The little games between Sirius and Anya continued on, far into the term.
It wasn't until just before Halloween that they finally called an
unofficial truce. Anya was sick of Sirius' changing all her books into
Turkish, and Sirius was getting mightily annoyed at finding the password to
his room always changing. He had requested a portrait and password after
his incident with Anya and the wand, but she was able to keep him out of
his own room anyway. She apparently had connections with the young girl
guarding Sirius' door, so often the girl would change the password, so he
couldn't get in. Sirius had taken to changing the language of her books
after he'd discovered she could speak almost 10 different languages but had
never mastered Turkish.
However, 2 nights before Halloween, Remus had made them call a truce, so as not to disrupt the Halloween Ball that was again set to take place. They agreed, and shook hands half-heartedly. This year, the ball was formal, not like the masquerade of last year. Harry was going with Ginny, who had recently acquired the status of girlfriend. Hermione and Ron were still together, but trouble was brewing for them, in the form of a boy named Demetrius.
Demetrius was a 6th year Ravenclaw. He was very smart, very athletic and was very handsome in a preppy sort of way. Almost the complete opposite of Ron. Hermione and Demetrius had been paired together in a Arithmancy assignment, and Ron was not happy.
"C'mon Hermione, he likes you. I can't believe you don't see it!" Ron yelled in frustration. Hermione threw her hands into the air.
"I don't see it, because it isn't true! Get your facts straight before you go around accusing people!" with that final statement, Hermione stormed out of the Common room. Ron sat down on the couch, breathing heavily. That was his first major argument with her since they'd first gotten together. Harry and Ginny, who had previously been sitting entwined on the couch moved off the chair to give Ron some space. He had started muttering at his hands, always a sign to give him his room. Ginny gave Harry a sorrowful look.
"I have so much Potions homework," she said woefully. Harry half-smiled.
"Good luck!" he called after her as she ascended the stair case. She looked over her shoulder and blew him a kiss. He stuck out his hand, pretended to catch it and pressed it up against his cheek. Ginny laughed, making Harry smile. He loved lighting her up like that. Ron saw the display of affection and gave them odd looks. Harry chose that moment to quietly leave the Common Room for his weekly chats with his godparents, who always behaved themselves around him. Harry arrived late to the tea, where he was momentarily surprised to find Sirius and Anya happily talking about the past. He entered the room to Anya's chambers to the sound of laughter from both previously mentioned parties. Anya's chambers were the only ones he'd been in besides Dumbledores. They consisted of a small entertaining area (which most teachers used as a study), a bathroom (not nearly as extravagant as the Prefects bathroom) and a bedroom (to which the door was always shut in Anya's). He sat down on a lavender couch, remaining silent while Anya poured his tea.
"What's wrong Harry?" Anya said in the middle on a conversation. He stared startled.
"How did you know?" he asked, incredulous.
"Women's intuition," she said simply. Whatever the case, Harry proceed to inform Sirius and Anya of the situation brewing between Ron and Hermione.
"And Ron gets really jealous, he always has," Harry finished up.
"And this bloke's name is Demetrius?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded, and Sirius and Anya exchanged looks.
"What?" Harry said, catching the look.
"You know who Shakespeare is don't you?" Sirius asked.
"Yes," Harry answered cautiously.
"Well, in the wizarding world, there has always been the theory that Shakespeare's plays were more than they appeared. Some say they are actually prophecies," Anya explained gently. Harry looked confused.
"Some of his stories have come true Harry," Sirius explained as bluntly as he could.
"You know the story of Romeo and Juliet? (Anya waited for Harry's nod) Well, about two hundred years ago, the wizarding community was split, divided over their preferences for Minister of Magic. The two opposing wizards were actually called Capulet and Monatgue. Capulet's daughter Julia fell in love with Ronan Montague. They wed, but unfortunately as you know, their happiness was short lived. However, thought their deaths were sad, they bought the wizarding community together again," Anya finished her story by taking a sip of tea. Harry still looked puzzled.
