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"Oh can you tell, I haven't slept very well since the last time that we spoke? You said 'Please understand if I see you again, don't even say hello.'" – Stay (Mayday Parade)
Chapter 28
"Aren't they so cute?" Ginny asked dreamily, over her shoulder to Luna. The two regarded James and Lily slow dancing, whispering something to each other, before exiting the hall, "I mean about time they got together." She chortled and shook her head.
Luna nodded, a simple smile circling her lips, "They are very cute." A snort was heard from behind her. Glaring, Luna snapped, "Oh have a romantic bone in your body, will you, Sev?"
"Whatever you say." Severus muttered, playing around with his robes.
"Actually, no." Ginny raised a finger and pointed at the Slytherin, "I want to hear what Severus has to say on this matter." She exclaimed hotly, glancing at the him expectantly.
After a few seconds of silence, Severus finally responded quietly, "About what? James and Lily?" Ginny nodded her head fervently, causing the boy to exhale deeply. "Well, what can I say? If he's decent towards her, and he doesn't betray her in any way, keeps her happy, and doesn't screw anything up, I guess you can call it romantic."
The two girls laughed, and shook their heads earnestly. "I don't think Sev will ever change, don't you think, Ginny?" Luna asked with a grin.
"I don't think he's counting on it." Ginny grinned back cheekily, and then sighed. Looking around, she observed the dancers, with the frequent disgusted remark of 'that dress', or 'that hair is nothing compared to mine'. Suddenly, she squinted for a moment and pointed out, "Hey, you guys, isn't that Hermione?"
Everyone turned around and glanced at the girl sitting at the far table, reading some sort of paper card and smiling stupidly. "Should we call out?" Severus asked the two girls cautiously, who just shushed him and observed their friend. She glanced at the dance floor, looking for someone, and when her eyes didn't stop, she immediately got up and walked with incredible speed towards the exit.
"That's strange." Ginny muttered self-consciously. "I'm not one to observe behaviour, but that's definitely not something Hermione usually does. Or maybe that wasn't Hermione at all?" She questioned, glancing sideways at the other two.
Luna shook her head suspiciously, "No, that was Hermione for sure. I wonder..." She muttered.
"There's Lily again." Severus pointed out, and everyone turned their heads in the direction he was pointing. Lily just re-entered the hall, but this time without James. She was about to take a few more steps forward, before she stopped and picked something off the floor. It too seemed like a sort of envelope. She opened it, read it quickly, and vanished behind the doors once again.
The three regarded each other strangely. Something definitely wasn't right in this situation. Luna was right – it indeed did seem like danger was close. But what was happening? Each brain was analyzing with their own skill, experience and knowledge, which played a great advantage, because each one of them thought a completely different way.
"I wonder if—" Luna started, but was interrupted by Ginny patting her arm clumsily.
"Guys. Look over here." Ginny exclaimed, with trembling fingers picking up an identical envelope that both Hermione and Lily received.
"Well open it up." Severus urged her, with a twinge of excitement heard in his voice. Ginny regarded her two friends carefully, before taking out the card. She scanned over it once, and narrowed her eyes, then redirected them to her friends. "Read it out loud." Severus urged her, as Ginny nodded and read.
"Dearest Ginevra,
I really need to tell you something in secret. Just you and I, away from the crowd of loud and noisy people. It's something I would never admit to anyone in public, and I want only you to hear it.
Meet me by the Astronomy Tower, please.
Yours only
Remus" She concluded and looked up at them expectantly.
Silence filled the air, as the analytical minds worked together. Finally Luna exhaled and commented, "I'm pretty sure it's a fraud. That, meaning that Hermione and Lily have lost their minds, and have been pranked." She concluded sorrowfully, with a bit of a shock, "I don't think it's usually like them. Wrakspurts?" She suggested.
"Probably..." Ginny muttered, glancing around and laughing. "It's funny that I'm usually the unreasonable one in these types of situations, and they're usually the logically analytical ones." She chuckled, "But what to do? I have a higher tolerance for parties and alcohol than they do, it seems."
