Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.
Acknowledgements: To TooLazyToLogin for giving me the original idea for this series. To DoctorWhovian18, for being my beta-writer/reader for this series, for her ideas on pranking, ideas on other things about the story, her advice and helpfulness, and the list go on. To LOTCR, for her ideas for this story. I'd also like to thank ValueMyHeart for reviewing, following, and favoriting this story. To all my readers who are favoriting, following, and reviewing this story. And I'd also like to thank Frodo and the hobbits for their help with this story as well. Yes, that sounds crazy to the normal readers, but I'm still thanking Frodo and his friends anyway. :)
Aria awoke as dawn rose across the early morning sky. Just before she could work herself into a fix, she remembered it was Saturday and all she had for homework was what she was learning in her writing classes. Breathing a sigh of relief, but finding her mind didn't want to go back to sleep, Aria dressed and headed down to the Ravenclaw Common Room. Her roommates, in all three sections of the Girls' Dormitory, were still asleep. While Aria didn't like sneaking around, she knew she had to in order to leave the dorm. At last she made it, without disturbing anyone's sleep, and rushed downstairs.
When she came to the common room, Aria's first reaction was to head to the fireplace and get warm. Only the fire in the hearth had died down hours ago, leaving nothing but ash behind and a fiery light still cast about the bluish-bronze room. The wind brought a chill to her bones, forcing her to cross her arms and pull her long blue trench coat close to her body, in a hopeless effort to keep warm. As she walked across the common room, Aria jumped a little in shock when she saw a curly-haired student sitting on the couch, his back turned to her.
Aria apologized in low mutters, "I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone else was down here. I'll just…" But as she made her way towards the notice board, the student revealed himself when he spoke to her, the same familiar voice she had grown so used to hearing:
"What are you doing up? Breakfast isn't for another hour," said the student in his masculine voice.
Aria's head snapped towards the blue couch. The student revealed himself to be Frodo Baggins, but the alarm he gave her made Aria feel like a wounded deer. Not wanting to upset him, Aria apologized:
"I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep anymore," said Aria. She winced in pain, the wound from her hands still hurting.
Frodo gestured her to the couch, "Come here." As Aria approached, Frodo added, "We need to change your bandages. I went to the Hospital Wing after you were asleep yesterday, before the evening feast, and asked Madam Pomfrey for some healing potion and clean bandages."
"You did this for me?" asked Aria, surprised.
Frodo said, his face flushed, "Well, in a way, but it's to help you heal. I had hoped your wounds wouldn't be infected." Extending a hand, on top of a small silver table, Frodo said, "Now, let's see those hands."
Aria was reluctant at first, but not wanting to disobey a direct order, she passed her hands to Frodo a bit too soon. The pain returned, but it was mild. Still, she had to ask him, as Frodo unwrapped the bandage on her right hand, "Shouldn't Madam Pomfrey be doing this? Maybe I should go see her."
Frodo grabbed her wrist. He informed her, doing his best to keep himself calm, "I asked her the same thing you did to me. Madam Pomfrey considered it, but after some convincing, seeing if I had a knack for healing someone, she agreed but informed me that I need to change your bandages frequently, only if the wounds had increased and were infected. That's the arrangement we made; otherwise, yes, you will go and see Madam Pomfrey."
"Have you done this before?" asked Aria, a bit wary.
Frodo chuckled. "Once, when I was nine years old. My mother, whom you've met, introduced me to the craft. She told me, 'one cannot hope to put too much ointment on a wound; it'll infect the wound worse if you do that'. Ever since that time, I remembered what she said, what she expects of me should I cleanse a wound…" His voice faltered as he checked Aria's right hand. Madam Pomfrey had indeed done her work well: even though there was pus, much of the wound had healed, but it still needed to be bandaged. Frodo figured he would give the wounds on Aria's hands about another day or two to recover.
