Hogwarts' First Musical
Rating: PG Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairing: R/Hr, perhaps more later
Disclaimer: All characters and setting belong to J.K. Rowling. We receive no profit from this. Only the OC (Professor Letalis) belongs to us. Moulin Rouge doesn't belong to us either.
A/N: Wheee! We're back! So sorry about the 2 month delay. Also, when we uploaded Chapter 6 we had some problems, so go back and make sure you actually read Chapter 6 before proceeding to Chapter 7, okay? Thank you so much for sticking with us. School's almost out, we're done this week, so updates will come much more regularly, we promise! Now, enjoy this installment of Hogwarts' First Musical! We're quite proud of it.
"Did you hear?" Hermione murmured as she slid into her chair in the Great Hall.
"Hear what?" Harry asked. Ron just moaned from the muffin his face had fallen into.
"Oh, Harry, it's just awful. Lupin's in the Hospital Wing! Tonks was outside the common room, sniffling and carrying on. I thought it was something ridiculous, but she told me Lupin's really ill." Hermione glances at Ron. "Oh, Ron, really. At least try to stay awake. You have crumbs in your hair." Hermione reached over to brush them off his fringe, but he jerked away.
"Mmpf," Ron replied smartly.
Harry and Hermione stared at him for a moment before Harry got up. "We'd better go see him right away. Pomfrey may still be half asleep; perhaps we can still sneak by her."
With that, they finished breakfast quickly and, pulling Ron out of his, headed straight for the Hospital Wing. Things looked positive since neither Hermione nor Harry could hear Madame Pomfrey bustling about and administering concoctions to her patients. But Ron heard something else.
"Hey, did you hear that?" he asked, perturbed.
"Hear what?" Hermione said irritably. Ron had been absolutely sluggish all morning. She figured it was simply his overactive imagination. Either that or he'd gone mad.
"Voices," he slurred. He leaned his head against the door and squinted his eyes closed tight. He seemed to be straining, but his face brightened suddenly. He pulled out a pair of Extendable Ears.
Hermione looked disapproving, but Harry just grinned. Ron shrugged. "Fred and George 'left' some in my room. Didn't think I'd use them. Handy now, though."
He handed one to Harry, and they both listened while Hermione looked on with an expression between exasperation and anxiety.
"Well?" she questioned quietly.
"Sounds like Professor Letalis," Harry whispered back.
Ron had his eyes closed once more with knitted brows. He looked rather silly, and Hermione turned away to hide her giggle. She whipped back around when Ron began to speak.
"Oh, Remus. Where did we go wrong?" A long silence. "You never would listen to me. Always Potter and Black. Never me." Harry looked extremely startled to hear his dad and godfather's names. Letalis had known them? "I am only trying to protect you. But you just won't allow it."
Ron looked incredulous after he finished mimicking Letalis' speech. "What?" Hermione hissed.
"She's crying, Hermione."
They all sat in dumbfounded silence. "Listen some more," Hermione whispered. "She may say something else."
Ron and Harry leaned reluctantly against the wall.
"-hurt you. May even kill you. It's your own fault. There's nothing I can do for you now, Remus. I tried and tried. I even came to Hogwart's just to warn you. Maybe even save you. But you were gone, and now he wants you. He won't stop until he does."
The crying magnified into steady weeping, and any other words were lost in Letalis' tears.
A minute later, Madame Pomfrey's sharp boots sounded across until they stopped directly by the sound of the weeping.
"Dear-" Madame Pomfrey's began gently, "It's almost time for classes to begin. You must pull yourself together. Besides- the Tonks woman is practically beating down the door to come in. She has nothing better to do than make a scene." Madame Pomfrey sniffs almost inaudibly.
"Thank you Madame-"
"Poppy, dear. You're staff so civility can be stopped."
"Thank you, Poppy. I really appreciate you letting me stay with him."
"I'm sure he would too."
Letalis mumbled in embarrassment and walked out quickly. Ron and Harry heard Pomfrey sigh and then Tonks' unmistakable "Hey there, Pops! Where's the poor guy today?"
The boys took the Ears off the walls and stood slowly. Hermione watched them intently. "Well?"
"Well-" Ron started.
"You don't think this has anything to do with what I saw?" Harry interrupted, worry coloring his voice.
"To the library, now," Hermione replied tightly.
After getting past Madame Pince's watchful eye, "A little early for study, is it not?", the group sat down in a secluded corner to put together everything they'd learned so far about the situation between Lupin and Letalis.
"It appears that Letalis is controlling Lupin," Hermione began.
"Whoa, hold on there. Controlling him? How? With her irresistible charm?" Ron asked disbelievingly and Harry snorted.
"No, with her mind, Ron. Honestly. Do you ever listen in class?"
Ron looked sheepish. "Is that what your sudden outburst was about, Hermione?"
She nodded tersely. "I read a book I'd checked out from the library on mind control and read up on it. The symptoms you described in Lupin, Harry, are identical to the one listed in the book."
They sat in silence.
"But, Hermione, why would Professor Letalis want to have that kind of power over Lupin?" Harry asked in apparent confusion.
Hermione looked at him seriously.
"Oh no, you can't be serious. Hermione, really. Professor Letalis wouldn't give Lupin over to You-Know-Who," Ron snorted, as if the idea was completely preposterous.
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting, Ron. I mean, after what she's said and what we're learning in class-"
"Why would she teach us the very thing that she was using?"
"Maybe she thinks the dramatic irony would be amusing before it all came out."
"Oh come on, Hermione. You make her sound like a mad witch."
"Well, maybe she is! Ron, remember how Lupin hinted at his being a werewolf throughout third year? Why shouldn't Letalis do the same?"
"Hermione, werewolves were in his curriculum. Plus being a werewolf isn't quite as bad as being a spy for the Dark Lord!"
"You just refuse to see it. Why are you protecting Letalis, Ron? She could be hurting Lupin!"
"She said she was trying to help him!"
"To see that Voldemort and his Death Eaters will conquer! She could be mad, Ron. She may twistedly believe that getting Lupin on her side will protect him."
"She's on our side, Hermione."
