CHAPTER FOUR- McGonagall's Mysterious Man
"You're being haunted by Oliver Wood." Ron said that Saturday which also happened to be the second day of school.
"Yes and no. I think he's using his mind to send me the messages. He's been haunting me since yesterday." Harry said, waving his fork around.
"What does he say?" Ron asked, mouth full of breakfast.
"The same thing. Get a Keeper. Get a Keeper. Get a Keeper and get it quickly." Harry said bitterly. "Even after graduating Hogwarts and leaving he's still following me around everywhere, nagging me about Quidditch."
"Oh calm down. Its probably your own mind playing tricks." Hermione said, patting Harry's arm gently.
"Oh good, mail." Harry said as owls flew in. Hedwig brought him a letter from Mrs. Weasley and the Daily Prophet. Pig crashed into Ron's orange juice, soaking the letter from his parents. A gorgeous barred owl dropped a package in Peggy's lap, and a black owl handed Amy a letter. A strange owl delivered a thick envelope to Hermione.
Blushing, she opened it and a four page letter dropped into her hands.
"Who's that from?" Ron asked, trying to get the juice off the letter. Peggy was giggling and he glared at her.
"Oh um, my parents." Hermione said.
"It is not." Ron said.
"How would you know?" Hermione said.
"Its from Krum, isn't it?!" Ron demanded.
"No!" But Hermione was blushing even more now.
"Then let me see." Ron said.
Hermione glared daggers at him. "No." She hissed but Ron snatched the envelope and letter.
"To Hermione Granger from Viktor Krum!" He said accusingly.
"Viktor Krum? The Bulgarian Seeker?" Amy asked in confusion as she opened her own letter.
"Ron! That is mine and it is none of your business." Hermione said, face getting red with anger.
"Ron... she's right. Its hers." Harry said, feeling grouchy. Ron shoved the parchment back at her, grabbed his backpack and stormed out.
"What is with him?" Hermione asked.
"I think he's just... jealous." Harry said. 'Keeper. try-outs. hurry.' said the disembodied voice of Oliver Wood. Harry groaned and his head banged against the table. "Leave me alone." He groaned.
"Hearing Oliver Wood again?" Hermione asked.
"Yes." Harry grumbled.
"Who is Oliver Wood?" Amy asked.
"The old Quidditch team captain and Keeper." Harry sighed heavily.
"Ah." Amy replied and looked at her letter.
"All right!" Peggy said cheerfully as she pulled out some candy from her box. She began eating them quickly.
"Peg! You are going to get sick!" Amy said.
"No I won't." Peggy said, unwrapping a Chocolate Frog. "I've eaten more candy then this in a quicker time. Remember? Last Halloween?"
Amy giggled. "How could I forget?" She asked and turned to Harry and Hermione. "Last year at one of the Halloween parties we went to, there was a candy eating contest and guess who won?"
"I am a girl of many talents and eating fast and lots is one of them." Peggy said proudly.
"I'm headed to the library to study." Hermione said, picking up her backpack.
"I'll go with, if you don't mind." Amy said.
"All right, I could use company." Hermione said. She waited for Amy to finish her orange juice and the two girls left.
"Looks like its just you and me." Peggy informed Harry who lifted his head.
"Do you play Quidditch?" He asked.
"Oh no. No, no, no. Definitely not." She said, shaking her head.
"How come?" He asked.
Peggy sighed. "Okay I'll tell you but you can't tell anyone. Promise?" She asked.
"I promise." Harry said.
"Good because not even Amy knows it. The only person that knows it is. was my best friend ever." She said.
"Was?" Harry asked.
"Uh. he's, uh, not my best friend anymore. Okay, I'm scared of heights." She said.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Scared of heights?"
"Shh! Not so loud!" Peggy hissed and nodded. "Not really scared of heights but. I mean if I'm at a high point and have nothing to hold on, or its a low banister or something lower then my waist then. I get so freaking scared."
"Well you have a broom to hold onto." Harry said in confusion.
"Well uh. actually I-I-I-I've never tried it."
"You've never tried flying on a broom?" Harry asked.
"Well. I prefer other flight anyway."
"Other flight?" Harry asked.
"Uh-huh. Like. Winged Horses and Hippogriffs. You ever ride either of those?"
"Er, I've rode a Hippogriff before." Harry admitted, trying not to think of that experience.
"I prefer flying like that. I mean its just you and the animal soaring high. I love it." She said.
"Sounds like it." Harry said with a smile. "You think you want to... try to fly?" He asked.
Peggy shrugged. "Maybe."
"You should. Its lots of fun."
"What is?" Ron had returned looking a little better. No longer angry.
"Fly-"
"Quidditch." Peggy cut Harry off. "I've never played it before."
"You haven't?" Ron asked, sitting down.
Peggy shook her head. "Nope. Candy?" She asked, offering him a Chocolate Frog.
Ron took it. "Thanks. you need to try Quidditch sometime. Its loads of fun."
"Are you trying out to be on the team?" She asked.
"No, I'm waiting to be a Chaser. That'll be next year.' Ron said, unwrapping the Frog and eating it.
"Keeper. get a Keeper... hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" Harry groaned loudly and dropped his head down on the table.
"Oliver?" Ron asked.
"Yep." Harry groaned, shaking his head. "I think I'll write a letter."
"And in the mean time." Peggy said, looking at Ron.
'What?" He asked.
"Show me more secret passages. Please?" She asked.
"I dunno." He said.
"Please?" Peggy asked, giving him puppy eyes.
"Oh no. not that." Ron said and sighed. "Oh okay fine! I'll show you more passages just please stop the puppy dog eyes."
Peggy stopped and grinned. "Okay great! Meet you in the Front Hall in about ten minutes." She said and skipped off.
"I take it you want to borrow the map again." Harry said. Ron imitated Peggy's puppy dog eyes.
"Please?" He asked.
Harry laughed. "Okay, okay. You know where it is."
"Great! Thanks, Harry!" Ron said and took off.
***
"What's that passage?" Peggy asked, pointing to the map. They had gone through quite a few passages and were walking down a hall, looking for the next nearest one. And the one she pointed to was quite near.
"Um, just a passage." Ron muttered.
