Chapter Four: Hermione And The Feast
After breakfast next morning Mr. Weasley went to work. Bill and Charlie soon followed but Fred and George decided to take a break for once. Unlike their attitude towards classes at Hogwarts they had been totally dedicated towards the progress of 'Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes'. They had toiled very hard to setup the shop in Hogsmede. Within a few it had overtaken Zonko's as the best joke shop. But today they decided to stay at home and enjoy the feel of their new home. They decided to have a game of quidditch. Ron was the common keeper. Harry and Fred took on George and Ginny. Whichever side scored more goals would win. So there were no bludgers or the golden snitch. After fierce competition for over two hours Harry and Fred prevailed. In the afternoon Mrs. Weasley once again provided a fabulous meal. Ron and Harry were now eagerly awaiting Hermione's arrival.
'Harry who will you choose as new beaters and chasers for the Gryffindor quidditch team?' asked Ron.
'Don't know for sure yet. Ginny will definitely be one of the chasers. I was very impressed with her today. She has got it in her. I also think Colin Creevey has the talent for being a good beater. He's just too hyperactive for comfort. You would almost expect him to try and photograph the bludger when it is trying to knock his head off', replied Harry.
Just as he finished there was a noise near the fireplace. Standing there with her usual smile was Hermione Granger. Harry and Ron went up and hugged her. Soon they started exchanging their news.
'Ron what a lovely house! I must congratulate your dad. Gosh! I'd be scared stiff talking to the minister of magic. By the way how did you two do in your OWLS?' said Hermione.
'Bloody HELL!!!' shouted Ron, 'I've not checked my post in days. I'll go up immediately and get my grades. It's surprising that both mum and dad forgot'
'Just like him, isn't it', laughed Hermione looking towards Harry. 'Congratulations on becoming a prefect by the way. How were your OWLS?'
'Firstly thanks. Secondly I did rather well in my owls. At least by my standards. A's in Astronomy and Divination. E's in History of Magic and Potions. O's in all the others. What about you? Must be O's in all' replied Harry.
Hermione just smiled and nodded. Harry was hardly surprised. He congratulated her. There was no sign of Ron yet. Harry wondered what was happening. He went upstairs followed by Hermione. Ron was in his room with a dazed look on his face. Fearing the worst Harry spoke,
'What is it Ron?'
'I got an O in Potions'.
'That's amazing. How come you managed it?' said Harry thumping him on his back. 'What about the rest?'
'Others are all on expected lines. O in Care of Magical Creatures. A's in Divination and Astronomy. E's in all others'
'Congrats! Your mum will be very pleased', said Hermione, 'Lets go and tell her'
The three of them rushed down. Mrs. Weasley was indeed very pleased. She congratulated all three of them and promised a celebratory feast in the night. All the members would be invited plus some friends of the trio.
Fred and George started apparated to the houses of various people to invite them. Ginny and Hermione helped Mrs. Weasley with the cooking. Harry and Ron went to Diagon Alley for some shopping. The feast would be in the lawn. A large banner made by Ginny was put up. It read 'CONGRATULATIONS HARRY, HERMIONE AND RON'. A picture of the Gryffindor lion was drawn over the text. Hundreds of chairs and tables filled the lawn. Mr. Weasley arrived and arranged for the fireworks. Bill and Charlie decorated the entire place. Soon Harry and Ron arrived with large packs on their back. They had brought several butterbears, lots of sweets like the ones in Honeydukes, chickens, which were going to be roasted and many more. The preparation was soon over. The arrival of the guests was awaited.
Lupin and Tonks were the first to arrive. Kingsley, Moody, Mundungus and Fleur followed them. Bill got up and kissed Fleur on her cheek. The two of them had been dating for the past year. Many people believed that it would not be long before they would be married. Among the Hogwarts students who came were Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Parvati Patil, Padma Patil, Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, Colin Creevey, Denis Creevey and Susan Bones. Seamus Finnigan could not make it. Some old students also came. Among them were Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Lee Jordan. The Professors from Hogwarts were having a staff meeting, hence could not come.
Fred and George held a small presenting their latest inventions. Their friend Lee and Fred's girlfriend Angelina assisted them. This show caused tremendous laughter within the crowd. Denis Creevey was asked to eat an unsuspecting looking biscuit. A few minutes after he ate it his hair grew upto his waist, he had beard and spoke in devilish voice.
