Disclaimer: See Ch 12
A/N: Hi, everyone! My computer's been crashing repeatedly over the past
month. We've been trying to fix it, but who knows? Anyway, I'll keep the Chs
coming as often as possible.
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Hermione flopped onto her bed. The whole day had been a nasty ordeal. She knew
that she had done the right thing, but it still hurt. Her mum had never been so
angry before. Hermione could only hope that Harry was right, and that her
mother would cool off.
Thinking of Harry brought another subject to mind: the trial. It was rapidly
approaching, and she didn't know if she could do it. She was ashamed to admit
that she was a little frightened of Malfoy now. Yes, that was only logical, but
what would the boys say if they knew?
Hermione smiled at her ridiculous thoughts. The boys wouldn't look down on her.
They'd understand. She was just letting her bad day cause unnecessary worry and
stress. With that in mind, she went to sleep
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She was in the Entrance Hall, rushing to breakfast, when she heard Malfoy
behind her. The next instant, the pain started. She screamed until she had no
voice left. "Use Potter's wand," came Malfoy's voice from her right.
And then- "You shouldn't stay at Hogwarts, it's dangerous. You could get
attacked again." "But, Mum, I-" She was screaming. Her mother
was right. Malfoy was back, but this time Harry wasn't around to help. She
could see his crumpled form lying near the entrance to the Great Hall. Malfoy
raised a wand. "Avada Kedavra," he said smirking. She heard a
whooshing noise-
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Hermione awoke panting, in a cold sweat. She looked around frantically, and
sighed with relief when she realized she was still in her dormitory. But she
wouldn't be able to sleep now for anything. She tiptoed past the other girls,
and went downstairs to the common room.
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Ron and Harry were up early the next morning. Quidditch season was starting in
three days, and they wanted a little before-season practice. Ron was hoping to
become the next Keeper, although, he told Harry, "It doesn't really matter
if I end up a Chaser, so long as I'm on the team."
"Hey, Ron," said Harry, stopping at the foot of the stairs.
"Look."
Hermione was curled in one of the overstuffed armchairs, sleeping fitfully.
"I didn't know she was the type to wear silk pajamas." Ron whispered.
Harry poked him.
"Shut up... Should we wake her?"
"I dunno...I doubt she came to sleep down here on purpose. Looks like she
had a rough night..."
Now that Ron mentioned it, Harry noticed that Hermione's cheeks were tear
streaked. There was gray under her eyes as well, and she whimpered while Harry
watched.
"I think she's having a nightmare." He walked over to her and shook
her gently. "Herm? Hey, Herm, wake up."
Suddenly Hermione's whimpers became screams. "Herm, c'mon, wake up! You're
dreaming! It's a nightmare, c'mon Herm!" Harry shook her again, hoping to
wake her before she woke Gryffindor tower and before her nightmare got any
further. He had a hunch he knew what she was dreaming about.
When Hermione's eyes finally opened, she sat up quickly.
"Relax, Hermione, it's ok."
"Ron? Harry? What're you doing here?"
"Uh, you fell asleep down here, and we saw you on our way out."
"But-" Then she looked around. "Oh."
"What were you sleeping down here for? Was Parvati snoring too loud?"
"No. I had a nightmare, and..."
"THE nightmare?" Harry asked. She nodded. "Is that the one you
were just having, too?"
Hermione nodded again. "But each time, it gets...worse."
"Are you gonna be okay?"
"I think so. You guys go ahead and practice. I'm going back up to the
dormitory."
"What nightmare?" Ron asked, when Hermione was safely out of sight
and earshot.
"It's about the attack. She started having them while we were in the
hospital wing."
Ron clenched his fists. "Malfoy'd better hope they shut him away before I
lay my hands on him."
Harry knew his friend was upset because he hadn't been there to help during the
attack. But he said nothing. He'd already tried to convince Ron that he couldn't
have done more than he had done, that getting Dumbledore was more important
than getting beaten up, but it hadn't worked. All Harry could do was hope that
Ron would realize it eventually.
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Ron walked beside Harry, saying nothing. He didn't like to admit it, but he was
jealous. Harry and Hermione were growing closer, but he was out in the cold. He
knew that Harry knew most of the details of Hermione's nightmare, but he
didn't. She hadn't confided in him.
Ron sighed. He just had to face it: his two best friends were going where he
couldn't follow. He could feel their friendship changing. And the weird thing
was, he was accepting it, despite his feelings for Hermione. The changes were
happening so naturally that he had only noticed recently, and Harry and
Hermione hadn't noticed at all. By the time they did, he'd have adjusted. At
least, he hoped so.
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They stayed outside for an hour. When they came back in, with wind-swept hair
and reddened cheeks, they were grinning.
Hermione was in the library when they found her.
"Hey, Hermione.'
"Oh. Hello."
"Uh, what's that?" Ron pointed at the book Hermione was holding. It
was at least a foot and a half tall, and the same in width. She flashed the
cover at him: Nightmare Interpretations.
"But, Hermione, you always told us you don't stand for dream interpretation,
that it's just as uncertain as Divination. Besides, isn't it obvious what your
nightmares are telling you?"
Hermione glanced at Harry. "You told him what I was
dreaming about, didn't you?" she accused.
"Well, uh, yeah."
"Thanks, Harry. Thanks a lot."
"But...he's your friend too, and he's got a right to know..."
"And I would have told him - when I was ready." Hermione stormed
away, leaving Nightmare Interpretations open on the table. Ron looked at
Harry.
"I think you'd better stay clear of her for a while, Harry. You might get
hexed otherwise." He picked up the book.
"Nightmares are a common occurrence for all humans," he read aloud.
"All have an outward meaning, but there is also a hidden meaning lying
beneath the fabric of the dream. This book hopes to explain these underlying
meanings, and provide clarity for those who suffer from recurring
nightmares." He looked at Harry. "Actually sounds kind of
interesting."