Chapter 14 ~ Standing Guard
"What am I to do with my life (you will find out don't worry),
How am I supposed to know what's right (you just gotta do it your way),
I can't help the way I feel, but my life has been so overprotected"
-"Overprotected" by Britney Spears
Hermione tossed and turned all night. She had never been in a worse situation. Oliver, the man she loved, but could never love because of the rules, lay beside her without motion. Ron sat on the other side, snoring constantly. Her eyes began to droop and eventually found sleep a few minutes before sunrise. She forgot about all of her worries for an hour, until the enchanted ceiling's sun woke her up.
Hermione grabbed the edges of her sleeping bag to pull her up. She probably looked a mess with her bushy hair flying about, but she decided she'd work that out afterwards. Everyone around her were asleep, except for Hagrid, Dumbledore, Filch, and Seamus who were still guarding the Great Hall with their lives. Seamus looked dead as he slouched, with large bags underneath his eyes, but he didn't seem to care either.
Hermione glanced down at her friends. Ginny was further down, asleep along with her 6th year friends. Hermione smiled as Ginny lay asleep, her flaming hair flowing down the sleeping bag.
Next, she gazed at Oliver. His coarse hair was messy (bed-head), and his eyes were firmly shut, as though determined not to open. Hermione decided to let him sleep. "You need it," she thought as she turned to look at Ron.
He was still snoring softly and muttering things like, "Stupid Pig – I hate him", "I want breakfast", and "Lavender is so beautiful". Hermione giggled and turned to Harry.
His glasses were hanging loosely on his face. One of the arms had fallen off of his ear, as though threatening the very existence of falling off of his face. Hermione bit her bottom lip, deciding whether or not to adjust his glasses. If she didn't, then the glasses would fall and surely wake him up. If she did, she's probably wake him up anyway while she was putting the arm around his earlobe. She didn't have a very long time to ponder these thoughts for at that moment a large snowy owl came flying SMACK right into Harry's face. Harry's glasses flew into Oliver's lap, who was still asleep.
Hermione tried hard to stifle the laughter that was beckoning out of her throat. She couldn't help it, and soon her giggles and laughter filled the Great Hall waking everybody up. Harry groaned and pulled Hedwig off of his face. She was hooted merrily and carried a letter. Harry scolded her and scowled for her carelessness but almost immediately laughed. "It's from Cho!" he exclaimed, holding the folded piece of paper up triumphantly. Hedwig nipped his ear affectionately, and flew off happily, as though knowing that she deserved the scolding from Harry. Hermione watched Hedwig fly off and turned to Harry, rolling her eyes.
"How can you tell?" Hermione asked. "You haven't even opened it! And I doubt you can see without your glasses!"
"The scent of Lilac," Harry said, sniffing the paper. "It's Cho's favourite perfume."
Hermione rolled her eyes again as Harry finally unfolded the letter. Ron and Oliver had now awaken after Hermione's fit of giggles, and were trying to stifle their yawns, though with no success. Oliver handed the glasses back to Harry, slightly confused about the whole situation.
"What happened?" Ron asked, as though it was a greeting. "Why were you laughing Hermione?"
"Hedwig flew right into Harry's face!" Hermione exclaimed. "I guess the wind was too harsh or something." Ron began to laugh was well and pointed to Harry. He wasn't paying attention, however; he was possessed by Cho's letter. It read:
1 "Dear Harry,
I got your letter while I was sleeping. Hedwig was kind enough to wake me up, and as soon as I read it I had to reply. What's going on at Hogwarts? Is You-Know-Who behind it? Let's hope not. We don't want a disaster to happen again, right? Update me with any news. I'm surprised that the Daily Prophet hasn't said anything yet. Dumbledore is probably keeping this all hush-hush, right? Just like with The Triwizard Event. Nobody really heard news on that either.
Practice with Quidditch is going well. Our first match of the season is coming up. I'm really nervous because I don't want to let my team down. They're confident in me, but I don't feel I'm as good…as you, Harry. You really have to teach me some skills, all right? Do you want to meet this weekend in the grounds? I'm sure I can stop by for a visit a few hours before my game, if that's all right.
Owl me back as soon as you can, love.
With all the love that I possess,
Cho Chang"
"He really loves her, doesn't he?" Hermione asked aloud, although not really meaning to. Ron looked at her puzzled, but Oliver said, "Yeah, he does," and in a whisper, added, "Just like I love you too." Hermione blushed as Ron continued to look puzzled and Harry continued to read the letter over and over again.
Dumbledore strolled towards the middle of the staff table, and cleared his throat. The rest of the sleeping students (although there were few after Hermione's outburst) began to wake up. "I hope you've all had a fair rest," Dumbledore began. "But I'm afraid our search is incomplete. Hogwarts is a very large castle, and we have not searched all of it. Therefore, all of today's classes are cancelled." Cheers and claps erupted from the students, who were suddenly feeling very joyful. "However, I'm afraid that you won't be able to do much in these times. You won't be able to walk around the grounds unless escorted. And I'm sure you probably won't, since we are nearing the beginning of December. You also won't be able to stroll the halls either because of our search. I'm sure you all feel overprotected, but these precautions are necessary. If you really feel the need to do something instead of relaxing in your Common Rooms, you may go to the Quidditch Stadium and amuse yourself in watching the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. They are scheduled for today and are spectacular, if you have seen them play against Hufflepuff." There were many cheers for the Gryffindor Quidditch Team although Harry hardly noticed (he was rereading the letter for the seventh time). However, there were many scowls from Hufflepuff, so Dumbledore added, "Of course, it was a spectacular effort from Hufflepuff. Fantastic job, Hufflepuff." He cleared his throat. "So, if you all would kindly rise from your sleeping bags, we'll move the tables back to where they belong and we'll confide ourselves with breakfast."
