Title: The Fifth Year Author: Cactuskitty Chapter: Eight Disclaimer: I do not own anything/person/idea for the Harry Potter book series.
Chapter Eight: Inviting Hitler to a Synagogue

The next day was Saturday and the first of many Hogsmeade trips. Ron had woken his sullen-faced colleague early, because as he had put it, it was their job to make sure that the new students fit in comfortable. Causing Harry to be forced out of bed and into the bathroom, where he was truly woken by the freezing cold shower. After a few screams, he joined Ron in the common room where they waited for what seemed like hours for the others to get up.

Finally, after nineteen games of exploding snap and two lectures from Hermione, their first new student came down. He was a smallish boy, most likely a first year, with sandy hair and peering blue eyes. The only question he had was whether there was really a giant squid or if they were just pulling his leg. After twelve more questions along those lines Hermione told them that their job was pointless, and they headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

* * * *

As they were about to leave the hall, their attention was diverted towards two very sleeping looking girls from Ravenclaw; both clad in rose- colored pajamas.

"I told you today was a Hogsmeade trip. Why did you think nothing was happening today? I know it's Saturday, but still.."

"Darcy, shut up. I think we both made the mistake." The other girl who they just realized was Leona hissed.

"What are you talking about Leo?" Her wavy haired friend quickly directed her friend's attention towards the remaining stunned students who were trying to finish off their meal, "Oops." after that quite exclamation, the two of them headed towards their table where Chloe was try very hard to conceal her laughter, but failing miserably.

Though before they could reach their safe spot Snape stood up clapping, "Bravo Miss Greer! You really know how to make an entrance, don't you? I can't wait to see what you have planned for dinner. Maybe by then you would have learned how to make it to meals on time. Otherwise, you will find yourself loosing points for your house." He said with his notorious sneer, and then added frigidly, "Oh and next time, I expect you and Miss Nyx will be arrayed in something other than your bedroom attire."

"Yes professor, I'll be sure to remember my matching blue robe tomorrow." She replied with a playful grin.

"Watch this Harry. She's going to get more house points taken away from her then when Fred and George set fire to Hannah's hair!" whispered Ron eagerly.

Though Snape let him down, by instead smirking and saying, "You see that you do that next time. It may cause you less of an embarrassment."

"Wicked! I can't believe that she got away with that!" proclaimed Ron completely astonished.

"Why? All she was doing was being pleasant, and that teacher seems to have a good humor." Adrienne stated matter-of-factly, as though Snape being friendly was as natural as the grass is green.

"Yeah, he really doesn't seem as evil as you made him sound Harry. Are you sure you weren't exaggerating?" Eilene asked in an amiable and comforting tone.

"No, just wait until we have him, then you'll get what I was saying." Harry answered half-heartedly. He was feeling guilty again about the attack, and it was obvious that his thoughts were elsewhere.

"Yeah Harry! They'll see his true colors on Monday when we have double potions." Ron stopped and made a ponderous face that made it seem as though he had a lot on his mind, then he finally continued, "Why don't we ask Leona and Ellie if they want to join us today?"

"What for?" Hermione questioned while peering over her very advanced looking transfiguration book.

Ron's face was burgundy when he finally replied, "Well, it is our job to make sure that everyone doesn't have too hard of a time fitting in, and it seems as though those two are having some difficulty. So I just though that we should show them the ropes, eh Harry?"

"What? Oh yeah, ropes, sounds good.." Harry mumbled, "What about your cousin?"

"Well. I guess we could." Ron said with a shrug.

"Don't you two think that that would be like inviting Hitler to a Synagogue?" Hermione asked while still staring at her book.

"Who's Hitler? And what's a Synagogue?" Ron probed.

"I'll explain later, Ron." the conversation had now grasped Harry's attention, "What do you mean Hermione?"

