A/N: THIS IS DEDICATED TO MEL! ~Healing Vibes! Healing Vibes!~ GET WELL
SOON! THE BAND NEED YOU!!!!!…ok. Mel knows what I mean. The rest of
you…sorry. Not gonna tell. Read this chapter and tell me what you think. In
Which Ron Has A Headache.
Chapter 21
Hermione fumed as she sat in the over-stuffed chair in the corner of the Divination classroom. 'Why did Dumbledore make this class mandatory? I was doing just fine without it and everybody was happy. Stupid Divination…isn't even real magic.' Her thoughts continued along such lines as the class waited for their new Divination Professor to arrive. According to those who had her class previously, she was quite the teacher. Theses sentiments, however, did little to make Hermione more open-minded.
Ron sat next to Hermione, offering her support by just being there, being too scared of her wrath to do more. He talked with Harry about the upcoming Quidditch season. The roster had been posted that morning and read as follows:
Keeper……………………………………………………Ronald Weasley
Chaser 1………………………………………………… Angelina Johnson
Chaser 2…………………………………………………Virginia Weasley
Chaser 3…………………………………………………Dean Thomas
Beater 1…………………………………………………Colin Creevy
Beater 2…………………………………………………Dennis Creevy
Seeker……………………………………………………Harry Potter C.
Professor McGonagall had announced that morning that the replacement announcer would be Seamus Finnigan. The woman must be a masochist. Neville was to be his backup, in case he was sick or (more likely) banned from announcing.
Hermione's murderous thoughts were interrupted when the trapdoor opened. It didn't bang open, signaling a student, nor did it float open, like it would have with Professor Trelawney. It simply opened and Cassandra ascended the ladder into the classroom in a perfectly normal manner. It was, all in all, a very odd thing for a Hogwarts professor to do.
Her long brown hair was pulled partially pulled back on top by an ornate silver clasp, leaving the rest to flow freely down her back. She wore the standard teacher's robes, but they were more flattering on her than one would expect, being clenched in the back by an invisible clasp at her waist. Her face was clean, and devoid of all makeup save for some lip- gloss. Truth is, she didn't need any. She was very attractive, and she knew it. The male population of the class, save Harry and Ron, (who knew better than to stare, lest Hermione finds out) were ogling the new Divination Professor. If she noticed, she didn't comment. When she spoke her voice was powerful, seeming to fill the room and command everybody's attention.
"Welcome to your first true Divination class." Somewhere to the back Lavender and Parvati harrumphed. Cassandra went on, pretending not to notice. "My name is Cassandra. I will be your Divination Professor until such a time when my skills here are no longer needed." Hermione found herself wishing that it wouldn't be for a long time. Mentally she slapped herself. 'It won't do any good to get attached now, I mean, she's a Divination Professor, like Trelawney, and I know how cracked she ended up. Though…she did get rid of that dreadful incense. And she doesn't act like Trelawney, and she is a key member of the mystery of Professor Pierson. Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to get close…' with a purpose now in mind, Hermione sat up strait and prepared to make herself another teacher's pet. Nobody seemed to notice the change in her demeanor.
"I'm sure your previous professor went over tea leaves, tarot cards, and astrology charts, am I correct?" The class nodded and she continued, "Good. Now tell me…who actually saw predictions in such things? Don't be afraid to be truthful. In the back Parvati and Lavender raised their hands high and proud. "Congradulations," Cassandra said to them, "You have been able to do things that soothsayers and charlatans have been doing to thousands of years…not to mention muggles." The hands fell and their faces turned bright red. There were a few scattered snickers, the loudest of which from Ron.
"Unfortunately, do to the lack of true Seers, we will be studying all forms of Divination, from the most reliable to the most unrealistic. We will be starting with Seerers in History and old prophesies. Take you're your papers, it time to take some notes." There were scattered whispered comments and the sound of rustling parchment as the students scrabbled to get ready for notes. Ron paused, reaching for his bag, and groaned, dropping his head. Harry noticed.