"Classes are cancelled!" Ron cheered anxiously. "This is spectacular! Awesome! Fantastic! Terrific!" Hermione looked at him quizzically.
"Why are you cheering so much?" she asked. "You usually aren't THAT happy, Ron."
"Oh," Ron realised. "We had an Astronomy test today. We were supposed to do mind-reading or something else of that useless bloody stuff."
Oliver smiled as he stepped out of his sleeping bag, which vanished immediately. "Well, let's eat breakfast, shall we lads?" he suggested, helping Hermione out of her sleeping bag, which too, vanished immediately.
The rest of the students stood up and immediately sat down at their tables; Hermione could see Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle, talking about last night's events.
"My mom is going to have a heart attack," he told them. "Stupid old bird. She's always so worried about security at Hogwarts. But she's even more worried about You-Know-Who. Thinks that he might come back for our family since my father…oh finally! Breakfast!"
Hermione eyed him carefully. Why would You-Know-Who want to be after the Malfoys? She knew that Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater, but she thought that Lucius had remained faithful to him. What exactly did Draco's father do? And would You-Know-Who actually come back to him?
"What's the matter, Hermione?" Oliver asked. "You seem…preoccupied."
"Oh," Hermione said. "Just…just thinking, that's all."
"I see," Oliver replied. "Why don't you stop thinking for a bit and have some breakfast, love?"
Hermione smiled, but said in a stern voice, "I will…but I don't think that you should call me 'love' in front of everybody. It could lead to trouble."
Oliver closed his eyes in thought and nodded. "You're right. You want some oatmeal?"
Hermione nodded, but suddenly Hermione jumped and clutched her heart as somebody gripped her shoulder. "It's only me," Dumbledore told her. "Just wanted to remind you two – you've got to guard the castle tonight. Of course…it won't be only you two. The professors will be searching some more too. But you two have the most dangerous protecting to do – you have to protect the corridor where the Prefect was attacked. I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. If not, just let me know."
Oliver and Hermione nodded and said in unison, "Yes Professor Dumbledore." Oliver smiled. "Guess we have some guarding to do tonight."
After breakfast, Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided to visit Hagrid, as they hadn't had a decent chat in a while. Oliver returned to his office, to 'clean some brooms, not that they need it', he had explained.
They were just at the entrance of Hogwarts when a voice said, "Where are you three going?" It was Professor Musetta.
"To visit Hagrid," Harry answered. "Wanted to have some tea."
"Oh, are you three friends with Hagrid?" she asked. They nodded. "Well, if you're going outside, you need to have an escort. Who knows what could be outside right now?" She shivered. "I will escort you."
The three couldn't disagree, so she led the way outside to Hagrid's Hut. "This is absolute blasphemy, what's going on right now," she said as they walked on the frosted grounds. "And I don't understand what the attacker is planning. He doesn't just finish the victims off; he had to…" She didn't continue, for fear of letting something out.
"We know that the attacker is putting the Dark Mark on their arms," Hermione told her. Professor Musetta looked startled so Hermione continued. "I saw the second-year in the Hospital Wing, and Ron saw the Prefect on the way to the Owlery with Professor McGonagull."
"Oh, well, in that case…" Professor Musetta said. "Well, here we are. I'm sure Hagrid will escort you back. Have fun." Professor Musetta turned and walked back to the castle.
"Maybe you shouldn't have told her what we know," Harry said as he knocked on the door. "She'll think that we know too much."
"Don't we always?" Ron asked as Hagrid opened the door.
"You three!" he exclaimed. "What are yeh doing out here alone? Yeh should've…"
"We had an escort," Ron interrupted. "Professor Musetta escorted us, but she just left."
"Oh, all righ', c'mon in," Hagrid said, opening the door for them. Fang immediately jumped on top of Ron and began to lick his entire face. Ron howled, "Get off, Fang – get off!" but didn't stop until Hagrid pulled Fang to the side.
"Sorry 'bout that," Hagrid apologized. "He seems to like yeh."
"Wish he didn't," Ron murmured as they sat themselves down on the couch.
"So what's up Hagrid?" Harry asked as a greeting. "Did you catch anything last night while you were guarding?"
"Nothin'," Hagrid answered, looking very disturbed. "Except Professor Trewlaney. She was on her way to the Astronomy Tower, for some gazin'. Lyin', I think. Why would she be on the first floor?"
"I hate her," Hermione whispered, although it was audible to Harry, Hagrid, and Ron.
"I do too, y'know!" Hagrid exclaimed. "Jus' don' tell anybody 'bout that, all right? Don't want to get fired."
"Why would you get fired for hating a professor?" Harry asked. "Everybody's entitled to their own opinion." He thought of Professor Snape while he spoke.
"I guess yeh're right," Hagrid said, offering some Rock Cakes. They kindly refused. "Jus' that, when Professor Trewlaney first arrived she seemed to know…a little too much about me. Got me a little frightened."
"What did she said?" Ron asked curiously, sipping some of his lemony tea.
"Ah, not sure I should tell you three," Hagrid gulped.
