CHAPTER 3

The next time Harry saw Ron was at the feast. He was seated about two metres away from him and was sitting next to Neville, Dean, and Seamus, his fellow fifth year Gryffindor boys. Harry noticed that even though Ron wasn't apparently talking to him he did keep throwing glances at him. Harry made a mental note to talk to Ron when he was up in his dormitory, and then went back to his deep discussion with Ginny about the new Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher.

The dessert plates were cleared and Dumbledore stood up. "Welcome back to Hogwarts!" There was aloud cheer. "As you've all probably guessed there is going to be increased security this year, due to Voldemort's return." There were some murmurs. Dumbledore held up his hands. "Yes, yes, you can chat later. There are some out of bounds again this year. Of coarse the Forbidden Forest, but also there is a door next to the Gargoyle on the 2 corridor that says "Starabineting." No one is to go through that door, and if you do you will find many obstacles that no student could overcome. On a happier note, our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher could not be with us tonight but will be here tomorrow morning, so please make sure you welcome an old friend and Auror, Abbey Hardgrove. Now make your way to bed, as you have a day full of new lessons tomorrow!"

When Harry got up to the dormitory, Ron's hangings were already drawn so Harry decided not to disturb him. He went back down to the common room to get a drink and Hermione was sitting in one of the armchairs next to the fire. "Harry! Harry, quick look at this!" said Hermione. She was holding the Hogwarts: A History book in her hands. "What is it?" asked Harry. "Look." Said Hermione shoving the book under his nose. He took the book from her and began to read.

The Prefects of the 5th year were Abbey Hardgrove of Gryffindor, Severus Snape of Slytherin, Mary Winnin of Hufflepuff and Terence Markings of Ravenclaw. Lily McKenzie, James Potter, and Sirius Black are people who were also considered as prefects for Gryffindor. Lily, Sirius, James, and Abbey are all very smart and very good friends. The other choices for Slytherin were..

Harry looked up. "I knew I'd read the name somewhere before." Hermione said exasperated. "You should write to Sirius about her!" said Hermione. "Yeah, I think I will, I still have to thank him for my birthday present." Harry and Hermione sat down at a table and Hermione pulled a parchment and quill out of her robes. Harry wrote,

Dear Sirius, How are you? I'm good. I've arrived at Hogwarts. Thank-you for the birthday present, although I don't know what I need a whistle for. The Defense of the Dark Arts Teacher this year is named Abbey Hardgrove. Were you friends with her? Harry.

Harry quickly read the letter then tied it to Hedwig's leg and watched her fly out the window. But something strange happened. She flew down and into one of the windows in the second corridor. Hermione and Harry stared at each other.
* * * While Harry was busying himself in his egg on toast at breakfast in the morning Ron bounded up to Harry and said "Look, I can't stay long but meet me at the library at lunch, I have something to tell you." Before harry could swallow his toast and answer Ron had scurried off. Harry had no idea what was up with him, as he wasn't in History of Magic or Transfiguration.
* * * After the first two classes Harry walked past the Great Hall to grab a bite to eat. He scurried in and grabbed a piece of bread then winked at Hermione and Ginny and scurried of. Ginny went a deep shade of scarlet and her and Hermione went on giggling and chatting.
* * * Harry walked through the library doors. Ron wasn't there, or at least he didn't think Ron was there. Suddenly he was pulled into the deepest, darkest and smallest area of the library. "What you doin' in here for?" Harry grunted. Ron said "If you had a major secret you'd tell it to someone in a place like this too." "No I wouldn't, I wouldn't tell it," said Harry logically. "Yeah well that's beside the point, I need to tell you something." Said Ron quickly glancing around. "What?" asked Harry. Ron lifted his mouth up to Harry's ear and whispered "I like Hermione." Harry looked at him plainly. "Well that's good 'cause I'm sick of your little arguments and." Harry was interrupted "No, not like that." Said Ron through gritted teeth. Harry looked confused, "Well than I don't see.. Ohhh.huh? You, Hermione.?" and with that Harry burst into fits of laughter. "Shut up" whispered Ron, looking irritated. "Come on" and dragged a Harry off, who was still paralyzed with laughter.
* * * After their lessons and dinner Harry and Ron got back into the common room and Hermione walked up to Harry, not giving a sideways glance to Ron. "Harry, this just came from Hedwig." Hermione said. Harry opened the letter.

Dear Harry, I've left Lupins and am now in even safer hiding. Yes, I knew Abbey. Quite well infact. Dumbledore would like to see you in front of the gargoyle tomorrow night at 6:00pm, he says to bring Hermione and Ron to if you like. Sirius

"How does he know Professor Hardgrove?" asked Ron looking from Harry's face to Hermione's. "Well." said Hermione "If you're willing to talk to me I will tell you." Ron grumbled something along the lines of "okay" and Hermione started explaining about Hogwarts: A History and what she had read. "We'll soon find out who she is too, we have Defense against the dark arts tommorow. And with that they parted and went up to their separate dormitories.
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