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Harry woke up early, and lay in bed, before realizing it was a Sunday, and there weren't any classes. Plus it was the first visit of the year to Hogsmeade! Harry swung his legs over the bed and walked to the window, looking out. The sun was shining, having just risen twenty minutes ago, and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. The ceiling of Great Hall would exactly resemble the glow of the sky, making a golden light fall about everyone as they ate. Then Harry remembered the events of last night. As much as he would love to go and beat the snot out of Malfoy for information, Harry decided he had better visit Ron first.
Harry walked down the stairs, adjusting his tie. As he walked past the girl's dormitory, Hermione jumped out of the doorway and looked expectantly at Harry.
Morning Harry! About last night, sorry for throwing myself on you. I hope you're ok? Harry was perfectly ok. After all how could cute girl throwing herself on you make you unhappy?
What? Oh no its ok, you were shocked and sad about the news about Ron.. its ok, honest. I'm going to go see Ron now, um you wanna come? Harry felt a flutter of nervousness in his stomach. He was only going to the hospital wing, why was he getting nervous? Hermione beamed.
Sure!! I'd love to! I was thinking of doing that today anyways!
Harry let Hermione go before him down the stairs, into the warm common room. Fred and George were sitting at the fire, turning it different colors. Slyly, Fred grabbed a handful of fire and threw it at George, catching him in the face. George laughed, brushing away the fire on his face, and retaliated by hurling some purple flames at Fred. Both cackling happily the twins continued to throw different hues of flames, metallic , rainbow and translucent. Fred and George stopped as they saw Harry and Hermione standing there, their mouths wide open.
Fred and George looked at each other and grinned. They threw the flames in their hands at Harry and Hermione. Harry threw his hands up to protect his face, but instead of being burned, Harry experienced an extremely enjoyable tickling sensation. He giggled, and looked at the fire in his hand as the flames licked his face. It sparked and crackled like any other fire, but it was cool. Hermione had a knowing look on her face.
Simple Flame Freezing Spell, I should've known. Hermione grinned. Fred and George shrugged and continued their onslaught. Harry tossed the fire back into the embers, and walked out of the portrait, stepping onto purple carpeted floor. The hall was completely devoid of students or teachers. Harry and Hermione walked to the stairs, but Hermione held Harry back. Grabbing Harry's robes she pulled him over to the edge of the stairs. Harry looked at Hermione with a puzzled look.
Hermione,are you trying to push me to my death? What're you doing? Hermione shook her head and sat on the banister. She straightened her robes about her, and looked at Harry.
Well, aren't you coming? Harry nodded and went to the banister. He looked at Hermione.
Uh Mio, where am I supposed to sit? Hermione giggled and pointed infront of her.
So if we fall, I can fall on something cushioned!! Harry rolled his eyes.
Thanks for volunteering me! I feel honoured. He sat infront of Hermione. Gripping the rail, Harry pushed off, Hermione right behind him. They slid faster and faster as floor after floor went past, Hermione laughing jubilantly behind Harry. Grinning, Harry remembered the same feeling he got when he was on his Firebolt. The wind whipped through his hair, and Harry pretended he was chasing down the Snitch, racing against Malfoy. He had caught it, he had caught the Snitch!
Ha Malfoy! Harry was flying around the Quidditch stadium, to loud cheers. Harry beat Malfoy, Malfoy, Malfoy..
.. Malfoy! Harry look out for Malfoy! Hermione pulled Harry off of the stairs, and she fell along with him. Hermione got up quickly and hid behind a statue. Harry looked down the hall. Coming out of the Infirmary was Malfoy, accompanied by Ginny. Malfoy had his arm around Ginny, and bent down a little to kiss her on the cheek. Ginny looked up at Malfoy adoringly and kissed him on the lips, Malfoy combing his fingers through Ginny's hair. Disgusted, Harry looked away, wondering what Hermione was thinking. He looked at her, but she wasn't looking, she had closed her eyes and shrunk into the corner.
Is he gone yet? Oh I hope he didn't see me.. What was he doing? Harry felt relieved that she hadn't seen Malfoy and Ginny.
Yeah, he's gone, Mio, I don't think he saw you, he was a bit preoccupied... Harry grit his teeth in anger, the nerve of Malfoy, going to see Ron with his little sister. Malfoy didn't look like he was worrying about it. He was umm taking care of his affairs. Come on, lets go see Ron. Harry took Hermione's hand to help her up. But when she was on her feet, he didn't let go. Hermione looked at him , and Harry let go immediately. Hermione gave Harry an odd look giggled, and ran to the door and went in. Harry sighed and felt himself blushing. So when she throws herself on you, she's not embarrassed, but when you try to just hold her hand she looks at you weird. Women.
Surrounded by brightly coloured boxes filled with various kinds of Wizard candy, Ron was sitting up in his bed grinning at Harry.
Hey Harry!! How're you doing?
Never mind me you prat, how're you? Your arm alright? Ron tried it out, twisting and flexing his arm and fingers. He grinned even wider.
I'm doing great! My arm feels great, I have a whole load of candy, and I get three whole days off from classes! Ron put his hands behind his head, looking quite contented. Hermione laughed and picked up a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Harry Ron and Hermione sat joking and talking about Quidditch. Ron seem delighted and shocked that he was the top pick for Keeper. Harry said Angelina told him she was very impressed by Ron's prowess on a broom, and how well he blocked the ball. Ron grinned at Hermione who smiled at him. Harry felt that burning feel inside again...
