Chapter 28: Classes, Talons, Tea Leaves, and Boggarts
Hermione walked down to the Great Hall to find Harry glumly trying to ignore the Slytherins while the Weasley twins handed out third-year schedules. "Wow Draco, you're talking a big game since I heard you pissed your pants at the mere sight, and dived into the Weasley twin's compartment," Hermione called making Malfoy turn an interesting shade of purple as he sputtered trying to rebuke her claims while the other Slytherins looked at him with a mixture of disgust and disbelief.
"Nice one Potter," George grinned handing her the schedule.
"Hold on a second they've mucked up your schedule Hermione you have three classes at the same time," Ron frowned.
"I know, I've spoken with Professor McGonagall about it no need to worry," Hermione dismissed him as she ate her breakfast with Ron still trying to get a look at her schedule.
"Honestly Ronald leave it alone," Hermione huffed.
"I just hope you haven't put too much on your plate," Harry mumbled.
"Worried about me?" Hermione grinned at her brother.
"I guess it's become a more common occurrence," Harry sighed.
"Well we better get going divination is at the North Tower," Hermione stood up Harry and Ron following suit.
Hogwarts is a huge castle, and it was easy to get lost within its walls even as a third-year student. The trio wandered aimlessly trying to find the North Tower and the divination classroom. "We need to ask directions," Harry mumbled.
"Yeah but from who?" Ron sighed leaning against the wall as a knight fell off his fat grey pony in the painting beside him.
"Back you scoundrels," came the voice from the portrait as the little man struggled to get his visor up pulling his sword; however, the weapon proved too big for him and he started to fall forward and stabbed his sword into the ground to keep upright. Unfortunately, his sword sank into the ground under his weight forcing the little knight to rush to get up his visor back over his face.
"Uhm, excuse me sir, but I was wondering if you could help us find the divination classroom?" Hermione asked uncertainly causing the knight to perk up considerably.
"A quest! Ah follow me noble Sers, and you gentle lady, there is no quest too great for Sir Cadogan," the knight called before starting to run the trio barely catching glimpses of him in the other portraits as they ran to keep up with him. By the time the three reached the top of the tower, they were all out of breath Ron and Hermione, in particular, were hunched over a bit.
"If ever those of noble heart should have a need for a partner on a daring quest, call upon Sir Cadogan," The knight smiled at them before going to flirt with a very pretty painting of a woman.
"Yeah we'll call you if we ever need someone mental," Ron mumbled as Harry stared up at the trap door that had a sign next to it reading 'Divination.'
"How are we supposed to get up there?" Harry mumbled, and as if in answer to his question a ladder dropped from the top.
"Well that's convenient," Ron muttered, "After you 'Mione."
"What a gentleman," Hermione snorted moving to go up the ladder and entering into what appeared to be an attic filled with musty pillows and poofs. The smell of incense was thick almost overwhelming. Coughing a bit Hermione moved to sit at a table with Ron and Harry on either side of her.
"Well this is different," Harry looked around elbowing Hermione gently with a grin as she laughed while the rest of their class filed in.
Once everyone was in the class a thin woman with large glasses that magnified her eyes to almost resembling an owl. She wore a shawl that glittered and gleamed with each movement, and her thin neck was covered in chains and beads of all different sizes and her arms jangled with each movement from the bangles that clattered against one another.
"Welcome, How nice to see you all in the physical world. So you've chosen to study the art of divination the most difficult of all magical subjects," came her voice it was airy with an almost ethereal quality. "I must warn you it won't come easy, this is not an art you can simply learn in books. "
Ron snickered at the look on Hermione's face at this news. Hermione who was basically an autodidact learned everything from intense studying. She learned wand movements, spells, and potions. Now while Hermione would also be the first to admit that being she could not learn everything through reading, she could at least have basic knowledge of most if not all things, but the practical use was what she lacked from reading in books.
"You either have the eye or you don't," Trelawney continued looking at Lavender. "I'm afraid one of you will be leaving us before the year is over, You dear the thing you dread most will happen on October 16th," she said making Lavender squeak in trepidation.
"What rubbish," Hermione mumbled.
"Sh," Ron and Harry smirked at her, it wasn't often they had the ability to tease Hermione for not paying attention in class.
"Oh, I'll remember that," Hermione muttered at them while Ron tried not to laugh. In Ron's very misguided opinion Hermione alone was about as frightening as a bunny on the grass.
"Now welcome to Divination, I am Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me before, I often find that descending into the hustle and bustle of the main castle clouds my Inner Eye," the Professor looked around at them all. "Now many witches and wizard are talented in the area of loud bangs and smells and sudden disappearings are yet unable to penetrate through the veiled mysteries of the future."
