Author Notes: Hey everyone!! Can you believe 2 chapters in the same
week.that's got to be a record for me? Thanks for reading. Please review.
Chapter 5:
"Oy, Hermione!" Ron called, with a goofy grin on his face as he and Harry walked through the portrait. Hermione looked up from the book she was reading, and glanced over at Harry. When Harry nodded Hermione grew a wide smile.
"So Ron what's the verdict?" She asked, the smile tugging the corner of her lips.
"I made the team, 'Mione. Me, Ron Weasley made the Gryffindor Quidditch team." He shouted. Everyone in the Common Room went on with what there were doing.not caring. "Well don't just stand there Hermione, rejoice! Celebrate!"
Hermione laughed, "what am I suppose to celebrate the fact that another one of my best friends is in a sport that they can easily kill themselves in?" She joked.
"Of course you are!" Then Ron did something no one expected. He ran over to Hermione, and took the book out of her hands. He picked her up by he waist and twirled her around. holding he tightly.
"Ronald Weasley, put me down." Hermione tried to look stern but Harry knew she was enjoying it.
"Alright alright, but your sucking the fun out of this day." Ron gently rested her feet on the ground, his hands still resting on her hips. They were inches away from each other and all Ron could do was think of how badly he wanted to kiss those lips of hers.
"You better be glad that I know what page I stopped on, Mr. Weasley." Hermione whispered, her hands holding onto his shoulders.
"Attention everyone." Both Ron and Hermione's heads turned toward the door, where Fred was standing. "Do you want to do the honors George?" He asked, his mischievous grin identical to his twin's. "Why thank you Fred. I want you all here to look at the newest and most valuable member of the Quidditch Team: Isabel Ollivander." Isabel walked into the room with her broom in hand. Ron's jaw just about dropped. He let go of Hermione and turned to them. "What are you talking about.I'm keeper." His face grew red. Hermione placed on hand on his shoulder once again. "Now Ron I'm sure they don't mean that she has taken over your position. His new position." Hermione emphasizes. Making sure to meet Isabel straight in the eye. "You should listen to your little girly friend Ron," Hermione blushed, no one could tell if Ron did. Seeing that his face was already red. "Isabel is our replacement player." Harry now spoke, looking very confused. "Since when is there a replacement player?" He was afraid it was all a joke. "There never has been one. Not until now that is." Fred replied, very pleased with himself. "Fred and I had a little chat with good old Dumbledore. He agreed that each team should have a replacement, just in case. And since we have Potter on our team we'll need a replacement.'" By the time George was finished Ron was already up the stairs and in his room.
Everyone came and congratulated Isabel. Harry was about to join in when Hermione grabbed his arm. "Do you think he's ok?" She asked in a whisper.
"Uh. yeah. He should be ok." Harry stammered.
Hermione frowned at him, "If your not going to do your job as best friend than I'll do it for you." She turned briskly and marched up to the boys dormitories.
'What are they thinking? Their my brothers, shouldn't they be the least happy for me?' Ron thought. 'What did they mean by Hermione being my little girly-' His thoughts were interrupted by a light tap on the door.
"Go away Harry," He began. The tap came again. Taking the pillow from over his head he sat up and opened the door. "I said go away-"
"No you said Harry go away. I'm certainly not Harry." Hermione said. 'No you sure aren't'' was all Ron could think, seeing her womanly figure standing in front of him. "May I come in?"
"Uh. yeah sure why not." He mumbled. 'Hermione in my bedroom.not a good thing.not a good thing at all.'
"Are you ok Ron? That was pretty awful what they did to you." She stepped into the room and took a seat on his trunk.
Ron ran his hand through his hair. "Uh-yeah. I'm fine. It's normal you know, then doing that sort of thing." He said, nervously.
Hermione looked down at her hands, which were folded in her lap. "You don't deserve that though. You tried so hard." She finished softly.
Ron looked at her carefully, as if trying to find out where she was going. "It's ok Hermione. I mean its just Fred and George." He strode over towards the bed, but was stopped when Hermione jumped up from the trunk.
"I can't believe they would choose Isabel over their brother."
"I know what you mean. I wish that I could just use this Prefect badge," Ron pointed to the shiny object on his nightstand. "to punish them.just once."
Hermione smiled, "that would be using your power for evil instead of good."
"Yeah. where's Harry anyway? I thought he'd be the one up here." Ron asked.
