Padma's Quest - Chapter 12
by Poppy P
A/N: Wow! It's been a long time since I updated! Over a month! Well, chapter 12 is finally here. I know I said this would be the last chapter, but it looks like there may be one more. Ooh 13 chapters! Maybe I should call the next chapter an 'epilogue' instead of 'chapter 13'. Oh I suppose I'll just be happy to be done with it! Hope you enjoy this chapter anyway. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. Okay, Z made me do this! Please see end of chapter for a story about how my SQ notebook literally saved my life while I was on vacation in Mexico! I call it: 'How PQ 12 Almost Wasn't To Be'. Normally, I am not this gross in public, but Z just twisted my arm!
"How long is he going to avoid me?" groaned Padma. "It's been weeks!"
It was a balmy, late, spring day and Padma and Parvati were making the most of it by taking a leisurely stroll around the Hogwarts lake. Apparently they weren't they only ones with the idea, as several students were scattered around the grounds in pairs and groups. Padma noticed Cho and Cedric sitting close to the lakeshore. Cedric had conjured a parasol for them to sit under. Cho was leaning snugly against his chest as they laughed quietly, pointing at the antics of the giant squid. Suddenly, Cho turned her face up towards Cedric and captured his mouth with an ardent kiss. Padma heaved a sad, heavy sigh.
"Do you want to go in now?" asked Parvati, oblivious to Padma's consternation.
Padma tore her eyes away from Cho and Cedric. "No, I have a free period next. What do you have?"
"Divination," said Parvati, "and I don't want to be late."
"Come on. You have time for one more walk around the lake," cajoled Padma, pulling on Parvati's arm.
"Oh, I guess so. Lavender's probably still snogging Seamus senseless anyway."
Padma walked swiftly, slight ahead of her sister. She chanced a look back at Parvati out of the corner of her eye. "So…has Dean asked about me at all?" asked Padma nonchalantly.
"I…" Parvati hesitated. "No, he hasn't said anything about you since he came back from Easter holiday. You know that."
"But it's been over a month!" cried Padma with frustration. "Did you tell him about the mix up with Percy's letter?" she asked anxiously.
Padma had been assured by Penny that Percy's letter to Ron hadn't contained any reference to Padma. Penny had owled Percy immediately at Padma's request. It turned out that Ron had been irritated by something Percy had written concerning a question about his work. Padma wondered briefly if Ron was considering a career with the Ministry.
Parvati had also questioned Hermione about her gloomy countenance after the arrival of the letter. Hermione's answer, although confusing, had nothing to do with Padma. She had shown Parvati a chocolate Easter egg.
"Do you see this?" Hermione had demanded of Parvati, waving the confection under her nose.
"Er…it's a little chocolate egg?" Parvati had answered uncertainly.
"Exactly! It's a tiny, miniscule, little chocolate egg. What have I done to deserve this? I hate that Rita Skeeter woman!"
With that, Hermione had plunked the egg down in Parvati's hand and stormed off.
Parvati had immediately shared this exchange with Padma. Neither of them had been able to make sense of Hermione's rant, but they had deduced that it had nothing to do with Padma. They had also split the chocolate egg, which was tiny, but delicious.
"Padma, you know I told Dean about the misunderstanding with Percy's letter," said Parvati defensively. "But he just said he didn't want to talk about it." Parvati said this gently.
Padma swooped down, avoiding her sister's look of sympathy and picked up a pebble. She flung it hard towards the lake and watched it sink down into the murky water before she turned towards Parvati. "What can I do to make him talk to me?"
"Show him that you like him and that you're not just using him to get over Ron," answered Parvati promptly.
"But I…" Padma was cut off by the clanging of the bell signaling the start of the next session.
"I have to go!" cried Parvati starting off at a run towards the castle. "See you at dinner!" she called over her shoulder.
Padma started back slowly, trying not to let her eyes stray over the remaining couples on the grounds. As she approached the castle, she caught sight of Draco Malfoy and his friends. Draco was looking intently at something on the lower branches of a tree. Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle seemed to be acting as lookouts. They kept shooting furtive glances around them. However, they weren't doing a very good job, apparently as fascinated by the object on the tree branch as Malfoy.
Padma crept closer to them, flattening herself against the castle wall. She was close enough to hear their goatish laughter. Padma watched Draco pluck something off the tree and hold it in the palm of his hand. He held it up to Crabbe and Goyle.