"Why not?" Hermione asked in disbelief. "We're your friends!"
"I guess yeh're right," Hagrid repeated. "Uh…let's see. It was in me third year, before I got expelled. I decided to take Astronomy, to see what kind of gobswallop she was teachin'." The group laughed. "We was doin' tea leaves, and she said that she saw all sorts of things. A large creature – a giant. Unicorn's blood – supposedly a sign o' death. I was creeped out. Then we was doing mind-reading, something we wasn't supposed to do until 7th year, like yeh're probably doing now." Harry and Ron nodded. "She told me she saw dangerous things, and that I was a monster. I was terrified. That's when I really started to hate her. She began to call me bad things. Started rumours. I don't know what she really had against me, but boy…I hated her." His teacup started trembling in his hands, and Hermione lay her hand on top of Hagrid's to comfort him. Of course, her hand was not even the size of half of his hand, but it comforted him. He sighed and said, "Thanks, Hermione."
They decided to change the subject and wounded up talking for 3 hours. It was noon when Hagrid said, "Guess I should take yeh back. Maybe yeh'll be wanting something to eat and drink besides tea." They agreed, so after keeping Fang back a bit more, Hagrid opened the door and escorted the three back to the castle.
After a hearty lunch, the group decided to relax and Hermione ended up studying while watching Harry and Ron play a game of chess.
"You guys are going to have to find another means of entertainment," Hermione muttered behind her Arithmacy book. "This is incredibly boring."
"Shh," Ron said. "Pawn to G-12." The pawn traveled across the board and took a swing at one of Harry's pawns. "Ah-ha!" Ron yelled in triumph.
"How could you not call this excitement, Hermione?" Harry asked as he moved his bishop. "This is awesome!"
"I'm sorry," Hermione began, "but I don't see a fascination in little gray things beating other gray things up."
"They're pawns!" Ron exclaimed. "Learn the terms! And besides, I don't find a fascination in looking at numbers all day and doing stuff with them like you do in Arithmacy, but do you find me complaining? No…so shut up."
Hermione opened her mouth, stunned while Harry began to laugh. "He got you good there, Hermione," Harry admitted.
Hermione amused herself in studying for the rest of day until dinner. They had roast beef and roasted chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, mashed potatoes, and different varieties of salads that Hermione indulged herself with. She was a little bit too indulged maybe, for she didn't notice Oliver sit down beside her and stare at her for 10 minutes. It took a "Hermione! Hello! Look who's beside you!" from Ron to make her realise that Oliver was there. She turned a light shade of pink, muttered some apologies, and asked how he was.
"I'm doing all right," Oliver said through a mouthful of pork chops. "Just a bit tired…lazy. I'm sure you know how it feels."
"Sort of," she replied. "So…do you know what time we have to start?"
"Start what?" he asked stupidly.
"Have you forgotten? Our guarding!" she reminded him, swallowing some liquid from her goblet.
"Oh, yeah, that," Oliver said, choking on some tomatoes in his salad. "I hate tomatoes…uh, we have to start about 7."
"That late?" Hermione asked. "We won't be able to see anything!"
Oliver shrugged. "That's what Dumbledore said. Ask him."
Hermione didn't feel like asking Dumbledore again, however, so she just decided to take Oliver's word for it. She turned towards Ron and Harry. "What are you two going to do tonight without my absence?" Hermione asked curiously.
"The same thing we do every night, Hermione," Ron said matter-of-factly.
"CHESS!" Harry exclaimed. "What else could we do?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I should've known."
"Wait…" Harry said. "…We have Quidditch practice right after dinner, don't we?"
Ron raised his fork. "But of course! I forgot! Guess we have to cancel what we do every night…and do something we do about 4 times a week!"
Hermione rolled her eyes again. "And I think you'll have a much bigger audience than you usually do."
"What do you mean, Herms?" Harry asked, finished on a treacle tart.
"Remember what Professor Dumbledore said?" Hermione reminded them. "He said, 'If you really feel the need to do something instead of relaxing in your Common Rooms, you may go to the Quidditch Stadium and amuse yourself in watching the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. They are scheduled for today and are spectacular, if you have seen them play against Hufflepuff.' So, I think that people are going to watch you."
Hermione was right. After dinner, the Gryffindor Quidditch Team walked out to the Quidditch stands, followed by 150 or so students, eager to do something exciting. Hermione noticed that most of the Slytherins (including Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle) went back to their Common Room except for a few, who were eager to learn the Gryffindor Quidditch Team's tactics.
Oliver and Hermione ran up to the Gryffindor Tower, getting Harry's Marauder's Map, which he now had to leave in their possession, on Dumbledore's command (although he had asked politely). They exited the tower and headed for the corridor where the Prefect was attacked, when Professor McGonagull came in their way. Oliver, who was holding the map, handed it to Professor McGonagull. Hermione's jaw opened. "But we need that Oliver, what are you doing-"
"Thank you Professor Wood," Professor McGonagull said in her usual stern voice. "Dumbledore told him that you two are uncomfortable guardian this corridor. I understand. You may guard the top of the Astronomy Tower, and see if there's anybody in the grounds."
Oliver nodded. "Thank you Professor."
Hermione watched in astonishment. "But I don't feel uncomfortable-" Oliver clasped a hand over her mouth as Professor McGonagull walked away. Hermione murmured uneasily, starting to get confused. Oliver assured her, "Don't worry; I know what I'm doing."