"Ron, you ok?" Ron turned to him, his face pale and drawn, small beads of sweat glistening on his brow.
"Yeah Harry. It's just a headache. I got 'em a lot over the summer. They never lasted long. It'll be over soon."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. If it gets any worse I'll go see Madame Pomfrey, ok?" Harry nodded and they turned their attention back to Cassandra.
"Traditional prophecies are written in verse form. Whether or not that was the way the person actually spoke or if that was done for dramatic flare varied from Seer to Seer."
Ron closed his eyes, a drop of sweat falling from his brow. With each word the pain intensified.
"The first prophets, often called prophesiers, or now Seers, were written about in Myths and were thought to be oracles. I believe you will be going over them im your History of Magic class with Pierson."
Ron raised a shaky hand…he had to see Madame Pomfrey.
"I myself was named after-…yes, um…Ron is it?"
"I'm not feeling very well. May I go se Madame Pomfrey?" Quickly taking in his pale face, damp brow, and pained expression, she quickly agreed and insisted that he bring someone to make sure he got there ok. Harry was elected and Ron rose unsteadily to his feet. Hermione was gripping the arms of her chair, obviously concerned about her boyfriend.
With a sudden lurch and a strangled cry Ron fell to his knees, gripping his head tightly in his hands.
"RON!" cried Hermione and Harry simultaneously and they were at his side in a flash. Hermione kneeled in front of him, her hands on his, framing his face. Harry was at his side, one hand on his back. Suddenly Ron froze, his eyes wide and staring, but not seeing. They darted back and forth in his face rapidly, the irises nothing more than a blur.
"Ron?" Hermione questioned. Cassandra was suddenly behind her.
"He can't see you," Cassandra said, her voice somber. "He can't hear you. He can't feel your touch. He won't be able to until this has passed. It won't be long now. Most are fairly quick."
"Most what?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow at her.
"Visions, of course."
"Visions!" This was from Harry. Ron was having a vision? That was almost as ironic as it would have been if it was Hermione.
"Yes," Cassandra answered, surprised. "I take it from your responses that this has never happened before in this class." Harry shook his head. Cassandra looked shocked.
"Oh dear. Uh…you," She pointed to Seamus, "Go to Dumbledore. Tell him what happened and tell him we'll be in the infirmary." Seamus nodded and was out the trapdoor in a flash. "And you," she pointed to Dean, "Go to Professor Pierson. Tell him the same thing. I hate to admit it, but we might need his help." Dean nodded as well, and was fast on Seamus' heals out the door. "Harry, you and Hermione come with me. We're taking him to the medical wing. The rest of you, Class Dismissed!"
In Adam's Classroom
Adam was sitting in his classroom during his free period looking out his window and going over his notes mentally, preparing for his next class when Dean burst in calling his name.
"Professor Pierson! Professor Pierson! Ron collapsed in Divination, and Professor Cassandra said it was a vision. She sent me to get you, they're in the medical wing." Adam had stood when he heard about Ron, for he had grown to like the mercurial redhead. It was Methos; however, who was halfway out the door by the time Dean was finished speaking.
In the Medical Wing
Harry was sitting in the waiting area, lost in his own dark thoughts when first Dumbledore, then Methos entered the room. Dumbledore continued strait through to Ron, but Methos, seeing Harry, paused to talk.
"Harry?" Methos questioned, "Are you ok?" Harry looked up, surprised at the voice. He had been staring at the ground and had failed to notice his entrance. IT seemed to him that he and his friends had been spending too much time in this room…and far too much time in the adjacent one. Quickly pulling himself from his grim thoughts he smiled slightly tat Methos.
"Yeah, I'm ok." Methos could tell strait away that he was not, but if Harry wasn't going to volunteer information yet, than he wasn't going to press the issue.
"Why aren't you in with Ron?" Harry gave him a small rueful grin.
