Chapter 3 - New Semester
"Come on Hermione, you're going to miss the train!" Ron called from the Prefects window. He watched her chocolate hair as she went through every compartment in her trunk.
"I can't find my Hogwarts: A History." She yelled back to him. Ron stepped off the train smiling, and picked up her trunk. She gave him a weird look and asked, "My book?"
"I've got it, promise. Now let's get on the train before it leaves without us!" he said, pulling her onto the train and into the nearest empty compartment. "I hope we'll be able to find Harry and Ginny in this mess."
"Um, Ron, I can't get the door open." Hermione said, tugging on the door.
"Are you kidding me?" he replied, setting down the trunk on one bench. Ron pushed her off the handle and jingled it. "Oh, just great." He muttered.
"Gee, thanks. Like I really want to miss the Prefects meeting. I hope we'll get out of here in time." Hermione said, sitting on the empty bench.
"Yeah, I know. Stuck for a couple hours with me must be so boring." Ron sarcastically said, still facing the door.
"Oh Ron, I didn't mean it like that." Hermione replied, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Forget it. I'm going to take a nap." Ron shrugged off her hand and laid down on the bench. "Oh," he pulled a book out of his pocket, "here's your book. Why don't you read or something?"
Tears filled Hermione's eyes, but she blinked them away as she caught the history book. Glancing at her trunk that was occupying one bench, she said to Ron, "Ron, where am I to sit?"
Ron sat up and looked around. Just then, Crookshanks jumped on the end of the bench and hissed. Startled, Ron stood up, while the cat lazily strutted into the middle of the bench and sprawled himself out. Hermione gave his back leg a shove, but he hissed again and swiped at her hand.
"I guess I'll sleep on the floor." Ron said, sitting down. Hermione, instead of sitting in the narrow area between her cat and the armrest, she put her rucksack down on the bench and sat next to Ron on the floor.
"Well, he obviously doesn't want us to sit there." She said in response to Ron's puzzled reaction. She opened the book and began reading, pulling her legs into a pretzeled shape. Ron shook his head at her and rolled away, his back to her. Very shortly, she heard faint snoring as the redheaded boy fell asleep. Hermione tried hard to focus on the book, but she'd read it so many times the material bored her, and she too, soon fell into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, in Harry and Ginny's compartment, the room was housing five students, three trunks, one owl, and a toad. Soon after the express had left the station, Luna, who was reading the Quibbler, joined them. After that, Neville and Alexis also entered the compartment. Since they weren't expecting the company, Ginny and Harry had very little time to wonder where Ron and Hermione were, seeing as there wouldn't be any room for them, even if they had been there.
"So Luna, anything new in the Quib?" Neville was asking, when Harry snapped out of his window gazing.
"Well, dad's republished Harry's story, and there's an article about the dementor attacks too." Luna replied, still reading.
"Dementors? Where?" Harry asked, focusing on Luna.
"Well, there was one in upper London on a couple of muggles. Luckily, there was an Auror nearby and he heard shouts. He rushed over and backup was instantly there. The muggles, of course, don't remember a thing, but there were no casualties." Luna summarized.
"Upper London?" Harry's eyes got large as he spat out, "Did they disclose the muggles identities?"
"No, I'm sorry, but here's a picture." Luna handed him the newspaper.
Harry and Ginny gasped as they looked into the shallow eyes of Petunia Dursley. "Harry..." Ginny's voice was shaking. "How could they know?"
"Wormtail. It had to be." Harry said, through clenched teeth. He had written to Ginny about Sirius's innocence, of Wormtail's betrayal, and how Ron broke his leg in third year. Ginny put her hand on Harry's arm as if to comfort him, as the other's looked on confused.
"Here Luna, thanks." Ginny said shortly, returning the paper. Harry remained silent for the remainder of the trip, the only sound he made was the scratching of his quill as he wrote furiously in his jade book. Ginny conversed slightly with the other three passengers, but was focused mainly on what Harry was writing.
"Ginny," Neville said some time later. "it's time to get off the train."
"Oh, right! Thanks Neville." Ginny said, shaking Harry awake. They gathered their bags and hurried off the train.
"Hey, Gin, where's Ron and Hermione?"
Hermione stirred slightly as the train lurched to a stop. She felt something warm wrapped around her waist, so she snuggled back into it. Ron, who had turned over towards her in his sleep, tightened his grip on her when the train stopped. He sleepily opened his eyes and shook Hermione awake when he realized their position.
"Hermione!" he yelled, leaning above her.