Suddenly her gaze went to Neville, "You boy is your grandmother quite well?"
"I think so," Neville's voice trembled a bit.
"I wouldn't be so sure," she said almost too calm for the prediction she'd just made. "We will start the first part of the term with reading tea leaves, next half of the term we will move on to palmistry," she stooped. "You dear," she looked to Pavarti, "beware a redheaded man.
Pavarti looked at Ron and tried to indiscreetly scoot away from him.
"In the second term, we will progress to crystal balls, as long as we have finished fire omens that is. Unfortunately, classes will be interrupted by a nasty bout of the flu, I myself will lose my voice, and of course one of our number will leave us forever after the Easter holidays." After that proclamation, there was a tense and eerie silence.
Hermione settled her chin onto her palm her elbow on the table wondering what she'd gotten herself into in choosing this class. Sure she'd be with Harry and Ron, but at this point, nothing could be worth sitting in a classroom with a clearly insane woman and a headache from all the incense. She didn't like that she was picking out students to call on, and she was saying such general things it was likely while all true that it wasn't actually Divination. Ron could step on Pavarti's foot and that'd be the reason to avoid a redheaded man, Neville's grandmother might've realized Neville forgot something at home and be displeased with him meaning she wasn't well. This was a Muggle trick Hermione had seen on TV, it wasn't magic.
"Now if everyone would please go get a teacup, drink your tea until just the dregs are left, and you boy," Trelawney looked to Neville. "After you break you first cup go get one of the blue please, I'm quite fond of the pink."
As the class filed to get their teacups Trelawney passed by with a large silver teapot filling the cups. "Be sure to partner up."
Harry, of course, went for Ron, and Hermione shook her head moving to get closer to Neville's spot. The moment Neville turned from the shelf a slight tinkling of glass could be heard as an enchanted broom and dustpan went to clean up the mess.
"One of the blue please dear," the Professor called and Hermione smiled reassuringly as Neville came up to sit beside her with a now steaming cup of tea.
"You will all interpret the patterns using your copies of Unfogging the Future," Trelawney moved back to the front of the room as everyone drank their tea to the dregs.
"Swill your cup three times with your left hand and turn it upside down on its saucer. Allow the tea to drain away and give the cup to your partner."
Hermione did as Trelawney said handing her teacup to Neville who in turn handed his over as well. Turning to the correct page in her book Hermione looked up at Trelawney. "Neville, well these dot things mean you're going to be busy, and this bit looks like a cloud which means there is trouble coming, but look it's a rabbit meaning you'll be alert and resourceful when it comes."
Neville frowned taking her teacup in his own shaking hands and looking at the book before back to the cup. "There's a cross here which means trials and suffering, these three lines mean change, and there's a bear I think which means power and adaptability, so I think this means you'll suffer, but that suffering will bring change that you'll adapt to and become more powerful," Neville said quietly but Hermione was only half listening as Trelawney swept up to Harry.
"Give me the cup," she told Ron who uneasily handed her Harry's cup. Almost immediately Trelawney almost dropped the cup gasping in terror as she looked at Harry her eyes full of pity. "My dear boy," she said in a hushed tone, "You have the grim."
"The grim? What's the grim?" Seamus asked.
"It's one of the darkest omens in our world, it's the omen of death," Parvati answered looking at Harry her eyes so full of pity.
"Oh please," Hermione snorted. "I guess you think it's awful fun to scare the new students," she huffed at the professor.
"My dear," Trelawney looked at Hermione, "I understand it's hard to accept when a loved one's death is imminent."
"Imminent? He's thirteen-years-old," Hermione scoffed.
"You know dear I perceive no true talent for the mystic arts from you," Trelawney sighed taking her hand.
"Your soul is as dry as the books to which you so desperately cleave," Trelawney patted her hand her voice losing some of its Mystic edge as she tried to shut Hermione down.
Hermione blinked at the insult and smiled not unkindly as she, in turn, took Trelawney's hand, "You're wrong professor, I sense that your life is as sad as the predictions you so desperately try to make." With that Hermione stood up grabbing her bag and went to the trap door climbing down.
Ron for his part was sitting with his mouth open; he'd never seen Hermione speak to a teacher that way before.
Harry only blinked, it'd been a long time since he'd seen his sister act so disrespectfully in school. Three years to be exact, at their old schools it wasn't uncommon when teachers took Dudley's side over their own, but here. He hoped Professor Trelawney wouldn't give her detention.
Professor Trelawney tsked and dismissed class immediately after Hermione stormed out. Even with all their extra time they still barely arrived at their Transfiguration class on time though.
As soon as Hermione left divination she went straight to Arithmancy. Arithmancy was the practice of predicting the future with numbers and numerology. It also explored the magical properties of numbers, and while Divination was fake smoke and mirrors in Hermione's opinion, Arithmancy made sense.
