Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or The Originals. Both belong to their respective copyright owners.
A/N: Okay, so, I just uploaded chapter 20 when I stared this. It was 10:43 P.M. Let's see how long it takes me to finish this. By the way, I am slowly, but surely redoing the earlier chapters of this story. I've already redone chapters one and two. Kindly let me know what you think. I'll also let you know what chapters received a rewrite with each update. Also, I've had a reviewer state that they find issues with the fact that it's rather Hope-centric. Not to sound rude but the title is Hogwarts Hybrid. The title alone along with the summary would tell that it's a Hope-centric story. Also, Harry will have more of a presence soon when things actually start getting crazy. Anywho. On with the story.
There was nothing quite as euphoric as rich, warm blood sliding down your throat, Rebekah mused as she happily enjoyed a meal of A positive from the pretty blond's neck. The woman, whom Rebekah found at a pub, was hardly complaining. In fact the scent of her arousal was beginning to perfume the room. She pulled back and smirked at the human.
It had been a while since she had been with another woman...
Using her vampire speed she quickly removed the girl's dress, leaving her in her bra and panties.
She was just about to remove said panties when a loud knock sounded on the door.
"Bloody hell..." she growled in annoyance. "Go away!" She called, sinking her fangs into the woman's thigh, greedily drinking as the girl writhed in pleasure.
"It's Minerva."
It's like she has a bloody radar or something...
Removing herself from her companion she went to open the door. Her first response was to roll her eyes at the witch's tartan dress that looked like a picnic table cloth. "For the love of god, I'm taking you shopping one of these days. When is your birthday?"
"October fourth. But, I came here to ask-"
"You'd think a Libra would have better taste..." Rebekah muttered.
Minerva huffed in indignation. "Are you quite finished?"
"I suppose so," she then gestured for the woman to enter.
"I suppose I should be thanking my lucky starts that you're clothed this time- Oh, for the love of Merlin!" she stopped when she saw the young muggle woman on the couch with puncture holes on her neck and thighs. She was stripped down to her knickers and brassiere.
"Hi!" The girl said happily, not bothered by her incident appearance.
Minerva whirled around and pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose. "Why is it every time I come here I walk in on something... lewd?"
"Oh, calm down," Rebekah said to the witch before bending over so she was eye level with the muggle. She first bit into her own wrist and pressed the bleeding wound the girl's mouth to heal her. Once done Rebekah set about altering her memory. "Get dressed. I picked you up at a bar, we made out, nearly shagged but my cock blocking friend arrived and you skittered away embarrassed."
The woman blinked then looked at Minerva, mortified. "Oh God! I'm so sorry!" She yanked on her dress and grabbed her shoes, rushing out of the door Rebekah held open.
"You really do have the worst timing. You realize this right?" the vampire said simply once they were alone.
"At least I had the common sense to knock this time," Minerva huffed.
"All right. Out with it? What's going on, now? And is that a red and gold rosette on your shoulder?"
"Hmm. Oh, yes. There was a match today. Gryffindor finally won the Quidditch Inter-House Cup against Slytherin."
Though she tried to say it calmly, Rebekah could clearly see the witch was this close to doing a happy dance. She also remembered Hope had said something about Gryffindor not winning the Cup in ages. "Congratulations. And you're here to invite me to the victory party?"
"Oh, no. Though, I'm sure if I were to go into Gryffindor Tower right now it would be akin to walking into a monkey pin. No, the reason I'm here is to invite you to search the grounds again. The last attack took place after a Gryffindor Quidditch match. And though we have upped our security and its highly doubtful that Black would make another attempt like the last, I would prefer to be safe than sorry." She stopped, eyes softening slightly. "Though, if you would rather not. Especially after the last time, I would understand."
"Are you kidding? I've said before that I would help, especially after those things attacked me. I don't them within sniffing distance of my Hope. Luckily I'm already dressed this time. And I still have those robes from last time." She whooshed away and a second later she was dressed in the gold robes from last time. "Ready when you are."
Minerva took her hand even though Rebekah braced herself, apparation was still pretty awful. Looking around, she found that they were standing at the entrance of Hogsmeade where Professor Dumbledore stood to greet them, red and gold rosettes adorned his robes and a Gyrffindor flag was draped around his shoulders..
"Greetings, Ms. Mik- Rebekah."
"Hello, Professor Dumbledore."
The vampire and wizard shook hands. "I hope your trip was more pleasant than last time?"
"It's still a bit disorienting but it wasn't as bad."
"Small favors I supposed," he said with smile before sobering. "Minerva told me what the dementors did to you. I am terribly sorry that happened to you. Due to your heightened emotions they likely saw you as hearty meal."
"I figured it was something like that..." she replied, suppressing a shudder as they walked to the Hogwarts castle. She wasn't used to be the one on the menu.
"So, Minerva will be sticking close to you, as will Hagrid, to ensure that it does not happen again."
While Rebekah honestly found the idea of a guard perposterous, considering what that thing nearly did to her, she kept her mouth shut. It seemed the old wizard knew what she was thinking.
"I'm quite certain the idea of a guard is-er- a tad insulting for someone as formidable as you. Though, hopefully we will catch him and soon have the dementors removed from the perimeters of the school. Also, in the forest you could have no better guide than Hagrid."
"Oh, very well-" she stopped when her ears caught the sound of loud cheering as well as stamping.
"GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR!"
"Ah, yes" Dumbledore said beaming "The students must be parading the winning team throughout the castle. More than likely the victory party should be starting soon."
The victory party for the Gryffindor team was in full swing. After parading the team throughout the school, the crowd dispersed and the Gryffindors headed to their common room for a victory party. The Weird Sisters blared on the wireless radio and, as per usual, Fred and George disappeared for an hour only to return with various treats from Honeydukes.
The heroes of the hour, the Gryffindor Team, were having the time of their lives. Wood was currently flocked by various girls as he retold highlights of the match. Alicia, Katie and Angelina were clearly enjoying the attention from a group of sixth year boys. Fred and George were setting of a bunch of Fillibuster's Fireworks so the room looked as it were full of stars. Harry was currently sitting on the couch with Ron, Hermione and Hope, telling the tale of his race for the Snitch against Malfoy. When he told them of what he said, all of their mouths dropped.
"Wait! Wait! 'Side corn'?" Hope was beside herself, nearly choking on her candy with laughter. "Where the Hell did you even come up with that?" She then paused. "You watch Archer, don't you?"
Harry gave a one shouldered shrug. "I caught a few episodes once when Dudley was watching it. He was too scared of me to kick me out."
"I love that show!" Parvati exclaimed for her spot on the arm of the couch. When Harry glanced at her in surprise, she shrugged. "I saw it when I spent the day with Hope. I didn't get a lot of the references but the insults were amazing."
"What is Krieger's girlfriend? Is she a ghost?" Lavender asked as she took a swig of pumpkin fizz.
"I told you before, she's computerized..." Hope sighed.
"I wonder if its true..." Ron said, getting the others attention.
"What?" the girls asked.
"That Parkinson's running around on him."
