Harry Potter and the Amulet of Hogwarts, Chapter Five
By ~Misty~
A/N: Hi everyone and thanks for reviewing! ^_^ I changed the font to make it easier to read since Topaz was complaining. I think it looks better myself, but don't tell Topaz, or she'll be gloating for months. Thanks again to Topaz for proofreading the story. Well, let's see what you think of this chapter… ~Misty~
Disclaimer: This story and all of my original characters belong to me, but if you want to use the characters, ask me and I'll probably say yes. Harry Potter belongs to J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros.
A/N: Because I wasn't sure if you knew this, 'blue roan' in a horse means that the horse's coat has black and white hairs mixed together that look bluish from far away. Roan means white hairs mixed with a solid color.
Harry turned and walked outside to the Care of Magical Creatures class, where a group of a winged horses were tethered inside a makeshift corral. Hermione was already there, patting a blue roan winged horse, and another row of flying horses stood beside it in a variety of colors: strawberry roan, chestnut, black, white, and dapple gray.
"Aren't they beautiful?" Hermione said, stroking the blue roan lovingly.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, walking up to the flying horse next to Hermione's. Harry stroked its silky chestnut neck, and the horse nudged him gently, pawing the ground with one hoof. Behind them Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were standing by a tree and with identical malicious looks on their faces. Ron arrived and joined Marissa, who gave him a flirtatious smile.
"All righ' class, these 'ere are flying horses, or aviquines," Hagrid announced.
"Ooooooooooooooooh!" Lavender Brown squealed, scaring her dapple gray aviquine.
"Careful! They're high-strung creatures and they aren't used ter humans, they've jest arrived fresh from the Forbidden Forest," Hagrid warned. Lavender nodded and shut her mouth. "So, as long as yeh don't fool around too much or touch their ears yeh'll be fine. Yeh see, aviquines have very sensitive ears; they can hear things from miles away. They also can sense things much better than we can. For instance, they can feel tremors from an earthquake a day before humans can! They can sense distress, fear, and any other emotions; even the smallest emotion can be picked up by these fellas." Hagrid patted the chocolaty brown aviquine.
Suddenly there was a huge explosion from behind the corral. The winged horses reared up in fright and took off flying as high as their tethers would allow while students screamed and ran. It was a scene of total disarray.
"Watch out, Harry!" Hermione gasped as the blue roan whirled dangerously close to Harry's head.
Harry crouched down and ran out of the way. Ron had barely noticed, he was busy staring at Marissa.
"Is everyone all righ'?" Hagrid asked anxiously, soothing the aviquine nearest him. "Now what blinking idiot started the firework?" He showing them a twisted, charred Filbuster's firework in the palm of his giant hand. "Good, no one's injured. You stay 'ere while I try an calm 'em down!" Hagrid ordered.
Hermione glared at a dumbfounded Ron. "Ron! Didn't you notice Harry was almost killed?!"
"Not really. Sorry, Harry," Ron said absentmindedly.
"Ron, what's the matter with you? Ginny just switched into advanced charms because she did really well last year and she was really nervous. You laughed at her when Neville make a mistake! You mortified her! You're her brother and you turned around and laughed at her!" Hermione cried.
"It was funny," Ron said, snickering. Marissa laughed nastily.
"Stop laughing," Hermione said in deadly voice.
"Why should I?" Marissa asked.
"Because, quite frankly, I'm sick of you! I'm sick of you being such a snobby jerk and a stupid git!" Hermione spat.
"Really, you're pathetic! I never saw such a pitiful little bitch before, you should be ashamed…" Marissa began, but she was cut off by Hermione slapping her across the face.
"WOW, HERMIONE!" Dean Thomas shouted. Marissa, still shocked from being smacked so hard, finally came to her senses. She looked Hermione straight in the eyes.
"You're so pathetic. What makes you think that Ron would ever--" Marissa began, but Hermione had already disappeared.
"What's goin' on 'ere'?" Hagrid asked.
"Cheap little - Oh, hello, Hagrid," Marissa mumbled, startled when Hagrid appeared in front of her.
"Well, since there's been a bit o' a mess this lesson...." Hagrid began, and Malfoy snickered.
"That's just a bit understated," Marissa muttered, scowling at Hagrid.
"Well…ah, the bloomin' idiot who set off that firework caused that, and if anyone knows anything you ought to tell me. Aviquines are very sensitive creatures, and very useful." Hagrid looked around hopefully, but no one stepped forward. Harry furrowed his brow. Why was Marissa doing this? Why did she hate Hermione so much? He started back up to Hogwarts, his mind buzzing with questions.
"Jelly slugs," Harry said to the Fat Lady. She nodded and swung forward to allow him to enter. "Hermione? Are you in here?"
"She is, but she's a bit upset...." a girl's soft voice answered. Harry turned to his right and saw Ginny sitting on a couch, wringing her hands nervously. Harry walked over to the couch and plopped down next to Ginny.
"Do you know where Hermione is? Is she okay?" Harry asked earnestly.
"Yes, she's in the dormitory for girls - I share a room with her because I didn't know anyone else in first year but her and Professor McGonagall said I could," Ginny said, blushing.
"Well, can you get her to come down here?" Harry asked.
"Sure, I can try, but it's going to be a challenge," Ginny replied, smiling. She started up the stairs and disappeared through a door that was labeled "Fifth Year Girl's Dormitory". Moments later the door creaked open and Hermione appeared, puffy eyed but smiling, Ginny shooing her along.
"I'm okay, Harry, you don't have to worry. You can go to lunch. I just don't feel like seeing them there," Hermione said.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Yes, I'm sure," Hermione assured him, smiling weakly.
"Well, you'll be at Potions, right?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Hermione said, making a face. Harry started to leave when Seamus and Dean burst into the Common Room.