They walked up to the Astronomy Tower, Hermione looking around in thought. "What is his plan?" Hermione thought. "We're supposed to be guarding the corridor, not the Astronomy Tower."
Oliver smiled as they walked. He glanced down at his watch. "7 o'clock," he told her. "Sharp."
He led the way to the end of the narrow staircase, to an open room. The wind was crisp and Hermione felt slightly cold. She looked at the surroundings and in the distance she saw the Quidditch Stadium, brightly lit as the Gryffindors practiced amongst other students. "We must be at the top of the castle," Hermione said in awe.
"We are," Oliver smiled again.
Hermione rubbed her arms to try and get warmer, but Oliver pushed her along the roof to a blanket with a basket. "What is this?" Hermione asked, sitting herself down on the warm violet blanket.
"I'd like to think of it as…our first date," he grinned, wrapping his jacket around her shoulders.
"Aww…Oliver," Hermione replied. "This is wonderful…but do you really think this is the time for a date?"
"I think this is the only time that we'll be able to have a date this year," Oliver told her. "I'd like it to be memorable…and if people come up here and are suspicious, we'll just say we're 'guarding'."
Hermione giggled. "I guess you're right."
Hermione opened the basket. It contained a thermos full of warm tea, several bags of Bertie Botts Every Flavoured Beans, some leftovers from dinner (which were also warm), and a dozen red roses.
"Oliver!" Hermione exclaimed, as she looked at the bottom of the basket. "You shouldn't have!"
"I know…but I decided to anyways," he responded, kissing her gingerly on the cheek. Hermione felt her cheeks begin to tinge.
"Are you cold? Your face is looking pale…except for your cheeks," Oliver asked cautiously.
Hermione giggled uneasily. "I'm…I'm fine."
After their late picnic, the two gazed into the stars. They looked in telescopes and gazed at star patterns and afterwards, just gazed into the night. They didn't see any mysterious figures all night. Hermione figured that either they disappeared or that Hermione and Oliver were preoccupied…with other things.
It was half past 9 when the lights finally went out in the Quidditch Stadium, making Oliver and Hermione sit in darkness. Hermione conjured a jar full of fire, making shadows fall on their faces. "You're an amazing witch Hermione…" Oliver complimented. "…And an amazing person."
Hermione grinned. "You're an amazing Quidditch player Oliver…" Hermione complimented. "…But, you're a professor. And I'm a student."
"I know that," Oliver said. "But I thought…and, I hoped…that we could just forget about that, for one small night. A portion of the night."
Hermione sighed. "I suppose…I suppose I can."
Oliver grinned and kissed her on the lips. "Thank you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione and Oliver had stopped 'guarding' at a quarter to ten. They still hadn't found anything, the basket was empty, and it was getting awfully chilly, so they decided to call it a night. Hermione walked up to the Gryffindor Tower, with the beautiful dozen roses in her arms. She walked up to the portrait of the Fat Lady, who was sleeping.
Hermione cleared her throat, but the Fat Lady continued to snore. "Um…e- excuse me?" Hermione spoke up, as politely as she could.
The Fat Lady snorted and slowly opened her eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry dear. I must have dozed off. Password?"
"Sausage petals," Hermione replied, almost laughing. Whoever thought of these passwords was crazy. She clutched her roses tight and waited for the portrait to swing open, but it didn't.
"Where did you get the roses?" the Fat Lady asked suspiciously.
"From someone," she said, irritated. "May I go through please?"
The Fat Lady eyed her carefully. "Hmm…all right, dear."
The portrait swung open and Hermione ran past Harry and Ron who were sitting in armchairs.
"Hey Hermione!" Harry greeted.
"What's up?" Ron asked.
Hermione rushed past them and ran up to her dormitory, without a "hi", or "not too much". She ran up the curving stairs and launched herself on her bed, smelling the roses.
Harry and Ron had their mouths opened as they watched Hermione go away just as soon as she came.
"Is she ignoring us?" Ron asked.
"Were those roses in her hand?" Harry asked.
"What's going on?" they asked in unison.
Hermione wasn't ignoring Ron and Harry. And yes, there were roses in her hands. And what was going on was that Hermione was reliving the best day of her life! And that's all she thought of as she drooped into a peaceful sleep for once.
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I hope you like this chapter! I just got the flu…but that doesn't mean the chapters will come any sooner, all right? I hope you like the little date between Oliver and Hermione…I couldn't think of anything else but then in the next chapter it'll be THE YULE BALL! Woo-hoo! This means very, very, very, very, very long chapter! Maybe even longer than your average longer chapter! But this chapter was pretty long anyways and it took me quite a while to write since I didn't know exactly what to make the people say. *lol* Anyways, thanks for all the marvelous reviews. Here's my individual thanks:
hunny – Thanks for liking the stuff I write! I hope you like the rest of my story!
Oliver Lover – you're review made me laugh too much! I loved the Professor Trewlaney thing…thanks for the "stunning work" compliment!
Juvenus – it's all right about the spelling mistakes! My stories have lots of mistakes in them too, so I can't really say that it hasn't happened to me. I had 2 chapters in 2 days since I got the flu…I guess the flu gives me inspiration and it got rid of my writer's block I guess!
hunny – You got the flu too? How coincidental! I will continue don't worry! Glad you like it!
KAOS – You write "brilliant" too much, but I have my own words that I say a lot too. Are you sure this is really all that "brilliant"? If so, then thank you! I hope your new house will be good!
Chapter 15 will be up soon!