"With what? A doberman?" Hermione scoffed, earning startled laughs from the group. "I honestly hope she is, actually. It'd serve that git Malfoy right."
The group then laughed in agreement before Hermione brightened. "Let's go to dinner."
"With all the candy and stuff we've got here?" Hope asked incredulously. "Why?"
"To watch Slytherin sulk." Hermione said as if that explained everything. Which it did.
Harry and Ron looked at each other, grinned and got off the couch, the girls following. They quickly made their way to the Great Hall, Harry receiving congratulations from the portraits as well as the Fat Friar.
The Gryffindor table was rather deserted, save for two sixth year girls, a first year boy. Percy was there as well but at the Ravenclaw table. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs applauded when Harry entered and the boy couldn't help smirking when the Slytherins all scowled.
"Wonderful game, Harry!" Percy said pompously as he and his girlfriend rushed forward to congratulate him.
"Great game, Harry!" Cedric said, coming over to shake his hand as well as hand Hope a paperback. "And thanks for letting me borrow this. Do you have any others by this man that I could borrow, perhaps? He's really good. After OWLs of course," he added.
As everyone sat down at their respective tables, Harry glanced around for the Slytherin team. The two Beaters Derrick and Bole looked as if they wanted nothing more than to jinx Harry on the spot. The two Chasers, Warrington and Montague were sulking into their dinner though Flint was nowhere to be found.
"Harry... Harry!" Hope was repeatedly swatting his arm. "Look!"
Looking to where she was pointing, Harry turned to the Great Hall entrance to see Malfoy and Parkinson in a heated argument.
"And you let what he said cost you the match!? Did you believe him or something?!"
"What? No! It just-"
"Urgh!" Pansy then turned on one foot and stormed out of the hall, too pissed to even pick at Hope and the other girls.
Malfoy watched her leave before storming out himself, swearing loudly which prompted Professor Sprout to take five points from Slytherin.
"Excellent!" Ron cheered while the girls all broke into delighted giggles.
"I think you started some shit..." Hope said, eyes wide with shock and glee as she watched the scene.
"Wow..." Harry laughed as he scooped up some treacle tart just as Cho squeezed herself next to him, sliding her arm around his waist. Best Day Ever. He was so ecstatic he didn't even notice the absence of his Head of House or the game keeper.
Rebekah stood outside of a small wood cabin as Minerva politely knocked at the door. The door to the hut opened and the giant man who had been Rebekah's guide last time opened the door, also plastered in red and gold rosettes. When he saw her he visibly straightened and attempted to smooth out his hair.
"Professor McGonagall. Rebekah... What can I do for yeh?"
Rebekah tried not shake her head as he ogled her. "Hello, Hagrid."
Minerva let out an exasperated sigh. "We're conducting a search of the grounds, as well as the forest while the students or celebrating-"
"-or sulkin' if yer Slytherin..." the man said with a slight smirk.
Even Minerva's lips quirked at that. "Yes, well, if you would be so kind as to accompany us again?"
"Be delighted ter." He said, going inside for a moment and returning with a large crossbow. He then held his large arm out for her and Rebekah bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing.
"Once the students head to bed she will join us in a search of the castle," Minerva informed them with exasperation as she watched the giant man's sub par attempts at flirting.
"Oh, an' before yeh go, I wanted yeh to met Beaky."
"Who?" Rebekah asked in confusion then remembered Hope's letters. "Oh, your hippogriff?"
"We really haven't got time for this," Minerva said impatiently.
"Oh, come now, Professor. Let er at least see em'. I'd like him ter meet a vampire before... yeh know..."
Sometimes having heightened emotions was a pain for Rebekah, especially right now. The burst of sympathy she felt for the giant had her thoroughly exasperated with herself. Raising such an animal lover like Hope really had made her soft.
"One minute, then..."
Hagrid beamed and lead her around to a garden that had the biggest pumpkins she had ever seen. There in the center, a rope around his neck keeping him tethered to a post, was the hippogriff. His gold eyes lifted and narrowed at Rebekah.
"This-" Hagrid said, gesturing to the magnificent animal "is Buckbeak. Beaky, this is Rebekah."
Rebekah, feeling slightly silly, dropped to a low curtsy that she hadn't used in centuries. The hippogriff eyed her shrewdly but soon dipped into a bow.
"Ah, that went well. Yeh can pet em if yeh want."
She happily went to the animal and gently stroked his head. She had a feeling this thing sensed what she was which was why it eyed her cautiously. She then remembered what Hope and the others told her over Christmas about hippogriffs being proud creatures.
"You're so pretty..." she told him as she stroked him behind the ears.
Was it her or did Buckbeak seem to lighten up at the complement?
After several hours night began to fall and the search of the forest proved fruitless, Minerva declared it was best if Rebekah returned home. Hagrid expressed regret at this but agreed. They began their trek back when a voice stopped them.
"Hagrid."
The was voice deep and uncompromising. Both he, Minerva and Rebekah whirled around and the vampire's eyes widened to see one of the centaurs so close. He had long red hair and a red beard, his torso muscular and where his human waist ended his chestnut horse half began. She found him fascinating though the arrow aimed at her heart and his fierce glare made her roll her eyes. Wonderful.
"Whoa, now, Ronan!" Hagrid exclaimed, one hand up in defense while the other was in front of Rebekah protectively, which was sweet but unnecessary. "What's with the arrows?"
"You dare bring that vile thing into our forest?" the half-man said, voice laced with wrath.
Rebekah's brows hit her hairline and she let out an insulted scoff. "No manners what so ever," she admonished, hardly bothered by the arrows. She felt an elbow to the ribs from Minerva, apparently warning her to watch her mouth.
"We were just leaving," Minerva said stiffly, hand clutching her wand.
"She's helpin' Dumbledore is all," Hagrid said tersely, to the centaur. "Searchin' for a criminal, Sirius Black. Have yeh seen em by chance?"
The centaur turned his narrowed gaze from Rebekah-who was smiling at him benignly just to be an asshole-to Hagrid. He then looked up at the darkening sky. "Chamaeleon is bright tonight..."
Minerva pursed her lips, Hagrid sighed and Rebekah lost her smile to look up at the sky. With her advanced vision she was able to easily make out the stars, though she had no clue what he was talking about.
"Right... we'll be off then..." Hagrid said impatiently. The three then left the centaur and went to make their way out of the forest.
"Ruddy nags..." Hargid huffed then sent an apologetic look to Rebekah. "They're... er... not the biggest fans of vampires, centaurs... Sumthin about yer bein an 'abomination' or sumthin silly like that-"
Rebekah let out an incredulous snort at that. "He's literally a horse's ass and I'm the abomination? Okay."
"Keep your voice down!" Minerva hissed at her. "Don't insu-"
"Oh, what can they even do to me?" Rebekah scoffed.
The answer came in the form of an arrow shooting her straight in the back and through the heart.
Rebekah let out a strangled gasp and collapsed to the ground, her body desiccating at her companions feet.