It was a bit like what some Muggle stockbrokers managed to do in predicting rising and falling stocks based on the numbers. It was real, it was logical, and Hermione easily fell in love with it.
After Arithmancy Hermione gave a spin on her time turner and this time went to Muggle studies. It wasn't truly anything spectacular, but having lived in the Muggle world it was easy if not a bit redundant.
Finally, Hermione went from her morning classes to Transfiguration where she sat beside Harry and Ron with Harry between them. The entire class that had been in divination looked a bit glum and Hermione already hated the class. There was no way she would be subjecting herself to any more of it. She wouldn't sit there and listen to an old fraud try to convince her brother he was going to die.
Hermione pulled out her quill and ink, as well as some parchment and her transfiguration book not paying attention as Professor McGonagall transformed back from her cat form. The entire class didn't seem to care, and even though they'd seen it at least once before it never failed to garner a reaction.
At the general lack of enthusiasm, McGonagall frowned looking at the class. "That's the first time a class has not marveled at my transformation. What is the matter with you all it's only the first day of classes."
"We've just had divination," Hermione muttered distastefully while McGonagall looked at her and the others.
"I see well which one of you is going to die this year?"
At that, the class all looked up in shock while Harry glumly sighed, "Me," he mumbled.
"Mr. Potter it's my duty to inform you that Sybil Trelawney starts off each new term with a death omen. Predicting her students' deaths is her favorite way to welcome a new class. Now shall we begin?"
Harry couldn't lie that simple talk from McGonagall made him feel much better. He relaxed in his seat, while Hermione just felt relieved she'd had the right instinct about Trelawney in the first place.
After lunch, it was time for Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid. Hermione walked slightly ahead of the boys. "Honestly Hermione it was terrifying," Ron called after her.
"I don't appreciate people who think it's fun to scare people," Hermione huffed seeing the giant man towering over the other third years.
"Step up, c'mon now," Hagrid called. "Got a real trea' fer ye today," he smiled as he spotted the three Gryffindors.
Hermione waved happily to the giant man, as they gathered around his hut. Hagrid waved back smiling his eyes shining brightly.
"Now Firs' thing yeh'll want to do is open yer books," Hagrid smiled.
"How?" Draco asked coldly, "How do we open our books?"
"Hasn' anyone been able to open yer books?" Hagrid looked a bit crestfallen as no one had. "Ye stroke the spine," he carefully took the book nearest to him running a giant finger over the furry spine causing the book to shudder and fall open.
"Oh, how stupid we've all been," Draco ridiculed causing his gang to laugh.
"Shut up Draco," Harry muttered.
"Watch it Potter there's a Dementor behind you."
"I though' they were funny," Hagrid told Hermione who put her hand on his arm about to say something.
"Oh yeah terribly funny if we want something that tries to bite our hands off," Draco scoffed. "God this place has gone to the dogs."
"Draco," Hermione interrupted causing him to look at her in surprise. "You're not funny either so maybe you should just shut that shit hole you call a mouth."
Hagrid frowned, "Language Hermione," he warned not truly being cross. "Two poin's from Gryffindor," he added so it didn't seem like he was playing favorites while Hermione only nodded. "I'll be righ' back," he smiled going to the forest.
Ron stepped up behind her his hand on his new wand watching Draco as he fumed. "Do it," Ron called, "give me an excuse."
"Ron," Hermione huffed pulling him back towards the other Gryffindor's with her, while Harry was staring at Draco daring him to try something as he walked backward a bit.
When Hermione made it to the Gryffindors Fay grinned excitedly, "Wow Hermione."
"She's become a bit of a rebel today hasn't she," Ron chuckled.
"Alrigh' now," Hagrid called behind him were a dozen creatures covered in feathers with eagle heads and talons on their front feet, but a horse's body and hind legs and tail.
"Hagrid what is that?" Hermione frowned.
"These are Hippogriffs Hermione," Hagrid smiled, "Aren't they beautiful?"
Harry could kind of see what he meant, once you got over the initial shock of seeing something half bird, and half horse their coats were beautiful each feather gleaming different colors, from Stormy grey, pink roan, glossy chestnut, and inky black.
"Well c'mon get closer," Hagrid smiled, but no one seemed to be interested in that. Harry, Hermione, and Ron looked at each other and finally, the trio moved to stand up against the fence.
"Well done you three," Hagrid smiled, "Now the first thing you need to know about a Hippogriff is that they are very proud creatures. You do not want to insult a Hippogriff, their talons will tear you to pieces with ease. So who'd like to meet one?"
Immediately Ron and Hermione took Harry and took a step back, but at the look on Hagrid's face Harry sighed and moved forward climbing over the fence.
