Ch. 4
King and Queen
Hermione said,
"That's not going to work. She said it was-"
However, her voice froze and stared as she saw the painting open.
"This is obscured. We tried that last night, and she said it was changed."
Hermione pointed to the Fat Lady.
"She must have misheard you. Next time speak clearly dear."
Hermione mumbled as Professor McGonagall left,
"Any clearer and I would have sounded senseless."
The three walked in and saw that Neville was up, sitting in front of the fireplace with Trevor. He said,
"Where have you three been?"
Ron answered,
"Right outside the painting, all night."
"Why?"
Hermione jumped in,
"Because that stupid Fat Lady wouldn't let us in. She told us she changed the password. However, when Professor McGonagall said Gladys Bells the painting opened. Ugh, I hate her."
"Professor McGonagall?"
"No, the Fat Lady. Well I'm going up to get ready for school."
Ron tried not to smirk,
"Um, Hermione, it's Friday. You know the day before the Yule Ball? We don't have school the day before the ball."
"Fine," she said and went up to the dormitories to sleep.
"You know, she's been acting really different lately."
"Yeah," Harry agreed.
"I like the new her."
"You mean you like her more."
"Shut up," Ron punched Harry in the arm and they walked up the stairs and went to bed.
Neville stayed up and stared at the fire, when he heard the painting open.
"He-Hello, who's there," he asked.
He looked and for a bit no one came. He got up and slowly walked to the corner. Neville slowly peered around the corner. No one there, but he felt something brush up against his leg. It was Annabelle.
"Oh hello Annabelle, where'd you come from?" Do you want to sit with me and Trevor?"
Annabelle was purring loudly.
"Alright then come on."
Neville sat back down and Annabelle walked over with a limp and stared at him.
"What? Wait I know."
He picked up Annabelle and placed her on the chair.
"I'll be right back. Stay there. Watch over Trevor for me."
Neville ran upstairs and quietly walked into the boys' dorms. After he closed the door, Annabelle peered over at Trevor with her eyes squinted and ears perked back. Slowly she crawled over to him and stared at him. Slowly she raised he paw and stuck out her claws. A big grin came across Annabelle's face and she was just about to snatch up Trevor, he squirted water from his mouth, getting all over Annabelle's face. Annabelle shook her head, hissed, and slammed her paw on the armchair and ripped the interior. She raised her paw, but saw that Trevor wasn't there. He had hopped out of the way just in time. However, Annabelle chased Trevor around the room and behind a curtain.
Rustling was coming about the curtains. However, only Annabelle came out. She saw Neville come down and look for Trevor, but he couldn't find him. He said,
"Annabelle, can you help me find him."
She had a big grin on her face.
"You're such a good cat."
Neville searched and searched for Trevor, but still couldn't find him. While he was searching, Annabelle crawled up the stairs, still with a limp, to the girls' dormitories and pushed the door open with her nose. She jumped up on Fern's bed and tickled her face with her whiskers. Fern swiped at her and rolled over, in effect, the cat bit Fern on the hand, hard.
"Ow, Annabelle, what are you doing," she asked. Fern looked over at Shelbi's bed and noticed that it was empty. She looked back over at Annabelle and found Shelbi sitting were Annabelle was,
"God, Shelbi, will you stop with all this."
"Quiet," looking over at Hermione sleeping in her bad. "Her, Harry, and Ron just went to sleep. And stop all this what, having fun?"
"You may be having fun, but now someone knows about us."
"Oh, he doesn't know. Snape is lying."
"Well, I would like for you to stop."
"Too bad, I'm not."
"Wait a minute, what did you do last night?"
"I just had a little fun with the Fat Lady, that's all. I had her change the password so they couldn't get in and had to stay out in the corridor all night! It was great."
"You are going to go too far one of these times and I'm not going to help you."
"First of all, nothing is going to happen. Second, if something did, you will be there to help and continue what I was doing." Fern didn't respond, just looked down.
"Right, I'll see you downstairs in five minutes."
Shelbi got up, looked out the door, and saw Neville still searching for his toad. She went out, said to Neville,
"What are you looking for Neville," and closed the door.
"Oh, hi Shelbi. My toad Trevor has gone missing while I was up there getting treats for your cat. Could you help me look for him?"
"Sure, but he might be gone if you looked everywhere already."
Fern still sat up in bed with a glum look, turned, and stared at Hermione for a bit. Then she crawled out of bed and got dressed.
Fortunately, the kids had the day off, because Harry, Ron, and Hermione slept until lunch. All three scrambled out of bed and got dressed to go down to the Great Hall.
"So, how'd you sleep," Ron asked Harry. "No more surprising dreams?"
"No, gladly. I wonder about Hermione though."
"Well, if we didn't then she mustn't have."
"We can ask her when we see her at lunch."
Down at the Great Hall, Shelbi and Fern were sitting, talking with Fred and George when Harry and Ron walked up.
"The sleepy heads finally up," Shelbi asked.
"How was sleeping out in the corridors."
Harry and Ron looked at each other, and then Harry said,
"How'd you know about that?"
"Oh, Neville told me."
For a second there was silence.
"Anyways, I can't believe I'm not going to be able to go to the Yule Ball. You are going to have so much fun. Harry, did you find anyone to go with yet?"
"No, not yet. I'm going to ask Pavarti."
"Oh, well if I feel up to it, I might come down to sit, and watch."
"Well, if you do then I'll keep you company for some of the time."
"Thanks."
Just then, Hermione sat down looking unpleasant.
"What's wrong Hermione?"
She looked over sleepily,
"I'm just still so tired. I hope I wake up early enough to have time to get ready for the ball."
"Oh I'm sure you will."
Shelbi was just sitting there dazing out the window when Ron looked over and said,
"Shelbi aren't you hungry?"
She still stared outside not hearing him.
"Shelbi- SHELBI!"
She jumped,
"What?"
