Author's Note: I'm so sorry this took so long! I couldn't log in! Luckily, I just managed to tongiht and had the chapter all written out. This chapter is sort of a fill in. The next -- which is in my head but not written -- has yet another subplot opening. As to my faithful reviewers... well, none of the stuff I threatened is happening, thanks to you. Anyone who reads and doesn't review owes their enternal gratatude to you for keeping our characters alive. (Just kidding. They would have stayed alive anyway. Just miserable -- whoops, just kidding again!) -- Rheanna
September 7
Whew… has it been a week?… I'm exhausted. And half of us - "us" being fifth-year Gryffindors and the CC - are snapping and lashing out at each other.
Harry is going bonkers over Sirius's last letter, er, note. It is annoying: Sirius says he knows precisely who John is - or at least as much as anyone else does - even if not personally, and he will explain it all as soon as he can, and would Harry please owl him the instant he sees John again?
What? Is John following us? What's WITH this?
Quidditch tryouts are coming up. A new Keeper is needed as well as… a new Chaser. Angelina Johnson was in her seventh-year last year. No wonder she looked a little confused when Harry asked her about her birthday. Ron keeps on joking that I should try out. Ha! But, actually, I'm a bit insulted that he is so sure I wouldn't stand a chance. Perhaps I should show up and do really well just to make his jaw drop and show him I am more than Hermione Granger, Know-It-All.
But, the idea of doing more than I am is scaring even me. The homework is pretty thick, the CC takes up so much time it's not even amusing, and then there's my writing, which, may I remind you, I vowed to keep doing. Luckily, my ideas and ambition for it have not run dry. My time has. Poor Jinni of Fiddle Girl has been knocked out since last the second week of August now.
And then, of course, classes. Hagrid, Grubby-Plank, and Fleur are still on Kzeals, little golden monkey like things that Lavender absolutely adores. They are pretty cute and really magical. But, of course, Lavender's group has the friendly, good-natured one. The one Ron, Harry, Neville and I have is moody, temperamental, and very energetic. It's called "Bloody". Well, that seems to be what Ron calls it. Its real name is Beatrice. Ron also says it's a "stupid name". Well, I'm not too fond of it myself. Beatrice adores Neville, and for some odd reason, Ron. The feeling does not seem to be mutual on Ron's part, but Neville loves Beatry. Beatry, however, doesn't seem to like Harry and I, much to our combined exasperation and amusement.
In Astronomy we're doing Darwin, the solar system three away from ours. *A/N: I figure wizards have this whole thing mapped out more than we do, okay?* It has three planets, which isn't as much as most of the ones we've been studying, but about a "gazillion" moons to each planet we've got to memorize. (The estimate is Ron's, not mine, thank you very much.) There's also a billion or so regular comets there, so it'll take a while.
Then there's Arthimancy. I'm glad Ron isn't here to complain about this class, I really am. He'd be howling and whining and moaning and I'd have to use the Curse of Bogies on him.
In Charms we tried getting into Climatic Charms. One little thing. If used on people, Climatic Charms are technically curses, and for some reason I'm not completely comfortable with that.
Curses bring us nicely to Defence Against the Dark Arts, which we had today. Oh, boy. Remember how I hinted she might be a tad strict and sarcastic? Well, I'm absolutely right.
Harry and Ron made the huge mistake of being late. Not a good idea. I have no clue what they were up to; they didn't say and I'm a tad put out about that. Drothl nearly cut their heads off with a shilling.
"Ten points each from Gryffindor."
Harry glanced at the clock; they were precisely one minute late. "But -"
"Sit, please, Potter. Don't try to get cheeky. I know exactly who you got that from."
I gaped at her a moment as she said this coolly, almost offhandedly, as if living a memory and letting it slip. Few others seemed to have caught the reference. Drothl went on without missing a beat.
