Wow! I'm actually getting some work done on this! YAY! Anyways, thank you to jen20069 for reviewing! I think it's great that you like it and I hope you keep reading! Well on we go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter since J.K. Rowling stole him back! WAHHHHHH!!!!!! Lol.
~*~Chapter 5~*~
Down in the lobby, Harry and Ron waited for Hermione to show up. Both were dressed in average everyday robes. "Sorry," said Hermione. "But I couldn't find where I put the letter I was going to post." Harry and Ron gaped. Again, Hermione had stunned them into another surprise. This time she was wearing navy blue, almost black, robes that flattered her figure and brought out the golden highlights in her hair. (A/N: I didn't mention this before because I didn't think about it and Harry just notices.) 'In fact,' thought Harry. 'You can almost see gold flecks in her eyes…' But as quickly as he had seen it, the golden aura was gone. "Right then, are we going to sit around here all day? Or are we going?" asked Ron.
"You just want to go to the Quidditch store," pointed out Hermione as they walked out the door.
"So? What if I do?" retorted Ron. Harry smiled as he listened to the banter going back and forth between his two best friends. Maybe there wasn't anything wrong after all. (A/N: COME ON PEOPLE! AFTER ALL THE CRAP I'VE BEEN SAYING ABOUT 'PAIN' AND 'SOMETHING'S WRONG' YOU HAVE TO KNOW SOMETHING'S UP!) After a few minutes of walking, they reached Gringotts. As usual, there were two goblin sentries posted at the door. Without even a glance, the three were led inside. "Ummm…" said Ron. "I already got money from Mum."
"I'll just exchange my Muggle currency," said Hermione.
"Okay, give me a few and I'll be right back," said Harry. Ron and Hermione nodded and set off for the exchange counters. Cautiously, Harry walked up to the counters. "Excuse me," he addressed the goblin. "I'd like to make a withdrawal from my vault."
"Vault number?" the goblin replied.
"482," Harry replied pulling out his key. (A/N: He didn't have a vault number in the book so I made it up!)
"Kekk!" the goblin barked. A goblin, which Harry assumed was Kekk, came over and steered him to a cart. With a final push the cart was off on its treacherous journey. They passed vault after vault with Harry once again craning his neck to see if there really were dragons. Finally, a long screech was heard and they came to a halt. Harry scrambled out and used his key to open the vault. Hurriedly, he scooped out Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts into a small sack. Harry closed and locked the door off the vault and clambered back into the cart. Again the tiny cart was off at a breakneck speed. Cutting close corners and not having much control it was perilous. When the cart came to a stop Harry only stopped to give Kekk a quick "Thank you" and he was racing off to find Ron and Hermione. He found the two standing in the lobby talking in a civil manner for once. "Alright, let's go," said Harry.
"Finally!" said Ron. Ron grabbed Harry and Hermione's arm and fairly dragged them out of the bank. He continued to drag them until they reached Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ron and Harry needed no urging and dashed inside. To their surprise, Hermione came in as well. There was a large group of kids crowded around a glass case. Inside was a magnificent broomstick. There was also a display card in the case as well.
The CycloneThe newest, innovative broomstick of the wizarding world can go from 0 to 210 mph in less than 3 seconds. Made of mahogany and pine. Air cushioning charms are made to give the rider the utmost comfort for long journeys. An automatic direction charm is also used for long journeys. The Cyclone also has a shrinking charm used for easier storage and transport.
Prototype-DISPLAY ONLY/NO SALE!
"No sale!" exclaimed Ron. "What a load of…"
"Jeez! It's even better than my Firebolt…" commented Harry. Ron nodded.
"You listen here!" they heard. "My father is a very powerful man and I bet something good would be coming to you if you sold me that broom." (A/N: Do you even have to guess who this is?)
"Malfoy…" muttered Ron. "Figures."
"Trying to use his dad's influence to get that broom," said Harry watching Malfoy trying to shove a full jingling coin purse to the young sales clerk. By the look of it, the sales clerk was only about the same age as Harry and Ron. "I'm sorry, but this broom is not for sale! It's DISPLAY only! Read the sign!" yelled the sales clerk.
"I'm warning you…" began Malfoy.
"Leave him alone Malfoy. He can't sell you that broom and you know it. So lay off," said Harry.