"That her?" asked Malfoy in his cold, drawling voice.
Crabbe and Goyle wrinkled their foreheads in concentration. It looked painful.
Exasperated, Draco growled, "Why do I even bother? Just keep a look out, all right?"
Crabbe immediately began scanning their surroundings. Padma panicked and ducked down by a nearby bush. Her heart pounding madly, she waited among the prickly branches with growing dread when she heard Draco speak.
"What is it Crabbe?"
Padma was sure they would notice the bush shaking from her trembling.
"There's nothing there, you great lummox! Now, let's get on with this."
Padma could hear Draco mumbling something, but she could no longer make out his words. She chanced a peek around the bush. The three boys had their backs to her now. Draco was hunched over the bug in his hands, murmuring softly. Crabbe and Goyle were staring intently at him, guffawing stupidly at whatever Draco was saying. Padma took the opportunity to steal away. She couldn't' help but wonder about what she'd just witnessed. Had Draco been communicating with the bug in his hand? But why would he do that? Padma shrugged. Who could fathom the mind of a Slytherin? Especially that lot!
Just as Padma reached the great oak front doors she stopped, struck by a sudden thought. If Draco was talking to the bug, did the bug understand him? Padma had never heard of a bug that could understand humans. In fact, the only animals that she knew understood human talk were Animagi. Padma had studied Animagi in her third year with Professor McGonagall. She remembered going to the library to look up the Ministry registrar on Animagi for extra credit. Padma tried to recall whether or not she had seen any wizards registered as bugs on the list. She couldn't think of any, but she made a mental note to look up the list the next time she was in the library.
During the next few weeks Padma spent plenty of time in the library, although she didn't' have time to spare to look up the Ministry Animagi registration. End of the year exams were fast approaching and they library was full of frantic students. Even Parvati and Lavender were seen studying long hours in the library. Padma noted that the only students not spending extended time in the library were Harry, Ron and Hermione. She wondered about this. Although she didn't have much opportunity to ponder it as she knew how critical the fourth year exams were. Prefects were chosen based on these exam results and Padma meant to do her best. As an added bonus, she didn't have time to feel hurt about the way Dean continued to ignore her, turning away every time he passed her in the halls.
One night, after a particularly late study session in the library, Padma staggered towards Ravenclaw, bleary-eyed and tired. Just as she passed McGonagall's classroom, she heard a familiar voice through the open door.
"Stay still, you stupid cat! She thinks she's the only one who can cast a decent Stunning Spell? There's nothing wrong with my Stunning Spell. Hold still Crookshanks, this won't hurt!"
Padma heard the angry hiss of a cat followed by a yelp of pain. A crooked-legged, ginger cat scampered out of the classroom door followed closely by Ron Weasley.
"Crookshanks!" Ron shouted. He froze as he caught sight of Padma. "Oh…er…hello." He looked agonizingly uncomfortable.
"Hello Ron," said Padma, the color rising on her cheeks. She had not spoken to Ron since that night. "What are you doing?"
Ron's ears became an impossible shade of red. "Well, you see, I was just trying to practice my Stunning Spell. Hermione thinks she's so good at them, so I've been trying to brush up on them."
Padma smiled despite her discomfiture. "Isn't that Hermione's cat?"
Ron's face suddenly matched his ears. "I thought about using Mrs. Norris, but I was afraid Filch might string me up by my thumbs if he caught me," said Ron sheepishly.
There was an awkward pause in which neither of them looked at each other. Suddenly they both spoke at the same time.
"Listen, Padma…"
"Ron, about…"
They both smiled apologetically. "Ladies first," said Ron.
"Ron," Padma began, "about that night that we…I mean I…kissed you," she swallowed hard, "It was wrong. I thought I had a crush on you and it was silly. I really like…somebody else. Not that it matters now, because he doesn't like me… Anyway, what I'm trying to say, is that I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, and I hope we can be friends." Padma tentatively held her hand out.
Ron took her hand with an abashed grin. "Yeah, friends." Ron's face brightened suddenly and he tightened his grip on Padma's hand. "How about a nice, friendly, little kiss between friends?" he asked hopefully.
Padma's eyes widened incredulously. "I don't think so. Why don't you go ask Hermione?"
Ron dropped her hand as thought it had burned him. "Hermione? Why would I ask Hermione?" his voice rose with an indignant squeak.
Padma blinked innocently. "Hermione is your friend, isn't she?"