"Oy! Hermione! That smack was unbelievable! Maybe you could teach Dean how throw a punch that hurts!" Seamus yelled. "Ow!" he exclaimed as Dean punched him on the shoulder.
"Oh, no!" Hermione said, rushing back upstairs. Harry smiled and turned to see Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan sitting down on two soft plush armchairs.
"Hey, Harry, where'd the star of Magical Creatures class go?" Dean asked, smiling impishly.
"To the girl's dormitory," Harry said, taking a seat next to Dean. "What are you doing here, why aren't you at lunch?"
"Ron and Marissa were…putting on disgusting displays at lunch, and we had enough. They were coming up here after us - to have a little more privacy, I suspect," Dean said beginning to laugh.
"What were they doing?" Harry demanded.
"Well, they were snogging right in front of McGonagall," Seamus answered, snickering uncontrollably.
"You'll see," Dean assured him.
"Great, like I wanted to," Harry grumbled. At this very moment Ron and Marissa strolled hand in hand into the common room, looking very smug. Ginny wrinkled her nose in distaste.
"Hey, Harry, Ron and I are a couple now," Marissa announced, kissing Ron on the nose and giggling.
"That's revolting!" Seamus stated. Privately, Harry agreed.
"Hey, don't talk about Rissa that way!" Ron snapped.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeew!" Ginny squealed. "They have names for each other!"
"Ronniekins, lets get out of here, maybe to a private bathroom?" Marissa suggested.
"Ok…" Ron agreed hesitantly, and they went out of the room, whispering.
"Wow, that was disgusting," Dean said.
"What's gotten into him? He's acting as if someone took over his body or someone possessed him!" Harry exclaimed.
"I know, Harry, I think that she's faking it, and she might hurt Ron," Ginny said worriedly.
"Who cares. He's hurt everyone else, he deserves it!" Harry snapped, stalking out of the room, leaving Ginny bewildered and Seamus and Dean shocked. Harry stomped out into the hall and began walking slowly toward Potions.
"Harry! Wait up! I'll walk with you, now that they're gone!" Hermione yelled breathlessly, trying to catch up.
"Why is Ron acting like such a jerk?" Harry asked, frustrated. "It's really getting on my nerves!"
"Yes, I know, mine too. He thinks he's so special just because a half-wit skank would go out with him and pretend to like him...." Hermione said quietly. Behind them a tall figure with red hair ran past them, a look of shock and unhappiness on his face. "Ron!" Hermione gasped. "He didn't wait to hear the rest, I want the old Ron back."
"Me too, let's catch up to him and explain. We've only got five minutes till Potions!" Harry exclaimed, and they set off running after Ron.
"RON! PLEASE STOP RUNNING!" Hermione yelled. Ron stopped suddenly and whirled around, a look of pure anger and hurt painted on his face.
"Why don't you just say it? That you don't really want to be my friends, that you think I'm jerk, a real idiot and a sniveling loser! Well, I'm not!" Ron snapped.
"Ron, can't you understand? Marissa's acting like a jerk to Hermione! In fact, Marrisa is a jerk to everyone. We just want the old Ron back! That's what Hermione was about to say, but instead of listening to the rest you just bolted. Ron you're our best friend, doesn't that mean more than a girl? A girl who is being a jerk to everyone you know?" Harry said angrily, his green eyes flashing with anger.
"Well…we broke up, actually. She's Malfoy's girlfriend now," Ron admitted sadly. "To think she left me for him.... Well, are you happy now?"
"YES!" Hermione hugged him around the waist, making Ron's face turn the same color as his hair.
"And I guess I was kind of a...." Ron began.
"Jerk!" Hermione provided. "Well, as long as you're here now and you're not with that creep, let's go to Potions!"
"Hermione, ah, Potions started five minutes ago," Harry said.
"Run!" Hermione exclaimed. Five minutes later they arrived puffing and panting at Snape's dungeon.
"Well, how nice of you to join us, Potter, Weasley, Granger. Take your seats and ten points from Gryffindor for being late," Professor Snape said, his lip curling in a sneer. the Slytherins snickered while the Gryffindors glared at Snape.
Hermione, Harry and Ron found a seat in the back with three dusty black chairs and a big black desk that had graffiti all over it, from years of use.
"Today, class, we will be making a form of hair growing potion. It will grow hair where ever you place it, so do be careful or you may end up with Ms. Granger's hairdo," Professor Snape sneered, making all the Slytherins laugh. Harry and Ron both gritted their teeth as Hermione flushed pink and glared at Snape. When she looked up a gleam of amusement danced in her eyes.
"Professor Snape?" Hermione said, her hand shooting through the air, "isn't true that if people had slimy black hair that if the hair was grown back it would always be slimy?"
"Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Ms. Granger, and another two for disrupting the class!" Professor Snape spat. Hermione smiled triumphantly. "First you pour two cups of cold water, two handfuls of hairy tongue plant leaves, two apricots, a Raotane root, and stir, then add a strand of hair from your own head.!"
Hermione stirred her potion and added the ingredients Professor Snape had passed out until it was a greenish-brown color and placed a spoonful on her hair. Ron nearly fell off his chair when her hair rippled and changed to straight auburn.
"But Hermione, I thought you could only have your kind of hair!" Ron exclaimed, amazed.
"Well, it can use what's in your genes, try it," Hermione said smiling. Harry and Ron added their ingredients and stirred. Harry's potion turned bright blue and and Ron's turned clear.
Harry dipped a spoonful of his potion and poured it on his hair. He felt a strange, prickling sensation, and when he pulled out one hair and held it to the light, it was bright red and curly.
Ron tried it and to his distaste his hair turned a mousy brown. Hermione had changed her hair color again, this time to thick, luxurious black curls.
"Wow, someone in my family was blond!" Ron exclaimed as his hair lightened to blond.
"You look so funny with blond hair!' Hermione exclaimed, her black curls bouncing in excitement. Ron was looking at Hermione a little strangely, as if he had missed her, but then, he probably had.