"The conclusion I am approaching, Harry," She started to explain in her regular know it all fashion, "Is that every piece of evidence we have about these two girls tell us that there is a mutual felling of abhorrence among them. Do you really think that it's ideal to invite them both?" Hermione spoke slowly as if she was conversing with small children. She suddenly remembered the bashful Eilene - who had been cast aside from their conversation, and was politely waiting to be included again. And Hermione instantly set on asking the hushed medium to give her opinion on their mild problem.

"Hermione, it doesn't matter what you do, it's not as hard as you're making it seem. The two of them most definitely aren't chummy, but like most girls, they chose to act out towards the other subliminally rather than with words. It isn't as though they try to hex each other whenever they get with in a yard of the other." Eilene snickered, "Who does that still?"

"Oh." said a scarlet-faced Ronald Weasely, and it appeared as though he wanted to elaborate, but stopped, because he noticed his tall fair- haired next of kin taking post next to Harry.

"Speak of the devil." Hermione voiced before picking her colossal book up again; she didn't even seem to notice the revolting look Ophelia had directed towards her.

"So, have you all decided to shun me because of the sorting? Or have you just forgotten me over the summer?" Ophelia asked, and it was apparent to whom she was directing her question towards.

"Ophelia!" Harry exclaimed in surprise, "Who could forget you?" her face gleamed, "We were just about to ask if you wanted to join us at Hogsmeade."

"I'd love to Harry! Who else is going?"

"The five of us," Ron answered impassively, Ophelia gave him an icy glare, and he continued, "and we were just about to invite Chloe, Leona, and Ellie if the wanted to come too."

She turned her face towards Harry again as she gave her response, "I would love to join you Harry, sounds like loads of fun." Her voice faked optimism, "Why don't we all meet at the Three Broomsticks around noon for butterbeer. I heard it was the best place to eat there."

The nodded in response- Ophelia left to go join her new Slytherin peers - and the five of them headed towards the Ravenclaw table. Once there, they noted that only two of the three were present.

"Eilene! I was just wondering when you would remember your old friends." Chloe said sarcastically.

"Yes, what's up with that?" Leona jostled; imported phrases such as those highlighted the fact that she was a foreigner. She had nearly outgrown her American accent in the five years she had lived in Britain, but it was always quite apparent that she was no native.

"I'm sorry, but you could have come over too." Eilene grinned.

"What brings you five to this side of the Great Hall? I hope you aren't here to sike us out about the house cup, because everyone knows we have the best seeker." Leona teased.

"Oh shut up Leo, you guys don't stand a chance." Eilene defended, before she started her exclamation, "We actually came to ask you about. Where's Ellie?"

At that moment a grim faced Ellie stumbled into the chair next to Leona without even appearing to notice the four other Gryffindors, "Right here, why? What are you accusing me of?" She then stopped and smiled half- heartedly at the others, "Oh, hello Virginia, Ron, Harry. and I'm sorry I don't think we've been introduced."

"That's Hermione." Eilene answered, then she started the interrogation of her friend. "And where have you been?"

"Where do you think she's been, Eilene?" Leona replied slyly; Ellie blushed and elbowed her gruffly.

Eilene only smiled knowingly, and the seemed to end the conversation. This left Ron a disappointed state, for had wanted to know where she had been. Though his happiness was quickly recover when Leona briskly changed the subject.

"What did you want to ask us?" Leona was very blunt; one of the many traits she embodied that Ron deeply respected.

"Oh, we were wondering if the three of you wanted to join us during the Hogsmeade trip." Harry answered, "Would you like to?"

"Who are we?" Chloe asked in the same impatient tone Ginny had been using with him lately. He wondered what he had done to loose their respect.

Hermione, who had noticed her friend's ponderous look answered the question. Once hearing Ophelia's name the three of them reacted differently, Leona's pale lips tightened, Chloe raised her eyebrows, and Ellie's expression was simply unreadable. Hermione found the entire thing amusing and nearly grinned, but she somehow managed to restrain herself.

