Ch. 2
Kissing A Fool
The Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick, was explaining the Not-So-Simple- Charms bracelets,
"Okay class, you are each given a charm bracelet. Every charm spell you get right, you get a charm for that spell. You all are also receiving a book, 1001 Different spells: from Astronomy to Toads by Bridget Dee. Pick 50 spells to do and pass, and you pass this class. Now, who would like to try one first?" Hermione's hand shot straight in the air.
"Yes.Shelbi, thank you for contributing."
Shelbi smiled, put her hand down, and walked up to the front of the class.
"Now, what charm spell will you be showing us?"
Shelbi opened the book and searched for a second.
"Professor, I'd like to do Trutinity, if you don't mind me doing it with some help?"
"Not at all. Who would you like to choose?"
Right away she choose,
"Hermione Granger!"
Hermione looked shocked.
"Hermione will you come up here please," Professor Flitwick asked.
Hermione walks up and asks,
"What does this spell do?"
"Oh," Flitwick responded. "When she performs the spell, you'll tell the things inside you that you keep from people. Ones you know, and ones you don't know."
Hermione gasped. Shelbi took out her wand and asked,
"Ready? Trustinctive calamar."
Hermione froze straight up and blinked. When she opened her eyes, they were glowing. She quickly started saying,
"I always liked Harry Potter more than just a friend."
Harry then blushed.
"The crystal that belongs to my great uncle is very powerful and only family knows how to use it."
The class was a bit confused. She then turned to Shelbi. Shelbi looked oddly confused. Hermione continued,
"And I've always hated you, since the first time I saw you, I knew you'd be trouble."
Hermione jerked quickly,
"I know who you are and what you are doing here,"
Shelbi quickly said,
"Autrustinctive calamar!"
Hermione dropped to the ground. Harry and Ron ran to Hermione as she slowly got up and asked,
"Wha-what happened?"
"Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. The person who is who is being performed by the spell never remembers a thing that happened. That is all for today. Take Hermione to the Hospital Wing. See you next time class! Oh, ten points to Gryffindors. And before I forget, Shelbi, congratulations," Professor Flitwick pointed his wand at Shelbi's bracelet and out came sparks and a hand charm popped onto her bracelet. "You've got your first charm."
Shelbi smiled and walked out the door.
Later, it was Lunch. Hermione barely ate; all she did was stare confusedly at the crystal.
"So what exactly is so special about that crystal," Fern asked.
"I'm not sure, but it meant a lot to my uncle," Hermione answered.
"Well, what's inside it?"
"Again, I'm not sure."
"Well, don't you know anything about it?"
Hermione answered,
"All I know that it's important enough for someone to try and steal it."
"Yeah," Ron laughed, "but not smart enough to actually get it!"
Fern elbowed Shelbi and said,
"Hey, let's go up to the Common Room. I've got to talk to you."
Shelbi nodded, smiled, gave Harry a kiss on the cheek, and left with Fern. Hermione's face turned red, but calmly asked,
"So Harry, what did I say in Charms? Nothing embarrassing I hope!"
"Well," he began. "You were saying that you hate Shelbi, and you knew who she actually was."
"Really? That's odd. Who else could she be? Oh, and what's with that?"
"With what?"
"The kiss."
"Well, she's really nice and I was thinking about asking her to the Yule Ball."
Hermione looked angry.
"Ask Ron about Fern! I'm not alone here!"
Hermione looked at Ron with a fixed face on him. Ron, scared, said,
"I was going to ask Fern to the ball too."
Hermione didn't say another word. Meanwhile with Shelbi and Fern, they were walking to the Gryffindor Tower, they spotted Draco Malfoy walking the opposite way.
"Go on," Shelbi said smiling at Draco.
"I'll catch up."
"What are you smiling about," Draco snickered.
"What's with the attitude? Don't treat a lady like that."
"You're not lady, you're a Gryffindor!"
"Yeah, but I was supposed to be in Slytherin."
"Oh, is that so."
"Yeah," she said leaning in and whispering in his ear. "And you know what else."
Shelbi continued. Hermione was walking towards the Gryffindor Tower when she saw Shelbi talking to Draco. She rushed to the side and watched. Suddenly, Shelbi leaned in and kissed Draco. Then they went their separate way. Hermione gasped and ran to find Harry. Harry was back in the Great Hall working on his charms. She rushed up and yelled,
"Harry, you're not going to believe what happened! I saw- I saw"
"Slow down. What did you see?"
"I saw Shelbi and Draco kiss! They kissed Harry!"
He had a shocked look on his face and said,
"I don't believe this, and I can't believe you'd stoop so low just because you're jealous of me and Shelbi."
"What?" That is so not true! I really did see it! Go ask her yourself."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked towards the Gryffindor Tower. Hermione added,
"It was about right there when I saw it- Gistros Humaine."
They walked into the common room and saw Shelbi and Fern playing Wizard Chess and talking.
"Shelbi," Harry began. "Hermione claims that she saw you and Draco Malfoy kissing.
"Kissing? Oh no, I would never kiss a Slytherin! Why would you say something so horrible?"
"Because it's true," Hermione mumbled.
"Well sorry about that," Harry said.
"Oh don't worry about it," Shelbi said. "Come on Fern, let's go."
Shelbi and Fern walked out passed the Fat Lady and Fern said,
"Whoa, that was close."
"Yeah," Shelbi agreed. "Too close. We're going to have to do something about Miss Granger."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Not sure, but I'll think of something."
Meanwhile back in the Gryffindor Common Room,
"She's lying! I was not imagining things!"
"Why would she lie," Harry asked. "If she was like that, wouldn't she be in Slytherin?"
"I guess, unless. Follow me!"
Hermione grabbed Ron and Harry's arms and ran to McGonagall's classroom.
"Professor McGonagall, did you sort Shelbi and Fern with the sorting hat," she asked.
"No, McGonagall answered, "They seemed fine. Besides you already said that you'd help out."
"Well could you use the Sorting Hat on them just to make sure?"
"No, there's no need. Now go back to your dormitories."
Hermione sighed and all three left.
"Hello Hermione," Fern said walking down the corridor. Hermione didn't answer. Fern then popped her head in and said,
"They bought it!"
All of a sudden, Professor McGonagall turned into Shelbi,
"I know! Who knew that it would be that easy?"
September and October went along smoothly, it was just the Halloween Feast. Earlier that day, Shelbi and Fern weren't in any of their classes, and haven't been seen around the corridors. Hermione was getting suspicious. Harry just said,
"They must be going where we just left."