Ron stammered, "Well…yes…she's my friend, but I can't…I mean I wouldn't…um…"
"Good night Ron," smirked Padma. She left a very disheveled Ron standing in the hall.
**
On the second to last day of exams, Padma was in the library by dawn. Only one more day of exams and she would finally be free! Padma dragged her hands over her weary eyes and looked up at the clock on the wall. It was time for breakfast. Across the table from Padma sat Cho, making up for her late night with Cedric with some early morning cramming.
Cho wrinkled her pretty nose. "Urgh! I can't believe I left all of this for the last minute," she said.
"And why were you out so late last night, Missy?" asked Padma with a sly smile.
"Just wishing Cedric good luck for tonight," said Cho mischievously.
Padma gave her a knowing look but didn't press for further details. It was evident to everyone how very close Cedric and Cho had grown over the last few months, especially after the second task. "Say, weren't you supposed to meet Prince Charming for breakfast?" asked Padma.
Cho looked up at the clock and gasped. "That's right! His parents are coming to watch the third task and he wants me to meet them." She stood up, swinging her heavy bag over her shoulder and smoothing down her robes. "How do I look?"
Padma took in Cho's weary eyes, her tousled hair. However, her face glowed with anticipation. "You look beautiful. Now, go on."
Cho grinned at Padma with gratitude. "Aren't you coming down for breakfast?"
Padma slapped her heavy Arithmancy tome closed. "Well, I am finished, but there's something I've been meaning to look up. Go on. I'll see you at the third task."
A look of concern flitted across Cho's face. "You'll have to sit with me Padma. Penny too. I'm so nervous! Do you think Cedric can really win the Tournament?"
"Cedric will do just fine. You'll see." Padma waved at Cho. She got up from her table, stretching, and made her way over to the Transfiguration section of the library. Padma pulled the heavy Ministry Registrar of Animagi off the shelf and staggered over to a nearby table. Padma plunked the book and her bag down. She had just started perusing the extensive lists when she heard a very frustrated voice behind her.
"Bugger!"
Startled, Padma spun around to find Hermione stamping her foot in front of the Transfiguration section she had just left.
Hermione spotted Padma. "Sorry. I know the library is no place for outbursts, but the book I needed isn't here," she said miserably.
"What were you looking for?" asked Padma out of curiosity.
Hermione hesitated, casting a quick look around them before answering. "I was looking for the Ministry of Magic's Animagi Registrar."
"Oh? Really?" asked Padma, intrigued. She assumed that all everyone had learned about Animagi by their fourth year.
Hermione looked distinctly uncomfortable now. "Yes, well, it's not here, so I'll just be going then."
"No. I was just curious because I happen to have it." Padma indicated the book before her. "You're welcome to it," she added.
Hermione rushed toward the book with a look of gratitude. "Oh thank you! Just wanted to look something up quickly. My History of Magic exam starts in ten minutes!" Hermione quickly poured over the long lists, mumbling softly to herself. "I knew it. I knew it." After a couple of minutes she turned to Padma. "Thank you so much Padma. I'd better run." She stopped short catching sight of the green badge adorning Padma's book bag. "You're still using your S.P.E. W. badge?" she asked, astonished.
Padma fingered the puce green button. She blushed, remembering her original reason for joining S.P.E.W. "I'm still a member, aren't I?" she asked tentatively.
Hermione frowned. "But you own house-elves. You told Ron so the night you went on that walk," Hermione's lips pursed. "Why would you want to be a member if you don't believe in our cause?"
Padma forced her eyes up to Hermione's, considering her words carefully. "Hermione…I may have joined for the wrong reasons, but I do think you have a worthy cause and I admire the way you've fought for it." Padma discretely crossed her fingers in the pocket of her robes. "And…and I've decided to start paying my elf out of my own allowance." Padma silently thought she would certainly start being nicer to Nimue, and even offer her days off, but her allowance was sparse as it was and summer robes would be on sale soon...
Hermione eyed her skeptically for a second, then broke out into a smile. "That's wonderful Padma!"
Padma grinned back guiltily, but relieved. "Maybe I can work on expanding S.P.E.W. membership now. Perhaps I can ask Dean Thomas to join." Padma bit her lip, instantly regretting her words.
Hermione sighed. "Believe me, I've tried, but…" she stopped, sudden realization dawning on her face. "Of course, you might have better luck. Yes, of course." Hermione patted Padma's arm comfortingly. "I daresay you'll have Dean wearing a S.P.E.W. badge yet."