Harry had been sitting quietly and now he spoke calmly, "What if she's right, Ron? She came in here with no one knowing a thing about her. She's a powerful Witch and Elf, exactly the kind of person Voldemort would want on his side. She's distracted us from war planning and the D.A. with the play and all her homework. Perhaps she's giving us a false sense of security, mate."
Ron looked shocked. "I can't believe it. You both are so- suspicious! Letalis is giving us something to take our minds of the deaths out there and the impending War! All the while, she's teaching us important Dark magic to defend ourselves again when the time comes. She's trying to help us."
"Then what's going on between her and Lupin, Ron?"
"They're old friends. She's worried about him, of course. He's been out there, working for the Order and in danger constantly. She's probably discussing tactics all the while only wishing he'd stay out of harms way."
"That's a particularly romantic view for old friends, Ron."
"Yeah, well, apparently you don't know that much about them," he replied hotly. With that, Ron marched out of the library, causing Madame Pince's lips to curl as he boomed past.
"You're in a library, Mr. Weas-" she began right as Ron slammed the door.
"Well, I declare!" She exclaimed, wondering what in the world had sent Mr. Weasley out in such a fashion.
Hermione heaved a deep sigh and rubbed her temples. Harry looped an arm around her shoulders. "We'll pull through, Hermione. Like always. And I hope to Jupiter and back that Ron's right."
"So do I, Harry. So do I." They sat in silence, leaning on each other.
"We probably should try to act as normal as possible around Professor Letalis," Hermione mumbled.
"Yeah, we don't want her to think we suspect her. There's too many people she could hurt."
"And I still want to have time to prove our theory wrong."
After that, the two walked gripping each other's hands in support out of the library.
Madame Pince saw their interlocked fingers. "Ah. That would explain it," she said as the door shut quietly behind them.
...
Ron Weasley stormed through Hogwarts, rapidly making his way to Gryffindor Tower. Muttering all the way, he wondered why he had gotten so upset at Hermione's suggestion, though he knew the answer.
Ron had gotten very few hours of sleep since the play had started. The strangely beautiful woman was still haunting his dreams. Every night he went to bed, waiting for sleep to come. As soon as it did, the woman was there, always there and waiting for him. She seemed to be pulling him in, leaving him physically drained, even if he slept the entire night.
Ron reached his bedroom quarters and collapsed on his bed. It was only noon, yet already he felt exhausted. He knew he had to be up by five, since the cast and crew were supposed to watch the cinematic version of Moulin Rouge.
Ron was afraid to close his eyes and slip into an unconscious state, as he knew who would be waiting for him in the dark. She was always there, why would today be any different? His exhaustion slowly won over, and he gave in to the shadowy waves of sleep.
Bright colors swirled around him, dancers in exotic costumes and, of course, Ron's mystery woman. Once her eyes fell on him, she smiled, and motioned for him to come over. As always, he did as she asked. Her face clung to his mind with familiarity, yet he couldn't place her.
As the woman snaked into Ron's arms, he led her in dance as the others continued to twirl around them, oblivious of the couple in the middle of the room. The music grew louder, and the dancers hurried up their previously ponderous pace. Quickly everyone worked up into a sparkling hurricane to keep up with the music. Ron concentrated on the woman's eyes, searching for a name in them, but as soon as he felt he had a grasp on her elusive identity, a loud bellowing woke him up.
"Ron! Oi, are you planning on lying there like Trevor all day?" Seamus yelled as he stood over Ron's bed. Dean stood close by, shaking his head in disapproval. All three of them looked over at Trevor who had sunk deep into Neville's down pillow.
"I never knew toads snored," Ron groaned.
"We have to get over to the theatre to watch the movie! Now." Since Dean was Muggle-born, he was one of the few students who completely understood exactly what they'd be seeing. The others seemed apprehensive and mystified and spoke in hushed undertones of the actors jumping out at you. Poor Neville had been terrified when Malfoy and his cronies talked about one that beheaded people if they didn't watch the entire thing properly.
Of course, any student who knew otherwise kept quiet and smiled delightedly together when they could get away from the probing questions. Ron had been so concerned, he even asked Harry about it. Harry had decided after torturing Ron with the thought of delicious food floating right out of reach to tell him the truth.
"So, it just sits there in the screen then?"
"That's all, Ron."
"Well, that's no fun."
"I'm coming," Ron replied sleepily, shaking off his reverie and slowly opening his eyes. Though he had slept for hours, he felt even more fatigued than before. He rolled out of bed, rubbing his eyes and followed the boys down the stairs.
Harry and Hermione were waiting for him in the common room. Hermione spotted him first and smiled timidly.
"Hi, Ron, are you feeling better? You didn't seem to be yourself earlier."
"I'm fine," he snapped. "Let's go."
Hermione's smile disappeared, and her eyes seemed suspiciously wet. She wiped away the invisible tears quickly. "All right," she said, forcing a smile that looked like a grimace. The three made their way toward the door.
Once they reached the theatre, they found it full of other sixth and seventh year students, chatting excitedly about the mysterious "movie."
"Where's it going to come from?"
"What do you suppose Americans look like?
"I wonder what all of it will look like!"
"You really think they'll come out and eat us?"
"Neville, I'm not sure there are any monsters in this movie."
"Well. You never know."
Hermione shook her head, a real smile returning inch by inch as everyone introduced one preposterous idea after another. After thinking for a moment, however, she had a question of her own.
"How are they going to use the telly? Muggle electronics don't work on Hogwarts grounds."
"I don't know," Harry replied absently. His attention was elsewhere, focused on the redhead who had just ran into a chair. Exactly how long had Ron had those dark circles? Harry was beginning to worry for his friend, though he didn't know how to approach him. It wasn't usually Ron that needed approaching; Harry fulfilled that position quite adequately. He wasn't equipped to deal with this inverse situation.
Letalis entered, interrupting Harry's musings.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Soon we will start the movie, and there shouldn't be any problems. I was planning on watching with you, but I have prior engagements that should be attended, and I must leave. However, I'm leaving you in very capable hands. Please behave as you would for me. Thank you," she finished as she exited quickly.