Hermione just ignored him and continued walking to the Gryffindor Tower. While walking, she looked out onto the grounds. She continued walking until she thought of what she just saw. Hermione ran back to the window and noticed Shelbi and Fern walking from the Dark Forest into one of the secret passageways of Hogwarts. She was very suspicious about what they were doing when they weren't supposed to go in the Dark Forest. Then it dawned on her. After she found Harry she said,
"We never told them about not being able to go in the Dark Forest!"
"Are you sure," Harry asked, "How could we forget about something like that?"
"I don't know, but as soon as we see them, we're going to notify them."
"Okay."
It wasn't until the feast when they actually saw them.
"So, where have you two been all day," Hermione asked.
Shelbi and Fern looked up from eating and then looked at each other. Shelbi answered,
"Um, I was feeling a bit under the weather so I stayed in the common room all day."
"Yeah," Fern agreed. "I stayed with her if she ended up needing anything."
"Strange, we were going there between classes looking for you, but never saw you."
"Well," Shelbi explained. "I probably just stepped out for that moment."
"Mhm."
Shelbi's "V" necklace was starting to glow.
"What's with your necklace," Ron asked.
"Oh, ah, I'm not sure. It does that on and off."
"Oh."
Shelbi and Fern looked at each other startled as the necklace was shining brighter.
"Um, we're going to go. Catch up with you later, bye!"
They left in a hurry and Hermione stood up.
"Don't even think about it," Harry said.
"What," she asked, "I was just stretching my legs."
"Yeah, sure you were, and I'm bad at Potions," Ron said.
Harry and Hermione looked at Ron.
"I was just kidding," Ron smirked.
Meanwhile with Shelbi and Jennifer, Jennifer said,
"You can't have that thing on all the time!"
"But what if something bad happens."
"Fine. But next time a person sees that, they'll probably know what it is."
Shelbi just rolled her eyes as they continued walking to the Gryffindor Tower.
In mid-November was the first Quidditch Match was the day after tomorrow.
"So Harry," Ron asked. "Now that your captain of the Gryffindor team, who's going to be on your team?"
"Well, I'm still the seeker, Fred and George are the beaters, and I think you're good enough for a chaser."
"Oh wow, you mean it? I'm going to work extra hard for you captain."
"Yeah, anyways, since Shelbi was on her other school's team, I think she could be a chaser too, as well as Fern."
"Cool, now only Hermione needs to join. To bad she's a bookworm instead of a sports girl."
Hermione glared at Ron, grabbed her books, and left the Great Hall.
"What's her problem," Ron asked.
"Mind her, okay, I was thinking about a third year, named Daniel Crow, for the Keeper position. His best class was 'Flying' with Madame Hooch and I've seen him play. I'll be right back I've got to talk this over with McGonagall."
"Okay, I'll be in the common room."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Professor McGonagall, here are the people I chose for the new team. What do you think?"
Professor McGonagall looked over the list and said,
"These people are the best?"
"And they've had experiences with these positions."
"Okay, if you think they'll win us the Quidditch Cup."
"Thanks, oh and sorry about before."
"Excuse me, before when?"
"When Hermione came in asking you about Shelbi and Fern going into the right house."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. Now please go. I've have things to do."
Harry ran to the Gryffindor Tower.
"Gistros Humaine- I've got it! Professor McGonagall agreed to the team! Ron go get Daniel, I've got to tell him right away, because we've got to start practicing."
Ron ran up to the boys' dormitories.
"Oh wow," Shelbi and Fern said excitingly. "This is going to be so much fun. Who are we first playing?"
"Slytherin."
Shelbi's face turned pale and said,
"I-I'll be right back."
She opened the painting and ran down the hallway. Hermione asked,
"Harry, where's your Invisibility Cloak?"
"In my trunk. Why?"
"Just go get it. I'm going to check something. Oh, and your Omnioculars."
Harry ran up and grabbed the things she asked for. Without saying a word, Hermione put on the cloak, grabbed the Omnioculars, and walked out of the common room. She quickly caught up with Shelbi trying not to make a sound. Shelbi was searching around for something or someone. Then she saw Draco. Shelbi ran up to him and whispered,
"Listen, let my team win against your team tomorrow in the Quidditch match. If not I'll tell a lie that everyone will fall for, and The Malfoy family name will be put to shame."
"Okay, okay fine. Just don't tell them anything about me."
"Good," Shelbi said and gave Draco a quick kiss. Hermione quickly got a shot of that on the Omnioculars.
"What was that," Draco asked.
Shelbi looked dumbfounded, but quickly ran to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Gistros Humaine- Where is she," Shelbi shouted.
"Who," Ron asked.
"Hermione!"
"Yes," Hermione asked walking down the stairs from the dormitories.
"Where were you just now?"
"Upstairs," she answered looking at the others to be quiet. Shelbi huffed and stomped up the stairs to the dormitories. Fern followed.
"I can't believe you," Harry shouted at Hermione. "Spying on her? Really!"
Shelbi and Fern listened as those too argued. Shelbi smiled and nudged Fern and they snuck into the dormitory.
The morning of the Quidditch Match the Gryffindor Team got ready and Harry gave a pep talk,
"Okay, this is our first game as a new team. So it's okay if we don't win, because we'll get better."
Ron added,
"One, two, three?"
"Okay."
They all put their hands in the middle and shouted,
"Let's go Gryffindor!"
The team walked out onto the field, mounted their broomsticks, and flew around the field. Harry flew passed some Slytherins and gave him nasty looks. The players took their positions. Draco looked at Shelbi and Shelbi looked back and gave him a wink. Madam Hooch tossed up the Quaffle and the game began. Hermione was an announcer in-training with Lee Jordan.
"Slytherin chaser, Jackob Fawley, has hold of the Quaffle," Hermione shouted. He raced to the hoops. Jackob hurled the Quaffle almost making it in the hoops, but Daniel caught it just before it went through and threw it to Ron.
"Nice job," Harry yelled and continued on chasing the Golden Snitch.
Draco was right on the snitches tail when he saw Shelbi watching him. So he backed away and let Harry pass him up. Harry quickly glanced back, but paid hardly any attention. The score was now 10 to 30, Slytherin ahead. Harry was so close to the snitch, but suddenly his Firebolt spun him upside down and wouldn't turn back over. Harry continued chasing the snitch. Shelbi had the Quaffle and raced to the hoops.
"Shelbi scores ten points to Gryffindor," Hermione shouted.
Just after that, Harry (still upside down) reached for the snitch. He felt his hands grasp slowly around it and, (forgetting he wasn't right side up) fell, almost head first, to the ground.
"Harry," Hermione screamed.
He lied there still hanging on to the snitch. He heard Hermione say,
"Harry Potter receives one hundred and fifty points for catching the snitch!
