Chapter 5: The Couple Maple
Disclaimer: All I own are the new characters and things
Hermione and Benji walked down the deserted hallways. Everyone was still in breakfast. The couple weren't talking to each other, until Benji broke the awkward silence.
"Ghastly how empty these halls are, huh?" asked Benji in a nervous voice.
"I suppose. I guess I'm used to it. I'm always sneaking around the castle with Harry and Ron, and their trouble-making has rubbed onto me," said Hermione with a chuckle.
"Really? I had guessed that Harry didn't get into much trouble. But, what does that have to do with empty hallways?" Benji questioned once again with a confused sort of tone.
"Well, when you're up to no good, you have to sneak around a bit. These halls aren't exactly infested with students at the late hours of the night," Hermione said with another laugh.
"Oh, I get it. So, you're a troublemaker, are you?" Benji said, raising one eyebrow at her.
"No, I'm not!" Hermione said, pretending to be insulted until she saw the "oh, please" look on Benji's face and said, "um...I don't try to be."
"Well, well, well," he said playfully. He had a grin on his face that Hermione thought was the most adorable thing she's ever seen.
"Well, now that we're out here, why don't we sit over her for a while. We have plenty of time," suggested Hermione, pointing to a huge, shady tree. He nodded in agreement and they sat under the tree. It was very cool under there, and strangely satisfying. Hermione's eye caught a large figure walking across the grounds. She got up from under the tree to wave to Professor Sprout, but she didn't see her. Hermione yelled the professor's name extremely loud, but again, she didn't show any signs of acknowledgment. She took a few steps out from under the tree and waved again.
"Oh! Hello, Hermione! What're you up to? Class doesn't start for half an hour," Professor Sprout said finally.
"I'm just sitting under this tree for a bit of shade. Quite warm out, is it not?" said Hermione.
"Yes, it is very hot. But, I don't see any tree," said the professor. Hermione looked around to where the gigantic tree and Benji were planted. Benji waved at her, and she turned back around.
"Well, this one right here," said Hermione in a confused voice, and stepped back a couple steps, so she was back in the shade.
"Dear Lord! Where did you go?" cried Sprout.
"Right here, where I was before!" said Hermione. Professor Sprout again didn't acknowledge her. She stood back out of the shade of the tree and the professor rubbed her eyes.
"How in the name of Merlin did you do that?" Sprout said surprised.
"Do what? I just took a few steps out and in."
"B-b-but I—you—I just saw y—oh, never mind. I'll see you in first class, Ms. Granger," she said and walked away, mumbling to herself. Hermione sat back down under the tree baffled.
"What in the world was that abo—," she started.
"The Couple Maple," said Benji, cutting her off.
"The—what?" she asked confusedly.
"It says engraved in this root that this is the Couple Maple Tree. Only people who are dating can see this tree. If you're married, you're not actually 'dating', so they can't see this tree. That's probably why that teacher couldn't see it," he clarified.
"But that doesn't explain why she couldn't see you or me."
"Simple. See the shady part on the ground?" he pointed to the darker area, "Well, people —including anything or anyone in the dark area."
"Ohh...I see. Perhaps this is where many couples come, huh?"
"Yes, but there's a catch. It says here that 'If there is a couple occupying the tree, nobody can see them or the tree, giving the lovers ultimate privacy.' I'm guessing that when we leave and two people enter the tree's shade, we can't see them or it. Hey, that comes in handy! This way, we'll know if it's vacant or not!"