"What?" she yelled back, yawning slightly.
"We've got to go, the train stopped." He exclaimed, grabbing her backpack and helping her up. He tried to open the door, forgetting for a moment it was locked. While he was running around the tiny room, Hermione walked up to the door, and when she thought Ron wasn't looking, she muttered the counter-charm.
"Ron, the door opened! Must be Hogwarts' magic." She said, suppressing a smile. Ron grabbed her by the hand and they ran off the train to the coaches. Catching the last one, they headed for the castle with some second years.
"We'll have to catch up to Ginny and Harry at the dinner. McGonagall is probably going to chew us out for missing the meeting." Ron said, once they reached the castle.
After the sorting, Ron and Hermione finally joined the Gryffindor table. Harry gave Ron a puzzled look before turning his attention to Dumbledore.
"Furthermore, as we have been saying for the past two years, Voldemort is gathering forces to continue his quest to become ruler of the world. I, myself, do not know if Hogwarts is the safest place for all of you, but the fact that you've shown such bravery as to return gives me hope. Now, I'm sure your all famished, so nip trap." The professor stepped down from the podium as the tables magically filled with food.
"So Harry, what's up with the Slytherins?" Colin Creevey asked, pointing out the bare green and silver table. Only a few upperclassmen were there, Malfoy not included.
"Didn't you hear?" Hermione interrupted. "Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle are going to Durmstrang. Seems they've taken our entire year in Slytherin with them, not that I mind.
"I heard that Theodore Nott is the only male left in our year. That means he's the new Prefect." Ron said.
"Er, Ron weren't you in the Prefect's compartment? Because, you would know if he was if you were there." Ginny asked.
"Well, er, yeah I was. We both were." Ron said quickly, pointing to Hermione. "But we, uh, went on patrol, and I must have missed him." He threw Hermione a 'help me' look. She caught it and spoke up quickly.
"He's right. We must have missed him." Everyone dropped the subject after she spoke. After all, it wasn't like Hermione to lie. The desserts popped up as the table cleared itself of the supper course, so everyone helped himself or herself to pudding. If anyone had thought to look, as Ginny did, they would have noticed the distinct blush on both Ron and Hermione's faces.
"So Ron, how are the new Head Boy and Head Girl doing?" Ginny asked innocently while sending Harry a look. "Millie and Sean, they're Ravenclaws I think, but Dumbledore must have known what he was doing when he chose them." Ginny continued, pointing out two seventh years.
"Yeah, he must have." Ron muttered, tuning her out. Hermione's eyes got wide with shock as Ginny explained in a deep voice that Millie and Sean weren't the new Head Boy and Girl.
"I'll explain later." Hermione whispered, blushing.
"Spill now." Ginny said, pulling Hermione into their dorm room.
Hermione blushed and said, "Well, we kind of got locked in an empty compartment."
"But you both know the Alohamora charm! It would have been so easy to just flick your wand and -" Ginny started, before she realized why Hermione didn't use the charm.
"He could have used it too, but he didn't." the bushy haired girl rushed to her own defense. Hermione, still blushing, sat down on her bed aware that Ginny understood her feelings.
"Hermione, why didn't you tell me? How long has this been going on?" Ginny asked, sitting down next to Hermione.
"Nothings going on. Nothing will ever go on." Hermione replied sadly. Ginny put a friendly hand on Hermione's shoulder and said, "You don't see how he looks at you. You didn't hear his jealously when I told him you had invited me over for the summer. You don't realize how much he relies on you, do you?"
"Are you serious?" Hermione asked, looking up at Ginny's face. Ginny smiled and nodded.
"You just see Hermione, he'll figure it all out, in his own slow time." The girls laughed as Ginny crept to her own bed. "Good night Hermione."
"Night, and thanks Ginny." Hermione called, as the candles went out.
The first week of school had passed quickly for Harry. He adjusted to his new schedule, without Divination and History of Magic. He had passed most of his classes with excellents, getting an outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. Now that O.W.L.'s were over, Harry wasn't stressed and he excelled at his studies like never before. He wanted to prove to Umbridge that he could become an Auror, despite whatever the Ministry thought. While on his way to Advanced Potions, he ran into a group of fifth years, only to realized the one in the center was Ginny Weasley.
"Hi Harry." She brightly said as she and her group walked out of the nearest dungeon. The girls around her whipped their heads around to see him walk past.
"Hey Gin." He replied, finishing his walk to Potions. He met Ron and Hermione at the entrance. They hadn't walked down with him, because he had left his new Potions book in the common room and had to hurry to get it.