"I was. Madame Pomfrey kicked me out. The only reason Hermione could stay is because she's more stubborn than Madame Pomfrey…and has a wicked tongue and temper." Methos laughed and Harry's smile grew more genuine.
"So what exactly happened?" Harry took a deep breath and told him, in detail, what had transpired less than an hour ago. Methos' face grew serious when he recognized the signs of a true first vision, then thoughtful.
"Tell me Harry," he said, "Has Ron gone through some drastic changes in his appearance. Like a change in hair color, weight, or height?" Slowly Harry nodded.
"Yes. He's shot up like a weed over the summer. He's grown more than a foot since our fourth year! I didn't think much of it at first, though, since both his brothers, Bill and Percy, and his father are built similarly." Methos nodded slowly.
"Has he had a monstrous increase in appetite?" Harry laughed.
"Oh yes! He nearly ate his mother out of house and home! He ate all the treats we could buy on the train, and there is never an empty dish on out table after meals. He's scared the house elves simply by the amount he consumes, but you would never know it to look at him. He's a piece of string!" Methos laughed.
"Mood Swings?" Harry thought for a moment.
"I haven't noticed any, but then, Ron's always been very mercurial and prone to a short fuse. I really couldn't say." Methos nodded again, distractedly, his mind miles away. He came back to himself with a start and smiled at Harry.
"Thank you Harry. Come on, I'll get you in to see your friend." Harry stood and they moved towards the other room. "I have a feeling you're going to know this and you'd find out quickly enough on your own. This will just save everybody a lot of trouble…and detention." Harry grinned quickly. As they entered the room Harry thought, 'he isn't acting like he does in class. And that was a very strange reaction he had to Ron having a vision. It was almost as if he knew what was going on. Professor Pierson, you keep throwing curveballs at me.' It seemed that the "Mystery of Professor Pierson" was going to be a very interesting one, indeed.
TBC.
There you go, another chapter. I hope you're happy. In case I've forgotten to mention before, my disclaimer is on the first page. If you want to know what's mine and what's not…read that. Next time…what did Ron see?
Vertigo – Sorry bout that withdrawal. I'm gonna try to update more frequently. This story is starting to get good. We have action as well as exposition! Yay for plot devises! I'm rambling…glad you liked. One question though…Rabid Fire Deamon??? (Small child voice) I'm scared.
Snow Crash – I will
Vampire Child – Here's your Methos. There will be a lot more of him in the next chapter. Just guess what Ron saw (he he, I am evil)
Ken-chan – Um…not this [Harry Potter school] year. I had though about putting Duncan in this story, but I don't want him there until something happens between Methos and Cassandra (Either one leaves or they become friends) He'll be in the sequel, for sure, and probably in a side story or two. I will write them soon…I just need time.
Lurae – You were right. She's back in the class…but the disruptive comments won't be coming from her. She's gonna get close to her to pump her for info. Any disruption will come from Lavender and Parvati.
Zovc – glad you like.
Lady Cinnibar – Give the girl a break. She just learned about both. It will be sometime in the next few chapters. She will approach Pierson. I will say no more at the present time on the subject (wink!)
Annakas – yep…he is. He don't know it though, and Cassandra doesn't either. Only Methos knows, BUT WILL HE TELL!!!! You're gonna have to keep reading to find out.
Amy Fortuna – There are 3 Harry Potter/Highlander crossovers. (that I've seen) Mine, yours, and another where Cassandra talks to Sirius. I don't remember who wrote it…or what it's called…but I remember it's short. Thanks. Oh, I live your story, too!
Cal – Thanks for the input. I was gonna do that anyway if she rejoined.
WyldeHorse – Herm will. She hears everything. I think Malfoy will too. Hmm…I can go places with this. I will say this to you do…just guess what Ron saw. Go on…Guess.
Sherinde – Glad you like. I will write more. Here you go.
