed every word of his theory, she just wasn't convinced. He's a professor! He wouldn't do something like that, especially with Dumbledore around. You would have to be either mad or stupid to try and pull something like that under Dumbledore's nose. As much as she wanted to, she just couldn't see Harry's theory to be entirely true.
"No—he wouldn't," she said. "I know he's not very nice, but he wouldn't try and steal something Dumbledore was keeping safe."
"Honestly, Hermione, you think all teacher are saints or something," snapped Ron quickly. "I'm with Harry. I wouldn't put anything past Snape. But what's he after? What's that dog guarding?"
Hermione was about to retort Ron, but decided it would be useless as Harry and Ron were now discussing Harry's theory and the three headed dog more in depth and completely ignoring her.
"Boys!" she thought rolling her eyes and going back to the chapter she was reading.
That night, getting ready for bed, Hermione rethought about Harry's theory. She wanted to believe him, but she just couldn't believe Professor Snape would do something like that. Sighing, she got into bed and hoped the situation that happened earlier wouldn't affect Harry's game tomorrow.
Author's Note: Well, here it is. I'm really sorry it took me so long to write and upload it. This chapter was giving me a lot of trouble and I didn't want to upload something that sounded like crap, so I really hope this doesn't. Thank you so much to everyone for being so patient with me, reviewing it, and adding it to their favorites. It means a ton to me! Chapter 14 is on its way, (hopefully soon). Hope you enjoyed it, and thank you again!