"Guess what mate. Potions with Slytherin again." Ron said as Harry approached.
"So basically we have the entire dungeon to ourselves. I think there are only five other Gryffindors in this class." Hermione said smiling.
"Did Neville make it?" Harry asked earnestly.
"No, but he did make a passing grade on his O.W.L.'s in Potions."
"Theodore Nott did though, I bet he's regretting staying here without Malfoy." Ron sneered. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs and walked to her seat. Ron coughed, and followed her to the seat next to her. Harry gave his best friend a weird glance and looked around the room.
The Advanced Potions dungeon was much smaller then the regular dungeon and the seats were filling fast. Harry found only two available seats, one with Dean and the other with Theodore Nott. Surprising himself, Harry strolled up to Nott. "Hi, I was wondering if I could sit here." He asked politely. The entire room went silent as everyone turned their attention to Harry and Theodore.
"Sure, be my guest." The Slytherin said, pulling out the chair next to him so the dark haired boy could sit. The Sorting Hat's song echoed in Harry's ears.
'For our Hogwarts is in danger,
From external, deadly foes,
And we must unite inside her,
Or we'll crumble from within,
I have told you, I have warned you,
Let the Sorting now begin.'
"I'm Harry." Harry said, holding out his hand.
"Theo." Nott replied, shaking Harry's outstretched hand. The students regained their compositor as Snape entered the classroom. The greasy haired teacher coughed to call attention to the front of the room.
"Welcome. This class is for those of you who plan on becoming alchemists. I will tell you this is not going to be the easiest of classes. If you were struggling to grasp any concept of your previous class, I suggest no pay closer attention to the lessons I am teaching you." With that, Snape summoned a chalkboard with the day's potion. "You have one hour, I pray you read carefully."
By the end of the class, Harry's potion was turning out exactly how it was supposed to, as were Hermione's and Ron's. Snape was sneering at the three Gryffindors as if they were maggots as they turned in their completed potions.
"Good day, Professor Snape." Ron called flippantly, walking out of the dungeon with his friends. They laughed and headed towards lunch. Potions had been their last class of the day, with only Ron and Hermione's prefect meeting left.
"Harry, I think that was a brave thing, you sitting with Theodore." Hermione said, as they sat down at the lunch table.
"He prefers Theo, I believe." Harry replied. "And anyway, there was nothing brave about it, that was just the only seat available."
"There was a seat next to Dean mate." Ron chimed in.
"Oh, I didn't notice." Harry muttered, glaring at Dean for a moment. Dean was talking to one of Ginny's fifth year friends as Ginny made her way over to them. Harry stared at the light reflecting on her hair, before shaking himself out of the daze.
"So Harry, are you going to start up the Defense Association again?" Hermione asked.
"Do you think it's a good idea? I mean, everyone that was there was learning quickly, and our new professor seems to be making up for lost time." Harry said, smiling at the thought of their new professor.
"Well, he would, wouldn't he? It's a good thing Professor Dumbledore got that werewolf law lifted so Professor Lupin could return. It's his way of getting an Auror into the school to make sure we're all safe." Hermione responded.
"Yeah, Dumbledore never ceases to amaze me." Ron said.
"So with Professor Lupin back, is it really necessary that I continue? I mean, sure I could teach a few kids, like more our age, but the defense group was over thirty people, and I don't know if I could do that again." Harry explained.
"That's just it, Harry. You're still the most experienced person here that has the availability to teach us. Professor Lupin can't do it, because of his conflictions. How do you expect him to teach us when he doesn't even know what he's facing? You are the only one who can." Hermione countered.
"Fine Hermione, we can start up the DA again, but fewer people. Maybe a draw the line at fifth years, that way they are experienced and easier to train."
"Good man." Hermione clapped, standing up to go back to the common room. Ron and Harry could tell she was already planning meetings for them, and they knew better then to stop her. They too stood up and Harry gave Ginny one last glance before they left the cafeteria.
After Ron and Hermione left for their Prefects meeting, Harry was feeling sort of alone and out of the loop, so he decided to visit Hagrid and maybe learn what was going on with the Order. It was only an hour before curfew, so he got his father's invisibility cloak from his dorm and put it in his book bag before heading out the common room door. Harry tried to find empty hallways where nobody would think him suspicious, and that worked well for him until he got out of the castle. The last Herbology class was letting out, and Ravenclaw students swamped him as he struggled past them.