"Harry," Hermione frowned but Hagrid beamed.
"Alrigh' now Harry first thing ye want te do is bow low and don't blink too much, Hippogriffs don't trust someone if they blink to much," Hagrid warned as Harry bowed to the stormy grey hippogriff keeping his eyes up his eyes watering as he fought the urge to blink.
The Hippogriff was staring haughtily at him and Hermione squeaked as it squawked at him. "Back off Harry easy now," but before Harry could move the creature bent a scaly knee going into an unmistakable bow.
"Well done Harry, now you can go pet him," Hagrid smiled as Harry went up to the beast hand outstretched.
"Wow," Harry grinned as he pet the hippogriff gently it's orange eyes closing lazily as if he enjoyed it. The class clapped, all except for Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.
"I think he migh' let yeh ride him now," Hagrid smiled.
"What?" Harry frowned as Hagrid picked him up. "Hagrid," he groaned.
"Now yeh climb jus' behind the wing join', and don't pull any of his feathers ou' he won' like tha'," suddenly without warning twelve-foot wings spread as the Hippogriff started running. Harry held on tight closing his eyes until suddenly he no longer felt the jolting run, grinning he realized they were in the air flying around the class.
"Woo," Harry called with a laugh letting go of the Hippogriff grimacing as he went in for a rather rough landing. It was different to be on Buckbeak, but Harry definitely preferred his Nimbus.
"Well done Harry, and well done Buckbeak," Hagrid clapped happily along with the rest of the class. "Alrigh' all of you go meet a Hippogriff."
Harry carefully crossed to Hagrid and smiled a bit. "How am I doing on my firs' day?"
"Brilliant professor," Harry promised.
Hermione was watching Draco with Buckbeak, frowning as he went to pet him. "Aren't dangerous at all you great ugly brute," Draco sneered. Quickly Hermione pulled out her wand as Buckbeak reared back.
"Protego," she slid beside Draco who'd fallen back at the sudden attack and was cradling his arm blood blooming through his robes he'd just barely been caught by Buckbeak's talons before Hermione got to him.
Hagrid ran over getting in front of the two. "Buckbeak," he scolded and threw a dead ferret to distract him. "I'll take him to the infirmary," Hagrid moved to scoop Draco up and looked at Hermione worriedly.
"I'm okay Hagrid," Hermione promised moving to stand up.
"Class dismissed," Hagrid called taking the whimpering Slytherin to the castle.
"Why'd you save him Hermione?" Ron muttered darkly.
"I figured that prat would try and muck up Hagrid's first class Ron, I prevented there being greater damage, I just wish I'd been closer," she huffed. "We haven't heard the end of this," she sighed and bowed lowly to Buckbeak as Harry had done waiting until he bowed back. He seemed uncertain, but carefully Hermione went up to stroke his feathers, "I'm sorry," she told the hippogriff. "Any other class I'd be glad to let you teach that prat a lesson," she promised.
"Mione," Ron called he'd slung her bag over his shoulder grunting under the weight of it.
"Thank you for taking care of my brother," she told the Hippogriff with a smile giving one last pet before she darted off to meet Ron and Harry.
"How many books do you carry in this blasted thing Hermione?"
"A few," Hermione smiled taking the bag. Harry shook his head.
"I can't believe he actually managed to ruin the class." Harry huffed.
"It could've been worse," Hermione sighed as the walked into the castle.
"Ms. Potter a word," McGonagall called and Hermione sighed. "See you two later," she smiled following McGonagall to her study where Remus was sitting.
"Hermione," Remus greeted cheerily.
"Ms. Potter, Professor Trelawney has stated she'd like you out of her class as soon as possible," McGonagall frowned.
"Good we're in agreeance then I'd like to be out of the old fraud's class as soon as possible," Hermione said bitterly while Remus chuckled a bit.
"Lily never had an aptitude for Divination either," Remus chuckled stopping as McGonagall fixed him with a look.
"She said you insulted her," McGonagall frowned, "I told her she must be mistaken you've never been one to do so openly."
"To be fair she told me I have no aptitude and that my soul was as dry as the books to which I so desperately cleave," Hermione huffed.
Remus frowned sitting forward, "And what did you tell her?"
"I told her she was wrong," Hermione started, "because I sensed that her life was as sad as the prophecies she so desperately tries to make."
McGonagall tried to keep a stern face but there was a bit of amusement in her eyes. "Was this before or after she said your brother would die this year.
"After," Hermione mumbled.
"She said what?" Remus frowned.
"She likes to greet new classes with death omens," McGonagall explained.
"He's a thirteen-year-old boy," Remus frowned.