"This is pretty interesting. Whoever created this must've loved their privacy! Let's just enjoy this for now. It's nice and cool under here." They sat against the tree. Benji closed his eyes, smiling as if satisfied, and put his hands behind his head.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes, and looked at Hermione, who looked content as she stared out at the lake in front of them. He scooted a little closer to her. Hermione noticed, and didn't seem to mind. There was still about two feet in between them, anyway. She moved over about five inches, and smiled guiltily at Benji, who also had a smile on his face. It was a peculiar kind of grin. Only one of the corners of his mouth was up, sort of in a half-smile. Both of his eyebrows were raised slightly, but his eyes were relaxed, looking sleepy, but she knew he was quite awake. This was what she called his "mischief face." They both stared again at each other, but this time, there was feeling. Their hearts were pounding inside their chests. When they looked at each other, there was a sort of passion that was inexpressible. It was like if they looked away, the world would crumble beneath their feet. Despite this, Hermione looked away, and continued thinking about random things in her head. He moved much closer to her. There was now 6 inches between them. There was a rush of thoughts racing through Hermione's mind. She wondered why he was so close, what he was doing, what he will or won't do. She looked at the time and found that there was five minutes until class started.
"Whew! Merlin, did we lose track of time. We're going to need to run to get to class in time," said Hermione, standing up. Benji did the same after a few seconds.
"Good thing you looked at your watch in time," he said. He walked closer to her and put his arms around her to hug her. She hugged him as well and felt another feeling rush like when he was close to her. They let go of each other and walked out of the comforting shade.
"Well, I guess I'll see you at lunch, eh?" said Benji.
"Yeah. See you," answered Hermione. They walked away, and when Hermione looked back, she saw another couple walking towards the tree, and all three of them vanished.
"Where've you been, Hermione? You've been gone for nearly three quarters of an hour!" exclaimed Ron, walking into the Herbology green house.
"Benji and I took a walk around the grounds. Nothing much. You enjoy your breakfast?" asked Hermione, directing the question towards Harry.
"Oh, it was good. Ron pigged out as usual," he said, and all three of them laughed.
Professor Sprout walked in, still looking a little weirded out, and greeted the class. The class chanted 'Hello, Professor Sprout.' They all worked on Pretendous Vegetables. These bizarre plants were beautiful and delicious-looking, but they were actually pretending to look it. When you bit into them, you gagged from the awful flavor of sweat and earwax. Neville was his usual ignorant self and choked on one of the Pretendous veggies, and was escorted to the Hospital Wing. After class, Ron, Harry and Hermione got together to go to their next class: Potions.
"Did you see the color of Neville's face when he ate that vegetable thing? I've never seen such a disgustingly awful shade of green!" Ron exclaimed with a laugh.
"It serves him right. I mean, Professor Sprout did warn us of the Pretendous thing's defenses. He was just thick enough to ignore her," Harry said.
"Honestly, you two are just horrid! He must be gagging to death in the Hospital Wing and you're out here laughing about it?" scolded Hermione with an angry expression on her face.
"Well, let's just go to Potions and get it over with. This is just what I've been waiting for. Another year with Snape," said Harry, and he put on a hateful look. They walked down to Snape's dungeons and entered the huge doors. They took their seats next to each other and waited for Snape to walk in from his office with rage. Just as they had predicted, he stormed out of his office and pounded up the aisles. He looked as though he would rather be anywhere else but there, but that was no different than what his students were thinking.
"Take out your wands and get your cauldrons ready. Turn to page 2-7- 3," Snape commanded in a monotone voice. The students did as he ordered. All except Harry, who was looking out into space.
"Mr. Potter. Do you feel that the orders I gave didn't apply to you? Well, that's a silly question, isn't it? Of course you think they don't apply to you, which is why you are daydreaming stupidly. Now, since you clearly weren't paying attention, get your wand and cauldron ready and turn to page 273. That is, unless you think you're better than the rest of your fellow pupils," Snape said coldly. His face was expressionless, and Malfoy was snickering. Harry shot both Snape and Malfoy equal looks of hatred and annoyance.
"I don't think I'm better than anyone else. But, I suppose that shows that we have something in common, doesn't it? You seem to think I believe I think high and mighty of myself just like you think you're better than everyone," said Harry even more icily than Snape, and grinned.
"50 points from Gryffindor, Potter. And, you will not be participating in this project, leaving you with an 'T' for the day. Also, I want two rolls of parchment explaining the uses of Hobblejuice Potion and it's bad qualities by next class. I'm not accepting any excuses," said Snape. The two glared at each other, and Snape spoke again.