Now someone get down there and help him."
She then ran down there. The last thing Harry saw was Shelbi flying over him with Draco next to her saying,
"What a show off," Shelbi smacked him in the arm hard. "OW!"
Then everything was getting dark and soon enough, he fell unconscious.
Three days later, Harry woke up with Ron and Hermione at his side. He sat up, put on his glasses, and asked,
"How long have I been asleep and how long have you been here? Where are Shelbi and Fern?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and said,
"You've been here for a few days, we were here with the whole time, and they are out in the corridor. They've been here in and out."
Shelbi was out there still yelling at Fern,
"What do you think you were doing? He could have died and then it would ruin everything!"
Fern jumped back,
"It was just a spur of the moment. Sorry!"
Shelbi was just about to smack her but held back,
"Okay, just forget it. Let's go see how he's doing."
"You're really having a thing for him aren't you?"
"No."
"Mhm."
They walked in and saw Harry awake,
"Oh Harry, your all right. I cannot believe how long you were out. If it were me, I'd be up, walking, in a couple of hours. How you feeling?"
"Alright," he answered. "A little light headed."
"Well, you just stay and relax. I'm going to go get the nurse. You must be starving."
Shelbi and Fern then left again.
"Aren't they great," Ron said dreamingly.
"I don't know," Hermione pondered. "Something is very mysterious about those two. I mean, why does she always pick me to do charm spells upon?"
"She's just being nice," Harry answered.
"I don't know," Hermione said, "Maybe they're after my crystal."
"Doubt it."
"Well could you just hold onto it for me. You never know what those charms could do to me. I might hand it right over to her."
"Fine. If it'll make you feel better."
"Thanks," she said and got up.
"Where are you going?"
"In the library. Checking to see if theirs any information on that crystal."
Ron rolled his eyes,
"She's goes in there, more than she goes to the lavatory. So are you going to ask Shelbi to the Yule Ball?"
"Are you going to ask Fern?"
"Yeah, but why does her name have to be Fern? I'll ask her later what her real name is."
"Okay, I wonder who Hermione is going to go with."
"Well since Krum isn't here, probably a book."
Just then, Ginny walked in and asked,
"How are you feelin'?"
"Fine."
"That's good, I guess. Are you going to the ball with anyone?"
"Yeah, Shelbi."
"Oh me too, well, with Neville."
"Again," Ron asked.
Ginny looked at Ron and answered,
"Yes, he asked I had fun last year, maybe we'll have fun again. Whom are you going with?"
"Fern."
"What about Hermione?
Ron looked at Harry and said
"What about her?"
"Well didn't you have a-?"
"That's enough Ginny, good bye!"
Ginny just shook her head and left. Harry looked at Ron and smiled.
"What," Ron asked.
Madam Pomfrey walked and said,
"Harry, feelin' alright? The girls told me you might be hungry. Here's some soup, and afterwards you're free to go."
Harry nodded.
"I'll wait for you," Ron said. "Then we can go to Defence Against the Dark Arts. I love it that Fleur is our professor."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"'Allo everyone. Let's begin our topic on Trolls."
Just then, Harry and Ron came running through the doors.
"Ah, 'arry, Ron, so nice of you to join us. Sit down, so I can continue with ze lesson. Okay class, 'as anyone 'ad experience or 'ad seen a Troll before?" Harry, Ron, and Hermione's hands shot up in the air.
"Yes, 'ermione, when have you seen a Troll?"
"Well, it was our first year here, and-."
"And they were being just show offs," Draco interrupted.
The Slytherins all roared with laughter.
"Mr. Malfoy! Another comment like and you can zee yourzelf in detention! Now, Miz Granger, go on."
"Okay, well it was Halloween and we were having our feast, but I was, um, not there at the time. Then our first Dark Arts teacher, Professor Qurill, told us that there was a troll in the dungeon-."
"Yeah," Draco interrupted again. "And stupidly she went after it!"
Again the Slytherins roared.
"Mr. Malfoy! That iz enough! I will zee you in detention!"
Malfoy sat back down and was quiet for the rest of the class. Fleur continued with her lesson.
After class, Shelbi made sure people weren't able to see her, and pulled Draco to the side of the corridor.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," he said.
"Alright, tonight I'll be outside your common room painting. Meet me at 1 o'clock. Then I can thank you for doing what you did on Saturday, because now we don't have time."
"Yeah, well don't expect me to do again. I've been chewed out by my captain enough."
"See you tonight."
Shelbi walked to the Great Hall for dinner, and Draco walked back to Fleur's classroom.
"So, where have you been," Fern asked as Shelbi walked up to the Gryffindor table.
"Do you have to know where I am every second?"
"Yes, yes I do."
"Your not my mum."
"Well no-."
"Hey Fern," Ron interrupted.
"Hi Ron," she answered.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"No, of course not."
"Okay," he smiled, "Do you, um, I'm mean, would you-"
Fern looked at Shelbi while he was still trying to talk turkey of what he was trying to say. Shelbi knew what he was going to ask Fern and she lipped to Fern, 'no'. Fern turned back around and said,
"I'd love to."
Ron looked up and said,
"Really? Oh that's so great!"
He left, but quickly asking,
"By the way, what's your real name?"
Fern's eyes widened and she turned to Shelbi. Shelbi just sat there smiling, waiting for a response. Fern answered,
"Just call me Fern, please."
Ron nodded and gave Fern a kiss on the cheek, and left again. After he left, they went back onto eating. Out of nowhere, Shelbi biffed Fern in the back of the head.
"Ow! Damn what was that for?"
"When I say no, it doesn't mean yes!"
"I don't always have to listen to you."
"Yes you do."
Fern got up and left. Shelbi sat there alone eating the rest of her food and went to see Harry in the Gryffindor Common Room. When she saw the Fat Lady, she said,
"Gistros Humaine."
"Um, dear," the Fat Lady said. "The new password is Gladys bells."
"Fine, Gladys bells."
Harry was talking to Ron (probably about Fern saying she'd go to the Yule Ball with him) when she walked in she said,
"Um, may I talk to Harry please?"
Harry looked Ron and said,
"Sure, no problem."
Shelbi waited a few seconds and said,
"Alone!"
Ron jumped,
"Oh, right.I've got to work on Transfiguration anyways."
And walked upstairs.
"Okay, I don't really know much about this Yule Ball, but since you were the person showing me," she paused for a moment and looked up and yelled,
"Ron!"
Ron peeked his head out and squeaked,
"I'm gone!"
Shelbi shook her head and continued.
"Since you're showing me around I was wondering if you'd want to go to the ball with me."
Harry pondered a moment then smiled and answered,
"Sure."