"What does that have to do with Ron, Hermione and Lysander?" Harry asked.
"A Mid-Summer Night's Dream." Sirius stated. Harry knew the story, and it suddenly dawned on him. "Demetrius and Hermione," he said softly. But he continued,
"Wait, her name wasn't Hermione, it was Hermia!" he said, sounding relieved.
"Yes you're right, but.....it's very close Harry. Of course, there's every chance that's not the case. I'm sure it could well be just a lovers quarrel," Anya told Harry reassuringly. The rest of the visit was quite awkward for everyone, so Harry left early, thoughts of Shakespeare on his mind.
He wasn't to mention the Shakespeare theories to anyone, under the strict instructions of Sirius and Anya. However, Ron and Hermione were shakily back on track by Halloween eve, which was lucky, considering they were partners for the ball. Harry and Ron again met their lovely girlfriends at the bottom of the stairs. Hermione was wearing deep purple robes, shot with silver threads. They were fitted to the waist, then flowed down. The sleeves were old-fashioned triangle sleeves that draped down under her wrists. Purple beads embedded the edge of the sleeves. Her hair was curly and piled on her head. Ribbons of purple and silver were twisted and coiled amongst the ringlets. A fat shiny purple ribbon acted as a kind of headband, keeping hair out of her eyes. She looked like something straight out of the past. 'Something out of Shakespeare' Harry thought with a pang. Ginny's robes were of brilliant jade green. They skimmed her figure, and hung just as normal robes, apart from the fact that they didn't mean below her waist. Instead, the two sides split just above her knees. The neckline was quite modest due to this show of leg. Harry felt himself gasp, she looked radiant, and quite grown up. Her rich red hair was straight and shiny. The top half was pulled up in a half-ponytail, held with a gold clasp. She reached out for his hand as she reached the bottom step. Both Ron and Harry were wearing robes of black in stiff silk. They wore trousers and white shirts underneath. Hermione tentatively reached out her hand for Ron's, and he offered it, relieved to find she still wanted him. The two couples strolled into the Hall, still hand in hand. Music was already playing, and some students were dancing. It was almost sad that Fred and George weren't there to liven things up with their unique dancing styles.
Ron scoured the room surreptitiously for any sign of Demetrius. Finding the room empty of his presence, he gently guided Hermione out onto the dance floor. Harry went to do the same thing, but he felt Ginny hold back. He looked at her with mild concern.
"Harry, what's wrong?" she asked gently. Harry quickly debated in his head whether or not to tell her. Loyalties to Sirius got the better of him, and he remained quiet on the subject, instead telling Ginny he was just worried about what Snape would say to his essay on Wiggenwald potions. She accepted this, and allowed herself to be eased onto the dance floor. The evening went smoothly until Ron excused himself to go to the bathroom. Demetrius seized the opportunity to ask Hermione to dance. She was a little flustered at first, but a look of determination soon crossed her pretty features. She nodded at Demetrius, and together they headed onto the dancefloor. Hermione kept a respectable distance, but as the dance flowed, she couldn't help but get drawn closer. However, when he leaned in to kiss her, she knew things were getting out of hand. She freed herself from his embrace and ran toward Harry. Unfortunately bad timing seemed to be Ron's gift as he re-entered the room to find his girlfriend about to be kissed by a widely admired Ravenclaw. He ran from the room again, looking ready to hit the next person who talked to him.
Hermione saw the look of horror cross Ron's face, and also saw him running off, so she took off after him. Demetrius followed Hermione, and Harry and Ginny followed Demetrius. Having seen the situation unfold in front of them, Anya and Sirius had no choice but to follow Ginny, and Portia and Remus confused at their friends' actions in turn followed them.
So in short, there was a procession of nine people tearing through the corridors of Hogwarts. This of course, is due to attract attention, so the runners attracted a following of fellow students and teachers, wondering what the hell is going on.