Severus snorted and laughed, "Probably. I have to admit they did a pretty sloppy job in portraying Remus Lupin, whoever they are."
"They're probably Slytherins then." Ginny muttered through bared teeth, as Severus laughed bitterly once again and looked over, giving her a dirty look.
"If they were Slytherins I wouldn't be helping you out. Plus Slytherins would spend all day and night planning this, meaning that everything would be polished and exactly." He pointed out smartly.
Ginny considered, and sighed, "That's very true. Well," She reasoned logically, "They did make a few mistakes. For one, Remus would never in life call me 'Ginevra'. We agreed on it the first time we met, after he continuously called me that horrid name." She cringed with angst. "The grammar would be much more articulate." She scanned through the letter, "And he wouldn't be embarrassed to say anything in public. And he would sign with a fancy word, such as 'sincerely', or something like that." She concluded sheepishly.
Grinning proudly, Luna applauded, "Not bad, Ginny. Soon you'll be capable of applying to our little Sherlock Holmes squad with Hermione."
"I'll be more than honoured to be accepted." Ginny grinned and did an extravagant bow, but her face immediately morphed in seriousness, "But we have to find out what's happening before something extremely stupid happens to any one of them."
Everyone seemed up for the adventure, judging by the confident and excited expressions on their faces. They all got up, Severus gallantly offering his hand to Luna, then after a smack sheepishly offered his other to Ginny, who snorted and shook her head.
She took her spot in front of the two lovebirds. "Whoever made this sick joke up really wanted it to be secret and isolated, didn't they?" Ginny muttered under her breath, as they, all in dresses, except for Severus of course, started climbing the numerous staircases.
The Astronomy Tower was isolated and all alone in the dark, yet none of them suggested lighting up their wands – too risky. So, all the members of this extravagantly adventurous tour, taking careful and cautious steps climbed up the spiraling staircases. No one spoke, just to soak the situation with excitement. They knew they were close when they heard indistinct voices.
The chilly wind blew at their hair and robes, piercing their skin, and causing their teeth to chatter, but they simply shivered and climbed higher.
"We're getting close, we are." Severus whispered from the back, both girls shushing him hurriedly and glaring daggers. He took a few steps back, and raised his hands in defeat.
They were near – just around the corner, when they were already capable of making out shapes and figures. One was unmistakably the stealthy and lean brain of the Marauders – Remus Lupin. Ginny sighed when catching sight of him. He was so polite, intelligent, handsome, and understanding – basically, all the qualities one could ever ask for in a perfect boy.
The other figure looked a lot like—
"Wait a sec," Ginny looked back at her friends with a horrified expression upon her face, "That's me!" She whispered hoarsely. Luna and Severus exchanged a scared look, then climbed up and peeked out of the corner.
"Merlin's pants." Severus murmured, while taking a step back, his eyes wide with misunderstanding. He leaned on the cold stone wall, and tried to take everything before him.
Ginny—well the fraud, was wearing a shimmering gold halter dress, which tumbled down to her knees. She was standing slightly insecurely, and her hair was falling straight down. The look on her face wasn't the usual proud and confident one, but it was sad, and slightly guilty looking.
Obviously, Ginny was regarding both sides of the situation, "But gold? With my hair? It's a nice colour, I admit, but I would never wear sparkles." She admitted remorsefully, "It makes me look like a little girl." She whispered to Luna and Severus, who both rolled their eyes.
Although they enjoyed Ginny's humour and fashionista moments, there was a huge messed up conflict going on. "That's crazy." Luna muttered, shaking her head, and sitting down on the steps, while looking around thoughtfully, "Severus, any idea how they did it?"
Pursing his lips in deep thought, Severus tilted his head, "There are a few potions. Firstly, the Polyjuice potion, but I doubt they'd have the slightest idea of pride to use that one. So there is one other," He raised a finger, thoughts deep in wonder, "There's always the baby brother potion of the Polyjuice – it's called the Potentissimum potion, also known as the 'once in a lifetime' potion." He retold his knowledge.