Hermione hesitated, "he downstairs." she trailed off.
Ron's face fell. "I bet you anything he didn't see that star thingy." He mumbled. Hermione's wrinkled her nose in confusion.
"What star thing? I'd like to hear about it." Ron bought his eyes up to met hers and smiled.
"It happened during try-outs. I remember Harry telling me about it after he read Quidditch Through the Ages." His face lit up as he explained to Hermione, never missing a detail.
Harry waited anxiously for Isabel to get out of the crowd of Gryffindors. When she emerged she started over to him quickly. "Man that was a rush."
"Congregations, I can't believe your on the team." Harry exclaimed. He followed Isabel over to the couches.
"Thanks.Fred and George are terrific and debating with the teachers." She laughed. "I understand you voted for Ron though?"
Harry scratched the back of his head. "Yeah.you know he's my best friend. I can't just ditch him at his time of need."
"Don't worry Harry I understand, besides it's not like you owed me anything." Isabel said, laughing nervously.
Harry smiled, "I guess not." They both sat there. Silence began creeping into the room as everyone went into there dorms. "I'm sorry about what happened this morning. I.well I don't really know what happened." Harry finally spoke.
'He didn't want it to happen god how could you be so stupid.' Isabel eyes fell down to the floor. "I know," she said quietly, "It was weird what happened. I don't know why I kissed you either." 'Wait what if its because I'm a bad kisser? Am I a bad kisser?' She thought.
As if reading her mind Harry replied, "It's not that I didn't like it. " She felt relief rush over her. "It's just I think its just not the right time and all."
"You mean Ron doesn't think it's the right time, or that I'm even the right girl." Isabel was now staring him straight in the eye.
"I.I don't know." He stammered, as he brushed his hand through his hair.
"I guess I understand.sort of. But you know that he can't choose for you." She stood, and helped Harry up off the couch. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, it's the weekend, the four of us should do something."
"Yeah." He said weakly as she began walking up the stairs.
~*~
"Do you want to play chess Hermione?" Isabel asked, "I can get my board upstairs."
"No, I'm not very good." Hermione answered, stretching her legs out as she sat on the floor. "I didn't know you played chess Isabel?"
"Of course. I'm the master of the board!" She let out a very original evil laugh.
"I doubt your as good as Ron, he always wins." Harry said, bitterly. He slumped down on the floor next to Hermione. "Know matter how hard I try he always beats me."
"Don't be a sore loser Harry, how do you think I feel? I've never won a game." Hermione said, patting him on the head.
"That's because chess is about strategizing, something you can't fine in books." Ron stated, laying back on the couch, hands behind his head. "You got to be born with the talent I guess."
Hermione just rolled her eyes, and rested her head on Harry's shoulder. "Do you mind Harry?"
Harry lent back against chair and shook his head. "So are you two going to play or not?"
Ron felt a pang of jealousy over Harry, and answered, "If you really want to lose Isabel then that's fine with me."
"Don't be too arrogant Ron," Hermione mumbled.
Harry laughed, "she's right. You've never seen Isabel play before."
"And you have?" Ron glared.
"Just play the game Ron." Isabel replied.
Ron shrugged and went up to the dorms to get his chess board. When he came back he found that Isabel had taken his seat on the couch. "That's my seat." He complained.
"Too bad.I guess you get the floor." Isabel nodded toward the spot next to Hermione. Ron did a double take and his new spot and smiled inwardly. "You'll be white," he replied, setting up the pieces.
"No, I much rather be black." Isabel said coolly. She whipped the chess board around so the black was facing her. "White moves first," she smiled.
Taking a deep breath Ron moved his first pawn out. Isabel started by doing the same as Ron. She continued to copy his moves, until he took her castle with his knight. "Knights are my favorite pieces, check." He said quietly. She examined the board then moved her queen out to take his knight. "Queen are my favorite, they do that most damage."
Ron could almost see her smiling. He looked down at the board and tried to concentrate. Harry interrupted his thoughts. "Ron, I need to use the bathroom." Ron looked up, "can you help me out here." Harry was gesturing to Hermione who was sleeping on his shoulder.
"Uh.yeah, yeah sure." He stammered. Harry gently place Hermione's head on Ron's right shoulder and got up to use the loo.
Ron could feel Hermione hot breath on his neck. He looked down at her; a couple of her wild curls were scattered around to frame her childlike face. There was no sign of her chocolaty colored eyes.