Because Aria's full attention was on her wounds, Frodo decided to distract her as he cleansed her hand. He hoped she would forget about her physical pain; at least, for a while. "So, how are your classes? What are you learning so far?"
Aria said, timidly, "Well, you know I told you that we're learning spelling and grammar, but that's two of my classes…"
"I asked how your classes are going, but knowing what you have is good too," said Frodo, correcting her.
Remembering her place, Aria said, "Oh. My classes are going well. And since you asked me what I am learning, it's basically how to be an author."
"I knew that," said Frodo, grinning. Did Aria really not get his questions? Why was she repeating answers to him? "I meant what you are learning in class to become an author."
"I told you I'm learning spelling and grammar, but I'm also learning the creative aspects to writing a proper creative story. My creative writing teachers said if I get the mechanics down, I should come through with writing a decent story," said Aria.
"And that's all?" asked Frodo.
"Yeah, pretty much," said Aria, giving him a quizzical brow. "Why do you ask?"
Frodo shrugged. "Maybe someday I'll become a writer."
"Really?" asked Aria, amazed and thrilled that her favorite hobbit was considering the same career as she. She admitted, casually, "Well, I rather fell into writing."
Frodo shrugged a second time. "It's a thought."
"Well, if you're interested, I'm sure I can pull a few strings and…"
"Would you?" asked Frodo, direct but firm.
Aria then realized her mistake. She wasn't brave enough to inform her professors about Frodo's choice to being a writer. Would he consider it? She hardly knew. Thinking better, wincing as Frodo unwrapped her bandaged left hand, Aria said, "I guess I'm not that brave to face my teachers."
"Not yet," said Frodo. He patted Aria's right hand, keeping his firm gentle, "This hand's done."
"You tell me this as you unwrap my left hand," said Aria. When she looked at her left hand, she about fainted. Her left hand looked worse, with pus forming all around the wounds.
Frodo reacted in quick time. "Aria, Aria! Don't look. Just breathe deep and slow."
Aria closed her eyes, doing her best to keep calm. She took deep breaths as Frodo instructed, doing nothing but concentrating on keeping herself from fainting. She remembered she hadn't eaten anything yet, so seeing her wound didn't help ease her stomach, let alone her thoughts. When she finally regained her breath, feeling a bit woozy, Aria felt arms wrap around her. Frodo was hugging her.
When he released her, Frodo pressed a hand to Aria's forehead. She was a little hot. However, it was her stomach that grumbled, giving away that she was starving. As students filed out of the Ravenclaw Common Room, Frodo told Aria, "Come on. Let's get you some food."
Aria nodded without saying anything. When she felt ready to walk, as she felt a little better after a couple of minutes, Aria was helped to her feet by Frodo. Moving slowly but surely, until Aria was well enough to travel, Frodo led Aria straight to the Great Hall. From there, Aria resolved her issue and ate whatever food and drink she could muster. Frodo gladly stayed by her side, doing his best to make sure Aria was well.
By afternoon, Aria was feeling much better.
o-o-o
The next week came and went without day. On Saturday Gryffindor had their second Quidditch match of the season, but this time against Hufflepuff. Even though Sam Gamgee wanted to cheer on his teammates, as he did to please his family, he couldn't help on the inside to cheer for his friends, too. Unfortunately, what set everyone's moods off except for Lotho, Draco Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle was Snape was referring that match.
The match only lasted for five minutes, but still it was impressive: Harry leapt off his broomstick when he found the Snitch, caught it and won the match for his team and his house. As expected, there was an uproar of applause. While Aria, her hands now fully healed and herself back to her typical, uptight behavior, only clapped a little, Frodo found himself applauding only through clapping. He was still a bit jealous of Harry and his fame, but that didn't stop him from cheering on Gryffindor and taking pity on Sam.