"Now that you have all decided to come, we'll start. We'll do the basics. I'm Professor Drothl, and that's D-R-O-T-H-L, pronounced 'droth-oul'. That's it, and I don't want to hear it misprounced all year, got it? Good. Now that we understand each other, get out a sheet of parchment."
"Sensitive about her name," chuckled Sara Blustovadk, who was sitting by Parvati and Lavender mainly because I glared at her as she approached.
"Yours is 'Blustovadk', you should talk," I snapped. Sara paled for some reason. It doesn't take a genius to know Blustovadk isn't her real name.
"Good. Now, this class is ridiculously far behind. I'll not have you causing trouble. There isn't time. Do you realize you're about to take O.W.L.s at the end of this year and only know a fourth of the material? Do you realize that so far you've had one Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, besides me, who actually had a teaching lisence, and that he worked for the Dark Lord? Not a good state of affairs, brought about by necessity. I'll warn you right now that you haven't just got a baby-sitter during this class anymore. I'm here to teach, thank you."
"Then get on with it," Ron muttered. I glared. Drothl didn't seem to be doing all that bad. So she was business-like. Goodness knows that after a year of our other lisenced teacher, that's a relief. She hit the nail on the head; Quirrel was nothing more than a baby-sitter.
That's when she started talking of Kapykoae. This was supposed to be the best lesson of the year. Kapykoae is horrible but fascinating, the curse of changing feelings and emotions.
And perhaps it was the late CC meeting the night before, but Ron is insistent that it was Drothl's droning on… and on…
I feel asleep. Right in the middle of class.
I hadn't done that since the year with the Time-Turner, and this time it was even more humiliating, because this was Drothl and not Flitwick.
"Miss Granger!"
I snapped to attention, everything fuzzy from sleep. "Yeah?"
"Yes," commanded Drothl.
"Yes," I repeated, still somewhat confused. Ron and Harry were smirking.
"Ten points from Gryffindor."
I think those are her favorite words. "Why?"
She glared at me like I was being stupid on purpose. Ron spoke up: "But she's tired because she was helping defend against Dark Arts last night, Professor Drothl."
Drothl nearly strangled Ron on the spot. "Weasley, that's no excuse for neglecting your education like Miss Granger seems to be doing."
The class roared in laughter, causing Drothl to take a point off for everyone who laughed, which shut us all up pretty quickly. Even I giggled. Yes, I have a lighthearted side, thanks. But she was livid that we were laughing.
"Honestly, Weasley, I had enough of this with your brothers!" she fumed. "And Blustovadk, I don't want to hear it, no one in your position should be laughing!" We all glanced at her oddly. "And you, Longbottom! When you can perform one countercurse correctly, you may giggle all you want then! Patil, you shouldn't laugh as I have no clue which twin you are, and Brown, perhaps if you stopped being such a prissy prig you might pass this class with an acceptable grade."
Silence.
Honestly, I think this woman stays up at night thinking up insults.
Well, from now on I don't think I can enjoy Kapykoae. She pretty much ruined it for me right there, but really, the class got no better. But Ron! You should have heard him go on! Finally I snapped at him it was Drothl's job to make us learn certain things, not be nice - and from the look on his and Harry's face, you wouldn't thought I had said… I loved Draco Malfoy or something!
Sheesh!
September 13
Ooh, Ron's so jealous… the CC gets to go to Hogsmeade a few Saturdays from now… it's mainly a business trip and to meet some senior members, but, still, we get to go - and Ron can't. In fact, he's very put out about it. I told him if he and Harry told me where they were when they were late for Defence our first class I'd tell him what happens in Hogsmeade. He just laughed and said: "Oh, you'll tell me anyway, you know you will." Of all the nerve…!
The biggest problem with the CC is that You-Know-Who hasn't even attacked any Muggles for nearly a month - or at least none we can prove - and few seem to believe he's back. And will they take the words of a bunch of teenagers, or even listen to us if they do?