"What am I to do with my life (you will find out don't worry),
How am I supposed to know what's right (you just gotta do it your way),
I can't help the way I feel, but my life has been so overprotected"
-"Overprotected" by Britney Spears
Hermione tossed and turned all night. She had never been in a worse situation. Oliver, the man she loved, but could never love because of the rules, lay beside her without motion. Ron sat on the other side, snoring constantly. Her eyes began to droop and eventually found sleep a few minutes before sunrise. She forgot about all of her worries for an hour, until the enchanted ceiling's sun woke her up.
Hermione grabbed the edges of her sleeping bag to pull her up. She probably looked a mess with her bushy hair flying about, but she decided she'd work that out afterwards. Everyone around her were asleep, except for Hagrid, Dumbledore, Filch, and Seamus who were still guarding the Great Hall with their lives. Seamus looked dead as he slouched, with large bags underneath his eyes, but he didn't seem to care either.
Hermione glanced down at her friends. Ginny was further down, asleep along with her 6th year friends. Hermione smiled as Ginny lay asleep, her flaming hair flowing down the sleeping bag.
Next, she gazed at Oliver. His coarse hair was messy (bed-head), and his eyes were firmly shut, as though determined not to open. Hermione decided to let him sleep. "You need it," she thought as she turned to look at Ron.
He was still snoring softly and muttering things like, "Stupid Pig – I hate him", "I want breakfast", and "Lavender is so beautiful". Hermione giggled and turned to Harry.
His glasses were hanging loosely on his face. One of the arms had fallen off of his ear, as though threatening the very existence of falling off of his face. Hermione bit her bottom lip, deciding whether or not to adjust his glasses. If she didn't, then the glasses would fall and surely wake him up. If she did, she's probably wake him up anyway while she was putting the arm around his earlobe. She didn't have a very long time to ponder these thoughts for at that moment a large snowy owl came flying SMACK right into Harry's face. Harry's glasses flew into Oliver's lap, who was still asleep.
Hermione tried hard to stifle the laughter that was beckoning out of her throat. She couldn't help it, and soon her giggles and laughter filled the Great Hall waking everybody up. Harry groaned and pulled Hedwig off of his face. She was hooted merrily and carried a letter. Harry scolded her and scowled for her carelessness but almost immediately laughed. "It's from Cho!" he exclaimed, holding the folded piece of paper up triumphantly. Hedwig nipped his ear affectionately, and flew off happily, as though knowing that she deserved the scolding from Harry. Hermione watched Hedwig fly off and turned to Harry, rolling her eyes.
"How can you tell?" Hermione asked. "You haven't even opened it! And I doubt you can see without your glasses!"
"The scent of Lilac," Harry said, sniffing the paper. "It's Cho's favourite perfume."
Hermione rolled her eyes again as Harry finally unfolded the letter. Ron and Oliver had now awaken after Hermione's fit of giggles, and were trying to stifle their yawns, though with no success. Oliver handed the glasses back to Harry, slightly confused about the whole situation.
"What happened?" Ron asked, as though it was a greeting. "Why were you laughing Hermione?"
"Hedwig flew right into Harry's face!" Hermione exclaimed. "I guess the wind was too harsh or something." Ron began to laugh was well and pointed to Harry. He wasn't paying attention, however; he was possessed by Cho's letter. It read:
1 "Dear Harry,
I got your letter while I was sleeping. Hedwig was kind enough to wake me up, and as soon as I read it I had to reply. What's going on at Hogwarts? Is You-Know-Who behind it? Let's hope not. We don't want a disaster to happen again, right? Update me with any news. I'm surprised that the Daily Prophet hasn't said anything yet. Dumbledore is probably keeping this all hush-hush, right? Just like with The Triwizard Event. Nobody really heard news on that either.
Practice with Quidditch is going well. Our first match of the season is coming up. I'm really nervous because I don't want to let my team down. They're confident in me, but I don't feel I'm as good…as you, Harry. You really have to teach me some skills, all right? Do you want to meet this weekend in the grounds? I'm sure I can stop by for a visit a few hours before my game, if that's all right.
Owl me back as soon as you can, love.
With all the love that I possess,
Cho Chang"
"He really loves her, doesn't he?" Hermione asked aloud, although not really meaning to. Ron looked at her puzzled, but Oliver said, "Yeah, he does," and in a whisper, added, "Just like I love you too." Hermione blushed as Ron continued to look puzzled and Harry continued to read the letter over and over again.
Dumbledore strolled towards the middle of the staff table, and cleared his throat. The rest of the sleeping students (although there were few after Hermione's outburst) began to wake up. "I hope you've all had a fair rest," Dumbledore began. "But I'm afraid our search is incomplete. Hogwarts is a very large castle, and we have not searched all of it. Therefore, all of today's classes are cancelled." Cheers and claps erupted from the students, who were suddenly feeling very joyful. "However, I'm afraid that you won't be able to do much in these times. You won't be able to walk around the grounds unless escorted. And I'm sure you probably won't, since we are nearing the beginning of December. You also won't be able to stroll the halls either because of our search. I'm sure you all feel overprotected, but these precautions are necessary. If you really feel the need to do something instead of relaxing in your Common Rooms, you may go to the Quidditch Stadium and amuse yourself in watching the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. They are scheduled for today and are spectacular, if you have seen them play against Hufflepuff." There were many cheers for the Gryffindor Quidditch Team although Harry hardly noticed (he was rereading the letter for the seventh time). However, there were many scowls from Hufflepuff, so Dumbledore added, "Of course, it was a spectacular effort from Hufflepuff. Fantastic job, Hufflepuff." He cleared his throat. "So, if you all would kindly rise from your sleeping bags, we'll move the tables back to where they belong and we'll confide ourselves with breakfast."
