Author's Note: Thanks to Alex, bubbles-123, and Lissie89 for the reviews!
Alex: Don't worry, no Draco/Hermione thing going on. I explain what's up
with Hermione very soon. In this chapter, actually.
By the way, Lissie you're going to spoil me with all your wonderful praise!
:)
Disclaimer: All of the HP characters belong to the wonderful J.K. Rowling, but she's kind enough to let me borrow them every now and then for my own entertainment...like now, for instance.
************************ Chapter 4
The carriage in which the four of them were riding came to a halt in front of the stone steps leading up to the oak front doors of the castle. Ginny got out first, followed by Ron, Harry, and lastly Neville. Ginny and Neville were lazily chatting about what the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher might be like, while Ron and Harry remained silent. Harry couldn't stop thinking about the bushy head he had seen skipping past the window. Harry had told Ron what he thought he had seen, and, judging by the scowl on Ron's face, they were thinking about the exact same thing.
They were just about to start up the steps when Harry realized that Ginny was no longer with them. He turned around and spotted her standing quite still, staring at the carriages as they rolled up to the entrance to let their passengers out. Harry couldn't figure out what Ginny was staring at so fixedly. He turned to Ron to ask him what was up, but Ron was also staring at the carriages; his eyes were wide with fascination and his mouth had formed an "O". Harry had just looked back at the carriages when it hit him. This was the first time Ron and Ginny could see the thestrals (the thestrals were the horse-like winged creatures that pulled the school stagecoaches). The only people who could see them were the ones who had seen death. Ron and Ginny knew about them, of course. They had ridden on them to the Ministry of Magic on that horrible day Sirius had been killed. Harry knew that they could see them now because they had witnessed death in that final battle against Voldemort. Harry elbowed Ron to get his attention as Neville tapped Ginny on the shoulder.
"Come on you two," Harry said to Ginny and Ron. "I'm starving!" Ginny turned reluctantly away as they preceded up the stairs into the entrance hall. Harry looked up, keeping an eye out for whatever mischief Peeves might be up to. Peeves, however, was not lurking in a corner waiting to throw a dungbomb on some unsuspecting student nor was he following the professors around, blowing loud raspberries. 'Odd,' thought Harry. Peeves never missed an opportunity to torment the upcoming first years. Amidst to sound of shuffling feet, Harry heard something...out of place. Harry's hearing sharpened out of habit. He'd gone through a lot of training the past year, preparing himself. He knew he had formed many habits that would be hard to break; if he ever broke them at all, that is. It was muffled shouting, he realized. Harry concentrated for another minute before smiling. The shouting belonged to Filch, the caretaker. He was cursing at Peeves for something he had either already done or had been planning to do, but got caught in the process. Harry's grin broadened. It felt good to be home again.
As everyone entered the Great Hall, the large group of students split up as they went to sit at their separate house tables. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Neville sat with Seamus and Dean at the Gryffindor house table. Ginny sat down next to Dean. He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek, taking her hand and entwining his fingers with hers. They had been dating steadily for a little over a year. Ron had been very put out by this at first, but now never gave it a second thought. He knew Dean would be good to his sister, but Dean knew exactly what would happen to him if he ever hurt Ginny. Ron paid them no mind whatsoever; he continued to stare fixedly at the table, a look of deep concentration on his face. Harry, however, looked around the Great Hall.
