Chapter 8

Boggarts Revisited

Al had caused no trouble in the three days that he had beens staying with the Gryffindors. He ate the mice that Crookshanks didn't want (Yes, that cat is STILL around.) and when he wasn't eating he slithered around the tank quietly. Harry talked to him sometimes when he had nothing to do.

Hermione had completely fallen silent, as if her voice was stolen from her. She didn't give any answers in class, and in fact, nobody heard a sound from her until Defense against the Dark Arts on Monday.

The teacher was obviously trustworthy, because he had been there for two years. His name was Professor Hulk (Because I can. =P ---M.J.) and he was an elderly man with a thick, white beard. But he was very kindly and rarely gave homework. Today they learned that they would be dealing with Boggarts again.

"It's important for you to remember how to get rid of these things." Hulk said. "By now, most of you have no trouble, but there are those few who still need assistance. So let's begin. Miss Hermione Granger, are you ready?"

Keeping her silence, Hermione nodded.

As everyone watched, Professor Hulk opened the closet door.

And then, the room was empty. Professor Hulk was gone, Harry and Jane were gone… everyone was gone. She ran out to the hall, but nobody was there. In one classroom and out the next, all empty! Even the paintings were vacant, and Peeves could not be heard anywhere. The whole school was empty!

"Hey! Hey! Wake up!"

Hermione opened her eyes wearily, and after several seconds she realized that she was lying on the floor of the classroom, and all the students were standing over her, obviously concerned. Ron was shaking her, trying to wake her up.

"What happened?" she croaked.

"It was most unusual." Professor Hulk said. "The boggart came out of the closet, and then you froze for several minutes, before screaming and passing out."

She stood up, on the verge of tears.

"What did you see?" Ron asked softly.

She broke down in Ron's arms. "It was horrible! The whole school was empty! Everybody was gone! I was all alone!"

A smile of understanding seemed to play across Hulk's face. "Of course. That is obviously what you are most afraid of. Being alone."

Embarrassed, she pushed Ron away and managed a smile. "I'm fine now. However, there are only very few that I am glad to be able to see again."

Ron's eyes were playing tricks on him. He knew it. He thought that Hermione had just gazed at him while saying there were only a few people she was happy to see. He shook his head. Impossible. He told himself.

"Well now that we've all learned of your contempt for us," Hulk said softly, "Let's continue with the lesson. Mr. Weasely, please approach the boggart." Hulk immediately opened the closet again.

Everyone gasped as a likeness of Hermione stepped out of the closet.

Ron laughed immediately. "Please, I'm not afraid of her. Why…?"

The Hermione from the closet marched over and glared at Ron. "I hate you." It snarled. "I will never have any kind of feelings for you whatsoever, so stop dropping all your little hints! I hate your guts, and if it weren't a crime I'd murder you on the spot." The closet Hermione turned on her heel and marched back into the closet, slamming the wooden door shut.

"Oh my…" Hulk whispered as Hermione fled from the room.

Ron stood there, unable to speak or move.