I WILL FINISH THIS STORY…it just might take a while…and over 30 chapters (lol) It's late. I'm gonna post this and go to bed. R/R and enjoy!
Chapter 21
Hermione fumed as she sat in the over-stuffed chair in the corner of the Divination classroom. 'Why did Dumbledore make this class mandatory? I was doing just fine without it and everybody was happy. Stupid Divination…isn't even real magic.' Her thoughts continued along such lines as the class waited for their new Divination Professor to arrive. According to those who had her class previously, she was quite the teacher. Theses sentiments, however, did little to make Hermione more open-minded.
Ron sat next to Hermione, offering her support by just being there, being too scared of her wrath to do more. He talked with Harry about the upcoming Quidditch season. The roster had been posted that morning and read as follows:
Keeper……………………………………………………Ronald Weasley
Chaser 1………………………………………………… Angelina Johnson
Chaser 2…………………………………………………Virginia Weasley
Chaser 3…………………………………………………Dean Thomas
Beater 1…………………………………………………Colin Creevy
Beater 2…………………………………………………Dennis Creevy
Seeker……………………………………………………Harry Potter C.
Professor McGonagall had announced that morning that the replacement announcer would be Seamus Finnigan. The woman must be a masochist. Neville was to be his backup, in case he was sick or (more likely) banned from announcing.
Hermione's murderous thoughts were interrupted when the trapdoor opened. It didn't bang open, signaling a student, nor did it float open, like it would have with Professor Trelawney. It simply opened and Cassandra ascended the ladder into the classroom in a perfectly normal manner. It was, all in all, a very odd thing for a Hogwarts professor to do.
Her long brown hair was pulled partially pulled back on top by an ornate silver clasp, leaving the rest to flow freely down her back. She wore the standard teacher's robes, but they were more flattering on her than one would expect, being clenched in the back by an invisible clasp at her waist. Her face was clean, and devoid of all makeup save for some lip- gloss. Truth is, she didn't need any. She was very attractive, and she knew it. The male population of the class, save Harry and Ron, (who knew better than to stare, lest Hermione finds out) were ogling the new Divination Professor. If she noticed, she didn't comment. When she spoke her voice was powerful, seeming to fill the room and command everybody's attention.
"Welcome to your first true Divination class." Somewhere to the back Lavender and Parvati harrumphed. Cassandra went on, pretending not to notice. "My name is Cassandra. I will be your Divination Professor until such a time when my skills here are no longer needed." Hermione found herself wishing that it wouldn't be for a long time. Mentally she slapped herself. 'It won't do any good to get attached now, I mean, she's a Divination Professor, like Trelawney, and I know how cracked she ended up. Though…she did get rid of that dreadful incense. And she doesn't act like Trelawney, and she is a key member of the mystery of Professor Pierson. Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to get close…' with a purpose now in mind, Hermione sat up strait and prepared to make herself another teacher's pet. Nobody seemed to notice the change in her demeanor.
"I'm sure your previous professor went over tea leaves, tarot cards, and astrology charts, am I correct?" The class nodded and she continued, "Good. Now tell me…who actually saw predictions in such things? Don't be afraid to be truthful. In the back Parvati and Lavender raised their hands high and proud. "Congradulations," Cassandra said to them, "You have been able to do things that soothsayers and charlatans have been doing to thousands of years…not to mention muggles." The hands fell and their faces turned bright red. There were a few scattered snickers, the loudest of which from Ron.
"Unfortunately, do to the lack of true Seers, we will be studying all forms of Divination, from the most reliable to the most unrealistic. We will be starting with Seerers in History and old prophesies. Take you're your papers, it time to take some notes." There were scattered whispered comments and the sound of rustling parchment as the students scrabbled to get ready for notes. Ron paused, reaching for his bag, and groaned, dropping his head. Harry noticed.
"Ron, you ok?" Ron turned to him, his face pale and drawn, small beads of sweat glistening on his brow.