"Count me in." Chloe declared freely, "Ginny and I had some shopping to do anyway."

"What about you two?" Asked an almost too eager Ron.

"Well, I suppose I could." Leona drawled, "I wanted to get something for my little brother before Halloween."

"Sorry, but I already made plans." Ellie said courteously, "I'll see if I can catch up with your group before this trip is thru."

"That's fine." Hermione was depicting their schedule, "Shall we meet in front of the carriages in a hour?"

* * * *

Their time in Hogsmeade passed quickly and before they noticed, it was ten till twelve and they were on their way towards the Three Broomsticks to meet Ophelia. Though when they arrived, ten after, no one was in sight except for Madam Rosmerta, a few stray teachers, and seventh years, all appearing slightly out of place. It was really quite a bizarre sight, every time Harry had ever been there always were fifty more students present, at the very least. Never had it been so bare, he found I near frightening it was so unprecedented. But as usual there was a logical explanation for the reason of its emptiness, and the informant arrived not a moment too soon.

"I'm so sorry I'm late, but their was a fight at the Quidditch Supply Store and it was too exciting to miss." Gasped a cheery Ophelia.

"Oh really?" Leona inquired almost sarcastically, it was obvious that she didn't believe her; Hermione was surprised how she allowed her distaste for this girl to be so evident.

She thought it would be best to change the subject before the moment became any more awkward, though Ginny was faster.

"Can we please sit down and order soon? Chloe and I are supposed to meet some friends in a little while." Ron's sister asked bitterly. Leona agreed and they took their places around a large oak table in the back left corner of the bar. Their conversations were beginning to grow tedious by the time their butterbeers arrived, and near dead when Ginny and Chloe left. The only two who seemed to be having any real fun were Harry and Ophelia, who were rambling on about something that was between the two of them, disabling anyone else to join. The other four were sitting there in silence thinking of ways to fill in the agitation. Two of their thoughts were of boredom and always being left out, another's was of their attraction to someone else at the table, and the last was thinking about the explanations for people's actions.

Though all of them were interrupted when a group of Slytherins walked in to the establishment, two of which they recognized. Malfoy, who now seemed to have the onset of a bruise underneath his left eye, had his arm draped protectively around the brim of Ellie's chair. The poor girl looked slightly flustered, but Leona could have told you that that was just a sign of great irritation. The 5'3, now punkish looking Ravenclaw excused herself from the Slytherin filled table and headed towards the back of the bar; Leona would have explained (if anyone had asked,) that she was only doing that to calm herself before she could flip out. But was spotted by them before she could unleash and reluctantly headed over to their table where Eilene was waving.

You see; Eilene was having a miserable time since they met Ophelia, because every time she tried to get a word in edgewise the flaxen girl would silence her. And she was positive that once Ellie was there, she would have enough confidence to start a fresh conversation. She also knew that Ophelia didn't want Harry to shatter his image of her being gentle and harmonious, so she would not be able to tell Ellie to back off. The shy brunette knew she was slightly playing this all to her favor, but she actually did miss talking, a lot.

"Hello." Ellie said with a fake grin as she sat down next to Leona and stole a swig of her drink. At almost the same time Ophelia excused herself from the table say she had to powder her nose.

"Ooh!" Eilene squealed, "Go Darcy!" Yes, her confidence was back.

"Shut up Eilene, or would you like me to start in on you?" Ellie said menacingly, "You know we're just friends."

"Sure you are." Eilene smiled, "But none of my 'friends' put their arm around me."

"Oh do be quiet Eilene. I think she's been traumatized enough for one day." Leona explained, "Didn't you see that bruise under his eye? Was he in the fight at the Quidditch Supply Store El?"

"Yeah. That moron always thinks he has to prove himself. He didn't even have a real reason to fight with that poor boy. But that's Draco for you. I imagine he overlooked the fact that I am a noninterventionist." Ellie complained lightly, "And his friends are such a lively bunch and oh so much fun." Ophelia had returned mid rant.

