CH.2 - Not a box of choclates
Hermione woke Harry and Ron up before sunrise. "We should get an early start since it's going to be a hot day. I figured we can hike during the mornings, rest during midday when it's hottest, and hike again in the evening. It's going to take us a while to get there. Hagrid doesn't want us to use a portkey or any magic so we can't be tracked easily."
The last statement caused Harry some anxiety. "What do you mean by tracked easily? Don't you think you should tell us where we are going Hermione?"
"Let's get going and I'll tell you on the way. We need to get our supplies in order first." Hermione said quietly.
Harry packed his backpack with clothes and other necessary items. Packing would have been much easier if Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, didn't feel the need to inspect everything in Harry's pack. He borrowed a pair of old hiking boots from Fred. They also borrowed the tent they used at the Quidditch world cup, that was a luxury item. Ron brought out a backpack that looked like it would fall apart at the seams at any moment. With one look at Ron's backpack, Hermione nearly went through the roof. "Ron, this isn't going to make it. Just look at it. Why didn't you tell me you needed a pack, I could have bought one at the muggle shop when I went and got Harry."
Ron squared off with her immediately. "I don't need your charity. I don't need you to buy me anything."
"You could have paid me back if you wanted or you could have taken it as a gift from a friend! Instead you are going to try to backpack through the wilderness with that!" Hermione spat back while pointing at the ragged pack in Ron's hand.
Harry felt it was time to intervene so he stepped in between his two friends. That action alone seemed diffuse much of the anger. Harry shot Hermione a knowing look and immediately Hermione backed down. "Sorry Ron, I'm just a little cranky this morning." said Hermione.
"It's okay Hermione." Ron glanced down at the backpack. "It is crap, maybe we can get something better on the way."
The three friends finished packing, snatched some rolls, and hit the road. Hermione pulled out a compass and a map. Harry noticed that Hermione had highlighted the path she wanted to take on the map. She had highlighted from the Weasly home to a spot in the forbidden forest. The forbidden forest had never been mapped before. Hermione had mapped the parts she had come to know over her years at Hogwarts but much was unmapped, including her spot where they needed to go.
"Well, have you guessed where we are and going and why?" Hermione asked Harry as he looked at the map. Suddenly it dawned on him.
"Your taking us to Grawp! He's dangerous Hermione!" Harry couldn't believe it.
"He's gotten much better, Hagrid said so in his letter he sent to me. Hagrid needs to go another trip for Dumbledore, he needs somebody to take care of his brother. He wanted us to continue to teach Grawp basic English and perhaps even start some reading. He wants Grawp to have an education. Harry you understand don't you? Remember we promised Hagrid we would help him. I couldn't tell him no. It would break Hagrid's heart if we bailed on him in his time of need." Hermione looked at Harry and Ron pleadingly.
Both Ron and Harry looked at each other then back at Hermione. "You did the right thing 'Mione. We're in this with you and who knows it could be fun." Ron responded. He hoped she didn't pick up on his shortening of her name. He had no idea where 'Mione came from. But it seemed to fit.
They walked till the road dead ended and Hermione pointed out a spot on the map. "There appears to be river near by. I though we may be able to break some where around there. The sun is getting really hot and we need to find some shade."
Harry and Ron weren't arguing. Ron was starting to look like he was getting sunburnt and he didn't even know to bring sunscreen. They headed through a field and soon they did come upon a very scenic river. The three rested under a large tree and took in their surroundings. The clear blue sky and the soothing sound of the river put all in a good mood. Harry continued to examine the map. They were going into the forbidden forest on the side opposite of Hogswarts. None of them had ever been that far into the forbidden forest. That made Harry uneasy but for some reason he felt confident that they would make it. He looked at Ron and Hermione and he couldn't help but smile.
Ron, noticing the smile, thought he knew the reason behind the smile. "Happy to be away from the Dursleys eh?"
Harry laughed. "Yes, it is nice being away from the Dursleys. That one is obvious but the reason why I'm smiling is that the thought of going into the Forbidden Forest really doesn't scare me. It should but after all we have been through, it isn't as duanting. Really after last year, what can't we do together."
Hermione and Ron smiled back at Harry. Ron then started to laugh "Actually, I'm not scared and that is saying something."