Shelbi smiled back and gave him a kiss.
"Oh by the way, what am I supposed to wear?"
Laughing briefly, Harry said,
"Tomorrow we're going to Hogsmeade. There is a store called Gobi's Gowns. Hermione can take you and Jennifer."
"Thanks. Oh and before I forget, could I use your Invisibility Cloak?" Harry confusedly asked, "How'd you know about that?"
"I-I," Shelbi stuttered, "I heard you and Hermione arguing that one night about it."
"Oh, well sure, I guess. As long as you're not doing anything wrong."
"What," Ron shouted annoyed.
"I didn't say Ron, I said WRONG!"
"Oh, ok."
"Anyways, I'm not," she answered.
Harry grabbed the Invisibility Cloak from his trunk and tossed it to Shelbi. She wrapped it around herself and walked out. Harry walked over to Ron and said,
"You amaze me sometimes."
"What?"
Harry laughed and said,
"Never-mind."
Shelbi looked at the clock. It was quarter to one in the morning. She waited by the Slytherin Tower entrance until 1:30a.m. Then, she saw Draco walking up to her in the corridor. He whispered,
"Shelbi?"
She answered pulling off the cloak,
"Yeah, I'm here. What took you so long?"
"Professor Delacour. She had me do all sorts of insane tasks. Where'd you get that," he asked pointing to the cape.
"Oh, I borrowed it from a friend."
"Well keep it on, so if anyone is still up they won't see you."
Draco grabbed her hand and quickly rushed into the Slytherin Common Room. No one was up. Peeves saw what was happening and he rushed to Snape at once. The Slytherin Common Room was dark and had stone all around. The couch and comforters were green. The fire in the fireplace was even green and a spiral staircase lead to the dormitories. There were banners hanging all around with the Slytherin symbol. Draco led Shelbi to the couch and sat down. They both were quiet, until Shelbi kissed him and said,
"Thanks again, for what you did." Draco asked,
"Do you want to go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"What? Don't you think the Slytherins and Gryffindors wouldn't like that?"
"Yeah, I guess your right. You're so smart."
Shelbi was not thinking that it was smart, just common sense.
"So who are you going to ask to the ball then?"
"Probably just the same girl I asked last year. What about you?"
"Harry asked me already."
"What? You're going with him? How could you? "
" He asked and you, probably, know that I can't say no to such a cute guy. Er, but I'm not saying that you're not cute."
Just then, they heard the painting open and they saw Snape walk in. Before he saw Shelbi, she had wrapped herself with the cloak and quietly sneaked out.
"Mr. Malfoy, what is the meaning of this," Professor Snape yelled.
"What are you talking about," Draco lied.
"You know perfectly well what I mean! Bringing a Gryffindor in here! Now where is she?"
There was a small crowd forming around the stairs.
"Professor, no one is here. See for yourself."
Snape looked and felt around everywhere,
"Very well, I have a ghost to go talk to. Go to bed, all of you!"
Shelbi walked back to the Gryffindor Tower,
"Gladys bells- Harry, Hermione! What are you two doing- I mean, why are you still up?"
Harry stood up and asked,
"What were you doing in the Slytherin Common Room?"
She gave a confused look,
"What are you talking about?"
He took the Marauder's Map from Hermione and showed her,
"I saw you in there with Draco! Then Snape came! That could've been a week detention and major points taken away!"
Shelbi gave him a pathetic look and cried,
"I'm sorry Harry! Draco said he wanted to talk to me, but instead he-"
She paused for a moment.
"He what?"
"Oh, never mind."
Shelbi ran upstairs smiling as she walked into the dormitories.
"She is so ambiguous Harry," Hermione whispered.
"Huh?"
"She's lying."
"Maybe, but we don't have enough proof."
"Proof? We have all the proof we need right here! We saw that she was with Draco!"
"But, she admitted to that."
"But, she's not telling us something."
"I don't know, let's just forget about it."
Hermione rolled her eyes and went to bed. Harry sat up for awhile, thinking, and then huffed and said 'Mischief Mangled'. The Marauder's Map cleared and Harry went up to bed as well.
With only a week until Christmas, everyone was in Gobi's Gowns looking for a dress robe.
"Bloody hell," Ron annoyed said. "Harry I'll meet you in Three Broomsticks. Come on Hermione."
"Wait," Shelbi said. "Harry you can go. I want Hermione to stay with me so we can talk."
"Okay," Harry said. "We'll meet you later then." Shelbi gave a grim look at Fern,
"Oh, ah, I'm going to go look at the robes, um, someplace else, over there."
Shelbi was browsing through the dresses when Hermione said,
"Oh this is a nice one. This one is very elegant."
"Hermione, we've started of on the wrong path. I would really like to be your friend. What do I have to do to make it up to you?"
Hermione looked at her and said,
"Tell Harry you and Draco kissed."
Shelbi hesitated,
"Okay, that's plan B. What about plan A?"
"That is Plan A."
"Okay, fine. I'll tell him. Harry's a nice guy to bad news, right?"
They laughed and continued talking about all sorts of things. Fern walked back over and said,
"Well, everyone, ready?"
Fern was buying a dark purple robe, Shelbi was buying a dark red robe, and Hermione bought a new dark green robe. The girls then walked to Three Broomsticks were they saw Harry and Ron. At the pub, they ordered three Butterbeers and sat down.
"So," Ron began. "Me and Jennifer are going, you and Shelbi are going, Ginny is going with Neville, again, who are you going with Hermione?"
The Butterbeers arrived. She took a sip and said,
"Again, you're going to have to wait. Shelbi don't say anything!"
Shelbi pretended to zip up her mouth closed.
"Oh no fair! She knows," Ron whined.
"Yes, she knows! I told her in Gobi's."
Harry said,
"So you guys are finally friends."
Shelbi and Hermione looked at each other and Hermione answered,
"Yes, we made a deal."
"What deal?"
Shelbi sat up in her seat and said,
"Harry, um, I need to talk to you, privately."
She pulled Harry over to the corner of the pub.
"Harry, there's something I've got to tell you. Hermione was kissing Draco before, once though. I saw it with my own eyes. But do not say anything to her or she'll be mad at me again."
Harry nodded his head and said,
"Okay."
They walked back over and sat down. Hermione said,
"So Harry-"
She noticed Shelbi lipped to her 'He doesn't want to talk about it.'
"Ah, never mind."
"So, Hermione, you've been going to the library for weeks. Have you found anything on that thing yet," Ron asked.
"No, strangely all those books have been checked out for awhile. Well, we better be getting back to Hogwarts. You've to practice for the Quidditch Match on Wednesday."
They finished drinking their Butterbeer and left.
The Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick, was explaining the Not-So-Simple- Charms bracelets,
"Okay class, you are each given a charm bracelet. Every charm spell you get right, you get a charm for that spell. You all are also receiving a book, 1001 Different spells: from Astronomy to Toads by Bridget Dee. Pick 50 spells to do and pass, and you pass this class. Now, who would like to try one first?" Hermione's hand shot straight in the air.
"Yes.Shelbi, thank you for contributing."
Shelbi smiled, put her hand down, and walked up to the front of the class.
"Now, what charm spell will you be showing us?"
Shelbi opened the book and searched for a second.
"Professor, I'd like to do Trutinity, if you don't mind me doing it with some help?"
"Not at all. Who would you like to choose?"
Right away she choose,
"Hermione Granger!"
Hermione looked shocked.
"Hermione will you come up here please," Professor Flitwick asked.
Hermione walks up and asks,
"What does this spell do?"
"Oh," Flitwick responded. "When she performs the spell, you'll tell the things inside you that you keep from people. Ones you know, and ones you don't know."
Hermione gasped. Shelbi took out her wand and asked,
"Ready? Trustinctive calamar."
Hermione froze straight up and blinked. When she opened her eyes, they were glowing. She quickly started saying,
"I always liked Harry Potter more than just a friend."
Harry then blushed.
"The crystal that belongs to my great uncle is very powerful and only family knows how to use it."
The class was a bit confused. She then turned to Shelbi. Shelbi looked oddly confused. Hermione continued,
"And I've always hated you, since the first time I saw you, I knew you'd be trouble."
Hermione jerked quickly,
"I know who you are and what you are doing here,"
Shelbi quickly said,
"Autrustinctive calamar!"
Hermione dropped to the ground. Harry and Ron ran to Hermione as she slowly got up and asked,
"Wha-what happened?"
"Oh sorry, I forgot to mention. The person who is who is being performed by the spell never remembers a thing that happened. That is all for today. Take Hermione to the Hospital Wing. See you next time class! Oh, ten points to Gryffindors. And before I forget, Shelbi, congratulations," Professor Flitwick pointed his wand at Shelbi's bracelet and out came sparks and a hand charm popped onto her bracelet. "You've got your first charm."
Shelbi smiled and walked out the door.
Later, it was Lunch. Hermione barely ate; all she did was stare confusedly at the crystal.
"So what exactly is so special about that crystal," Fern asked.
"I'm not sure, but it meant a lot to my uncle," Hermione answered.
"Well, what's inside it?"
"Again, I'm not sure."
"Well, don't you know anything about it?"
Hermione answered,
"All I know that it's important enough for someone to try and steal it."
"Yeah," Ron laughed, "but not smart enough to actually get it!"
Fern elbowed Shelbi and said,
"Hey, let's go up to the Common Room. I've got to talk to you."
Shelbi nodded, smiled, gave Harry a kiss on the cheek, and left with Fern. Hermione's face turned red, but calmly asked,
"So Harry, what did I say in Charms? Nothing embarrassing I hope!"
"Well," he began. "You were saying that you hate Shelbi, and you knew who she actually was."
"Really? That's odd. Who else could she be? Oh, and what's with that?"
"With what?"
"The kiss."
"Well, she's really nice and I was thinking about asking her to the Yule Ball."
Hermione looked angry.
"Ask Ron about Fern! I'm not alone here!"
Hermione looked at Ron with a fixed face on him. Ron, scared, said,
"I was going to ask Fern to the ball too."
Hermione didn't say another word. Meanwhile with Shelbi and Fern, they were walking to the Gryffindor Tower, they spotted Draco Malfoy walking the opposite way.
"Go on," Shelbi said smiling at Draco.
"I'll catch up."
"What are you smiling about," Draco snickered.
"What's with the attitude? Don't treat a lady like that."
"You're not lady, you're a Gryffindor!"
"Yeah, but I was supposed to be in Slytherin."
"Oh, is that so."
"Yeah," she said leaning in and whispering in his ear. "And you know what else."
Shelbi continued. Hermione was walking towards the Gryffindor Tower when she saw Shelbi talking to Draco. She rushed to the side and watched. Suddenly, Shelbi leaned in and kissed Draco. Then they went their separate way. Hermione gasped and ran to find Harry. Harry was back in the Great Hall working on his charms. She rushed up and yelled,
"Harry, you're not going to believe what happened! I saw- I saw"
"Slow down. What did you see?"
"I saw Shelbi and Draco kiss! They kissed Harry!"
He had a shocked look on his face and said,
"I don't believe this, and I can't believe you'd stoop so low just because you're jealous of me and Shelbi."
"What?" That is so not true! I really did see it! Go ask her yourself."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked towards the Gryffindor Tower. Hermione added,
"It was about right there when I saw it- Gistros Humaine."
They walked into the common room and saw Shelbi and Fern playing Wizard Chess and talking.
"Shelbi," Harry began. "Hermione claims that she saw you and Draco Malfoy kissing.
"Kissing? Oh no, I would never kiss a Slytherin! Why would you say something so horrible?"
"Because it's true," Hermione mumbled.
"Well sorry about that," Harry said.
"Oh don't worry about it," Shelbi said. "Come on Fern, let's go."
Shelbi and Fern walked out passed the Fat Lady and Fern said,
"Whoa, that was close."
"Yeah," Shelbi agreed. "Too close. We're going to have to do something about Miss Granger."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Not sure, but I'll think of something."
Meanwhile back in the Gryffindor Common Room,
"She's lying! I was not imagining things!"
"Why would she lie," Harry asked. "If she was like that, wouldn't she be in Slytherin?"
"I guess, unless. Follow me!"
Hermione grabbed Ron and Harry's arms and ran to McGonagall's classroom.
"Professor McGonagall, did you sort Shelbi and Fern with the sorting hat," she asked.
"No, McGonagall answered, "They seemed fine. Besides you already said that you'd help out."
"Well could you use the Sorting Hat on them just to make sure?"
"No, there's no need. Now go back to your dormitories."
Hermione sighed and all three left.
"Hello Hermione," Fern said walking down the corridor. Hermione didn't answer. Fern then popped her head in and said,
"They bought it!"
All of a sudden, Professor McGonagall turned into Shelbi,
"I know! Who knew that it would be that easy?"
September and October went along smoothly, it was just the Halloween Feast. Earlier that day, Shelbi and Fern weren't in any of their classes, and haven't been seen around the corridors. Hermione was getting suspicious. Harry just said,
"They must be going where we just left."