No one was quite sure of where they were headed, except for Ron. However, when people saw the bright lights of the Quidditch pitch up ahead, they realised where he was heading. Ron stopped running for a second halfway across the pitch, stupidly turning around to find out what was going on, for he could hear shrieks of his name. The sight that greeted him was overwhelming. His girlfriend, enemy, sister, best friend, four teachers, half the student population and Albus Dumbledore were running in his direction. Any other person would have continued running, but Ron stopped.
He could hear his friend and sister begging him to stop, and he was immensely loyal to both. Hermione reached him first, her face wet with tears. "I didn't want him to Ron, I promise. You were right, I'm so sorry," she spluttered out in fragments, slightly out of breath. He looked her over, summing up whether her apology was genuine, which of course it was. He was about to open his arms to her when Demetrius, Ginny and Harry tumbled onto the scene. Harry was babbling madly about a prophecy, Lysander was demanding an explanation and Ginny was just plain bewildered. Sirius and Anya joined the group, trying to explain things. Remus and Portia went to join the oddball mix, but Dumbledore held out a hand, asking them to stop without words. He just stood and watched the drama taking place on the Quidditch field.
Ron held up his hand for silence, and gradually the excited babble quietened down. Seeing as Anya and Sirius seemed to be making the most sense, he asked them to speak first.
"I don't suppose you know of the Shakespeare theory?" Sirius asked him. To everyone's suprise he nodded.
"I do read!" he exclaimed hotly. Then the events clicked into place.
"Demetrius and Hermione! He was in love with her in A Mid-Summer Night's Dream!" Ron yelped.
"Well actually, her name was Hermia," Anya added.
"Her father wanted her to marry Demetrius!" Hermione said, suddenly remembering the story.
"But she loved Lysander!" Harry yelled, not noticing the strange look that passed both Ron's and Ginny's faces.
"Who care's about Lysander? There is no Lysander!" Demetrius contested hotly.
A girl ran out onto the field. She was a fellow Ravenclaw student of Demetrius.
"Helena!" Hermione exclaimed, confused and feeling overwhelmed.
"Why Hermione, why not me!" she cried, almost falling at Demetrius's feet. This further added to the confusion, as everyone played out the story of A Mid-Summer Night's Dream in their heads. Helena loved Demetrius, who loved Hermia who loved Lysander. Unfortunately for the group, nobody could remember the ending. For the students who remembered the ending, and were watching from the sidelines, the situation was frustrating. They couldn't help along the proceedings. On the field, Ron had taken a crying Hermione into his arms. She was upset and confused. Did she really have a prophecy to fill? Demetrius looked confused, and Helena was still sobbing quietly. Harry, Ginny, Sirius and Anya were still racking their brains for the ending when Demetrius spoke up.
"Why then, if you love him, did you send me those notes?" he asked Hermione. She looked perplexed at the question.
"What notes?"
"The love notes. I got them in Arithmancy and they were signed with a H. Weren't they from you?" Demetrius was now the confused one. Hermione shook her head.
"I never ever gave you any notes!" she said adamantly, but her mind wandered to the crying girl sitting before her on the pitch.
"It was Helena! She wrote those notes!" Hermione burst out. All attention was cast to Helena, who had stopped crying and was looking around warily.
"Was it you?" Demetrius asked her, helping her to her feet. She feebly nodded her head, not meeting his eye. Demetrius reached for Helena's hand and held it out in front of her.
"It is you I love then," he said softly, kissing her hand gently. Helena looked starry-eyed as Demetrius led her off the pitch. All the spectators watching burst into excited chatter. Hermione looked a bit miffed.
"Bit silly, falling in love with someone because they write well," she said, still tucked under Ron's arm.
"I remember the ending!" Anya shouted suddenly. All heads turned toward her, many faces questioningly.
"But everything has turned out for the best anyway. Demetrius falls in love with Helena!" she said brightly, not saying the whole story. People started drifting off now, Ron and Hermione walked hand-in-hand up to the castle, gazing at each other. Portia, Remus and Dumbledore also made their way back up to the Hall. Sirius and Anya lingered behind with Ginny and Harry. Anya laid a hand on Ginny's shoulder, who in turn turned to look at her teacher.
