Chapter 3
Hermione and Ginny entered the cabin just at the moment Ron finished telling a joke of how Fred and Weasley had made pig turn into a whale and Luna Lovegood was howling histerically. Harry grinned and raised an eyebrow at Ron, who was looking at Luna in a very puzzled manner. Apparently, Ron did not realize that he was that good at telling jokes. Ron promptly closed his mouth and grabbed Luna's Quibbler magazine and hid behind it the moment he saw Hermione and Ginny. Hermione and Ginny both noticed that Harry had already changed into his wizard robes. Parvati and Lavender had dropped by their cabin just now and was eyeing Harry from head to toe so much that Harry promptly ran out of the cabin to change into the robes. To his relief, they had left when he returned, but Neville and Luna had settled themselves in comfortably.
Hermione began telling everyone about her vacation in Africa and all the beautiful wild life she saw. Harry grinned and noted that she would have an enjoyable conversation with Hagrid about it. Ron snorted at the remark, but he saw Hermione glare at him and promptly receded behind his magazine again. Luna had offered to share the magazine with Ron, and was deeply engrossed with describing her vacation to him, as there was an article in the Quibbler about it. But Ron was obviously not paying any attention. He kept looking over at Hermione and trying to strain his ears to hear what she was saying. Hermione began to take out pictures and began explaining patiently each animal that she saw, what they did and even how they mated. Harry tried hard to pretend that he was interested, but he soon began dozing off in his seat. He had to run twice his usual share in the morning as he would not have a chance to run in the evening again.
When Harry was shaken up by Hermione, who gave him a very hurt look. Harry realized that everyone was trooping out of the train. He followed after and soon, they were on their way back to Hogwarts.
When Harry entered the dining hall, he was famished. Hermione and Ron was still standing at least three feet apart, and still not speaking to one another. Harry was glad to see Dean and Seamus, who were already at the table. He was about to slip into the seat beside them when someone pulled him into a seat. He turned and found that it was Parvati and Lavender. "Hi, Harry," Lavender smiled at him sweetly. Harry noticed that she had a pink ribbon around her hair that she did not have on just now. "How was your summer?" chimed in Parvati. Harry swallowed, mumbled "good." then turned around and motioned Ron and Hermione to move beside him.
Hermione made Lavender move so that she was sitting beside Harry. She obviously did not want to sit next to Ron. The sorting was soon over and the feast started. Harry and Ron practically pounced at the food and did not look up till they were at least half way through their food. Hermione shook her head and went through her food calmly. Everyone was so busy eating that they did not have time to do their usual surveillance of the staff table, until Dumbledore stepped out and began his speech.
"Let me welcome everyone back to an exciting year. This is a crucial year as we need to train everyone up to be able to handle different crisis situations. I have approved an application for the start of a new club, called the DA club, that specializes in the defence of dark arts, which had been started by Mr Harry Potter and Ms Hermione Granger. This will be extremely helpful for all students, especially given their very fruitful year with the Defence of the Dark Arts teacher last year," Dumbledore announced, with a pronounced twinkle in his eye.
Harry turned and looked questioningly at Hermione. Hermione was smiling with pride and whispered to Harry, "I owled Professor McGonagel about it before I came back. I knew Dumbledore would agree." Harry sighed in resignation. Somehow, he was not surprised that Hermione did not inform him about this. He glanced aside at Ron, who appeared to be slightly disappointed that he was not mentioned by Dumbledore.
"Nevertheless, we will make up for any lack of progress, because we have recruited a very able Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for the first to fifth years - let us welcome, Mr Victor Krum!"
Harry turned around and stared at Hermione. Hermione's eyes were wide in surprise. She looked from Harry to Ron, with her mouth gaping open and shut. One look at her and Harry knew that she was totally oblivious of this new appointment. Ron's eyes were wide with surprise, but it soon narrowed to a squint at Hermione. He looked like he was torn between anger and hurt. "How can you not tell us, Hermione!" This was the first sentence he had spoken to Hermione since they greeted one another. "So that's why!" He sneared accusingly and turned his back to Hermione, refusing to give her another look. Hermione sputtered and shook her head wildely. Harry was reminded of the time when his name came out of the goblet of fire. Harry reached over and gave Hermione a reassuring squeeze on her hands, whispering, "I know you didn't know it. We'll talk to Ron later."