"Yeah Harry. It's just a headache. I got 'em a lot over the summer. They never lasted long. It'll be over soon."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. If it gets any worse I'll go see Madame Pomfrey, ok?" Harry nodded and they turned their attention back to Cassandra.
"Traditional prophecies are written in verse form. Whether or not that was the way the person actually spoke or if that was done for dramatic flare varied from Seer to Seer."
Ron closed his eyes, a drop of sweat falling from his brow. With each word the pain intensified.
"The first prophets, often called prophesiers, or now Seers, were written about in Myths and were thought to be oracles. I believe you will be going over them im your History of Magic class with Pierson."
Ron raised a shaky hand…he had to see Madame Pomfrey.
"I myself was named after-…yes, um…Ron is it?"
"I'm not feeling very well. May I go se Madame Pomfrey?" Quickly taking in his pale face, damp brow, and pained expression, she quickly agreed and insisted that he bring someone to make sure he got there ok. Harry was elected and Ron rose unsteadily to his feet. Hermione was gripping the arms of her chair, obviously concerned about her boyfriend.
With a sudden lurch and a strangled cry Ron fell to his knees, gripping his head tightly in his hands.
"RON!" cried Hermione and Harry simultaneously and they were at his side in a flash. Hermione kneeled in front of him, her hands on his, framing his face. Harry was at his side, one hand on his back. Suddenly Ron froze, his eyes wide and staring, but not seeing. They darted back and forth in his face rapidly, the irises nothing more than a blur.
"Ron?" Hermione questioned. Cassandra was suddenly behind her.
"He can't see you," Cassandra said, her voice somber. "He can't hear you. He can't feel your touch. He won't be able to until this has passed. It won't be long now. Most are fairly quick."
"Most what?" Cassandra raised an eyebrow at her.
"Visions, of course."
"Visions!" This was from Harry. Ron was having a vision? That was almost as ironic as it would have been if it was Hermione.
"Yes," Cassandra answered, surprised. "I take it from your responses that this has never happened before in this class." Harry shook his head. Cassandra looked shocked.
"Oh dear. Uh…you," She pointed to Seamus, "Go to Dumbledore. Tell him what happened and tell him we'll be in the infirmary." Seamus nodded and was out the trapdoor in a flash. "And you," she pointed to Dean, "Go to Professor Pierson. Tell him the same thing. I hate to admit it, but we might need his help." Dean nodded as well, and was fast on Seamus' heals out the door. "Harry, you and Hermione come with me. We're taking him to the medical wing. The rest of you, Class Dismissed!"
In Adam's Classroom
Adam was sitting in his classroom during his free period looking out his window and going over his notes mentally, preparing for his next class when Dean burst in calling his name.
"Professor Pierson! Professor Pierson! Ron collapsed in Divination, and Professor Cassandra said it was a vision. She sent me to get you, they're in the medical wing." Adam had stood when he heard about Ron, for he had grown to like the mercurial redhead. It was Methos; however, who was halfway out the door by the time Dean was finished speaking.
In the Medical Wing
Harry was sitting in the waiting area, lost in his own dark thoughts when first Dumbledore, then Methos entered the room. Dumbledore continued strait through to Ron, but Methos, seeing Harry, paused to talk.
"Harry?" Methos questioned, "Are you ok?" Harry looked up, surprised at the voice. He had been staring at the ground and had failed to notice his entrance. IT seemed to him that he and his friends had been spending too much time in this room…and far too much time in the adjacent one. Quickly pulling himself from his grim thoughts he smiled slightly tat Methos.
"Yeah, I'm ok." Methos could tell strait away that he was not, but if Harry wasn't going to volunteer information yet, than he wasn't going to press the issue.
"Why aren't you in with Ron?" Harry gave him a small rueful grin.
"I was. Madame Pomfrey kicked me out. The only reason Hermione could stay is because she's more stubborn than Madame Pomfrey…and has a wicked tongue and temper." Methos laughed and Harry's smile grew more genuine.