The three of them shared a look of pure horrification. Who would've planned something so evil, and why would they do it? Most importantly, what were they planning to do?
Ginny looked up worriedly, glancing at the fake her and Remus, "What does the potion do?"
"I believe it transforms you into another person or thing for a while, until you complete a mission or a challenge, and after you accomplish it, you are capable of changing back into your original form." Severus complied quietly, "So, I'm guessing," He raised his eyes, "Someone either really wants to be you, or really wants to be with Remus."
Shivering, the trio huddled on the stairs, and barely peeked out from behind the wall, hoping not to be seen. The cool walls and cold breeze wasn't helping too much, but each of them had their dose of adventure and had quite a good toleration for the cold, vile air. At least it wasn't the middle of the winter, because that would be simple torture.
Fake-Ginny sorrowfully looked up at Remus, whose face morphed in confusion.
He looked down at her and took her hand, "Ginny, what's the matter?" He asked in his soft, assuring voice, white patting her hand soothingly, "You seemed so happy moments ago, what happened now? And why did you want to call me up here? There's not a thing with you that I wouldn't want to share with my friends." He assured her kindly.
The wind blew, sending her hair flailing wildly. She looked around roughly, and tried to calm it down, which send a bit of moral suspicion through Remus. 'Ginny' sighed, and replied, "I really wanted to talk to you, that I er—"
Remus stopped her, "Wait a minute, is there something making you uncomfortable?" He asked seriously, looking at her with incomprehension, "If you don't want to be together, I understand, but—"
"No, no, you're wonderful." She interrupted dryly, clearing her throat. After a few minutes of silence, nearly driving the prying trio crazy, the fake broke down and started crying, "You're not the problem." She sobbed dreadfully, rubbing her eyes. Remus patted her on the back awkwardly.
"What do you mean?" He asked, "You're amazing in every single way, and I wouldn't want to be with anyone else." Remus patted her on the back.
"I'm not Ginny!" She exhaled finally, releasing all that was kept inside of her. "I'm sorry for lying to you! You'll probably hate forever now, since you didn't like me before!" She wept, her tears continuously falling to the ground, as if there was a break in the sky, and it wouldn't stop thundering.
Remus raised an eyebrow, "Yes, yes you are Ginny. If you're not, then who are you?"
Luna and Severus looked at one another, then turned to the real Ginny, to find that she rushed out of her seat, and was climbing the remaining steps. She stood up, and walked towards the couple, "Yeah, who are you? You're definitely not Ginny, because, well," She looked herself up and down, "I am."
Looking bewildered and slightly lost, Remus looked from one girl to the other. Confusion grew wildly in his eyes, as he wasn't capable of comprehending anything that had just occurred. The fake-Ginny looked appalled and even more scared than she could ever be, because the sassy, aggressive, and athletic real Ginny was standing before her.
"Ginny!" Remus exclaimed, still looking between the two girls. "I swear, if this is another joke that James and Sirius played I'm going to—"
"No, no." Ginny assured him, while leaning on the tower wall, "It's not James and Sirius this time, because I believe they are stuck in the exact same situation. It's someone sneakier, seeking either revenge or power." She looked at the fake, "Hello, darling," She said sickly sweetly, "How has your night gone by?"
The other girl stood shivering between the couple, causing both Severus and Luna to come out of their hiding, just to avoid any future aggression or danger, which was a possibility for the fraud.
"Let's sort this out peacefully." Luna said seriously, as Severus sauntered behind her, "Who are you?" She directed her gaze to the fraud, who fidgeted with the skirt of her dress, and looked away.
"It'll be easier to show you." The girl muttered, while going up to Remus. "May I kiss you on the cheek?" She asked quietly and sadly, "It's the only way for me to change back into who I actually am." Remus nodded slowly, as she reached up, and pecked his scarred face. Immediately, she shrunk, her body became curvier, ginger hair sleeked and turned brown, and eyes turned darker and turned more mysterious.