Dumbledore had continued with his speech, "The sixth and seventh years will take Defence Against the Dark Arts course under myself, Mr Moody, and Mr Kingsley, who will come in periodically for the lessons." As Dumbledore continued with his usual announcements about the list of forbidden items and the forbidden forest, Harry looked at Ron and saw that he was still fuming. Harry guessed that Ron must be thinking that Hermione had reacted the way she did during summer because she was going out with Victor. Hermione, on the other hand, was chewing on her lip in frustration. Harry thought that Victor would soon be getting an earful from Hermione about keeping this from her.
As soon as Dumbledore finished with his speech and the school was dismissed, Harry, Ron and Hermione was about to leave the table when Victor himself walked over.
"Hello, 'Arry" Greeted Victor, "Hi, Hermi-ninny!" He turned to Hermione, giving her a big smile. Ron looked over at him and Harry irritably and literally stormed out of the dining hall. Hermione gave an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes at Ron's behavior, but when she turned to Victor, she was not smiling. "Why didn't you tell me you'll be teaching at Hogwarts?!" She demanded.
Harry had wanted to say hello to Victor and ask him how his Quidditch was coming along. Hearing Hermione's tone of voice, however, he felt that his presence was uncalled for, and mumbled that his hello and said he had to leave and he promptly left Hermione with Victor. Just as he was leaving, he heard Victor exclaim in surprise, "Oh, Hermi-ninny! I vanted to give you a surprise. I thought you will be happy to see me."
When Harry returned to the Griffindor common room, Ron was sitting in front of the fire place, apparently still fuming about Victor. Ginny was sitting beside him, apparently trying to calm him down. Harry decided to give Ginny a helping hand. "Ron, cool it, will you!" Harry started. "Hermione obviously did not know that Victor was coming to teach at Hogwarts." Ginny nodded her head in agreement, but Ron was apparently too hot headed to see any reason. "She! She obviously have just been toying with my feelings. If she is still seeing that Vicky, why couldn't she just tell me?" Ginny finally stood up and put her hands by her hip, telling Ron sternly, "Ron, if you stop acting like a git, maybe Hermione will finally start taking notice of you. If you think that you can win the girl by just throwing tantrums like that, you certainly will not stand a chance against someone like Victor Krum!" With that, Ginny tossed her head at Ron and stormed off. Harry was just about to start telling Ron to calm down when Hermione entered the room. She looked like she was in a very bad mood. When she saw Ron and Harry, her expression softened, and she walked over to them.
Before Ron could say anything, Hermione looked pointedly at Ron and said, "Look, Ron. Believe whatever you will. I did NOT know that Victor was coming to Hogwarts. We need to stop acting like enemies and stop acting like kids. Harry needs our help and support this year, and I have no intention to stop being friends with him, or even you. I'm sorry about what happened over summer, but I really don't wish to discuss that any further. I just want things to remain as they are. Are you willing to accept that?" Harry squirmed in his seat. He felt that he should not be witnessing this scene. He wanted to escape to the dorm room, but Hermione pulled him back to his seat, and said, "you stay, Harry."
Ron looked like he was trying hard not to burst out saying something he would regret, and yet looked like he was searching for something to say at the same time. He was flushed red in the face. Harry did not know whether it was from embarrassment or anger. Finally, he seemed to have taken hold of his temper, and he looked at the floor and mumbled, "OK." Harry felt very bad for Ron, and desperately wanted to leave the two of them alone to talk. Ron really looked like he had something to say to Hermione. Hermione, however, appeared to have no intention of letting Ron have his chance. Instead, she turned to Harry and began prodding him to tell them about his summer like he had promised.
Harry thought that it may be a good idea to change the subject and bring Ron out of his state of uncomfortableness. He looked around the common room and noticed that most of the Griffindors had already retired to the dorms. He decided that this was as good a time as ever. So he began by telling them his conversation with Dumbledore at the end of last year.
After Harry told Ron and Hermione about the prophecy, it was clear that all thoughts about Victor Krum or Ron and Hermione's relationship had left their minds. Hermione looked devastated, and looked like she was on the verge of tears. "Oh.. Harry, How can this be! This is so unfair," was all she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Ron looked dumbstruck - and stared at Harry with his mouth open. Harry, somehow had not expected them to take the news so badly. He tried to give a nervous laugh, and said, "Oh, come on, guys. Its not like we never expected that I would have to face Voldemort again!" With that, Hermione promptly burst into tears and jumped onto Harry with a big hug, burying her head on his chest. Harry didn't know what to do with Hermione's outburst, and decided to just let her stay there and cry his robes wet. Ron, on the other hand, finally shut his mouth, and said, "Harry, we will not let you do this alone."
