Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, brilliantly created by J.K.
Rowling. Most situations are based on those created by J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Seven: Back to Hogwarts
Seemingly all too soon, the trio was back on the Hogwarts Express and on their was to school again. The pressures of the O.W.L.'s were gone, but there were still the looming N.E.W.T.'s that they would take in their seventh year. Hermione had return to her schoolgirl self, insisting that they would have to start studying right away, especially Ron if he wanted to keep up and someday become a Healer. Ron blushed hearing her say this, knowing how proud Hermione was of him and he vowed that he would try to do better this year.
"Hermione, what are your plans after we graduate?" Ron asked her suddenly as the train headed towards Hogsmeade station.
Hermione looked a little shocked at Ron's genuine interest. "To tell you the truth, I haven't decided yet."
"What?!" exclaimed Harry in mock disbelief. "Hermione Granger doesn't know what she wants to do after Hogwarts? Impossible!"
"No, it's true," said Hermione. "I can't just choose one thing. Whenever I see something I like something else comes up that I like even better. It's hard to decide."
"Well, with your O.W.L.'s you can do anything you want!" Ron exclaimed. He didn't understand why he suddenly felt so much pride towards Hermione. Of course, he had always been pleased for her whenever she did well in school, but now he felt different, almost as though he himself had something to do with her successes. Hermione smiled at him, and he felt that strange feeling in his stomach again, this time attributing it to the cauldron cakes Harry treated him to.
"Hello," came a voice from the compartment door. The three turned to see fellow student Luna Lovegood standing there, her usual copy of The Quibbler in her hands. When they had met Luna on the train the previous year, they weren't quite sure what to make of her. But she had come in handy at the end of the year, and though none would call her a friend just yet, she had definitely shared something with the group and come to an understanding not many outside their small circle would.
"Hello Luna," said Hermione. "How was your summer?"
"Nice," Luna said nonchalantly and she helped herself to a seat next to Harry. "Dad's working on a new story, looking for the mysterious monkellark."
Hermione nodded and said simply, "How interesting." She knew from past experience that it was better to just comply than argue with Luna's statements, no matter how silly she thought they might be.
A silence fell over the small group and they listened to the soft rumbling of the train's wheels on the tracks. Luna kept stealing glances at Harry, which Hermione noticed, and she raised her eyes at him. Harry, aware of Luna's gazes, but aware of Hermione's expression, gave her a look as if to say, "WHAT!" That only made Hermione smile a little bit.
"So how did all of you do on your O.W.L.'s?" Luna wanted to know. Being a year younger than them, she would be facing the task herself this year, along with Ginny. The group told her of their successes and she seemed happy, if you could tell what a happy expression was on Luna Lovegood.
Time passed by and soon it was dark outside, and the group knew they were getting close to school again. They were all filled with wonder about what would happen there this year. Dumbledore was back, that was for sure, and it was likely he was going to stay right where he was, now that the wizarding world knew that the threat of Voldemort was VERY real. It still remained to be seen who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be. They all remembered well the horror that was Dolores Umbridge. They looked forward to things getting back to normal. Harry especially looked forward to getting back on the Quidditch field playing his usual position as Seeker. He knew that the team would also have the task of choosing almost an entirely new team. Fred and George were gone, leaving space open for two beaters ("No way we're keeping those dolts!" Ron exclaimed about the replacement beaters that had come in when Fred and George's broomsticks were banned.) Also, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell were all gone as well, for they had just spent their last year at Hogwarts. It seemed a daunting task, but Harry and Ron were ready to take on the challenge, being the only two members left on the team.
"Ginny mentioned she wanted to try for a Chaser," said Harry. "And I hear she's good as Seeker, so chances are she'll get it."
"You've got Captain for sure, Harry," said Ron. "You've been on the team the longest."
Harry was pleased to hear Ron say this. He knew he had always rolled his eyes whenever Oliver Wood would start ranting and raving, but he always thought being in the position of Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team (champions two years now!) would be an honor. It sure would be something to cheer him up. Ron thought the same thing. He knew that Harry needed the distraction of becoming Captain of the team to help him.