"Ron?" His head snapped up. "The game?" Isabel said, holding back a laugh.
"Yeah sorry." Feeling his cheeks grow red, he looked down at the board and tried to concentrate. 'Don't pay any attention to Hermione, she's just a friend that is using you as a pillow.' He told himself. 'Just a friend.' He felt he breath again, 'Ok maybe you should wrap this game up.come on think.'
He moved his bishop right in harms way and waited. Isabel reached for her queen, then took the bait. Next Ron moved his castle so it was in line with her king. "Checkmate." He replied. She looked down at the board amazed.
"How.I didn't even see that. Did you plan my queen taking your knight and bishop. You couldn't have." She uttered in disbelief.
"Of course I did. I'm the true Master of the Board." He lied, bringing his arms up in the air.
"I'm sure." She rolled her eyes. "I'm going to get ready for dinner."
Ron slid his arms down and rested them around Hermione's shoulder after Isabel was out of sight. There were only three first in the room and he'd been waiting to do that for a while. 'She feels so good. I wish I could do it when she's actually awake.' Suddenly Hermione stirred and her eyes fluttered open.
"Ron?" She jumped, "I could have sworn I was laying on Harry's arm."
"Ah.he's taking a pee." He blurted out.
"Oh. Well who won the game." She asked backing out of his embrace.
"I did. Of course."
"You're so arrogant sometimes Ron." She laughed pulling a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to go and umm get ready for dinner. I'll see you in a bit."
Ron watched her leave, until Harry blocked his way. "What was that about?" "Nothing." Ron answered cleaning up his chess game.
"Your ears are reddening again, mate."
"Shut up."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down in the Great Hall, as Dumbledore began his announcements. "Good evening everyone. I have a couple announcements before dinner will begin. First of all as you all probably have heard, thanks to the concerns of Fred and George Weasley each Quidditch House Team will have a 'extra' player on their teams." "Yeah thanks to my know good rotten brothers." Ron muttered. "This player will take the place of another player if they happen to get hurt. We are only allowing one player though. The try-out dates will be posted on the bulletin board in your Common Rooms. Secondly Mr. Filch as asked me to remind you all that dungbomb statues are strictly forbidden in the corridors." Dumbledore continued, "Now with that said let your stomachs get full." Plates began filling with everything you could imagine. Harry grabbed a couple drum sticks and started putting potatoes on his plate when Isabel came in and sat across from him. "Want some?" He asked. "No thanks. I'm not very hungry." She answered quickly. "At least have some bread Isabel." Hermione passed a slice. "Thanks," She mumbled, when something across the room caught her eye. Ron glanced around and saw Malfoy staring over. He mouthed something to Isabel that he couldn't make out and she nodded slowly. "I got to go guys. I.I have some homework to finish." ' Ron watched her disappear through the doors. Malfoy got up a few seconds later and followed. 'What are they up too?' He wondered. "Harry, Come on I need your help with some Quidditch stuff." He said. "Ron it's dark outside. You can't go out now." Hermione exclaimed. "Come on Harry, we aren't going outside Hermione." Before either had time to question, Ron pulled Harry's arm and walked through the door. "I'll never understand him." Hermione muttered.