Hermione watched Draco and Marissa stroll into class about forty minutes late. "Harry, Ron, look. Aren't they the perfect couple?"
"Draco and…Marissa, I presume. Sit down, read the board and get to work," Professor Snape ordered. Marissa snuggled closely against Draco as they took a seat in the front of the dungeon.
"Eeeeeeeeew!" Hermione whispered.
"Is there something you would like to say to the whole class, Ms. Granger?" Professor Snape asked dangerously.
"No…" Hermione stifled a giggle as Marissa kissed Draco's ear.
"Well then. Let's get one with class, shall we?" Professor Snape said, strolling around to check the other students' potions. Finally class ended and Harry, Ron, and Hermione left. They stopped outside Potions to talk.
"Finally the last, no more classes until tomorrow. Whew, what a long day," Ron said.
"Yes, well, let's go get to work," Hermione said.
Professor Snape had given them the task of doing an essay on the history of hair growing potions, Professor Flitwick had asked them to practice a new charm, Incarnatus, which would make any existing substance or thing that you pictured in your mind appear at your side. Even Hagrid had asked them to read up about flying horses. They were swamped with work.
Harry and Ron trailed behind Hermione as they climbed up to the Gryffindor tower. "Why'd they give us so much homework?" Ron grumbled.
"I don't know…to make sure we don't have any free time?" Harry suggested.
"Oh, you two! Hurry up! We've got to get a move on!" Hermione said. They reached the portrait, where the Fat Lady was playing Go Fish with one of her friends. "Jelly Slugs."
"Yes, dears, in you go," she said cheerily, swinging forward to let them enter the Gryffindor common room. Hermione, Ron and Harry clambered in and settled down on a couch.
"I think I'll start with Potions, since it's the hardest," Hermione murmured. She reached for her bag just as Ron reached for his. Their hands touched and Hermione pulled hers away, a flush crawling up her face. "Well ah, Harry what are you going to work on?" she asked.
"Er, Potions, I guess. Will you help me with the dates? Snape told us so fast that I didn't get a chance to write it down," Harry explained.
Hermione nodded. "Of course. Ron, why don't you work on it too; that way we'll all get it out of the way."
"Nah, it's not due for three more days! Why would I want to start it early?" Ron asked, grinning.
"Oh, Ron, it wouldn't hurt you to act a little responsible for a while!" Hermione chided.
"Oh no! Here we go again!" Ron said laughing. Hermione swelled up remarkably like a bull frog and threw a pillow at Ron's face.
"Hey!" Ron exclaimed, throwing a pillow at Hermione. It missed, hitting Harry in the face and knocking his glasses off. Harry shoved them back up his nose and threw the pillow back at Ron, accidentally hitting Hermione instead. Soon they were having a vigorous pillow fight.
"I've come at a bad time, I see," Professor McGonagall said dryly from the doorway. "I've come to tell you that your New Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has not showed up yet, but he should by tomorrow morning. First period will be delayed; everyone should be at breakfast as of nine o' clock sharp," Professor McGonagall said, her lips curving into a smile of amusement as she watched Hermione try to calm her static hair. "Now, please straighten this common room up and do something productive, like your homework."
"I thought she was going to kill us!" Ron let out a relieved sigh after the entrance closed.
"I know, I thought we were goners. Guess she's not such a stick in the mud after all," Harry said thoughtfully - or at least, as thoughtfully as he could with his glasses dangling from one ear and his hair standing straight up.
~*~
As he lay in bed that night Harry thought about the amulet. He stared at the water globe, glowing softly on his bureau, and wondered what it had to do with the amulet. I'll go see Dobby tomorrow for sure, Harry thought as he drifted off to sleep.
Harry was awoken by Ron saying, "Harry, get up, it's eight fifty and the assembly will be at nine! Hurry, get dressed, we've got to go!" He shook Harry's shoulder.
"Okay, okay, I'm up," Harry said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and putting on his glasses. He threw on his robes and started down the stairs with Ron right behind him.
"Oh, there you are! Quick, lets go!" Hermione said, striding towards the common room entrance. Ron and Harry followed, moving fast to keep up with her. When they reached the hall it was already full of chattering students, seated at their tables and enjoying breakfast. Hermione hastily took a seat at the Gryffindor table and the boys sat next to her.
"I wonder who Dumbledore's found this time, I hope it's someone good!" Ron exclaimed.
"Yes, that would be a nice change," Hermione murmured, selecting a piece of toast and buttering it.
"That was nice of Dumbledore to give us extra time to introduce the new professor, wasn't it? Pity we have to miss part of Defense Against the Dark Arts, though," Harry said, passing Ron the porridge.
"Any class time missed is okay with me," Ron said, "but pity it wasn't Potions,"
"Yes, that would've been nice. What do we have after Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Hermione asked.
"We have Transfiguration, and then.... Oh, great, we have Divination last," Harry answered gloomily.
"How wonderful, I have Arithmancy today!" Hermione squealed happily.
Ron gave her a disgusted look. "You're so weird."
"Oh, look, Dumbledore's about to announce the new professor!" Harry said eagerly, looking at the teacher's table. "Think that dark-haired guy is the new one?" Ron and Hermione shrugged.
"This is our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Dumbledore announced to the students, gesturing for the man to stand up. "Professor Blake."
A smiling, handsome young man stood up and waved at them. "Hello, everyone. I hope we'll have a wonderful school year, and don't worry, I don't give a lot of homework!"
"He sounds great," Ron said happily. "Not much homework? Looks like we lucked out this time."
Professor Blake sat back down and smiled at Dumbledore, who smiled back at him briefly and reached for the syrup.
Even Hermione seemed to like the new professor. "He's very handsome, isn't he?" she asked, peering over the students' heads. "But I do hope he'll give us enough homework."