Hermione just ignored him and continued walking to the Gryffindor Tower. While walking, she looked out onto the grounds. She continued walking until she thought of what she just saw. Hermione ran back to the window and noticed Shelbi and Fern walking from the Dark Forest into one of the secret passageways of Hogwarts. She was very suspicious about what they were doing when they weren't supposed to go in the Dark Forest. Then it dawned on her. After she found Harry she said,
"We never told them about not being able to go in the Dark Forest!"
"Are you sure," Harry asked, "How could we forget about something like that?"
"I don't know, but as soon as we see them, we're going to notify them."
"Okay."
It wasn't until the feast when they actually saw them.
"So, where have you two been all day," Hermione asked.
Shelbi and Fern looked up from eating and then looked at each other. Shelbi answered,
"Um, I was feeling a bit under the weather so I stayed in the common room all day."
"Yeah," Fern agreed. "I stayed with her if she ended up needing anything."
"Strange, we were going there between classes looking for you, but never saw you."
"Well," Shelbi explained. "I probably just stepped out for that moment."
"Mhm."
Shelbi's "V" necklace was starting to glow.
"What's with your necklace," Ron asked.
"Oh, ah, I'm not sure. It does that on and off."
"Oh."
Shelbi and Fern looked at each other startled as the necklace was shining brighter.
"Um, we're going to go. Catch up with you later, bye!"
They left in a hurry and Hermione stood up.
"Don't even think about it," Harry said.
"What," she asked, "I was just stretching my legs."
"Yeah, sure you were, and I'm bad at Potions," Ron said.
Harry and Hermione looked at Ron.
"I was just kidding," Ron smirked.
Meanwhile with Shelbi and Jennifer, Jennifer said,
"You can't have that thing on all the time!"
"But what if something bad happens."
"Fine. But next time a person sees that, they'll probably know what it is."
Shelbi just rolled her eyes as they continued walking to the Gryffindor Tower.
In mid-November was the first Quidditch Match was the day after tomorrow.
"So Harry," Ron asked. "Now that your captain of the Gryffindor team, who's going to be on your team?"
"Well, I'm still the seeker, Fred and George are the beaters, and I think you're good enough for a chaser."
"Oh wow, you mean it? I'm going to work extra hard for you captain."
"Yeah, anyways, since Shelbi was on her other school's team, I think she could be a chaser too, as well as Fern."
"Cool, now only Hermione needs to join. To bad she's a bookworm instead of a sports girl."
Hermione glared at Ron, grabbed her books, and left the Great Hall.
"What's her problem," Ron asked.
"Mind her, okay, I was thinking about a third year, named Daniel Crow, for the Keeper position. His best class was 'Flying' with Madame Hooch and I've seen him play. I'll be right back I've got to talk this over with McGonagall."
"Okay, I'll be in the common room."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Professor McGonagall, here are the people I chose for the new team. What do you think?"
Professor McGonagall looked over the list and said,
"These people are the best?"
"And they've had experiences with these positions."
"Okay, if you think they'll win us the Quidditch Cup."
"Thanks, oh and sorry about before."
"Excuse me, before when?"
"When Hermione came in asking you about Shelbi and Fern going into the right house."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. Now please go. I've have things to do."
Harry ran to the Gryffindor Tower.
"Gistros Humaine- I've got it! Professor McGonagall agreed to the team! Ron go get Daniel, I've got to tell him right away, because we've got to start practicing."
Ron ran up to the boys' dormitories.
"Oh wow," Shelbi and Fern said excitingly. "This is going to be so much fun. Who are we first playing?"
"Slytherin."
Shelbi's face turned pale and said,
"I-I'll be right back."
She opened the painting and ran down the hallway. Hermione asked,
"Harry, where's your Invisibility Cloak?"
"In my trunk. Why?"
"Just go get it. I'm going to check something. Oh, and your Omnioculars."
Harry ran up and grabbed the things she asked for. Without saying a word, Hermione put on the cloak, grabbed the Omnioculars, and walked out of the common room. She quickly caught up with Shelbi trying not to make a sound. Shelbi was searching around for something or someone. Then she saw Draco. Shelbi ran up to him and whispered,
"Listen, let my team win against your team tomorrow in the Quidditch match. If not I'll tell a lie that everyone will fall for, and The Malfoy family name will be put to shame."
"Okay, okay fine. Just don't tell them anything about me."
"Good," Shelbi said and gave Draco a quick kiss. Hermione quickly got a shot of that on the Omnioculars.
"What was that," Draco asked.
Shelbi looked dumbfounded, but quickly ran to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Gistros Humaine- Where is she," Shelbi shouted.
"Who," Ron asked.
"Hermione!"
"Yes," Hermione asked walking down the stairs from the dormitories.
"Where were you just now?"
"Upstairs," she answered looking at the others to be quiet. Shelbi huffed and stomped up the stairs to the dormitories. Fern followed.
"I can't believe you," Harry shouted at Hermione. "Spying on her? Really!"
Shelbi and Fern listened as those too argued. Shelbi smiled and nudged Fern and they snuck into the dormitory.
The morning of the Quidditch Match the Gryffindor Team got ready and Harry gave a pep talk,
"Okay, this is our first game as a new team. So it's okay if we don't win, because we'll get better."
Ron added,
"One, two, three?"
"Okay."
They all put their hands in the middle and shouted,
"Let's go Gryffindor!"
The team walked out onto the field, mounted their broomsticks, and flew around the field. Harry flew passed some Slytherins and gave him nasty looks. The players took their positions. Draco looked at Shelbi and Shelbi looked back and gave him a wink. Madam Hooch tossed up the Quaffle and the game began. Hermione was an announcer in-training with Lee Jordan.
"Slytherin chaser, Jackob Fawley, has hold of the Quaffle," Hermione shouted. He raced to the hoops. Jackob hurled the Quaffle almost making it in the hoops, but Daniel caught it just before it went through and threw it to Ron.
"Nice job," Harry yelled and continued on chasing the Golden Snitch.
Draco was right on the snitches tail when he saw Shelbi watching him. So he backed away and let Harry pass him up. Harry quickly glanced back, but paid hardly any attention. The score was now 10 to 30, Slytherin ahead. Harry was so close to the snitch, but suddenly his Firebolt spun him upside down and wouldn't turn back over. Harry continued chasing the snitch. Shelbi had the Quaffle and raced to the hoops.
"Shelbi scores ten points to Gryffindor," Hermione shouted.
Just after that, Harry (still upside down) reached for the snitch. He felt his hands grasp slowly around it and, (forgetting he wasn't right side up) fell, almost head first, to the ground.
"Harry," Hermione screamed.
He lied there still hanging on to the snitch. He heard Hermione say,
"Harry Potter receives one hundred and fifty points for catching the snitch!