"But Black is after him," Hermione sighed, "I haven't told him I don't want him to know, but when she saw the Grim I just snapped," Hermione blushed. "I don't want Harry to have to think he's in mortal danger," she explained.
McGonagall and Remus frowned at each other. They didn't realize she knew, "How did you find out?" Remus finally asked.
"I'd rather not say, all I know is it's almost certain he's not after me, so I need to keep Harry safe."
"Potter nothing is certain," McGonagall scolded.
"She's right Hermione, if Sirius for a moment thinks he can use you to get to Harry he will, which means you're in just as much danger," Remus said softly.
"I'm always in danger when it comes to Harry," she joked a bit.
"Also Hermione, Hagrid told us you saved Draco," McGonagall said softly.
"Was he terribly injured I got to him a bit late…" Hermione sighed.
"I never thought I'd see the day you cared for Draco Malfoy," Remus teased having heard enough about the Slytherin from the twins.
"I don't," Hermione dead panned, "I care about Hagrid, and the fact that the prat ruined his first class." Hermione scowled at the ground.
"Your shield charm allowed the scratch to be relatively minor, of course, he assures us he's terribly hurt, and Lucius is demanding Hagrid be fired," Remus sighed.
"Remus," McGonagall admonished for volunteering so much information.
"So it didn't help then?" Hermione asked.
"Of course it did, Potter," McGonagall said softly.
"Is that all?"
"You're free to go," McGonagall sighed.
"Thank you ma'am, see you in class tomorrow Professor Lupin," Hermione grinned at him before walking out.
That night Harry was determined to go see Hagrid. "Harry you can't it's after dark," Hermione frowned.
"When has that ever stopped us before?" Ron pointed out making Hermione grimace at him.
"Fine, but I'm coming too."
"Good," Harry grinned at his sister moving with her to Hagrid's cabin. Knocking on the huge door Hagrid opened it to look at the trio blearily.
"Oh no, they haven't sacked you have they Hagrid?" Ron frowned.
"No I've not been sacked, but Lucius Malfoy isn't happy mind you," Hagrid blew into an enormous hankerchief. "They reckon I started off too big ya know, should've stuck with Flobberworms," Hagrid sighed.
"I think your lesson was brilliant it's not your fault that Malfoy didn't listen to you," Hermione sighed.
"Yeah we'll back you up," said Ron.
"You were amazing Hagrid, it isn't your fault," Harry promised.
"I really appreciate the three of you coming to see me," Hagrid hiccupped tears gathering in his eyes as he gathered them up into his arms in a bone crushing hug that left Harry and Ron clutching their sides as Hagrid set them down reaching for their glasses.
"I think you've had enough Hagrid," Hermione chided gently.
"Yer probably righ' Hagrid sighed moving to get up Hermione trailing after him worried what he'd do.
Suddenly Ron and Harry heard a big splash and frowned as Hermione walked in, "Don't worry he's just ducked his head into the water bucket."
"Tha's better," Hagrid smiled at the three.
"It'll be okay just wait and see," he promised before his face transformed. "What are you three doing out of the castle at nigh'," he roared.
"Hagrid we wanted to check on you," Harry frowned.
"I'm no' worth it," Hagrid chided, "c'mon I'll walk the three of you to the castle myself."
That night Hermione sat in the common room looking at the fire. Her head was muddled and her mind was going a million different places at once. Looking up she frowned as the twins walked in their arms filled with snacks.
"Did you two force the House Elves to make you food?" she frowned.
"Love, the House Elves here aren't enslaved, they have no real master and they like helping," George shrugged.
"He's right," Fred smiled offering Hermione a buttery croissant.
"Thank you," she smiled taking the food.
"Why are you still up love?"
"Couldn't sleep," Hermione sughed as the twins sat beside her. "I'm worried…"
"About Harry naturally," George shrugged, "Most of your worries are centered around Harry."
"I mean, to a degree yes, but I'm worried about everything, this year has barely begun and already we've been attacked by dementors, learned a murderous raving lunatic is trying to kill us, and Hagrid is in trouble because of Malfoy," Hermione sighed. "Not to mention that fraud Trelawney…"
"Breathe, Mi," Fred frowned pulling her into his side.
"Why can't we ever have a normal year," she mumbled crumbling her croissant.
"Before the two of you got here things were boring, so consider yourself lucky you didn't have to see it," George teased.
"Oh shut up." Hermione laughed even though she didn't find it very funny at all.
Despite the minor injury, Malfoy didn't reappear in their classes until Thursday, not that Hermione minded his absence that much, it was a welcome reprieve from his usual obnoxious attitude.
When Double potions was halfway over Malfoy strolled in to their classroom with his arm in a sling. Grinning he purposefully set up his station at Harry and Ron's table and immediately started whining. "Professor I can't cut with my arm bandaged like this."