"Now, get started on what's on the blackboard." At the end of class, the three best friends gathered together and headed toward the Great Hall for lunch.
"What in the name of Merlin was that all about, Harry? You completely lost control," said Hermione in surprise and confusion.
"Not only am I sick of him in the first place, he started up with me not five minutes into class. I'm telling you, I've had enough of him. And Malfoy is turning into a mini-Snape," Harry answered, and they all laughed at his last comment. They arrived at the doors of the Great Hall when Benji ran up to them from behind.
"Hey, guys! How was your first class?" he said as if he'd been running a marathon.
"Well, Harry lost it in Snape's an—," Hermione started until she saw Benji's puzzled face, "Oh, sorry. Professor Snape is the Potions teacher and he's not exactly the most pleasant teacher at Hogwarts," she finished.
"Oh, please, Hermione! 'Not exactly the most pleasant teacher' is putting it lightly. He's a horrid professor who enjoys tormenting and humiliating his students," Ron protested.
"I agree with Ron on that one. Hey, let's take our seats here," Harry suggested, and the four of them sat down next to Ginny and Neville, who were sitting closely together.
"Oh! Um...h-hey guys," Neville said nervously, and he and Ginny sat further apart.
"Hey Neville. Ginny. What were you two doing?" questioned Hermione.
"Erm...um...n-not much. Just talking," Neville stammered even more nervously.
"Uh-huh. What's wrong with you, Ginny? Why're you so smiley today?" asked Ron.
"Oh, no reason. Just excited to start another year at Hogwarts, I suppose. Erm, Hermione, can I have a word?" asked Ginny, then she looked at the four boys, "Alone."
"Sure, erm, I guess," Hermione said. They walked over to the entrance to the hall and hid next to a curtain. Ginny started speaking to Hermione shortly after finding a hiding place.
"I have some rather good news. You're my best friend, right?" said Ginny.
"'Course I am! What's the good news? And why are you smiling so much?" Hermione answered.
"Well...it's like this. Um...Neville's asked me to be his girlfriend," Ginny said quickly.
"Really? Wow! That's wonderful, Ginny! I'm so happy for you!" exclaimed Hermione, hugging Ginny.
"Thanks. He told me he's been fond of me since fourth year, but he was too shy to ask me," Ginny explained.
"Oh...that's really sweet. But...why couldn't have you told me with the boys?" asked Hermione.
"Clearly you know what Ron gets like when I start dating someone. Remember last year with Michael? And I used to fancy Harry, so it would be awkward to say I'm now going out with somebody again. I don't know Benji too well, but I know that if you're going out with him, he must be wonderful," she said.
"Thanks, Gin. Well, you don't have to worry. I won't tell the boys at all. This'll be just between you, Neville and now me. Well, lets get back to lunch," Hermione suggested, walking back to the table with her best friend. Ron, Harry, Benji and Neville were all eating, and the two girls joined them.
There was scattered conversation with random people until it was time for their next classes. After everyone was finished with their breakfasts, they adjourned to the front of the Great Hall. Ginny headed off to her class, Neville ran off to Potions, not looking very excited, and the four who remained chatted until there was 5 minutes 'till class.
"I'd better head off to class. I'll catch all of you later at dinner. See 'ya, Hermione," Benji said with a smile.
"G'bye. Let's go, Harry. Ron, quit dawdling. We need to get to Arithmacy," she scolded, and they started down the hall. Once Hermione saw to it that the boys were far enough away, she ran back to Benji.
"I don't like to show affection in publicity. Especially around my best friends," she explained.
"That's quite all right. I understand," Benji said comfortingly. He opened his arms lovingly and they gave each other a hug. After about ten seconds, they let go and turned away. They walked their separate ways to their different classes.
A/N: How'd you like the whole "Couple Maple" idea? You'll realize that it'll come in handy to the two lovers.