After getting some rest and eating a light meal, the duo started off again. They needed to find a safe place to cross the river. Eventually they found a spot where a huge tree had fallen over the river. The tree looked pretty weathered but it appeared to be safe. Harry started across first. He kept his eyes on the opposite bank which helped him keep his balance and nerves. The water looked to be very deep and muddy. Harry didn't want to fall in with a heavy pack on his back. He took his time and his patience was rewarded when his feet touched the other side of the bank. Hermione was next and followed Harry's advice on how to cross. With an intense expression that she usually only had during exams, Hermione also reached the other side. Ron was next and from the start things didn't bode well. A strong wind seemed to come out of nowhere which only heightened Ron's nerves. He started out well but halfway his feet started sliding on the worn wood. His hikers were old and worn, they didn't have good "teeth" to grip with. Before Ron slipped off the log, he managed to look at Harry and squeek, "Help!!"
Harry was already dropping his pack and then he hurried across the log. Ron was trying to doggie paddle to stay afloat but his pack was taking on water which was starting to drag him under. The look of panic on Ron's face was tearing Harry apart. Hermione seeing that Harry would have a hard time reaching Ron's hand went looking for a strong branch. She quickly found one and handed Harry the stick. Ron was barely afloat when Harry lowered the stick, and with some effort Ron finally managed to grab hold. Instead of lifting Ron, Harry dragged Ron to the bank of the river. Hermione scrambled down the bank and grabbed Ron under his shoulder. Harry also grabbed Ron and with Hermione's help, drug a wet Weasley out of the river. All three laid in a pile too exhausted to move. It is amazing how much strength terror could take out of you.
"Thank you Harry, 'Mione." Ron finally managed to say.
"That was way to close for comfort." Harry said why still lying with his eyes closed. Hermione, for once, said nothing. Thoughts of almost losing Ron was tearing her apart. She cared for him more than most even knew.
When Harry opened his eyes and looked at Ron, he noticed a black slimy thing on Ron's arm. "Um, Ron. You got something on your arm and I don't think it's a dead leaf."
Ron looked down and immediately jumped up in a panick. "What is it? "Ron shrieked. Hermione looked at the thing, looked at Harry, then looked back at the black thing. "Ron it looks like a leech" she said. Hermione's body shivered before she could help it which only served to heighten Ron's anxiety.
"Get it OFF NOW!" Ron was screaming. He attempted to pull it off but the leech had a good grip and couldn't be pulled off. By now, Ron's feet were doing a strange little dance.
"Calm down Ron." Hermione said forcefully. She was trying to take some control of the situation. Harry looked at Hermione admirably but seriously doubted even the stern Hermione voice would talk Ron down from his high case of hysteria. "We'll get it off you. Harry you got a lighter in your pack?"
Harry did pack a lighter and gave it Hermione who then positioned the flame under the leech but not to close to Ron's skin. Quickly the leech released it's grip in an effort to escape the flame. Ron sighed and smiled weakly at Hermione. "Thanks 'Mione, you're a lifesaver."
Hermione wasn't smiling back which erased Ron's smile. She looked at Harry who returned her look, then both focused their eyes on Ron. "Um, Ron perhaps you should look yourself over to make sure there isn't more." Harry suggested. Ron's eyes widen even more.
Ron quickly examined his legs and his arms and seemed to be relieved to find none. "Ron you may to check underneath your clothing also." Hermione advised.
"They could be underneath my clothing too?" Ron's voice was getting squeeky again. Harry just nodded yes. Ron took off his shirt and Harry spotted one on his back. He told Ron to stand still and he burnt the leech off.
Ron had one more place to look and with that, Harry just handed him the lighter. "Some things you just have to do yourself." Harry told him. Ron looked down at his shorts and Harry thought he saw a tear form in Ron's eye. With that, both Harry and Hermione turned their backs. It wasn't long before Harry heard Ron gasp and then a solid thud. Harry and Hermione turned around quickly, Ron was laying flat on his back, passed out. Harry looked at Hermione who blurted out "Ain't no way!" Harry couldn't help but laugh. "I hope he got it off because if not it's gunna be a long night! Maybe we should just camp here tonight." Dark clouds were already forming overhead and the air smelled like rain.
Working together, seamlessly, they had a camp up in no time. Ron had awakened and his little visitor was gone, which put Ron in a good mood. It started to rain in the evening and they abandoned their plans for a campfire. They had to "settle" for the non-muggle tent which consisted of two bedrooms, a small kitchen with cupboards full of food thanks to Mrs. Weasley, a fireplace, and one full bath. The trio played card games and ate burgers and chips while the storm raged outside. Before long though, they retired for the night since they wanted to get an early start in the morning.