"Let's go down it then." She said. Ron's ears turned red.
"No its. its not that. important." He said. Peggy turned the puppy dog eyes on again. "Oh no. No, no, no." Ron moaned.
"Please?" She asked sweetly.
"Oh okay, okay. Follow me." Ron swiped the map clean and walked down the corridors. Peggy happily followed. They arrived at a statue of a one-eyed humped back witch. Ron tapped it and whispered something Peggy didn't hear. The hump moved and showed a passage.
"Awesome! Let's go!" Peggy said and swung one leg in but then shrieked and leapt back, knocking into Ron and they both fell back onto the floor.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked.
"I... stepped on something." She said, getting up off of him. Ron got up and held his wand out.
"Lumos." He said and looked. There was three snakes curled up, asleep. One looked up, blinking in the light. He hissed something and slithered out. Ron watched it slide down the hall as it disappeared from sight.
"Snakes?" Peggy asked, looking in.
"That's weird." Ron said and waved the light at the snakes. The two looked up and slithered out. They dropped onto the floor and slithered off.
"Let's go." Peggy said and jumped into the passage without another thought. Ron shook his head and followed.
*** (As told from Peggy's view)
Ron and I walked down the dark corridor with only our wands to light the way. After a while we found two more snakes. They were curled up against the side of the wall, flitting their tongues angrily at the light. They began arguing with each other. I wished I knew what they were saying but that wasn't my talent. One snapped at the other and they slithered off.
"Are there usually so many snakes in here?" I asked as we continued.
"No." Ron said.
"So where does this passage lead?" I asked.
"Hogsmeade."
"Hogsmeade?"
"A Wizarding village. There are trips there sometimes." Ron explained.
"Ah." I said. Suddenly I stepped on something and it struck me in the ankle. I shrieked and flung back against the wall. I saw a large snake slither away. "Quick, what kind of snake is it?" I demanded.
"It looked like." Ron turned towards me. "It looked like the Indian Purple- Fang we studied yesterday."
"Oh gosh." I whispered, dropping to the ground, shining the light against my ankle. Two holes where the snake bit into, gleamed with blood. As well as purple poison. "How long does it take for the poison to act?" I asked, gripping my ankle.
"I uh. don't know, I haven't done my essay yet." Ron said.
"Are we closer to Hogsmeade or Hogwarts?" I asked. Ron looked at his watch.
"Hogsmeade. We're about fifteen minutes away." He said.
"Okay." I took off my jacket and tied it tightly around my calf. I was just glad I didn't have to wear the stupid Hogwarts uniforms over the weekend cause then I wouldn't have the jacket. "That might help the poison to slow. here, help me." He reached down and I grabbed his wrist. I slowly stood up, feeling pain in my leg. I put my arm around his shoulder and he put his arm around my waist and helped me.
"I wish I had paid attention in class!" Ron said.
"Its okay." I said. Five minutes later I began to feel sick to my stomach.
"You okay?" He asked as I staggered slightly.
"Uh. yeah." I muttered. Five minutes later I nearly fell.
"You want me to carry you?" He asked, helping me stand back up.
"No." I snapped rather more harshly then I meant. "I mean. no, I'm fine." I said. We finally got to the other side and came into the basement of a candy store. We went outside and Ron helped me to the hospital.
The nurse put me on a bed and gave me a large vial. I swiftly drank it and felt sicker. I gripped my stomach and doubled over on the bed. "Ugh." I moaned. The sickness spread down to my leg and suddenly the purple poison oozed out of the bite till it was just a bit of blood. The nurse healed up the two bites and sent me on my way.
Ron and I went outside and I untied the jacket. "You okay?" He asked.
"Yeah, I feel fine now." I said, brushing back some hair.
"Mr. Weasley! Miss Morlins!" We looked up and saw McGonagall striding angrily over to us.
"Uh-oh." Ron whispered and turned to run. He did run. Right into a tree. He staggered back, moaning slightly in pain.
"That is what you get for trying to run away! What in Merlin's beard are you doing here?!" She shrieked.
"We uh-" "We were just-" "And then we-" "Ofcourse-" "See, its-" "Just yeah- "
McGonagall held up her hand. "Enough!" She snapped. Ron and I looked guilty. "You two are in so much trouble." She grabbed our arms and dragged us towards the edge of town and threw us into a carriage. She hopped in and indicated for the driver to take us all back to Hogwarts. McGonagall sat across from us, face stern, lips thin, eyes narrowed. "Now. Tell me. What were you doing in Hogsmeade?"
"Peggy got bit by an Indian Purple-Fang and we went to the hospital." Ron said.
McGonagall sighed and adjusted her glasses. "So you came to Hogsmeade? Why didn't you go to Madame Pomfrey?"
"Well we were closer to Hogs" Ron trailed off and winced. "meade."
"And what were you doing closer to Hogsmeade? How did you get here?" She demanded.
"Its all my fault Professor." I said. "Ron was telling me about Hogsmeade and I begged him to take me here. On the way I got bitten. Please, Professor, its all my fault." I said. Ron looked at me angrily.
"Miss Morlins." McGonagall said and shook her head. "Thirty points from Gryffindor and detention." She said.
"Yes Professor." I sighed.
"And as for you, Mr. Weasley." She looked sternly at him. "I'll let you off with a warning."
"Yes, Professor." Ron nodded then looked up. "What were you doing in Hogsmeade?"
"I was meeti- that is none of your business, Mr. Weasley." McGonagall snapped. Her cheeks went pink and she quickly looked outside.
***
"Yes that sounds like Peg." Amy said. Ron had just told them what had happened earlier. He, Harry and Amy were heading towards the library. Peggy was being given a talking-to by Dumbledore.
"It was stupid. Its my fault, too.' Ron complained.
"Don't worry about it. Peggy is... well, she's like that." Amy said with a shrug.
"Sending me to do a job that she should do." Amy turned at the voice. It was a hissy snake voice. A large emerald tree boa was slithering down the corridors complaining bitterly to herself. "What do I look like, a servant?" She demanded. Ron and Harry had stopped when Amy did.
"Another snake? What is this, national snake day?" Ron demanded.
Amy rolled her eyes and continued watching the snake. The snake stopped and looked over at her. "Hello." She said. Amy nodded at her and the snake continued.