A device rolled out on its own, looking exactly like a rather old Muggle television, if it weren't for the undeniable fact that it was rolling without anyone pushing it. The Muggleborn students looked at each other in vague confusion, as the rest of the students watched spellbound. The television came to a stop in the middle of the room.
A picture quickly came onto the screen, causing many students to jump back but then let out a chorus of oohs and ahs.
"All right then," the television spoke sullenly, surprising nearly everyone in the room. "I'm here to show you this bloody movie, so let's get on with it, shall we?"
"Oh, that's how it's going to work! We're not watching a real television," Hermione said, her enthusiasm in figuring it out coming off a bit too loudly.
"And what exactly is it that makes me unreal?" the television shot back.
Hermione blushed heavily. "I didn't mean unreal, I just meant, well, rea-I mean, Muggle televisions don't talk," Hermione explained, somewhat apologetic.
"Well! I have never," the television started indignantly, "been so insulted in all my days. Just because I am slightly different, no, better, than a Muggle telly I am forced to suffer this, this INJUSTICE!"
"I wasn't-"
"A filthy accusation! A crime against the arts! Destruction before cinematic perfection! A-"
"Could we please begin the movie?" came a long, drawling voice that could only belong to Draco Malfoy. "With all due respect, Miss-Telly, I would like to finish this movie in my lifetime."
Everyone slowly turned to look back at the television, curious to see its reaction. Strangely enough, there was none. The static turned a rosy pink. The room was silent for a moment. This silence was broken with the movie beginning, much to the delight of the students.
"This is just like magic!" Lavender whispered breathlessly to a giggling Parvati. Ron rolled his eyes and commented about a certain DADA teacher. Harry smiled, glad to see Ron behaving like his old self.
As the movie went on, the students had a great time sizing up the actors who played their characters. They recognized themselves immediately because the character sketches had gone so well.
Neville was devastated. "I can never do that! He's funny and moves perfectly!" He looked utterly defeated.
"Plus, he's built, and you're a tub of lard," Draco added helpfully.
Ginny's hand came down like an avenging angel on Draco's slick head. A silent "ow" issued from his mouth, and Ginny muttered, "Watch it, Malfoy."
Neville cheered significantly.
"Ooh, Ron, you're devilishly good-looking!" Parvati exclaimed. Lavender nodded her head in agreement without taking her eyes off the wonder that was Ewan McGregor. Ron smiled because somehow the comment inflated his ego a bit, although he and the Christian bloke looked nothing alike. Harry and Hermione took notice of the small smile and sank back into their seats, feeling a bit relieved.
Draco Malfoy interrupted the adoring sighs of the female audience to sputter resentfully.
"That is not me!" came his horrified response at seeing the Duke for the first time. "He looks like a rat! I do not look like a rat."
"Ferret more like it," Ron murmured, earning chuckles from the other Gryffindor boys.
The girls, however, reassured Draco swiftly. "We're so lucky to have a handsome Duke. It's no fun when royalty is unattractive."
Hermione snorted. "I suppose having bumbling, beautiful idiots on the throne is preferable to actual political leaders?"
"Are you calling me an idiot?" Draco asked in offense, but everyone ignored him.
The girls looked startled. "Well. No one likes politicians. Everyone likes pretty people."
"I suppose Malfoy is the only exception to that rule," Harry said dryly. Ron snickered.
Draco looked incredulous. "Potter, did you just admit that I'm pretty?"
Harry started choking so hard, Ron went to get him a glass of water.
"Well, look at us, Harry," Ginny sighed heavily. "We're the prostitutes and we look like badly made dolls in rags. We're not exactly pretty."
"That's why this play will be twice as good. Pretty prostitutes are in short supply, but we have them," Draco winked at the surrounding girls saucily.
"Huh. A pretty face gets you paid," Ginny pondered out loud.
"And-" Draco began, but loud hushing cut him off.
The girls giggled till another round of hushing ensued.
"You think we could get Potter and Weasley to switch parts? I mean, Weasley's got the flaming hair and manic glint in his eyes. And well, Potter has got dark hair."
"Or maybe," Ron began sarcastically, "we could get Goyle to be Zidler since he's got a gut, and I'll just pummel your face into-"
"Or," Draco continued, ignoring Ron and purring softly, "I could be Christian because I've got a dazzling voice and a certain- chemistry with Granger. I thought some French snogging during our scenes together would be enough, however," he grinned maliciously, "Granger seems to want more."
Hermione whipped around, her blush hidden by the darkened room. "Draco Malfoy, if you do not cease your incessant commenting, the first love scene we must perform I will bite your tongue clear off and spit it out to the audience. Is that perfectly clear?"
Ginny leaned over and whispered loudly, "Better not, Hermione. He might like that."
Everyone exploded into giggles, and Harry put an arm around Hermione in attempt to keep her fists from flying into the next mouth that spoke.
A few people gasped, and Ron looked at them in confusion.
What? He mused to himself. Harry's just keeping Hermione from going on a homicidal warpath. Not as if anyone else would have the stomach for it.
As the movie progressed, an indescribable feeling came over the students. Seeing it all come together beautifully gave them a bit of hope, now knowing what they could be if they worked hard enough.
Ron, however, was filled with a completely different feeling. It was a feeling of familiarity. As he watched the movie, he couldn't help feeling like he had been there before, but he couldn't quite remember when or why.
The end of the movie was met with tremendous applause and a few tears. The television spoke for one last time, only to tell the students to go back to their respective common rooms, before rolling herself miserably backstage.
"Well, I really enjoyed that, didn't you guys?" Hermione said, happy that the tension between the three of them had lessened greatly with the events in the theater.
"I don't know. I seem like a bit of a pansy," Ron said playfully.
Hermione laughed as Harry added, "Well, what about you, 'Mione? You do seem to get around, don't you?"
"Well, Harry, that is generally the idea behind prostitution, isn't it?" Hermione said through her giggles.
As the trio went along, laughing, they all felt a sense of release. They had worked out their problems from the library that morning without even having to talk about it, which was fine by everyone, especially Ron.