"We'll have to post a notice about try-outs right away," said Harry, and Ron nodded. He was looking at Hermione, who was deep in conversation with Luna, having lost interest in the boys when their talk turned to a sport she didn't quite understand.
"We're going to need loads of practice Harry," Ron said. "We're building a whole new team this year! It's insane!"
"If we could win last year, we can win this year," said Harry, prompting Ron to remember his poor performance, followed by his best, just in time to beat the opposing team and win the Quidditch Cup!
Their conversation was cut short by Hermione who said, "Looks like we're getting close. We should get ready."
As they felt the train start to slow down, they gathered all the belonging they had with them in the compartment and got ready to leave. They were visited soon by Neville Longbottom, who had finished his own "packing" and was wondering down the corridor. "Hullo," he said. "How are you?"
Neville had also experience their horror at the end of last year, proving somewhat helpful. Again though, it had created a bond between him and the friends that could never be broken, and they were sure that they would see more of Neville as the year progressed.
"How were those O.W.L scores Neville?" Ron asked, mostly so that they wouldn't have to recap the horrors of three months earlier. "Bet you aced Herbology."
Neville smiled, "Got an Outstanding, I did!"
"Congrats," said Harry.
"Glad those bloody tests are behind us," said Ron.
"Yes," said Hermione. "But now comes the N.E.W.T.'s and you know they're-"
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed. "They're NEXT year. Not THIS year. Let's not jump the gun here."
"Ron, how many times do I have to tell you how important they are? You can't play around when it comes to these tests. They're a -"
"Determinate of your future," Ron, Harry and even Neville said in unison. Hermione blushed, but said nothing more about the subject and soon they had come to a stop and were leaving the train.
"Firs' years this way!" called the familiar voice of Hagrid. The three friends smiled as they walked to the carriages.
"Glad to see Hagrid's back," said Hermione. "It's a good sign that things around here, at least, are returning to normal."
Hermione, Ron, Harry, Luna and Neville all shared one carriage and they traveled up to the castle. They all felt good to be back at school and they were silent as they looked around the grounds and finally at the well lit building standing majestically ahead of them. Suddenly, hunger took over as they got closer and closer to the opening feast.
Soon they were sitting in the Great Hall. The first years had been sorted, and Dumbledore stood to his feet to make the opening statements. "It is so wonderful to see all of your youthful faces again," he began. "For those who are old pros at Hogwarts, welcome back. For those new to our school, warmest welcomes! I know you will find Hogwarts, at time, a bit odd, but if you'll just excuse that you'll soon learn to think of it as normal. Now, as usual, I have a few things to say, so bear with me. I know all of you are anxious to get to the food, as I am." Some students laughed.
"There are some issues of dire importance that I must share with you. As you all know, Lord Voldemort has returned. I don't think I need to explain the dangers that lurk because of this. However, here at Hogwarts we intend to keep everything as it always way, which means we expect you to attend your lessons, do your homework, and follow the rules." He seemed to look right at Harry when he said this.
"Also, I must announce that Professor Umbridge is no longer with us." This statement created cheers among some students. "Nor as the educational decrees. Therefore, all clubs and meetings are allowed." Again, it seemed as though Dumbledore looked right at Harry. "And, as seems the norm here at Hogwarts, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Allow me to introduce Professor Tonks." Harry, Ron and Hermione looked up as they saw Tonks stand to be introduced to the school.
"I had no idea!" Hermione exclaimed. "Did she tell you?" Harry shook his head.
"Should be a good year then," said Ron. "Maybe this one will stay!"
"Let's hope," said Hermione. "It's so difficult changing teachers every year. They all have different styles."
"Plus we already know we like her," said Ron.
They realized that Dumbledore was still talking. "And with all of that said, please, enjoy the feast!" he exclaimed, and the plates and bowls on the tables filled with food. All of the famished students dug right in.