"Why did you nod at that snake?" Harry asked slowly. Amy bit her bottom lip and turned.
"I uh."
"Could you. understand it?" He asked.
"Maybe." Amy said, scowling.
"Y-you're a Parselmouth?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, so?" Amy demanded. "Are you going to make fun of me like everyone else?"
"No! Ofcourse not. I." Harry trailed off. "I'm a Parselmouth, too."
Her eyes got wide. "Y-you are?" She whispered.
"Yeah. I've never met another Parselmouth except for, well, Voldemort." He said.
"Me either. I mean, minus the Voldemort part." Amy said with a laugh. "I've never met any other Parselmouth."
"You said his name." Harry said.
"Whose name?" Amy asked as they started walking again.
"Voldemort." Harry said.
"Oh, his name. Why, you don't me to say his name?"
"No, its not that. Its just. hardly anyone else has said his name before." Harry said.
"Oh. Well, I don't really care I mean. its just I don't see any point in saying 'You-Know-Who' and all that other junk. I mean, so what about his name? Voldemort. What, saying it is going to end the world? Or maybe its like Beetlejuice. Say it three time and he appears? Yeah I can actually imagine that. Voldemort dressed in white and black, with green hair." Amy said and burst into laughter. Ron was shuddering- hating this conversation, and Harry's eyes got wide. "What?" Amy asked.
"N-nothing. I just never heard anyone making fun of him before." Harry admitted.
"Oh." Amy said slowly. "Well, sorry if it upset you."
"No, it didn't upset me just... surprised me." Harry said, looking at Ron who shrugged.
***
Monday came quickly and it was time for the first class of the day, Transfiguration. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Peggy and Amy went into the class and sat down.
"Wait, where's McGonagall?" Hermione asked, frowning. McGonagall wasn't there and everyone looked confused.
"No class!" Dean yelled, jumping up.
"All right!" Donnie shouted and they gave each other a high-five. They picked up their backpacks and started to leave but when they opened the door, McGonagall came in.
"Where are you two going?" She asked.
"Uh. bathroom?" Donnie asked.
"Sit down." She sighed. The cousins took their seats and groaned. McGonagall went to her desk and began going through her papers. Her face was glowing with happiness. "Lets see. oh, I forgot to bring your homework I checked over with me, silly me... and I forgot to write up what we'll be doing today.." Everyone but the new students gasped in surprise. "Oh. I'll be right back. Miss Granger make sure no one gets. out of hand. I'll be back." She nodded and left, humming happily to herself. The class sort of sat there in a stupor.
"Okay something is seriously wrong with Professor McGonagall." Lavender Brown said finally.
"Maybe she's sick." Neville said.
"Maybe it has something to do with why she was in Hogsmeade on Saturday." Ron suggested.
"Well I'm worried." Hermione said. The class talked about what happened until she returned. After they reviewed over things, the class was dismissed. Hermione stayed back. "Professor?" She asked.
"Yes?" She asked, looking up from her desk.
"Is. something wrong?" She asked.
"No. Ofcourse not. Why do you ask?"
"Well. I've never seen you act like this." Hermione said.
"Oh." McGonagall said, flustered. "well I. I've just been in such a good mood, I suppose."
"I shouldn't of asked. I'm sorry, its. it was rude of me." Hermione said.
"No, its okay Miss Granger. That's it, really. I've been in a very good mood. Now you better get to class." She said.
"All right, Professor." Hermione said and left.
*** (Draco Malfoy's point of view)
I walked down the corridors, my boots hitting against the stone. Crabbe and Goyle were behind me like always. "Where's the stupid classroom?" I asked.
"Uh." Crabbe said. No point asking them. They were just stupid. All they were good for was hurting others.
"Never mind." I said with a sigh. We finally found the Healing classroom after a long time. It was on the fifth floor near the end of a dark corridor. "What brilliant idiot decided to put it here?" I griped to myself and opened the door.
I stared around at the classroom. It was nothing like any classroom I had ever seen before. One wall was completely missing to let in fresh air and sunlight. I could see outside over at the greenhouses where a large group of Third years were walking. And over towards that half-giant, I saw older students heading for Care Of Magical Creatures. Inside the room, in either corner against the wall where the door was, held huge potted palm trees. There were no desks or chairs and one large blackboard floating around in the air. One of the walls was covered with vines and large, colorful, exotic flowers. There was a door on the other wall and a bunch of tall, glass-door cabinets. Inside were many jars and bottles and things.
"Where's the teacher?" Granger asked as we all grouped near the door. I sneered at her. I couldn't believe I had to take a third class with the Gryffindors.
"Hello class!" We all jumped as a woman appeared outside on a broom. Everyone gaped at her as she landed on the ground and sent her broom to the closet. "Well come in and sit down." She said. We looked around because there was no where to sit. The Professor laughed and sat down on the floor. Slowly, we followed suite. Sitting on the floor. Ugh! I glared at the teacher with obvious detest on my face. "I am Professor Joyce Amah." She said happily. "I hope you enjoy my class. Sorry if the missing wall bothers you. I like it gone to let in plenty of fresh air and sunshine." She explained.
I rolled my eyes. Teachers like her annoyed me to no end. She took roll call then got out her wand and indicated for us to all follow suite.
Sighing, I pulled out my wand.
"Now then! I'll partner you up." She said and read over the list, partnering us up alphabetically. I was incredibly angry to be paired up with a Gryffindor. It was one of the new ones, Penny Morlins or whatever. She walked over and sat down.
"Hi." She said cheerfully.
"Don't talk to me." I sneered.
"Why not?" She asked.
"Because." I continued. Amah explained that one of us would have to be the victim and the other, the healer. The victim had to be cut on the arm. "You're the victim." I said as soon as she mentioned this.
"All right, I don't mind." Morlins said with a shrug. Amah handed out small knives.
"Do it like, on your arm." She said. "And if the healer can't heal and you want the cut gone, talk to me." She said and sat back down near the front of the class. "The spell is 'Healio Cuttus' and you point your wand at the cut." She said and waved at us to do so.
I turned and sneered at Morlins as she gave herself a cut on the arm. "Okay, ready." She said.