Upon hearing that, Hermione seemed to have woken up and she jumped back, drying her tears and nodded, "Yeah. We will be with you every step of the way!" For a moment, Harry felt a lump in his throat. He had always known that he could count on Ron and Hermione, but to hear them say that just made him really touched. He looked at Ron and Hermione in the eye and said hoarsely, "Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me."
He promptly cleared his throat and proceeded to tell them his resolution during the summer and the training sessions that he had gone through. When he finished, Ron was exclaiming, "Awesome - an eagle?" Hermione looked like she was both worried, proud, and jealous at the same time. "Oh. Harry, you learnt to transform into an Animagus in three months - that's never heard of." Harry smiled at them, and said in excitement, "You know what, maybe the next lesson, I can ask Professor McGonnagel whether you guys can come for the training - then you can watch my transfiguration. Maybe we can even ask her to train you both!" Hermione and Ron both nodded in excitement. Harry turned to Hermione and said, "Dumbledore also suggested for you to help with the research on wandless magic, cos I seem to be able to do some but not others, and its so inconsistent. So maybe you can help with that?" Hermione beamed with pride, and nodded ferociously. Harry could tell that she could not wait to get her hands on a book in the library to get started with the research.
By the time they finished talking, Harry realized that it was already one o'clock in the night. He yawned, and noted to himself that he still had to wake up to run the next morning. Hermione noticed the time too, and promptly got up, saying that it was time to sleep. Hermione was about to leave when Ron cleared his throat and said, "Hermione, can I have a word with you please?" Hermione caught Harry's eye and turned to Ron, making sure that she was one foot away. Harry gave a stretch, and said that it was time for him to sleep and he quickly left the common room. As he walked up the stairs, he turned around, and saw Ron was getting up to speak to Hermione.
After Harry went into the dorm room, he changed and slipped into his bed. Somehow, without meaning to, he found himself listening for Ron's footsteps. He did not have to wait for long, however, he heard Ron coming into the room, mumbling something about, "girls, have no idea what they are up to." And preparing to get into bed. Harry pondered about the days' events, but before he had a chance to think through much of the events, he found himself drifting into dreamland.
Hermione and Ginny entered the cabin just at the moment Ron finished telling a joke of how Fred and Weasley had made pig turn into a whale and Luna Lovegood was howling histerically. Harry grinned and raised an eyebrow at Ron, who was looking at Luna in a very puzzled manner. Apparently, Ron did not realize that he was that good at telling jokes. Ron promptly closed his mouth and grabbed Luna's Quibbler magazine and hid behind it the moment he saw Hermione and Ginny. Hermione and Ginny both noticed that Harry had already changed into his wizard robes. Parvati and Lavender had dropped by their cabin just now and was eyeing Harry from head to toe so much that Harry promptly ran out of the cabin to change into the robes. To his relief, they had left when he returned, but Neville and Luna had settled themselves in comfortably.
Hermione began telling everyone about her vacation in Africa and all the beautiful wild life she saw. Harry grinned and noted that she would have an enjoyable conversation with Hagrid about it. Ron snorted at the remark, but he saw Hermione glare at him and promptly receded behind his magazine again. Luna had offered to share the magazine with Ron, and was deeply engrossed with describing her vacation to him, as there was an article in the Quibbler about it. But Ron was obviously not paying any attention. He kept looking over at Hermione and trying to strain his ears to hear what she was saying. Hermione began to take out pictures and began explaining patiently each animal that she saw, what they did and even how they mated. Harry tried hard to pretend that he was interested, but he soon began dozing off in his seat. He had to run twice his usual share in the morning as he would not have a chance to run in the evening again.
When Harry was shaken up by Hermione, who gave him a very hurt look. Harry realized that everyone was trooping out of the train. He followed after and soon, they were on their way back to Hogwarts.
When Harry entered the dining hall, he was famished. Hermione and Ron was still standing at least three feet apart, and still not speaking to one another. Harry was glad to see Dean and Seamus, who were already at the table. He was about to slip into the seat beside them when someone pulled him into a seat. He turned and found that it was Parvati and Lavender. "Hi, Harry," Lavender smiled at him sweetly. Harry noticed that she had a pink ribbon around her hair that she did not have on just now. "How was your summer?" chimed in Parvati. Harry swallowed, mumbled "good." then turned around and motioned Ron and Hermione to move beside him.