"Well if it isn't Potter and Weasley. Didn't expect to see you here," he said looking at Ron. "It's not like you can afford anything." Ron flushed. "Hey Potter. Can't use your fame to get this broom huh. Amazing. The famous Potter can't get something," sneered Malfoy.
"Shut up Malfoy," growled Harry. Meanwhile the store clerk was watching the verbal argument until… "Hey!" the clerk called. For a brief moment in time the three boys stopped their argument. "M.J.! Get over here!" he yelled. And to Harry's, Ron's, and Draco's surprise, Hermione stood there with a small smile on her face and a brown package under her arm. "Hey M.J.! Long time no see!" greeted the clerk and giving a hug to Hermione.
"Likewise! How's it going Ben?" she asked.
"Terrible," he replied.
"Sounds like you're having fun," she said.
"Loads," he commented.
"Is that it?" Hermione asked pointing towards the broomstick.
"Uh huh," said Ben. "I'll be right back."
"Well if isn't the Mudblood…" drawled Malfoy. Harry and Ron both made lunges, but surprisingly Hermione held them back. Instead Hermione started to walk seductively towards Malfoy shaking her hips as she walked. Malfoy just watched her and made no movement. In the blink of an eye, Hermione hauled back and delivered a vicious right hook to Malfoy's flawless face. The noise in the store stopped as everyone stared at what had happened. Harry could see Dean, Seamus, as well as the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan gaping at the scene. "Trust me Malfoy, you DON'T want to mess with me if you want to survive this term. And by that time, you'll be eating your words," Hermione stated. Malfoy stared. "My god…" said Lee.
"Hermione!" exclaimed Ron.
"Yes?" she asked coolly.
"How… how…" stuttered Fred. Hermione just merely put on a knowing smile. "Here ya go M.J.," said Ben coming back. And again it was time to gape at her as Ben handed her the prize Cyclone. "Thanks," she said. She turned to Harry and Ron. "I'll be waiting outside. All of a sudden it started to smell like a ferret was in here," she said smirking at Malfoy and she walked out. Malfoy was still sitting on the floor in shock. "What the hell just happened?" asked Malfoy.
"You just got your ass kicked," commented George. Malfoy glared and stood up trying to remain what was left of his dignity. Already a purplish mark was starting to form on his eye. One that would most definitely be noticed. As soon as he started to stalk after the clerk asking why Hermione got the Cyclone, Harry, Ron, Lee, Dean, Seamus, and the twins raced outside. Hermione was standing on the walk with the Cyclone held out in front of her. "Wow Hermione! That is one HELL of a broomstick!" exclaimed Lee.
"I know," she replied letting it suspend in midair before her.
"But Hermione, how did you get that? I mean even MALFOY couldn't get it. It said 'No Sale' on the sign…" trailed off Harry.
"It said 'No Sale' because it's my broom," she said to their puzzled faces. She sighed. "Look, over the summer I found out my grandparents were wizards. My grandfather used to test new brooms. Because of his devotion, I get all the new brooms that haven't come out yet. I have a whole bloody closet full at home now," she explained.
"So, it's yours?" asked Dean. Hermione nodded. "If you want, you guys are welcome to try it out as long as you bring it back," she offered.
"Are you serious?!" exclaimed Lee.
"Sure," she shrugged handing the broom to Lee.
"I get first dibs!" yelled Lee. A bunch of "I'm next!" followed after as Dean, Seamus, Lee, the twins, and Ron raced down the street totally ignoring other people walking in front of them. "How about we finish shopping and then get something to eat? I don't think they'll be coming back for a while…" asked Hermione.
"Sure," said Harry. So after a few more stops at Flourish and Blotts (surprisingly, Hermione didn't spend much time in there…), the apothecary, and Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions (to get some new robes for each as both had grown) they walked over to an outdoor café where they set down their bags and sat down. A waiter came over and took their orders (two sandwiches of the day and two pumpkin juices). After he left, Harry decided to address Hermione on what had been going on as of late. "Hermione?" he asked.
"Yeah?" she replied.
"Why have you been acting so strangely lately? I mean…" Harry trailed off.