"Weasley, Potter, help Mr. Malfoy," came Snape's cold reply making Ron and Harry groan.
"You're not even hurt," Harry hissed glaring as Malfoy winked at him While Ron started viciously chopping up his roots.
"Professor, Weasley has ruined my roots," Malfoy pouted a bit.
"Weasley, switch roots with Mr. Malfoy," Snape called making Ron turn pale. He'd spent so much time chopping his roots into perfectly even delicate slivers. Immediately he set to trying to fix the roots.
"Longbottom orange, this is disastrous," Snape scolded making Neville cower in his seat, the potion was in fact supposed to be green. "I assume you realize that you are the very definition of incompetence Longbottom, and for your inability to follow even basic instructions we'll be feeding some of this potion to your toad."
"Sir," Hermione looked up at him, "I can help him," she said resolutely as Snape looked down at her. She had a meeting set up with him on Friday to resume their Occulumency lessons.
"Miss Potter, I know you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all, but it is time for Longbottom to succeed, or in this case fail on his own."
Hermione's cheeks went scarlet and her eyes hardened while the Slytherins snickered.
"Help me," Neville begged and Hermione nodded muttering instructions to him under her breath out of the corner of her lips so Snape wouldn't notice.
"Harry have you heard?" Seamus started, "Sirius Black has been sighted."
"Where?" Ron frowned.
"Not too far from here," Seamus frowned, "course, it was a Muggle who phoned it in, but by the time the ministry got there he was gone."
Harry turned around looking at Hermione, who didn't seem to have heard, turning to his table he frowned noticing Malfoy watching closely. "What Malfoy?"
Malfoy's eyes shined malevolently as he leaned across the table, "thinking of trying to catch Black Potter?"
"Why would I do that?" Harry frowned.
"Of course, if it was me I'd want revenge," Malfoy smirked.
"What are you talking about?" Harry hissed.
"I imagine your sister won't let you though, uppity little slag she is."
"Watch it Malfoy," Ron snapped.
"Don't you ever insult my sister you arrogant git, you'll do well to remember she saved your life," Harry fumed watching as the reminder made Malfoy's eyes narrow.
At the end of lesson after everyone put up their unused ingredients and washed their hands and ladles Snape stalked over to Neville whose potion was now a perfect green.
"I suspect Longbottom's toad will be poisoned after exposure to this particular potion, but we should see the toad shrink to a tadpole after administering it." Snape fed a few drops to Trevor and the class waited with baited breath until with a small pop Trevor the tadpole was wriggling in Snape's hand.
The Gryffindors broke into applause while Snape's face soured as he took a small bottle from his robes pouring a few drops onto the tadpole and suddenly Trevor the toad sat in its place.
"Five points from Gryffindor, Miss Potter I told you not to help him. Class dismissed."
Harry and Ron were walking ahead of Hermione downstairs, "I can't believe he took five points because the potion was right… you should've lied Hermione," Ron mumbled, but when there was no answer he turned seeing no one was behind them.
"Where did she go? She was right behind us," Ron frowned.
"There she is, Harry pointed at Hermione as she stood panting at the bottom of the stairs.
"How did you get there?" Ron frowned as Hermione tucked something into her clothes frowning a hand on her bag. "No idea what you mean," she frowned as a seam busted in her bag. "Oh no," she sighed.
"No wonder look at all the books in there," Ron frowned.
"Honestly you know how many classes I'm taking this term," she reminded him handing over a few of her books. "Hold these for me."
Ron as turning over all the books as she gave them to him and Harry. "You haven't got any of these subjects today, we have Defense next remember."
"Oh yes," Hermione said vaguely as she used a spell to fix her bag packing her books back in. "I hope there's something good for lunch today I'm starving." Hermione then promptly marched off to the Great Hall.
Ron blinked looking at Harry who watched his sister's retreating figure with an uneasy feeling in his chest.
"Do you get the idea she's hiding something from us?" Ron asked.
"Maybe, more than one thing," Harry agreed.
The class sat in desks waiting for Lupin their books out and ready. Remus walked in still shabby as ever, but he looked a bit healthier than he had even yesterday. "Good afternoon," he smiled. "You may put away your books please, todays lesson will be a practical lesson."
The class put away their books while Remus smiled. There were a few curious glances exchanged, they'd never had a practical Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson before unless you counted Lockhart's pixie lesson, and somehow no one wanted to ever remember that lesson.
"Right then, if you'd follow me," Remus smiled as he led the class out of the room into the teacher's lounge where Snape was sitting reading a book.
Snape looked up as the class entered his dark eyes settling maliciously on Remus who just smiled politely. "Lupin."
"Hello Severus," Remus said not unkindly, "I was just about to start teaching," Remus explained as Snape stood up.