Bill thought Harry's dominion (John) theory was "interesting, and no worse than the rest we have". He also says the Ministry keeps a count of all the dominions, as they're rather rare, and he's checking it now. I want to tell him that Sirius seems to know John but really can't. So I took matters into my own hands and did some research on an English Muggle scholar named John. The only thing is that there are a lot of English Muggle scholars named John. Also, Madam Pince is looking at me oddly, as if wondering what on earth I'm doing.
Daddy sent me a - guest what - story for my birthday! Really! I mean, one he wrote - just since I've left for Hogwarts! I thought it was really sweet. And Mummy renewed my subscription to Time, and Harry and Ron got me a mahogany little box for that teeny tree I got in Bulgaria. I raved about it, and they actually remembered - I almost fainted; they had spent the whole time telling me to "shut up" - well, okay, exaggeration, but something close to that. They also got me a metal thingie that tells what sort of metal something is, since I couldn't tell what the tree was. The only problem is that it doesn't work. Ron reddened to the roots of his hair when it couldn't tell us.
"Er, well, the one on display did!" he defended himself. I rolled my eyes, smiled, and told him it didn't matter. Ginny got a magical mouse for Crookshanks. Crookshanks can chase it and rip it to shreds but it'll always heal so we don't have to keep getting new ones.
I like having friends.
Oh, and Fred and George? Good question. A Five-Galleon Gift Certificate for the Weasley Wizard Wheezes.
The problem is, I was really happy about it.
September 17
Uh-oh. Last night there was serious vandalism in Hogsmeade. It's said that an older house was ransacked and then destroyed, basically. The owner was a woman named Nicole Skylark, and she was reportedly rather calm and composed about it. And then the windows of a house owned by Elsie Wincock were broken. No one knows exactly what this is a sign of… the Daily Prophet said it's just "a prank", but, of course, over in the CC we're going crackers and getting very worried. Just a prank! More like a warning. There's an extra meeting in fifteen minutes, even though we met for the last two nights as well.
What could this mean?
September 19
Well, our Hogsmeade trip is in serious trouble. Fleur kept sniffing on how us young ones shouldn't been taking risks in a village with recent Dark Activity. I almost wanted to scream there's no proof it was Dark Activity, only we all know it was, because a report came two evenings ago, right after I wrote, from Jacel Lovegood that his house had a Dark Mark painted on the side of his house.
Scary. Ginny goes around looking frightened but resolute. Fred, George - and David - go around making more noise than ever. Ron is a bit snappish, and Harry's a bit pale, but both have this determined glint I don't like in their eyes. I told them not to do anything foolish, and then reminded myself whom I was talking to. Lavender and Parvati talk nonstop about it and say the stupidest things - and Sara Blustovadk just looks quietly thoughtful. Lisa Turpin looks rather blank, but a blank that's hiding a lot of thought. Chelsea Smythe… well… I haven't noticed. Ernie MacMillian looks on edge. And Fleur, of course, just looks haughty… but rather pale, come to think of it.
Hagrid was amazingly comforting, saying what he said last year - modified a little. "Well, it's come," he said, resigned. "And now we meet it." Then he beamed at the three of us. "And you (or "yeh") two're working with the Correspondence Chain, and Ron, you're helping every chance you get, and keeping yourselves busy with study… I'm proud, I will say."
Hagrid sometimes seems a bit simple, but that man is far from stupid. He's very wise, actually, even if he doesn't strike you that way at first, and despite whatever Malfoy says. Malfoy, by the way, looks quite lopsided now, with only one of the things attached to his hip around.
Oh, and Quidditch! How could I forget? I was just about to stop writing! But, Quidditch - I can't forget. Alicia Spinnet is the captain this year. Tryouts are going to be in a few days. Harry's training constantly. I think he's trying to make up for all of last year and doing extra-some for this year as well, which leaves him with zip time for, well, schoolwork. But I think he's trying to find himself again flying around up there and concentrating on his passion, so I'm letting him go for a few weeks 'til he comes 'round.