He knew it by heart now, but still loved the sight of the hundred or so candles floating over the tables. The ceiling tonight was pitch black with twinkling stars sprinkled everywhere, winking down upon the students. Harry's eyes wandered for a moment before landing on the head table. The first professor Harry saw was Snape. They stared at each other for a full minute, neither one moving. Harry was just about to look away when something strange happened. Snape nodded his head in Harry's direction, then broke eye contact. Harry wasn't exactly floored, but still a little shocked. Their relationship had in fact changed over the past year from feelings of the deepest loathing to a mutual respect from both sides, but still. For Snape to acknowledge Harry like that was completely unexpected. Harry shook himself mentally and continued looking down the table. He saw tiny Professor Flitwick chatting with Professor Sprout and Dumbledore was talking with a woman Harry had never seen before. As Harry reached the latter pair, Dumbledore caught his eye and winked before returning to his conversation. Harry took a closer look at the newcomer. She had an uncanny resemblance to Professor McGonagall, but her face was softer and she looked younger. 'Must be the new DADA teacher,' thought Harry. He was about to resume his studying of the teachers, but the doors snapped open at that time. In strode McGonagall with the group of terrified first years who were about to be sorted. There was a hush in the Great Hall. Just in front of the head table sat the old sorting hat atop it's three-legged stool. All the first years gathered in front of it and everyone else's attention was now devoted to the hat. Everyone's except Harry's, that is. Just as the hat's brim opened wide, preparing to sing its song, Harry saw her. Hermione was sitting at the very end of the staff table, next to another teacher Harry didn't recognize. His stomach gave a lurch as his jaw fell open onto his chest. Harry had never been happier in his life to see Hermione. He'd missed her terribly. Not being able to see her and not hearing much from her had been almost more than he could bear. Part of her hair was thrown absentmindedly over one shoulder and she wore a determined look. Harry closed his mouth and narrowed his eyes. Even though Hermione's face was passive, her eyes were haunted.
Clapping erupted all around him. Harry jumped a little in his seat, startled. The hat had finished its song; Harry had not heard a word of it. As the first student was called forward ("Abott, Amanda!") Harry elbowed Ron again and pointed up at Hermione. Ron's mouth fell (if possible) even more so than Harry's had. After Amanda was sorted into Hufflepuff, Ron closed his mouth and turned, wide-eyed, to look at Harry. The same question that was plaguing Harry was clearly evident in Ron's eyes. All Harry could do was shrug. Neither had any idea why Hermione was sitting with the teachers.
After the first years had all been sorted (four of them had been placed in Gryffindor) Dumbledore gave his welcome speech, which included welcoming the first years, reminding everyone that the Forbidden Forest was out of bounds, and introducing Professor Lanie Travis, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. A murmur arose as many heads turned in the direction of the new professor. She gave a slight nod of her head. Dumbledore paused for a moment as everyone grew quiet again. The last thing he said was, "Tuck in!" as the assortment of food appeared before their eyes. Harry and Ron didn't eat very much during dinner; they were both trying to catch Hermione's eye. Hermione, however, appeared not to have noticed their efforts. She stared down at her plate the entire time, wearing a distracted look. She hadn't eaten very much, either. From what Harry could see, she had just pushed the food around on her plate. He had made up his mind, though. He was going to talk to Hermione before the night was over.
~
'I wonder what the boys are thinking?' Hermione thought, wiping her mouth on her napkin. She'd spotted Harry and Ron the moment they had walked into the Great Hall. She had purposely avoided catching their eye, knowing full well that very soon she would have to explain her actions. She just didn't feel like dealing with it right now. She hated not being able to just go to them and talk about what they had done over the summer and whatnot. She had really hated not being able to see them after St. Mungo's. Her parents had insisted, however, that she remain home the entire time. They had been absolutely terrified for Hermione (understandably so) after what had happened. They had kept an eagle-eye watch on her the entire summer.
Well, Hermione was sick of it! Ever since she had gotten home they had made sure that she didn't get so much as a hangnail. They had cut her off from corresponding with her friends over the summer, she has to eat every meal at the head table, she has to sleep in her own room instead of the girl's dorm, and there would be no more Hogsmead visits. She had also ridden in a magically concealed compartment on the Hogwarts Express. The only time she had wandered out was when she had been in need of a bathroom. She had argued with her parents endlessly about all of it, but they wouldn't be swayed. All they wanted to do was make sure she was safe. 'And make me miserable in the process,' she thought as she smashed the peas on her plate. Even though she was incredibly annoyed at them, she loved her parents and had promised them that she would not go behind their back and sneak off somewhere. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall had promised them that they would keep an eye on Hermione.