I pointed my wand at the cut. "Healio Cuttus." I said. A jet of silver light shot out and touched her cut. She screamed and jerked back.
"OUCH!" She screamed. "Owowowowowowowowow!!!!!" She yelled and rolled on the ground.
"What happened?" I scowled as Potter looked over.
"It felt like I put the knife back in the cut or something. Cold metal in my gash." She said, looking at me.
"Oh, by the way. To make the spell work you have to want for the cut to be healed." Amah added.
"Oh thanks." Morlins said flatly at me.
"I didn't choose to be paired up with a Gryffindor." I sneered.
"Oh so you are a Houseist." She said.
"What?!" I demanded.
"Houseist. You are against anyone from any other house but your own." She explained.
"Then yes I am." I said, scowling.
"Now heal my cut." She said.
I let out a heavy sigh and pointed at her cut. "Healio Cuttus." I drawled out. This time the light was a silvery purple. I watched as it went into Morlins skin and the cut disappeared.
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy." Amah said. Morlins handed me the knife.
"What is that for?" I asked.
"Your turn."
"What?" I spatted out.
"Mr. Malfoy, everyone needs to do it." Amah said.
"No." I said, folding my arms.
"What is the matter, Malfoy. Scared?" Weasley mocked. He had been paired up with one of the Thomas boys, I didn't know (or cared) which, and he had a cut in his arm. "Does a little pain make you afwaid?" He continued.
"Give me that knife." I growled, grabbing the knife from Morlins' hand. Only I grabbed the knife end and yelped in pain as the blade sunk into my hand. Potter and Weasley burst into laughter. "I meant to do that." I sneered.
"Yeah, suuuurrreee." Potter said and they laughed again.
"Guys." Morlins said with a sigh.
"Don't stick up for me, Gryffindor, and get on with the charm." I snapped bitterly at her. Morlins shrugged.
"Healio Cuttus!" She said. I felt warmth go into my cut and the pain left. Amah kept making us do it over and over till she was sure we got it. Once we pretty much mastered it we were free to go. I was very glad to get away from the Gryffindors.
*** (Harry's point of view)
Hermione, Amy and I sat around a table in the library that evening, studying. Peggy had begged Ron to show her more secret passages despite of the accident on Saturday. Hermione left to get a book, leaving Amy and me alone. She was bent over her parchment, writing. Her quill wavered as she scribbled furiously.
"What do think of Hogwarts?" I asked.
"Its great." She said, tucking back a strand of hair and smiling.
I couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. "That's good."
"What homework are you doing?" She asked.
"Potions." I said, showing her the paper.
"Oh, your last name is Potter?" She asked.
"Uh, yeah, didn't you know?" I asked.
"No." She said, handing my paper back. "You never told me your full name."
"You still don't know it. I have a middle name." I said and Amy laughed.
"True."
"So you didn't know I was Harry Potter?" I asked.
"No." She said and went back down to writing. I was surprised she didn't make a fuss.
"I thought you knew I mean... with my scar." I said.
"What does having a scar have to do with it?" She asked.
"That's what makes Harry famous." Hermione appeared.
"You're famous?" Amy asked, frowning.
"Hello? Harry Potter?" Hermione asked. I rolled my eyes.
"And I'm supposed to know that?" Amy asked.
"You-Know-Who tried to kill him but failed?" Hermione asked.
Amy sucked on the end of her quill. "Um. no, sorry never heard about anything about that."
I snorted in surprise. "You didn't?"
"No... should I?" She asked.
"He's famous! Everyone knows who he is!" Hermione said, waving her hand.
"Hermione." I groaned.
"Well then I'm nobody if everyone knows about him cause I don't know who he is."
"You don't." I said.
'No, sorry."
"Are you joking?" I asked.
Amy shook her head. "I really never heard of you before I met you!" She insisted.
"Wow." I said and grinned. I had a feeling Amy and I were going to be good friends. "You do know who You-Know-Who is." I said.
"Yeah, Voldie Moore." She giggled, making fun of him again. "Oh, sorry." She added seeing my face. 'I mean Voldemort."
"You know who You-Know-Who is and you don't know who Harry is." Hermione said. I shot her an angry look 'Drop it'. I mouthed.
"No, I-I'm sorry. I don't really read magazines or newspapers or anything like that." Amy said with a shrug.
"Yeah well let's study." I said quickly. 'Sorry'. Hermione mouthed. I shrugged and turned down to my homework.
*** (Ron's point of view)
"Oh my gosh that was so much fun." Peggy giggled as she and I stepped out from a secret passage. "Are there more?"
I laughed. "Sheesh, Peggy. We've already probably spent 6 hours exploring secret passages the past few days." I said.
"So?" She asked. "I love secret passages. So mysterious. and helpful, you know." She added.
I just laughed and shook my head. "Maybe later." I then realized what room we had come out in. "Uh-oh." I said.
"What? What is it?" Peggy asked.
"The teacher's lounge." I said and saw the door begin to open. I pushed Peggy back into the closet and jumped in myself, shutting the door as the other door opened.
"Ron you idiot now this skirt is all bunched up." Peggy snapped.
"I'm not looking!" I growled back.
"Are you going to agree?" I heard the voice of Professor Sinistra, the Astronomy teacher asked.
"I don't know." I heard McGonagall sigh. "I want to but I don't."
"I know what you mean... well, I don't know what to say." Sinistra replied.
"I don't believe this. I get asked out and now I'm acting like a little school-girl!" McGonagall said. I raised my eyebrows. McGonagall was asked out? That was impossible! She was a teacher! Teachers aren't supposed to date. They're supposed to... teach!
"I think you two would make a wonderful couple. You like him."
"Yes I know but. I'll have to think about it." McGonagall said. "Ah, here's the book." I heard them leave and Peggy and I stumbled out. Peggy was giggling.
'What're you giggling at?" I asked.
"That explains why McGonagall's been acting like that. She's got a man." Peggy said and fell over giggling.
"Quit giggling and let's get out of here before any other teachers come in." I said. We headed to the door, she still giggling. I peered out and saw a bunch of students but no teachers. "Coast is clear." We slipped out and walked down the corridors. "Would you stop that giggling?" I asked.
