Disclaimer--The Potterverse and its inhabitants don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them with grateful respect for those who brought it into being for us to visit. Most of this scene is from PoA. No copyright infringement is intended, and no money is being made.
Author's Notes--I really love how--as previous quotes from reviewers indicate--so many reviewers are getting involved, not only with the story and their own feedback, but with one another. Our shared discussions have taught me a lot about my own story, and really made it a great experience. Thanks so much! Bill has suggested a group on yahoo for our little "club", and I have to admit the idea has taken me by surprise...what do you think?
Strawberries and Blueberries--Remind me not to get on your bad side. (And might I suggest that while you have Voldie down, you shave him?) Enjoy the update. ;-)
MTNWitch--Thanks for the compliment, and thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you're enjoying it. :-)
Bee11--I hadn't pictured Hermione as a kindergarten teacher before, but now that you've suggested it, it does seem like a great fit. I always picture the adult Hermione as a more laid-back version of Professor McGonagall. I'm not sure who taught chess to Colin and Tempest...*muses* They meant it as a favor to the first years, but I'm not sure lessons from a bad coach would be much help! Harry really was quite thoughtless about Neville, and I agree it couldn't have helped his confidence much, but I keep reminding myself Harry isn't cruel, just thoughtless...he'll grow out of it. Or we'll all become Neville fans? *winks* *hugs*
Adrienne--I didn't mean to embarrass you--just make sure the reviewers saw your great comment(s). :-) I'm torn on Hermione, too...proud of her for giving Harry and Ron credit for caring about Hagrid and thinking of their feelings after the way they treated her, but more than a little disgusted that she would put the friends who haven't spoken to her all semester before the one that's been trying to hold her together until the end of the semester. *makes face and snorts* But...in the end, you've put your finger on it...she's growing up. *grins and shrugs* And, you're right, I didn't have much of a choice in her behaviour!I actually know next to nothing about chess myself, though my boyfriend is somewhat interested in it, so my lessons would be more like Colin and Tempest's than Ginny or Ron's...*grins sheepishly* I'm glad you Neville's slow insertion into Ginny and Hermione's world, but I have to admit it might not have occurred to me, if it weren't for a half-remembered mention of Hermione tutoring him in GoF. I do enjoy seeing him a bit more involved, though. :-) *hugs*
EEDOE--I just couldn't resist chiming in. *winks* The sequel to PotC sounds great! *does little dance in chair* I loved the mental picture of chess lessons gone wrong myself. *smirks* I suppose Ginny is willing to bother because she knows what it's like to be overlooked and have to struggle through on your own. I'll be sure to pass on the message about teaching your boys. *winks* I always wanted to kick Harry for that too--especially in later readings of the book when I realized Neville hadn't even lost his list!--why couldn't Neville have gone to Hogsmeade, too? *stamps foot* You caught my simile! *claps* I agree...that had to hurt--a lot! *winces* Our poor little firecracker...no wonder she plays little tough girl. Yeah, Hagrid's a bit of all right. *winks* *hugs*
Bill--JKR may have no technical knowledge of chess at all, and it's still better than mine. *looks sheepish* So if I wrote it, Ginny would probably be a laughable player...however, allowing Ron to be good enough to beat McGonagall's set, I would think Ginny--while probably not on his level--is quite good. It sounds as if you are as good as Ron is supposed to be--perhaps I'll consult you if I ever need to describe a game at length. *winks* You have a very interesting point about Neville being attracted to Ginny for reasons similar to Harry--I think you've hit on something I hadn't really considered there. I totally agree the reviews here are "quality", and I would take that over a greater quantity any day. (As you can see, I'm giving your group suggestion some thought.) *hugs*
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Disgruntled as she felt by Hagrid's insistence she remain within the castle, Ginny found her irritation nearly impossible to hold on to when she saw how happy Hermione was. Hagrid's disappointment had finally forced Ron-and Harry-to put their own problems into perspective, and realize what they should have known all along, which was just how special Hermione was.
Ginny had enjoyed being Hermione's friend and companion, but she had always known she was a temporary stand-in. It seemed perfectly natural to step aside and watch Harry and Ron accompany Hermione into the library the next afternoon. It stung a little, but it was more than worth it to see Hermione and Ron so relaxed and happy.
"Where have you been?" Hermione demanded, filling the door to Ginny's dorm. "Why weren't you in the library?"
"You actually noticed I was gone?" Ginny said, amazed.