* * *
Once they were in the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry and Ron set to work creating a poster announcing Quidditch try-outs. After the feast, they had cornered Professor McGonagall and asked her when they could hold them, and if she could please reserve the field. She readily agreed, and they planned to hold the try-outs in two week's time. They felt that would be enough for interested people to practice their skills before showing them off.
"There," said Ron, finished the sign. "That looks good."
Hermione, who had been reading through one of her new spell books, looked over at their handiwork. "It's crooked," she stated. Harry and Ron stood back to look at the poster from far away, and sure enough the words started to slant.
"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed. "I don't want to write all that over again!"
"God, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "Are you THAT lazy? Give it to me. Accio parchment!" The piece of paper flew to her hands, and Ron and Harry watched as, with a few spells and waves of her wand she forced the letters to straighten themselves out.
"That's better, isn't it?" she asked when she handed the paper back to them.
"Gee, Hermione, maybe you should just do everything for us the first time," said Ron. "It would sure save me time."
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "You're never going to do anything right if you expect me to always clean up after you. What if I'm not always here?"
Ron looked taken aback. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean that I am not always going to be around to pick up the pieces," said Hermione, suddenly feeling flushed and angry.
"So you're just going to stop being my friend?" Ron asked, feeling something like anger well up in himself as well. "Well, that's just great, Hermione! We're friends all through school and you're just going to drop us?!"
"That's NOT what I said, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. Harry started to back away, knowing the soon she and Ron would be in full out brawling mode. "I just mean that there will come a time when we're not together ALL THE TIME! And you're going to have to do things for yourself!"
"I know how to do things for myself!" Ron exclaimed.
"I know you do!" Hermione shouted. "I just don't understand why you DON'T!"
Ron looked shocked at this statement, and it seemed as though Hermione had won this particular argument. Ron said nothing else. Instead, he and Hermione stared each other down for what seemed like twenty minutes, though when Harry checked his watch he saw it only three minutes later. He was used to this, Ron and Hermione's fighting. What he wasn't used to was the strange tension that was between them, a tension that he felt could snap at any time and bring them together. Or apart.
Hermione ended the starting contest when she said, "Well, it's been a long day. I think I'll go to bed."
"Yeah," Ron said. "I guess I'd better head there myself."
"Well, good night."
"Good night," Ron said.
"Night Hermione," said Harry.
Harry and Ron watched Hermione walk up the stairs. When they heard the door to her dormitory close, Ron turned to Harry. "What did she mean by that?" he asked.
"What?"
"When she said we wouldn't always be together all the time?" Ron asked.
"Well," Harry said, thinking the answer obvious. "After we finish at Hogwarts, we're all going to go our separate ways, I suppose."
"But we'll be friends," Ron insisted.
"Of course," said Harry. "But things will be different. We'll all have jobs in different places, and we won't have time to see each other as much as we do now."
"Oh," said Ron, and Harry could hear something in his friend's voice that he had heard before, when Ron was doing so poorly in Quidditch. It was a tone as though the whole world was going to come crashing down and he was powerless to stop it. It was tone Harry heard in his own voice a lot.
"Well, I'm off to bed," said Harry. "You coming up?"
"Nah," said Ron. "I want to take one last look at this sign."
"Okay," said Harry, and he turned and headed up the stairs. Ron pretended to look at the poster for Quidditch try-outs until he knew Harry couldn't turn and see him, and then he flopped into one of the large armchairs.
'I don't want things to change,' Ron thought to himself. 'I like them the way they are. With us all together all the time. It's nice that way. And maybe I LIKE when Hermione helps me. Maybe I LIKE her to clean up the pieces. It's not because I can't do it. She doesn't know what she's talking about!'
Ron was horrorstruck at the thought that he would one day be separated from Hermione and Harry. What he wasn't allowing himself to think was that a separation from Harry didn't bother him; it was the thought of separation from Hermione that made his stomach churn and his heart ache.