Now someone get down there and help him."
She then ran down there. The last thing Harry saw was Shelbi flying over him with Draco next to her saying,
"What a show off," Shelbi smacked him in the arm hard. "OW!"
Then everything was getting dark and soon enough, he fell unconscious.
Three days later, Harry woke up with Ron and Hermione at his side. He sat up, put on his glasses, and asked,
"How long have I been asleep and how long have you been here? Where are Shelbi and Fern?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and said,
"You've been here for a few days, we were here with the whole time, and they are out in the corridor. They've been here in and out."
Shelbi was out there still yelling at Fern,
"What do you think you were doing? He could have died and then it would ruin everything!"
Fern jumped back,
"It was just a spur of the moment. Sorry!"
Shelbi was just about to smack her but held back,
"Okay, just forget it. Let's go see how he's doing."
"You're really having a thing for him aren't you?"
"No."
"Mhm."
They walked in and saw Harry awake,
"Oh Harry, your all right. I cannot believe how long you were out. If it were me, I'd be up, walking, in a couple of hours. How you feeling?"
"Alright," he answered. "A little light headed."
"Well, you just stay and relax. I'm going to go get the nurse. You must be starving."
Shelbi and Fern then left again.
"Aren't they great," Ron said dreamingly.
"I don't know," Hermione pondered. "Something is very mysterious about those two. I mean, why does she always pick me to do charm spells upon?"
"She's just being nice," Harry answered.
"I don't know," Hermione said, "Maybe they're after my crystal."
"Doubt it."
"Well could you just hold onto it for me. You never know what those charms could do to me. I might hand it right over to her."
"Fine. If it'll make you feel better."
"Thanks," she said and got up.
"Where are you going?"
"In the library. Checking to see if theirs any information on that crystal."
Ron rolled his eyes,
"She's goes in there, more than she goes to the lavatory. So are you going to ask Shelbi to the Yule Ball?"
"Are you going to ask Fern?"
"Yeah, but why does her name have to be Fern? I'll ask her later what her real name is."
"Okay, I wonder who Hermione is going to go with."
"Well since Krum isn't here, probably a book."
Just then, Ginny walked in and asked,
"How are you feelin'?"
"Fine."
"That's good, I guess. Are you going to the ball with anyone?"
"Yeah, Shelbi."
"Oh me too, well, with Neville."
"Again," Ron asked.
Ginny looked at Ron and answered,
"Yes, he asked I had fun last year, maybe we'll have fun again. Whom are you going with?"
"Fern."
"What about Hermione?
Ron looked at Harry and said
"What about her?"
"Well didn't you have a-?"
"That's enough Ginny, good bye!"
Ginny just shook her head and left. Harry looked at Ron and smiled.
"What," Ron asked.
Madam Pomfrey walked and said,
"Harry, feelin' alright? The girls told me you might be hungry. Here's some soup, and afterwards you're free to go."
Harry nodded.
"I'll wait for you," Ron said. "Then we can go to Defence Against the Dark Arts. I love it that Fleur is our professor."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"'Allo everyone. Let's begin our topic on Trolls."
Just then, Harry and Ron came running through the doors.
"Ah, 'arry, Ron, so nice of you to join us. Sit down, so I can continue with ze lesson. Okay class, 'as anyone 'ad experience or 'ad seen a Troll before?" Harry, Ron, and Hermione's hands shot up in the air.
"Yes, 'ermione, when have you seen a Troll?"
"Well, it was our first year here, and-."
"And they were being just show offs," Draco interrupted.
The Slytherins all roared with laughter.
"Mr. Malfoy! Another comment like and you can zee yourzelf in detention! Now, Miz Granger, go on."
"Okay, well it was Halloween and we were having our feast, but I was, um, not there at the time. Then our first Dark Arts teacher, Professor Qurill, told us that there was a troll in the dungeon-."
"Yeah," Draco interrupted again. "And stupidly she went after it!"
Again the Slytherins roared.
"Mr. Malfoy! That iz enough! I will zee you in detention!"
Malfoy sat back down and was quiet for the rest of the class. Fleur continued with her lesson.
After class, Shelbi made sure people weren't able to see her, and pulled Draco to the side of the corridor.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," he said.
"Alright, tonight I'll be outside your common room painting. Meet me at 1 o'clock. Then I can thank you for doing what you did on Saturday, because now we don't have time."
"Yeah, well don't expect me to do again. I've been chewed out by my captain enough."
"See you tonight."
Shelbi walked to the Great Hall for dinner, and Draco walked back to Fleur's classroom.
"So, where have you been," Fern asked as Shelbi walked up to the Gryffindor table.
"Do you have to know where I am every second?"
"Yes, yes I do."
"Your not my mum."
"Well no-."
"Hey Fern," Ron interrupted.
"Hi Ron," she answered.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
"No, of course not."
"Okay," he smiled, "Do you, um, I'm mean, would you-"
Fern looked at Shelbi while he was still trying to talk turkey of what he was trying to say. Shelbi knew what he was going to ask Fern and she lipped to Fern, 'no'. Fern turned back around and said,
"I'd love to."
Ron looked up and said,
"Really? Oh that's so great!"
He left, but quickly asking,
"By the way, what's your real name?"
Fern's eyes widened and she turned to Shelbi. Shelbi just sat there smiling, waiting for a response. Fern answered,
"Just call me Fern, please."
Ron nodded and gave Fern a kiss on the cheek, and left again. After he left, they went back onto eating. Out of nowhere, Shelbi biffed Fern in the back of the head.
"Ow! Damn what was that for?"
"When I say no, it doesn't mean yes!"
"I don't always have to listen to you."
"Yes you do."
Fern got up and left. Shelbi sat there alone eating the rest of her food and went to see Harry in the Gryffindor Common Room. When she saw the Fat Lady, she said,
"Gistros Humaine."
"Um, dear," the Fat Lady said. "The new password is Gladys bells."
"Fine, Gladys bells."
Harry was talking to Ron (probably about Fern saying she'd go to the Yule Ball with him) when she walked in she said,
"Um, may I talk to Harry please?"
Harry looked Ron and said,
"Sure, no problem."
Shelbi waited a few seconds and said,
"Alone!"
Ron jumped,
"Oh, right.I've got to work on Transfiguration anyways."
And walked upstairs.
"Okay, I don't really know much about this Yule Ball, but since you were the person showing me," she paused for a moment and looked up and yelled,
"Ron!"
Ron peeked his head out and squeaked,
"I'm gone!"
Shelbi shook her head and continued.
"Since you're showing me around I was wondering if you'd want to go to the ball with me."
Harry pondered a moment then smiled and answered,
"Sure."