"You actually thought I wouldn't?" Hermione returned with equal amazement.
In spite of herself, Ginny laughed.
"Well, you're coming from now on, right?" Hermione leaned against the door frame as if prepared to stay there for however long it might take.
Ginny shook her head. "I appreciate the invitation, Hermione, but trying to fit in with Harry and Ron...if they didn't notice me, I'd just start feeling like that little girl who wasn't sure she existed at all again."
"We'll make them notice you," Hermione said encouragingly.
Ginny sighed and shook her head. "We could...but we couldn't make them accept me..."
Hermione crossed over and sat next to Ginny on the bed. "Fine...but don't think you're getting away from me that easily. We're instituting girl's night one night a week."
Ginny grinned. "Well...I suppose..."
"Good. We can start tonight. I have a little time because I don't have to do my Divination homework."
"Really?" Ginny sat up straighter, "why not?"
"Because I quit, that's why not!" Hermione declared with the air of one reveling in something shocking.
"Quit a lesson?"
"Well, we started crystal balls today, and Professor Trelawney was going on about Harry and the Grim--"
"Again?"
"I know! That's what I said!"
"You said that? To a teacher?"
"Well, actually, what I said was, 'Oh, for goodness' sake, not that ridiculous Grim again!'" Hermione said breathlessly.
"You didn't!" Ginny shrieked with delight.
"I most certainly did! Professor Trelawney didn't like that a bit-she said it was apparent I didn't have what Divination requires. In fact, she called me hopelessly mundane!"
"You're kidding!" Ginny gasped, wide-eyed.
"Nope. So I left."
"Well, I don't blame you," Ginny said conclusively, "What a ridiculous thing for a teacher to say!"
"I can't believe I did it," Hermione said, "it's such a relief."
"It sounds like you had quite a day," Ginny said.
"I did-did I tell you I was so tired I accidentally fell asleep during break and missed Charms? Now I'm behind on Cheering Charms-and Professor Flitwick hinted they might come up on exams!"
"Oh, well, I'm sure Professor Flitwick knows you didn't skip class on purpose, and you're only behind one day. You'll catch up in no time."
"I hope so... but that wasn't even the most frustrating thing that happened today."
"Really?"
"Yeah...Hagrid got a little worked up about Buckbeak in Care of Magical Creatures today, and Malfoy started mocking him."
"Disgusting prat-it's all his fault for not listening to the lesson in the first place!"
"Exactly!" Hermione huffed. "But there he was, calling Hagrid pathetic....and before I knew, I just snapped-I slapped him right across the face!"
"All right, Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed, hugging her.
"I still can't believe I did it," Hermione said weakly, and grinned. "You should have seen the look on Ron's face..."
Ginny spent most of the Easter holidays coaching Neville through the impossible amount of homework the third years had been assigned. Hermione helped whenever she could, but even without Divination, she seemed to work constantly. She was so on edge, Ginny found herself hoping she'd be insulted by another teacher so she'd lighten her load a bit more.
In between helping Neville, Ginny found herself trying to decide which classes she wanted to add to her third year. Percy followed her everywhere, trying to give her advice, until she finally couldn't take it any more. "I know, Percy," she rounded on him, hissing, at last. "I heard you tell Harry last year."
"Well, really," Percy sniffed, looking offended, "there's no need to snap, I was only trying to help steer you in the right direction, you are my little sister after all."
He had a point, so Ginny managed to refrain from rolling her eyes until he'd left the room.
Care of Magical Creatures was a given, since it was taught by Hagrid, but her second elective wasn't so simple to chose. Watching Hermione, she had no problem deciding she didn't want to add them all, and having heard quite a bit about Divination, she felt fairly assured it wasn't the subject for her.
Arithmancy sounded interesting, but a bit dry.
Muggle Studies sounded fun, but she could learn about them from Hermione on the side.
She found the answer by mistake when she picked up her copy of the Book of the Dead to take her mind off things. "Of course!" she shouted, slapping her forehead and drawing fewer interested looks than she might normally have expected. "Ancient Runes! I'm interested in Ancient Runes!"
All of this took up quite a bit of time, so that, while she tried to research Buckbeak's defense as much as she could, she was very relieved when Hermione told Ron had taken it on. And she was very touched when he began reading books like "Fowl or Foul? A Study of Hippogriff Brutality" even while he was walking.
Whatever little time was left that could be spared from annoying little distractions such as eating and sleeping, was taken up trying to make sure Harry wasn't injured before the final Quidditch Match as the Slytherins were trying to kill him and make it look like an accident.