Chapter Seven: Back to Hogwarts
Seemingly all too soon, the trio was back on the Hogwarts Express and on their was to school again. The pressures of the O.W.L.'s were gone, but there were still the looming N.E.W.T.'s that they would take in their seventh year. Hermione had return to her schoolgirl self, insisting that they would have to start studying right away, especially Ron if he wanted to keep up and someday become a Healer. Ron blushed hearing her say this, knowing how proud Hermione was of him and he vowed that he would try to do better this year.
"Hermione, what are your plans after we graduate?" Ron asked her suddenly as the train headed towards Hogsmeade station.
Hermione looked a little shocked at Ron's genuine interest. "To tell you the truth, I haven't decided yet."
"What?!" exclaimed Harry in mock disbelief. "Hermione Granger doesn't know what she wants to do after Hogwarts? Impossible!"
"No, it's true," said Hermione. "I can't just choose one thing. Whenever I see something I like something else comes up that I like even better. It's hard to decide."
"Well, with your O.W.L.'s you can do anything you want!" Ron exclaimed. He didn't understand why he suddenly felt so much pride towards Hermione. Of course, he had always been pleased for her whenever she did well in school, but now he felt different, almost as though he himself had something to do with her successes. Hermione smiled at him, and he felt that strange feeling in his stomach again, this time attributing it to the cauldron cakes Harry treated him to.
"Hello," came a voice from the compartment door. The three turned to see fellow student Luna Lovegood standing there, her usual copy of The Quibbler in her hands. When they had met Luna on the train the previous year, they weren't quite sure what to make of her. But she had come in handy at the end of the year, and though none would call her a friend just yet, she had definitely shared something with the group and come to an understanding not many outside their small circle would.
"Hello Luna," said Hermione. "How was your summer?"
"Nice," Luna said nonchalantly and she helped herself to a seat next to Harry. "Dad's working on a new story, looking for the mysterious monkellark."
Hermione nodded and said simply, "How interesting." She knew from past experience that it was better to just comply than argue with Luna's statements, no matter how silly she thought they might be.
A silence fell over the small group and they listened to the soft rumbling of the train's wheels on the tracks. Luna kept stealing glances at Harry, which Hermione noticed, and she raised her eyes at him. Harry, aware of Luna's gazes, but aware of Hermione's expression, gave her a look as if to say, "WHAT!" That only made Hermione smile a little bit.
"So how did all of you do on your O.W.L.'s?" Luna wanted to know. Being a year younger than them, she would be facing the task herself this year, along with Ginny. The group told her of their successes and she seemed happy, if you could tell what a happy expression was on Luna Lovegood.
Time passed by and soon it was dark outside, and the group knew they were getting close to school again. They were all filled with wonder about what would happen there this year. Dumbledore was back, that was for sure, and it was likely he was going to stay right where he was, now that the wizarding world knew that the threat of Voldemort was VERY real. It still remained to be seen who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be. They all remembered well the horror that was Dolores Umbridge. They looked forward to things getting back to normal. Harry especially looked forward to getting back on the Quidditch field playing his usual position as Seeker. He knew that the team would also have the task of choosing almost an entirely new team. Fred and George were gone, leaving space open for two beaters ("No way we're keeping those dolts!" Ron exclaimed about the replacement beaters that had come in when Fred and George's broomsticks were banned.) Also, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell were all gone as well, for they had just spent their last year at Hogwarts. It seemed a daunting task, but Harry and Ron were ready to take on the challenge, being the only two members left on the team.
"Ginny mentioned she wanted to try for a Chaser," said Harry. "And I hear she's good as Seeker, so chances are she'll get it."
"You've got Captain for sure, Harry," said Ron. "You've been on the team the longest."
Harry was pleased to hear Ron say this. He knew he had always rolled his eyes whenever Oliver Wood would start ranting and raving, but he always thought being in the position of Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team (champions two years now!) would be an honor. It sure would be something to cheer him up. Ron thought the same thing. He knew that Harry needed the distraction of becoming Captain of the team to help him.