"Aren't you hungry? You haven't even touched your food."
"Oh, no I'm not. I'm still stuffed from that piece of cake."
Ron looked surprised,
"You're kidding right? Well, could I have it then? It's not every day I get pancakes."
"Yeah, sure."
Ron quickly grabbed her plate and scooped everything onto his.
The next morning, the five kids went down and opened their Christmas gifts.
"Happy Christmas Shelbi."
"Happy Christmas Harry."
Harry handed Shelbi a gift.
"Oh, is this for me? Thanks."
She opened it up and it was a Phyrus Crystal, which comes from the Mermaid Village at the bottom of the lake.
"Oh my gosh Harry, it's beautiful."
"Well, here let me take that necklace off and put this one on you."
"No, I mean, I'll put it on later. I never take off this necklace. I got you a gift, but it's upstairs."
Hermione and Fern were helping each other get ready for the ball. Fern spun Hermione around and said,
"You look beautiful, but we have got to do something about your hair."
"Oh, well I put this stuff in it last year," Hermione said picking up the gel.
"That stuff is good, but if you want something that is easy to apply and still last for hours then you want this," Fern reached out of her trunk and grabbed a bottle, Hair Tamer.
"I always use this every morning when I wake up. Otherwise, my hair looks thick, like my mums. Here, let me do your hair."
"Alright, but not too much."
Fern smiled and squeezed some gel in her hand.
"Okay, close your eyes. I want it to be a surprise."
She closed her eyes and Fern applied the gel to Hermione's hair. Instantly, her hair became straight and silky. Then, Fern pulled her hair up in a bun and had little strands on the side hang down.
"Okay, all finished."
"Already? That was only ten minutes. Last year it took me hours."
"Yeah, well, this stuff works great, but it isn't sold to the public yet."
"Oh," she opened her eyes and looked in the mirror. "Bloody hell, my hair is perfect. I'm going to do this to my hair everyday."
Fern smiled and said,
"Here, you keep the bottle. You want it more than I do."
"Thank you so much."
"So, who's going to be the lucky guy tonight."
"Right, about that, I don't have a date. I didn't want Harry and Ron making fun, so I'm not letting them find out until the ball."
"Oh, well why don't you just go with Harry," Fern asked while pulling her hair up in a bun and having the ends of her hair shortly spiked.
"Harry is going to ask Pavarti. She never has someone to go with."
"Well, I heard she's going with Seamus."
"Really? Then when I see Harry I'll ask him. Thanks again for my hair, but I do have other things to do. Plus, I'm sure you've got other things to do as well."
Fern nodded and Hermione left. She sat down and applied her makeup, put on her robe, and walked out to the common room where every one was talking and waiting anxiously for the ball to begin. She saw Shelbi walking up the spiral staircase towards her.
"All dressed up and ready to go?"
"Yep, too bad you can't go."
"You are incorrect. Follow me."
Fern followed Shelbi into the dorms and made sure that everyone was gone.
"What are you doing now?"
"Just watch."
She grabbed her wand, pointed it at her knee and said,
"Conjorfilone"
Instantly, her bandages were taken off and her knee looked perfect again.
"See, I found this spell in that book Professor Flitwick gave us and I thought I'd try it. Yeah, I've got my knee back."
She bent it, stood up, and jumped up and down.
"I'm so happy. Aren't you happy? I waited for this night to come forever to do this."
"Yeah, but you can't go to the ball, what would Harry and them think?"
"Let them think what they want. Besides, my date is waiting for me. Let me use your hair gel."
"I don't have it anymore. I gave it to Hermione."
"What? You are going soft. I think I should confirm this to him."
"No! Please, don't. I'm not getting soft I promise."
"Very well. You go and I'll make my entrance at the ball in a bit."
Fern left and Shelbi put on her silky, red robe and left her hair down. She applied her makeup, got up, and quietly opened the door to see if anyone was still among the common room. No one was. Therefore, she crept down the stairs, opened the painting, and walked down the corridor. By the marble staircase, Shelbi stood waiting for her date. Then, she got a tap on the shoulder. She turned around and smiled.
"I'm glad you didn't have a date. I was afraid I would go alone," she said.
"Well, I'm the one who asked you in the first place, so I kept myself open just if you changed your mind," Draco said. "So how did Potter take it? Was he crying?"
"No, I told him I wasn't going because of my knee, but I fixed that up in a second. Well, shouldn't we be going?"
Draco took Shelbi's hand and they walked down the marble staircase towards the Great Hall. They both looked at each other and opened the door. There were people dancing, people eating, and people just sitting around. Right away Shelbi noticed Harry and Hermione dancing, and Ron and Fern dancing. Fern noticed Shelbi and Draco and looked amazed.
"What," Ron asked turning his head.
"Ah, nothing. Just thought I saw someone," Fern answered, turning his head back.
"Harry, is that who I think it is, with Draco," Hermione asked.
Harry turned and said,
"You're right. That's what she must have been keeping when she went to talk with him that one night. I'm going to go talk to her."
"Can't you wait until later? Don't ruin the evening, but I do want to know what's up."
Harry looked down and had a disappointed look on his face.
"Oh, Harry it's okay. I'm sure there's an explanation to all this."
Harry nodded and then all of a sudden, the lights went up and the music stopped. Professor McGonagall said,
"May I have your attention please?"
Everyone went quiet and Professor Dumbledore spoke,
"This year we are starting something new. From now on, at every Yule Ball we are having a king and queen. Since this year the students didn't vote, the teachers did. In addition, we have decided that the queen this year will be Shelbi Klein from Gryffindor. Unfortunately, she couldn't be with us here today, because of-"
"I'm here!"
Shelbi waved her hand in the air.
"Oh very well then, and the king is Harry Potter, who is also a Gryffindor."
Shelbi looked so shocked and quickly let go of Draco's hand and ran up towards Professor Dumbledore. Harry said,
"I'll be right back."