Ron rolled his eyes. "I don't." He glanced over at the Slytherin table and his face soured. Harry followed his glance and saw Draco Malfoy and Marissa kissing.
Harry chewed a bite of toast and swallowed. "I wonder if he'll be as annoying as Lockhart."
"I hope not," Ron said fervently. "But Hermione might not mind."
Hermione scowled at him. "I don't know what you're talking about." She turned away and took a bite of porridge.
"Fifteen more minutes till Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry announced.
"Good, now we can find out what the new professor will be like," Hermione said eagerly, picking up her book bag and getting to her feet. "Let's go, breakfast is over in a few minutes."
"A few minutes!" Ron sputtered. "More like ten! It's too early, Hermione."
Hermione ignored him and began walking out of the Great Hall. Ron sighed and followed her, with Harry behind him.
Professor Blake was already sitting at his desk when they entered. Harry, Ron, and Hermione chose the desk near the window, wiping the dust off the chairs before that sat down.
"Oh, hello. What are your names? It wouldn't hurt to take attendance early," Professor Blake said cheerfully.
"I'm Ron Weasley," Ron replied. He glanced at Harry. "He's Harry Potter."
Professor Blake raised his eyebrows. "Harry Potter? Pleasure to meet you. And you, Mr. Weasley."
Ron looked delighted that Harry wasn't being fussed over, but he was no more pleased than Harry, who could clearly remember the torture he'd gone through with Lockhart in second year.
"And who is this lovely young lady?" Blake continued, turning to Hermione.
She blushed. "I'm Hermione Granger."
"Top of the class, aren't you? Professor McGonagall mentioned you," Blake said, and Hermione blushed again, looking pleased.
The class began to stream in, people eyeing the new professor with curiosity. Harry took out his Defense Against the Dark Arts book and opened it.
"Oh, we won't need those," Professor Blake said, glancing at Harry's textbook. "I rarely use books. I find that experience is more useful."
Ron looked gave a joyful whoop and stuffed his textbook back into his book bag roughly. "All right!"
"Well, today we are going to have to take some notes on trolls, I had originally planned a fun activity, but since our class period has been shortened by a half hour there isn't enough time. Oh, well, next time, then. Let's get out our scrolls and quills, shall we? Don't worry, there isn't that much writing involved!" Professor Blake assured them.
"Well, personally I don't mind taking a few good notes," Hermione said, "but learning hands-on is good, too."
"Very good, let's get started." Professor Blake held up a photograph of a lage troll picking its nose. "The most common kind of troll is the mountain troll. As you may know, trolls aren't very bright. Much like our friend Severus Snape."
The class giggled, shooting delighted looks at each other. Ron's mouth hung open.
"He insulted Snape!" he hissed, jabbing Harry in the side. "Could a teacher get more perfect?
~*~
"Great, now we've got Divination," Ron groaned several hours later.
"Well, you should have dropped it like me, it's a load of rubbish," Hermione scolded.
"Well, I dunno what else I'd take," Ron said, annoyed.
"Well, I'm off to Arthimancy, see you later!" Hermione said, turning her heel and walking away, swinging her bookbag. Ron and Harry climbed what seemed like an eternity of stairs before they reached the Divination tower.
"Wow, I forget how long that takes. Let's go in," Harry said, panting as he placed his hand on the ladder that led up to the trap door, the entrance to the stifling classroom. Harry and Ron climbed up and took seats near a window, trying to get a slight breeze as the all too familiar hot, sickly, perfumed air flooded their senses.
"Good day, class, and welcome to your second year of Dinvination. Today we shall be gazing into crystal balls," Professor Trewanley announced in her misty voice. Parvati and Lavender squealed with excitement.
Ron rolled his eyes "Honestly, it's not that impressive." Lavender and Parvati stuck their noses in the air and turned away from him.
"Some people just don't have the gift," Lavender said loudly. Harry and Ron glanced at each other and burst out laughing.
"Now, now, class, please begin," Professor Trelwaney said.
Lavender offered to hand out the crystal balls, and Harry and Ron took turns looking into them.
"Do you think this means there's going to lots of clouds tonight?" Harry joked, pointing at his crystal ball.
"Probably. I can't see anything else either, unless it's smoke from a huge fire," Ron said.
"Wow! That's probably what's going to happen! Ron, you've really improved!" Harry said in mock admiration, and they both burst out laughing.
"Please, you are disturbing the psychic vibrations," Professor Trelawney said, looking quite irritated. Harry and Ron stifled their laughter and began looking blankly into the crystal ball again. They cracked jokes and talked quietly the rest of class and then made their way down to lunch, sitting next to Hermione.
"Hello, Harry, Ron. What'd you do this time in that phony class?" Hermione asked, taking a seat beside Harry.
"Crystal ball gazing, very boring," Ron answered. "Of course, not that we really did anything, but we didn't get any homework, either."
"Oh, we got lots of homework in Arthimancy, but I think it was worth it because we learned all about some really fascinating things today," Hermione said.
"What class do we have next?" Ron asked, grabbing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the table.
"We've got…History of Magic next and then we're all done till tomorrow. Oh good, we've got Herbology, but first we have Charms and Transfiguration. This new three class schedule is a bit bothersome, but it's the fifth year schedule and at least there isn't any more double Potions," Hermione answered.
"Great, time to fill in my nap," Harry said, smirking.
"Harry! Don't you know that if you slept you'd be missing important information, information that could be on tests?" Hermione said, faking astonishment. Ron and Harry broke into laughter.
"Well I would have thought that the two of you would have wanted to take education more seriously. Oh, well, they're your marks," Hermione sniffed. "Let's go early so we can get good seats," she added, slinging her book bag over her shoulder and striding out of the hall.
"Honestly, why does she think that there aren't going to be any seats left? No one likes that class, why would anyone else be there early?" Ron grumbled as he and Harry picked up their book bags and followed reluctantly.