"Sorry." Peggy said but continued to giggle.
"You're being haunted by Oliver Wood." Ron said that Saturday which also happened to be the second day of school.
"Yes and no. I think he's using his mind to send me the messages. He's been haunting me since yesterday." Harry said, waving his fork around.
"What does he say?" Ron asked, mouth full of breakfast.
"The same thing. Get a Keeper. Get a Keeper. Get a Keeper and get it quickly." Harry said bitterly. "Even after graduating Hogwarts and leaving he's still following me around everywhere, nagging me about Quidditch."
"Oh calm down. Its probably your own mind playing tricks." Hermione said, patting Harry's arm gently.
"Oh good, mail." Harry said as owls flew in. Hedwig brought him a letter from Mrs. Weasley and the Daily Prophet. Pig crashed into Ron's orange juice, soaking the letter from his parents. A gorgeous barred owl dropped a package in Peggy's lap, and a black owl handed Amy a letter. A strange owl delivered a thick envelope to Hermione.
Blushing, she opened it and a four page letter dropped into her hands.
"Who's that from?" Ron asked, trying to get the juice off the letter. Peggy was giggling and he glared at her.
"Oh um, my parents." Hermione said.
"It is not." Ron said.
"How would you know?" Hermione said.
"Its from Krum, isn't it?!" Ron demanded.
"No!" But Hermione was blushing even more now.
"Then let me see." Ron said.
Hermione glared daggers at him. "No." She hissed but Ron snatched the envelope and letter.
"To Hermione Granger from Viktor Krum!" He said accusingly.
"Viktor Krum? The Bulgarian Seeker?" Amy asked in confusion as she opened her own letter.
"Ron! That is mine and it is none of your business." Hermione said, face getting red with anger.
"Ron... she's right. Its hers." Harry said, feeling grouchy. Ron shoved the parchment back at her, grabbed his backpack and stormed out.
"What is with him?" Hermione asked.
"I think he's just... jealous." Harry said. 'Keeper. try-outs. hurry.' said the disembodied voice of Oliver Wood. Harry groaned and his head banged against the table. "Leave me alone." He groaned.
"Hearing Oliver Wood again?" Hermione asked.
"Yes." Harry grumbled.
"Who is Oliver Wood?" Amy asked.
"The old Quidditch team captain and Keeper." Harry sighed heavily.
"Ah." Amy replied and looked at her letter.
"All right!" Peggy said cheerfully as she pulled out some candy from her box. She began eating them quickly.
"Peg! You are going to get sick!" Amy said.
"No I won't." Peggy said, unwrapping a Chocolate Frog. "I've eaten more candy then this in a quicker time. Remember? Last Halloween?"
Amy giggled. "How could I forget?" She asked and turned to Harry and Hermione. "Last year at one of the Halloween parties we went to, there was a candy eating contest and guess who won?"
"I am a girl of many talents and eating fast and lots is one of them." Peggy said proudly.
"I'm headed to the library to study." Hermione said, picking up her backpack.
"I'll go with, if you don't mind." Amy said.
"All right, I could use company." Hermione said. She waited for Amy to finish her orange juice and the two girls left.
"Looks like its just you and me." Peggy informed Harry who lifted his head.
"Do you play Quidditch?" He asked.
"Oh no. No, no, no. Definitely not." She said, shaking her head.
"How come?" He asked.
Peggy sighed. "Okay I'll tell you but you can't tell anyone. Promise?" She asked.
"I promise." Harry said.
"Good because not even Amy knows it. The only person that knows it is. was my best friend ever." She said.
"Was?" Harry asked.
"Uh. he's, uh, not my best friend anymore. Okay, I'm scared of heights." She said.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Scared of heights?"
"Shh! Not so loud!" Peggy hissed and nodded. "Not really scared of heights but. I mean if I'm at a high point and have nothing to hold on, or its a low banister or something lower then my waist then. I get so freaking scared."
"Well you have a broom to hold onto." Harry said in confusion.
"Well uh. actually I-I-I-I've never tried it."
"You've never tried flying on a broom?" Harry asked.
"Well. I prefer other flight anyway."
"Other flight?" Harry asked.
"Uh-huh. Like. Winged Horses and Hippogriffs. You ever ride either of those?"
"Er, I've rode a Hippogriff before." Harry admitted, trying not to think of that experience.
"I prefer flying like that. I mean its just you and the animal soaring high. I love it." She said.
"Sounds like it." Harry said with a smile. "You think you want to... try to fly?" He asked.
Peggy shrugged. "Maybe."
"You should. Its lots of fun."
"What is?" Ron had returned looking a little better. No longer angry.
"Fly-"
"Quidditch." Peggy cut Harry off. "I've never played it before."
"You haven't?" Ron asked, sitting down.
Peggy shook her head. "Nope. Candy?" She asked, offering him a Chocolate Frog.
Ron took it. "Thanks. you need to try Quidditch sometime. Its loads of fun."
"Are you trying out to be on the team?" She asked.
"No, I'm waiting to be a Chaser. That'll be next year.' Ron said, unwrapping the Frog and eating it.
"Keeper. get a Keeper... hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" Harry groaned loudly and dropped his head down on the table.
"Oliver?" Ron asked.
"Yep." Harry groaned, shaking his head. "I think I'll write a letter."
"And in the mean time." Peggy said, looking at Ron.
'What?" He asked.
"Show me more secret passages. Please?" She asked.
"I dunno." He said.
"Please?" Peggy asked, giving him puppy eyes.
"Oh no. not that." Ron said and sighed. "Oh okay fine! I'll show you more passages just please stop the puppy dog eyes."
Peggy stopped and grinned. "Okay great! Meet you in the Front Hall in about ten minutes." She said and skipped off.
"I take it you want to borrow the map again." Harry said. Ron imitated Peggy's puppy dog eyes.
"Please?" He asked.
Harry laughed. "Okay, okay. You know where it is."
"Great! Thanks, Harry!" Ron said and took off.
***
"What's that passage?" Peggy asked, pointing to the map. They had gone through quite a few passages and were walking down a hall, looking for the next nearest one. And the one she pointed to was quite near.
"Um, just a passage." Ron muttered.
"Let's go down it then." She said. Ron's ears turned red.