Disclaimer: All I own are the new characters and things
Hermione and Benji walked down the deserted hallways. Everyone was still in breakfast. The couple weren't talking to each other, until Benji broke the awkward silence.
"Ghastly how empty these halls are, huh?" asked Benji in a nervous voice.
"I suppose. I guess I'm used to it. I'm always sneaking around the castle with Harry and Ron, and their trouble-making has rubbed onto me," said Hermione with a chuckle.
"Really? I had guessed that Harry didn't get into much trouble. But, what does that have to do with empty hallways?" Benji questioned once again with a confused sort of tone.
"Well, when you're up to no good, you have to sneak around a bit. These halls aren't exactly infested with students at the late hours of the night," Hermione said with another laugh.
"Oh, I get it. So, you're a troublemaker, are you?" Benji said, raising one eyebrow at her.
"No, I'm not!" Hermione said, pretending to be insulted until she saw the "oh, please" look on Benji's face and said, "um...I don't try to be."
"Well, well, well," he said playfully. He had a grin on his face that Hermione thought was the most adorable thing she's ever seen.
"Well, now that we're out here, why don't we sit over her for a while. We have plenty of time," suggested Hermione, pointing to a huge, shady tree. He nodded in agreement and they sat under the tree. It was very cool under there, and strangely satisfying. Hermione's eye caught a large figure walking across the grounds. She got up from under the tree to wave to Professor Sprout, but she didn't see her. Hermione yelled the professor's name extremely loud, but again, she didn't show any signs of acknowledgment. She took a few steps out from under the tree and waved again.
"Oh! Hello, Hermione! What're you up to? Class doesn't start for half an hour," Professor Sprout said finally.
"I'm just sitting under this tree for a bit of shade. Quite warm out, is it not?" said Hermione.
"Yes, it is very hot. But, I don't see any tree," said the professor. Hermione looked around to where the gigantic tree and Benji were planted. Benji waved at her, and she turned back around.
"Well, this one right here," said Hermione in a confused voice, and stepped back a couple steps, so she was back in the shade.
"Dear Lord! Where did you go?" cried Sprout.
"Right here, where I was before!" said Hermione. Professor Sprout again didn't acknowledge her. She stood back out of the shade of the tree and the professor rubbed her eyes.
"How in the name of Merlin did you do that?" Sprout said surprised.
"Do what? I just took a few steps out and in."
"B-b-but I—you—I just saw y—oh, never mind. I'll see you in first class, Ms. Granger," she said and walked away, mumbling to herself. Hermione sat back down under the tree baffled.
"What in the world was that abo—," she started.
"The Couple Maple," said Benji, cutting her off.
"The—what?" she asked confusedly.
"It says engraved in this root that this is the Couple Maple Tree. Only people who are dating can see this tree. If you're married, you're not actually 'dating', so they can't see this tree. That's probably why that teacher couldn't see it," he clarified.
"But that doesn't explain why she couldn't see you or me."
"Simple. See the shady part on the ground?" he pointed to the darker area, "Well, people —including anything or anyone in the dark area."
"Ohh...I see. Perhaps this is where many couples come, huh?"
"Yes, but there's a catch. It says here that 'If there is a couple occupying the tree, nobody can see them or the tree, giving the lovers ultimate privacy.' I'm guessing that when we leave and two people enter the tree's shade, we can't see them or it. Hey, that comes in handy! This way, we'll know if it's vacant or not!"