"Classes are cancelled!" Ron cheered anxiously. "This is spectacular! Awesome! Fantastic! Terrific!" Hermione looked at him quizzically.
"Why are you cheering so much?" she asked. "You usually aren't THAT happy, Ron."
"Oh," Ron realised. "We had an Astronomy test today. We were supposed to do mind-reading or something else of that useless bloody stuff."
Oliver smiled as he stepped out of his sleeping bag, which vanished immediately. "Well, let's eat breakfast, shall we lads?" he suggested, helping Hermione out of her sleeping bag, which too, vanished immediately.
The rest of the students stood up and immediately sat down at their tables; Hermione could see Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle, talking about last night's events.
"My mom is going to have a heart attack," he told them. "Stupid old bird. She's always so worried about security at Hogwarts. But she's even more worried about You-Know-Who. Thinks that he might come back for our family since my father…oh finally! Breakfast!"
Hermione eyed him carefully. Why would You-Know-Who want to be after the Malfoys? She knew that Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater, but she thought that Lucius had remained faithful to him. What exactly did Draco's father do? And would You-Know-Who actually come back to him?
"What's the matter, Hermione?" Oliver asked. "You seem…preoccupied."
"Oh," Hermione said. "Just…just thinking, that's all."
"I see," Oliver replied. "Why don't you stop thinking for a bit and have some breakfast, love?"
Hermione smiled, but said in a stern voice, "I will…but I don't think that you should call me 'love' in front of everybody. It could lead to trouble."
Oliver closed his eyes in thought and nodded. "You're right. You want some oatmeal?"
Hermione nodded, but suddenly Hermione jumped and clutched her heart as somebody gripped her shoulder. "It's only me," Dumbledore told her. "Just wanted to remind you two – you've got to guard the castle tonight. Of course…it won't be only you two. The professors will be searching some more too. But you two have the most dangerous protecting to do – you have to protect the corridor where the Prefect was attacked. I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. If not, just let me know."
Oliver and Hermione nodded and said in unison, "Yes Professor Dumbledore." Oliver smiled. "Guess we have some guarding to do tonight."
After breakfast, Harry, Ron, and Hermione decided to visit Hagrid, as they hadn't had a decent chat in a while. Oliver returned to his office, to 'clean some brooms, not that they need it', he had explained.
They were just at the entrance of Hogwarts when a voice said, "Where are you three going?" It was Professor Musetta.
"To visit Hagrid," Harry answered. "Wanted to have some tea."
"Oh, are you three friends with Hagrid?" she asked. They nodded. "Well, if you're going outside, you need to have an escort. Who knows what could be outside right now?" She shivered. "I will escort you."
The three couldn't disagree, so she led the way outside to Hagrid's Hut. "This is absolute blasphemy, what's going on right now," she said as they walked on the frosted grounds. "And I don't understand what the attacker is planning. He doesn't just finish the victims off; he had to…" She didn't continue, for fear of letting something out.
"We know that the attacker is putting the Dark Mark on their arms," Hermione told her. Professor Musetta looked startled so Hermione continued. "I saw the second-year in the Hospital Wing, and Ron saw the Prefect on the way to the Owlery with Professor McGonagull."
"Oh, well, in that case…" Professor Musetta said. "Well, here we are. I'm sure Hagrid will escort you back. Have fun." Professor Musetta turned and walked back to the castle.
"Maybe you shouldn't have told her what we know," Harry said as he knocked on the door. "She'll think that we know too much."
"Don't we always?" Ron asked as Hagrid opened the door.
"You three!" he exclaimed. "What are yeh doing out here alone? Yeh should've…"
"We had an escort," Ron interrupted. "Professor Musetta escorted us, but she just left."
"Oh, all righ', c'mon in," Hagrid said, opening the door for them. Fang immediately jumped on top of Ron and began to lick his entire face. Ron howled, "Get off, Fang – get off!" but didn't stop until Hagrid pulled Fang to the side.
"Sorry 'bout that," Hagrid apologized. "He seems to like yeh."
"Wish he didn't," Ron murmured as they sat themselves down on the couch.
"So what's up Hagrid?" Harry asked as a greeting. "Did you catch anything last night while you were guarding?"
"Nothin'," Hagrid answered, looking very disturbed. "Except Professor Trewlaney. She was on her way to the Astronomy Tower, for some gazin'. Lyin', I think. Why would she be on the first floor?"
"I hate her," Hermione whispered, although it was audible to Harry, Hagrid, and Ron.
"I do too, y'know!" Hagrid exclaimed. "Jus' don' tell anybody 'bout that, all right? Don't want to get fired."
"Why would you get fired for hating a professor?" Harry asked. "Everybody's entitled to their own opinion." He thought of Professor Snape while he spoke.
"I guess yeh're right," Hagrid said, offering some Rock Cakes. They kindly refused. "Jus' that, when Professor Trewlaney first arrived she seemed to know…a little too much about me. Got me a little frightened."
"What did she said?" Ron asked curiously, sipping some of his lemony tea.
"Ah, not sure I should tell you three," Hagrid gulped.
"Why not?" Hermione asked in disbelief. "We're your friends!"