"We'll have to post a notice about try-outs right away," said Harry, and Ron nodded. He was looking at Hermione, who was deep in conversation with Luna, having lost interest in the boys when their talk turned to a sport she didn't quite understand.
"We're going to need loads of practice Harry," Ron said. "We're building a whole new team this year! It's insane!"
"If we could win last year, we can win this year," said Harry, prompting Ron to remember his poor performance, followed by his best, just in time to beat the opposing team and win the Quidditch Cup!
Their conversation was cut short by Hermione who said, "Looks like we're getting close. We should get ready."
As they felt the train start to slow down, they gathered all the belonging they had with them in the compartment and got ready to leave. They were visited soon by Neville Longbottom, who had finished his own "packing" and was wondering down the corridor. "Hullo," he said. "How are you?"
Neville had also experience their horror at the end of last year, proving somewhat helpful. Again though, it had created a bond between him and the friends that could never be broken, and they were sure that they would see more of Neville as the year progressed.
"How were those O.W.L scores Neville?" Ron asked, mostly so that they wouldn't have to recap the horrors of three months earlier. "Bet you aced Herbology."
Neville smiled, "Got an Outstanding, I did!"
"Congrats," said Harry.
"Glad those bloody tests are behind us," said Ron.
"Yes," said Hermione. "But now comes the N.E.W.T.'s and you know they're-"
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed. "They're NEXT year. Not THIS year. Let's not jump the gun here."
"Ron, how many times do I have to tell you how important they are? You can't play around when it comes to these tests. They're a -"
"Determinate of your future," Ron, Harry and even Neville said in unison. Hermione blushed, but said nothing more about the subject and soon they had come to a stop and were leaving the train.
"Firs' years this way!" called the familiar voice of Hagrid. The three friends smiled as they walked to the carriages.
"Glad to see Hagrid's back," said Hermione. "It's a good sign that things around here, at least, are returning to normal."
Hermione, Ron, Harry, Luna and Neville all shared one carriage and they traveled up to the castle. They all felt good to be back at school and they were silent as they looked around the grounds and finally at the well lit building standing majestically ahead of them. Suddenly, hunger took over as they got closer and closer to the opening feast.
Soon they were sitting in the Great Hall. The first years had been sorted, and Dumbledore stood to his feet to make the opening statements. "It is so wonderful to see all of your youthful faces again," he began. "For those who are old pros at Hogwarts, welcome back. For those new to our school, warmest welcomes! I know you will find Hogwarts, at time, a bit odd, but if you'll just excuse that you'll soon learn to think of it as normal. Now, as usual, I have a few things to say, so bear with me. I know all of you are anxious to get to the food, as I am." Some students laughed.
"There are some issues of dire importance that I must share with you. As you all know, Lord Voldemort has returned. I don't think I need to explain the dangers that lurk because of this. However, here at Hogwarts we intend to keep everything as it always way, which means we expect you to attend your lessons, do your homework, and follow the rules." He seemed to look right at Harry when he said this.
"Also, I must announce that Professor Umbridge is no longer with us." This statement created cheers among some students. "Nor as the educational decrees. Therefore, all clubs and meetings are allowed." Again, it seemed as though Dumbledore looked right at Harry. "And, as seems the norm here at Hogwarts, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Allow me to introduce Professor Tonks." Harry, Ron and Hermione looked up as they saw Tonks stand to be introduced to the school.
"I had no idea!" Hermione exclaimed. "Did she tell you?" Harry shook his head.
"Should be a good year then," said Ron. "Maybe this one will stay!"
"Let's hope," said Hermione. "It's so difficult changing teachers every year. They all have different styles."
"Plus we already know we like her," said Ron.
They realized that Dumbledore was still talking. "And with all of that said, please, enjoy the feast!" he exclaimed, and the plates and bowls on the tables filled with food. All of the famished students dug right in.