"This is pretty interesting. Whoever created this must've loved their privacy! Let's just enjoy this for now. It's nice and cool under here." They sat against the tree. Benji closed his eyes, smiling as if satisfied, and put his hands behind his head.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes, and looked at Hermione, who looked content as she stared out at the lake in front of them. He scooted a little closer to her. Hermione noticed, and didn't seem to mind. There was still about two feet in between them, anyway. She moved over about five inches, and smiled guiltily at Benji, who also had a smile on his face. It was a peculiar kind of grin. Only one of the corners of his mouth was up, sort of in a half-smile. Both of his eyebrows were raised slightly, but his eyes were relaxed, looking sleepy, but she knew he was quite awake. This was what she called his "mischief face." They both stared again at each other, but this time, there was feeling. Their hearts were pounding inside their chests. When they looked at each other, there was a sort of passion that was inexpressible. It was like if they looked away, the world would crumble beneath their feet. Despite this, Hermione looked away, and continued thinking about random things in her head. He moved much closer to her. There was now 6 inches between them. There was a rush of thoughts racing through Hermione's mind. She wondered why he was so close, what he was doing, what he will or won't do. She looked at the time and found that there was five minutes until class started.
"Whew! Merlin, did we lose track of time. We're going to need to run to get to class in time," said Hermione, standing up. Benji did the same after a few seconds.
"Good thing you looked at your watch in time," he said. He walked closer to her and put his arms around her to hug her. She hugged him as well and felt another feeling rush like when he was close to her. They let go of each other and walked out of the comforting shade.
"Well, I guess I'll see you at lunch, eh?" said Benji.
"Yeah. See you," answered Hermione. They walked away, and when Hermione looked back, she saw another couple walking towards the tree, and all three of them vanished.
"Where've you been, Hermione? You've been gone for nearly three quarters of an hour!" exclaimed Ron, walking into the Herbology green house.
"Benji and I took a walk around the grounds. Nothing much. You enjoy your breakfast?" asked Hermione, directing the question towards Harry.
"Oh, it was good. Ron pigged out as usual," he said, and all three of them laughed.
Professor Sprout walked in, still looking a little weirded out, and greeted the class. The class chanted 'Hello, Professor Sprout.' They all worked on Pretendous Vegetables. These bizarre plants were beautiful and delicious-looking, but they were actually pretending to look it. When you bit into them, you gagged from the awful flavor of sweat and earwax. Neville was his usual ignorant self and choked on one of the Pretendous veggies, and was escorted to the Hospital Wing. After class, Ron, Harry and Hermione got together to go to their next class: Potions.
"Did you see the color of Neville's face when he ate that vegetable thing? I've never seen such a disgustingly awful shade of green!" Ron exclaimed with a laugh.
"It serves him right. I mean, Professor Sprout did warn us of the Pretendous thing's defenses. He was just thick enough to ignore her," Harry said.
"Honestly, you two are just horrid! He must be gagging to death in the Hospital Wing and you're out here laughing about it?" scolded Hermione with an angry expression on her face.
"Well, let's just go to Potions and get it over with. This is just what I've been waiting for. Another year with Snape," said Harry, and he put on a hateful look. They walked down to Snape's dungeons and entered the huge doors. They took their seats next to each other and waited for Snape to walk in from his office with rage. Just as they had predicted, he stormed out of his office and pounded up the aisles. He looked as though he would rather be anywhere else but there, but that was no different than what his students were thinking.
"Take out your wands and get your cauldrons ready. Turn to page 2-7- 3," Snape commanded in a monotone voice. The students did as he ordered. All except Harry, who was looking out into space.
"Mr. Potter. Do you feel that the orders I gave didn't apply to you? Well, that's a silly question, isn't it? Of course you think they don't apply to you, which is why you are daydreaming stupidly. Now, since you clearly weren't paying attention, get your wand and cauldron ready and turn to page 273. That is, unless you think you're better than the rest of your fellow pupils," Snape said coldly. His face was expressionless, and Malfoy was snickering. Harry shot both Snape and Malfoy equal looks of hatred and annoyance.
"I don't think I'm better than anyone else. But, I suppose that shows that we have something in common, doesn't it? You seem to think I believe I think high and mighty of myself just like you think you're better than everyone," said Harry even more icily than Snape, and grinned.
"50 points from Gryffindor, Potter. And, you will not be participating in this project, leaving you with an 'T' for the day. Also, I want two rolls of parchment explaining the uses of Hobblejuice Potion and it's bad qualities by next class. I'm not accepting any excuses," said Snape. The two glared at each other, and Snape spoke again.