Hey Ron, now you'll be the fourth Weasley to be on the Quidditch team! Its sort of like a family tradition now, huh? Hermione popped a yellow jelly bean in her mouth and puckered.
Eurgh! Oooo thats sour!! Lemon! Hermione stuck her tongue out and shivered. Harry reached into the box, pulled out an odd grayish bluish coloured jelly bean. He looked at it warily, before popping it into his mouth. Harry grabbed his throat, and staggering over to a waste basket, spit it out. Harry looked at the jelly bean with a disgusted look on his face.
Honestly, what flavour are they going to think of next? I nearly choked! Harry looked at the box. Old gym socks, disgusting... I swear these people have problems.. Ron laughed, then looked at Hermione.
I wouldn't say I am yet, after all, there might be a better person then me... Ron looked at Harry. But fat CHANCE!! Ron slapped Harry a high five, and they laughed.
I hope you do get to be Keeper though Ron! You'd be the perfect team-mate! But you know Ron, you'd better watch out for Colin, I hear he's a broom prodigy.. There was silence, before all three burst out into uncontrollable laughter. Harry didn't know if this was the best time to ask Ron the question, but he thought he might as well.
Hey Ron, um did Malfoy... Harry trailed off as he saw the look on Ron's face. Ron kept rolling his eyes at Hermione, clearly indicating Harry to shut up. Hermione looked from Harry to Ron, and then back to Harry.
Ok you twits, what're you up to? And don't say nothing cause you both have got guilt all over your faces! Hermione scowled.
Hermione, honestly, there's nothing wrong, its just that.. Ron squirmed as he tried to think of a believable lie.
Malfoy took Ron's homework! Yeah, I was just wondering if Malfoy had been in here to, um give it back. Harry looked down at his Chocolate Frog card. Ron looked happy enough with it; he settled back into his pillow. Hermione looked exasperated.
You guys are impossible! You know what? Forget it! I don't care! Hermione looked at her watch. Harry we had better go for Hogsmeade! She looked at Ron.
Hope you get out of here soon, its just not the same without you, Ron! Harry nodded fervently.
Yeah. Hey Ron, anything you'd like from Hogsmeade? We're going there this afternoon. I think besides you and Neville, everyone 3rd year and up is going! Ouch! Harry rubbed his ribs where Hermione had elbowed him. What'd you do that for? Hermione sighed.
You're not helping any Harry! She turned back to Ron, who was looking miserable. Ron, I was wondering, what happened, just before you fell? Do you have any idea why you fell? Ron thought for a moment.
Well, right then I was getting ready for Katie's next throw, when I felt this stab of pain in my stomach. Sort of like the ones I had all day. It went away, so I thought it was over. Then there was another one, and another. The pain was getting worse. Then I felt this enormous pain, not just like in one spot of my stomach but all of it. Then I blacked out. Ron sighed.
What do you suppose caused the pain? Did you eat anything or drink anything bad that morning? Hermione bit her lip, waiting. Ron screwed up his forehead, trying to concentrate.
Well, I don't think so.... no wait! There was that Pumpkin Juice at lunch! It tasted terrible! Then after that I started getting those stomach pains. At that moment, Madam Pomfrey arrived with Ron's breakfast.
I'll not have you getting out of bed so quickly Mr. Weasley! Not until we know what may have caused those cramps! Ron looked indignant.
But we DO know what caused them! Madam Pomfrey looked at Ron, a startled expression on her face.
You what? Speak up then boy! Ron related to her what Harry Hermione and himself thought what might've caused Ron to fall off his broom. When he finished, Madam Pomfrey's face was pale.
If what you say is true, and I do have a good notion you are telling the truth, then someone in this castle tried to poison you. Oh not deadly of course, but if I had not treated you then, you may have gone into a coma, or been in bed for weeks! Madam Pomfrey smoothed Ron's bed covers needlessly. I must go inform Professor Dumbledore. I will lock the doors, and you are not to get out of bed! Eat your sweets and relax.
Now that I can do! Ron shrugged at Harry. Poor me, I suppose. I get to stay here and relax, while you have to go out in the cold! Ron winked then started on his chocolate. I'll talk to you guys later, I hope soon! Harry and Hermione waved good-bye to Ron and walked out of the Hospital Wing. Before they went far, Madam Pomfrey wanted a word with them.
I must beg you not to mention this to anyone! If the word gets out that a student was poisoned, Headmaster Dumbledore could be dismissed! Wiping her eyes, Madam Pomfrey waved her wand at the Hospital's doors locking them securely, then hurried behind a tapestry.
Harry looked nervously at Hermione. Who would want to poison Ron? And why? Even Malfoy wouldn't sink that low, he prefers to humiliate people, then run off after being challenged to a fight. Hermione looked severely shaken.
I don't know Harry, but you must realize how serious this is! I've heard of this type of poison. A few more hours and Ron wouldn't have been in a coma. He would be dead. Harry's jaw dropped out of pure shock and horror. He closed his mouth, his jaw set.
Who ever did this is going to pay. And by that I mean Malfoy's going down. Hermione nodded, and took Harry's hand, clutching it tightly. They walked to the staircase and walked not back up to the tower, but down to Entrance Hall to go to Hogsmeade.
****** Sorry about that! Chapter 7 was the same as 6 for a bit!! :) Hope you'll read it now!! please r&r!