"No its. its not that. important." He said. Peggy turned the puppy dog eyes on again. "Oh no. No, no, no." Ron moaned.
"Please?" She asked sweetly.
"Oh okay, okay. Follow me." Ron swiped the map clean and walked down the corridors. Peggy happily followed. They arrived at a statue of a one-eyed humped back witch. Ron tapped it and whispered something Peggy didn't hear. The hump moved and showed a passage.
"Awesome! Let's go!" Peggy said and swung one leg in but then shrieked and leapt back, knocking into Ron and they both fell back onto the floor.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked.
"I... stepped on something." She said, getting up off of him. Ron got up and held his wand out.
"Lumos." He said and looked. There was three snakes curled up, asleep. One looked up, blinking in the light. He hissed something and slithered out. Ron watched it slide down the hall as it disappeared from sight.
"Snakes?" Peggy asked, looking in.
"That's weird." Ron said and waved the light at the snakes. The two looked up and slithered out. They dropped onto the floor and slithered off.
"Let's go." Peggy said and jumped into the passage without another thought. Ron shook his head and followed.
*** (As told from Peggy's view)
Ron and I walked down the dark corridor with only our wands to light the way. After a while we found two more snakes. They were curled up against the side of the wall, flitting their tongues angrily at the light. They began arguing with each other. I wished I knew what they were saying but that wasn't my talent. One snapped at the other and they slithered off.
"Are there usually so many snakes in here?" I asked as we continued.
"No." Ron said.
"So where does this passage lead?" I asked.
"Hogsmeade."
"Hogsmeade?"
"A Wizarding village. There are trips there sometimes." Ron explained.
"Ah." I said. Suddenly I stepped on something and it struck me in the ankle. I shrieked and flung back against the wall. I saw a large snake slither away. "Quick, what kind of snake is it?" I demanded.
"It looked like." Ron turned towards me. "It looked like the Indian Purple- Fang we studied yesterday."
"Oh gosh." I whispered, dropping to the ground, shining the light against my ankle. Two holes where the snake bit into, gleamed with blood. As well as purple poison. "How long does it take for the poison to act?" I asked, gripping my ankle.
"I uh. don't know, I haven't done my essay yet." Ron said.
"Are we closer to Hogsmeade or Hogwarts?" I asked. Ron looked at his watch.
"Hogsmeade. We're about fifteen minutes away." He said.
"Okay." I took off my jacket and tied it tightly around my calf. I was just glad I didn't have to wear the stupid Hogwarts uniforms over the weekend cause then I wouldn't have the jacket. "That might help the poison to slow. here, help me." He reached down and I grabbed his wrist. I slowly stood up, feeling pain in my leg. I put my arm around his shoulder and he put his arm around my waist and helped me.
"I wish I had paid attention in class!" Ron said.
"Its okay." I said. Five minutes later I began to feel sick to my stomach.
"You okay?" He asked as I staggered slightly.
"Uh. yeah." I muttered. Five minutes later I nearly fell.
"You want me to carry you?" He asked, helping me stand back up.
"No." I snapped rather more harshly then I meant. "I mean. no, I'm fine." I said. We finally got to the other side and came into the basement of a candy store. We went outside and Ron helped me to the hospital.
The nurse put me on a bed and gave me a large vial. I swiftly drank it and felt sicker. I gripped my stomach and doubled over on the bed. "Ugh." I moaned. The sickness spread down to my leg and suddenly the purple poison oozed out of the bite till it was just a bit of blood. The nurse healed up the two bites and sent me on my way.
Ron and I went outside and I untied the jacket. "You okay?" He asked.
"Yeah, I feel fine now." I said, brushing back some hair.
"Mr. Weasley! Miss Morlins!" We looked up and saw McGonagall striding angrily over to us.
"Uh-oh." Ron whispered and turned to run. He did run. Right into a tree. He staggered back, moaning slightly in pain.
"That is what you get for trying to run away! What in Merlin's beard are you doing here?!" She shrieked.
"We uh-" "We were just-" "And then we-" "Ofcourse-" "See, its-" "Just yeah- "
McGonagall held up her hand. "Enough!" She snapped. Ron and I looked guilty. "You two are in so much trouble." She grabbed our arms and dragged us towards the edge of town and threw us into a carriage. She hopped in and indicated for the driver to take us all back to Hogwarts. McGonagall sat across from us, face stern, lips thin, eyes narrowed. "Now. Tell me. What were you doing in Hogsmeade?"
"Peggy got bit by an Indian Purple-Fang and we went to the hospital." Ron said.
McGonagall sighed and adjusted her glasses. "So you came to Hogsmeade? Why didn't you go to Madame Pomfrey?"
"Well we were closer to Hogs" Ron trailed off and winced. "meade."
"And what were you doing closer to Hogsmeade? How did you get here?" She demanded.
"Its all my fault Professor." I said. "Ron was telling me about Hogsmeade and I begged him to take me here. On the way I got bitten. Please, Professor, its all my fault." I said. Ron looked at me angrily.
"Miss Morlins." McGonagall said and shook her head. "Thirty points from Gryffindor and detention." She said.
"Yes Professor." I sighed.
"And as for you, Mr. Weasley." She looked sternly at him. "I'll let you off with a warning."
"Yes, Professor." Ron nodded then looked up. "What were you doing in Hogsmeade?"
"I was meeti- that is none of your business, Mr. Weasley." McGonagall snapped. Her cheeks went pink and she quickly looked outside.
***
"Yes that sounds like Peg." Amy said. Ron had just told them what had happened earlier. He, Harry and Amy were heading towards the library. Peggy was being given a talking-to by Dumbledore.
"It was stupid. Its my fault, too.' Ron complained.
"Don't worry about it. Peggy is... well, she's like that." Amy said with a shrug.
"Sending me to do a job that she should do." Amy turned at the voice. It was a hissy snake voice. A large emerald tree boa was slithering down the corridors complaining bitterly to herself. "What do I look like, a servant?" She demanded. Ron and Harry had stopped when Amy did.
"Another snake? What is this, national snake day?" Ron demanded.
Amy rolled her eyes and continued watching the snake. The snake stopped and looked over at her. "Hello." She said. Amy nodded at her and the snake continued.
