Author's Notes: Another chapter, though short and sweet again. Don't worry, I think the one after this will be long. I think. I hope.
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Monday, 14 August
5:54 p.m.
Well, after all the excitement with Harry's trial, we had quite a dull weekend in comparison. The highlight was Saturday night, when Mrs. Weasley made an enormous dinner and we all celebrated with Harry. Kingsley showed up, as well as Tonks and that airhead Hestia (honestly, she giggles more than a twelve-year-old, and she's a grown woman…why they let her into the Order is beyond me…). Bill came home early to celebrate with us too, and Charlie sent an owl the very next day congratulating Harry.
"Don't expect anything from Percy," Ron joked bitterly after reading Harry's letter from Charlie Sunday morning. He's been especially resentful and angry towards Percy since Harry told him how he acted at the trial.
Harry looked uncomfortable at the mention of Percy. I think he's sorry he ever told us about seeing him at the trial. "Maybe he'll come around soon…" Harry suggested as we headed upstairs to continue our quest to make the attic somewhat sanitary.
"Or maybe he's the world's biggest prat," Ron said shortly, stomping loudly up the stairs. As he did so, we suddenly heard a violent rattling, presumably caused by all the noise Ron was making, coming from the drawing room. The three of us stopped on the stairs.
"What was that?" I asked, feeling apprehensive.
"I think Ron's mum said it might be a Boggart," Harry answered, glancing in the direction of the drawing room.
For a second there, I really wished that I could do magic – I've been dying to have a go at a Boggart ever since I was absolutely humiliated by that ridiculous one in third year. But then, abruptly a series of images rose to mind that were much more terrifying than Professor McGonagall telling me that I'd failed everything. Death Eaters on Arbour Court…Harry dead…Ron dead…
"Hermione?" Ron's voice snapped me back to reality. He was looking at me queerly. "You all right?" When I didn't respond right away, he gestured uselessly at my face. "You got all white, and…I dunno…"
"I'm fine," I snapped, before hastily and somewhat shakily continuing up the staircase. I distinctly heard Ron say, "What's with her?" to Harry.
I wonder if anyone else thinks about these things. I wonder if Ron has nightmares about Harry and I dying. I wonder if poor Harry sleeps at all. Does anyone else worry as much as I do, or am I just paranoid? Well, perhaps not paranoid…I mean, it's serious…he's back, and he's just…out there…anything could happen…
Oh great, now I'm going to be stupid and start crying again. I will not cry. I will not cry!
How could you ever stop talking to your family at a time like this? I don't blame Ron for hating Percy. If only he knew how much he's hurt his family…especially Mrs. Weasley. And especially Ron.
…I think I might hate Percy, too.
Weekly Goals
1. Consider writing to Hogwarts and demanding to know when the booklists are coming. I can only revise for so long…I'm going to have to start reading ahead, too…
2. Ancient Runes revision.
3. Figure out some other way to improve upon Kreacher's living conditions (besides clothes…stupid Sirius…)
4. Do not be childish and call people stupid.
5. Work on not hating certain peoples. Hate could possibly hinder attempts to achieve emotional satisfaction.