Shelbi smiled back and gave him a kiss.
"Oh by the way, what am I supposed to wear?"
Laughing briefly, Harry said,
"Tomorrow we're going to Hogsmeade. There is a store called Gobi's Gowns. Hermione can take you and Jennifer."
"Thanks. Oh and before I forget, could I use your Invisibility Cloak?" Harry confusedly asked, "How'd you know about that?"
"I-I," Shelbi stuttered, "I heard you and Hermione arguing that one night about it."
"Oh, well sure, I guess. As long as you're not doing anything wrong."
"What," Ron shouted annoyed.
"I didn't say Ron, I said WRONG!"
"Oh, ok."
"Anyways, I'm not," she answered.
Harry grabbed the Invisibility Cloak from his trunk and tossed it to Shelbi. She wrapped it around herself and walked out. Harry walked over to Ron and said,
"You amaze me sometimes."
"What?"
Harry laughed and said,
"Never-mind."
Shelbi looked at the clock. It was quarter to one in the morning. She waited by the Slytherin Tower entrance until 1:30a.m. Then, she saw Draco walking up to her in the corridor. He whispered,
"Shelbi?"
She answered pulling off the cloak,
"Yeah, I'm here. What took you so long?"
"Professor Delacour. She had me do all sorts of insane tasks. Where'd you get that," he asked pointing to the cape.
"Oh, I borrowed it from a friend."
"Well keep it on, so if anyone is still up they won't see you."
Draco grabbed her hand and quickly rushed into the Slytherin Common Room. No one was up. Peeves saw what was happening and he rushed to Snape at once. The Slytherin Common Room was dark and had stone all around. The couch and comforters were green. The fire in the fireplace was even green and a spiral staircase lead to the dormitories. There were banners hanging all around with the Slytherin symbol. Draco led Shelbi to the couch and sat down. They both were quiet, until Shelbi kissed him and said,
"Thanks again, for what you did." Draco asked,
"Do you want to go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"What? Don't you think the Slytherins and Gryffindors wouldn't like that?"
"Yeah, I guess your right. You're so smart."
Shelbi was not thinking that it was smart, just common sense.
"So who are you going to ask to the ball then?"
"Probably just the same girl I asked last year. What about you?"
"Harry asked me already."
"What? You're going with him? How could you? "
" He asked and you, probably, know that I can't say no to such a cute guy. Er, but I'm not saying that you're not cute."
Just then, they heard the painting open and they saw Snape walk in. Before he saw Shelbi, she had wrapped herself with the cloak and quietly sneaked out.
"Mr. Malfoy, what is the meaning of this," Professor Snape yelled.
"What are you talking about," Draco lied.
"You know perfectly well what I mean! Bringing a Gryffindor in here! Now where is she?"
There was a small crowd forming around the stairs.
"Professor, no one is here. See for yourself."
Snape looked and felt around everywhere,
"Very well, I have a ghost to go talk to. Go to bed, all of you!"
Shelbi walked back to the Gryffindor Tower,
"Gladys bells- Harry, Hermione! What are you two doing- I mean, why are you still up?"
Harry stood up and asked,
"What were you doing in the Slytherin Common Room?"
She gave a confused look,
"What are you talking about?"
He took the Marauder's Map from Hermione and showed her,
"I saw you in there with Draco! Then Snape came! That could've been a week detention and major points taken away!"
Shelbi gave him a pathetic look and cried,
"I'm sorry Harry! Draco said he wanted to talk to me, but instead he-"
She paused for a moment.
"He what?"
"Oh, never mind."
Shelbi ran upstairs smiling as she walked into the dormitories.
"She is so ambiguous Harry," Hermione whispered.
"Huh?"
"She's lying."
"Maybe, but we don't have enough proof."
"Proof? We have all the proof we need right here! We saw that she was with Draco!"
"But, she admitted to that."
"But, she's not telling us something."
"I don't know, let's just forget about it."
Hermione rolled her eyes and went to bed. Harry sat up for awhile, thinking, and then huffed and said 'Mischief Mangled'. The Marauder's Map cleared and Harry went up to bed as well.
With only a week until Christmas, everyone was in Gobi's Gowns looking for a dress robe.
"Bloody hell," Ron annoyed said. "Harry I'll meet you in Three Broomsticks. Come on Hermione."
"Wait," Shelbi said. "Harry you can go. I want Hermione to stay with me so we can talk."
"Okay," Harry said. "We'll meet you later then." Shelbi gave a grim look at Fern,
"Oh, ah, I'm going to go look at the robes, um, someplace else, over there."
Shelbi was browsing through the dresses when Hermione said,
"Oh this is a nice one. This one is very elegant."
"Hermione, we've started of on the wrong path. I would really like to be your friend. What do I have to do to make it up to you?"
Hermione looked at her and said,
"Tell Harry you and Draco kissed."
Shelbi hesitated,
"Okay, that's plan B. What about plan A?"
"That is Plan A."
"Okay, fine. I'll tell him. Harry's a nice guy to bad news, right?"
They laughed and continued talking about all sorts of things. Fern walked back over and said,
"Well, everyone, ready?"
Fern was buying a dark purple robe, Shelbi was buying a dark red robe, and Hermione bought a new dark green robe. The girls then walked to Three Broomsticks were they saw Harry and Ron. At the pub, they ordered three Butterbeers and sat down.
"So," Ron began. "Me and Jennifer are going, you and Shelbi are going, Ginny is going with Neville, again, who are you going with Hermione?"
The Butterbeers arrived. She took a sip and said,
"Again, you're going to have to wait. Shelbi don't say anything!"
Shelbi pretended to zip up her mouth closed.
"Oh no fair! She knows," Ron whined.
"Yes, she knows! I told her in Gobi's."
Harry said,
"So you guys are finally friends."
Shelbi and Hermione looked at each other and Hermione answered,
"Yes, we made a deal."
"What deal?"
Shelbi sat up in her seat and said,
"Harry, um, I need to talk to you, privately."
She pulled Harry over to the corner of the pub.
"Harry, there's something I've got to tell you. Hermione was kissing Draco before, once though. I saw it with my own eyes. But do not say anything to her or she'll be mad at me again."
Harry nodded his head and said,
"Okay."
They walked back over and sat down. Hermione said,
"So Harry-"
She noticed Shelbi lipped to her 'He doesn't want to talk about it.'
"Ah, never mind."
"So, Hermione, you've been going to the library for weeks. Have you found anything on that thing yet," Ron asked.
"No, strangely all those books have been checked out for awhile. Well, we better be getting back to Hogwarts. You've to practice for the Quidditch Match on Wednesday."
They finished drinking their Butterbeer and left.