Isabel scurried around the corner looking back more than she was forward. Harry and Ron looked at each other and started to follow. They went around another corner and found a dead end. "She went this way though." Ron said in exasperation. Harry just shrugged and looked around. Ron leaned against a wall but instead of giving a sigh of defeat he screamed like a girl. The wall was not a wall, but a hologram-like picture of a wall. Harry walked through it and laughed at Ron. "Did you hear yourself?" Harry taunted. "Just like Ginny." Ron retorted with, "How do you know how she screams?" "You." Harry began but was cut short by whispers coming from around yet another corner. He beckoned Ron to follow and they crept toward the sound. "You can't keep running. It's there, in your very blood, and you'll have to answer to it someday." A male voice said. Harry and Ron hid behind a suit of armor and peeked at the talking people. They saw Isabel standing in the middle of a large corridor with a familiar sliver-blonde guy circling her. Isabel looked at him with a vacant expression and said slowly, "Draco, I don't need to be warned what's in my blood. I have a good enough idea on my own. And I'm not running from it either." Draco stopped the circling and walked closer to her. He said with a distasteful menace, "Oh but Isabel, you are running. Maybe not from your blood," Draco turned his voice into a whisper that Ron and Harry had trouble hearing, "but you are running from your density. Isabel, love, your running from me." He held her chin and kissed her lightly. Isabel tore away and stepped back. She wiped her lips as though there was blood there. Looking back at Draco she screamed, "No! I'm not running from you!" Tears sprung to her eyes as she starred Draco down. "I'm not running from my destiny either." Draco picked his words carefully and then said, "But you are. You know the plans. The ones your mother wanted for you." "No!" Isabel screamed again. "Listen Draco, that part of me is dead. There is no destiny anymore. Just leave me alone. My sights have moved on." "To who?" Draco asked suddenly. "Not Potter, I hope?" He laughed and then continued, "You really want him? That's rich!" Isabel glared and said, "Draco, go away. I'm working here." With that she turned on her heel and left. Draco rolled his eyes and turned to a picture and said, "Shisa," and disappeared into a hole behind it. Harry and Ron stared at each other for a spell, and then looked back at the corridor. "Can you believe that?" Ron said looking back at Harry. "No," Harry said in amazement, still trying to comprehend. "We know the Slytherin password!" Ron stared back at Harry and then said, "Did you not see the conversation that just occurred?" Harry closed his eyes and then looked over at Ron. He said slowly, "Yeah, um, I was trying to forget that little detail." The two started walking back to the common room and they discussed the conversation.
"She said that she was working here Harry, that means she's trying to get to you, to hurt you." Ron said.
Harry whispered grimly, "I know Ron. I was there, and I saw the whole thing. Unfortunately." Ron looked at Harry with a very stern face and said, "Stay away from her Harry. I don't want you getting hurt." Harry nodded. They got up to the portrait hole and climbed in, the events of that night replaying in both of their minds.
"You two have had me worried sick." Hermione started as soon as they walked into view. "Practicing Quidditch?"
"Sorry Hermione." Harry replied pathetically.
Her facial expression immediately softened. "Harry what's wrong? Ron what happened?"
"It's nothing, I'm going to bed I'll see you tomorrow Herm." Pointing her finger she was about to correct him. When Ron shushed her.
"Don't. He's not thinking clearly." Ron began walking toward his room when Hermione tugged on his arm.
"You can't just not tell me. what happened Ron?" Her eyes were full of concern.
Ron was washed over with a wave of guilt. He had let her worry, and was about to do it again. "He just found some stuff out about Isabel, here sit down." When the both were seated Ron explained everything he had heard.
When he finished Hermione's eyes had fallen to her lap. "I can't believe Isabel is some kind of Death Eater thing. She's so young and I trusted her." Ron heard a sob come from her.
"Hermione there is nothing to worry about. Ok? We just have to keep Harry away from her. At all costs." He lifted her chin up to meet her eyes.
"Of course we do, it's just it gets me thinking. Who else is in this school... who else can hurt us." Ron grabbed her hands in his, something he has never done before.
"Right now Isabel is the biggest suspect. Hermione don't worry about anyone else. Harry and I will protect you from anyone else out there. I promise." He whispered.
"I know you both will. I'm going to go to bed I think.enough stuff to think about in one day." She let out a very small laugh, and whispered a soft "Thanks' in his ear and went up to her dorm. Ron followed the suit up to the boys dormitory.
Hermione walked into her dormitory and closed the door. She looked up to see Isabel by the pitcher and basin scrubbing frantically.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked with one eyebrow raised.
Isabel looked up wide-eyed at Hermione and said almost too quickly, "Washing. Yes, I'm washing my face!"
Hermione's eyebrow raised more and she said curiously, "The why does it seem like your trying to wash away your skin."
Isabel stopped scrubbing and began to towel her face dry. Through that she answered, "Just because I wanted to wash, alright?" She stopped and smiled up at Hermione.
Hermione squeezed out a smile back before blurting out, "And maybe to get rid of, say, DRACO'S KISS?"
Isabel spun around and asked in a quavering voice, "Where does this come from?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and climbed into bed. She looked up and Isabel with a sneer and said, "You know, I really thought I could trust you."
Isabel tried to protest but Hermione closed her hangings and fell silent. She looked around, trying to find some sort of comfort, but found none. With tears in her eyes, she crawled into bed, and wondered what she should do.
Please review! No flames please I'm just trying to write like I like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. His world is the work of the
brilliant author J.K. Rowling!