There was chatter around her, and what sounded like sobbing. The awful pain of her veins grinding together soon disappeared and the rush of blood pumping had her fighting to open her eyes. She felt her skin returning back to normal and when she finally opened her eyes she found herself in a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. A number of curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. The walls were covered with portraits and- she blinked and sat up straight- were they snoring? And what the sort of bird was that that was sitting on a perch? Was that a- No, it couldn't be...
"Ah, Rebekah! Good to see you've returned to the land of the living. You were out for well over four hours. Oh, I see you've noticed Fawkes."
She turned her head to see Dumbledore smiling down at her. He offered her a blood pop much like a doctor would a small child after a painful shot. "I'm terribly sorry that you were assaulted again... Centaurs are not particularly fond of vampires and they are extremely proud creatures. Not unlike hippogriffs. If you like, I can have a goblet of blood, animal of course, brought up."
"That's all right... I have blood at home..."
To her left was Minerva who was quite pale but looked relieved. "You just had to mouth off to a centaur, didn't you?" she said shrilly, not helping Rebekah's state one bit.
"Where the bloody hell am I?" the vampire asked groggily.
"My office," Dumbledore informed her "Professor McGonagall and Hagrid brought you here aft-"
He was caught off by said giant professor latching onto her and sobbing heavily into her shoulder. Rebekah tried not to cringe at the huge teardrops sliding down her back and patted his huge shoulder awkwardly.
"I thought those ruddy nags killed yeh! Th-then McGonagall said it wouldn' kill yeh, not an arrow..." He then pulled away from her and looked at her in astonishment, face still wet with tears "Yer that Rebekah. An Original..."
Rebekah tensed and she noticed that some of the portraits awoke at that. She noticed one, a man with a pointed beard clad in magnificent robes of green and silver, eyeing her shrewdly.
"Rebekah Mikaelson... I would have never thought I would see you again..."
All eyes turned to the portrait and the witch and wizards then turned to Rebekah who looked thoroughly confused.
"We know each other?" she asked, feeling silly for talking to a portrait.
"Oh, yes... We do know each other... Very well... in the biblical sense."
Minerva sputtered and Hagrid coughed. Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose and looked quite exasperated and embarrassed. "That'll do Phineas..."
Rebekah's brows rose at the portrait's bold claim. "Excuse me? When the bloody hell was this?!"
"July, eighteen eighty-eight. Dublin... It was the end of term and I was celebrating with a bit of Muggle-rousing which you found quite amusing..."
Rebekah racked her brain but couldn't recall. She shook her head and Phineas' eyes popped in insult.
"You insufferable mosquito, you said it was the best night of your life!"
"And you believed me?" Rebekah scoffed, irritated. Now a few of the other portraits snickered while Phineas went "Hmph!" and disappeared from his portrait.
"Well, you must tired after such an eventful day!" Dumbledore said heartily. He stood and shook her hand. "Thank you very much fr assisting us again, Rebekah." He gave her another box of Honeydukes sweets, this time some chocolate frogs. "Minerva, let's kindly escort Rebekah back to Hogsmeade where you can take her home."
"Of course. Come, Rebekah. The students are in bed... Well, the Gryffindor's may still be celebrating..."
"Bye, Hagrid," Rebekah waved who was still looking awestruck.
"Bye, Rebekah. Feel free ter visit my cabin sometime for a cup of tea."
She smiled while Minerva barely concealed her head shake and she and the headmaster lead the vampire from the strange office to the doors. During the walk, Rebekah could barely pay attention to where she was walking as she kept getting distracted by what she was seeing. While it was hardly her first time in a luxurious castle, the various chattering portraits and moving staircases kept grabbing her attention. And when they finally got to the front doors which were guarded by actual trolls-were they really comparing the size of their clubs?- Dumbledore and Minerva had command them to let them past.
The three walked all the way from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade. Both witch and wizard had summoned their patronuses which significantly warmed their area. And now that Rebekah was able, she watched the silvery creatures curiously. It seemed that the familiars took on different animal shapes. Minerva's took on the form of a cat while Dumbledore's resembled the strange bird she had seen in his office. Though, beyond the patronuses, Rebekah's keen eyes noticed a few baleful robed figures floating in the air a few meters away and she fought hard not to shiver.
Soon, they reached Hogsmeade and Rebekah swallowed when she saw the creatures brazenly swooping up and down the streets.
"Here is where we must part," Dumbledore said pleasantly though he kept his eye on the dementors. "Thank you again for your help and I hope you have a wonderful night."
"You too."
Minerva took her hand, then there was that awful pulling feeling and soon she was safely back in her kitchen.
"First a dementor nearly rips out my soul, then a centaur shoots me... At least my life isn't boring..." Rebekah quickly pulled down the bottle of chocolate wine and two glasses.
"None for me, thank you. I must head back. If anything my House students are still celebrating and need to be sent to bed."
"You're walking back to Hogsmeade alone?!" Rebekah asked, horrified at the idea of her friend alone at night in Hogsmeade with those things out there.
"Dumbledore is still waiting for me. And I'm quite capable on my own," Minerva said though she was touched at the vampire's concern. "Have a good night." The woman then whirled and disappeared on the spot.
Once alone, Rebekah took her wine into the living room and turned on the television, trying to ignore the slight chill that ran up her spine and the feel that someone was watching her..
That Monday morning, Harry's euphoria at winning the Quidditch House Cup was so great that even Potions with Snape couldn't get him down. While Snape was busy being petty by taking points from Harry whenever he could, Harry didn't mind. Not when the frostiness coming from Malfoy was practically palpable. Interestingly enough Parkinson had moved from usual spot next to Malfoy and opted to sit with Greengrass and Blustrode. Malfoy huffed and tried to act as if this did not bother him but every now and again his gray eyes could be seen shifting to where the girl sat.
Hope, highly amused by this, took to dancing in her seat each time Snape's back was turned, earning muffled snickers from the Gryffindors. And once class was over and everyone was pouring into the halls, she lamented loudly as Parkinson passed by that she wanted nothing more than to snuggle with her boyfriend.
"It must be nice having a boyfriend who trusts you, isn't it?" Parvati cracked loudly.
"Oh, get out of Mitchell's ass, Parvati!" Pansy hissed but otherwise said nothing else as she stormed off.
And as the weeks continued, it seemed that Malfoy and Parkinson had reconciled but at the same time they were still a bit cool toward each other. Though this cultivated more than enough speculative gossip to keep the Gryffindors entertained. It really seemed that Harry's comment on the Quidditch field had indeed, as Hope so eloquently put it, started some shit.
It was honestly the most amused Hope had been in a long while, made happier by the fact that it was now the first of May, the night before her birthday. Adding to the fact that when she got her essay back from Professor Lupin that Friday she received top marks and Professor Babbling awarded her twenty points for naming certain historical sights were runes were prominent. All in all, a perfect way to end her birthday's eve.
"Hope! Get up!"
THWACK!
Hope's peaceful slumber was shattered as, once again, her back and butt were attacked by a pillow wielding assailant. Inwardly, Hope groaned. Was waking her up by hitting her with pillows the new thing? "What?!" she groused.
