Ch. 4

Care Of Magical Creatures


When Hermione finally woke, it was impossible to tell the time. Outside it was mercilessly pouring down rain, and the sky was dark. She didn't really mind the weather though, it fit her mood.


The after-effects from her fall were beginning to catch up with her, and she was suffering from a severe headache. Nonetheless, she sat up and felt around the back of her head. As she had suspected, there was a large lump there.


The room was quiet. Lily had probably gone down for breakfast. She had left her bed covers carefully upturned, and her wardrobe was neatly closed. Hermione couldn't help but marvel at Lily's attention to detail. Sure, Hermione's school stuff was manageable, but that didn't mean her room was immaculate too. Far from it.


She hoped her clutter wouldn't irritate Lily. After all, Lily was the closest to a female friend Hermione had ever had. Even after rooming with Parvati and Lavender for six years, they still felt like strangers. They were so fatuous, it was sometimes hard to believe they were seventeen years old.


Hermione heard footsteps coming down the staircase from the upper dormitories and looked at the hour glass. It was already eight o'clock! She had to get to McGonagall's office for her schedule and eat breakfast all by eight forty-five. Her first class started at nine.


When Hermione started to get dressed, she reached a small problem. She had no clothing except what she was wearing. She grimaced and did a scourgify charm on her robes. They became instantly clean and pressed, but Hermione was still somewhat disgusted. She couldn't go on like this forever. And she wouldn't, she reminded herself. She would get home.


A few minutes later, she came barreling down the steps, determined not to be late for her class. If she was quick enough, she might even have time for some breakfast.


It was eight thirty by the time Hermione reached McGonagall's office. She stuffed a remaining bit of muffin into her mouth, swallowed and began to choke. She sputtered for a few minutes. Then, she composed herself enough to rap on the door.


"Come in," a familiar voice called.


Hermione entered slowly.


"Well, you must be Hermione Garrett, our new Gryffindor. Welcome to Hogwarts."


"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said, examining the younger version of Minerva McGonagall with interest.


"Well, here is your schedule child. I believe your rooming situation has already been sorted out?"


Hermione gave a nod of assent.


"Dumbledore has told me your history, and I am sorry you had to come to us under such circumstances. Losses at such a young age are hard to bear," McGonagall sighed deeply and rubbed her temples.


Hermione nodded sadly. After all, what else could she do?


Professor McGonagall pulled herself back together and continued with an air of officialty, "Considering the circumstances, I believe you will be needing some supplies and robes. Correct?"


Hermione nodded, very relieved.


"Very well then. Here are your school supplies. You may take what you need and come back for the rest later as you are running a bit short on time," she said, a slightly disapproving tone in her voice. "As for your personal things, we will attend to that after dinner if you would be so kind as to stop by my office."


"Of course. Thank you very much," Hermione responded, stooping to grab a few books and a satchel.


"You better hurry if you plan to make it to care of magical creatures on time," she said curtly.


Hermione needed no further telling, she scampered out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.


As she walked across the grounds, several words flew through her head.


"Losses at such a young age," Professor McGonagall had said.


Hermione knew she meant well, but McGonagall could in no way ever even begin to contemplate the magnitude of Hermione's loss. Hermione had lost everything and everyone she knew all in one fell swoop. The only thing close to familiar here was the castle itself and the shadows of the people she once knew.


Such losses were hard to bear at any age.


Before she knew it, her feet had carried her across the grounds to Hagrid's hut. Of course, she didn't even know if it was Hagrid's hut now. At any rate, there was no class taking place there. She rapped on the door desperately.


It swung open and a familiar face came into view.


"Hullo there. An' who might you be?"


Hermione sighed in relief. It was so nice to see Hagrid's kind, trusting face.


"I'm Hermione Garrett, sir. I was looking for the care of magical creatures class. Do you know where it is?"


"O' course. 'S across the paddock a ways. See?"


She nodded.


"Ya' like animals do ya?" he asked hopefully.


"Love them," Hermione answered with a reluctant smile.


Secretly, she was wondering what monstrous creature was under Hargrid's care now. Another dragon? Or perhaps a tri-horned beyop? She bit her lip nervously, hoping whatever it was wouldn't hurt her too badly.


"Well, meet me dog, Fang. 'e's just a pup now o'course, but in a couple a years he'll be right big."


Hermione leaned down to pet the puppy which promptly began to lick her. At least, Fang still liked her. Was it was possible that Fang recognized her? After all, dogs seems to have that sort of sixth sense.


"Well, I have to get to class now, but it was really nice to meet you. I didn't catch your name though?" Hermione prompted.


She knew his name of course, but it wouldn't be wise to say so. So, she waited for his response.