Absolutely disgusted with the whole thing, she threw her napkin onto her plate and stalked out of the Great Hall, too distracted to realize that Harry was following her. Hermione had just put her foot on the second step when a hand grabbed her wrist. Hermione's head whipped around in surprise. She knew who it was going to be, however, before her eyes even landed on him. Harry stood just below Hermione with one foot on the first step. His bangs were falling into his eyes a little and he had a firm grip on Hermione's wrist. There was no smile whatsoever on his face. Hermione was so happy to see him that she paid no attention to his annoyed look. She threw her arms around his neck to hug him. After a moment, he put his arms around her waist.
"Oh Harry, it's so good to see you!" she said as they released each other at the same time and she took a step back. She grinned at him, waiting for him to say something. Harry just looked at her for a moment before grinning slightly himself.
"It's good to see you, too, Hermione, but why haven't I heard from you all summer?" "Harry, didn't you get your birthday present?"
"Yes, I got it," he said, sounding a little annoyed, "but why haven't I heard more from you than just a couple of sentences?" Hermione's face fell. She wasn't sure how she would make Harry understand why her parents had done what they had done. 'Well, I have to try,' she thought. Hermione squared her shoulders and told Harry everything that had happened over the summer and all about the...changes for the coming year. By the end of her explanation, Harry's eyes were wide as he stared soundlessly at her.
"But Hermione..." he began.
Hermione cut him off, "I know it's not fair, Harry, but I don't have a choice."
"Where is your room?"
Hermione's eyebrows came together. "Actually, right across form the Room of Requirement. Why?"
Harry poised another question of his own instead, "What about classes?"
"Don't worry, nothing about classes will change."
"Hermione, this is...ridiculous!" Harry raised his voice slightly, and the smile was gone from his face. Hermione furrowed her brow.
Her voice sounded slightly defensive when she said, "They're just looking out for me, Harry. I know this is a little extreme, but they are my parents, after all." And on that note, Hermione turned on her heel and continued up the stairs, heading to her new room. She left a rather shocked and upset Harry in her wake.
Disclaimer: All of the HP characters belong to the wonderful J.K. Rowling, but she's kind enough to let me borrow them every now and then for my own entertainment...like now, for instance.
************************ Chapter 4
The carriage in which the four of them were riding came to a halt in front of the stone steps leading up to the oak front doors of the castle. Ginny got out first, followed by Ron, Harry, and lastly Neville. Ginny and Neville were lazily chatting about what the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher might be like, while Ron and Harry remained silent. Harry couldn't stop thinking about the bushy head he had seen skipping past the window. Harry had told Ron what he thought he had seen, and, judging by the scowl on Ron's face, they were thinking about the exact same thing.
They were just about to start up the steps when Harry realized that Ginny was no longer with them. He turned around and spotted her standing quite still, staring at the carriages as they rolled up to the entrance to let their passengers out. Harry couldn't figure out what Ginny was staring at so fixedly. He turned to Ron to ask him what was up, but Ron was also staring at the carriages; his eyes were wide with fascination and his mouth had formed an "O". Harry had just looked back at the carriages when it hit him. This was the first time Ron and Ginny could see the thestrals (the thestrals were the horse-like winged creatures that pulled the school stagecoaches). The only people who could see them were the ones who had seen death. Ron and Ginny knew about them, of course. They had ridden on them to the Ministry of Magic on that horrible day Sirius had been killed. Harry knew that they could see them now because they had witnessed death in that final battle against Voldemort. Harry elbowed Ron to get his attention as Neville tapped Ginny on the shoulder.