"Do you know what today is?" Parvati's voice said impatiently.
At that, Hope's eyes then popped open and she sat up. Holy crap. Today was May second! She was officially fourteen!
"Happy birthday!" Parvati and Lavender cried simultaneously.
Lavender shoved a brightly wrapped box into her hands, smiling expectantly. Hope unwrapped the present and was happily surprised with the assortment of fruity smelling body washes and lotions by a line called Fairy Flourish, which was like the Bath and Body Works of the Wizard World. Parvati had gotten her an assortment of bracelets with her astrological symbol etched into them, along with the ruling planets. Hermione had gotten her a dessert cookbook.
"You guys..." Hope gushed, touched and tackle-hugging them all. "I'm gonna cry!"
"You will after this..." Parvati said mischievously before grabbing her wand. "Birthday shocks!"
"What?" Hope asked in confusion then shrieked when Parvati touched the wand to Hope's calf delivering a small shock. "Hey! What the hell?!"
"One for each year!" Lavender cheered, grabbing her own wand.
"What happened to birthday swats?" Hermione asked.
"Nonsense, this is more fun!" Parvati said as she chased Hope around the dorm.
"Oh, you're going to GET IT when your birthdays come up!" Hope cried, yelping as a spark caught her on the butt.
-T-
At breakfast Padma had rushed over to give her a small bag that consisted of hair accessories that actually glittered along with fourteen birthday zaps that had her running all over the Great Hall until Professor McGonagall had made them both sit after taking five points from both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, claiming birthdays were no reason to act like a bunch of trolls.
After sitting and grumbling, Hope was hardly surprised when she saw Nik flying in to the Hall. But like last time with the help of five other owls, he had a package that consisted of two rectangular boxes tied together. It was promptly dropped in Hope's lap and the owls fluttered to help themselves to the girls' momentarily abandoned breakfasts.
Attached to the box was a card and she instantly recognized her Aunt's handwriting, wishing her a happy birthday. Hope opened the top box and was greeted with pink paper tissue. She felt the girls crowd around her as she pulled out the lovely black jeans with blue jeweled accents along the pockets and ankles.
"Oh, those will go lovely with the shirt my parents bought you!" Parvati exclaimed.
And like last time, beneath the clothes was a set of books. Wow, her mom knew her well. The entire Dark Tower set from Stephen King.
There was a smaller box inside and her brows arched. From her various shopping trips with Aunt Bex, she knew that blue box and white ribbon well.
"Wait, is that from Tiffany's?" Hermione asked incredulously and quite a few muggle raised heads lifted at that.
"Oh, that's a really high end muggle store, right?" Padma asked and Hermione nodded.
"Very high end."
Hope was barely listening as she read the card and felt a sugary sensation rise in her chest.
Happy Birthday, Littlest Wolf.
Love, Dad.
She quickly tucked the card away, though she noticed Parvati had seen it. She then opened the box and Hope's mouth dropped open at the sight of the gold and emerald birthstone Tiffany style necklace.
"That is gorgeous!" Lavender exclaimed. "You should take it and your other things upstairs so they won't get messy."
Hope found that to be a grand idea and she made her way toward the hall exit.
As she headed to Gryffindor Tower, she stopped when she heard the familiar sound of Percy telling off someone and was hardly surprised to see it was Fred and George. Something about pranking Filch with dungbombs. She made her way to the group, eager for birthday smoochies from Fred as long as his anal brother didn't shove him in detention.
"What'd you guys do now?" Hope asked to get their attention.
"Oh, hello, Hope" Percy said stiffly. "Happy birthday to you. Be sure to head straight to class once you put away your presents."
"Dude, it's Saturday..." Hope said with an eye roll.
"Oh, well, then off to the common room unless you're headed to the Hogsmeade trip."
"Yes, Mom." Jezz, he needed to lighten up.
Percy turned back to telling off his brothers but Fred had paled, ignoring his brother and turning to his girlfriend. "Wait... It's your birthday?"
Hope's brows rose in indignation. He forgot my birthday!? We've been dating since Halloween! What the fuck!
George let out a wince of sympathy. "Fred, you're buggering up something awful..."
"You forgot my birthday?" she asked, voice dangerously calm.
Percy sighed audibly at his brother's foolishness. "Seriously, Fred..."
"Shut up, Percy..." Fred growled.
"At least Percy remembered my birthday," Hope hissed, nearly beginning to see red. She had skipped class for his birthday!
"And... that's my cue... Oh, look. There's Lee." George then promptly took off down the hall. "Happy birthday, Hope!" he called.
"George! No running in the halls!" Percy then took off after him as well, leaving the couple alone.
"Hope-"
"I can't believe you!"
Hope was so upset she didn't notice the group watching a few feet away.
"I remembered your birthday! I remember skipping class to be with you on your birthday!" Hope growled.
"Hope, calm down-"
"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!"
"What's going on?" a voice interrupted. It was Ginny.
"Ginny, just go to breakfast-" Fred started but was cut off by Hope.
"Your brother's an ass!"
Ginny didn't even bat an eyelash and turned to Fred. "What'd you do?"
"He forgot my birthday!"
Ginny's mouth dropped and she shook her head. "Wonderful job, Fred." She then turned to head to the Hall. "Erm... happy birthday, Hope..." she called before disappearing from sight .
Hope then whirled on her foot and stomped back to the common room. Once there, she sat her packages on the floor next to the chair she flopped into, seething. Her birthday! He forgot her birthday! Of all the douche-baggy...
"Hey, Hope."
"What?" Hope snapped.
Harry's brows rose at her acidic tone. "I was just going to wish you a happy birthday but you don't seem happy."
Hope deflated and offered Harry an apologetic smile. "Sorry... and thanks. It's Fred. He forgot my birthday! Even Percy remembered my birthday and he doesn't even like me!"
Harry visibly winced. He remembered the one time Uncle Vernon forgot Aunt Petunia's birthday. It was awful. From his limited knowledge of girls, he knew that forgetting their birthdays if you were dating or married to them was the worst thing to do. Good thing he made certain to ask Cho's birthday. He had June thirtieth embedded in his brain.
"Wow... er... sorry."
She offered a one shouldered shrug. "Eh, it's not like you forgot my birthday."
They were quiet for a while before Harry asked. "Are you going to Hogsmeade today? There's a trip."
Hope thought about it for a moment then shook her head. "Nope. I'm too ticked to go. I'm just going to stay here and read my new books." She then showed him one of her Stephen King novels. Just then a couple of first year girls approached them after entering through the portrait hole.
"Excuse me. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil told us to ask if you were coming down to go to Hogsmeade? People are lining up to leave."
"Nope," Hope told them, flipping open her book. "I'm going to be in book land."
The girls glanced at each other but dutifully left to relay the message.
"What did you get for your birthday?" Harry asked.
She held up her wrist to show him the bracelets Parvati got her as well as the jeans and books and the expensive necklace. "And Lavender gave me some bath stuff from a line called Fairy Flourish and Hermione got me a cookbook of all sort of foreign desserts. I'm cooking everyday once I'm home."