Author's Notes--I really love how--as previous quotes from reviewers indicate--so many reviewers are getting involved, not only with the story and their own feedback, but with one another. Our shared discussions have taught me a lot about my own story, and really made it a great experience. Thanks so much! Bill has suggested a group on yahoo for our little "club", and I have to admit the idea has taken me by surprise...what do you think?
Strawberries and Blueberries--Remind me not to get on your bad side. (And might I suggest that while you have Voldie down, you shave him?) Enjoy the update. ;-)
MTNWitch--Thanks for the compliment, and thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you're enjoying it. :-)
Bee11--I hadn't pictured Hermione as a kindergarten teacher before, but now that you've suggested it, it does seem like a great fit. I always picture the adult Hermione as a more laid-back version of Professor McGonagall. I'm not sure who taught chess to Colin and Tempest...*muses* They meant it as a favor to the first years, but I'm not sure lessons from a bad coach would be much help! Harry really was quite thoughtless about Neville, and I agree it couldn't have helped his confidence much, but I keep reminding myself Harry isn't cruel, just thoughtless...he'll grow out of it. Or we'll all become Neville fans? *winks* *hugs*
Adrienne--I didn't mean to embarrass you--just make sure the reviewers saw your great comment(s). :-) I'm torn on Hermione, too...proud of her for giving Harry and Ron credit for caring about Hagrid and thinking of their feelings after the way they treated her, but more than a little disgusted that she would put the friends who haven't spoken to her all semester before the one that's been trying to hold her together until the end of the semester. *makes face and snorts* But...in the end, you've put your finger on it...she's growing up. *grins and shrugs* And, you're right, I didn't have much of a choice in her behaviour!I actually know next to nothing about chess myself, though my boyfriend is somewhat interested in it, so my lessons would be more like Colin and Tempest's than Ginny or Ron's...*grins sheepishly* I'm glad you Neville's slow insertion into Ginny and Hermione's world, but I have to admit it might not have occurred to me, if it weren't for a half-remembered mention of Hermione tutoring him in GoF. I do enjoy seeing him a bit more involved, though. :-) *hugs*
EEDOE--I just couldn't resist chiming in. *winks* The sequel to PotC sounds great! *does little dance in chair* I loved the mental picture of chess lessons gone wrong myself. *smirks* I suppose Ginny is willing to bother because she knows what it's like to be overlooked and have to struggle through on your own. I'll be sure to pass on the message about teaching your boys. *winks* I always wanted to kick Harry for that too--especially in later readings of the book when I realized Neville hadn't even lost his list!--why couldn't Neville have gone to Hogsmeade, too? *stamps foot* You caught my simile! *claps* I agree...that had to hurt--a lot! *winces* Our poor little firecracker...no wonder she plays little tough girl. Yeah, Hagrid's a bit of all right. *winks* *hugs*
Bill--JKR may have no technical knowledge of chess at all, and it's still better than mine. *looks sheepish* So if I wrote it, Ginny would probably be a laughable player...however, allowing Ron to be good enough to beat McGonagall's set, I would think Ginny--while probably not on his level--is quite good. It sounds as if you are as good as Ron is supposed to be--perhaps I'll consult you if I ever need to describe a game at length. *winks* You have a very interesting point about Neville being attracted to Ginny for reasons similar to Harry--I think you've hit on something I hadn't really considered there. I totally agree the reviews here are "quality", and I would take that over a greater quantity any day. (As you can see, I'm giving your group suggestion some thought.) *hugs*
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Disgruntled as she felt by Hagrid's insistence she remain within the castle, Ginny found her irritation nearly impossible to hold on to when she saw how happy Hermione was. Hagrid's disappointment had finally forced Ron-and Harry-to put their own problems into perspective, and realize what they should have known all along, which was just how special Hermione was.
Ginny had enjoyed being Hermione's friend and companion, but she had always known she was a temporary stand-in. It seemed perfectly natural to step aside and watch Harry and Ron accompany Hermione into the library the next afternoon. It stung a little, but it was more than worth it to see Hermione and Ron so relaxed and happy.
"Where have you been?" Hermione demanded, filling the door to Ginny's dorm. "Why weren't you in the library?"
"You actually noticed I was gone?" Ginny said, amazed.
"You actually thought I wouldn't?" Hermione returned with equal amazement.
In spite of herself, Ginny laughed.