In addition, he walked up as well. Professor placed a crown on Shelbi's head, then on Harry.
"Now," Professor Dumbledore added. "The king and queen will dance."
Shelbi gave Harry a little smile and all Harry did was her a displeased look. They walked in the middle of the floor and the music began. Everyone continued dancing. There was silence between the two for a while until Shelbi finally said,
"Harry will you please say something?"
"I don't want to talk to you right now. First you lie about your knee, then you come with him."
"Okay, I can explain. I did not lie about my knee. While I was working on my Charms, I found this spell and I thought I would try it. And the only reason I went with him is because I figured you would already have a date and since he asked me after you did, I found out that he didn't have one, so I asked him. I only wanted to go if I had a date and most of the time I was going to ask you to dance. I'm sorry if you thought differently, but I really do like you."
Harry didn't respond.
"Oh come on Harry. I am really sorry!"
Still he didn't answer. She gave him a mean look and stormed off before the dance was over and went in the girls' lavatory. Draco noticed everything, walked over to Harry, and said,
"What in bloody hell is your problem? Do not ruin her evening just because you did not get to go with her. Go continue dancing with that damn Mudblood of yours and leave her alone."
Harry was furious.
"Listen- Malfoy, she's in my house, I'm her friend, I've known her longer than you, and, I have no clue what she sees in you, but, I can tell you that in friendships, things happen. So why don't you either go and see if your date is alright or go find someone else to dance with for the rest of the night!"
Draco didn't say anything, because he noticed Professor McGonagall walking towards them. Instead, he just turned around and left.
"Is everything okay Potter?"
"Yes Professor."
"Where did Shelbi go?"
"Oh, she had to step out for the moment."
"Okay then."
Harry nodded and walked over to Fern and Ron.
"Harry what happened," Ron asked.
"Never-mind, but Fern I think Shelbi might need your help."
She wasn't surprised,
"Oh, no she should be by herself for awhile. It'll do her some good."
"Okay, well I'm going back over by Hermione."
"You mean the Hermione that you were dancing with," Ron asked.
"Yes."
"The Hermione that just left," he pointed.
"What?"
Harry turned and saw Hermione leave. He knew she was going to find Shelbi. Harry ran out the doors and looked down the corridor. He just saw a glimpse of her walking into Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom.
"Oh no," he said to himself.
He rushed to the door and quietly put his ear up against the door.
"Shelbi, are you okay," he heard Hermione say.
"I understand why Harry is mad at me, but what is wrong with going to the ball with someone besides a Gryffindor. I mean it's not like I like Draco. It's just, he didn't have a date and I didn't, so I figured him and I could go together."
"Well, Shelbi, you did kiss him which would give him the wrong idea. Moreover, this year Malfoy's came upon liking a Gryffindor! That has never happened and we thought it would stay that way. Harry's just stunned. I mean he really likes you."
"I know he does, but I think I like Draco too. I don't know who to choose."
"Go with the one your heart picks," Moaning Myrtle said.
"But if I do that then I would choose Harry."
Harry felt bad for not listening to Shelbi. He walked back to the ball to sit and wait for what ever happens. Hermione said,
"Well, don't tell anyone, but I would pick Ron."
"But, we aren't talking about Ron."
"I know, but I'm just saying, I went with Harry, but it doesn't mean I like him. Harry has to understand that just because you go with someone else someplace, doesn't mean you like them."
"Yeah, that's what you call a guy," Moaning Myrtle added.
The girls' laughed and left saying good-bye to Myrtle. They walked in the Great Hall and saw Harry, Ron, and Fern sitting and talking.
"Go on," Hermione gave Shelbi a little shove.
Shelbi slowly walked up to Harry and said,
"Harry, um can I talk to you for a minute?"
Harry looked at Ron, got up, and followed Shelbi out into the quiet corridor.
"Look Harry, I'm real sorry about-"
Harry leaned in a kissed Shelbi before she could finish. Then he said,
"It's okay, I forgive you."
Shelbi smiled and gave him a hug.
"Well, let's get back to the party. The night's almost over."
They walked back in holding hands and told Ron, Hermione, and Fern that everything was going to be okay. Fern added,
"Oh, that's fantastic! I perfect ending to a perfect night."
She leaned over and gave Ron a kiss. Hermione looked upset, but covered it up by saying,
"Well, I'm going to go see if anyone wants to dance."
"Hermione, meet us in the common room later for an after party," Ron shouted. "There will be more food."
"Okay."
Shelbi and Harry, and Fern and Ron got up and danced the rest of the night.
In the common room, everyone went up to the dorms, changed into normal clothes, and talked and ate. Some people, including Neville, found out the hard way that Fred and George put out a plate of their trick candy. Neville started to change colours.
"Neville, are you feelin' okay," Lavender Brown asked.
"Oh, don't worry. It'll wear off in 5 minutes," Fred said.
"Yeah, but we are working on making the time much longer," George added.
Harry and Shelbi were sitting on the couch with Hermione talking about the night.
"So Harry, why did you forgive Shelbi? Any reason?"
"Well, to be honest. I heard you two talking in Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom, but I realized what you were saying."
The girls' laughed.
"Don't worry about it, we knew you were there the whole time."
"You did, then why didn't you say something?"
"Because we wanted to actually have you listened to what we were saying."
"And you were part of this Hermione?"
"Yep."
"I don't even know you anymore."
"Oh stop, I'm the same person as always, just lightening up a bit. Oh speaking of which," Hermione stood up. "Everyone, listen up."
People were still talking.
"Will everyone just shut up? Thank you. Now I just want to say congratulations to Harry and Shelbi on their king and queen thing, and to Ron and Fern, hoping they have the happiness that I want."
When she was finished, Hermione looked surprised at what she just said.
Ron whispered to Harry,
"I think she had too much Butterbeer."
"But she didn't even have any."
"Then it must be the new her at it again."
"I guess."