"Neat." He then dug into robes and pulled out three galleons, handing them to her. "When you head to Hogsmeade next time buy yourself something nice."
She looked at him with wide eyes. "Harry..."
"I said I owed you for trying to help me," the boy said and Hope just stared blankly at him. "I would've bought you a present at Hogsmeade but since I can't go..." he trailed off.
"But-"
"No buts!" he told her. "Its not for you, but me. I already said I don't fancy any Exorcist type madness happening. I have enough problems."
Hope stopped arguing and pocketed the money. She then launched herself at him, squeezing him tightly.
"Gah, Hope! Gerroff! You're cutting off my circulation!"
"I'm so getting you something for your birthday! When is it?"
"July thirty-first, now let go!"
She didn't make it any better by actually lifting him from his feet before finally putting him down. He huffed at her but then smiled, glad she wasn't fuming anymore. He then glanced at her presents and noticed something.
"Hey, you know you have another box, right?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah..." She untied the first box from the second and opened it to find a home baked Louisiana Crunch cake, her favorite, with 'Happy 14th Hope!' in blue icing. "Sweet!" She then turned to Harry with a wide smile. "Cake?"
"What kind?"
"Louisiana Crunch."
"Never had it..."
"Blasphemer!"
"Please forgive me, Sister Mary Hope..." Harry then let out an exaggerated shudder as he helped himself to some cake. "That just sounds wrong..."
"Shaddup!" Hope giggled. "I'm going to put my stuff away. Don't eat all my cake." She then gathered her other box and headed to the girl's dorms.
Once inside she took a moment to fully appreciate her gifts. The jeans would look lovely on her with the gift Parvati's parents had gotten her, like Parvati had said. She placed it in her suitcase though she did switch out her regular scrunchie for one of Padma's sparkling ones. And unable to resist she pulled on the lovely necklace her father had gotten her. She was about to toss the box when an envelope fell out. Picking it up, she recognized her Uncle Elijah's handwriting. Figuring it to be more cash she placed it in her case as well and rushed back downstairs for cake.
The day passed easily enough. After gorging on cake, Hope had made herself comfortable in the chair to dive into her new book series. Taking pity on Harry, she loaned him her Sandman comics to read during the day while his friends were at Hogsmeade. Neither one of them put their respective books down until their rumbling stomachs signaled it was time for lunch.
Lunch was particularly enjoyable due to the absence of most of the Slytherins. After finishing their meals, they left the Great Hall to roam the castle. It was simple enough at first until Hope gave him a knowing smirk.
"So... that incident I walked in on that day with Cho..." she said slyly.
"Shut up..." Harry felt his cheeks burning.
"Neck action?" Hope continued, elbowing him lightly.
"I said shut up!" He was sure his face was as red as a stop sign. Was it his imagination or did he hear laughing? He looked behind him and huffed. Great, even the Fat Friar was laughing at him.
Hope snickered and opened her mouth to continue but a snide voice cut her off.
"So, that's why you decided not to go to Hogsmeade this time? Snuggling up with Potter?"
Both Gryffindors turned around to see Pansy Parkinson sporting the widest grin imaginable.
"You've got some nerve, Potter. Running around on Chang. At least she's pretty."
"For your information no one's running around on anyone. And what do you even know about pretty, Parkinson?" Harry sighed.
"Mostly that you and Chang, who is far above you by the way, hardly make any sense. It does make sense that you'd try to slum it with Mitchell here."
"And yet your boyfriend keeps checking out everything that isn't you..." Hope said calmly. "Though I can't blame him."
"I can see why you went for Potter, Mitchell. Got sick of not receiving nice things, or even birthday wishes from your own boyfriend, did you? You'd think Weasley would at least say happy birthday considering he's too poor to even buy you a quill."
Both Harry and Hope bristled at that and Hope took a step forward. "Watch it, bitch!"
Pansy smirked and her beady eyes fell to Hope's neck. "Oh, wow! You move fast, Potter!" She was gazing at the emerald necklace around Hope's neck. "But a Gryffin-bitch like you has no reason to wear green."
It all seemed to happen in slow motion. Pansy reached out, grasped Hope's necklace and-
Yanked it clean off, causing the chain to break in the middle.
Pansy tossed the necklace behind her where it landed with an audible clang.
Harry's mouth dropped and his belly filled with wrath. Grabbing his wand, he pointed it at Parkinson only to find that was useless.
"YOU FUCKING BITCH!"
Hope shoved the girl into a wall, pummeling her with her fists and nails. Pansy screeched and reached up in a futile attempt to pull at Hope's hair or clothes. Whether or not Hope felt the blows was debatable. Her hands gripped Pansy's head and roughly shoved her to the floor by it. To Harry's horror, she then proceed to try and shove a suit of armor onto the Slytherin.
"Hope, stop!" He grabbed her around the waist and tried to pull her back.
"GET OFF ME!" she shrieked and elbowed him hard in the shoulder. He let her go on reflex and she charged for Pansy. Harry reached for his wand.
"Petrificus Totalus!"
Unfortunately Hope had rolled with Pansy, causing the jinx to miss her. She straddled the girl, intent on pummeling her. Pansy had taken out her wand to jinx Hope but it was knocked clean out of the way.
Harry looked up to see Lupin rush forward and drew his wand, pointing it at Hope "Impedimenta!"
Hope was frozen, if only for a few moments before she went to take off after Pansy who had escaped once the Gryffindor girl was frozen.
"I'M GOING TO KI-"
"Hope!" Lupin actually grabbed Hope by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. "Look at me, Hope! Breathe!"
Harry watched in astonishment as Hope's eyes met Lupin's and she took a slow breath through her lips.
"That's it. Calm down. Deep breaths."
She took a few more breaths and soon her face lost some of its redness and she pulled away from the DADA professor.
"Harry, head back to Gryffindor Tower, I need to have a word with Hope."
"Parkinson started it!" Harry proclaimed, rubbing his abused shoulder absently. "She yanked off her necklace that she'd just gotten for her birthday and-"
"Now, Harry."
Harry turned to leave but not before picking up the broken necklace and handing it to Hope. She took and left with the professor and Harry made his way back to the tower, idly rubbing his aching arm.
T.T.T
Hope sat in Lupin's office, shaking with rage as she waited for him to enter his office. After Harry had left the professor had lead her to his office where she was to wait as he spoke with someone outside. She swallowed as she looked at her broken necklace. Was she about to be expelled?
Moments later the man entered his office and fixed her with a hard glare.
"First of all, you should know that you are very lucky I'm not recommending your expulsion! What even prompted such a horrid display?"
Hope had a hard time even forming words. "She broke my necklace! On purpose just because its emerald! My father just gave it to me this morning!"
Lupin sighed and his face softened a bit. "Let me see it."
"Huh?"
"The necklace. Let me see it."
Confused, Hope handed him the necklace, wondering what he could possibly do. The man then placed the necklace on his desk and took out his wand, tapped it and to her surprise the necklace mended itself.