However, Hermione stopped so quickly, Ron and Harry bumped into her, almost dog-piling on the floor. Ron opened his mouth to rag on Hermione, but she held a finger to her lips and motioned in front of them. Tonks and Letalis were standing outside the hospital wing, both glaring at each other very angrily. The three hid around the corner, sensing immediately their presence would not be appreciated.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, Gilraen," Tonks spat furiously. The trio had never heard her speak in such a vicious manner.
"I don't know what you mean," Letalis replied slowly.
"Oh, sure. Go ahead and play dumb Elf. There's something wrong with Remus, and whatever you're doing isn't helping. If that's even your intent, I mean. Everyone else may think that your special talent is wonderful, but you don't fool me so easily. I think you're really trying to hurt him, and I won't stand for it!"
Hermione looked at the other two, too frightened to say 'I told you so.'
"Well, Nymphadora, what are you doing to try to help, hm?" Tonks stared at Letalis with unalderated fury in her eyes, her hair changing into a vivid red with a small pop. "As I expected. Unless you come up with something better, I will continue with my duty because I am a professional. I swore an oath to Dumbledore. And I won't leave until it has been completed. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
With that, Letalis turned with a snap of her cloak and walked away briskly. Before she had left the hallway she turned around and said heatedly, "Do not think you are the only one here who cares for Remus. If you are under that assumption, I think you will find yourself gravely mistaken."
Gradually, the trio turned around, deciding to go the long way back to Gryffindor Tower. Once they reached the common room, they sat stiffly in their regular places by the fire. By that time in the evening, only a few first years remained, and after the trio had stared at them long enough, they took the hint and went up to bed.
Secure in the thought that they were alone, Hermione looked at her friends in consternation before beginning. "I told you, Ron! She's using her power to hurt Lupin! You heard what Tonks said!"
"Hermione, since when is Tonks a completely reliable source? Remember when she claimed Winky was trying to kill her, and it turned out Winky had forgotten to take a darning needle out of her sock? She's a better drama queen than half our cast! She was wrong then, and she's wrong now."
"How do you know that, Ron? How can we be sure?" Hermione cried.
"Would Dumbledore really hire someone in league with You-Know-Who? Hermione, be sensible. It's usually me who thinks everyone has evil intention. This is quite a reversal of roles," Ron said, trying to end the argument as calmly as he could manage.
"He's hired evil before! Professor Quirrel, Professor Moody! Well, kind of..."
"Would you just shut your mouth? I don't have time to deal with this right now! On top of schoolwork, and the fact that I can't- well, I'm not- it doesn't matter. I can't think about the possibility of an evil she-Elf trying to turn Lupin at the moment!" Ron yelled, standing up so hastily that he knocked the chess set over, causing Hermione to jump and pieces to scatter, who then moaned and yelled curses at them both.
Ron opened his mouth, seemed to think better of it, and ran upstairs to his room. Harry and Hermione heard a door slam and then silence.
"What did I say?" Hermione said quietly, obviously on the verge of unsuppressed tears. "Why did he yell at me like that?" she continued, sobbing softly.
"I have no idea. Oh, Hermione, don't cry. Come here," was all that Harry replied. Hermione climbed next to him on the couch and rested her head on his shoulder, falling asleep almost instantly. "I have no idea," Harry repeated to himself, staring into the crackling fireplace.
...
Always a light sleeper, Lavender Brown had awakened to hear the raised voices downstairs. She was quite annoyed and covered her head with her pillow, waiting for them to stop. When they didn't, she tried to hear what was going on. After a startling door slam sent her bolt right up, she decided to go see for herself what had happened.
As she made her way down the stairs, she wondered what could possibly be happening. Near the bottom of the staircase she halted in surprise, her slipper dangling above the landing. She saw Hermione sleeping with her head on Harry's shoulder. Harry's arm rest around Hermione, and he was staring off to the side. Lavender realized that they hadn't noticed her, and she flew upstairs, eager to divulge her newfound information.
"Parvati!" she hissed, shaking her friend awake.
"What?" Parvati replied groggily. "Where am I? What time is it?"
"Forget about the time and the place, wake up! I have very interesting news," Lavender said excitedly before proceeding to explain what she saw in the common room. "Oh, this goes perfectly with what Madame Pince told me."
"What?"
"Madame Pince! She had been mumbling about the lack of respect for libraries and the awful public displays of affection. I asked her what she meant, and she told me that she saw Harry and Hermione leave the library holding hands, after she had seen Ron leave terribly upset! What do you think it means?"
"I think it means...what are you doing gossiping with Madame Pince?" Parvati exclaimed, suddenly horrified.
"We've had a little deal going on since fifth year, when I realized what a goldmine the library was for juicy information! You know, that's where Viktor started talking to Hermione. If only I had spent more time in the library, right? Basically, I bring Madame Pince my old copies of Witch Weekly since she says the staff would make fun of her for buying them. You know, since they're addressed to me, she can always just say I left them in the library. In exchange, she tells me about all the great happenings of Hogwarts! And students thought the library was safe. That's how I found out about that time where Neville and Luna-"
"Stop!" Parvati squealed. "Okay, first of all- EW! Neville and Luna? And second, I thought Hermione liked Ron."
"I know, I thought so too. That's what she told us, right? Maybe she changed her mind, finally seeing that Harry is much better looking, of course," Lavender replied somberly.
"Now, I've always found Ron to be cuter, even if he is a dunderhead for not realizing Hermione liked him-" Parvati began, "Anyway, what do you think we should do about Hermione and Harry?"
"Well, obviously, we must follow them around. You know, spy to figure out what's going on, for everyone's safety," Lavender said matter-of-factly.
"Why don't we just ask Hermione?" Parvati asked.
"Because that would be rude."
"What, and spying and eavesdropping isn't?" Parvati asked, unconvinced.
"Well, at least this way she doesn't know we're being rude!" Lavender rationalized.
"Okay, well, can this at least wait until morning?"
"Of course. Good night."
"'Night."
"Parvati?"
"What, Lavender?"
"I always thought Ron and Hermione would be a darling couple."
"So did I. Now go to sleep."
They turned out their lights and soon fell asleep, dreaming of all the delicious gossip only they had in their possession. Tomorrow was a big day.
Elsewhere in Hogwarts, no one heard the howl of a werewolf writhing in pain.