Before them, stood Sam Williamson, bursting into tears, hugging herself, as the Gryffindors and Slytherin watched from the side.
"I'm so sorry for causing you all this pain and unnecessary worry," She tried to cover her face, but failed miserably, "My friends talked me into this. I can't believe I actually did it. They thought it'd be cool, and we'd become more popular, but I always knew it was wrong!" Sam exclaimed, sobbing miserably. "I just wanted to belong."
Approaching her cautiously, Luna patted her shoulder gently, "Hey, it's okay. I'm different too, and it doesn't hurt me." She smiled dreamily, causing the Ravenclaw to sniffle and push a smile back.
"But at least you have good friends." Sam replied slowly and mournfully. Remus and Ginny were standing side by side, looking at each other stupidly. "I don't have any except for them."
"It's alright. We're always capable of making friends if we really want to." Luna assured her. "So what was this master plan you Ravenclaws were up to? It took some time until you guys actually showed that you were capable of coming up with something smart and intelligent." She grinned, but Sam only shook her head.
"The other girls. They have huge obsessions over James and Sirius. So they decided to make this potion to transform them into the person the two obviously like." She sniffled, wiping her nose, and fixing her mascara, obviously hoping that it wouldn't leak. "They're obsessed. Majorly. Cassie thinks that she can get Sirius back, because she honestly hates Hermione."
Approaching cautiously from the side, Severus glided into the picture, "So you all set up in the school, hoping to capture their hearts by kissing them, and convincing that you were better than the Gryffindors?" Severus asked seriously, gazing at the weeping girl, and for once, actually feeling sorry for her.
Williamson only nodded earnestly, wiping a tear, which was streaming down her cheek, "I never meant for it to go the wrong way. I didn't wanna mess up your lives. It was a really sick and dirty joke."
"It's okay." Remus cleared his throat, and finally approached the sad and insecure girl, "Listen, Sam, you're beautiful. You really are. There are loads of guys who love you the way you are, not the way you act and try to be." He offered her a smile, while she kindly took and tried to smile back.
Ginny also walked over, and cleared her throat, "So how did you like being me for a while?"
Grinning back, Sam smiled, "It was pretty awesome." She admitted.
"Now, do you wanna tell us where the rest of them are?" Ginny asked confidently, "Because I'm not planning on any of my friends going to bed today with a tearstained face, and broken heart. Can you tell us where the others are?"
Sam nodded, "Jessica took James by the Library, and Cassie is with Sirius by the Quidditch Pitch. Their goal—our goal," She corrected herself, as much as it pained her, "Was to make you believe that we were together, or getting together, which would hopefully add up to our chances of getting you guys." She finished.
Everyone else looked at each other, and harmonized, "Thanks Sam!"
"Don't be sad." Ginny gave Sam a hug, and the girl gripped her tightly, "Don't try to be someone else. It doesn't work." She whispered into the Ravenclaw's ear, making her nod. "Go to the Common Room, dry off your tears, and try to make new friends. Maybe even from other years, who knows?" Ginny smiled and patted the girls back.
Then, the four of them, three Gryffindors and the Slytherin, rushed down the stairs, pushing and racing to get down first.
"So who are we saving first?" Remus panted, as they trampled down the stairs. "They obviously decided to put them all in opposite sides of the school, so this is going to be a whole new workout." He shook his head.
"Probably Lily and James." Luna noted thoughtfully, as the rest agreed, and continued their journey. "They have a more complicated story, so hopefully, we can get them together quickly and quietly."
~OoOoO~
Four pairs of hurried feet echoed through the hall. Unwillingly, Ginny had to take off her heels, which was quite a disappointment for her, although Luna pointed out that there was a huge possibility of tripping and breaking various bones. Obviously, the Quidditch fanatic didn't want to put her career and hobby at risk. Grumpily, she slung them at her side and hurried on.