Hope felt the lightness of joy and her eyes widened. "Wha- How?"
"Jewelry without magical properties can easily be mended by magic." He handed her the necklace. "Good as new."
"I..." she faltered as she put the necklace back on. "Thank you..."
"Don't thank me. I'm still taking twenty points from both you and Pansy. Luckily for you the Fat Friar vouched for you. He said he saw you walking with Harry when Pansy, unprovoked, yanked your necklace from your throat."
"Right..." Considering Harry won them so many points in the match, twenty points would hardly be missed, especially if twenty were taken from Slytherin as well. "And I'm really sorry, Professor... It's just been..." She sighed "Not the greatest birthday... And Pansy's just so... urgh!"
Lupin looked a mix between sympathetic as well as amused. "Be that as it may, I'm also going to assign you a detention. As well as Pansy, however you will be serving separate detentions." He pulled out a form. "You'll be serving with Professor Sprout tomorrow."
Hope deflated like a balloon at that news. Professor Sprout always made her deal with the dragon poop! "Can I ask who Parkinson's serving with?"
Now Lupin truly did smile. "She will be serving with Professor McGonagall."
T.T.T.T
Wow, that girl's hits hurt.
Harry was seated in his favorite chair by the fire, still rubbing his arm when Hope finally returned. Her eyes widened when she saw him and her cheeks reddened with embarrassment and shame.
"Harry... I'm really sorry about-"
"Don't worry about it."
"Let me see," she demanded.
"Hope, it's fine-"
But she had yanked his robe out of the way to look at his forearm. It was bruising rather badly. He winced and Hope gasped. "Oh, god! I am so sorry!"
Considering he suffered worse on the Quidditch field, he wasn't really that upset about it. He was about to tell her so but saw she had grown quiet, seemingly debating with herself about something.
"Harry..."
"Yeah?"
She lifted her arm slightly, only to put it back down. "You should... head to Madam Pomfrey for that. Or at least get some ice."
"It'll be fine..." He then sat down and Hope followed though she eyed him shrewdly. "Are you in trouble?"
"Ehh, nothing I haven't dealt with before. Twenty points from Gryffindor and detention with Professor Sprout, putting dragon poop into the fertilizer barrels... without magic," she grumbled.
Harry bit back a snicker. It could have been way worse. Then he remembered. "What about her? She's the one who grabbed your necklace."
"Twenty points from Slytherin and she has detention with Professor McGonagall."
Now Harry grinned. "Serves her right!"
As they both snickered, imagining how Pansy would fair detention with Professor McGonagall, the portrait hole opened as students returned from Hogsmeade.
Hermione and Ron had brought back lots of sweets from Honeydukes, as did Lavender and Parvati for Hope. However they were both too full from cake and lunch to even bother with candy at the moment.
"Thanks guys... I'll just put these away..." Hope said and scooped her treats up. "Then I'm headed to bed... it's been that kind of day..."
Harry wholeheartedly agreed and went to do the same. Once he had changed into his pajamas and hit the sheets, he was out like a light.
The next morning, he got up and got ready, stomach growling and found he was craving some more of that delicious cake. Maybe he would ask Hope if there was any left. Probably not since she likely shared the rest with her dorm mates.
As it was a Sunday all he really wanted to do was eat, and then go back to sleep. Considering Quidditch was over he had more free time as it wasn't crammed with practices.
He glanced at the clock and saw that it was well past ten o'clock, meaning breakfast was over.
"Hey, Harry." It was Neville.
"Hey, Neville." He reached for the pile of sweets his friend had gotten him. "Chocolate frog?" he asked.
"Thanks," the round-faced boy said happily. The two ate in silence and judging by the way that Neville was fidgeting he wanted to ask Harry something.
"You can have more if you want," Harry said.
"Oh, no. Thanks... erm... Harry... Well, d'you know what they were saying about you at breakfast?" Neville asked nervously.
"What now?" Harry sighed as he opened another chocolate frog.
"That... that you and Hope were snogging yesterday and that's why she didn't go to Hogsmeade."
There was a feeling like a weight dropping into his stomach, then exasperation. "Oh for the love of-!" Harry rolled his eyes. "Let me guess? Parkinson?"
"Yeah..."
"Figured as much." With that he got up and left the dorms to head back down to the common room.
At once a few heads turned to him and a few snickers could be heard. It was a few first years who didn't know any better so he wasn't fussed. He also spotted Hope who was sitting at a table, reading Lavender's cards though her brow was pinched with annoyance.
"Seriously..." he heard her muttering while Lavender snickered, then her grin widened when she saw him coming.
"Hi, Harry!" she said loudly and way too happily which let him know they were just talking about him.
"Is your arm better?" Hope asked.
"A little bit... I'll see Madam Pomfrey later."
"Did you hear the fuckery that Parkinson's spewing?" Hope growled as she scooped up her cards, apparently not finished with Lavender's reading judging by the way the blonde protested.
"Neville told me," Harry said simply.
"Well, unlike the pregnancy thing this does like a little suspicious," Lavender said reasonably as she took Hope's cards back and reshuffled. "Hope told us last night how Fred forgot her birthday and how mad she was that she didn't even want to go to Hogsmeade. And now they are saying that you gave her an expensive necklace..."
"My dad gave me that!" Hope proclaimed hotly. "And that cow broke it!"
"Well, I don't think anyone believes that... though considering it came from a high end muggle store... and Harry's muggle raised..."
"Like I even have muggle money!" Harry yelled. "My aunt and uncle barely feed me!"
"See!" Hope said as she laid out three cards for Lavender. "He doesn't have muggle money to go strolling into Tiffany's to get me this!"
"-and it doesn't help that Malfoy chimed in, saying that you gladly took it because Fred forgets everyone's birthdays because he's... y'know, doesn't have a lot of money."
Hope flared as though she wanted to jump to her boyfriend's defense but was still mad about him forgetting her birthday.
"And then the fact neither of you came down for dinner last night..."
"I was tired! I'd just been in a fight! That's the reason she's saying it, because I wiped the floor with her!"
"It was pretty funny..." Harry snickered then blanched at a sudden thought. "Wait? Did Cho believe the rumors?"
"I don't know... You can ask her..." Lavender shrugged. She then looked impatiently at Hope. "Well, what do they say?"
Hope rolled her eyes and focused. "Eight of Pentacles. Right now you're mainly going to worry about your tests. Your past is the Nine of Swords, probably when Black hurt you... And your future is the Three of Swords in reverse."
"Is that bad?" the blond asked as she eyed the card with the crying woman, her painted tear breaking the heart on her cheek.
"Ehh... I just get a feeling you're going to get caught in some drama... and it'll be awkward."
Lavender seemed a bit relieved and arched a brow. "You mean like this?" she asked, gesturing at Hope and Harry.
They both ignored her.
To Harry's immense relief Fred did not believe the rumors. He caught the older boy during lunch and he easily waved it off.
"It'd be a cold day in hell before I believe anything that comes out of Parkinson's mouth."
However he noticed things between Fred and Hope were back to being frosty again.