Don't you just love her!
Chapter 5:
"Oy, Hermione!" Ron called, with a goofy grin on his face as he and Harry walked through the portrait. Hermione looked up from the book she was reading, and glanced over at Harry. When Harry nodded Hermione grew a wide smile.
"So Ron what's the verdict?" She asked, the smile tugging the corner of her lips.
"I made the team, 'Mione. Me, Ron Weasley made the Gryffindor Quidditch team." He shouted. Everyone in the Common Room went on with what there were doing.not caring. "Well don't just stand there Hermione, rejoice! Celebrate!"
Hermione laughed, "what am I suppose to celebrate the fact that another one of my best friends is in a sport that they can easily kill themselves in?" She joked.
"Of course you are!" Then Ron did something no one expected. He ran over to Hermione, and took the book out of her hands. He picked her up by he waist and twirled her around. holding he tightly.
"Ronald Weasley, put me down." Hermione tried to look stern but Harry knew she was enjoying it.
"Alright alright, but your sucking the fun out of this day." Ron gently rested her feet on the ground, his hands still resting on her hips. They were inches away from each other and all Ron could do was think of how badly he wanted to kiss those lips of hers.
"You better be glad that I know what page I stopped on, Mr. Weasley." Hermione whispered, her hands holding onto his shoulders.
"Attention everyone." Both Ron and Hermione's heads turned toward the door, where Fred was standing. "Do you want to do the honors George?" He asked, his mischievous grin identical to his twin's. "Why thank you Fred. I want you all here to look at the newest and most valuable member of the Quidditch Team: Isabel Ollivander." Isabel walked into the room with her broom in hand. Ron's jaw just about dropped. He let go of Hermione and turned to them. "What are you talking about.I'm keeper." His face grew red. Hermione placed on hand on his shoulder once again. "Now Ron I'm sure they don't mean that she has taken over your position. His new position." Hermione emphasizes. Making sure to meet Isabel straight in the eye. "You should listen to your little girly friend Ron," Hermione blushed, no one could tell if Ron did. Seeing that his face was already red. "Isabel is our replacement player." Harry now spoke, looking very confused. "Since when is there a replacement player?" He was afraid it was all a joke. "There never has been one. Not until now that is." Fred replied, very pleased with himself. "Fred and I had a little chat with good old Dumbledore. He agreed that each team should have a replacement, just in case. And since we have Potter on our team we'll need a replacement.'" By the time George was finished Ron was already up the stairs and in his room.
Everyone came and congratulated Isabel. Harry was about to join in when Hermione grabbed his arm. "Do you think he's ok?" She asked in a whisper.
"Uh. yeah. He should be ok." Harry stammered.
Hermione frowned at him, "If your not going to do your job as best friend than I'll do it for you." She turned briskly and marched up to the boys dormitories.
'What are they thinking? Their my brothers, shouldn't they be the least happy for me?' Ron thought. 'What did they mean by Hermione being my little girly-' His thoughts were interrupted by a light tap on the door.
"Go away Harry," He began. The tap came again. Taking the pillow from over his head he sat up and opened the door. "I said go away-"
"No you said Harry go away. I'm certainly not Harry." Hermione said. 'No you sure aren't'' was all Ron could think, seeing her womanly figure standing in front of him. "May I come in?"
"Uh. yeah sure why not." He mumbled. 'Hermione in my bedroom.not a good thing.not a good thing at all.'
"Are you ok Ron? That was pretty awful what they did to you." She stepped into the room and took a seat on his trunk.
Ron ran his hand through his hair. "Uh-yeah. I'm fine. It's normal you know, then doing that sort of thing." He said, nervously.
Hermione looked down at her hands, which were folded in her lap. "You don't deserve that though. You tried so hard." She finished softly.
Ron looked at her carefully, as if trying to find out where she was going. "It's ok Hermione. I mean its just Fred and George." He strode over towards the bed, but was stopped when Hermione jumped up from the trunk.
"I can't believe they would choose Isabel over their brother."
"I know what you mean. I wish that I could just use this Prefect badge," Ron pointed to the shiny object on his nightstand. "to punish them.just once."
Hermione smiled, "that would be using your power for evil instead of good."
"Yeah. where's Harry anyway? I thought he'd be the one up here." Ron asked.
Hermione hesitated, "he downstairs." she trailed off.