"The names 'agrid. Feel free to come back and visit me an' Fang any time, see? Now, off to class you trot."


She smiled, "See you later then!"


With that, she hurried across the huge paddock and towards the grassy area above the lake. When she arrived, the class had already been paired off. Each pair was holding a small, furry animal. Hermione hurried over to the professor.


"I'm sorry, sir. I got lost and ended up at Hagrid's cabin," she finished, panting slightly.


"No worries, Ms. Garrett. We are studying popples today. I'll just find you a pair to work with and-"


Remus and Sirius who were standing nearby interrupted.


"She can work with us, Professor," Sirius offered.


"In that case, I'll let you fill in Ms. Garrett."


The professor walked away to see how the other students were faring.


Hermione said nothing to the boys.


Finally, Sirius broke the silence, "I'll just go get the slugs then."


As soon as he stepped away, Remus looked over at Hermione. She pretended as though she didn't notice. He seemed to be in the midst of a fierce internal conflict. He bit his lip and plunged forward.


"Listen, I'm really sorry about last night. I know I shouldn't give in to James and Sirius's plans, but even after six years of rooming with them I still can't say no," he said with a small smile. "Do you think we could start over?" he added anxiously.


"Of course. I'm sorry I was being so distant. I'm really not angry, I just don't feel very well today."


"Oh. I'm sorry- Hermione...is that right?"


"Hermione Garrett. And you must be Remus Lupin," she said smiling.


"Yeah," he said looking lightly abashed.


She knew he must be thinking about the night before when Lily had "introduced" him.


She held out a hand, and Remus looked taken aback. He pulled himself together in time to grasp her hand lightly.


Just then, Sirius came sauntering over with a box of slugs. He threw a few on the ground near the popple, which seemed to be no more than a big ball of fluff.


However mere seconds after the slugs had hit the ground, the ball of fluff changed into a storm of tiny creatures. Quick as lightning, long tongues protruded from the many mouths, and they proceeded to suck the slugs up.


Around the paddock, Hermione could hear some girls squealing about having to touch the slugs. She grimaced at the sound.


Sirius, having misinterpreted Hermione's grimace, offered the box of slugs out to her. She smiled falsely at him and whipped her wand out. Sirius jumped back a foot. She grinned. Maybe, he had taken her threats from the night before to heart. She lifted her wand and levitated a few slugs out of the box. She flicked her wand, and the slugs dropped in front of the popples.


Sirius frowned. He seemed to be aware of Hermione's less than amiable feelings towards him and walked towards another group of Gryffindors.


Having fed the popple, she glanced around the paddock. She spotted Lily almost at once. Her brilliant hair stood out from the crowd and behind her stood the unmistakable figure of James Potter. They were laughing about something, and James had looped his hands around her waist. She didn't seem to mind.


Hermione wasn't the only person watching the couple. A few feet away a tall boy with long black hair was watching with unfeeling eyes. She gasped.


"Who are the guys over there?" she asked Remus, pointing towards a group of students who she assumed to be Slytherins.


Remus frowned slightly. "Those are the Slytherins. Severus Snape is the dark, aloof one. Lucius Malfoy is the blonde jerk surrounded by the crowd. The self-assured looking girl to his left is Bellatrix. Joe Marx is the big guy. He's German; no idea why he isn't at Durmstrang. The girl fawning over Malfoy is Patricia Parkinson," he finished.


Hermione noticed one more boy standing in the crowd. He was average height with dark brown hair and a smirk.


"What about him?" she asked, pointing him out.


"Oh. He's-uh-not important. I mean to say- he isn't worth-can we not talk about the Slytherins, please?" Remus stumbled desperately.


"Sure," she said puzzled.


Remus sighed in relief. He was so thankful, he didn't even complain when Sirius asked him to scrub the bucket free of slug guts.


The rest of the day flowed by nicely, and soon Hermione was tucking in to a traditional Hogwarts meal. She was sandwiched in between Remus and Lily. Across from Hermione sat Sirius, and James was directly across from Lily. There was no room for Peter so Lily took pity on him and transfigured the fruit bowl into a chair.


Hermione scowled.


"What's up with you?" James asked her accusingly.


"Oh, I just wanted a banana," she lied quickly.


Banana my arse, she thought, this little tattletale will be the ruin of you all. He deserves nothing better than the hard, cold floor!


"Here, Hermione, you can have mine," Lily offered.


"Thanks, Lil," Hermione said taking the banana.


She gave a false smile and bit into the banana. She hated bananas. Why, of all fruits, had she named it? As she suffered through the deadly fruit, James and Sirius engaged themselves in a chat with one of their fellow Gryffindors.


He was a lanky boy with dark blonde hair, and Hermione couldn't help but notice a familiar air about him. After a few minutes, she gave up trying to place him. It was probably better that way.