"Did you at least apologize for forgetting her birthday?" Harry asked.
"I was going to make it up to her in Hogsmeade. But, she decided to be a brat and not show up."
It really didn't help that Hope heard that and stormed out of the Hall to go to her detention.
Also, apparently Cho had heard the rumors and, like Fred, didn't believe a word of them. Or, so she claimed. However, he noticed the older girl's eyes narrow slightly when Hope returned from her detention.
"He forgot my birthday and I'm the brat?! He should've come looking for me then!"
Hope was now pacing angrily in her dorm. She was freshly showered and a bit sparkly due to the Fairy Flourish body wash and still quite livid from what she heard Fred say.
"Well... at least he doesn't believe it?" Lavender said timidly.
"Oh, shut up." Hope snapped.
"Oh, look a full moon in Scorpio..." Parvati said as she went over her star chart, looking at Hope pointedly. At the words 'full moon' Hope calmed the slightest bit. "Either way," the dark haired girl continued "Just don't go wandering around like a zombie like the last time you two were in a fight."
"Merlin's beard, that was annoying..." Lavender sighed.
There was a loud snap and the others looked up to see Hermione shutting her giant Muggle Studies book and headed for the exit. "I can't work with you hens clucking about..." she stopped for a moment and turned to Hope. "Though if you want my opinion; it was highly selfish of him to forget your birthday in the wake of winning the Quidditch Cup. But it would've been sensible if you had found him and talked to him about it." Then she left.
"I'd like to see how sensible she acts when she gets a boyfriend," Parvati scoffed and the others nodded in agreement.
"Well, let's go down to dinner," Lavender said suddenly but Parvati stood.
"No, let's eat up here. I'll get the food."
Hope sighed and flopped on the bed. She was getting sick and tired of Parvati basically treating her like a fucking Minotaur.
"What I really want to know," Lavender said as she got comfortable with one of Hope's trashy romance novels, "is why didn't Parkinson go to Hogsmeade?"
That was a good question.
Fred and Hope didn't make up until that Thursday evening. As she was leaving Defense Against the Dark Arts class he roughly shoved into her. She looked up, outraged, but calmed down when she saw Katie Bell and Lee Jordan rushing down the hall past them. Apparently they shoved Fred into her and ran.
A bag of Hogsmeade treats the size of a tote and the goofiest apologetic birthday card had her forgiving him. And a long, thorough kiss had him forgiving her. However, there was this nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was off between them.
However, she really didn't have the time to worry about it. Exams were nearly upon them and even she had to put the snacks down and focus on her studies. She even tried to pay attention in History of Magic but found it pointless. The last time she actually paid attention in that class was last year when everyone asked about the Chamber of Secrets. She decided she'd ask Aunt Bex to send her a giant case of Red Bull, just for that class.
Besides, as it was Fred's fifth year, he was preparing to take OWLs and could actually be spotted working with his twin as well as Lee, Alicia and Angelina. Percy was preparing for NEWTS along with Oliver and would the Head Boy would dole out severe punishments to those who shattered the silence of the common room during the evenings. (She felt so bad for the first year girl who got three days detention just for playing a game of Exploding Snap). Though as exams drew nearer, even she was becoming more on edge though not as much as Hermione.
The week before the exams, she was sitting at breakfast, ecstatic that Aunt Bex had sent her bulk cases of both Red Bull and Monster with a note telling her not to vibrate off into another dimension when she heard a conversation between Harry-whom was back at the Gryffindor table due to the fact that Cho was holed up somewhere studying for her own exams- Ron and Hermione. Apparently they were trying to get her to tell them how she was doing multiple lessons at once when Hedwig had flown in with a note clutched in her beak.
"It's from Hagrid," Harry said waving her over, "Buckbeak's appeal is set for the sixth."
"The same day as exams?"
"No, that's the day we finish our exams," Hermione said shortly and Hope rolled her eyes and cracked open her Red Bull.
"And they're coming up here to do it," Harry said, ignoring them both "And they're... they're bringing and executioner."
"What?!" Hope gasped, coughing when the drink went up her nose and down the wrong pipe.
"They can't do that! It's an appeal! It's like they've already decided!" Hermione exclaimed.
"They can't! All the work we did! They can't just ignore it!" Ron howled.
Harry said nothing but looked over at the Slytherin table. Malfoy was looking to pleased with himself. Even Pansy seemed to back to simpering next to him. More than likely his father had made the decision for the Committee.
"Wonder if hippogriffs run around like chickens when you cut off their heads..." the pale boy snickered and Pansy let out a shrieking giggle.
"Hope, give me that can," Harry declared.
"Why?"
"Because I'm going to smash it into his face!"
"Harry, no!" Hermione admonished.
"Oh, so you can hit him but I can't?"
"Not in front of people..." Hope said calmly as she resumed drinking her drink.
When the accursed exam week finally rolled around, their was a baleful feeling in the air. That Monday, third years were emerging from the Transfiguration exam, tired and dragging. Hermione was annoying everyone by proclaiming hers looked more like a turtle than a tortoise while that was the least of everyone else's worries.
"Mine still had a flower pattern... Is that going to count against me?" Ron wondered.
"I was able to do it before! How'd mine still have a spout for a tail!?" Hope huffed.
"How on earth did I give it two spouts!?" Harry groaned as he sat down for lunch. "Mine looked like a bleeding Blastoise! I made a bloody Pokemon!"
"A what?" Lavender asked curiously. Apparently Hope hadn't covered Pokemon during the Christmas holidays.
When their Charms exam came after lunch, they were to pair off for Cheering Charms. Parvati, who was normally adept at this Charm after casting on Hope throughout the year, bungled it up and overdid it when she cast it on Lavender. The blond girl broke into a fit of laughter so bad that she toppled over. It seemed that was a common thing for Harry also did the same thing to Ron. Both he and Lavender had to be placed in a quiet room for an hour until they were able return to perform the charms.
Afterward, Hope and Hermione had to head to Ancient Runes for their exam while the others made their way to the common room to study before dinner. Hope found this to be one of the easiest exams due to Aunt Bex's lessons. She finished her practical exam, basic translations as well as wrote a paragraph describing her name, date and place of birth as well as the things she liked and disliked. She finished before anyone else, enjoying the looks on Hermione and Daphne Greengrass's faces as she handed her paper in and asked if she could leave.
At dinner, Harry was eating alone. Ron had gone off to the library look for more books on how to help Hagrid's case with Buckbeak. Hermione was still in her Ancient Runes test along with Hope. The other third years had rushed back to the common room to study and Cho was nowhere to be seen. Then again the Ravenclaw table was basically empty as they tended to take their studied very seriously. So when Hope plopped next to him and reached for a plate, absent Hermione his brows nearly hit his hairline
"You're already finished?" Harry asked in surprise, not used to anyone except Hermione finishing a test first.
Hope tossed her ponytail with pride and smirked. "I learned runes over the summer. It was as easy microwaving pizza rolls." She glanced around the table. "Have you seen Parvati and Lavender?"