Rating: PG Genre: Romance/Comedy
Pairing: R/Hr, perhaps more later
Disclaimer: All characters and setting belong to J.K. Rowling. We receive no profit from this. Only the OC (Professor Letalis) belongs to us. Moulin Rouge doesn't belong to us either.
A/N: Wheee! We're back! So sorry about the 2 month delay. Also, when we uploaded Chapter 6 we had some problems, so go back and make sure you actually read Chapter 6 before proceeding to Chapter 7, okay? Thank you so much for sticking with us. School's almost out, we're done this week, so updates will come much more regularly, we promise! Now, enjoy this installment of Hogwarts' First Musical! We're quite proud of it.
"Did you hear?" Hermione murmured as she slid into her chair in the Great Hall.
"Hear what?" Harry asked. Ron just moaned from the muffin his face had fallen into.
"Oh, Harry, it's just awful. Lupin's in the Hospital Wing! Tonks was outside the common room, sniffling and carrying on. I thought it was something ridiculous, but she told me Lupin's really ill." Hermione glances at Ron. "Oh, Ron, really. At least try to stay awake. You have crumbs in your hair." Hermione reached over to brush them off his fringe, but he jerked away.
"Mmpf," Ron replied smartly.
Harry and Hermione stared at him for a moment before Harry got up. "We'd better go see him right away. Pomfrey may still be half asleep; perhaps we can still sneak by her."
With that, they finished breakfast quickly and, pulling Ron out of his, headed straight for the Hospital Wing. Things looked positive since neither Hermione nor Harry could hear Madame Pomfrey bustling about and administering concoctions to her patients. But Ron heard something else.
"Hey, did you hear that?" he asked, perturbed.
"Hear what?" Hermione said irritably. Ron had been absolutely sluggish all morning. She figured it was simply his overactive imagination. Either that or he'd gone mad.
"Voices," he slurred. He leaned his head against the door and squinted his eyes closed tight. He seemed to be straining, but his face brightened suddenly. He pulled out a pair of Extendable Ears.
Hermione looked disapproving, but Harry just grinned. Ron shrugged. "Fred and George 'left' some in my room. Didn't think I'd use them. Handy now, though."
He handed one to Harry, and they both listened while Hermione looked on with an expression between exasperation and anxiety.
"Well?" she questioned quietly.
"Sounds like Professor Letalis," Harry whispered back.
Ron had his eyes closed once more with knitted brows. He looked rather silly, and Hermione turned away to hide her giggle. She whipped back around when Ron began to speak.
"Oh, Remus. Where did we go wrong?" A long silence. "You never would listen to me. Always Potter and Black. Never me." Harry looked extremely startled to hear his dad and godfather's names. Letalis had known them? "I am only trying to protect you. But you just won't allow it."
Ron looked incredulous after he finished mimicking Letalis' speech. "What?" Hermione hissed.
"She's crying, Hermione."
They all sat in dumbfounded silence. "Listen some more," Hermione whispered. "She may say something else."
Ron and Harry leaned reluctantly against the wall.
"-hurt you. May even kill you. It's your own fault. There's nothing I can do for you now, Remus. I tried and tried. I even came to Hogwart's just to warn you. Maybe even save you. But you were gone, and now he wants you. He won't stop until he does."
The crying magnified into steady weeping, and any other words were lost in Letalis' tears.
A minute later, Madame Pomfrey's sharp boots sounded across until they stopped directly by the sound of the weeping.
"Dear-" Madame Pomfrey's began gently, "It's almost time for classes to begin. You must pull yourself together. Besides- the Tonks woman is practically beating down the door to come in. She has nothing better to do than make a scene." Madame Pomfrey sniffs almost inaudibly.
"Thank you Madame-"
"Poppy, dear. You're staff so civility can be stopped."
"Thank you, Poppy. I really appreciate you letting me stay with him."
"I'm sure he would too."
Letalis mumbled in embarrassment and walked out quickly. Ron and Harry heard Pomfrey sigh and then Tonks' unmistakable "Hey there, Pops! Where's the poor guy today?"
The boys took the Ears off the walls and stood slowly. Hermione watched them intently. "Well?"
"Well-" Ron started.
"You don't think this has anything to do with what I saw?" Harry interrupted, worry coloring his voice.
"To the library, now," Hermione replied tightly.
After getting past Madame Pince's watchful eye, "A little early for study, is it not?", the group sat down in a secluded corner to put together everything they'd learned so far about the situation between Lupin and Letalis.
"It appears that Letalis is controlling Lupin," Hermione began.
"Whoa, hold on there. Controlling him? How? With her irresistible charm?" Ron asked disbelievingly and Harry snorted.
"No, with her mind, Ron. Honestly. Do you ever listen in class?"
Ron looked sheepish. "Is that what your sudden outburst was about, Hermione?"
She nodded tersely. "I read a book I'd checked out from the library on mind control and read up on it. The symptoms you described in Lupin, Harry, are identical to the one listed in the book."
They sat in silence.
"But, Hermione, why would Professor Letalis want to have that kind of power over Lupin?" Harry asked in apparent confusion.
Hermione looked at him seriously.
"Oh no, you can't be serious. Hermione, really. Professor Letalis wouldn't give Lupin over to You-Know-Who," Ron snorted, as if the idea was completely preposterous.
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting, Ron. I mean, after what she's said and what we're learning in class-"
"Why would she teach us the very thing that she was using?"
"Maybe she thinks the dramatic irony would be amusing before it all came out."
"Oh come on, Hermione. You make her sound like a mad witch."
"Well, maybe she is! Ron, remember how Lupin hinted at his being a werewolf throughout third year? Why shouldn't Letalis do the same?"
"Hermione, werewolves were in his curriculum. Plus being a werewolf isn't quite as bad as being a spy for the Dark Lord!"
"You just refuse to see it. Why are you protecting Letalis, Ron? She could be hurting Lupin!"
"She said she was trying to help him!"
"To see that Voldemort and his Death Eaters will conquer! She could be mad, Ron. She may twistedly believe that getting Lupin on her side will protect him."
"She's on our side, Hermione."