Rapidly turning corners, passing love struck or heartbroken couples, the quarto had only one goal in mind. Every one of them was truly amazed by the evilness and purely sadistic prank the Ravenclaws had set up. Everyone knew that the seventh year Ravenclaws weren't capable of anything except for curling their hair and painting each others' nails.
Unfortunately, they were wrong. Because as much as they wanted to admit that it was a bad and unprepared prank, they had to admit that the girls put a lot of thought into it. They brewed the potion, planned to trick the brilliant Marauders, and placed the three different couples in three different corners of the school.
It was evil genius.
They rounded a corner, but Luna held her arms out and stopped them from going any further. She put a finger on her lips, and pointed at her ears, as everyone nodded eagerly.
Luna was the best at sensing the mysterious and unknown world: it was her gift and it was extremely convenient at most times.
Everyone froze, and waited for the upcoming verdict, but they didn't have to wait, because right at that moment, they heard a loud and vigorous sobbing coming from the other end of the hall. They all exchanged miserable looks, and suddenly, Lily Evans ran out from behind the corner, eyes wide, and full of tears.
When she reached the four of them, she crumpled into a heap in Luna's arms, "I can't believe—he would-I can't!" She sobbed deafeningly, wetting Luna's hair with her tears. "Why would he-I loved him!" She exclaimed, and broke down even further.
At this moment, boldly and bravely, Remus approached Lily and patted her on the shoulder, "Lils, it was a prank by the Ravenclaw girls." He murmured softly, "James loves you. He always has and always will." But the bawling girl didn't seem to hear or comprehend her friend's words, because she continued crying, and muttering under her breath.
A certain sadness fell upon the room, chilling it by a few degrees. Everyone looked at each other somberly, until Ginny jumped up, strapping her heels back on, and turned towards the two boys. "Remus, Severus," She said firmly. "You have to go find Sirius and Hermione, and try to explain the situation. Luna and I will take Lily to the dormitories and go from there."
"Alright." Severus mumbled, straightening his robes out. "Anywhere's better than a ball, even if it means a romantically-themed adventure of running around the castle and saving love struck couples."
Luna shot him a glare, "Sevvy, play nice."
"Sorry."
~OoOoO~
She lay in the dewy grass, looking at the stars. At that moment, she didn't really care if her dress got yucky, wet, or acquired any grass stains. She wasn't feeling sad or happy – just emotionless. It was a simple lack of energy to express any happy or sad thoughts. She just lay and looked up at the beautiful everlasting stars.
They were perfect, and peaceful. It was quiet, but not dead quiet. There was still chattering and laughing in the distance, coming from the castle, basically indicating that the ball was still in action, but many attendees were heading towards their dormitories. She didn't have anything against them. The chirping birds added a happy tune in the background, as it floated through the midnight air.
There were so many stars. There were even more stars in the sky than there were freckles on the Weasley twins' faces, and there were many to count. She gazed up, hoping to remember this image forever, but she knew that it wouldn't happen.
On the scale of the universe, her problems didn't matter. Yes, it seemed pessimistic, but it was true, and Hermione had to admit to myself. In comparison to the rest of the Universe, yet to be discovered, none of the human beings on Earth mattered.
She wasn't mad at Sirius. Oh, no. She was disappointed. She believed that she saw something good and something truthful in him, where he could keep a secret and a promise, but he didn't. As if boys mattered in the small world.
But there was certainly once place, which could keep her happy, and which would bring her hope and joy even in the darkest moments.
Once again, her mind had completely no control of where her legs were going and before she knew it, she was standing before the big wooden door, leading into the cozy hut of the Gamekeeper. The heavy knocker thudded on the door, nearly sending it shaking. It swung open and there stood Hagrid – giant and happy as ever.
"'Ello, Mione!" He exclaimed, beaming down on her, and observing her fashion, "Yeh look simply beau'iful today."