September 24
All sorts of rumors are flying - awful pun - as to who's trying out for the Quidditch team! Here are the titles, rumor, thoughts, and my rating on accuracy:
Ronald Weasley: Gryffindor Keeper. Apparently, Ron is trying out for Keeper and has been training in secret since last year. My thoughts: He didn't have time last year… but I can easily see him trying out. Accuracy Scale: (1 - 10): 5.
David Weasley: Gryffindor Chaser. Apparently, Davy's trying out for Chaser. My thoughts: HULLO!! There IS no Davy Weasley, may I remind everyone?! I think everyone's FORGETTING this! HA! Unless it's Lee Jordan… but how to fool Dumbledore and the teachers, sans Drothl? And when he's a commentator? Accuracy Scale: Negative Ten.
Colin Creevey: Gryffindor Chaser/Keeper. Rumor is that Colin is taking a stab at it. My thoughts: Well, if he's good enough, good luck to him! Harry's thoughts: PLEASE, NO!! Accuracy Scale: 6 ½, since Colin hasn't confirmed it yet.
Natalie McDougall: Gryffindor Chaser. Natalie's a nice, bright second-year who's Muggle-born and apparently an orphan raised by her older brother. My thoughts: I'd love to see her do well. She's okay. Accuracy Scale: She hasn't confirmed it and was a little surprised when she heard… 4 1/2.
Dana Ronsably: Gryffindor Chaser. Dana is the roommate of Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet. My thoughts: I think what I said before explains how this rumor got started. Dana's quiet and mousy and I doubt she'd think of it. She's happy to let her classmates get the spotlight. Accuracy Scale: 1.
Shawna Kisubo: Gryffindor Keeper. Shawna is a fifth-year, madly in love with Fred. My thoughts: She'd be okay if she can keep her eyes on the Quaffle, not Fred! Accuracy Scale: 6.
Rodney Grids, Gryffindor Keeper. A sixth-year… hmm… doesn't seem to be a lot of Keeper hopefuls, eh? My thoughts: I think he'll get it based on lack on competition! Accuracy Scale: Nearly everyone says he admitted to it, but since I didn't hear him, a 9.
Candy Whitehall, Gryffindor Chaser. Candy's mother was a Quidditch star at Hogwarts for Gryffindor. Candy's a fourth-year ready to do anything and everything to prove herself and has openly announced this. My thoughts: I think she's a bit big-headed. Accuracy Scale: 10.
Sara Blustovadk: Gryffindor Chaser/Keeper. This is a rumor from the sixth-year girls. My thoughts: Really? I don't even think she owns a broomstick, and if she does, it's not a good one. I never saw her fly before. Accuracy Scale: 2, since I have not heard Sara say it… in fact, she's denying it.
Jason Leffler: Gryffindor Chaser/Keeper. A seventh-year who has admitted to this openly and matter-of-factly. My thoughts: We need ONE calm person on that team! Accuracy Scale: 10.
Freddy Granet: Gryffindor Chaser. A third-year desperate to prove himself. My thoughts: I sort of doubt he will. Accuracy Scale: 6.
Neville Longbottom: Gryffindor Keeper. This was an amusing rumor started up for laughs and has Neville very upset. My thoughts: It's cruel. Accuracy Scale: 2.
Hermione Granger: Gryffindor Chaser/Keeper. Hmm. I wonder how this started? Apparently Hermione Granger has a yearn to play Quidditch. My thoughts: Sorry. Accuracy Scale: Less than even David Weasley.
September 27
Oh, boy! Dumbledore said our CC visit to Hogsmeade is still on! Yay!