Hermione woke Harry and Ron up before sunrise. "We should get an early start since it's going to be a hot day. I figured we can hike during the mornings, rest during midday when it's hottest, and hike again in the evening. It's going to take us a while to get there. Hagrid doesn't want us to use a portkey or any magic so we can't be tracked easily."
The last statement caused Harry some anxiety. "What do you mean by tracked easily? Don't you think you should tell us where we are going Hermione?"
"Let's get going and I'll tell you on the way. We need to get our supplies in order first." Hermione said quietly.
Harry packed his backpack with clothes and other necessary items. Packing would have been much easier if Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, didn't feel the need to inspect everything in Harry's pack. He borrowed a pair of old hiking boots from Fred. They also borrowed the tent they used at the Quidditch world cup, that was a luxury item. Ron brought out a backpack that looked like it would fall apart at the seams at any moment. With one look at Ron's backpack, Hermione nearly went through the roof. "Ron, this isn't going to make it. Just look at it. Why didn't you tell me you needed a pack, I could have bought one at the muggle shop when I went and got Harry."
Ron squared off with her immediately. "I don't need your charity. I don't need you to buy me anything."
"You could have paid me back if you wanted or you could have taken it as a gift from a friend! Instead you are going to try to backpack through the wilderness with that!" Hermione spat back while pointing at the ragged pack in Ron's hand.
Harry felt it was time to intervene so he stepped in between his two friends. That action alone seemed diffuse much of the anger. Harry shot Hermione a knowing look and immediately Hermione backed down. "Sorry Ron, I'm just a little cranky this morning." said Hermione.
"It's okay Hermione." Ron glanced down at the backpack. "It is crap, maybe we can get something better on the way."
The three friends finished packing, snatched some rolls, and hit the road. Hermione pulled out a compass and a map. Harry noticed that Hermione had highlighted the path she wanted to take on the map. She had highlighted from the Weasly home to a spot in the forbidden forest. The forbidden forest had never been mapped before. Hermione had mapped the parts she had come to know over her years at Hogwarts but much was unmapped, including her spot where they needed to go.
"Well, have you guessed where we are and going and why?" Hermione asked Harry as he looked at the map. Suddenly it dawned on him.
"Your taking us to Grawp! He's dangerous Hermione!" Harry couldn't believe it.
"He's gotten much better, Hagrid said so in his letter he sent to me. Hagrid needs to go another trip for Dumbledore, he needs somebody to take care of his brother. He wanted us to continue to teach Grawp basic English and perhaps even start some reading. He wants Grawp to have an education. Harry you understand don't you? Remember we promised Hagrid we would help him. I couldn't tell him no. It would break Hagrid's heart if we bailed on him in his time of need." Hermione looked at Harry and Ron pleadingly.
Both Ron and Harry looked at each other then back at Hermione. "You did the right thing 'Mione. We're in this with you and who knows it could be fun." Ron responded. He hoped she didn't pick up on his shortening of her name. He had no idea where 'Mione came from. But it seemed to fit.
They walked till the road dead ended and Hermione pointed out a spot on the map. "There appears to be river near by. I though we may be able to break some where around there. The sun is getting really hot and we need to find some shade."
Harry and Ron weren't arguing. Ron was starting to look like he was getting sunburnt and he didn't even know to bring sunscreen. They headed through a field and soon they did come upon a very scenic river. The three rested under a large tree and took in their surroundings. The clear blue sky and the soothing sound of the river put all in a good mood. Harry continued to examine the map. They were going into the forbidden forest on the side opposite of Hogswarts. None of them had ever been that far into the forbidden forest. That made Harry uneasy but for some reason he felt confident that they would make it. He looked at Ron and Hermione and he couldn't help but smile.
Ron, noticing the smile, thought he knew the reason behind the smile. "Happy to be away from the Dursleys eh?"
Harry laughed. "Yes, it is nice being away from the Dursleys. That one is obvious but the reason why I'm smiling is that the thought of going into the Forbidden Forest really doesn't scare me. It should but after all we have been through, it isn't as duanting. Really after last year, what can't we do together."
Hermione and Ron smiled back at Harry. Ron then started to laugh "Actually, I'm not scared and that is saying something."