"Come on you two," Harry said to Ginny and Ron. "I'm starving!" Ginny turned reluctantly away as they preceded up the stairs into the entrance hall. Harry looked up, keeping an eye out for whatever mischief Peeves might be up to. Peeves, however, was not lurking in a corner waiting to throw a dungbomb on some unsuspecting student nor was he following the professors around, blowing loud raspberries. 'Odd,' thought Harry. Peeves never missed an opportunity to torment the upcoming first years. Amidst to sound of shuffling feet, Harry heard something...out of place. Harry's hearing sharpened out of habit. He'd gone through a lot of training the past year, preparing himself. He knew he had formed many habits that would be hard to break; if he ever broke them at all, that is. It was muffled shouting, he realized. Harry concentrated for another minute before smiling. The shouting belonged to Filch, the caretaker. He was cursing at Peeves for something he had either already done or had been planning to do, but got caught in the process. Harry's grin broadened. It felt good to be home again.
As everyone entered the Great Hall, the large group of students split up as they went to sit at their separate house tables. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Neville sat with Seamus and Dean at the Gryffindor house table. Ginny sat down next to Dean. He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek, taking her hand and entwining his fingers with hers. They had been dating steadily for a little over a year. Ron had been very put out by this at first, but now never gave it a second thought. He knew Dean would be good to his sister, but Dean knew exactly what would happen to him if he ever hurt Ginny. Ron paid them no mind whatsoever; he continued to stare fixedly at the table, a look of deep concentration on his face. Harry, however, looked around the Great Hall.
He knew it by heart now, but still loved the sight of the hundred or so candles floating over the tables. The ceiling tonight was pitch black with twinkling stars sprinkled everywhere, winking down upon the students. Harry's eyes wandered for a moment before landing on the head table. The first professor Harry saw was Snape. They stared at each other for a full minute, neither one moving. Harry was just about to look away when something strange happened. Snape nodded his head in Harry's direction, then broke eye contact. Harry wasn't exactly floored, but still a little shocked. Their relationship had in fact changed over the past year from feelings of the deepest loathing to a mutual respect from both sides, but still. For Snape to acknowledge Harry like that was completely unexpected. Harry shook himself mentally and continued looking down the table. He saw tiny Professor Flitwick chatting with Professor Sprout and Dumbledore was talking with a woman Harry had never seen before. As Harry reached the latter pair, Dumbledore caught his eye and winked before returning to his conversation. Harry took a closer look at the newcomer. She had an uncanny resemblance to Professor McGonagall, but her face was softer and she looked younger. 'Must be the new DADA teacher,' thought Harry. He was about to resume his studying of the teachers, but the doors snapped open at that time. In strode McGonagall with the group of terrified first years who were about to be sorted. There was a hush in the Great Hall. Just in front of the head table sat the old sorting hat atop it's three-legged stool. All the first years gathered in front of it and everyone else's attention was now devoted to the hat. Everyone's except Harry's, that is. Just as the hat's brim opened wide, preparing to sing its song, Harry saw her. Hermione was sitting at the very end of the staff table, next to another teacher Harry didn't recognize. His stomach gave a lurch as his jaw fell open onto his chest. Harry had never been happier in his life to see Hermione. He'd missed her terribly. Not being able to see her and not hearing much from her had been almost more than he could bear. Part of her hair was thrown absentmindedly over one shoulder and she wore a determined look. Harry closed his mouth and narrowed his eyes. Even though Hermione's face was passive, her eyes were haunted.
Clapping erupted all around him. Harry jumped a little in his seat, startled. The hat had finished its song; Harry had not heard a word of it. As the first student was called forward ("Abott, Amanda!") Harry elbowed Ron again and pointed up at Hermione. Ron's mouth fell (if possible) even more so than Harry's had. After Amanda was sorted into Hufflepuff, Ron closed his mouth and turned, wide-eyed, to look at Harry. The same question that was plaguing Harry was clearly evident in Ron's eyes. All Harry could do was shrug. Neither had any idea why Hermione was sitting with the teachers.