I'm writing right now as Quidditch tryouts are on. I'm in the stands next to Ginny, who is scribbling away in her (unenchanted) diary as well. Ooh - Candy Dresiegner just made a really impressive loop and got past the Keeper! It was really good… maybe she will be okay…
… Let's see… Sara is looking pathetic. Alicia asked her if she was trying out and she shook her head and said she like to, but she hadn't a broom and those school ones would never do for tryouts… Alicia convinced her to try, and now she's making a complete fool of herself. She just got in the air a second or two ago… Malfoy would have a field day with her right now…
Ron did try out! He's going for Keeper and is looking pretty good… I really, really hope he does well… so his self-esteem can get going…
Ginny thought of trying out but for some reason came to me yesterday and said quietly that she didn't want to anymore and refused to say anything else about it. I'm a little worried about her…
Whoops, Shawna just fell out of the air! Sara passed her a - I admit - excellent shot, and she misjudged it, and now Shawna's burning red. Poor girl, she's shy, it took a lot of courage to come… they're fixing her up now… Sara's out of the air already… she's talking to Alicia… seems a bit angry… she's leaving. Ha. Lasted two minutes. Although, I have to admit, it took real courage to try out on that old thing. So I feel a bit bad for her. A bit.
Candy is swooping around like crazy, and then she'll suddenly get very calm and focused. Ginny joked that it was making her dizzy.
Anyway, the Hogsmeade weekend… another reason it was debatable was that it was the same weekend as the Muggle Appreciation Fair, meaning there's a Muggle-like fair set up, with displays and stands and such. I heard it's really a spectacle, and it would be fascinating to see… but Fleur Delacour! Oh, no, ze poor lit'le chil'ren musn't go! Oh, no! Because if the "pranksters" - snort - plan to strike again, they'll almost certainly strike during a Muggle Fair, of course, in protest. But in the end we get to go, only it's now on a Friday, a day before the Fair. Ah, well, good enough, and we still get to attend the very important meeting. Shivers.
Jason Leffler's doing very well. Harry, Katie, Fred, and Alicia are talking to each other lowly, and when they glance at Jason they all nod. I think he'll probably make the team.
Ron… well… Ron's being… Ron. He's actually a good flier - being a Weasley; it's in his genes - but whenever the nerves kick in the acceleration in the broom does as well, and, as Keeper, that does not go over well.
Oh, Alyn wrote today. That's his fourth letter. Apparently he's at a university like school in Bulgaria. He tells the funniest things and ridicules his classmates and teachers mercilessly - but not in a bad way, just a "well-I-have-a-sense-of-humor" way. I've written back a few times, even though it feels odd. I mean, he addresses me "Miss Hermione" and then writes basically entertainment letters, but it's getting less and less formal and friendlier. I'm really glad he wrote.
Wait… where's George? He's… oh; he's back now. Hmm. He seems to be a little quiet lately. I wonder what's going on with him. He's always been slightly mellower than Fred, but not by much.
It's sort of odd, though; there hasn't been a reporting of a Muggle killing in a while. I hope it's not the calm before the storm… and I really hope no one attacks Hogsmeade while we're there. I -
Oh, no - here comes Colin Creevey, and he's asked to talk to Ginny! Whoa! Now, we all happen to know Ginny likes Harry, and that David Stebbins of Hufflepuff, in Ginny's year, protégée of the Weasley twins, likes Ginny. Is there another dimension being added to her love life?
Ginny, slightly pink, has left. Oh, I feel stupid here by myself. There's Lisa Turpin… perhaps we can talk. I happen to know she tried out for the Ravenclaw team last night.
*So, what horrors and adventures await our CC at Hogsmeade? (What? You really think it'll be uneventful?) And who'll make the Gryffindor Quidditch team? When will someone tell Hermione to lay off on Sara Blustovadk? (Don't worry, someone does. A certain Ravenclaw team hopeful, to be precise...) And how does Alyn work in? (No one's too attached to him, are they? I mean, he gets a happy ending, but before the dust settles... *glances around anxiously*) Review and I might tell you! :-)