Padma stifled a sly smile. "I suppose if you can get Ron Weasley to wear one, anything's possible."
Hermione's face flooded with color at the mention of Ron's name. "Yes, well…oh my! Look at the time! Don't want to keep Professor Binns waiting. Good-bye!" Hermione rushed out of the room in a swirl of black robes.
It was with a light heart that Padma left the library that morning. She felt oddly hopeful and contented as she headed off for her first exam. Padma knew that it wasn't just the extra studying that made her feel that way. She was truly looking forward to the third task that night. Somehow, she would find a way to approach Dean there. If everything went right, perhaps he would be at her side when they celebrated Cedric's surprise victory party in the Ravenclaw common room. Cho had arranged it with the help of some of Cedric's Hufflepuff friends. Penny had decided that if Cedric won the Triwizard Cup she would overlook her Prefect duties for the night and let them have an inter-house party in their common room so long as nothing got broken and no one got caught. Padma simply couldn't wait!
I have the funniest story about how my SQ notebook saved my life! In Mexico public toilets are not free. You have to pay about .25 to use them and toilet paper is extra. Well, one day I was out shopping with my grandma and I just had to go, but neither of us had any small change on us. Together, we scraped up enough coins to get me into the bathroom, but no toilet paper! The bathroom attendant lady said it was okay, I could go in and she would let me have the toilet paper on credit 'cause she knew my grandma. Well, she handed me 4 little sheets of tp, which, well, considering the fact that I had been ill from the bigmac of death for days, well, 4 sheets just weren't enough. So there I was, wondering what in the heck to do. I was too embarressed to call out to grandma for more tp on credit, so I just prayed for a solution, and lo and behold, I was shown the light! Like most writers, I always carry a notebook on my person, just in case I get a sudden inspiration for a fic. And, I guess you get the rest of the picture. Good thing I had some empty sheets left. I would've hated to have to write this chapter of PQ over. Hope I didn't gross you out too much. I thought of writing this in my narrative at Parseltongue, but I thought it was too gross for public viewing. It was funny though. Everytime I think about it, I burst out laughing like a maniac!
by Poppy P
A/N: Wow! It's been a long time since I updated! Over a month! Well, chapter 12 is finally here. I know I said this would be the last chapter, but it looks like there may be one more. Ooh 13 chapters! Maybe I should call the next chapter an 'epilogue' instead of 'chapter 13'. Oh I suppose I'll just be happy to be done with it! Hope you enjoy this chapter anyway. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. Okay, Z made me do this! Please see end of chapter for a story about how my SQ notebook literally saved my life while I was on vacation in Mexico! I call it: 'How PQ 12 Almost Wasn't To Be'. Normally, I am not this gross in public, but Z just twisted my arm!
"How long is he going to avoid me?" groaned Padma. "It's been weeks!"
It was a balmy, late, spring day and Padma and Parvati were making the most of it by taking a leisurely stroll around the Hogwarts lake. Apparently they weren't they only ones with the idea, as several students were scattered around the grounds in pairs and groups. Padma noticed Cho and Cedric sitting close to the lakeshore. Cedric had conjured a parasol for them to sit under. Cho was leaning snugly against his chest as they laughed quietly, pointing at the antics of the giant squid. Suddenly, Cho turned her face up towards Cedric and captured his mouth with an ardent kiss. Padma heaved a sad, heavy sigh.
"Do you want to go in now?" asked Parvati, oblivious to Padma's consternation.
Padma tore her eyes away from Cho and Cedric. "No, I have a free period next. What do you have?"
"Divination," said Parvati, "and I don't want to be late."
"Come on. You have time for one more walk around the lake," cajoled Padma, pulling on Parvati's arm.
"Oh, I guess so. Lavender's probably still snogging Seamus senseless anyway."
Padma walked swiftly, slight ahead of her sister. She chanced a look back at Parvati out of the corner of her eye. "So…has Dean asked about me at all?" asked Padma nonchalantly.
"I…" Parvati hesitated. "No, he hasn't said anything about you since he came back from Easter holiday. You know that."
"But it's been over a month!" cried Padma with frustration. "Did you tell him about the mix up with Percy's letter?" she asked anxiously.