"Um, Hermione, you should get some sleep."
"I'll take her up," Shelbi said. "Come on Hermione time for bed."
She grabbed Hermione's arm and took her upstairs. When they got to their dorm, Shelbi opened her dresser, pulled out Hermione's pyjamas, and threw them to Hermione.
"Here put these on and get in bed."
Hermione changed her clothes and said to Shelbi,
"You are very lucky to have Harry, I used to like him, but now I like Ron, too bad he's taken."
"Well, I could help you get him for you."
"Oh yea, the day Ron likes me, is the day I'll give you this," reaching in her dresser drawer. "Oh, that's right. I gave it to Harry to hang on to."
"I'll get it for you."
"That'll be great, just leave it."
She fell asleep before she could finish. Shelbi pulled the covers up and left. When she got back to the common room, almost everyone was turning different colours. Fred and George had tricked them into trying their candy.
"Shelbi, just the person we were looking for."
She looked at them in disbelief.
"Don't even think about it. I'm smarter than you think."
"We'll see after you take the O.W.L. examination."
Walking away, Shelbi then turned to Pavarti Patel asking,
"What are the O.W.L. examinations?"
"Everyone talks them their 5th year. Didn't your school tell you abut them?"
Harry, Ron, and Fern walked over and she responded,
"Oh, yeah, of course. I was just wondering if it was the same."
Fern interrupted,
"Well of course they're the same. Why wouldn't they be?"
"Because we learn different magic than them," she said gritting her teeth. "Remember now?"
"Right.Well, it's late. I'm going to bed. Good-night."
"'Night," the three said back.
"I think I'll got to bed also, Harry," Ron yawned. "Good-night as well."
Little by little, people were going up to bed. The only people left in the common room after midnight, were Harry, Shelbi, Seamus, and Daniel. The four were sitting around the Wizard Chess board, competing against each other. However, Shelbi was unbeatable
"Ha, checkmate, again."
"That was six bloody times," Seamus griped. "I'm going to bed."
"Yeah, I might as well too. We've got to practice Quidditch."
Harry questioned,
"We do?"
"If you want us to get good, we have to expect to practice a lot."
For a moment, Harry thought she was starting to sound just like Oliver Wood. Wood was the captain of the Gryffindor Team while Harry was in school for his first three years. Wood graduated his seventh year at the end of Harry's third. Last year, Quidditch was postponed, because of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which has been cancelled for over a century because of someone died during one of the tasks of three.
"Okay, I guess you're right. ' Night."
"Good-night Harry."
Harry stayed up and waited for a few minutes to make sure everyone was asleep. Then he crept out of the common room under his Invisibility Cloak, down the marble staircase, out of the cathedrals, and across the grounds to Hagrid's Hut. Harry knocked on the door and it swung open as Hagrid pushed it.
"Hallo, Harry, what yer doin' up at this time o' night?"
"I'm meeting someone, but I thought I'd come and say 'hi'. So how come you weren't at the ball?"
"'Cuz Madam Maxime wasn' able ter fly over so I jus' stayed here and took care o'-oh, yeh haven' met Stuckers yet have yeh?" Perplexed, Harry answered,
"No, who's Stuckers?"
Hagrid gave a big smile and motioned Harry over by his bed.
"Stuckers is a Beautriz. Beautriz's are doglike creatures wit' wings, have the site o' an owl and are completely white. They're supposed ter blend in wit' the snow ter hide from enemies."
Hagrid lifted up part of a blanket on his floor and under it was a rather large dog with wings.
"Yep, found him wanderin' around today on the grounds. Lil' tyke didn' know where he was goin'."
"Little?"
"Yeh, he's just a pup, Harry. He's got much growin' ter do."
Harry raised his eyebrows as he looked at Stuckers wiggling around in his sleep.
"Well, I guess yeh be gettin' along now. Don't want yer friend to leave yeh."
Harry almost forgot about meeting Sirius. He said good-bye and started /walking towards the castle. Hagrid shouted out,
"Careful! Don' want ter get caught!"
Harry waved as a response.
A faint bark stopped him in his tracks and looked over by the Quidditch Field. He saw a black dog and noticed it was Sirius. Harry ran over and asked,
"Where were you all day?"
The dog ran inside the Gryffindor locker room and Harry followed. It sat down and looked at him as he walked in.
"Well," Harry asked impatiently. The dog jumped, turned into Sirius, and grabbed Harry at the shoulders.
"Don't ask me that question," he yelled. "I've been waiting for you all day."
He noticed Harry looking down feeling glum.
"Sorry, it's just I've been waiting for awhile. You were having fun at the ball with Shelbi."
"It's okay, I- wait, how do you know about Shelbi and Fern?"
"I've been keeping an eye on you, and a found out some interesting facts about them. First, don't completely trust them, I think they may be up to something. Second, try to find out why they actually came to your school."
"Okay," Harry said as he sat down on the cold wooden seat. "But how do you know about them?"
"Don't worry. So, how was your dance?"
"It was alright. I didn't get to enjoy part of it, because I was angry at Shelbi."
Sirius stopped walking around and looked straight at Harry.
"Why?"
"Oh, she first went with Malfoy. But later on I found out why."
There was a short pause.
"And?"
"She said the only reason they went together was because she thought I would have already found another date."
"Have you?"
"No, well, Hermione and I just went as friends."
"How she doing?"
"She's fine. She likes Ron, but Ron fancy's Fern."
"I see," he said rubbing his chin. "Well, it's pretty late, you should go back up before you get in trouble."
Harry agreed and said good-bye as they both walked their separate ways in the dark. As he walked towards the school Harry looked back and watched Sirius turn back into a dog a run into the Dark Forest. He threw the Invisibility Cloak over himself and walked back.
The snow crunching beneath his feet, the air nipping at his nose, and his warm breath turning into fog almost distracted him from the sounds coming from the shadows. He could see movement, but he couldn't see who it was.