"Why did you nod at that snake?" Harry asked slowly. Amy bit her bottom lip and turned.
"I uh."
"Could you. understand it?" He asked.
"Maybe." Amy said, scowling.
"Y-you're a Parselmouth?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, so?" Amy demanded. "Are you going to make fun of me like everyone else?"
"No! Ofcourse not. I." Harry trailed off. "I'm a Parselmouth, too."
Her eyes got wide. "Y-you are?" She whispered.
"Yeah. I've never met another Parselmouth except for, well, Voldemort." He said.
"Me either. I mean, minus the Voldemort part." Amy said with a laugh. "I've never met any other Parselmouth."
"You said his name." Harry said.
"Whose name?" Amy asked as they started walking again.
"Voldemort." Harry said.
"Oh, his name. Why, you don't me to say his name?"
"No, its not that. Its just. hardly anyone else has said his name before." Harry said.
"Oh. Well, I don't really care I mean. its just I don't see any point in saying 'You-Know-Who' and all that other junk. I mean, so what about his name? Voldemort. What, saying it is going to end the world? Or maybe its like Beetlejuice. Say it three time and he appears? Yeah I can actually imagine that. Voldemort dressed in white and black, with green hair." Amy said and burst into laughter. Ron was shuddering- hating this conversation, and Harry's eyes got wide. "What?" Amy asked.
"N-nothing. I just never heard anyone making fun of him before." Harry admitted.
"Oh." Amy said slowly. "Well, sorry if it upset you."
"No, it didn't upset me just... surprised me." Harry said, looking at Ron who shrugged.
***
Monday came quickly and it was time for the first class of the day, Transfiguration. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Peggy and Amy went into the class and sat down.
"Wait, where's McGonagall?" Hermione asked, frowning. McGonagall wasn't there and everyone looked confused.
"No class!" Dean yelled, jumping up.
"All right!" Donnie shouted and they gave each other a high-five. They picked up their backpacks and started to leave but when they opened the door, McGonagall came in.
"Where are you two going?" She asked.
"Uh. bathroom?" Donnie asked.
"Sit down." She sighed. The cousins took their seats and groaned. McGonagall went to her desk and began going through her papers. Her face was glowing with happiness. "Lets see. oh, I forgot to bring your homework I checked over with me, silly me... and I forgot to write up what we'll be doing today.." Everyone but the new students gasped in surprise. "Oh. I'll be right back. Miss Granger make sure no one gets. out of hand. I'll be back." She nodded and left, humming happily to herself. The class sort of sat there in a stupor.
"Okay something is seriously wrong with Professor McGonagall." Lavender Brown said finally.
"Maybe she's sick." Neville said.
"Maybe it has something to do with why she was in Hogsmeade on Saturday." Ron suggested.
"Well I'm worried." Hermione said. The class talked about what happened until she returned. After they reviewed over things, the class was dismissed. Hermione stayed back. "Professor?" She asked.
"Yes?" She asked, looking up from her desk.
"Is. something wrong?" She asked.
"No. Ofcourse not. Why do you ask?"
"Well. I've never seen you act like this." Hermione said.
"Oh." McGonagall said, flustered. "well I. I've just been in such a good mood, I suppose."
"I shouldn't of asked. I'm sorry, its. it was rude of me." Hermione said.
"No, its okay Miss Granger. That's it, really. I've been in a very good mood. Now you better get to class." She said.
"All right, Professor." Hermione said and left.
*** (Draco Malfoy's point of view)
I walked down the corridors, my boots hitting against the stone. Crabbe and Goyle were behind me like always. "Where's the stupid classroom?" I asked.
"Uh." Crabbe said. No point asking them. They were just stupid. All they were good for was hurting others.
"Never mind." I said with a sigh. We finally found the Healing classroom after a long time. It was on the fifth floor near the end of a dark corridor. "What brilliant idiot decided to put it here?" I griped to myself and opened the door.
I stared around at the classroom. It was nothing like any classroom I had ever seen before. One wall was completely missing to let in fresh air and sunlight. I could see outside over at the greenhouses where a large group of Third years were walking. And over towards that half-giant, I saw older students heading for Care Of Magical Creatures. Inside the room, in either corner against the wall where the door was, held huge potted palm trees. There were no desks or chairs and one large blackboard floating around in the air. One of the walls was covered with vines and large, colorful, exotic flowers. There was a door on the other wall and a bunch of tall, glass-door cabinets. Inside were many jars and bottles and things.
"Where's the teacher?" Granger asked as we all grouped near the door. I sneered at her. I couldn't believe I had to take a third class with the Gryffindors.
"Hello class!" We all jumped as a woman appeared outside on a broom. Everyone gaped at her as she landed on the ground and sent her broom to the closet. "Well come in and sit down." She said. We looked around because there was no where to sit. The Professor laughed and sat down on the floor. Slowly, we followed suite. Sitting on the floor. Ugh! I glared at the teacher with obvious detest on my face. "I am Professor Joyce Amah." She said happily. "I hope you enjoy my class. Sorry if the missing wall bothers you. I like it gone to let in plenty of fresh air and sunshine." She explained.
I rolled my eyes. Teachers like her annoyed me to no end. She took roll call then got out her wand and indicated for us to all follow suite.
Sighing, I pulled out my wand.
"Now then! I'll partner you up." She said and read over the list, partnering us up alphabetically. I was incredibly angry to be paired up with a Gryffindor. It was one of the new ones, Penny Morlins or whatever. She walked over and sat down.
"Hi." She said cheerfully.
"Don't talk to me." I sneered.
"Why not?" She asked.
"Because." I continued. Amah explained that one of us would have to be the victim and the other, the healer. The victim had to be cut on the arm. "You're the victim." I said as soon as she mentioned this.
"All right, I don't mind." Morlins said with a shrug. Amah handed out small knives.
"Do it like, on your arm." She said. "And if the healer can't heal and you want the cut gone, talk to me." She said and sat back down near the front of the class. "The spell is 'Healio Cuttus' and you point your wand at the cut." She said and waved at us to do so.
I turned and sneered at Morlins as she gave herself a cut on the arm. "Okay, ready." She said.