"Hi Harry." A docile voice called over to him. He turned around to see Luna standing alone in the middle of the crowd, letting people push past her as she stared at her friend.
"Hey Luna. Herbology fun?" he asked despite the fact he was going to miss going to Hagrid's.
"Oh yes. Say Harry, are you going down to see Hagrid?"
"Yeah, I was thinking I might. Do you want to come along?" he asking, silently thinking that she looked like she could use the companionship.
"Really?"
"Yeah, lets go." Harry motioned her over to his side and they walked to Hagrid's hut talking about the Winged Calf-Nosed Crarts. The hut was empty when they got there, so they continued chatting about Luna's summer while they made their way back to the castle. Harry was surprised to find he was interested in her life, realizing that despite how strange she was, she was his friend.
"Harry look!" Luna gasped. In front of them were the thestrals. The creatures didn't bother the students, but it was odd that they would be so close the to school. Harry wondered if it were a sign, and he decided to take a friendly plunge and ask Luna about her mom.
"Luna, how did your mom die?"
"When I was seven, she was working on a counter charm for the Cruciatus spell. Her parents were killed by that spell, you see. One day she told us she had had a break through, and was close to perfecting the charm. I remember dad telling me to bring her some sandwiches. I got out there with the tray, opened the door, and there was a flash of light, and that's all I can remember."
"Jeez Luna, I'm sorry." Harry said as they walked past the library.
"Don't be. I still have her in my heart, and we still have her research too. I think dad's been holding it for someone who could finish what mum started." Luna smiled, getting that dreamy look in her eyes.
"Why don't we let Hermione look at it? If anybody could do it, she could." Harry exclaimed. His eyes were filled with excitement as he turned to Luna at the Ravenclaw staircase.
"That might work, you know. If we could counter the Cruciatus, who knows what we could do next!" Luna smiled again. "I'll write home to dad and see what he thinks."
"I hope this works out Luna, I really do."
"Me too, for mum's sake." Luna whispered, heading up to the Ravenclaw common room.
Harry failed to mention his running into Luna to Ron and Hermione when they returned from their meeting. He felt as if what had passed between them was just for them. He did, however, tell them about Luna's mother's research.
"And we thought that if anybody could figure out what Luna's mum was trying to do, it would be you Hermione." Harry was saying, to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
"I don't know Harry, that research must be very advanced." Hermione uneasily said.
"Who are you kidding Hermione? You're probably the smartest witch ever known, and you think you can't do this? Harry, you just get that research. I'll do it myself if she won't." Ron exclaimed.
"Ron, I don't think this is a good idea." She started.
"Think I'll screw it up?" Ron questioned.
"It's not that, it's just that to counter the Cruciatus is advanced magic, and I don't think we're ready for that."
"You just don't think I can do it. I'm just as smart as you are. Jeez, pay a girl a compliment and she bites your head off, honestly." Ron murmured. Hermione blushed slightly at those words, unable to reply.
"So you and Luna think Hermione can break the code where Luna's mum went wrong?" Ginny asked Harry.
"Yeah, we all know Hermione can do it, if she puts her mind to it." Harry said.
"You know, Hermione, if you can do this, we can heal Neville's parents!" Ginny excitedly said. She jumped up, pulling Hermione with her. "You have to, think of Neville, he's spent his entire life without proper parents, we could give them back to him!"
Hermione turned to look at Neville, who was tending to a plant. He wasn't as little as she remembered, but her face still broke out with the saddest look possible. "I'll do it. For Neville." She softly said. Ginny hugged her and the boys smiled at her, but she was still looking at Neville.
"Hermione, your going to do something so great!" Ron exclaimed, giving her a hug. That shocked her out of her trance. "I mean, we always knew you would, but your going to be helping fight against Voldemort!"
"Ron, you said it without flinching!" Hermione said, pulling away from him.
"Some of the Gryffindor courage they're always talking about." He grinned.
"So Ginny, I'll tell Luna that she'll do it. You think the Room of Requirement would work?" Harry asked, drawing his attention away from his best friends.
"It should. I reckon if we say we need a room to research the Cruciatus, it should just appear, right?" she thought out loud.
"Yeah, we should probably test that. Tomorrow good for you?"
"Yeah, I'm always up for saving the world on the weekend." Ginny joked, as Hermione suggested they all get to bed. The girls waved good night to the guys as they went to the girls' dormitory. Harry and Ron went to their dorm and quickly fell into sleep.
A/N: Yes, Luna's mum's research is going to come in handy. Let's just hope the Room of Requirement works out for her.