Harry had been sitting quietly and now he spoke calmly, "What if she's right, Ron? She came in here with no one knowing a thing about her. She's a powerful Witch and Elf, exactly the kind of person Voldemort would want on his side. She's distracted us from war planning and the D.A. with the play and all her homework. Perhaps she's giving us a false sense of security, mate."
Ron looked shocked. "I can't believe it. You both are so- suspicious! Letalis is giving us something to take our minds of the deaths out there and the impending War! All the while, she's teaching us important Dark magic to defend ourselves again when the time comes. She's trying to help us."
"Then what's going on between her and Lupin, Ron?"
"They're old friends. She's worried about him, of course. He's been out there, working for the Order and in danger constantly. She's probably discussing tactics all the while only wishing he'd stay out of harms way."
"That's a particularly romantic view for old friends, Ron."
"Yeah, well, apparently you don't know that much about them," he replied hotly. With that, Ron marched out of the library, causing Madame Pince's lips to curl as he boomed past.
"You're in a library, Mr. Weas-" she began right as Ron slammed the door.
"Well, I declare!" She exclaimed, wondering what in the world had sent Mr. Weasley out in such a fashion.
Hermione heaved a deep sigh and rubbed her temples. Harry looped an arm around her shoulders. "We'll pull through, Hermione. Like always. And I hope to Jupiter and back that Ron's right."
"So do I, Harry. So do I." They sat in silence, leaning on each other.
"We probably should try to act as normal as possible around Professor Letalis," Hermione mumbled.
"Yeah, we don't want her to think we suspect her. There's too many people she could hurt."
"And I still want to have time to prove our theory wrong."
After that, the two walked gripping each other's hands in support out of the library.
Madame Pince saw their interlocked fingers. "Ah. That would explain it," she said as the door shut quietly behind them.
...
Ron Weasley stormed through Hogwarts, rapidly making his way to Gryffindor Tower. Muttering all the way, he wondered why he had gotten so upset at Hermione's suggestion, though he knew the answer.
Ron had gotten very few hours of sleep since the play had started. The strangely beautiful woman was still haunting his dreams. Every night he went to bed, waiting for sleep to come. As soon as it did, the woman was there, always there and waiting for him. She seemed to be pulling him in, leaving him physically drained, even if he slept the entire night.
Ron reached his bedroom quarters and collapsed on his bed. It was only noon, yet already he felt exhausted. He knew he had to be up by five, since the cast and crew were supposed to watch the cinematic version of Moulin Rouge.
Ron was afraid to close his eyes and slip into an unconscious state, as he knew who would be waiting for him in the dark. She was always there, why would today be any different? His exhaustion slowly won over, and he gave in to the shadowy waves of sleep.
Bright colors swirled around him, dancers in exotic costumes and, of course, Ron's mystery woman. Once her eyes fell on him, she smiled, and motioned for him to come over. As always, he did as she asked. Her face clung to his mind with familiarity, yet he couldn't place her.
As the woman snaked into Ron's arms, he led her in dance as the others continued to twirl around them, oblivious of the couple in the middle of the room. The music grew louder, and the dancers hurried up their previously ponderous pace. Quickly everyone worked up into a sparkling hurricane to keep up with the music. Ron concentrated on the woman's eyes, searching for a name in them, but as soon as he felt he had a grasp on her elusive identity, a loud bellowing woke him up.
"Ron! Oi, are you planning on lying there like Trevor all day?" Seamus yelled as he stood over Ron's bed. Dean stood close by, shaking his head in disapproval. All three of them looked over at Trevor who had sunk deep into Neville's down pillow.
"I never knew toads snored," Ron groaned.
"We have to get over to the theatre to watch the movie! Now." Since Dean was Muggle-born, he was one of the few students who completely understood exactly what they'd be seeing. The others seemed apprehensive and mystified and spoke in hushed undertones of the actors jumping out at you. Poor Neville had been terrified when Malfoy and his cronies talked about one that beheaded people if they didn't watch the entire thing properly.
Of course, any student who knew otherwise kept quiet and smiled delightedly together when they could get away from the probing questions. Ron had been so concerned, he even asked Harry about it. Harry had decided after torturing Ron with the thought of delicious food floating right out of reach to tell him the truth.
"So, it just sits there in the screen then?"
"That's all, Ron."
"Well, that's no fun."
"I'm coming," Ron replied sleepily, shaking off his reverie and slowly opening his eyes. Though he had slept for hours, he felt even more fatigued than before. He rolled out of bed, rubbing his eyes and followed the boys down the stairs.
Harry and Hermione were waiting for him in the common room. Hermione spotted him first and smiled timidly.
"Hi, Ron, are you feeling better? You didn't seem to be yourself earlier."
"I'm fine," he snapped. "Let's go."
Hermione's smile disappeared, and her eyes seemed suspiciously wet. She wiped away the invisible tears quickly. "All right," she said, forcing a smile that looked like a grimace. The three made their way toward the door.
Once they reached the theatre, they found it full of other sixth and seventh year students, chatting excitedly about the mysterious "movie."
"Where's it going to come from?"
"What do you suppose Americans look like?
"I wonder what all of it will look like!"
"You really think they'll come out and eat us?"
"Neville, I'm not sure there are any monsters in this movie."
"Well. You never know."
Hermione shook her head, a real smile returning inch by inch as everyone introduced one preposterous idea after another. After thinking for a moment, however, she had a question of her own.
"How are they going to use the telly? Muggle electronics don't work on Hogwarts grounds."
"I don't know," Harry replied absently. His attention was elsewhere, focused on the redhead who had just ran into a chair. Exactly how long had Ron had those dark circles? Harry was beginning to worry for his friend, though he didn't know how to approach him. It wasn't usually Ron that needed approaching; Harry fulfilled that position quite adequately. He wasn't equipped to deal with this inverse situation.
Letalis entered, interrupting Harry's musings.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Soon we will start the movie, and there shouldn't be any problems. I was planning on watching with you, but I have prior engagements that should be attended, and I must leave. However, I'm leaving you in very capable hands. Please behave as you would for me. Thank you," she finished as she exited quickly.