I pointed my wand at the cut. "Healio Cuttus." I said. A jet of silver light shot out and touched her cut. She screamed and jerked back.
"OUCH!" She screamed. "Owowowowowowowowow!!!!!" She yelled and rolled on the ground.
"What happened?" I scowled as Potter looked over.
"It felt like I put the knife back in the cut or something. Cold metal in my gash." She said, looking at me.
"Oh, by the way. To make the spell work you have to want for the cut to be healed." Amah added.
"Oh thanks." Morlins said flatly at me.
"I didn't choose to be paired up with a Gryffindor." I sneered.
"Oh so you are a Houseist." She said.
"What?!" I demanded.
"Houseist. You are against anyone from any other house but your own." She explained.
"Then yes I am." I said, scowling.
"Now heal my cut." She said.
I let out a heavy sigh and pointed at her cut. "Healio Cuttus." I drawled out. This time the light was a silvery purple. I watched as it went into Morlins skin and the cut disappeared.
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy." Amah said. Morlins handed me the knife.
"What is that for?" I asked.
"Your turn."
"What?" I spatted out.
"Mr. Malfoy, everyone needs to do it." Amah said.
"No." I said, folding my arms.
"What is the matter, Malfoy. Scared?" Weasley mocked. He had been paired up with one of the Thomas boys, I didn't know (or cared) which, and he had a cut in his arm. "Does a little pain make you afwaid?" He continued.
"Give me that knife." I growled, grabbing the knife from Morlins' hand. Only I grabbed the knife end and yelped in pain as the blade sunk into my hand. Potter and Weasley burst into laughter. "I meant to do that." I sneered.
"Yeah, suuuurrreee." Potter said and they laughed again.
"Guys." Morlins said with a sigh.
"Don't stick up for me, Gryffindor, and get on with the charm." I snapped bitterly at her. Morlins shrugged.
"Healio Cuttus!" She said. I felt warmth go into my cut and the pain left. Amah kept making us do it over and over till she was sure we got it. Once we pretty much mastered it we were free to go. I was very glad to get away from the Gryffindors.
*** (Harry's point of view)
Hermione, Amy and I sat around a table in the library that evening, studying. Peggy had begged Ron to show her more secret passages despite of the accident on Saturday. Hermione left to get a book, leaving Amy and me alone. She was bent over her parchment, writing. Her quill wavered as she scribbled furiously.
"What do think of Hogwarts?" I asked.
"Its great." She said, tucking back a strand of hair and smiling.
I couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. "That's good."
"What homework are you doing?" She asked.
"Potions." I said, showing her the paper.
"Oh, your last name is Potter?" She asked.
"Uh, yeah, didn't you know?" I asked.
"No." She said, handing my paper back. "You never told me your full name."
"You still don't know it. I have a middle name." I said and Amy laughed.
"True."
"So you didn't know I was Harry Potter?" I asked.
"No." She said and went back down to writing. I was surprised she didn't make a fuss.
"I thought you knew I mean... with my scar." I said.
"What does having a scar have to do with it?" She asked.
"That's what makes Harry famous." Hermione appeared.
"You're famous?" Amy asked, frowning.
"Hello? Harry Potter?" Hermione asked. I rolled my eyes.
"And I'm supposed to know that?" Amy asked.
"You-Know-Who tried to kill him but failed?" Hermione asked.
Amy sucked on the end of her quill. "Um. no, sorry never heard about anything about that."
I snorted in surprise. "You didn't?"
"No... should I?" She asked.
"He's famous! Everyone knows who he is!" Hermione said, waving her hand.
"Hermione." I groaned.
"Well then I'm nobody if everyone knows about him cause I don't know who he is."
"You don't." I said.
'No, sorry."
"Are you joking?" I asked.
Amy shook her head. "I really never heard of you before I met you!" She insisted.
"Wow." I said and grinned. I had a feeling Amy and I were going to be good friends. "You do know who You-Know-Who is." I said.
"Yeah, Voldie Moore." She giggled, making fun of him again. "Oh, sorry." She added seeing my face. 'I mean Voldemort."
"You know who You-Know-Who is and you don't know who Harry is." Hermione said. I shot her an angry look 'Drop it'. I mouthed.
"No, I-I'm sorry. I don't really read magazines or newspapers or anything like that." Amy said with a shrug.
"Yeah well let's study." I said quickly. 'Sorry'. Hermione mouthed. I shrugged and turned down to my homework.
*** (Ron's point of view)
"Oh my gosh that was so much fun." Peggy giggled as she and I stepped out from a secret passage. "Are there more?"
I laughed. "Sheesh, Peggy. We've already probably spent 6 hours exploring secret passages the past few days." I said.
"So?" She asked. "I love secret passages. So mysterious. and helpful, you know." She added.
I just laughed and shook my head. "Maybe later." I then realized what room we had come out in. "Uh-oh." I said.
"What? What is it?" Peggy asked.
"The teacher's lounge." I said and saw the door begin to open. I pushed Peggy back into the closet and jumped in myself, shutting the door as the other door opened.
"Ron you idiot now this skirt is all bunched up." Peggy snapped.
"I'm not looking!" I growled back.
"Are you going to agree?" I heard the voice of Professor Sinistra, the Astronomy teacher asked.
"I don't know." I heard McGonagall sigh. "I want to but I don't."
"I know what you mean... well, I don't know what to say." Sinistra replied.
"I don't believe this. I get asked out and now I'm acting like a little school-girl!" McGonagall said. I raised my eyebrows. McGonagall was asked out? That was impossible! She was a teacher! Teachers aren't supposed to date. They're supposed to... teach!
"I think you two would make a wonderful couple. You like him."
"Yes I know but. I'll have to think about it." McGonagall said. "Ah, here's the book." I heard them leave and Peggy and I stumbled out. Peggy was giggling.
'What're you giggling at?" I asked.
"That explains why McGonagall's been acting like that. She's got a man." Peggy said and fell over giggling.
"Quit giggling and let's get out of here before any other teachers come in." I said. We headed to the door, she still giggling. I peered out and saw a bunch of students but no teachers. "Coast is clear." We slipped out and walked down the corridors. "Would you stop that giggling?" I asked.
"Sorry." Peggy said but continued to giggle.