After the first years had all been sorted (four of them had been placed in Gryffindor) Dumbledore gave his welcome speech, which included welcoming the first years, reminding everyone that the Forbidden Forest was out of bounds, and introducing Professor Lanie Travis, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. A murmur arose as many heads turned in the direction of the new professor. She gave a slight nod of her head. Dumbledore paused for a moment as everyone grew quiet again. The last thing he said was, "Tuck in!" as the assortment of food appeared before their eyes. Harry and Ron didn't eat very much during dinner; they were both trying to catch Hermione's eye. Hermione, however, appeared not to have noticed their efforts. She stared down at her plate the entire time, wearing a distracted look. She hadn't eaten very much, either. From what Harry could see, she had just pushed the food around on her plate. He had made up his mind, though. He was going to talk to Hermione before the night was over.
~
'I wonder what the boys are thinking?' Hermione thought, wiping her mouth on her napkin. She'd spotted Harry and Ron the moment they had walked into the Great Hall. She had purposely avoided catching their eye, knowing full well that very soon she would have to explain her actions. She just didn't feel like dealing with it right now. She hated not being able to just go to them and talk about what they had done over the summer and whatnot. She had really hated not being able to see them after St. Mungo's. Her parents had insisted, however, that she remain home the entire time. They had been absolutely terrified for Hermione (understandably so) after what had happened. They had kept an eagle-eye watch on her the entire summer.
Well, Hermione was sick of it! Ever since she had gotten home they had made sure that she didn't get so much as a hangnail. They had cut her off from corresponding with her friends over the summer, she has to eat every meal at the head table, she has to sleep in her own room instead of the girl's dorm, and there would be no more Hogsmead visits. She had also ridden in a magically concealed compartment on the Hogwarts Express. The only time she had wandered out was when she had been in need of a bathroom. She had argued with her parents endlessly about all of it, but they wouldn't be swayed. All they wanted to do was make sure she was safe. 'And make me miserable in the process,' she thought as she smashed the peas on her plate. Even though she was incredibly annoyed at them, she loved her parents and had promised them that she would not go behind their back and sneak off somewhere. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall had promised them that they would keep an eye on Hermione.
Absolutely disgusted with the whole thing, she threw her napkin onto her plate and stalked out of the Great Hall, too distracted to realize that Harry was following her. Hermione had just put her foot on the second step when a hand grabbed her wrist. Hermione's head whipped around in surprise. She knew who it was going to be, however, before her eyes even landed on him. Harry stood just below Hermione with one foot on the first step. His bangs were falling into his eyes a little and he had a firm grip on Hermione's wrist. There was no smile whatsoever on his face. Hermione was so happy to see him that she paid no attention to his annoyed look. She threw her arms around his neck to hug him. After a moment, he put his arms around her waist.
"Oh Harry, it's so good to see you!" she said as they released each other at the same time and she took a step back. She grinned at him, waiting for him to say something. Harry just looked at her for a moment before grinning slightly himself.
"It's good to see you, too, Hermione, but why haven't I heard from you all summer?" "Harry, didn't you get your birthday present?"
"Yes, I got it," he said, sounding a little annoyed, "but why haven't I heard more from you than just a couple of sentences?" Hermione's face fell. She wasn't sure how she would make Harry understand why her parents had done what they had done. 'Well, I have to try,' she thought. Hermione squared her shoulders and told Harry everything that had happened over the summer and all about the...changes for the coming year. By the end of her explanation, Harry's eyes were wide as he stared soundlessly at her.
"But Hermione..." he began.
Hermione cut him off, "I know it's not fair, Harry, but I don't have a choice."
"Where is your room?"
Hermione's eyebrows came together. "Actually, right across form the Room of Requirement. Why?"
Harry poised another question of his own instead, "What about classes?"
"Don't worry, nothing about classes will change."
"Hermione, this is...ridiculous!" Harry raised his voice slightly, and the smile was gone from his face. Hermione furrowed her brow.
Her voice sounded slightly defensive when she said, "They're just looking out for me, Harry. I know this is a little extreme, but they are my parents, after all." And on that note, Hermione turned on her heel and continued up the stairs, heading to her new room. She left a rather shocked and upset Harry in her wake.