After getting some rest and eating a light meal, the duo started off again. They needed to find a safe place to cross the river. Eventually they found a spot where a huge tree had fallen over the river. The tree looked pretty weathered but it appeared to be safe. Harry started across first. He kept his eyes on the opposite bank which helped him keep his balance and nerves. The water looked to be very deep and muddy. Harry didn't want to fall in with a heavy pack on his back. He took his time and his patience was rewarded when his feet touched the other side of the bank. Hermione was next and followed Harry's advice on how to cross. With an intense expression that she usually only had during exams, Hermione also reached the other side. Ron was next and from the start things didn't bode well. A strong wind seemed to come out of nowhere which only heightened Ron's nerves. He started out well but halfway his feet started sliding on the worn wood. His hikers were old and worn, they didn't have good "teeth" to grip with. Before Ron slipped off the log, he managed to look at Harry and squeek, "Help!!"
Harry was already dropping his pack and then he hurried across the log. Ron was trying to doggie paddle to stay afloat but his pack was taking on water which was starting to drag him under. The look of panic on Ron's face was tearing Harry apart. Hermione seeing that Harry would have a hard time reaching Ron's hand went looking for a strong branch. She quickly found one and handed Harry the stick. Ron was barely afloat when Harry lowered the stick, and with some effort Ron finally managed to grab hold. Instead of lifting Ron, Harry dragged Ron to the bank of the river. Hermione scrambled down the bank and grabbed Ron under his shoulder. Harry also grabbed Ron and with Hermione's help, drug a wet Weasley out of the river. All three laid in a pile too exhausted to move. It is amazing how much strength terror could take out of you.
"Thank you Harry, 'Mione." Ron finally managed to say.
"That was way to close for comfort." Harry said why still lying with his eyes closed. Hermione, for once, said nothing. Thoughts of almost losing Ron was tearing her apart. She cared for him more than most even knew.
When Harry opened his eyes and looked at Ron, he noticed a black slimy thing on Ron's arm. "Um, Ron. You got something on your arm and I don't think it's a dead leaf."
Ron looked down and immediately jumped up in a panick. "What is it? "Ron shrieked. Hermione looked at the thing, looked at Harry, then looked back at the black thing. "Ron it looks like a leech" she said. Hermione's body shivered before she could help it which only served to heighten Ron's anxiety.
"Get it OFF NOW!" Ron was screaming. He attempted to pull it off but the leech had a good grip and couldn't be pulled off. By now, Ron's feet were doing a strange little dance.
"Calm down Ron." Hermione said forcefully. She was trying to take some control of the situation. Harry looked at Hermione admirably but seriously doubted even the stern Hermione voice would talk Ron down from his high case of hysteria. "We'll get it off you. Harry you got a lighter in your pack?"
Harry did pack a lighter and gave it Hermione who then positioned the flame under the leech but not to close to Ron's skin. Quickly the leech released it's grip in an effort to escape the flame. Ron sighed and smiled weakly at Hermione. "Thanks 'Mione, you're a lifesaver."
Hermione wasn't smiling back which erased Ron's smile. She looked at Harry who returned her look, then both focused their eyes on Ron. "Um, Ron perhaps you should look yourself over to make sure there isn't more." Harry suggested. Ron's eyes widen even more.
Ron quickly examined his legs and his arms and seemed to be relieved to find none. "Ron you may to check underneath your clothing also." Hermione advised.
"They could be underneath my clothing too?" Ron's voice was getting squeeky again. Harry just nodded yes. Ron took off his shirt and Harry spotted one on his back. He told Ron to stand still and he burnt the leech off.
Ron had one more place to look and with that, Harry just handed him the lighter. "Some things you just have to do yourself." Harry told him. Ron looked down at his shorts and Harry thought he saw a tear form in Ron's eye. With that, both Harry and Hermione turned their backs. It wasn't long before Harry heard Ron gasp and then a solid thud. Harry and Hermione turned around quickly, Ron was laying flat on his back, passed out. Harry looked at Hermione who blurted out "Ain't no way!" Harry couldn't help but laugh. "I hope he got it off because if not it's gunna be a long night! Maybe we should just camp here tonight." Dark clouds were already forming overhead and the air smelled like rain.
Working together, seamlessly, they had a camp up in no time. Ron had awakened and his little visitor was gone, which put Ron in a good mood. It started to rain in the evening and they abandoned their plans for a campfire. They had to "settle" for the non-muggle tent which consisted of two bedrooms, a small kitchen with cupboards full of food thanks to Mrs. Weasley, a fireplace, and one full bath. The trio played card games and ate burgers and chips while the storm raged outside. Before long though, they retired for the night since they wanted to get an early start in the morning.