~*~
THE END (of the chapter)
Please let me know what you think!
By ~Misty~
A/N: Hi everyone and thanks for reviewing! ^_^ I changed the font to make it easier to read since Topaz was complaining. I think it looks better myself, but don't tell Topaz, or she'll be gloating for months. Thanks again to Topaz for proofreading the story. Well, let's see what you think of this chapter… ~Misty~
Disclaimer: This story and all of my original characters belong to me, but if you want to use the characters, ask me and I'll probably say yes. Harry Potter belongs to J. K. Rowling and Warner Bros.
A/N: Because I wasn't sure if you knew this, 'blue roan' in a horse means that the horse's coat has black and white hairs mixed together that look bluish from far away. Roan means white hairs mixed with a solid color.
Harry turned and walked outside to the Care of Magical Creatures class, where a group of a winged horses were tethered inside a makeshift corral. Hermione was already there, patting a blue roan winged horse, and another row of flying horses stood beside it in a variety of colors: strawberry roan, chestnut, black, white, and dapple gray.
"Aren't they beautiful?" Hermione said, stroking the blue roan lovingly.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, walking up to the flying horse next to Hermione's. Harry stroked its silky chestnut neck, and the horse nudged him gently, pawing the ground with one hoof. Behind them Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were standing by a tree and with identical malicious looks on their faces. Ron arrived and joined Marissa, who gave him a flirtatious smile.
"All righ' class, these 'ere are flying horses, or aviquines," Hagrid announced.
"Ooooooooooooooooh!" Lavender Brown squealed, scaring her dapple gray aviquine.
"Careful! They're high-strung creatures and they aren't used ter humans, they've jest arrived fresh from the Forbidden Forest," Hagrid warned. Lavender nodded and shut her mouth. "So, as long as yeh don't fool around too much or touch their ears yeh'll be fine. Yeh see, aviquines have very sensitive ears; they can hear things from miles away. They also can sense things much better than we can. For instance, they can feel tremors from an earthquake a day before humans can! They can sense distress, fear, and any other emotions; even the smallest emotion can be picked up by these fellas." Hagrid patted the chocolaty brown aviquine.
Suddenly there was a huge explosion from behind the corral. The winged horses reared up in fright and took off flying as high as their tethers would allow while students screamed and ran. It was a scene of total disarray.
"Watch out, Harry!" Hermione gasped as the blue roan whirled dangerously close to Harry's head.
Harry crouched down and ran out of the way. Ron had barely noticed, he was busy staring at Marissa.
"Is everyone all righ'?" Hagrid asked anxiously, soothing the aviquine nearest him. "Now what blinking idiot started the firework?" He showing them a twisted, charred Filbuster's firework in the palm of his giant hand. "Good, no one's injured. You stay 'ere while I try an calm 'em down!" Hagrid ordered.
Hermione glared at a dumbfounded Ron. "Ron! Didn't you notice Harry was almost killed?!"
"Not really. Sorry, Harry," Ron said absentmindedly.
"Ron, what's the matter with you? Ginny just switched into advanced charms because she did really well last year and she was really nervous. You laughed at her when Neville make a mistake! You mortified her! You're her brother and you turned around and laughed at her!" Hermione cried.
"It was funny," Ron said, snickering. Marissa laughed nastily.
"Stop laughing," Hermione said in deadly voice.
"Why should I?" Marissa asked.
"Because, quite frankly, I'm sick of you! I'm sick of you being such a snobby jerk and a stupid git!" Hermione spat.
"Really, you're pathetic! I never saw such a pitiful little bitch before, you should be ashamed…" Marissa began, but she was cut off by Hermione slapping her across the face.
"WOW, HERMIONE!" Dean Thomas shouted. Marissa, still shocked from being smacked so hard, finally came to her senses. She looked Hermione straight in the eyes.
"You're so pathetic. What makes you think that Ron would ever--" Marissa began, but Hermione had already disappeared.
"What's goin' on 'ere'?" Hagrid asked.
"Cheap little - Oh, hello, Hagrid," Marissa mumbled, startled when Hagrid appeared in front of her.
"Well, since there's been a bit o' a mess this lesson...." Hagrid began, and Malfoy snickered.
"That's just a bit understated," Marissa muttered, scowling at Hagrid.
"Well…ah, the bloomin' idiot who set off that firework caused that, and if anyone knows anything you ought to tell me. Aviquines are very sensitive creatures, and very useful." Hagrid looked around hopefully, but no one stepped forward. Harry furrowed his brow. Why was Marissa doing this? Why did she hate Hermione so much? He started back up to Hogwarts, his mind buzzing with questions.
"Jelly slugs," Harry said to the Fat Lady. She nodded and swung forward to allow him to enter. "Hermione? Are you in here?"
"She is, but she's a bit upset...." a girl's soft voice answered. Harry turned to his right and saw Ginny sitting on a couch, wringing her hands nervously. Harry walked over to the couch and plopped down next to Ginny.
"Do you know where Hermione is? Is she okay?" Harry asked earnestly.
"Yes, she's in the dormitory for girls - I share a room with her because I didn't know anyone else in first year but her and Professor McGonagall said I could," Ginny said, blushing.
"Well, can you get her to come down here?" Harry asked.
"Sure, I can try, but it's going to be a challenge," Ginny replied, smiling. She started up the stairs and disappeared through a door that was labeled "Fifth Year Girl's Dormitory". Moments later the door creaked open and Hermione appeared, puffy eyed but smiling, Ginny shooing her along.
"I'm okay, Harry, you don't have to worry. You can go to lunch. I just don't feel like seeing them there," Hermione said.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Yes, I'm sure," Hermione assured him, smiling weakly.
"Well, you'll be at Potions, right?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Hermione said, making a face. Harry started to leave when Seamus and Dean burst into the Common Room.