Hermione said,
"That's not going to work. She said it was-"
However, her voice froze and stared as she saw the painting open.
"This is obscured. We tried that last night, and she said it was changed."
Hermione pointed to the Fat Lady.
"She must have misheard you. Next time speak clearly dear."
Hermione mumbled as Professor McGonagall left,
"Any clearer and I would have sounded senseless."
The three walked in and saw that Neville was up, sitting in front of the fireplace with Trevor. He said,
"Where have you three been?"
Ron answered,
"Right outside the painting, all night."
"Why?"
Hermione jumped in,
"Because that stupid Fat Lady wouldn't let us in. She told us she changed the password. However, when Professor McGonagall said Gladys Bells the painting opened. Ugh, I hate her."
"Professor McGonagall?"
"No, the Fat Lady. Well I'm going up to get ready for school."
Ron tried not to smirk,
"Um, Hermione, it's Friday. You know the day before the Yule Ball? We don't have school the day before the ball."
"Fine," she said and went up to the dormitories to sleep.
"You know, she's been acting really different lately."
"Yeah," Harry agreed.
"I like the new her."
"You mean you like her more."
"Shut up," Ron punched Harry in the arm and they walked up the stairs and went to bed.
Neville stayed up and stared at the fire, when he heard the painting open.
"He-Hello, who's there," he asked.
He looked and for a bit no one came. He got up and slowly walked to the corner. Neville slowly peered around the corner. No one there, but he felt something brush up against his leg. It was Annabelle.
"Oh hello Annabelle, where'd you come from?" Do you want to sit with me and Trevor?"
Annabelle was purring loudly.
"Alright then come on."
Neville sat back down and Annabelle walked over with a limp and stared at him.
"What? Wait I know."
He picked up Annabelle and placed her on the chair.
"I'll be right back. Stay there. Watch over Trevor for me."
Neville ran upstairs and quietly walked into the boys' dorms. After he closed the door, Annabelle peered over at Trevor with her eyes squinted and ears perked back. Slowly she crawled over to him and stared at him. Slowly she raised he paw and stuck out her claws. A big grin came across Annabelle's face and she was just about to snatch up Trevor, he squirted water from his mouth, getting all over Annabelle's face. Annabelle shook her head, hissed, and slammed her paw on the armchair and ripped the interior. She raised her paw, but saw that Trevor wasn't there. He had hopped out of the way just in time. However, Annabelle chased Trevor around the room and behind a curtain.
Rustling was coming about the curtains. However, only Annabelle came out. She saw Neville come down and look for Trevor, but he couldn't find him. He said,
"Annabelle, can you help me find him."
She had a big grin on her face.
"You're such a good cat."
Neville searched and searched for Trevor, but still couldn't find him. While he was searching, Annabelle crawled up the stairs, still with a limp, to the girls' dormitories and pushed the door open with her nose. She jumped up on Fern's bed and tickled her face with her whiskers. Fern swiped at her and rolled over, in effect, the cat bit Fern on the hand, hard.
"Ow, Annabelle, what are you doing," she asked. Fern looked over at Shelbi's bed and noticed that it was empty. She looked back over at Annabelle and found Shelbi sitting were Annabelle was,
"God, Shelbi, will you stop with all this."
"Quiet," looking over at Hermione sleeping in her bad. "Her, Harry, and Ron just went to sleep. And stop all this what, having fun?"
"You may be having fun, but now someone knows about us."
"Oh, he doesn't know. Snape is lying."
"Well, I would like for you to stop."
"Too bad, I'm not."
"Wait a minute, what did you do last night?"
"I just had a little fun with the Fat Lady, that's all. I had her change the password so they couldn't get in and had to stay out in the corridor all night! It was great."
"You are going to go too far one of these times and I'm not going to help you."
"First of all, nothing is going to happen. Second, if something did, you will be there to help and continue what I was doing." Fern didn't respond, just looked down.
"Right, I'll see you downstairs in five minutes."
Shelbi got up, looked out the door, and saw Neville still searching for his toad. She went out, said to Neville,
"What are you looking for Neville," and closed the door.
"Oh, hi Shelbi. My toad Trevor has gone missing while I was up there getting treats for your cat. Could you help me look for him?"
"Sure, but he might be gone if you looked everywhere already."
Fern still sat up in bed with a glum look, turned, and stared at Hermione for a bit. Then she crawled out of bed and got dressed.
Fortunately, the kids had the day off, because Harry, Ron, and Hermione slept until lunch. All three scrambled out of bed and got dressed to go down to the Great Hall.
"So, how'd you sleep," Ron asked Harry. "No more surprising dreams?"
"No, gladly. I wonder about Hermione though."
"Well, if we didn't then she mustn't have."
"We can ask her when we see her at lunch."
Down at the Great Hall, Shelbi and Fern were sitting, talking with Fred and George when Harry and Ron walked up.
"The sleepy heads finally up," Shelbi asked.
"How was sleeping out in the corridors."
Harry and Ron looked at each other, and then Harry said,
"How'd you know about that?"
"Oh, Neville told me."
For a second there was silence.
"Anyways, I can't believe I'm not going to be able to go to the Yule Ball. You are going to have so much fun. Harry, did you find anyone to go with yet?"
"No, not yet. I'm going to ask Pavarti."
"Oh, well if I feel up to it, I might come down to sit, and watch."
"Well, if you do then I'll keep you company for some of the time."
"Thanks."
Just then, Hermione sat down looking unpleasant.
"What's wrong Hermione?"
She looked over sleepily,
"I'm just still so tired. I hope I wake up early enough to have time to get ready for the ball."
"Oh I'm sure you will."
Shelbi was just sitting there dazing out the window when Ron looked over and said,
"Shelbi aren't you hungry?"
She still stared outside not hearing him.
"Shelbi- SHELBI!"
She jumped,
"What?"
"Aren't you hungry? You haven't even touched your food."