* * *
Once they were in the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry and Ron set to work creating a poster announcing Quidditch try-outs. After the feast, they had cornered Professor McGonagall and asked her when they could hold them, and if she could please reserve the field. She readily agreed, and they planned to hold the try-outs in two week's time. They felt that would be enough for interested people to practice their skills before showing them off.
"There," said Ron, finished the sign. "That looks good."
Hermione, who had been reading through one of her new spell books, looked over at their handiwork. "It's crooked," she stated. Harry and Ron stood back to look at the poster from far away, and sure enough the words started to slant.
"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed. "I don't want to write all that over again!"
"God, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "Are you THAT lazy? Give it to me. Accio parchment!" The piece of paper flew to her hands, and Ron and Harry watched as, with a few spells and waves of her wand she forced the letters to straighten themselves out.
"That's better, isn't it?" she asked when she handed the paper back to them.
"Gee, Hermione, maybe you should just do everything for us the first time," said Ron. "It would sure save me time."
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "You're never going to do anything right if you expect me to always clean up after you. What if I'm not always here?"
Ron looked taken aback. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean that I am not always going to be around to pick up the pieces," said Hermione, suddenly feeling flushed and angry.
"So you're just going to stop being my friend?" Ron asked, feeling something like anger well up in himself as well. "Well, that's just great, Hermione! We're friends all through school and you're just going to drop us?!"
"That's NOT what I said, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. Harry started to back away, knowing the soon she and Ron would be in full out brawling mode. "I just mean that there will come a time when we're not together ALL THE TIME! And you're going to have to do things for yourself!"
"I know how to do things for myself!" Ron exclaimed.
"I know you do!" Hermione shouted. "I just don't understand why you DON'T!"
Ron looked shocked at this statement, and it seemed as though Hermione had won this particular argument. Ron said nothing else. Instead, he and Hermione stared each other down for what seemed like twenty minutes, though when Harry checked his watch he saw it only three minutes later. He was used to this, Ron and Hermione's fighting. What he wasn't used to was the strange tension that was between them, a tension that he felt could snap at any time and bring them together. Or apart.
Hermione ended the starting contest when she said, "Well, it's been a long day. I think I'll go to bed."
"Yeah," Ron said. "I guess I'd better head there myself."
"Well, good night."
"Good night," Ron said.
"Night Hermione," said Harry.
Harry and Ron watched Hermione walk up the stairs. When they heard the door to her dormitory close, Ron turned to Harry. "What did she mean by that?" he asked.
"What?"
"When she said we wouldn't always be together all the time?" Ron asked.
"Well," Harry said, thinking the answer obvious. "After we finish at Hogwarts, we're all going to go our separate ways, I suppose."
"But we'll be friends," Ron insisted.
"Of course," said Harry. "But things will be different. We'll all have jobs in different places, and we won't have time to see each other as much as we do now."
"Oh," said Ron, and Harry could hear something in his friend's voice that he had heard before, when Ron was doing so poorly in Quidditch. It was a tone as though the whole world was going to come crashing down and he was powerless to stop it. It was tone Harry heard in his own voice a lot.
"Well, I'm off to bed," said Harry. "You coming up?"
"Nah," said Ron. "I want to take one last look at this sign."
"Okay," said Harry, and he turned and headed up the stairs. Ron pretended to look at the poster for Quidditch try-outs until he knew Harry couldn't turn and see him, and then he flopped into one of the large armchairs.
'I don't want things to change,' Ron thought to himself. 'I like them the way they are. With us all together all the time. It's nice that way. And maybe I LIKE when Hermione helps me. Maybe I LIKE her to clean up the pieces. It's not because I can't do it. She doesn't know what she's talking about!'
Ron was horrorstruck at the thought that he would one day be separated from Hermione and Harry. What he wasn't allowing himself to think was that a separation from Harry didn't bother him; it was the thought of separation from Hermione that made his stomach churn and his heart ache.