"So what exactly happened?" Harry took a deep breath and told him, in detail, what had transpired less than an hour ago. Methos' face grew serious when he recognized the signs of a true first vision, then thoughtful.
"Tell me Harry," he said, "Has Ron gone through some drastic changes in his appearance. Like a change in hair color, weight, or height?" Slowly Harry nodded.
"Yes. He's shot up like a weed over the summer. He's grown more than a foot since our fourth year! I didn't think much of it at first, though, since both his brothers, Bill and Percy, and his father are built similarly." Methos nodded slowly.
"Has he had a monstrous increase in appetite?" Harry laughed.
"Oh yes! He nearly ate his mother out of house and home! He ate all the treats we could buy on the train, and there is never an empty dish on out table after meals. He's scared the house elves simply by the amount he consumes, but you would never know it to look at him. He's a piece of string!" Methos laughed.
"Mood Swings?" Harry thought for a moment.
"I haven't noticed any, but then, Ron's always been very mercurial and prone to a short fuse. I really couldn't say." Methos nodded again, distractedly, his mind miles away. He came back to himself with a start and smiled at Harry.
"Thank you Harry. Come on, I'll get you in to see your friend." Harry stood and they moved towards the other room. "I have a feeling you're going to know this and you'd find out quickly enough on your own. This will just save everybody a lot of trouble…and detention." Harry grinned quickly. As they entered the room Harry thought, 'he isn't acting like he does in class. And that was a very strange reaction he had to Ron having a vision. It was almost as if he knew what was going on. Professor Pierson, you keep throwing curveballs at me.' It seemed that the "Mystery of Professor Pierson" was going to be a very interesting one, indeed.
TBC.
There you go, another chapter. I hope you're happy. In case I've forgotten to mention before, my disclaimer is on the first page. If you want to know what's mine and what's not…read that. Next time…what did Ron see?
Vertigo – Sorry bout that withdrawal. I'm gonna try to update more frequently. This story is starting to get good. We have action as well as exposition! Yay for plot devises! I'm rambling…glad you liked. One question though…Rabid Fire Deamon??? (Small child voice) I'm scared.
Snow Crash – I will
Vampire Child – Here's your Methos. There will be a lot more of him in the next chapter. Just guess what Ron saw (he he, I am evil)
Ken-chan – Um…not this [Harry Potter school] year. I had though about putting Duncan in this story, but I don't want him there until something happens between Methos and Cassandra (Either one leaves or they become friends) He'll be in the sequel, for sure, and probably in a side story or two. I will write them soon…I just need time.
Lurae – You were right. She's back in the class…but the disruptive comments won't be coming from her. She's gonna get close to her to pump her for info. Any disruption will come from Lavender and Parvati.
Zovc – glad you like.
Lady Cinnibar – Give the girl a break. She just learned about both. It will be sometime in the next few chapters. She will approach Pierson. I will say no more at the present time on the subject (wink!)
Annakas – yep…he is. He don't know it though, and Cassandra doesn't either. Only Methos knows, BUT WILL HE TELL!!!! You're gonna have to keep reading to find out.
Amy Fortuna – There are 3 Harry Potter/Highlander crossovers. (that I've seen) Mine, yours, and another where Cassandra talks to Sirius. I don't remember who wrote it…or what it's called…but I remember it's short. Thanks. Oh, I live your story, too!
Cal – Thanks for the input. I was gonna do that anyway if she rejoined.
WyldeHorse – Herm will. She hears everything. I think Malfoy will too. Hmm…I can go places with this. I will say this to you do…just guess what Ron saw. Go on…Guess.
Sherinde – Glad you like. I will write more. Here you go.
I WILL FINISH THIS STORY…it just might take a while…and over 30 chapters (lol) It's late. I'm gonna post this and go to bed. R/R and enjoy!