Hermione made Lavender move so that she was sitting beside Harry. She obviously did not want to sit next to Ron. The sorting was soon over and the feast started. Harry and Ron practically pounced at the food and did not look up till they were at least half way through their food. Hermione shook her head and went through her food calmly. Everyone was so busy eating that they did not have time to do their usual surveillance of the staff table, until Dumbledore stepped out and began his speech.
"Let me welcome everyone back to an exciting year. This is a crucial year as we need to train everyone up to be able to handle different crisis situations. I have approved an application for the start of a new club, called the DA club, that specializes in the defence of dark arts, which had been started by Mr Harry Potter and Ms Hermione Granger. This will be extremely helpful for all students, especially given their very fruitful year with the Defence of the Dark Arts teacher last year," Dumbledore announced, with a pronounced twinkle in his eye.
Harry turned and looked questioningly at Hermione. Hermione was smiling with pride and whispered to Harry, "I owled Professor McGonagel about it before I came back. I knew Dumbledore would agree." Harry sighed in resignation. Somehow, he was not surprised that Hermione did not inform him about this. He glanced aside at Ron, who appeared to be slightly disappointed that he was not mentioned by Dumbledore.
"Nevertheless, we will make up for any lack of progress, because we have recruited a very able Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for the first to fifth years - let us welcome, Mr Victor Krum!"
Harry turned around and stared at Hermione. Hermione's eyes were wide in surprise. She looked from Harry to Ron, with her mouth gaping open and shut. One look at her and Harry knew that she was totally oblivious of this new appointment. Ron's eyes were wide with surprise, but it soon narrowed to a squint at Hermione. He looked like he was torn between anger and hurt. "How can you not tell us, Hermione!" This was the first sentence he had spoken to Hermione since they greeted one another. "So that's why!" He sneared accusingly and turned his back to Hermione, refusing to give her another look. Hermione sputtered and shook her head wildely. Harry was reminded of the time when his name came out of the goblet of fire. Harry reached over and gave Hermione a reassuring squeeze on her hands, whispering, "I know you didn't know it. We'll talk to Ron later."
Dumbledore had continued with his speech, "The sixth and seventh years will take Defence Against the Dark Arts course under myself, Mr Moody, and Mr Kingsley, who will come in periodically for the lessons." As Dumbledore continued with his usual announcements about the list of forbidden items and the forbidden forest, Harry looked at Ron and saw that he was still fuming. Harry guessed that Ron must be thinking that Hermione had reacted the way she did during summer because she was going out with Victor. Hermione, on the other hand, was chewing on her lip in frustration. Harry thought that Victor would soon be getting an earful from Hermione about keeping this from her.
As soon as Dumbledore finished with his speech and the school was dismissed, Harry, Ron and Hermione was about to leave the table when Victor himself walked over.
"Hello, 'Arry" Greeted Victor, "Hi, Hermi-ninny!" He turned to Hermione, giving her a big smile. Ron looked over at him and Harry irritably and literally stormed out of the dining hall. Hermione gave an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes at Ron's behavior, but when she turned to Victor, she was not smiling. "Why didn't you tell me you'll be teaching at Hogwarts?!" She demanded.
Harry had wanted to say hello to Victor and ask him how his Quidditch was coming along. Hearing Hermione's tone of voice, however, he felt that his presence was uncalled for, and mumbled that his hello and said he had to leave and he promptly left Hermione with Victor. Just as he was leaving, he heard Victor exclaim in surprise, "Oh, Hermi-ninny! I vanted to give you a surprise. I thought you will be happy to see me."
When Harry returned to the Griffindor common room, Ron was sitting in front of the fire place, apparently still fuming about Victor. Ginny was sitting beside him, apparently trying to calm him down. Harry decided to give Ginny a helping hand. "Ron, cool it, will you!" Harry started. "Hermione obviously did not know that Victor was coming to teach at Hogwarts." Ginny nodded her head in agreement, but Ron was apparently too hot headed to see any reason. "She! She obviously have just been toying with my feelings. If she is still seeing that Vicky, why couldn't she just tell me?" Ginny finally stood up and put her hands by her hip, telling Ron sternly, "Ron, if you stop acting like a git, maybe Hermione will finally start taking notice of you. If you think that you can win the girl by just throwing tantrums like that, you certainly will not stand a chance against someone like Victor Krum!" With that, Ginny tossed her head at Ron and stormed off. Harry was just about to start telling Ron to calm down when Hermione entered the room. She looked like she was in a very bad mood. When she saw Ron and Harry, her expression softened, and she walked over to them.