"Oh, no I'm not. I'm still stuffed from that piece of cake."
Ron looked surprised,
"You're kidding right? Well, could I have it then? It's not every day I get pancakes."
"Yeah, sure."
Ron quickly grabbed her plate and scooped everything onto his.
The next morning, the five kids went down and opened their Christmas gifts.
"Happy Christmas Shelbi."
"Happy Christmas Harry."
Harry handed Shelbi a gift.
"Oh, is this for me? Thanks."
She opened it up and it was a Phyrus Crystal, which comes from the Mermaid Village at the bottom of the lake.
"Oh my gosh Harry, it's beautiful."
"Well, here let me take that necklace off and put this one on you."
"No, I mean, I'll put it on later. I never take off this necklace. I got you a gift, but it's upstairs."
Hermione and Fern were helping each other get ready for the ball. Fern spun Hermione around and said,
"You look beautiful, but we have got to do something about your hair."
"Oh, well I put this stuff in it last year," Hermione said picking up the gel.
"That stuff is good, but if you want something that is easy to apply and still last for hours then you want this," Fern reached out of her trunk and grabbed a bottle, Hair Tamer.
"I always use this every morning when I wake up. Otherwise, my hair looks thick, like my mums. Here, let me do your hair."
"Alright, but not too much."
Fern smiled and squeezed some gel in her hand.
"Okay, close your eyes. I want it to be a surprise."
She closed her eyes and Fern applied the gel to Hermione's hair. Instantly, her hair became straight and silky. Then, Fern pulled her hair up in a bun and had little strands on the side hang down.
"Okay, all finished."
"Already? That was only ten minutes. Last year it took me hours."
"Yeah, well, this stuff works great, but it isn't sold to the public yet."
"Oh," she opened her eyes and looked in the mirror. "Bloody hell, my hair is perfect. I'm going to do this to my hair everyday."
Fern smiled and said,
"Here, you keep the bottle. You want it more than I do."
"Thank you so much."
"So, who's going to be the lucky guy tonight."
"Right, about that, I don't have a date. I didn't want Harry and Ron making fun, so I'm not letting them find out until the ball."
"Oh, well why don't you just go with Harry," Fern asked while pulling her hair up in a bun and having the ends of her hair shortly spiked.
"Harry is going to ask Pavarti. She never has someone to go with."
"Well, I heard she's going with Seamus."
"Really? Then when I see Harry I'll ask him. Thanks again for my hair, but I do have other things to do. Plus, I'm sure you've got other things to do as well."
Fern nodded and Hermione left. She sat down and applied her makeup, put on her robe, and walked out to the common room where every one was talking and waiting anxiously for the ball to begin. She saw Shelbi walking up the spiral staircase towards her.
"All dressed up and ready to go?"
"Yep, too bad you can't go."
"You are incorrect. Follow me."
Fern followed Shelbi into the dorms and made sure that everyone was gone.
"What are you doing now?"
"Just watch."
She grabbed her wand, pointed it at her knee and said,
"Conjorfilone"
Instantly, her bandages were taken off and her knee looked perfect again.
"See, I found this spell in that book Professor Flitwick gave us and I thought I'd try it. Yeah, I've got my knee back."
She bent it, stood up, and jumped up and down.
"I'm so happy. Aren't you happy? I waited for this night to come forever to do this."
"Yeah, but you can't go to the ball, what would Harry and them think?"
"Let them think what they want. Besides, my date is waiting for me. Let me use your hair gel."
"I don't have it anymore. I gave it to Hermione."
"What? You are going soft. I think I should confirm this to him."
"No! Please, don't. I'm not getting soft I promise."
"Very well. You go and I'll make my entrance at the ball in a bit."
Fern left and Shelbi put on her silky, red robe and left her hair down. She applied her makeup, got up, and quietly opened the door to see if anyone was still among the common room. No one was. Therefore, she crept down the stairs, opened the painting, and walked down the corridor. By the marble staircase, Shelbi stood waiting for her date. Then, she got a tap on the shoulder. She turned around and smiled.
"I'm glad you didn't have a date. I was afraid I would go alone," she said.
"Well, I'm the one who asked you in the first place, so I kept myself open just if you changed your mind," Draco said. "So how did Potter take it? Was he crying?"
"No, I told him I wasn't going because of my knee, but I fixed that up in a second. Well, shouldn't we be going?"
Draco took Shelbi's hand and they walked down the marble staircase towards the Great Hall. They both looked at each other and opened the door. There were people dancing, people eating, and people just sitting around. Right away Shelbi noticed Harry and Hermione dancing, and Ron and Fern dancing. Fern noticed Shelbi and Draco and looked amazed.
"What," Ron asked turning his head.
"Ah, nothing. Just thought I saw someone," Fern answered, turning his head back.
"Harry, is that who I think it is, with Draco," Hermione asked.
Harry turned and said,
"You're right. That's what she must have been keeping when she went to talk with him that one night. I'm going to go talk to her."
"Can't you wait until later? Don't ruin the evening, but I do want to know what's up."
Harry looked down and had a disappointed look on his face.
"Oh, Harry it's okay. I'm sure there's an explanation to all this."
Harry nodded and then all of a sudden, the lights went up and the music stopped. Professor McGonagall said,
"May I have your attention please?"
Everyone went quiet and Professor Dumbledore spoke,
"This year we are starting something new. From now on, at every Yule Ball we are having a king and queen. Since this year the students didn't vote, the teachers did. In addition, we have decided that the queen this year will be Shelbi Klein from Gryffindor. Unfortunately, she couldn't be with us here today, because of-"
"I'm here!"
Shelbi waved her hand in the air.
"Oh very well then, and the king is Harry Potter, who is also a Gryffindor."
Shelbi looked so shocked and quickly let go of Draco's hand and ran up towards Professor Dumbledore. Harry said,
"I'll be right back."