Padma had been assured by Penny that Percy's letter to Ron hadn't contained any reference to Padma. Penny had owled Percy immediately at Padma's request. It turned out that Ron had been irritated by something Percy had written concerning a question about his work. Padma wondered briefly if Ron was considering a career with the Ministry.
Parvati had also questioned Hermione about her gloomy countenance after the arrival of the letter. Hermione's answer, although confusing, had nothing to do with Padma. She had shown Parvati a chocolate Easter egg.
"Do you see this?" Hermione had demanded of Parvati, waving the confection under her nose.
"Er…it's a little chocolate egg?" Parvati had answered uncertainly.
"Exactly! It's a tiny, miniscule, little chocolate egg. What have I done to deserve this? I hate that Rita Skeeter woman!"
With that, Hermione had plunked the egg down in Parvati's hand and stormed off.
Parvati had immediately shared this exchange with Padma. Neither of them had been able to make sense of Hermione's rant, but they had deduced that it had nothing to do with Padma. They had also split the chocolate egg, which was tiny, but delicious.
"Padma, you know I told Dean about the misunderstanding with Percy's letter," said Parvati defensively. "But he just said he didn't want to talk about it." Parvati said this gently.
Padma swooped down, avoiding her sister's look of sympathy and picked up a pebble. She flung it hard towards the lake and watched it sink down into the murky water before she turned towards Parvati. "What can I do to make him talk to me?"
"Show him that you like him and that you're not just using him to get over Ron," answered Parvati promptly.
"But I…" Padma was cut off by the clanging of the bell signaling the start of the next session.
"I have to go!" cried Parvati starting off at a run towards the castle. "See you at dinner!" she called over her shoulder.
Padma started back slowly, trying not to let her eyes stray over the remaining couples on the grounds. As she approached the castle, she caught sight of Draco Malfoy and his friends. Draco was looking intently at something on the lower branches of a tree. Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle seemed to be acting as lookouts. They kept shooting furtive glances around them. However, they weren't doing a very good job, apparently as fascinated by the object on the tree branch as Malfoy.
Padma crept closer to them, flattening herself against the castle wall. She was close enough to hear their goatish laughter. Padma watched Draco pluck something off the tree and hold it in the palm of his hand. He held it up to Crabbe and Goyle.
"That her?" asked Malfoy in his cold, drawling voice.
Crabbe and Goyle wrinkled their foreheads in concentration. It looked painful.
Exasperated, Draco growled, "Why do I even bother? Just keep a look out, all right?"
Crabbe immediately began scanning their surroundings. Padma panicked and ducked down by a nearby bush. Her heart pounding madly, she waited among the prickly branches with growing dread when she heard Draco speak.
"What is it Crabbe?"
Padma was sure they would notice the bush shaking from her trembling.
"There's nothing there, you great lummox! Now, let's get on with this."
Padma could hear Draco mumbling something, but she could no longer make out his words. She chanced a peek around the bush. The three boys had their backs to her now. Draco was hunched over the bug in his hands, murmuring softly. Crabbe and Goyle were staring intently at him, guffawing stupidly at whatever Draco was saying. Padma took the opportunity to steal away. She couldn't' help but wonder about what she'd just witnessed. Had Draco been communicating with the bug in his hand? But why would he do that? Padma shrugged. Who could fathom the mind of a Slytherin? Especially that lot!
Just as Padma reached the great oak front doors she stopped, struck by a sudden thought. If Draco was talking to the bug, did the bug understand him? Padma had never heard of a bug that could understand humans. In fact, the only animals that she knew understood human talk were Animagi. Padma had studied Animagi in her third year with Professor McGonagall. She remembered going to the library to look up the Ministry registrar on Animagi for extra credit. Padma tried to recall whether or not she had seen any wizards registered as bugs on the list. She couldn't think of any, but she made a mental note to look up the list the next time she was in the library.
During the next few weeks Padma spent plenty of time in the library, although she didn't' have time to spare to look up the Ministry Animagi registration. End of the year exams were fast approaching and they library was full of frantic students. Even Parvati and Lavender were seen studying long hours in the library. Padma noted that the only students not spending extended time in the library were Harry, Ron and Hermione. She wondered about this. Although she didn't have much opportunity to ponder it as she knew how critical the fourth year exams were. Prefects were chosen based on these exam results and Padma meant to do her best. As an added bonus, she didn't have time to feel hurt about the way Dean continued to ignore her, turning away every time he passed her in the halls.