"Oy! Hermione! That smack was unbelievable! Maybe you could teach Dean how throw a punch that hurts!" Seamus yelled. "Ow!" he exclaimed as Dean punched him on the shoulder.
"Oh, no!" Hermione said, rushing back upstairs. Harry smiled and turned to see Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan sitting down on two soft plush armchairs.
"Hey, Harry, where'd the star of Magical Creatures class go?" Dean asked, smiling impishly.
"To the girl's dormitory," Harry said, taking a seat next to Dean. "What are you doing here, why aren't you at lunch?"
"Ron and Marissa were…putting on disgusting displays at lunch, and we had enough. They were coming up here after us - to have a little more privacy, I suspect," Dean said beginning to laugh.
"What were they doing?" Harry demanded.
"Well, they were snogging right in front of McGonagall," Seamus answered, snickering uncontrollably.
"You'll see," Dean assured him.
"Great, like I wanted to," Harry grumbled. At this very moment Ron and Marissa strolled hand in hand into the common room, looking very smug. Ginny wrinkled her nose in distaste.
"Hey, Harry, Ron and I are a couple now," Marissa announced, kissing Ron on the nose and giggling.
"That's revolting!" Seamus stated. Privately, Harry agreed.
"Hey, don't talk about Rissa that way!" Ron snapped.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeew!" Ginny squealed. "They have names for each other!"
"Ronniekins, lets get out of here, maybe to a private bathroom?" Marissa suggested.
"Ok…" Ron agreed hesitantly, and they went out of the room, whispering.
"Wow, that was disgusting," Dean said.
"What's gotten into him? He's acting as if someone took over his body or someone possessed him!" Harry exclaimed.
"I know, Harry, I think that she's faking it, and she might hurt Ron," Ginny said worriedly.
"Who cares. He's hurt everyone else, he deserves it!" Harry snapped, stalking out of the room, leaving Ginny bewildered and Seamus and Dean shocked. Harry stomped out into the hall and began walking slowly toward Potions.
"Harry! Wait up! I'll walk with you, now that they're gone!" Hermione yelled breathlessly, trying to catch up.
"Why is Ron acting like such a jerk?" Harry asked, frustrated. "It's really getting on my nerves!"
"Yes, I know, mine too. He thinks he's so special just because a half-wit skank would go out with him and pretend to like him...." Hermione said quietly. Behind them a tall figure with red hair ran past them, a look of shock and unhappiness on his face. "Ron!" Hermione gasped. "He didn't wait to hear the rest, I want the old Ron back."
"Me too, let's catch up to him and explain. We've only got five minutes till Potions!" Harry exclaimed, and they set off running after Ron.
"RON! PLEASE STOP RUNNING!" Hermione yelled. Ron stopped suddenly and whirled around, a look of pure anger and hurt painted on his face.
"Why don't you just say it? That you don't really want to be my friends, that you think I'm jerk, a real idiot and a sniveling loser! Well, I'm not!" Ron snapped.
"Ron, can't you understand? Marissa's acting like a jerk to Hermione! In fact, Marrisa is a jerk to everyone. We just want the old Ron back! That's what Hermione was about to say, but instead of listening to the rest you just bolted. Ron you're our best friend, doesn't that mean more than a girl? A girl who is being a jerk to everyone you know?" Harry said angrily, his green eyes flashing with anger.
"Well…we broke up, actually. She's Malfoy's girlfriend now," Ron admitted sadly. "To think she left me for him.... Well, are you happy now?"
"YES!" Hermione hugged him around the waist, making Ron's face turn the same color as his hair.
"And I guess I was kind of a...." Ron began.
"Jerk!" Hermione provided. "Well, as long as you're here now and you're not with that creep, let's go to Potions!"
"Hermione, ah, Potions started five minutes ago," Harry said.
"Run!" Hermione exclaimed. Five minutes later they arrived puffing and panting at Snape's dungeon.
"Well, how nice of you to join us, Potter, Weasley, Granger. Take your seats and ten points from Gryffindor for being late," Professor Snape said, his lip curling in a sneer. the Slytherins snickered while the Gryffindors glared at Snape.
Hermione, Harry and Ron found a seat in the back with three dusty black chairs and a big black desk that had graffiti all over it, from years of use.
"Today, class, we will be making a form of hair growing potion. It will grow hair where ever you place it, so do be careful or you may end up with Ms. Granger's hairdo," Professor Snape sneered, making all the Slytherins laugh. Harry and Ron both gritted their teeth as Hermione flushed pink and glared at Snape. When she looked up a gleam of amusement danced in her eyes.
"Professor Snape?" Hermione said, her hand shooting through the air, "isn't true that if people had slimy black hair that if the hair was grown back it would always be slimy?"
"Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Ms. Granger, and another two for disrupting the class!" Professor Snape spat. Hermione smiled triumphantly. "First you pour two cups of cold water, two handfuls of hairy tongue plant leaves, two apricots, a Raotane root, and stir, then add a strand of hair from your own head.!"
Hermione stirred her potion and added the ingredients Professor Snape had passed out until it was a greenish-brown color and placed a spoonful on her hair. Ron nearly fell off his chair when her hair rippled and changed to straight auburn.
"But Hermione, I thought you could only have your kind of hair!" Ron exclaimed, amazed.
"Well, it can use what's in your genes, try it," Hermione said smiling. Harry and Ron added their ingredients and stirred. Harry's potion turned bright blue and and Ron's turned clear.
Harry dipped a spoonful of his potion and poured it on his hair. He felt a strange, prickling sensation, and when he pulled out one hair and held it to the light, it was bright red and curly.
Ron tried it and to his distaste his hair turned a mousy brown. Hermione had changed her hair color again, this time to thick, luxurious black curls.
"Wow, someone in my family was blond!" Ron exclaimed as his hair lightened to blond.
"You look so funny with blond hair!' Hermione exclaimed, her black curls bouncing in excitement. Ron was looking at Hermione a little strangely, as if he had missed her, but then, he probably had.