Awkwardly shuffling her feet, Hermione smiled back warmly. "Thanks, Hagrid! Do you mind if I come in?" She frequently had taken the hobby of coming down to Hagrid's Hut, for he was one of the only people who understood her at moments when others could not.
Looking down at her worriedly, Hagrid smiled heartily, "'Course you may!" He widened the entrance, and Hermione was gestured in.
In no time, they were sitting at his table, sipping tea, and Hagrid was taking a bite of his homemade, signature rock cakes. Hermione refrained, convincing him that she had plenty to eat at the ball, which brought them back to Hagrid's first question.
"Did the ball finish yet, then?" He asked, watching the girl carefully with his small beady black eyes.
"I guess you could say that." Hermione sighed, taking a sip of her tea, "There are still a few people out there, but multiple have gone to bed."
Hagrid raised a bushy eyebrow, "Why are yeh out 'ere then? It's past curfew and yeh should be headin' to bed then." He gazed at her suspiciously, causing the Gryffindor to grimace and prop her head on her bent elbow.
Giving up a final sigh, she muttered, "Well, you can say I ran into a little bit of boy trouble." Hagrid's eyes immediately widened and he nodded sympathetically. "I don't even know, Hagrid, I just think I realized that Marauders are full of trouble and are not meant to be trusted." Hermione continued, "Especially if their name is Sirius Black." She added on gloomily.
"Oh Mione, don't be sad then." Hagrid patted her on the back affectionately. His warm hand made her feel at home, and cozy, as if she were talking to relative, or someone who really cared about her. "Firstly, all 'em boys are goin' through that stage right now. With their raging hormones and such." He explained to her, even drawing out a chuckle.
"Oh, tell me about it. They're so unpredictable."
The half-giant nodded, "And you need not waste any time on 'em. I've seen that boy look at ya, and I'm sure he's got somethin' going on in his mind. Maybe he's just tryina make you jealous?" He suggested with a smile granting potential futuristic success. "I've seen many boys try and do that throughout me years here at Hogwarts. And I have to admit," He whispered with a slight smile, taking a bite out of his cake, "I've seen some pretty strange wooing going on here."
Hermione laughed heartily, and rolled her eyes. She put her hand atop Hagrid's and beamed at him. "Thanks, Hangrid. You're always the one to make me smile in this school." She thanked him truthfully, because no lie could be told at this time.
"Well, it's me job. And I like you, Mione." Hagrid beamed back with equal happiness, "Yer a great girl, and yeh shouldn't waste your mind on some stupid boys who don't even know what they're doing." He looked around his room, and jumped up all of the sudden, "By the way, remember when we discussed dog breeds last time?"
Nodding eagerly, Hermione snuggled up into the chair and listened on. "Well, from that time, I saw a few dogs, one shaggy black one, and a beauty of a collie. Definitely a lovely sight t'was." He murmured, his eyes sparkling in mirth, as Hermione laugh at the recognition of her own animagus.
"Anyways," Hagrid continued. "After seeing these two dogs, I decided that I needa get meself one, just in case." He placed his mug on the table, and walked to the other side of the hut. Hermione was watching his carefully, as he bent down and from a clumsy roll of towels and quilts, he drew out a puppy.
"Isn't he lovely?" Hagrid cooed over the dog he cradled in his arms. Hermione laughed and got up to get a closer look, "I was thinkin' bout getting a crup, but I thought it'd be too vicious for meh, so I found this little guy on my trip from Diagon Alley." He explained, letting Hermione pet the drowsy puppy, still hairless and pink. "He was lost in the corner, musta slipped away from his family. But he's big for his age. I got a couple test run, and found out he was only a week old, the poor thing."
Hermione tickled the puppy, who sneezed mirthfully, and yawned falling asleep in her arms, "So he doesn't have a family? Did you think of a name yet?"
"I decided to call 'im Fang. He's an adorable little fella, but he's already got his teeth comin' in!" Hagrid glanced down happily at the puppy, "And no family that I know of." Hagrid informed her, "I mean, I couldn't just leave him." He explained helplessly, causing Hermione to laugh.