Ron's face fell. "I bet you anything he didn't see that star thingy." He mumbled. Hermione's wrinkled her nose in confusion.
"What star thing? I'd like to hear about it." Ron bought his eyes up to met hers and smiled.
"It happened during try-outs. I remember Harry telling me about it after he read Quidditch Through the Ages." His face lit up as he explained to Hermione, never missing a detail.
Harry waited anxiously for Isabel to get out of the crowd of Gryffindors. When she emerged she started over to him quickly. "Man that was a rush."
"Congregations, I can't believe your on the team." Harry exclaimed. He followed Isabel over to the couches.
"Thanks.Fred and George are terrific and debating with the teachers." She laughed. "I understand you voted for Ron though?"
Harry scratched the back of his head. "Yeah.you know he's my best friend. I can't just ditch him at his time of need."
"Don't worry Harry I understand, besides it's not like you owed me anything." Isabel said, laughing nervously.
Harry smiled, "I guess not." They both sat there. Silence began creeping into the room as everyone went into there dorms. "I'm sorry about what happened this morning. I.well I don't really know what happened." Harry finally spoke.
'He didn't want it to happen god how could you be so stupid.' Isabel eyes fell down to the floor. "I know," she said quietly, "It was weird what happened. I don't know why I kissed you either." 'Wait what if its because I'm a bad kisser? Am I a bad kisser?' She thought.
As if reading her mind Harry replied, "It's not that I didn't like it. " She felt relief rush over her. "It's just I think its just not the right time and all."
"You mean Ron doesn't think it's the right time, or that I'm even the right girl." Isabel was now staring him straight in the eye.
"I.I don't know." He stammered, as he brushed his hand through his hair.
"I guess I understand.sort of. But you know that he can't choose for you." She stood, and helped Harry up off the couch. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, it's the weekend, the four of us should do something."
"Yeah." He said weakly as she began walking up the stairs.
~*~
"Do you want to play chess Hermione?" Isabel asked, "I can get my board upstairs."
"No, I'm not very good." Hermione answered, stretching her legs out as she sat on the floor. "I didn't know you played chess Isabel?"
"Of course. I'm the master of the board!" She let out a very original evil laugh.
"I doubt your as good as Ron, he always wins." Harry said, bitterly. He slumped down on the floor next to Hermione. "Know matter how hard I try he always beats me."
"Don't be a sore loser Harry, how do you think I feel? I've never won a game." Hermione said, patting him on the head.
"That's because chess is about strategizing, something you can't fine in books." Ron stated, laying back on the couch, hands behind his head. "You got to be born with the talent I guess."
Hermione just rolled her eyes, and rested her head on Harry's shoulder. "Do you mind Harry?"
Harry lent back against chair and shook his head. "So are you two going to play or not?"
Ron felt a pang of jealousy over Harry, and answered, "If you really want to lose Isabel then that's fine with me."
"Don't be too arrogant Ron," Hermione mumbled.
Harry laughed, "she's right. You've never seen Isabel play before."
"And you have?" Ron glared.
"Just play the game Ron." Isabel replied.
Ron shrugged and went up to the dorms to get his chess board. When he came back he found that Isabel had taken his seat on the couch. "That's my seat." He complained.
"Too bad.I guess you get the floor." Isabel nodded toward the spot next to Hermione. Ron did a double take and his new spot and smiled inwardly. "You'll be white," he replied, setting up the pieces.
"No, I much rather be black." Isabel said coolly. She whipped the chess board around so the black was facing her. "White moves first," she smiled.
Taking a deep breath Ron moved his first pawn out. Isabel started by doing the same as Ron. She continued to copy his moves, until he took her castle with his knight. "Knights are my favorite pieces, check." He said quietly. She examined the board then moved her queen out to take his knight. "Queen are my favorite, they do that most damage."
Ron could almost see her smiling. He looked down at the board and tried to concentrate. Harry interrupted his thoughts. "Ron, I need to use the bathroom." Ron looked up, "can you help me out here." Harry was gesturing to Hermione who was sleeping on his shoulder.
"Uh.yeah, yeah sure." He stammered. Harry gently place Hermione's head on Ron's right shoulder and got up to use the loo.
Ron could feel Hermione hot breath on his neck. He looked down at her; a couple of her wild curls were scattered around to frame her childlike face. There was no sign of her chocolaty colored eyes.