In addition, he walked up as well. Professor placed a crown on Shelbi's head, then on Harry.
"Now," Professor Dumbledore added. "The king and queen will dance."
Shelbi gave Harry a little smile and all Harry did was her a displeased look. They walked in the middle of the floor and the music began. Everyone continued dancing. There was silence between the two for a while until Shelbi finally said,
"Harry will you please say something?"
"I don't want to talk to you right now. First you lie about your knee, then you come with him."
"Okay, I can explain. I did not lie about my knee. While I was working on my Charms, I found this spell and I thought I would try it. And the only reason I went with him is because I figured you would already have a date and since he asked me after you did, I found out that he didn't have one, so I asked him. I only wanted to go if I had a date and most of the time I was going to ask you to dance. I'm sorry if you thought differently, but I really do like you."
Harry didn't respond.
"Oh come on Harry. I am really sorry!"
Still he didn't answer. She gave him a mean look and stormed off before the dance was over and went in the girls' lavatory. Draco noticed everything, walked over to Harry, and said,
"What in bloody hell is your problem? Do not ruin her evening just because you did not get to go with her. Go continue dancing with that damn Mudblood of yours and leave her alone."
Harry was furious.
"Listen- Malfoy, she's in my house, I'm her friend, I've known her longer than you, and, I have no clue what she sees in you, but, I can tell you that in friendships, things happen. So why don't you either go and see if your date is alright or go find someone else to dance with for the rest of the night!"
Draco didn't say anything, because he noticed Professor McGonagall walking towards them. Instead, he just turned around and left.
"Is everything okay Potter?"
"Yes Professor."
"Where did Shelbi go?"
"Oh, she had to step out for the moment."
"Okay then."
Harry nodded and walked over to Fern and Ron.
"Harry what happened," Ron asked.
"Never-mind, but Fern I think Shelbi might need your help."
She wasn't surprised,
"Oh, no she should be by herself for awhile. It'll do her some good."
"Okay, well I'm going back over by Hermione."
"You mean the Hermione that you were dancing with," Ron asked.
"Yes."
"The Hermione that just left," he pointed.
"What?"
Harry turned and saw Hermione leave. He knew she was going to find Shelbi. Harry ran out the doors and looked down the corridor. He just saw a glimpse of her walking into Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom.
"Oh no," he said to himself.
He rushed to the door and quietly put his ear up against the door.
"Shelbi, are you okay," he heard Hermione say.
"I understand why Harry is mad at me, but what is wrong with going to the ball with someone besides a Gryffindor. I mean it's not like I like Draco. It's just, he didn't have a date and I didn't, so I figured him and I could go together."
"Well, Shelbi, you did kiss him which would give him the wrong idea. Moreover, this year Malfoy's came upon liking a Gryffindor! That has never happened and we thought it would stay that way. Harry's just stunned. I mean he really likes you."
"I know he does, but I think I like Draco too. I don't know who to choose."
"Go with the one your heart picks," Moaning Myrtle said.
"But if I do that then I would choose Harry."
Harry felt bad for not listening to Shelbi. He walked back to the ball to sit and wait for what ever happens. Hermione said,
"Well, don't tell anyone, but I would pick Ron."
"But, we aren't talking about Ron."
"I know, but I'm just saying, I went with Harry, but it doesn't mean I like him. Harry has to understand that just because you go with someone else someplace, doesn't mean you like them."
"Yeah, that's what you call a guy," Moaning Myrtle added.
The girls' laughed and left saying good-bye to Myrtle. They walked in the Great Hall and saw Harry, Ron, and Fern sitting and talking.
"Go on," Hermione gave Shelbi a little shove.
Shelbi slowly walked up to Harry and said,
"Harry, um can I talk to you for a minute?"
Harry looked at Ron, got up, and followed Shelbi out into the quiet corridor.
"Look Harry, I'm real sorry about-"
Harry leaned in a kissed Shelbi before she could finish. Then he said,
"It's okay, I forgive you."
Shelbi smiled and gave him a hug.
"Well, let's get back to the party. The night's almost over."
They walked back in holding hands and told Ron, Hermione, and Fern that everything was going to be okay. Fern added,
"Oh, that's fantastic! I perfect ending to a perfect night."
She leaned over and gave Ron a kiss. Hermione looked upset, but covered it up by saying,
"Well, I'm going to go see if anyone wants to dance."
"Hermione, meet us in the common room later for an after party," Ron shouted. "There will be more food."
"Okay."
Shelbi and Harry, and Fern and Ron got up and danced the rest of the night.
In the common room, everyone went up to the dorms, changed into normal clothes, and talked and ate. Some people, including Neville, found out the hard way that Fred and George put out a plate of their trick candy. Neville started to change colours.
"Neville, are you feelin' okay," Lavender Brown asked.
"Oh, don't worry. It'll wear off in 5 minutes," Fred said.
"Yeah, but we are working on making the time much longer," George added.
Harry and Shelbi were sitting on the couch with Hermione talking about the night.
"So Harry, why did you forgive Shelbi? Any reason?"
"Well, to be honest. I heard you two talking in Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom, but I realized what you were saying."
The girls' laughed.
"Don't worry about it, we knew you were there the whole time."
"You did, then why didn't you say something?"
"Because we wanted to actually have you listened to what we were saying."
"And you were part of this Hermione?"
"Yep."
"I don't even know you anymore."
"Oh stop, I'm the same person as always, just lightening up a bit. Oh speaking of which," Hermione stood up. "Everyone, listen up."
People were still talking.
"Will everyone just shut up? Thank you. Now I just want to say congratulations to Harry and Shelbi on their king and queen thing, and to Ron and Fern, hoping they have the happiness that I want."
When she was finished, Hermione looked surprised at what she just said.
Ron whispered to Harry,
"I think she had too much Butterbeer."
"But she didn't even have any."
"Then it must be the new her at it again."
"I guess."