"I know what you mean. Acting and dressing weird," she said as Harry nodded. "I kicked Malfoy's ass and I got that broom…" she continued. Harry nodded again. "I know this is a lame excuse, but I haven't gotten much sleep lately because of…" she faltered.
"Because of what? Hermione come one! I'm your best friend here! Tell me what's wrong!" exclaimed Harry.
"You're right. I trust you. I'm not permitted to say this to you but I will anyway. Harry, a bunch of things happened during the summer and I-" she was cut off as the boys returned. Harry was about to yell in frustration when Hermione sent him a warning glance. "How was it?" she asked Ron.
"GREAT! AMAZING! SMASHING! BLOODY BRILLIANT! THANKS A BUNCH!" was the reply from all of them.
"I'm glad you guys liked it so much," replied Hermione. To Harry's dismay, the boys all pulled up a seat at the table and started to engage Harry on what he had missed out on. Hermione just smiled. "Hermione? I just realized something. That guy at the Quidditch store. He called you M.J. I've never heard you referred to as that," asked Seamus.
"M.J. is my nickname. It's short for Hermione Janet. (A/N: it's the French pronunciation so it's like Shuh-net. Only hold out the 's') 'M' from HerMione and the 'J' from Janet of course," she explained.
"Ohhh…" replied Seamus.
"But why hasn't anyone called you that before?" asked Dean.
"Yeah, I've never heard anyone call you that at school," commented Fred.
"My friends made it up this past summer. One of them was Ben, which is how I know him. He doesn't go to Hogwarts. Instead he goes to an Independent School in the States," Hermione said.
"Independent School?" inquired Harry. Hermione nodded. "Same as Hogwarts only different name," she said. The boys nodded their heads in understanding. Ron looked at the clock tower. "It's about 7:00 you guys. We'd better be heading back," said Ron. Dean and Seamus stared to head off down the street where their parents were and they cheerfully waved with Hermione promising that they could ride the Cyclone again. The twins were spending the summer at the Jordans, so they started to head off to the Leaky Cauldron with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. When the reached the lobby The two trios parted ways with more promises of riding the Cyclone again, pranks to look forward to, and take care of 'Little Ronnikins'! Ron flushed scarlet and started to move towards them, but the twins made a quick escape by Floo and all that was left behind was a soot covered Ron muttering about idiotic brothers. Hermione laughed and nodded.
With all their bags they started up the stairs toward their rooms. Tomorrow they would head out to Diagon again as Ron didn't get his school supplies. He had spent all his time down at the Quidditch pitch. When they reached their rooms Ron immediately went in. Harry was about to follow when Hermione paused at her door. She seemed about to say something but said a soft "Goodnight Harry."
"Goodnight… Hermione," he replied. And Harry walked into his room.
As Hermione shut the door, the piercing blue eyes again stared from the darkness. "I'm alright," she said. "Really I am." She looked over at the desk. "I take it that Cumulus took the letter?" Whatever answer she got, she seemed to accept it. 'You almost cracked,' commented the voice. 'You're cutting it close,' it warned.
'You've cut it close on more than one occasion so don't give me this crap,' Hermione snapped.
'Someone's in a bad mood,' observed the voice as Hermione slipped on her nightgown and crawled onto the bed.
'I'm sorry. I don't mean to take it out on you. I'm just so tired…' she apologized.
'So am I. So am I. I'll let you get to sleep now. Or at least try! You need it,' said the voice.
'Aren't you going to bed too?' Hermione questioned.
'I just have some things I'm going to take care of,' said the voice.
'Just don't do anything I wouldn't,' Hermione quipped.
'Like I would!' The voice seemed to smile. 'Goodnight Hermione,' said the voice.
'Goodnight,' replied Hermione and the voice once again was gone. 'How long can I keep this up?' she wondered to herself. And despite what the voice had said, Hermione just lay awake staring at the ceiling. As much as she would have loved to sleep, the land of nightmares is a hellish place. One that she had visited too often…
Well? Whadda ya think! I'm done with Chapter 5! Sad you didn't hear about what happened to Hermione? Like I'd give away what this whole story is about. But in the meantime who is this voice? What's with Hermione's connections? Hermione? Threatening Malfoy? Who'd a thought! But keep reading and you'll find out what happens next! Please R/R! There'll be more H/Hr. coming up soon!
~Thanx
Sailor Universe