"Trust me, Hagrid, I would've done the same thing." She assured him, handing the dozing puppy back to his owner.
"Well of course you would've!" Hagrid chortled, and put the pup back to sleep, cradling it as careful as one would cradle a baby. "Of course, a larger dog would be much more convenient, with all the werewolf attacks goin' on. Very strange, they are, I must admit. Feel a little insecure as well." Hagrid shivered, sitting down at the table. "It's like they're circling around us."
Hermione froze. Something in her mind started boiling and some gears started to move. A switch clicked and the light bulb was running.
"Hagrid, it's getting late, it's best that I go." She gave his one last smile, before heading towards the door. But her mind was drifting someplace else.
"Of course, Mione. Always a pleasure to talk to yeh!" Hagrid boomed cheerfully, opening the door, and smiling sorrowfully, "Come again sometime, and we'll have a nice cup'o tea."
Patting his strong shoulder, Hermione smiled, and exited through the door. "Bye Hagrid!" She called, but one sentence was haunting her. Something that Hagrid had said. There was something awful going on about the werewolf attacks, and something was completely wrong. There had to be a pattern. There was a plan.
Without thinking, she sprinted up the hall, hiking her dress up and making her feet take her as fast as possible, once again, heels in hand. Damn Ginny and her fashion accessories.
Light cold specks of dust hit her face as she ran. They were cold, and sharp, as they bit into her skin. But she liked it, because she was used to the cold. In greater and greater quantities it started falling from the sky, sprinkling the whole territory with white specks, and decorating the scenery with a frosty, yet beautiful design.
It was snowing. The first snow of the year. Oh what a lovely night.
But Hermione kept on running, although a smile did appear on her face, as the snowflakes fluttered upon her skin, causing her both to shiver and grin on the inside. She maniacally desired a butterbeer, but knew that she would only be able to get one when she was done her job. There was something important she had to both start and finish. At least the following day was a Sunday, meaning more studying and research.
She shivered, entering the castle, but didn't stop before she reached the seventh floor. Pacing in front of the unchanged wall three times, she muttered in her head, "I need a place for research, I need a place for research, I need a place for research".
Of course, she could've always used the library, but getting caught by Filch in the middle of the night was definitely not one of her hobbies. Plus, the Room of Requirement could supply her with much valuable resources than the Library ever would.
The beautiful wooden doors appeared once again and squirmed open. Happily noticing that no one in the seventies had yet figured out about the room, and weren't using it for their sexual necessities, Hermione rushed in and found before her a large, mahogany working table, surrounded by bookshelves, filled with books and valuable information.
It was her own mini-library.
Muttering and cussing under her breath, she flittered about the Room of Requirement, finding valuable information and anything that would help her.
Although the unsettling need for sleep was haunting her like a ghost, she wouldn't budge, and continued working even when her eyes were about to close.
Hermione grabbed a large piece of blank parchment, and muttered a spell, conjuring a valuable piece of information related to the werewolf attacks. Conjuring and retrieving various articles, she pinpointed locations with red ink. She worked quickly and efficiently with rulers, quills and charts.
It was nearly 3:00 in the morning. Hermione lifted up her map in pride, examining it from the side.
Her dreadful estimate was correct. They were planning to attack Hogwarts at the end of June. It was crazy of her to figure it out in the middle of the night, but unfortunately, Hermione Granger was almost nocturnal, and it was her lifestyle.
She needed to tell the others of her discovery in high detail, with vivid explanation. But not now. Not at that moment.
Right now, after such a dreadful day, Hermione needed sleep.
And here we go! That cleared up some conflicts from the previous chapter! I hope you all have a lovely summer.
*NOTE* I am not abandoning this story. I'm going be writing it in the plane because I'm going to have way too much time on my hands. Thank you all of you! Don't forget to leave a review!
Lots of love xxx
GirlxMarauder