"Um, Hermione, you should get some sleep."
"I'll take her up," Shelbi said. "Come on Hermione time for bed."
She grabbed Hermione's arm and took her upstairs. When they got to their dorm, Shelbi opened her dresser, pulled out Hermione's pyjamas, and threw them to Hermione.
"Here put these on and get in bed."
Hermione changed her clothes and said to Shelbi,
"You are very lucky to have Harry, I used to like him, but now I like Ron, too bad he's taken."
"Well, I could help you get him for you."
"Oh yea, the day Ron likes me, is the day I'll give you this," reaching in her dresser drawer. "Oh, that's right. I gave it to Harry to hang on to."
"I'll get it for you."
"That'll be great, just leave it."
She fell asleep before she could finish. Shelbi pulled the covers up and left. When she got back to the common room, almost everyone was turning different colours. Fred and George had tricked them into trying their candy.
"Shelbi, just the person we were looking for."
She looked at them in disbelief.
"Don't even think about it. I'm smarter than you think."
"We'll see after you take the O.W.L. examination."
Walking away, Shelbi then turned to Pavarti Patel asking,
"What are the O.W.L. examinations?"
"Everyone talks them their 5th year. Didn't your school tell you abut them?"
Harry, Ron, and Fern walked over and she responded,
"Oh, yeah, of course. I was just wondering if it was the same."
Fern interrupted,
"Well of course they're the same. Why wouldn't they be?"
"Because we learn different magic than them," she said gritting her teeth. "Remember now?"
"Right.Well, it's late. I'm going to bed. Good-night."
"'Night," the three said back.
"I think I'll got to bed also, Harry," Ron yawned. "Good-night as well."
Little by little, people were going up to bed. The only people left in the common room after midnight, were Harry, Shelbi, Seamus, and Daniel. The four were sitting around the Wizard Chess board, competing against each other. However, Shelbi was unbeatable
"Ha, checkmate, again."
"That was six bloody times," Seamus griped. "I'm going to bed."
"Yeah, I might as well too. We've got to practice Quidditch."
Harry questioned,
"We do?"
"If you want us to get good, we have to expect to practice a lot."
For a moment, Harry thought she was starting to sound just like Oliver Wood. Wood was the captain of the Gryffindor Team while Harry was in school for his first three years. Wood graduated his seventh year at the end of Harry's third. Last year, Quidditch was postponed, because of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which has been cancelled for over a century because of someone died during one of the tasks of three.
"Okay, I guess you're right. ' Night."
"Good-night Harry."
Harry stayed up and waited for a few minutes to make sure everyone was asleep. Then he crept out of the common room under his Invisibility Cloak, down the marble staircase, out of the cathedrals, and across the grounds to Hagrid's Hut. Harry knocked on the door and it swung open as Hagrid pushed it.
"Hallo, Harry, what yer doin' up at this time o' night?"
"I'm meeting someone, but I thought I'd come and say 'hi'. So how come you weren't at the ball?"
"'Cuz Madam Maxime wasn' able ter fly over so I jus' stayed here and took care o'-oh, yeh haven' met Stuckers yet have yeh?" Perplexed, Harry answered,
"No, who's Stuckers?"
Hagrid gave a big smile and motioned Harry over by his bed.
"Stuckers is a Beautriz. Beautriz's are doglike creatures wit' wings, have the site o' an owl and are completely white. They're supposed ter blend in wit' the snow ter hide from enemies."
Hagrid lifted up part of a blanket on his floor and under it was a rather large dog with wings.
"Yep, found him wanderin' around today on the grounds. Lil' tyke didn' know where he was goin'."
"Little?"
"Yeh, he's just a pup, Harry. He's got much growin' ter do."
Harry raised his eyebrows as he looked at Stuckers wiggling around in his sleep.
"Well, I guess yeh be gettin' along now. Don't want yer friend to leave yeh."
Harry almost forgot about meeting Sirius. He said good-bye and started /walking towards the castle. Hagrid shouted out,
"Careful! Don' want ter get caught!"
Harry waved as a response.
A faint bark stopped him in his tracks and looked over by the Quidditch Field. He saw a black dog and noticed it was Sirius. Harry ran over and asked,
"Where were you all day?"
The dog ran inside the Gryffindor locker room and Harry followed. It sat down and looked at him as he walked in.
"Well," Harry asked impatiently. The dog jumped, turned into Sirius, and grabbed Harry at the shoulders.
"Don't ask me that question," he yelled. "I've been waiting for you all day."
He noticed Harry looking down feeling glum.
"Sorry, it's just I've been waiting for awhile. You were having fun at the ball with Shelbi."
"It's okay, I- wait, how do you know about Shelbi and Fern?"
"I've been keeping an eye on you, and a found out some interesting facts about them. First, don't completely trust them, I think they may be up to something. Second, try to find out why they actually came to your school."
"Okay," Harry said as he sat down on the cold wooden seat. "But how do you know about them?"
"Don't worry. So, how was your dance?"
"It was alright. I didn't get to enjoy part of it, because I was angry at Shelbi."
Sirius stopped walking around and looked straight at Harry.
"Why?"
"Oh, she first went with Malfoy. But later on I found out why."
There was a short pause.
"And?"
"She said the only reason they went together was because she thought I would have already found another date."
"Have you?"
"No, well, Hermione and I just went as friends."
"How she doing?"
"She's fine. She likes Ron, but Ron fancy's Fern."
"I see," he said rubbing his chin. "Well, it's pretty late, you should go back up before you get in trouble."
Harry agreed and said good-bye as they both walked their separate ways in the dark. As he walked towards the school Harry looked back and watched Sirius turn back into a dog a run into the Dark Forest. He threw the Invisibility Cloak over himself and walked back.
The snow crunching beneath his feet, the air nipping at his nose, and his warm breath turning into fog almost distracted him from the sounds coming from the shadows. He could see movement, but he couldn't see who it was.