One night, after a particularly late study session in the library, Padma staggered towards Ravenclaw, bleary-eyed and tired. Just as she passed McGonagall's classroom, she heard a familiar voice through the open door.
"Stay still, you stupid cat! She thinks she's the only one who can cast a decent Stunning Spell? There's nothing wrong with my Stunning Spell. Hold still Crookshanks, this won't hurt!"
Padma heard the angry hiss of a cat followed by a yelp of pain. A crooked-legged, ginger cat scampered out of the classroom door followed closely by Ron Weasley.
"Crookshanks!" Ron shouted. He froze as he caught sight of Padma. "Oh…er…hello." He looked agonizingly uncomfortable.
"Hello Ron," said Padma, the color rising on her cheeks. She had not spoken to Ron since that night. "What are you doing?"
Ron's ears became an impossible shade of red. "Well, you see, I was just trying to practice my Stunning Spell. Hermione thinks she's so good at them, so I've been trying to brush up on them."
Padma smiled despite her discomfiture. "Isn't that Hermione's cat?"
Ron's face suddenly matched his ears. "I thought about using Mrs. Norris, but I was afraid Filch might string me up by my thumbs if he caught me," said Ron sheepishly.
There was an awkward pause in which neither of them looked at each other. Suddenly they both spoke at the same time.
"Listen, Padma…"
"Ron, about…"
They both smiled apologetically. "Ladies first," said Ron.
"Ron," Padma began, "about that night that we…I mean I…kissed you," she swallowed hard, "It was wrong. I thought I had a crush on you and it was silly. I really like…somebody else. Not that it matters now, because he doesn't like me… Anyway, what I'm trying to say, is that I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, and I hope we can be friends." Padma tentatively held her hand out.
Ron took her hand with an abashed grin. "Yeah, friends." Ron's face brightened suddenly and he tightened his grip on Padma's hand. "How about a nice, friendly, little kiss between friends?" he asked hopefully.
Padma's eyes widened incredulously. "I don't think so. Why don't you go ask Hermione?"
Ron dropped her hand as thought it had burned him. "Hermione? Why would I ask Hermione?" his voice rose with an indignant squeak.
Padma blinked innocently. "Hermione is your friend, isn't she?"
Ron stammered, "Well…yes…she's my friend, but I can't…I mean I wouldn't…um…"
"Good night Ron," smirked Padma. She left a very disheveled Ron standing in the hall.
**
On the second to last day of exams, Padma was in the library by dawn. Only one more day of exams and she would finally be free! Padma dragged her hands over her weary eyes and looked up at the clock on the wall. It was time for breakfast. Across the table from Padma sat Cho, making up for her late night with Cedric with some early morning cramming.
Cho wrinkled her pretty nose. "Urgh! I can't believe I left all of this for the last minute," she said.
"And why were you out so late last night, Missy?" asked Padma with a sly smile.
"Just wishing Cedric good luck for tonight," said Cho mischievously.
Padma gave her a knowing look but didn't press for further details. It was evident to everyone how very close Cedric and Cho had grown over the last few months, especially after the second task. "Say, weren't you supposed to meet Prince Charming for breakfast?" asked Padma.
Cho looked up at the clock and gasped. "That's right! His parents are coming to watch the third task and he wants me to meet them." She stood up, swinging her heavy bag over her shoulder and smoothing down her robes. "How do I look?"
Padma took in Cho's weary eyes, her tousled hair. However, her face glowed with anticipation. "You look beautiful. Now, go on."
Cho grinned at Padma with gratitude. "Aren't you coming down for breakfast?"
Padma slapped her heavy Arithmancy tome closed. "Well, I am finished, but there's something I've been meaning to look up. Go on. I'll see you at the third task."
A look of concern flitted across Cho's face. "You'll have to sit with me Padma. Penny too. I'm so nervous! Do you think Cedric can really win the Tournament?"
"Cedric will do just fine. You'll see." Padma waved at Cho. She got up from her table, stretching, and made her way over to the Transfiguration section of the library. Padma pulled the heavy Ministry Registrar of Animagi off the shelf and staggered over to a nearby table. Padma plunked the book and her bag down. She had just started perusing the extensive lists when she heard a very frustrated voice behind her.
"Bugger!"
Startled, Padma spun around to find Hermione stamping her foot in front of the Transfiguration section she had just left.
Hermione spotted Padma. "Sorry. I know the library is no place for outbursts, but the book I needed isn't here," she said miserably.