"I guess yeh're right," Hagrid repeated. "Uh…let's see. It was in me third year, before I got expelled. I decided to take Astronomy, to see what kind of gobswallop she was teachin'." The group laughed. "We was doin' tea leaves, and she said that she saw all sorts of things. A large creature – a giant. Unicorn's blood – supposedly a sign o' death. I was creeped out. Then we was doing mind-reading, something we wasn't supposed to do until 7th year, like yeh're probably doing now." Harry and Ron nodded. "She told me she saw dangerous things, and that I was a monster. I was terrified. That's when I really started to hate her. She began to call me bad things. Started rumours. I don't know what she really had against me, but boy…I hated her." His teacup started trembling in his hands, and Hermione lay her hand on top of Hagrid's to comfort him. Of course, her hand was not even the size of half of his hand, but it comforted him. He sighed and said, "Thanks, Hermione."
They decided to change the subject and wounded up talking for 3 hours. It was noon when Hagrid said, "Guess I should take yeh back. Maybe yeh'll be wanting something to eat and drink besides tea." They agreed, so after keeping Fang back a bit more, Hagrid opened the door and escorted the three back to the castle.
After a hearty lunch, the group decided to relax and Hermione ended up studying while watching Harry and Ron play a game of chess.
"You guys are going to have to find another means of entertainment," Hermione muttered behind her Arithmacy book. "This is incredibly boring."
"Shh," Ron said. "Pawn to G-12." The pawn traveled across the board and took a swing at one of Harry's pawns. "Ah-ha!" Ron yelled in triumph.
"How could you not call this excitement, Hermione?" Harry asked as he moved his bishop. "This is awesome!"
"I'm sorry," Hermione began, "but I don't see a fascination in little gray things beating other gray things up."
"They're pawns!" Ron exclaimed. "Learn the terms! And besides, I don't find a fascination in looking at numbers all day and doing stuff with them like you do in Arithmacy, but do you find me complaining? No…so shut up."
Hermione opened her mouth, stunned while Harry began to laugh. "He got you good there, Hermione," Harry admitted.
Hermione amused herself in studying for the rest of day until dinner. They had roast beef and roasted chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, mashed potatoes, and different varieties of salads that Hermione indulged herself with. She was a little bit too indulged maybe, for she didn't notice Oliver sit down beside her and stare at her for 10 minutes. It took a "Hermione! Hello! Look who's beside you!" from Ron to make her realise that Oliver was there. She turned a light shade of pink, muttered some apologies, and asked how he was.
"I'm doing all right," Oliver said through a mouthful of pork chops. "Just a bit tired…lazy. I'm sure you know how it feels."
"Sort of," she replied. "So…do you know what time we have to start?"
"Start what?" he asked stupidly.
"Have you forgotten? Our guarding!" she reminded him, swallowing some liquid from her goblet.
"Oh, yeah, that," Oliver said, choking on some tomatoes in his salad. "I hate tomatoes…uh, we have to start about 7."
"That late?" Hermione asked. "We won't be able to see anything!"
Oliver shrugged. "That's what Dumbledore said. Ask him."
Hermione didn't feel like asking Dumbledore again, however, so she just decided to take Oliver's word for it. She turned towards Ron and Harry. "What are you two going to do tonight without my absence?" Hermione asked curiously.
"The same thing we do every night, Hermione," Ron said matter-of-factly.
"CHESS!" Harry exclaimed. "What else could we do?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I should've known."
"Wait…" Harry said. "…We have Quidditch practice right after dinner, don't we?"
Ron raised his fork. "But of course! I forgot! Guess we have to cancel what we do every night…and do something we do about 4 times a week!"
Hermione rolled her eyes again. "And I think you'll have a much bigger audience than you usually do."
"What do you mean, Herms?" Harry asked, finished on a treacle tart.
"Remember what Professor Dumbledore said?" Hermione reminded them. "He said, 'If you really feel the need to do something instead of relaxing in your Common Rooms, you may go to the Quidditch Stadium and amuse yourself in watching the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. They are scheduled for today and are spectacular, if you have seen them play against Hufflepuff.' So, I think that people are going to watch you."
Hermione was right. After dinner, the Gryffindor Quidditch Team walked out to the Quidditch stands, followed by 150 or so students, eager to do something exciting. Hermione noticed that most of the Slytherins (including Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle) went back to their Common Room except for a few, who were eager to learn the Gryffindor Quidditch Team's tactics.
Oliver and Hermione ran up to the Gryffindor Tower, getting Harry's Marauder's Map, which he now had to leave in their possession, on Dumbledore's command (although he had asked politely). They exited the tower and headed for the corridor where the Prefect was attacked, when Professor McGonagull came in their way. Oliver, who was holding the map, handed it to Professor McGonagull. Hermione's jaw opened. "But we need that Oliver, what are you doing-"
"Thank you Professor Wood," Professor McGonagull said in her usual stern voice. "Dumbledore told him that you two are uncomfortable guardian this corridor. I understand. You may guard the top of the Astronomy Tower, and see if there's anybody in the grounds."
Oliver nodded. "Thank you Professor."
Hermione watched in astonishment. "But I don't feel uncomfortable-" Oliver clasped a hand over her mouth as Professor McGonagull walked away. Hermione murmured uneasily, starting to get confused. Oliver assured her, "Don't worry; I know what I'm doing."