"Ron?" His head snapped up. "The game?" Isabel said, holding back a laugh.
"Yeah sorry." Feeling his cheeks grow red, he looked down at the board and tried to concentrate. 'Don't pay any attention to Hermione, she's just a friend that is using you as a pillow.' He told himself. 'Just a friend.' He felt he breath again, 'Ok maybe you should wrap this game up.come on think.'
He moved his bishop right in harms way and waited. Isabel reached for her queen, then took the bait. Next Ron moved his castle so it was in line with her king. "Checkmate." He replied. She looked down at the board amazed.
"How.I didn't even see that. Did you plan my queen taking your knight and bishop. You couldn't have." She uttered in disbelief.
"Of course I did. I'm the true Master of the Board." He lied, bringing his arms up in the air.
"I'm sure." She rolled her eyes. "I'm going to get ready for dinner."
Ron slid his arms down and rested them around Hermione's shoulder after Isabel was out of sight. There were only three first in the room and he'd been waiting to do that for a while. 'She feels so good. I wish I could do it when she's actually awake.' Suddenly Hermione stirred and her eyes fluttered open.
"Ron?" She jumped, "I could have sworn I was laying on Harry's arm."
"Ah.he's taking a pee." He blurted out.
"Oh. Well who won the game." She asked backing out of his embrace.
"I did. Of course."
"You're so arrogant sometimes Ron." She laughed pulling a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to go and umm get ready for dinner. I'll see you in a bit."
Ron watched her leave, until Harry blocked his way. "What was that about?" "Nothing." Ron answered cleaning up his chess game.
"Your ears are reddening again, mate."
"Shut up."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down in the Great Hall, as Dumbledore began his announcements. "Good evening everyone. I have a couple announcements before dinner will begin. First of all as you all probably have heard, thanks to the concerns of Fred and George Weasley each Quidditch House Team will have a 'extra' player on their teams." "Yeah thanks to my know good rotten brothers." Ron muttered. "This player will take the place of another player if they happen to get hurt. We are only allowing one player though. The try-out dates will be posted on the bulletin board in your Common Rooms. Secondly Mr. Filch as asked me to remind you all that dungbomb statues are strictly forbidden in the corridors." Dumbledore continued, "Now with that said let your stomachs get full." Plates began filling with everything you could imagine. Harry grabbed a couple drum sticks and started putting potatoes on his plate when Isabel came in and sat across from him. "Want some?" He asked. "No thanks. I'm not very hungry." She answered quickly. "At least have some bread Isabel." Hermione passed a slice. "Thanks," She mumbled, when something across the room caught her eye. Ron glanced around and saw Malfoy staring over. He mouthed something to Isabel that he couldn't make out and she nodded slowly. "I got to go guys. I.I have some homework to finish." ' Ron watched her disappear through the doors. Malfoy got up a few seconds later and followed. 'What are they up too?' He wondered. "Harry, Come on I need your help with some Quidditch stuff." He said. "Ron it's dark outside. You can't go out now." Hermione exclaimed. "Come on Harry, we aren't going outside Hermione." Before either had time to question, Ron pulled Harry's arm and walked through the door. "I'll never understand him." Hermione muttered.