"Ron's middle name. It's Lysander isn't it?" Anya asked Ginny, who nodded.
"So they all lived happily ever after," Anya said softly. Only Sirius caught her words, and he smiled. 'We will all live happily ever after' he said to himself.
However, 2 nights before Halloween, Remus had made them call a truce, so as not to disrupt the Halloween Ball that was again set to take place. They agreed, and shook hands half-heartedly. This year, the ball was formal, not like the masquerade of last year. Harry was going with Ginny, who had recently acquired the status of girlfriend. Hermione and Ron were still together, but trouble was brewing for them, in the form of a boy named Demetrius.
Demetrius was a 6th year Ravenclaw. He was very smart, very athletic and was very handsome in a preppy sort of way. Almost the complete opposite of Ron. Hermione and Demetrius had been paired together in a Arithmancy assignment, and Ron was not happy.
"C'mon Hermione, he likes you. I can't believe you don't see it!" Ron yelled in frustration. Hermione threw her hands into the air.
"I don't see it, because it isn't true! Get your facts straight before you go around accusing people!" with that final statement, Hermione stormed out of the Common room. Ron sat down on the couch, breathing heavily. That was his first major argument with her since they'd first gotten together. Harry and Ginny, who had previously been sitting entwined on the couch moved off the chair to give Ron some space. He had started muttering at his hands, always a sign to give him his room. Ginny gave Harry a sorrowful look.
"I have so much Potions homework," she said woefully. Harry half-smiled.
"Good luck!" he called after her as she ascended the stair case. She looked over her shoulder and blew him a kiss. He stuck out his hand, pretended to catch it and pressed it up against his cheek. Ginny laughed, making Harry smile. He loved lighting her up like that. Ron saw the display of affection and gave them odd looks. Harry chose that moment to quietly leave the Common Room for his weekly chats with his godparents, who always behaved themselves around him. Harry arrived late to the tea, where he was momentarily surprised to find Sirius and Anya happily talking about the past. He entered the room to Anya's chambers to the sound of laughter from both previously mentioned parties. Anya's chambers were the only ones he'd been in besides Dumbledores. They consisted of a small entertaining area (which most teachers used as a study), a bathroom (not nearly as extravagant as the Prefects bathroom) and a bedroom (to which the door was always shut in Anya's). He sat down on a lavender couch, remaining silent while Anya poured his tea.
"What's wrong Harry?" Anya said in the middle on a conversation. He stared startled.
"How did you know?" he asked, incredulous.
"Women's intuition," she said simply. Whatever the case, Harry proceed to inform Sirius and Anya of the situation brewing between Ron and Hermione.
"And Ron gets really jealous, he always has," Harry finished up.
"And this bloke's name is Demetrius?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded, and Sirius and Anya exchanged looks.
"What?" Harry said, catching the look.
"You know who Shakespeare is don't you?" Sirius asked.
"Yes," Harry answered cautiously.
"Well, in the wizarding world, there has always been the theory that Shakespeare's plays were more than they appeared. Some say they are actually prophecies," Anya explained gently. Harry looked confused.
"Some of his stories have come true Harry," Sirius explained as bluntly as he could.
"You know the story of Romeo and Juliet? (Anya waited for Harry's nod) Well, about two hundred years ago, the wizarding community was split, divided over their preferences for Minister of Magic. The two opposing wizards were actually called Capulet and Monatgue. Capulet's daughter Julia fell in love with Ronan Montague. They wed, but unfortunately as you know, their happiness was short lived. However, thought their deaths were sad, they bought the wizarding community together again," Anya finished her story by taking a sip of tea. Harry still looked puzzled.
"What does that have to do with Ron, Hermione and Lysander?" Harry asked.
"A Mid-Summer Night's Dream." Sirius stated. Harry knew the story, and it suddenly dawned on him. "Demetrius and Hermione," he said softly. But he continued,
"Wait, her name wasn't Hermione, it was Hermia!" he said, sounding relieved.