"They went to study in the common room to study for exams tomorrow," Harry told her. "We've got Care of Magical Creatures, Astronomy and..." the boy let out a sigh "Potions..."
"Ick." She spooned herself a mountain of potatoes and some chicken. "I'm more worried about History of Magic. I never pay attention in that class, even though I toked up on Red Bull. What do you think it'll be on?
Harry could relate. He never paid attention in that class. It was basically nap time. "I think the Witch Hunts... At least I hope so. I learned a lot about them before the start of term."
"Say, Harry..." Hope began. "Have I ever told you what a great catch that was at the last match?"
Harry sighed and smiled. "Get a quill and parchment."
"Yay!" she quickly moved her plate out of the way and grabbed a quill and parchment, taking notes as Harry spoke on everything that Florean Fortescue told him about the Witch Hunts during his stay in Diagon Alley.
"Thanks!" she said happily after taking all of the notes. "You're a life saver."
During Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid, due to his poor spirits, had given them the easiest exam ever. All they had to do was keep a flobberworm alive until the end of the class. As flobberworms were best when left alone everyone spent most of the exam minding their own business. It gave them plenty of time to talk to Hagrid "Beaky's getting depressed..." the told them as he pretended to check Harry's worm, then Hope "Been cooped up too long. But still we'll know one way or the other... A' least he got ter meet that vampire..."
"She came back?" Ron asked, astonished.
"Did she find Black?" Hope asked.
"Nah, but she did get shot by a centaur though... She's fine though."
"How is she fine? An arrow should've killed her," Hermione whispered.
"Did they shoot something that wasn't the heart?" Harry asked but Hagrid had went to check someone else's worm. And once class was over they had no chance to ask him due to the Potions exam next.
During Potions, both Hope and Harry had issues with their Confusing Concoction though Hope managed to get hers to thicken more than Harry's. However when Snape scribbled something on his chart that looked like a zero she wanted to chuck one of her Red Bulls at his greasy head.
Astronomy was rather easy though she tended to get the moons of Jupiter and Saturn mixed up (Seriously, why did they have to have more than sixty moons and what did they matter?)
The next day was History of Magic and Hope glanced over at Harry, noticing he was writing with confidence and she tried to remember everything that he had told her that Monday about the witch hunts as well as her own knowledge of the Salem Witch Trials. And so far the worst was Herbology. Nothing like taking a test, in thick robes in a greenhouse in ninety degree Fahrenheit weather. And while the sunburn she sustained healed quickly, the others were not as lucky.
"Parv?" she asked gently when they went into their dorms. The poor girl normally didn't burn but due to where she was placed in the greenhouse she was near the color of a lobster. "Why didn't you go to Madam Pomfrey?"
"Because she's overstocked with N.E.W.T students who had a freak out..." Parvati moaned, wincing as she pulled off her robes with careful, pained movements.
Hope sighed and glanced around. Lavender, Hermione and Fey hadn't returned yet.
"Here..." she grabbed her wand and cast a Slicing charm, slicing her hand with it. She then grabbed Parvati's water goblet and bled into it, giving it to her friend. "Drink, you look like a lobster."
Parvati looked at her like she was crazy but eventually took the cup and drank, moaning in relief as the burns healed and she was back to her normal bronze color. "Thanks..." She then sat on her bed, her movement no longer pained. "I have a question. Have you ever given your blood to anyone else?"
"Nope."
"Have you ever wanted to?"
When Hope flushed and turned away, Parvati arched a brow and opened her mouth to question her but at that moment the rest of the girls entered to change for dinner, so the subject dropped. A fact of which Hope was glad.
There would be no way she'd be able to live it down if she told her friend that on her birthday, just because of a bruise, she had been tempted to give her blood to Harry.
T.T.T
Thursday's exam, Defense Against the Dark Arts, was the most bizarre. Lupin had created a sort of obstacle course outside. They had to wade across a deep pool that contained a grindylow, cross a series of potholes full of Red Caps, make their way through a marsh while ignoring the hinkypunk that tried to fool them, then climb into a trunk and battle a new boggart.
When Harry climbed out of the trunk, grinning after he did everything right, Lupin awarded him with full marks. He plopped between Hope and Parvati to watch the others' progress. Ron did well until the hinkypunk confused him and he sunk into the marsh. Hermione made it all the way to the end and entered the trunk. A minute later she ran out screaming.
"Hermione! What's the matter?" Lupin asked in alarm.
"P-P-Professor McGonagall! She said I failed everything!"
Hope had to bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing as they tried to calm Hermione down. Lupin then called her to take her exam. Still fighting off giggles, Hope began. She did well enough, though the hinkypunk nearly got her and when she entered the trunk, braced herself to face off against the illusion of her grandmother.
Harry and Ron were patting Hermione on the back, though Ron was sniggering a bit. They began to make their way to the castle, passing a giggling Parvati and Lavender who were waiting on Hope.
"What's taking her so long?" Lavender asked.
Finally the trunk burst open and Hope stumbled out to her hands and knees, pale and shaking.
"Hope? What happened?" Lupin asked gently, stooping to help her up.
She said nothing and stumbled away from the group, swiping at her eyes, heading toward the castle. Parvati and Lavender chased after her.
"I'll go check on her..." Hermione said, heading after the girls, leaving Harry and Ron alone.
"D'you think she saw that woman again? Like from last time?" Ron asked.
"Harry, who knew what had happened to her as well as the story behind that woman, said nothing.
"Hope? Come out of there. It was just a boggart. Come on, you need to eat something."
Parvati was busily knocking on the bathroom stall door that Hope was behind. Lavender had gone off to get a Calming Draught from Madam Pomfrey.
When Hope finally exited, red eyed and sniffling, Parvati pulled her into a hug. "Hey... What happened? Was it that woman from last time? Do you need a Cheering Charm?"
"No..." Hope sniffled. "It was something else..." she swallowed audibly and pulled away to look at her. "It was-"
"Is she all right?" Hermione had just come in, carrying Hope's bag.
"She's fine... If only she'd eat something" Parvati said with a pointed look at Hope. "Exams are nearly over, you should take your mind off this. Go find Fred for a lunchtime snog if he's not in an exam right now."
"I think I'll just lay down..." she said quietly as Lavender came in with a small vial.
"I told Madam Pomfrey I had to face a boggart and freaked out along with exam pressure. She gave me a sleeping potion for today since we only have one exam left tomorrow."
Hope gladly took it right then and there, not expecting it to work so suddenly. She dropped like a log onto the tiled floor.
"Bloody hell..." Parvati took one of her arms and Lavender took the other while Hermione carried her bag. They dragged her out of the bathroom, hoping to find a boy to carry her all the way to Gryffindor Tower.
Thank God Oliver had just finished an exam.
Okay, I'm going to stop it here because this is getting crazy long. But, don't worry. I'll be continuing right after I upload this. Let's just get it out there that other than a cute, temporary one-sided crush, there will be no Hagrid/Rebekah. I love Hagrid/Olympe too much to ever change that. Though, as for Rebekah... You'll see! Until next time, lovelies!