However, Frodo's gaze fell on Pearl Took, who giggled when their eyes met. Awkward about the current situation, Frodo's eyes retreated to the field, but momentarily gazed at Pearl again. He wanted to wave to her, talk to her; at the same time, Aria was standing next to him, as was Folco. If Frodo let on he had some feelings for Pearl… no, what was he doing? He knew better than to get himself in a fix over a girl. Oh, why bother!
"I'll be back," said Frodo. He informed Aria, "I'm going to talk to Pearl for a few, okay?"
"Okay," said Aria. She beamed a smile at him.
Frodo was nearly entranced by Aria, too. Oh, why did she have to be so pretty? Moving down the aisle, Frodo met with Pearl. This time, he would see what she wanted.
Pearl said, enlightened to see him, "Frodo, did you enjoy the game?"
"Yeah, I did. How are you?" asked Frodo, curious.
"Well, right now I wonder where Pippin's gone. He's disappeared lately. Must be hanging around that Meriadoc," said Pearl.
"Yeah, he is," said Frodo.
"Would you check on Pippin for me, please?" asked Pearl.
"Well, I'll meet him after the match. If I find him, I'll tell him you're looking for him," said Frodo.
"Thanks Frodo. You're so sweet," said Pearl. She leaned in and pecked him on the cheek.
Aria gasped in disdain at the two. Why would Pearl give Frodo a kiss on the cheek? Wasn't that what she was supposed to do? Oh, she would have a little talk with Frodo, that's for sure. But no, she shouldn't! Aria turned her gaze quickly to her tennis shoes. She was panicking. She knew she was, and yet she didn't understand what was going on. Frodo had a crush on her, didn't he? But then, she remembered him saying that he also had a crush on Pearl. Oh…
Stunned by the kiss, Frodo stumbled on his words as he said to Pearl, "Well… eh… goodbye." He waved at her and rushed back to Aria, eager to get away from the giggling hobbitess.
Aria, still having mixed feelings, said, "Frodo."
"Aria, I don't think what happened between me and Pearl was serious. Wait… you knew?" asked Frodo.
"It wasn't as though you were far away," said Aria, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
"Look, nothing happened. Pearl only gave me a peck on the cheek," said Frodo, his face flushing red in embarrassment. "I don't know, Aria. I have a crush on you and I have a crush on Pearl. It's not like anything will come of this."
"I have a crush on you, too, Frodo," said a familiar feminine voice behind Frodo.
"Huh?" asked Frodo, confused. As Aria peered over Frodo's shoulder, Frodo spun around, only to find himself face-to-face with Pearl again. "Pearl, fancy that."
Pearl giggled. She gladly admitted to Frodo, "Oh Frodo, you are the sweetest hobbit out there. I never knew you to be so sweet."
Frodo, hoping to regain some ground, said, cheekily, "Well, maybe being sweet isn't the only thing that sets my heart right."
"Oh really? What does?" asked Pearl, very curious.
"Pranks and troublesome behavior; some that you have never seen before or witnessed," said Frodo, feeling his cheekiness turning into awkwardness. What was wrong with him?
Aria let out a small giggle. She wanted to help Frodo along, but maybe at the same time it was better to watch Frodo figure out this new territory. She was curious to see how it turned out, but then what was she saying? She did eventually whisper in Frodo's ear, "Try again."
Frodo gave Pearl a cheeky smile. Except the cheekiness didn't resolve the issue; it only made Pearl giggle more. She pecked him on the cheek once more, before departing after the crowd. Feeling mutilated, Frodo brushed his cheek hard several times, in an effort to remove the peck marks that Pearl imprinted there. Aria couldn't help but giggle a bit. Yup, Frodo was definitely still avoiding girls. Absentmindedly, Aria brushed some fuzz and small threads of curly brown hair off of Frodo's jacket. The effort made her blush furiously in embarrassment and stopped Frodo from brushing his cheek too much.
Frodo told her, politely, "Thanks."
Aria said, "You're welcome."