'A cigarette sir, just one cigarette', he asked a surprised Mr. Weasley.
A few people were asked to make speeches about the trio. Remus Lupin having been their teacher before praised all three of them immensely. Dean Thomas also spoke giving the perspective 'a person who's shared a dormitory with two thirds of the trio for five years'.
The food as usual was delicious. Harry thought that the new house had transformed Mrs. Weasley into the best cook in the world. There was roasted chicken and smoked ham. For desert there was Chocolate Cheesecake. This was mainly prepared by Hermione and Ginny. It was soon very late and people went back home.
Despite being very tired Harry, Ron and Hermione decided to spend some time chatting. They discussed who the defense against dark arts teacher could be. When it was time for bed Harry and Hermione made their way towards their bedroom. Hermione's room was right next to Harry's. Harry reached for the handle of his door but Hermione stopped him.
'Can I have a quick word with you Harry?'
'Sure', said Harry, walking into her room.
'First you must promise me not to tell this to anyone, not even Ron', said Hermione. As Harry nodded she continued, 'You know I disparately want to do well in quidditch. There will be three chasers' places up for grabs in the team and I want to try out for them. The problem is I can barely keep my balance on a broom. I know that you will be captain of our team and I'm NOT trying to get into the team through you. I wouldn't even dream of doing such a thing. But I was wondering if you could help me improve my flying skills so that I at least stand a chance'
Harry was amazed. Visualizing Hermione on a broomstick was impossible. But since she was his friend he willingly agreed.
'Sure Hermione. Since we are both prefects now we are allowed to stay up late. We can sneak under my invisibility cloak and go up to the field. There I can coach you for an hour or more. How will you buy your broomstick though?'
Hermione threw her arms around Harry. 'Thanks a lot Harry. It means a lot to me. I'll buy my broomstick the next time we go to Diagon Alley. Maybe you can keep Ron busy with something while a go and buy it. We'll think of a way. But please please don't tell anyone about this. You know how they'll laugh at me', she said, as she let go of him.
Harry nodded and went out of the room. His schedule seemed to be getting tighter and tighter since he was also planning to coach Colin.
After breakfast next morning Mr. Weasley went to work. Bill and Charlie soon followed but Fred and George decided to take a break for once. Unlike their attitude towards classes at Hogwarts they had been totally dedicated towards the progress of 'Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes'. They had toiled very hard to setup the shop in Hogsmede. Within a few it had overtaken Zonko's as the best joke shop. But today they decided to stay at home and enjoy the feel of their new home. They decided to have a game of quidditch. Ron was the common keeper. Harry and Fred took on George and Ginny. Whichever side scored more goals would win. So there were no bludgers or the golden snitch. After fierce competition for over two hours Harry and Fred prevailed. In the afternoon Mrs. Weasley once again provided a fabulous meal. Ron and Harry were now eagerly awaiting Hermione's arrival.
'Harry who will you choose as new beaters and chasers for the Gryffindor quidditch team?' asked Ron.
'Don't know for sure yet. Ginny will definitely be one of the chasers. I was very impressed with her today. She has got it in her. I also think Colin Creevey has the talent for being a good beater. He's just too hyperactive for comfort. You would almost expect him to try and photograph the bludger when it is trying to knock his head off', replied Harry.
Just as he finished there was a noise near the fireplace. Standing there with her usual smile was Hermione Granger. Harry and Ron went up and hugged her. Soon they started exchanging their news.
'Ron what a lovely house! I must congratulate your dad. Gosh! I'd be scared stiff talking to the minister of magic. By the way how did you two do in your OWLS?' said Hermione.
'Bloody HELL!!!' shouted Ron, 'I've not checked my post in days. I'll go up immediately and get my grades. It's surprising that both mum and dad forgot'
'Just like him, isn't it', laughed Hermione looking towards Harry. 'Congratulations on becoming a prefect by the way. How were your OWLS?'
'Firstly thanks. Secondly I did rather well in my owls. At least by my standards. A's in Astronomy and Divination. E's in History of Magic and Potions. O's in all the others. What about you? Must be O's in all' replied Harry.
Hermione just smiled and nodded. Harry was hardly surprised. He congratulated her. There was no sign of Ron yet. Harry wondered what was happening. He went upstairs followed by Hermione. Ron was in his room with a dazed look on his face. Fearing the worst Harry spoke,
'What is it Ron?'