Hermione watched Draco and Marissa stroll into class about forty minutes late. "Harry, Ron, look. Aren't they the perfect couple?"
"Draco and…Marissa, I presume. Sit down, read the board and get to work," Professor Snape ordered. Marissa snuggled closely against Draco as they took a seat in the front of the dungeon.
"Eeeeeeeeew!" Hermione whispered.
"Is there something you would like to say to the whole class, Ms. Granger?" Professor Snape asked dangerously.
"No…" Hermione stifled a giggle as Marissa kissed Draco's ear.
"Well then. Let's get one with class, shall we?" Professor Snape said, strolling around to check the other students' potions. Finally class ended and Harry, Ron, and Hermione left. They stopped outside Potions to talk.
"Finally the last, no more classes until tomorrow. Whew, what a long day," Ron said.
"Yes, well, let's go get to work," Hermione said.
Professor Snape had given them the task of doing an essay on the history of hair growing potions, Professor Flitwick had asked them to practice a new charm, Incarnatus, which would make any existing substance or thing that you pictured in your mind appear at your side. Even Hagrid had asked them to read up about flying horses. They were swamped with work.
Harry and Ron trailed behind Hermione as they climbed up to the Gryffindor tower. "Why'd they give us so much homework?" Ron grumbled.
"I don't know…to make sure we don't have any free time?" Harry suggested.
"Oh, you two! Hurry up! We've got to get a move on!" Hermione said. They reached the portrait, where the Fat Lady was playing Go Fish with one of her friends. "Jelly Slugs."
"Yes, dears, in you go," she said cheerily, swinging forward to let them enter the Gryffindor common room. Hermione, Ron and Harry clambered in and settled down on a couch.
"I think I'll start with Potions, since it's the hardest," Hermione murmured. She reached for her bag just as Ron reached for his. Their hands touched and Hermione pulled hers away, a flush crawling up her face. "Well ah, Harry what are you going to work on?" she asked.
"Er, Potions, I guess. Will you help me with the dates? Snape told us so fast that I didn't get a chance to write it down," Harry explained.
Hermione nodded. "Of course. Ron, why don't you work on it too; that way we'll all get it out of the way."
"Nah, it's not due for three more days! Why would I want to start it early?" Ron asked, grinning.
"Oh, Ron, it wouldn't hurt you to act a little responsible for a while!" Hermione chided.
"Oh no! Here we go again!" Ron said laughing. Hermione swelled up remarkably like a bull frog and threw a pillow at Ron's face.
"Hey!" Ron exclaimed, throwing a pillow at Hermione. It missed, hitting Harry in the face and knocking his glasses off. Harry shoved them back up his nose and threw the pillow back at Ron, accidentally hitting Hermione instead. Soon they were having a vigorous pillow fight.
"I've come at a bad time, I see," Professor McGonagall said dryly from the doorway. "I've come to tell you that your New Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has not showed up yet, but he should by tomorrow morning. First period will be delayed; everyone should be at breakfast as of nine o' clock sharp," Professor McGonagall said, her lips curving into a smile of amusement as she watched Hermione try to calm her static hair. "Now, please straighten this common room up and do something productive, like your homework."
"I thought she was going to kill us!" Ron let out a relieved sigh after the entrance closed.
"I know, I thought we were goners. Guess she's not such a stick in the mud after all," Harry said thoughtfully - or at least, as thoughtfully as he could with his glasses dangling from one ear and his hair standing straight up.
~*~
As he lay in bed that night Harry thought about the amulet. He stared at the water globe, glowing softly on his bureau, and wondered what it had to do with the amulet. I'll go see Dobby tomorrow for sure, Harry thought as he drifted off to sleep.
Harry was awoken by Ron saying, "Harry, get up, it's eight fifty and the assembly will be at nine! Hurry, get dressed, we've got to go!" He shook Harry's shoulder.
"Okay, okay, I'm up," Harry said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and putting on his glasses. He threw on his robes and started down the stairs with Ron right behind him.
"Oh, there you are! Quick, lets go!" Hermione said, striding towards the common room entrance. Ron and Harry followed, moving fast to keep up with her. When they reached the hall it was already full of chattering students, seated at their tables and enjoying breakfast. Hermione hastily took a seat at the Gryffindor table and the boys sat next to her.
"I wonder who Dumbledore's found this time, I hope it's someone good!" Ron exclaimed.
"Yes, that would be a nice change," Hermione murmured, selecting a piece of toast and buttering it.
"That was nice of Dumbledore to give us extra time to introduce the new professor, wasn't it? Pity we have to miss part of Defense Against the Dark Arts, though," Harry said, passing Ron the porridge.
"Any class time missed is okay with me," Ron said, "but pity it wasn't Potions,"
"Yes, that would've been nice. What do we have after Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Hermione asked.
"We have Transfiguration, and then.... Oh, great, we have Divination last," Harry answered gloomily.
"How wonderful, I have Arithmancy today!" Hermione squealed happily.
Ron gave her a disgusted look. "You're so weird."
"Oh, look, Dumbledore's about to announce the new professor!" Harry said eagerly, looking at the teacher's table. "Think that dark-haired guy is the new one?" Ron and Hermione shrugged.
"This is our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Dumbledore announced to the students, gesturing for the man to stand up. "Professor Blake."
A smiling, handsome young man stood up and waved at them. "Hello, everyone. I hope we'll have a wonderful school year, and don't worry, I don't give a lot of homework!"
"He sounds great," Ron said happily. "Not much homework? Looks like we lucked out this time."
Professor Blake sat back down and smiled at Dumbledore, who smiled back at him briefly and reached for the syrup.
Even Hermione seemed to like the new professor. "He's very handsome, isn't he?" she asked, peering over the students' heads. "But I do hope he'll give us enough homework."