"Hey you there erm-Hermione, do you duel?"


She looked a little taken aback. Were James and Sirius still on about that unforgivable comment?


"Erm- a little," she said modestly.


In truth, she was quite good. Thanks to the DA and her somewhat neurotic study habits, she knew a plethora of handy jinxes and curses. Then her sixth year at Hogwarts, Dumbledore had reinstated the dueling club, and with a coach like Snape, everyone worked to full potential or else.


The boy smiled broadly.


"Brilliant!" he exclaimed.


Lily and Remus shot each other a nervous look.


"Hermione, Frank is the captain of the dueling club," she said pointedly.


Hermione looked puzzled. Why were they telling her this? she wondered.


Remus leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear, "Don't let him fool you, he is dead good with his wand."


Frank smiled, obviously under the delusion that Remus and Hermione might have a non platonic relationship.


"Nice to meet you Frank," she said, hoping to interrupt that thought process.


"Yes, you too. So, do you think you could come to the dueling club meeting tonight?" he rushed on.


"Erm-I'm not sure I have time. I mean with all these new clases I need to catch up in."


"Don't be silly Hermione. You were way ahead of our class in charms," Sirius complimented.


She had helped him with a wand movement at some point during the lesson, and he seemed grateful.


"Oh-well-umm," she faltered under the praise.


"Alright, see you after dinner then. I'm sure we'll meet up," he said with a smile Hermione wasn't sure she liked.


Hermione nodded politely and excused herself from the table. Lily and Remus did likewise.


As they exited the Great Hall, Hermione burst out, "What is that guy's deal?"


Lily laughed and Remus looked concerned.


"You see. Frank has been captain of the dueling club since his sixth year, and he is a little protective of his title. You have to watch him. He is a nice guy, but when it comes to dueling he is a little overly vigorous."


Remus nodded in agreement.


"You should probably get in some practice before you go up against him," Remus suggested.


"Yeah, that is a good idea. We have twenty minutes until potions. We'll use that empty classroom over there."


Hermione nodded.


"Okay Remus, Hermione get ready," Lily said.


"I'm not dueling her," Remus said calmly.


"Fine," Lily said angrily.


Lily and Hermione stood opposite of each other. They both inclined their heads. Hermione less than Lily. Cordiality was expendable if it gave you the upper hand.


"Petrificus totalus!" Hermione cried.


Lily ducked.


The curse flew over her.


"Tarentella," she shouted at Hermione.


Hermione whispered a few words and exclaimed, "Expelliarmus!"


Lily was caught off guard and flew backwards. Her wand landing right in Hermione's open hand.


Hermione helped Lily up and handed her back the wand.


"How did you block tarantella?" Lily asked.


"Shield charm," Hermione said simply.


"Well, you might stand a chance against Longbottom, but the Slytherins are another story. Go against Remus."


Remus shook his head.


"Oh come on, Remus! You're not three years old anymore, you are allowed to curse girls if necessary."


He stood resolute.


"Remus, I don't know what this is about, but I promise I won't hold the duel against you. Please," Hermione begged.


"Fine," he muttered dispiritedly.


They stood several paces away from each other and backed up slowly. They simultaneously inclined their heads slightly. They began to circle.


Finally, Hermione made did a double step backward, distracting Remus.


"Pyronnus!" she called.


"Aquatus," Remus said softly.


The ball of fire went out with a poof of vapor.


They continued to circle.


Hermione called out several more spells, and each time Remus successfully blocked them. Finally, she realized that at this rate there would never be a winner.


It was all too orthodox. Remus could block her every move. She cast a disillusionment charm quietly under her breath. Remus was no longer circling correctly, he was walking with his back to her. She snuck behind him and snatched the wand from his hand.


"Finite incantem," she called.


Remus frowned slightly. "I can't believe I fell for that."


"Fell for what?" Lily questioned.


"Disillusionment charm. Of course, Remus probably would have won if he had thrown any curses," Hermione added with a slight frown.


"My grandmother told me not to curse girls," he muttered lamely.


Lily rolled her eyes. "We better hurry to potions," she commented checking the time.


"Yeah, I wouldn't want to be late on my first day!" Hermione piped up.


Remus and Lily shot each other a knowing look and nodded in agreement.




AN: Hope you liked it. I had some mega writers block on this chapter, so it is rather lacking. Read and review.


S.S. Harry- Thanks for the reviews, both of them! lol.


SiriuslySirius- Shh, don't tell!


Lady-Ginny – Hmm, he may or may not get that wish. As for now, I can't say.


Insanity- Why thank you. I intend for it to have a very unique ending. *grin*


Piper of Locksley + Sam8- Thanks for reviewing.