'I got an O in Potions'.
'That's amazing. How come you managed it?' said Harry thumping him on his back. 'What about the rest?'
'Others are all on expected lines. O in Care of Magical Creatures. A's in Divination and Astronomy. E's in all others'
'Congrats! Your mum will be very pleased', said Hermione, 'Lets go and tell her'
The three of them rushed down. Mrs. Weasley was indeed very pleased. She congratulated all three of them and promised a celebratory feast in the night. All the members would be invited plus some friends of the trio.
Fred and George started apparated to the houses of various people to invite them. Ginny and Hermione helped Mrs. Weasley with the cooking. Harry and Ron went to Diagon Alley for some shopping. The feast would be in the lawn. A large banner made by Ginny was put up. It read 'CONGRATULATIONS HARRY, HERMIONE AND RON'. A picture of the Gryffindor lion was drawn over the text. Hundreds of chairs and tables filled the lawn. Mr. Weasley arrived and arranged for the fireworks. Bill and Charlie decorated the entire place. Soon Harry and Ron arrived with large packs on their back. They had brought several butterbears, lots of sweets like the ones in Honeydukes, chickens, which were going to be roasted and many more. The preparation was soon over. The arrival of the guests was awaited.
Lupin and Tonks were the first to arrive. Kingsley, Moody, Mundungus and Fleur followed them. Bill got up and kissed Fleur on her cheek. The two of them had been dating for the past year. Many people believed that it would not be long before they would be married. Among the Hogwarts students who came were Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Parvati Patil, Padma Patil, Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, Colin Creevey, Denis Creevey and Susan Bones. Seamus Finnigan could not make it. Some old students also came. Among them were Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Lee Jordan. The Professors from Hogwarts were having a staff meeting, hence could not come.
Fred and George held a small presenting their latest inventions. Their friend Lee and Fred's girlfriend Angelina assisted them. This show caused tremendous laughter within the crowd. Denis Creevey was asked to eat an unsuspecting looking biscuit. A few minutes after he ate it his hair grew upto his waist, he had beard and spoke in devilish voice.
'A cigarette sir, just one cigarette', he asked a surprised Mr. Weasley.
A few people were asked to make speeches about the trio. Remus Lupin having been their teacher before praised all three of them immensely. Dean Thomas also spoke giving the perspective 'a person who's shared a dormitory with two thirds of the trio for five years'.
The food as usual was delicious. Harry thought that the new house had transformed Mrs. Weasley into the best cook in the world. There was roasted chicken and smoked ham. For desert there was Chocolate Cheesecake. This was mainly prepared by Hermione and Ginny. It was soon very late and people went back home.
Despite being very tired Harry, Ron and Hermione decided to spend some time chatting. They discussed who the defense against dark arts teacher could be. When it was time for bed Harry and Hermione made their way towards their bedroom. Hermione's room was right next to Harry's. Harry reached for the handle of his door but Hermione stopped him.
'Can I have a quick word with you Harry?'
'Sure', said Harry, walking into her room.
'First you must promise me not to tell this to anyone, not even Ron', said Hermione. As Harry nodded she continued, 'You know I disparately want to do well in quidditch. There will be three chasers' places up for grabs in the team and I want to try out for them. The problem is I can barely keep my balance on a broom. I know that you will be captain of our team and I'm NOT trying to get into the team through you. I wouldn't even dream of doing such a thing. But I was wondering if you could help me improve my flying skills so that I at least stand a chance'
Harry was amazed. Visualizing Hermione on a broomstick was impossible. But since she was his friend he willingly agreed.
'Sure Hermione. Since we are both prefects now we are allowed to stay up late. We can sneak under my invisibility cloak and go up to the field. There I can coach you for an hour or more. How will you buy your broomstick though?'
Hermione threw her arms around Harry. 'Thanks a lot Harry. It means a lot to me. I'll buy my broomstick the next time we go to Diagon Alley. Maybe you can keep Ron busy with something while a go and buy it. We'll think of a way. But please please don't tell anyone about this. You know how they'll laugh at me', she said, as she let go of him.
Harry nodded and went out of the room. His schedule seemed to be getting tighter and tighter since he was also planning to coach Colin.