"Well, you're coming from now on, right?" Hermione leaned against the door frame as if prepared to stay there for however long it might take.
Ginny shook her head. "I appreciate the invitation, Hermione, but trying to fit in with Harry and Ron...if they didn't notice me, I'd just start feeling like that little girl who wasn't sure she existed at all again."
"We'll make them notice you," Hermione said encouragingly.
Ginny sighed and shook her head. "We could...but we couldn't make them accept me..."
Hermione crossed over and sat next to Ginny on the bed. "Fine...but don't think you're getting away from me that easily. We're instituting girl's night one night a week."
Ginny grinned. "Well...I suppose..."
"Good. We can start tonight. I have a little time because I don't have to do my Divination homework."
"Really?" Ginny sat up straighter, "why not?"
"Because I quit, that's why not!" Hermione declared with the air of one reveling in something shocking.
"Quit a lesson?"
"Well, we started crystal balls today, and Professor Trelawney was going on about Harry and the Grim--"
"Again?"
"I know! That's what I said!"
"You said that? To a teacher?"
"Well, actually, what I said was, 'Oh, for goodness' sake, not that ridiculous Grim again!'" Hermione said breathlessly.
"You didn't!" Ginny shrieked with delight.
"I most certainly did! Professor Trelawney didn't like that a bit-she said it was apparent I didn't have what Divination requires. In fact, she called me hopelessly mundane!"
"You're kidding!" Ginny gasped, wide-eyed.
"Nope. So I left."
"Well, I don't blame you," Ginny said conclusively, "What a ridiculous thing for a teacher to say!"
"I can't believe I did it," Hermione said, "it's such a relief."
"It sounds like you had quite a day," Ginny said.
"I did-did I tell you I was so tired I accidentally fell asleep during break and missed Charms? Now I'm behind on Cheering Charms-and Professor Flitwick hinted they might come up on exams!"
"Oh, well, I'm sure Professor Flitwick knows you didn't skip class on purpose, and you're only behind one day. You'll catch up in no time."
"I hope so... but that wasn't even the most frustrating thing that happened today."
"Really?"
"Yeah...Hagrid got a little worked up about Buckbeak in Care of Magical Creatures today, and Malfoy started mocking him."
"Disgusting prat-it's all his fault for not listening to the lesson in the first place!"
"Exactly!" Hermione huffed. "But there he was, calling Hagrid pathetic....and before I knew, I just snapped-I slapped him right across the face!"
"All right, Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed, hugging her.
"I still can't believe I did it," Hermione said weakly, and grinned. "You should have seen the look on Ron's face..."
Ginny spent most of the Easter holidays coaching Neville through the impossible amount of homework the third years had been assigned. Hermione helped whenever she could, but even without Divination, she seemed to work constantly. She was so on edge, Ginny found herself hoping she'd be insulted by another teacher so she'd lighten her load a bit more.
In between helping Neville, Ginny found herself trying to decide which classes she wanted to add to her third year. Percy followed her everywhere, trying to give her advice, until she finally couldn't take it any more. "I know, Percy," she rounded on him, hissing, at last. "I heard you tell Harry last year."
"Well, really," Percy sniffed, looking offended, "there's no need to snap, I was only trying to help steer you in the right direction, you are my little sister after all."
He had a point, so Ginny managed to refrain from rolling her eyes until he'd left the room.
Care of Magical Creatures was a given, since it was taught by Hagrid, but her second elective wasn't so simple to chose. Watching Hermione, she had no problem deciding she didn't want to add them all, and having heard quite a bit about Divination, she felt fairly assured it wasn't the subject for her.
Arithmancy sounded interesting, but a bit dry.
Muggle Studies sounded fun, but she could learn about them from Hermione on the side.
She found the answer by mistake when she picked up her copy of the Book of the Dead to take her mind off things. "Of course!" she shouted, slapping her forehead and drawing fewer interested looks than she might normally have expected. "Ancient Runes! I'm interested in Ancient Runes!"
All of this took up quite a bit of time, so that, while she tried to research Buckbeak's defense as much as she could, she was very relieved when Hermione told Ron had taken it on. And she was very touched when he began reading books like "Fowl or Foul? A Study of Hippogriff Brutality" even while he was walking.
Whatever little time was left that could be spared from annoying little distractions such as eating and sleeping, was taken up trying to make sure Harry wasn't injured before the final Quidditch Match as the Slytherins were trying to kill him and make it look like an accident.