"I'm sure." Hermione responded solemnly, she and her two best friends had become awkwardly hushed, but luckily Ellie identified their uneasiness almost automatically.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." Ellie apologized.

"Brought what up?" Questioned a suspicious Draco Malfoy, had sauntered over, without their noticing, and stood behind Ellie.

"Who I thought was the preferable professor, McGonagall or Binns, but they seemed partial to McGonagall, so I was sorry I brought it up." Ellie explained sweetly and in such a way that Hermione almost believed that was what they were discussing.

Draco gave her and the others a disapproving look, but most certainly bought it, "What are you doing with these three? The others are understandable."

Ellie gave Draco a defiant stare, and calmly responded to his question, "I promised Eilene and Leona that I would catch up with them before the day was thru. And I met these three, as you so rudely called them, over the summer." Her stricken tone, informed Leona that she was becoming very annoyed.

Draco ignored her scolding and continued his interrogation, "Is that so? When? I don't remember you telling me about them."

Her face now clearly portrayed aggravation, but her voice never wavered in her reply, "I met them at William's Deli near St. Ottery Catchpole on August 13th around twelve o'clock. I was sitting on the bench behind them waiting for a sandwich to take my father, when I heard their conversation and interrupted them. We held a brief introduction where they all told me their names, but I failed to inform them of mine because my order was called and I was late. So I left and did not see them again until yesterday. Oh wait, and I was wearing my light blue jean, red peasant shirt with yellow print, and my cowboy boots." She concluded gruffly then added bitingly, "Was that enough information or would you like me to tell you what they were wearing also? Because, you know what? It almost seems as though you don't trust me; what's the point of a friendship without trust?"

Ophelia flinched at the last two sentences, though no one seemed to notice.

"No I won't ask you anymore questions. You know I trust you, it's them I don't." Draco snarled, then motioned towards the 'dream team', "You know, Potty, Weasel, and the mud-I mean Granger; they aren't."

Ron cut him off, " You had better watch your mouth if you know what's good for you, ferret! Or you're gong to find yourself eating through a straw in the hospital wing."

"You see," Hermione whispered to Ellie, "Draco isn't the only one with a thirst to prove himself."

"Oh really? And who's going to put me there? You and your pathetic scar faced friend? I think not!" Draco sneered.

By that time Harry and Hermione had to hold him down before he could do anything that would land them in detention. And Ellie taken hold of the reins.

"Look Draco, don't you think one fight is enough for a day?" She said impassively, "If you are going to start causing problems, I think it would be best if we leave, because I personally like these people and I would hate to have to choose them over you. Too bad you have to be so immature, because I really wanted to become acquainted with my friend's new colleagues." She paused for a moment in thought then continued her quiet tirade, "Damn it Draco, you git, sometimes I wonder how you became so self- centered . I'm sorry That I am unable to talk with you longer, but I see you know how it is. Maybe we can get together after class tomorrow and Hermione can show us the library; I have a hunch she might know where it is. (Chao!" After that, the two of them left the Three Broomsticks.

"The library huh?" Ron laughed, "Well `Moine it seems as though we've found you a new friend!"

"Goodness Ron, if I knew you were so anxious to get rid of me I would have."

"Yeah, I know, you'd go hide yourself in a book." He replied absentmindedly, "Did you notice how easily she dished out that lie. I almost thought it was the truth."

"Dishonesty is one of Darcy's more dominant characteristics." Ophelia said melodiously, "Surprising, isn't it? How she can spit out a lie as though it was the most natural thing in the world."

Her sudden input left the group dumbfounded, but Ron was able to put together an answer, after a moment or two, "Well, next time I get caught doing something I'm not supposed to I hope to hell she'll be there to cover it up. No wonder she was sorted into Ravenclaw. No Slytherin is that clever; no offense Ophelia."

The remainder of their trip was uneventful.