They walked up to the Astronomy Tower, Hermione looking around in thought. "What is his plan?" Hermione thought. "We're supposed to be guarding the corridor, not the Astronomy Tower."
Oliver smiled as they walked. He glanced down at his watch. "7 o'clock," he told her. "Sharp."
He led the way to the end of the narrow staircase, to an open room. The wind was crisp and Hermione felt slightly cold. She looked at the surroundings and in the distance she saw the Quidditch Stadium, brightly lit as the Gryffindors practiced amongst other students. "We must be at the top of the castle," Hermione said in awe.
"We are," Oliver smiled again.
Hermione rubbed her arms to try and get warmer, but Oliver pushed her along the roof to a blanket with a basket. "What is this?" Hermione asked, sitting herself down on the warm violet blanket.
"I'd like to think of it as…our first date," he grinned, wrapping his jacket around her shoulders.
"Aww…Oliver," Hermione replied. "This is wonderful…but do you really think this is the time for a date?"
"I think this is the only time that we'll be able to have a date this year," Oliver told her. "I'd like it to be memorable…and if people come up here and are suspicious, we'll just say we're 'guarding'."
Hermione giggled. "I guess you're right."
Hermione opened the basket. It contained a thermos full of warm tea, several bags of Bertie Botts Every Flavoured Beans, some leftovers from dinner (which were also warm), and a dozen red roses.
"Oliver!" Hermione exclaimed, as she looked at the bottom of the basket. "You shouldn't have!"
"I know…but I decided to anyways," he responded, kissing her gingerly on the cheek. Hermione felt her cheeks begin to tinge.
"Are you cold? Your face is looking pale…except for your cheeks," Oliver asked cautiously.
Hermione giggled uneasily. "I'm…I'm fine."
After their late picnic, the two gazed into the stars. They looked in telescopes and gazed at star patterns and afterwards, just gazed into the night. They didn't see any mysterious figures all night. Hermione figured that either they disappeared or that Hermione and Oliver were preoccupied…with other things.
It was half past 9 when the lights finally went out in the Quidditch Stadium, making Oliver and Hermione sit in darkness. Hermione conjured a jar full of fire, making shadows fall on their faces. "You're an amazing witch Hermione…" Oliver complimented. "…And an amazing person."
Hermione grinned. "You're an amazing Quidditch player Oliver…" Hermione complimented. "…But, you're a professor. And I'm a student."
"I know that," Oliver said. "But I thought…and, I hoped…that we could just forget about that, for one small night. A portion of the night."
Hermione sighed. "I suppose…I suppose I can."
Oliver grinned and kissed her on the lips. "Thank you."
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Hermione and Oliver had stopped 'guarding' at a quarter to ten. They still hadn't found anything, the basket was empty, and it was getting awfully chilly, so they decided to call it a night. Hermione walked up to the Gryffindor Tower, with the beautiful dozen roses in her arms. She walked up to the portrait of the Fat Lady, who was sleeping.
Hermione cleared her throat, but the Fat Lady continued to snore. "Um…e- excuse me?" Hermione spoke up, as politely as she could.
The Fat Lady snorted and slowly opened her eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry dear. I must have dozed off. Password?"
"Sausage petals," Hermione replied, almost laughing. Whoever thought of these passwords was crazy. She clutched her roses tight and waited for the portrait to swing open, but it didn't.
"Where did you get the roses?" the Fat Lady asked suspiciously.
"From someone," she said, irritated. "May I go through please?"
The Fat Lady eyed her carefully. "Hmm…all right, dear."
The portrait swung open and Hermione ran past Harry and Ron who were sitting in armchairs.
"Hey Hermione!" Harry greeted.
"What's up?" Ron asked.
Hermione rushed past them and ran up to her dormitory, without a "hi", or "not too much". She ran up the curving stairs and launched herself on her bed, smelling the roses.
Harry and Ron had their mouths opened as they watched Hermione go away just as soon as she came.
"Is she ignoring us?" Ron asked.
"Were those roses in her hand?" Harry asked.
"What's going on?" they asked in unison.
Hermione wasn't ignoring Ron and Harry. And yes, there were roses in her hands. And what was going on was that Hermione was reliving the best day of her life! And that's all she thought of as she drooped into a peaceful sleep for once.
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I hope you like this chapter! I just got the flu…but that doesn't mean the chapters will come any sooner, all right? I hope you like the little date between Oliver and Hermione…I couldn't think of anything else but then in the next chapter it'll be THE YULE BALL! Woo-hoo! This means very, very, very, very, very long chapter! Maybe even longer than your average longer chapter! But this chapter was pretty long anyways and it took me quite a while to write since I didn't know exactly what to make the people say. *lol* Anyways, thanks for all the marvelous reviews. Here's my individual thanks:
hunny – Thanks for liking the stuff I write! I hope you like the rest of my story!
Oliver Lover – you're review made me laugh too much! I loved the Professor Trewlaney thing…thanks for the "stunning work" compliment!
Juvenus – it's all right about the spelling mistakes! My stories have lots of mistakes in them too, so I can't really say that it hasn't happened to me. I had 2 chapters in 2 days since I got the flu…I guess the flu gives me inspiration and it got rid of my writer's block I guess!
hunny – You got the flu too? How coincidental! I will continue don't worry! Glad you like it!
KAOS – You write "brilliant" too much, but I have my own words that I say a lot too. Are you sure this is really all that "brilliant"? If so, then thank you! I hope your new house will be good!
Chapter 15 will be up soon!