A device rolled out on its own, looking exactly like a rather old Muggle television, if it weren't for the undeniable fact that it was rolling without anyone pushing it. The Muggleborn students looked at each other in vague confusion, as the rest of the students watched spellbound. The television came to a stop in the middle of the room.
A picture quickly came onto the screen, causing many students to jump back but then let out a chorus of oohs and ahs.
"All right then," the television spoke sullenly, surprising nearly everyone in the room. "I'm here to show you this bloody movie, so let's get on with it, shall we?"
"Oh, that's how it's going to work! We're not watching a real television," Hermione said, her enthusiasm in figuring it out coming off a bit too loudly.
"And what exactly is it that makes me unreal?" the television shot back.
Hermione blushed heavily. "I didn't mean unreal, I just meant, well, rea-I mean, Muggle televisions don't talk," Hermione explained, somewhat apologetic.
"Well! I have never," the television started indignantly, "been so insulted in all my days. Just because I am slightly different, no, better, than a Muggle telly I am forced to suffer this, this INJUSTICE!"
"I wasn't-"
"A filthy accusation! A crime against the arts! Destruction before cinematic perfection! A-"
"Could we please begin the movie?" came a long, drawling voice that could only belong to Draco Malfoy. "With all due respect, Miss-Telly, I would like to finish this movie in my lifetime."
Everyone slowly turned to look back at the television, curious to see its reaction. Strangely enough, there was none. The static turned a rosy pink. The room was silent for a moment. This silence was broken with the movie beginning, much to the delight of the students.
"This is just like magic!" Lavender whispered breathlessly to a giggling Parvati. Ron rolled his eyes and commented about a certain DADA teacher. Harry smiled, glad to see Ron behaving like his old self.
As the movie went on, the students had a great time sizing up the actors who played their characters. They recognized themselves immediately because the character sketches had gone so well.
Neville was devastated. "I can never do that! He's funny and moves perfectly!" He looked utterly defeated.
"Plus, he's built, and you're a tub of lard," Draco added helpfully.
Ginny's hand came down like an avenging angel on Draco's slick head. A silent "ow" issued from his mouth, and Ginny muttered, "Watch it, Malfoy."
Neville cheered significantly.
"Ooh, Ron, you're devilishly good-looking!" Parvati exclaimed. Lavender nodded her head in agreement without taking her eyes off the wonder that was Ewan McGregor. Ron smiled because somehow the comment inflated his ego a bit, although he and the Christian bloke looked nothing alike. Harry and Hermione took notice of the small smile and sank back into their seats, feeling a bit relieved.
Draco Malfoy interrupted the adoring sighs of the female audience to sputter resentfully.
"That is not me!" came his horrified response at seeing the Duke for the first time. "He looks like a rat! I do not look like a rat."
"Ferret more like it," Ron murmured, earning chuckles from the other Gryffindor boys.
The girls, however, reassured Draco swiftly. "We're so lucky to have a handsome Duke. It's no fun when royalty is unattractive."
Hermione snorted. "I suppose having bumbling, beautiful idiots on the throne is preferable to actual political leaders?"
"Are you calling me an idiot?" Draco asked in offense, but everyone ignored him.
The girls looked startled. "Well. No one likes politicians. Everyone likes pretty people."
"I suppose Malfoy is the only exception to that rule," Harry said dryly. Ron snickered.
Draco looked incredulous. "Potter, did you just admit that I'm pretty?"
Harry started choking so hard, Ron went to get him a glass of water.
"Well, look at us, Harry," Ginny sighed heavily. "We're the prostitutes and we look like badly made dolls in rags. We're not exactly pretty."
"That's why this play will be twice as good. Pretty prostitutes are in short supply, but we have them," Draco winked at the surrounding girls saucily.
"Huh. A pretty face gets you paid," Ginny pondered out loud.
"And-" Draco began, but loud hushing cut him off.
The girls giggled till another round of hushing ensued.
"You think we could get Potter and Weasley to switch parts? I mean, Weasley's got the flaming hair and manic glint in his eyes. And well, Potter has got dark hair."
"Or maybe," Ron began sarcastically, "we could get Goyle to be Zidler since he's got a gut, and I'll just pummel your face into-"
"Or," Draco continued, ignoring Ron and purring softly, "I could be Christian because I've got a dazzling voice and a certain- chemistry with Granger. I thought some French snogging during our scenes together would be enough, however," he grinned maliciously, "Granger seems to want more."
Hermione whipped around, her blush hidden by the darkened room. "Draco Malfoy, if you do not cease your incessant commenting, the first love scene we must perform I will bite your tongue clear off and spit it out to the audience. Is that perfectly clear?"
Ginny leaned over and whispered loudly, "Better not, Hermione. He might like that."
Everyone exploded into giggles, and Harry put an arm around Hermione in attempt to keep her fists from flying into the next mouth that spoke.
A few people gasped, and Ron looked at them in confusion.
What? He mused to himself. Harry's just keeping Hermione from going on a homicidal warpath. Not as if anyone else would have the stomach for it.
As the movie progressed, an indescribable feeling came over the students. Seeing it all come together beautifully gave them a bit of hope, now knowing what they could be if they worked hard enough.
Ron, however, was filled with a completely different feeling. It was a feeling of familiarity. As he watched the movie, he couldn't help feeling like he had been there before, but he couldn't quite remember when or why.
The end of the movie was met with tremendous applause and a few tears. The television spoke for one last time, only to tell the students to go back to their respective common rooms, before rolling herself miserably backstage.
"Well, I really enjoyed that, didn't you guys?" Hermione said, happy that the tension between the three of them had lessened greatly with the events in the theater.
"I don't know. I seem like a bit of a pansy," Ron said playfully.
Hermione laughed as Harry added, "Well, what about you, 'Mione? You do seem to get around, don't you?"
"Well, Harry, that is generally the idea behind prostitution, isn't it?" Hermione said through her giggles.
As the trio went along, laughing, they all felt a sense of release. They had worked out their problems from the library that morning without even having to talk about it, which was fine by everyone, especially Ron.