"Now, get started on what's on the blackboard." At the end of class, the three best friends gathered together and headed toward the Great Hall for lunch.
"What in the name of Merlin was that all about, Harry? You completely lost control," said Hermione in surprise and confusion.
"Not only am I sick of him in the first place, he started up with me not five minutes into class. I'm telling you, I've had enough of him. And Malfoy is turning into a mini-Snape," Harry answered, and they all laughed at his last comment. They arrived at the doors of the Great Hall when Benji ran up to them from behind.
"Hey, guys! How was your first class?" he said as if he'd been running a marathon.
"Well, Harry lost it in Snape's an—," Hermione started until she saw Benji's puzzled face, "Oh, sorry. Professor Snape is the Potions teacher and he's not exactly the most pleasant teacher at Hogwarts," she finished.
"Oh, please, Hermione! 'Not exactly the most pleasant teacher' is putting it lightly. He's a horrid professor who enjoys tormenting and humiliating his students," Ron protested.
"I agree with Ron on that one. Hey, let's take our seats here," Harry suggested, and the four of them sat down next to Ginny and Neville, who were sitting closely together.
"Oh! Um...h-hey guys," Neville said nervously, and he and Ginny sat further apart.
"Hey Neville. Ginny. What were you two doing?" questioned Hermione.
"Erm...um...n-not much. Just talking," Neville stammered even more nervously.
"Uh-huh. What's wrong with you, Ginny? Why're you so smiley today?" asked Ron.
"Oh, no reason. Just excited to start another year at Hogwarts, I suppose. Erm, Hermione, can I have a word?" asked Ginny, then she looked at the four boys, "Alone."
"Sure, erm, I guess," Hermione said. They walked over to the entrance to the hall and hid next to a curtain. Ginny started speaking to Hermione shortly after finding a hiding place.
"I have some rather good news. You're my best friend, right?" said Ginny.
"'Course I am! What's the good news? And why are you smiling so much?" Hermione answered.
"Well...it's like this. Um...Neville's asked me to be his girlfriend," Ginny said quickly.
"Really? Wow! That's wonderful, Ginny! I'm so happy for you!" exclaimed Hermione, hugging Ginny.
"Thanks. He told me he's been fond of me since fourth year, but he was too shy to ask me," Ginny explained.
"Oh...that's really sweet. But...why couldn't have you told me with the boys?" asked Hermione.
"Clearly you know what Ron gets like when I start dating someone. Remember last year with Michael? And I used to fancy Harry, so it would be awkward to say I'm now going out with somebody again. I don't know Benji too well, but I know that if you're going out with him, he must be wonderful," she said.
"Thanks, Gin. Well, you don't have to worry. I won't tell the boys at all. This'll be just between you, Neville and now me. Well, lets get back to lunch," Hermione suggested, walking back to the table with her best friend. Ron, Harry, Benji and Neville were all eating, and the two girls joined them.
There was scattered conversation with random people until it was time for their next classes. After everyone was finished with their breakfasts, they adjourned to the front of the Great Hall. Ginny headed off to her class, Neville ran off to Potions, not looking very excited, and the four who remained chatted until there was 5 minutes 'till class.
"I'd better head off to class. I'll catch all of you later at dinner. See 'ya, Hermione," Benji said with a smile.
"G'bye. Let's go, Harry. Ron, quit dawdling. We need to get to Arithmacy," she scolded, and they started down the hall. Once Hermione saw to it that the boys were far enough away, she ran back to Benji.
"I don't like to show affection in publicity. Especially around my best friends," she explained.
"That's quite all right. I understand," Benji said comfortingly. He opened his arms lovingly and they gave each other a hug. After about ten seconds, they let go and turned away. They walked their separate ways to their different classes.
A/N: How'd you like the whole "Couple Maple" idea? You'll realize that it'll come in handy to the two lovers.