Isabel scurried around the corner looking back more than she was forward. Harry and Ron looked at each other and started to follow. They went around another corner and found a dead end. "She went this way though." Ron said in exasperation. Harry just shrugged and looked around. Ron leaned against a wall but instead of giving a sigh of defeat he screamed like a girl. The wall was not a wall, but a hologram-like picture of a wall. Harry walked through it and laughed at Ron. "Did you hear yourself?" Harry taunted. "Just like Ginny." Ron retorted with, "How do you know how she screams?" "You." Harry began but was cut short by whispers coming from around yet another corner. He beckoned Ron to follow and they crept toward the sound. "You can't keep running. It's there, in your very blood, and you'll have to answer to it someday." A male voice said. Harry and Ron hid behind a suit of armor and peeked at the talking people. They saw Isabel standing in the middle of a large corridor with a familiar sliver-blonde guy circling her. Isabel looked at him with a vacant expression and said slowly, "Draco, I don't need to be warned what's in my blood. I have a good enough idea on my own. And I'm not running from it either." Draco stopped the circling and walked closer to her. He said with a distasteful menace, "Oh but Isabel, you are running. Maybe not from your blood," Draco turned his voice into a whisper that Ron and Harry had trouble hearing, "but you are running from your density. Isabel, love, your running from me." He held her chin and kissed her lightly. Isabel tore away and stepped back. She wiped her lips as though there was blood there. Looking back at Draco she screamed, "No! I'm not running from you!" Tears sprung to her eyes as she starred Draco down. "I'm not running from my destiny either." Draco picked his words carefully and then said, "But you are. You know the plans. The ones your mother wanted for you." "No!" Isabel screamed again. "Listen Draco, that part of me is dead. There is no destiny anymore. Just leave me alone. My sights have moved on." "To who?" Draco asked suddenly. "Not Potter, I hope?" He laughed and then continued, "You really want him? That's rich!" Isabel glared and said, "Draco, go away. I'm working here." With that she turned on her heel and left. Draco rolled his eyes and turned to a picture and said, "Shisa," and disappeared into a hole behind it. Harry and Ron stared at each other for a spell, and then looked back at the corridor. "Can you believe that?" Ron said looking back at Harry. "No," Harry said in amazement, still trying to comprehend. "We know the Slytherin password!" Ron stared back at Harry and then said, "Did you not see the conversation that just occurred?" Harry closed his eyes and then looked over at Ron. He said slowly, "Yeah, um, I was trying to forget that little detail." The two started walking back to the common room and they discussed the conversation.
"She said that she was working here Harry, that means she's trying to get to you, to hurt you." Ron said.
Harry whispered grimly, "I know Ron. I was there, and I saw the whole thing. Unfortunately." Ron looked at Harry with a very stern face and said, "Stay away from her Harry. I don't want you getting hurt." Harry nodded. They got up to the portrait hole and climbed in, the events of that night replaying in both of their minds.
"You two have had me worried sick." Hermione started as soon as they walked into view. "Practicing Quidditch?"
"Sorry Hermione." Harry replied pathetically.
Her facial expression immediately softened. "Harry what's wrong? Ron what happened?"
"It's nothing, I'm going to bed I'll see you tomorrow Herm." Pointing her finger she was about to correct him. When Ron shushed her.
"Don't. He's not thinking clearly." Ron began walking toward his room when Hermione tugged on his arm.
"You can't just not tell me. what happened Ron?" Her eyes were full of concern.
Ron was washed over with a wave of guilt. He had let her worry, and was about to do it again. "He just found some stuff out about Isabel, here sit down." When the both were seated Ron explained everything he had heard.
When he finished Hermione's eyes had fallen to her lap. "I can't believe Isabel is some kind of Death Eater thing. She's so young and I trusted her." Ron heard a sob come from her.
"Hermione there is nothing to worry about. Ok? We just have to keep Harry away from her. At all costs." He lifted her chin up to meet her eyes.
"Of course we do, it's just it gets me thinking. Who else is in this school... who else can hurt us." Ron grabbed her hands in his, something he has never done before.
"Right now Isabel is the biggest suspect. Hermione don't worry about anyone else. Harry and I will protect you from anyone else out there. I promise." He whispered.
"I know you both will. I'm going to go to bed I think.enough stuff to think about in one day." She let out a very small laugh, and whispered a soft "Thanks' in his ear and went up to her dorm. Ron followed the suit up to the boys dormitory.
Hermione walked into her dormitory and closed the door. She looked up to see Isabel by the pitcher and basin scrubbing frantically.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked with one eyebrow raised.
Isabel looked up wide-eyed at Hermione and said almost too quickly, "Washing. Yes, I'm washing my face!"
Hermione's eyebrow raised more and she said curiously, "The why does it seem like your trying to wash away your skin."
Isabel stopped scrubbing and began to towel her face dry. Through that she answered, "Just because I wanted to wash, alright?" She stopped and smiled up at Hermione.
Hermione squeezed out a smile back before blurting out, "And maybe to get rid of, say, DRACO'S KISS?"
Isabel spun around and asked in a quavering voice, "Where does this come from?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and climbed into bed. She looked up and Isabel with a sneer and said, "You know, I really thought I could trust you."
Isabel tried to protest but Hermione closed her hangings and fell silent. She looked around, trying to find some sort of comfort, but found none. With tears in her eyes, she crawled into bed, and wondered what she should do.
Please review! No flames please I'm just trying to write like I like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. His world is the work of the
brilliant author J.K. Rowling!
Don't you just love her!