However, Hermione stopped so quickly, Ron and Harry bumped into her, almost dog-piling on the floor. Ron opened his mouth to rag on Hermione, but she held a finger to her lips and motioned in front of them. Tonks and Letalis were standing outside the hospital wing, both glaring at each other very angrily. The three hid around the corner, sensing immediately their presence would not be appreciated.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, Gilraen," Tonks spat furiously. The trio had never heard her speak in such a vicious manner.
"I don't know what you mean," Letalis replied slowly.
"Oh, sure. Go ahead and play dumb Elf. There's something wrong with Remus, and whatever you're doing isn't helping. If that's even your intent, I mean. Everyone else may think that your special talent is wonderful, but you don't fool me so easily. I think you're really trying to hurt him, and I won't stand for it!"
Hermione looked at the other two, too frightened to say 'I told you so.'
"Well, Nymphadora, what are you doing to try to help, hm?" Tonks stared at Letalis with unalderated fury in her eyes, her hair changing into a vivid red with a small pop. "As I expected. Unless you come up with something better, I will continue with my duty because I am a professional. I swore an oath to Dumbledore. And I won't leave until it has been completed. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
With that, Letalis turned with a snap of her cloak and walked away briskly. Before she had left the hallway she turned around and said heatedly, "Do not think you are the only one here who cares for Remus. If you are under that assumption, I think you will find yourself gravely mistaken."
Gradually, the trio turned around, deciding to go the long way back to Gryffindor Tower. Once they reached the common room, they sat stiffly in their regular places by the fire. By that time in the evening, only a few first years remained, and after the trio had stared at them long enough, they took the hint and went up to bed.
Secure in the thought that they were alone, Hermione looked at her friends in consternation before beginning. "I told you, Ron! She's using her power to hurt Lupin! You heard what Tonks said!"
"Hermione, since when is Tonks a completely reliable source? Remember when she claimed Winky was trying to kill her, and it turned out Winky had forgotten to take a darning needle out of her sock? She's a better drama queen than half our cast! She was wrong then, and she's wrong now."
"How do you know that, Ron? How can we be sure?" Hermione cried.
"Would Dumbledore really hire someone in league with You-Know-Who? Hermione, be sensible. It's usually me who thinks everyone has evil intention. This is quite a reversal of roles," Ron said, trying to end the argument as calmly as he could manage.
"He's hired evil before! Professor Quirrel, Professor Moody! Well, kind of..."
"Would you just shut your mouth? I don't have time to deal with this right now! On top of schoolwork, and the fact that I can't- well, I'm not- it doesn't matter. I can't think about the possibility of an evil she-Elf trying to turn Lupin at the moment!" Ron yelled, standing up so hastily that he knocked the chess set over, causing Hermione to jump and pieces to scatter, who then moaned and yelled curses at them both.
Ron opened his mouth, seemed to think better of it, and ran upstairs to his room. Harry and Hermione heard a door slam and then silence.
"What did I say?" Hermione said quietly, obviously on the verge of unsuppressed tears. "Why did he yell at me like that?" she continued, sobbing softly.
"I have no idea. Oh, Hermione, don't cry. Come here," was all that Harry replied. Hermione climbed next to him on the couch and rested her head on his shoulder, falling asleep almost instantly. "I have no idea," Harry repeated to himself, staring into the crackling fireplace.
...
Always a light sleeper, Lavender Brown had awakened to hear the raised voices downstairs. She was quite annoyed and covered her head with her pillow, waiting for them to stop. When they didn't, she tried to hear what was going on. After a startling door slam sent her bolt right up, she decided to go see for herself what had happened.
As she made her way down the stairs, she wondered what could possibly be happening. Near the bottom of the staircase she halted in surprise, her slipper dangling above the landing. She saw Hermione sleeping with her head on Harry's shoulder. Harry's arm rest around Hermione, and he was staring off to the side. Lavender realized that they hadn't noticed her, and she flew upstairs, eager to divulge her newfound information.
"Parvati!" she hissed, shaking her friend awake.
"What?" Parvati replied groggily. "Where am I? What time is it?"
"Forget about the time and the place, wake up! I have very interesting news," Lavender said excitedly before proceeding to explain what she saw in the common room. "Oh, this goes perfectly with what Madame Pince told me."
"What?"
"Madame Pince! She had been mumbling about the lack of respect for libraries and the awful public displays of affection. I asked her what she meant, and she told me that she saw Harry and Hermione leave the library holding hands, after she had seen Ron leave terribly upset! What do you think it means?"
"I think it means...what are you doing gossiping with Madame Pince?" Parvati exclaimed, suddenly horrified.
"We've had a little deal going on since fifth year, when I realized what a goldmine the library was for juicy information! You know, that's where Viktor started talking to Hermione. If only I had spent more time in the library, right? Basically, I bring Madame Pince my old copies of Witch Weekly since she says the staff would make fun of her for buying them. You know, since they're addressed to me, she can always just say I left them in the library. In exchange, she tells me about all the great happenings of Hogwarts! And students thought the library was safe. That's how I found out about that time where Neville and Luna-"
"Stop!" Parvati squealed. "Okay, first of all- EW! Neville and Luna? And second, I thought Hermione liked Ron."
"I know, I thought so too. That's what she told us, right? Maybe she changed her mind, finally seeing that Harry is much better looking, of course," Lavender replied somberly.
"Now, I've always found Ron to be cuter, even if he is a dunderhead for not realizing Hermione liked him-" Parvati began, "Anyway, what do you think we should do about Hermione and Harry?"
"Well, obviously, we must follow them around. You know, spy to figure out what's going on, for everyone's safety," Lavender said matter-of-factly.
"Why don't we just ask Hermione?" Parvati asked.
"Because that would be rude."
"What, and spying and eavesdropping isn't?" Parvati asked, unconvinced.
"Well, at least this way she doesn't know we're being rude!" Lavender rationalized.
"Okay, well, can this at least wait until morning?"
"Of course. Good night."
"'Night."
"Parvati?"
"What, Lavender?"
"I always thought Ron and Hermione would be a darling couple."
"So did I. Now go to sleep."
They turned out their lights and soon fell asleep, dreaming of all the delicious gossip only they had in their possession. Tomorrow was a big day.
Elsewhere in Hogwarts, no one heard the howl of a werewolf writhing in pain.