"What were you looking for?" asked Padma out of curiosity.
Hermione hesitated, casting a quick look around them before answering. "I was looking for the Ministry of Magic's Animagi Registrar."
"Oh? Really?" asked Padma, intrigued. She assumed that all everyone had learned about Animagi by their fourth year.
Hermione looked distinctly uncomfortable now. "Yes, well, it's not here, so I'll just be going then."
"No. I was just curious because I happen to have it." Padma indicated the book before her. "You're welcome to it," she added.
Hermione rushed toward the book with a look of gratitude. "Oh thank you! Just wanted to look something up quickly. My History of Magic exam starts in ten minutes!" Hermione quickly poured over the long lists, mumbling softly to herself. "I knew it. I knew it." After a couple of minutes she turned to Padma. "Thank you so much Padma. I'd better run." She stopped short catching sight of the green badge adorning Padma's book bag. "You're still using your S.P.E. W. badge?" she asked, astonished.
Padma fingered the puce green button. She blushed, remembering her original reason for joining S.P.E.W. "I'm still a member, aren't I?" she asked tentatively.
Hermione frowned. "But you own house-elves. You told Ron so the night you went on that walk," Hermione's lips pursed. "Why would you want to be a member if you don't believe in our cause?"
Padma forced her eyes up to Hermione's, considering her words carefully. "Hermione…I may have joined for the wrong reasons, but I do think you have a worthy cause and I admire the way you've fought for it." Padma discretely crossed her fingers in the pocket of her robes. "And…and I've decided to start paying my elf out of my own allowance." Padma silently thought she would certainly start being nicer to Nimue, and even offer her days off, but her allowance was sparse as it was and summer robes would be on sale soon...
Hermione eyed her skeptically for a second, then broke out into a smile. "That's wonderful Padma!"
Padma grinned back guiltily, but relieved. "Maybe I can work on expanding S.P.E.W. membership now. Perhaps I can ask Dean Thomas to join." Padma bit her lip, instantly regretting her words.
Hermione sighed. "Believe me, I've tried, but…" she stopped, sudden realization dawning on her face. "Of course, you might have better luck. Yes, of course." Hermione patted Padma's arm comfortingly. "I daresay you'll have Dean wearing a S.P.E.W. badge yet."
Padma stifled a sly smile. "I suppose if you can get Ron Weasley to wear one, anything's possible."
Hermione's face flooded with color at the mention of Ron's name. "Yes, well…oh my! Look at the time! Don't want to keep Professor Binns waiting. Good-bye!" Hermione rushed out of the room in a swirl of black robes.
It was with a light heart that Padma left the library that morning. She felt oddly hopeful and contented as she headed off for her first exam. Padma knew that it wasn't just the extra studying that made her feel that way. She was truly looking forward to the third task that night. Somehow, she would find a way to approach Dean there. If everything went right, perhaps he would be at her side when they celebrated Cedric's surprise victory party in the Ravenclaw common room. Cho had arranged it with the help of some of Cedric's Hufflepuff friends. Penny had decided that if Cedric won the Triwizard Cup she would overlook her Prefect duties for the night and let them have an inter-house party in their common room so long as nothing got broken and no one got caught. Padma simply couldn't wait!
I have the funniest story about how my SQ notebook saved my life! In Mexico public toilets are not free. You have to pay about .25 to use them and toilet paper is extra. Well, one day I was out shopping with my grandma and I just had to go, but neither of us had any small change on us. Together, we scraped up enough coins to get me into the bathroom, but no toilet paper! The bathroom attendant lady said it was okay, I could go in and she would let me have the toilet paper on credit 'cause she knew my grandma. Well, she handed me 4 little sheets of tp, which, well, considering the fact that I had been ill from the bigmac of death for days, well, 4 sheets just weren't enough. So there I was, wondering what in the heck to do. I was too embarressed to call out to grandma for more tp on credit, so I just prayed for a solution, and lo and behold, I was shown the light! Like most writers, I always carry a notebook on my person, just in case I get a sudden inspiration for a fic. And, I guess you get the rest of the picture. Good thing I had some empty sheets left. I would've hated to have to write this chapter of PQ over. Hope I didn't gross you out too much. I thought of writing this in my narrative at Parseltongue, but I thought it was too gross for public viewing. It was funny though. Everytime I think about it, I burst out laughing like a maniac!