"Well I'll be going I don't want to witness this." Snape got to his feet and was almost out the door before stopping. "It's possible no one has warned you Lupin, but in this class, you have Neville Longbottom, I would advise you not to trust him with anything difficult unless Miss Potter is there whispering the instructions in his ear."
Neville turned bright red looking down at his feet while Hermione fixed a cold look on her face. She hated Snape for ridiculing her friend for no reason, he didn't need to say what he had, he could've just left.
"I was actually hoping Neville would assist me with the first part of todays lesson," Remus said raising an eyebrow at Snape's cruelty, "and I am sure he will preform admirably."
Neville's face went even redder if possible and Snape's lip curled shutting the door behind him with a snap.
"Now then," Lupin smiled beckoning the class towards the end of the room where a long wardrobe sat. As the class got closer the wardrobe started rattling causing a few to back up.
"Nothing to be afraid of it's just a boggart," Remus smiled, "Now can anyone tell me what a boggart is?"
Hermione's hand went up immediately and Remus smiled, "Yes Hermione."
"A boggart is a shapeshifter, it will take the shape of whatever it thinks will frighten us the most."
"Couldn't have put it better myself," Remus said making Hermione beam. "Now the boggart inside the wardrobe has yet to take a form, no one knows what boggarts look like alone, because the moment I open that door he will assume a shape." Neville made a small sputtering sound of fear the Remus ignored. "Now this put us at the advantage, Ron can you tell me why?"
"Because there are so many of us," Ron offered.
"Right," Remus smiled, "Harry why is that an advantage?"
"It won't know what shape to take?" Harry offered.
"Nicely done! It is always best to have company when dealing with a boggart because it will become confused. It won't know what it should become. Then it looses the ability to scare us."
"Now the charm to repel a boggart is simple, now without wands repeat after me, Riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" the class said together.
"Good now that was the easy part, I'm afraid the word isn't enough, Neville this is where you come in."
Neville walked forward as if he'd been sentenced to death as the wardrobe shook again.
"Now Neville what are you most afraid of?" Remus asked gently.
"Professor Snape," Neville could barely get the name out but the class all laughed around him.
"I see, Neville I believe you live with your grandmother?"
"Yes, but I don't want that boggart to turn into her either," Neville said his eyes wide.
"No," Remus chuckled, "You misunderstand me. I was wondering if you could picture your grandmother's clothes very firmly in your head Neville."
Neville nodded and Remus smiled, "When the boggart comes out of the wardrobr it will assume the shape of Professor Snape, I want you to raise your wand and cry Riddikulus do you understand?"
"Y-yes," Neville nodded and with a flick of his wand Remus opened the door. In his long black robes, Snape walked out and Neville blanked for a moment before pointing his wand, "Riddikulus."
Suddenly snape was in a green velvet and lace dress with a molten fur collar and a hat with a taxidermy vulture on top. In his hand was a bright red handbag and suddenly the class erupted in fits of laughter.
"The Boggart will soon shift his attention so I want all of you to think of what you find most terrifying, and then think of something to make it funny," Remus called.
Hermione thought of what scared her most, at first failing came to mind. Not passing her exams falling behind in class, and then a more sinister thought came into her mind. Harry, specifically Harry dead with no doubt that she'd killed him. She remembered the Chamber, she remembered the fog clearing and seeing Harry bloody her arms around his throat choking him watching the light fade from his eyes and immediately she went to the back of the room.
There was nothing that could make that funny, she couldn't face it, not even Voldemort scared her as much as that.
"Parvati forward," Remus smiled and watched as the boggart turned to a mummy and with one word the Mummy unraveled.
"Seamus!"
As Seamus stepped forward the boggart transformed into a banshee with a cry that set everyone's hair on end. "Riddikulus!" Seamus called and suddenly the Banshee had no voice.
Crack! The boggart became a rat that chased it own tail. Crack! It became a rattlesnake then, crack! It turned into a floating bloody eyeball.
"Good, it's becoming confused we're close! Dean." Remus sat on the table watching amusement plain in his eyes.
Dean stepped forward and the eyeball became a severed hand. Suddenly it began to crawl to him, "Riddikulus," Dead said perfectly and suddenly the hand was caught in a mouse trap.
"Ron," Remus grinned.
Crack! A large hairy spider appeared making Ron squeak as the eight eyes looked unblinkingly at him. "Riddikulus," Ron said and suddenly the spider had no legs and was bouncing on the ground almost running into Lavender Brown before stopping at Harry's feet. Harry raised his wand ready but suddenly Remus threw himself in front of Harry and the boggart turned into the moon but it looked like a silvery white ball.
"Riddikulus," Remus said lazily and the moon deflated like a balloon. "Go Neville finish it off."