The heated moment was broken by Folco, who said, "Well, on with homework and maybe lunch…" As he walked off, Folco told them, "Hey, you two coming?"
Frodo grinned. He said to Folco, cheerful and glad for the interruption, "Yes. I am just a simple hobbit lad looking for a meal. No way am I inclined to like girls." Hoping to cure Aria's little depressed mood, Frodo winked at her before regretting it. Still, he soon returned to Aria and helped bring her out of the Quidditch stadium.
It had certainly been a good, but interesting morning. But when Frodo met up with Harry, Ron and Hermione, Harry relayed to his three friends what he learned about the meeting between Snape and Quirrell. It turned out Snape was in fact after the Sorcerer's Stone. Frodo hoped to tell Aria and his other friends about the Stone, but Ron held him back:
"Frodo, not everyone knows about the Stone."
Harry added, "Besides, even if we wanted to talk about the Stone, it'd be too dangerous. Snape could learn what we're up to."
"But I only want to tell Aria," said Frodo.
Hermione admitted, "Frodo, we can't be sure if Aria will be up to our plans. She doesn't like getting into trouble, and I doubt she would want to help us. It's for the best we leave this only to us four."
"You can't be serious," said Frodo.
"Would she agree?" asked Harry. "I know Anne, Amy and Abigail want to get involved, but they would give us away."
"You don't know that," said Frodo.
"And neither do you. That's the reason we can't bring fangirls into our plan," said Hermione. "It's too dangerous."
Frodo was doubtful. But they did have a point: Aria didn't like getting into trouble, Anne was sensible but even she could be pretty loud, and then there was Amy and Abigail who might give them away. Plus, Frodo was still learning how to expand on his invisibility spell for hand magic. He had yet to expand it beyond himself to just one person, for now. Maybe it was too dangerous to invite more people.
Frodo nodded in agreement. "Right. Besides, I don't know yet how to expand my invisibility for hand magic. I've tried, but it takes a lot more energy. I see your point."
"Then you'll keep quiet, except between us," said Hermione.
Frodo nodded. "Yes. I'll consider it."
"Thank you, Frodo," said Ron.
"Yeah, thanks," said Harry.
"Don't mention it," said Frodo. He would inform his other friends about the Sorcerer's Stone after he found it, or when he would travel with Harry, Ron and Hermione back to the Forbidden Corridor, whenever that was to happen.
o-o-o
Mr. Filch made his way to the step ladder leading to the Divination classroom. The room below the classroom was covered in puddles of water. Clicking the top of his mouth in sheer annoyance, Filch searched the room for a mop and a bucket. As he did, in replace of the mop, was a long blue hose.
"What is this doing here?" asked Filch, picking up the hose.
As soon as he touched the hose, its end turned into a giant pale nose, which sniffed him every which way. Annoyed, Filch threw the hose down. The nose sneezed, spewing out another set of water puddles. Filch cursed, wondering what vandals had replaced his mop with a nose hose.
While Filch searched for a mop and one of the teachers who could stop this hose menace, two figures darted down the corridor, keeping away from Filch at all costs. By the time they reached an empty room and closed it, the figures – Fred and George – laughed their heads off.
George admitted to his twin brother, "That was an impressive prank."
"Yes, Zonko's Joke Shop came up with a tributary prank. 'Nose Your Hose'!" said Fred, waving his hand in the air as if the title of the prank meant something. "A brilliant prank, if I do say so myself. Filch will have his work cut out for him."
At that, Fred and George laughed their heads off. They played their part well. Now they could tell Frodo, if he was willing, about another new prank they had set up for Snape. Whether Frodo was up to the task remained to be seen, but they knew it would be worth it having their young friend in on the action.
Just so everyone's aware, Fred and George's "Nose Your Hose" prank was my idea that came up out of nowhere as I was writing their scene. Once more, feel free to leave your reviews and tell me what you think. Okay, bye! :)