"Yes you're right, but.....it's very close Harry. Of course, there's every chance that's not the case. I'm sure it could well be just a lovers quarrel," Anya told Harry reassuringly. The rest of the visit was quite awkward for everyone, so Harry left early, thoughts of Shakespeare on his mind.
He wasn't to mention the Shakespeare theories to anyone, under the strict instructions of Sirius and Anya. However, Ron and Hermione were shakily back on track by Halloween eve, which was lucky, considering they were partners for the ball. Harry and Ron again met their lovely girlfriends at the bottom of the stairs. Hermione was wearing deep purple robes, shot with silver threads. They were fitted to the waist, then flowed down. The sleeves were old-fashioned triangle sleeves that draped down under her wrists. Purple beads embedded the edge of the sleeves. Her hair was curly and piled on her head. Ribbons of purple and silver were twisted and coiled amongst the ringlets. A fat shiny purple ribbon acted as a kind of headband, keeping hair out of her eyes. She looked like something straight out of the past. 'Something out of Shakespeare' Harry thought with a pang. Ginny's robes were of brilliant jade green. They skimmed her figure, and hung just as normal robes, apart from the fact that they didn't mean below her waist. Instead, the two sides split just above her knees. The neckline was quite modest due to this show of leg. Harry felt himself gasp, she looked radiant, and quite grown up. Her rich red hair was straight and shiny. The top half was pulled up in a half-ponytail, held with a gold clasp. She reached out for his hand as she reached the bottom step. Both Ron and Harry were wearing robes of black in stiff silk. They wore trousers and white shirts underneath. Hermione tentatively reached out her hand for Ron's, and he offered it, relieved to find she still wanted him. The two couples strolled into the Hall, still hand in hand. Music was already playing, and some students were dancing. It was almost sad that Fred and George weren't there to liven things up with their unique dancing styles.
Ron scoured the room surreptitiously for any sign of Demetrius. Finding the room empty of his presence, he gently guided Hermione out onto the dance floor. Harry went to do the same thing, but he felt Ginny hold back. He looked at her with mild concern.
"Harry, what's wrong?" she asked gently. Harry quickly debated in his head whether or not to tell her. Loyalties to Sirius got the better of him, and he remained quiet on the subject, instead telling Ginny he was just worried about what Snape would say to his essay on Wiggenwald potions. She accepted this, and allowed herself to be eased onto the dance floor. The evening went smoothly until Ron excused himself to go to the bathroom. Demetrius seized the opportunity to ask Hermione to dance. She was a little flustered at first, but a look of determination soon crossed her pretty features. She nodded at Demetrius, and together they headed onto the dancefloor. Hermione kept a respectable distance, but as the dance flowed, she couldn't help but get drawn closer. However, when he leaned in to kiss her, she knew things were getting out of hand. She freed herself from his embrace and ran toward Harry. Unfortunately bad timing seemed to be Ron's gift as he re-entered the room to find his girlfriend about to be kissed by a widely admired Ravenclaw. He ran from the room again, looking ready to hit the next person who talked to him.
Hermione saw the look of horror cross Ron's face, and also saw him running off, so she took off after him. Demetrius followed Hermione, and Harry and Ginny followed Demetrius. Having seen the situation unfold in front of them, Anya and Sirius had no choice but to follow Ginny, and Portia and Remus confused at their friends' actions in turn followed them.
So in short, there was a procession of nine people tearing through the corridors of Hogwarts. This of course, is due to attract attention, so the runners attracted a following of fellow students and teachers, wondering what the hell is going on.
No one was quite sure of where they were headed, except for Ron. However, when people saw the bright lights of the Quidditch pitch up ahead, they realised where he was heading. Ron stopped running for a second halfway across the pitch, stupidly turning around to find out what was going on, for he could hear shrieks of his name. The sight that greeted him was overwhelming. His girlfriend, enemy, sister, best friend, four teachers, half the student population and Albus Dumbledore were running in his direction. Any other person would have continued running, but Ron stopped.