Neville stepped forward and with a, crack! Snape was back. "Riddikulus." There was a split second view of Snape in his velvet and lace dress before Neville laughed and suddenly the boggart exploded into a thousand whisps of smoke.
"Excellent!" Remus cried as the class broke into applause. "Now then, excellent Neville. Now, five points to Gryffindor for everyone who tackled the boggart, ten to Neville because he did it twice, and five to Harry, Ron, and Hermione for answering my questions at the start of class. Now homework, please read the chapter on boggarts and summarize it for me to be handed in on Monday. Class dismissed."
Harry didn't feel cheerful, but the class all left excitedly chattering about what a great lesson they'd had. Hermione waited a bit until everyone was gone and then quietly she walked up to Remus.
"I have to say I'm surprised you escaped to the back of the room," Remus said looking over at her.
"I… I was too afraid," Hermione mumbled.
"Come along we can talk in my study," Remus smiled kindly walking along with her.
"You were afraid Harry couldn't handle it why is it a surprise I couldn't?"
"I didn't doubt your brother, but I assume your fears would be Voldemort and I doubt third years were ready for that experience."
"I wish that was the shape it'd have taken," Hermione huffed as they walked into the study.
"Tea Hermione?"
"Yes please," Hermione said sitting in the seat across from his desk while Remus set about making her a cup of tea.
"So to you, your fear is more terrifying than Lord Voldemort?" Remus raised an eyebrow and Hermione pulled her legs up to her chest.
"Much," she whispered as Remus set the cup in front of her sitting across from her.
"Are you going to share?"
"I don't want you to look at me differently," she mumbled.
"Hermione, I love you, you're my family, nothing short of becoming a deatheater could make me love you any less."
Hermione felt tears well in her eyes, an adult had never told her that they loved her, sure teachers admired her for her brains, but never had they flat out told her they loved her.
"You can tell me anything," Remus promised moving instead to sit beside her.
"In the chamber," Hermione started her voice hoarse not looking at Remus, "Tom used the Imperius curse," she whispered. "He… He ordered me to kill Harry, and I couldn't stop it, I had no control. I was trying to fight, but my brain was swept up, I only came too as Harry begged me not to make him hurt me," she whispered. "I remember the fog clearing and I could see that he was bruised and bloody and my hands were choking him, I was going to kill him Remus," Hermione's hands shook slightly as she took a long drink from the tea glass in front of her.
"I have nightmares… nightmares where Harry is dead and I've killed him willingly because I'm so jealous," Hermione whispered.
"I don't think I always know that I'm killing him, but I do know that I'm jealous that he always saves the day. He's useful, and talented, and people like him," she whispered.
"People like you too Hermione," Remus said softly.
"I know, but I'm not the important one Remus. Black wants Harry dead because he can stop Voldemort, he's done it twice now, but me I'm just the bait."
"Stop that right now Hermione Jean Potter," Remus said very seriously more cross than she'd ever heard him.
"You are so important, it doesn't matter if Voldemort is after you or not. You are important to me Hermione, you and Harry both are. You're important to the Weasley twins, and Neville. I didn't hear that it was Harry who helped Neville in potions, no Snape very clearly said it was you. You're important to Hagrid, and McGonagall, and to Harry and Ron as well. I don't want to hear this nonsense Hermione," Remus pulled her into his arms for a warm all encompassing hug.
"You were so important to your parents as well," he added softly. "James was absolutely mad for you," Remus hummed soothingly as Hermione cried into his shoulder. "There isn't a thing you could ever do that would make them stop loving you, they'd be so proud of how strong you are," Remus promised only making Hermione sob louder into his shoulder. "I'm so proud of you Hermione, you know what the difference is between you, your fear, and your dreams?" Remus asked looking at her in her teary hazel eyes.
"What?" she whispered.
"You fought it, you are one of the few who has been able to successfully fight off the Imperious curse and that is no small feat. You stopped yourself from hurting your brother, your love for him and his for you is powerful, and I don't think you will ever be the cause of Harry's death," Remus gently wiped the tears trekking down her cheeks.
"Thank you Remus," she croaked making Remus smile gently.
"You finish your tea, we can talk about your new lessons if you'd like? I want to know which one's have been your favorite, of course, I know your least favorite," he teased and Hermione truly smiled and settled in as Remus sat at his desk. The two talked until it was time to eat, and Hermione couldn't remember a better afternoon as she felt warm and like all the pressure inside her had been released, at least for a bit.
WOW, Hi guys I really really dig this chapter, I love the Dad side of Remus, and I thought it was very important for Hermione to finally FINALLY have this moment. As always I'd like to know what your thoughts are so Favorite, Follow, and Review and I'll see you soon!