Before Ron could say anything, Hermione looked pointedly at Ron and said, "Look, Ron. Believe whatever you will. I did NOT know that Victor was coming to Hogwarts. We need to stop acting like enemies and stop acting like kids. Harry needs our help and support this year, and I have no intention to stop being friends with him, or even you. I'm sorry about what happened over summer, but I really don't wish to discuss that any further. I just want things to remain as they are. Are you willing to accept that?" Harry squirmed in his seat. He felt that he should not be witnessing this scene. He wanted to escape to the dorm room, but Hermione pulled him back to his seat, and said, "you stay, Harry."
Ron looked like he was trying hard not to burst out saying something he would regret, and yet looked like he was searching for something to say at the same time. He was flushed red in the face. Harry did not know whether it was from embarrassment or anger. Finally, he seemed to have taken hold of his temper, and he looked at the floor and mumbled, "OK." Harry felt very bad for Ron, and desperately wanted to leave the two of them alone to talk. Ron really looked like he had something to say to Hermione. Hermione, however, appeared to have no intention of letting Ron have his chance. Instead, she turned to Harry and began prodding him to tell them about his summer like he had promised.
Harry thought that it may be a good idea to change the subject and bring Ron out of his state of uncomfortableness. He looked around the common room and noticed that most of the Griffindors had already retired to the dorms. He decided that this was as good a time as ever. So he began by telling them his conversation with Dumbledore at the end of last year.
After Harry told Ron and Hermione about the prophecy, it was clear that all thoughts about Victor Krum or Ron and Hermione's relationship had left their minds. Hermione looked devastated, and looked like she was on the verge of tears. "Oh.. Harry, How can this be! This is so unfair," was all she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Ron looked dumbstruck - and stared at Harry with his mouth open. Harry, somehow had not expected them to take the news so badly. He tried to give a nervous laugh, and said, "Oh, come on, guys. Its not like we never expected that I would have to face Voldemort again!" With that, Hermione promptly burst into tears and jumped onto Harry with a big hug, burying her head on his chest. Harry didn't know what to do with Hermione's outburst, and decided to just let her stay there and cry his robes wet. Ron, on the other hand, finally shut his mouth, and said, "Harry, we will not let you do this alone."
Upon hearing that, Hermione seemed to have woken up and she jumped back, drying her tears and nodded, "Yeah. We will be with you every step of the way!" For a moment, Harry felt a lump in his throat. He had always known that he could count on Ron and Hermione, but to hear them say that just made him really touched. He looked at Ron and Hermione in the eye and said hoarsely, "Thanks, guys. That means a lot to me."
He promptly cleared his throat and proceeded to tell them his resolution during the summer and the training sessions that he had gone through. When he finished, Ron was exclaiming, "Awesome - an eagle?" Hermione looked like she was both worried, proud, and jealous at the same time. "Oh. Harry, you learnt to transform into an Animagus in three months - that's never heard of." Harry smiled at them, and said in excitement, "You know what, maybe the next lesson, I can ask Professor McGonnagel whether you guys can come for the training - then you can watch my transfiguration. Maybe we can even ask her to train you both!" Hermione and Ron both nodded in excitement. Harry turned to Hermione and said, "Dumbledore also suggested for you to help with the research on wandless magic, cos I seem to be able to do some but not others, and its so inconsistent. So maybe you can help with that?" Hermione beamed with pride, and nodded ferociously. Harry could tell that she could not wait to get her hands on a book in the library to get started with the research.
By the time they finished talking, Harry realized that it was already one o'clock in the night. He yawned, and noted to himself that he still had to wake up to run the next morning. Hermione noticed the time too, and promptly got up, saying that it was time to sleep. Hermione was about to leave when Ron cleared his throat and said, "Hermione, can I have a word with you please?" Hermione caught Harry's eye and turned to Ron, making sure that she was one foot away. Harry gave a stretch, and said that it was time for him to sleep and he quickly left the common room. As he walked up the stairs, he turned around, and saw Ron was getting up to speak to Hermione.
After Harry went into the dorm room, he changed and slipped into his bed. Somehow, without meaning to, he found himself listening for Ron's footsteps. He did not have to wait for long, however, he heard Ron coming into the room, mumbling something about, "girls, have no idea what they are up to." And preparing to get into bed. Harry pondered about the days' events, but before he had a chance to think through much of the events, he found himself drifting into dreamland.