He could hear his friend and sister begging him to stop, and he was immensely loyal to both. Hermione reached him first, her face wet with tears. "I didn't want him to Ron, I promise. You were right, I'm so sorry," she spluttered out in fragments, slightly out of breath. He looked her over, summing up whether her apology was genuine, which of course it was. He was about to open his arms to her when Demetrius, Ginny and Harry tumbled onto the scene. Harry was babbling madly about a prophecy, Lysander was demanding an explanation and Ginny was just plain bewildered. Sirius and Anya joined the group, trying to explain things. Remus and Portia went to join the oddball mix, but Dumbledore held out a hand, asking them to stop without words. He just stood and watched the drama taking place on the Quidditch field.
Ron held up his hand for silence, and gradually the excited babble quietened down. Seeing as Anya and Sirius seemed to be making the most sense, he asked them to speak first.
"I don't suppose you know of the Shakespeare theory?" Sirius asked him. To everyone's suprise he nodded.
"I do read!" he exclaimed hotly. Then the events clicked into place.
"Demetrius and Hermione! He was in love with her in A Mid-Summer Night's Dream!" Ron yelped.
"Well actually, her name was Hermia," Anya added.
"Her father wanted her to marry Demetrius!" Hermione said, suddenly remembering the story.
"But she loved Lysander!" Harry yelled, not noticing the strange look that passed both Ron's and Ginny's faces.
"Who care's about Lysander? There is no Lysander!" Demetrius contested hotly.
A girl ran out onto the field. She was a fellow Ravenclaw student of Demetrius.
"Helena!" Hermione exclaimed, confused and feeling overwhelmed.
"Why Hermione, why not me!" she cried, almost falling at Demetrius's feet. This further added to the confusion, as everyone played out the story of A Mid-Summer Night's Dream in their heads. Helena loved Demetrius, who loved Hermia who loved Lysander. Unfortunately for the group, nobody could remember the ending. For the students who remembered the ending, and were watching from the sidelines, the situation was frustrating. They couldn't help along the proceedings. On the field, Ron had taken a crying Hermione into his arms. She was upset and confused. Did she really have a prophecy to fill? Demetrius looked confused, and Helena was still sobbing quietly. Harry, Ginny, Sirius and Anya were still racking their brains for the ending when Demetrius spoke up.
"Why then, if you love him, did you send me those notes?" he asked Hermione. She looked perplexed at the question.
"What notes?"
"The love notes. I got them in Arithmancy and they were signed with a H. Weren't they from you?" Demetrius was now the confused one. Hermione shook her head.
"I never ever gave you any notes!" she said adamantly, but her mind wandered to the crying girl sitting before her on the pitch.
"It was Helena! She wrote those notes!" Hermione burst out. All attention was cast to Helena, who had stopped crying and was looking around warily.
"Was it you?" Demetrius asked her, helping her to her feet. She feebly nodded her head, not meeting his eye. Demetrius reached for Helena's hand and held it out in front of her.
"It is you I love then," he said softly, kissing her hand gently. Helena looked starry-eyed as Demetrius led her off the pitch. All the spectators watching burst into excited chatter. Hermione looked a bit miffed.
"Bit silly, falling in love with someone because they write well," she said, still tucked under Ron's arm.
"I remember the ending!" Anya shouted suddenly. All heads turned toward her, many faces questioningly.
"But everything has turned out for the best anyway. Demetrius falls in love with Helena!" she said brightly, not saying the whole story. People started drifting off now, Ron and Hermione walked hand-in-hand up to the castle, gazing at each other. Portia, Remus and Dumbledore also made their way back up to the Hall. Sirius and Anya lingered behind with Ginny and Harry. Anya laid a hand on Ginny's shoulder, who in turn turned to look at her teacher.
"Ron's middle name. It's Lysander isn't it?" Anya asked Ginny, who nodded.
"So they all lived happily ever after," Anya said softly. Only Sirius caught her words, and he smiled. 'We will all live happily ever after' he said to himself.