Ron rolled his eyes. "I don't." He glanced over at the Slytherin table and his face soured. Harry followed his glance and saw Draco Malfoy and Marissa kissing.
Harry chewed a bite of toast and swallowed. "I wonder if he'll be as annoying as Lockhart."
"I hope not," Ron said fervently. "But Hermione might not mind."
Hermione scowled at him. "I don't know what you're talking about." She turned away and took a bite of porridge.
"Fifteen more minutes till Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry announced.
"Good, now we can find out what the new professor will be like," Hermione said eagerly, picking up her book bag and getting to her feet. "Let's go, breakfast is over in a few minutes."
"A few minutes!" Ron sputtered. "More like ten! It's too early, Hermione."
Hermione ignored him and began walking out of the Great Hall. Ron sighed and followed her, with Harry behind him.
Professor Blake was already sitting at his desk when they entered. Harry, Ron, and Hermione chose the desk near the window, wiping the dust off the chairs before that sat down.
"Oh, hello. What are your names? It wouldn't hurt to take attendance early," Professor Blake said cheerfully.
"I'm Ron Weasley," Ron replied. He glanced at Harry. "He's Harry Potter."
Professor Blake raised his eyebrows. "Harry Potter? Pleasure to meet you. And you, Mr. Weasley."
Ron looked delighted that Harry wasn't being fussed over, but he was no more pleased than Harry, who could clearly remember the torture he'd gone through with Lockhart in second year.
"And who is this lovely young lady?" Blake continued, turning to Hermione.
She blushed. "I'm Hermione Granger."
"Top of the class, aren't you? Professor McGonagall mentioned you," Blake said, and Hermione blushed again, looking pleased.
The class began to stream in, people eyeing the new professor with curiosity. Harry took out his Defense Against the Dark Arts book and opened it.
"Oh, we won't need those," Professor Blake said, glancing at Harry's textbook. "I rarely use books. I find that experience is more useful."
Ron looked gave a joyful whoop and stuffed his textbook back into his book bag roughly. "All right!"
"Well, today we are going to have to take some notes on trolls, I had originally planned a fun activity, but since our class period has been shortened by a half hour there isn't enough time. Oh, well, next time, then. Let's get out our scrolls and quills, shall we? Don't worry, there isn't that much writing involved!" Professor Blake assured them.
"Well, personally I don't mind taking a few good notes," Hermione said, "but learning hands-on is good, too."
"Very good, let's get started." Professor Blake held up a photograph of a lage troll picking its nose. "The most common kind of troll is the mountain troll. As you may know, trolls aren't very bright. Much like our friend Severus Snape."
The class giggled, shooting delighted looks at each other. Ron's mouth hung open.
"He insulted Snape!" he hissed, jabbing Harry in the side. "Could a teacher get more perfect?
~*~
"Great, now we've got Divination," Ron groaned several hours later.
"Well, you should have dropped it like me, it's a load of rubbish," Hermione scolded.
"Well, I dunno what else I'd take," Ron said, annoyed.
"Well, I'm off to Arthimancy, see you later!" Hermione said, turning her heel and walking away, swinging her bookbag. Ron and Harry climbed what seemed like an eternity of stairs before they reached the Divination tower.
"Wow, I forget how long that takes. Let's go in," Harry said, panting as he placed his hand on the ladder that led up to the trap door, the entrance to the stifling classroom. Harry and Ron climbed up and took seats near a window, trying to get a slight breeze as the all too familiar hot, sickly, perfumed air flooded their senses.
"Good day, class, and welcome to your second year of Dinvination. Today we shall be gazing into crystal balls," Professor Trewanley announced in her misty voice. Parvati and Lavender squealed with excitement.
Ron rolled his eyes "Honestly, it's not that impressive." Lavender and Parvati stuck their noses in the air and turned away from him.
"Some people just don't have the gift," Lavender said loudly. Harry and Ron glanced at each other and burst out laughing.
"Now, now, class, please begin," Professor Trelwaney said.
Lavender offered to hand out the crystal balls, and Harry and Ron took turns looking into them.
"Do you think this means there's going to lots of clouds tonight?" Harry joked, pointing at his crystal ball.
"Probably. I can't see anything else either, unless it's smoke from a huge fire," Ron said.
"Wow! That's probably what's going to happen! Ron, you've really improved!" Harry said in mock admiration, and they both burst out laughing.
"Please, you are disturbing the psychic vibrations," Professor Trelawney said, looking quite irritated. Harry and Ron stifled their laughter and began looking blankly into the crystal ball again. They cracked jokes and talked quietly the rest of class and then made their way down to lunch, sitting next to Hermione.
"Hello, Harry, Ron. What'd you do this time in that phony class?" Hermione asked, taking a seat beside Harry.
"Crystal ball gazing, very boring," Ron answered. "Of course, not that we really did anything, but we didn't get any homework, either."
"Oh, we got lots of homework in Arthimancy, but I think it was worth it because we learned all about some really fascinating things today," Hermione said.
"What class do we have next?" Ron asked, grabbing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the table.
"We've got…History of Magic next and then we're all done till tomorrow. Oh good, we've got Herbology, but first we have Charms and Transfiguration. This new three class schedule is a bit bothersome, but it's the fifth year schedule and at least there isn't any more double Potions," Hermione answered.
"Great, time to fill in my nap," Harry said, smirking.
"Harry! Don't you know that if you slept you'd be missing important information, information that could be on tests?" Hermione said, faking astonishment. Ron and Harry broke into laughter.
"Well I would have thought that the two of you would have wanted to take education more seriously. Oh, well, they're your marks," Hermione sniffed. "Let's go early so we can get good seats," she added, slinging her book bag over her shoulder and striding out of the hall.
"Honestly, why does she think that there aren't going to be any seats left? No one likes that class, why would anyone else be there early?" Ron grumbled as he and Harry picked up their book bags and followed reluctantly.
~*~
THE END (of the chapter)
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