Disclaimer : Don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. I don't any make any money off this.
Ch. 9 - Home Sweet Home
Harry was excited to get back to Hogwarts. As far as he is concerned, this was his home. Even the iciness between Ron and Hermione seemed to melt away as soon as they entered the great hall. Harry noticed Dumbledore watching them when the first years were sorted out to their respective houses. Dumbledore appeared to be in deep thought throughout dinner and frequently glanced at the trio. This made Harry uneasy although he didn't know why. He trusted Dumbledore completely and he knew that at least at Hogwarts, he was safe. His soul really needed some peace right now and the last thing he wanted was any trouble.
Unfortuantely, trouble came in the form of Draco. He even appeared nastier than before. Obviously, with his father in prison, the Malfoy's had hit on hard times. "I promise you Potter, "he said as he glared down at Harry who was sitting at the table, "I'll get revenge on you and your friends for putting my father in prison."
Harry attempted to repsond but Hermione grabbed his arm, cutting off his response. "Get lost Malfoy," she said evenly. "You should know by now not to mess with us. But since you've decided to get stupid, I'm deducting 10 points from Slytherin and you know I can." She pointed to her perfect badge on her cloak.
Malfoy stepped back away from the table and then smirked at Hermione. "Yeah, mudblood, do what you want. I could care less. Just remember what I said and watch your back." With that, he left the great hall with his gang behind him.
Before the friends got up to leave, Dumbledore stood to make an announcement. Once the hall had gotten quiet he began to speak. "This year Hogwarts has had a huge honor bestowed on it. We are going to have the world quidditch cup played here at Hogwarts!" The student body erupted with cheers at this news. Ron was actually jumping up and down and had Neville in a bear hug. Harry also notice Hermione was pleased with the news, but not clearly not surprised. Harry figured Krum had already told her.
Dumbledore cleared his voice to get the students attention again. "Also, Hogwarts will be able to enter a team in the world cup. Try out times will be posted shortly so our team can begin to practice. Good luck to all!"
Harry couldn't believe his ears. It was a dream come true. He looked at Ron, who looked equally shocked. Hermione laughed at them both and stood to leave. "Come on guys, let's get back to the common room so you both can let out that girly scream that's trying to come out!" Harry snorted and shoved her playfully.
The rest of the week was filled with speculation on who was going to make the team. Harry felt that he had a good shot at the seeker position. Cho was his only real competition and he had a winning record against her. Ron was not a sure bet. Yes he had improved immensely but he didn't have much experience under his belt. But what he lacked in experience, he made up in heart. Harry would help him practice before tryouts. Anything to help his friend.
His mood was dampened some when he had to enter his potions class room. Snape was the last person he wanted to see. Ron and Harry took a seat behind Hermione and Neville. Snape entered the room in his usual glooming demeanor. Soon he had the class working on a rather complicated potion and Neville was struggling. Hermione was trying to quietly help Neville, as she always had, and this caught Snape's eye. "Ms. Granger!" Snape yelled. "What do you think you are doing?"
Hemrione didn't respond, but just set down Neville's herbs. "Deciding to be a know-it-all again, Ms. Granger?" Snape growled. "Well how does a month detention sound." Hemrione was stunned and that made Snape smile. "Good. I'll see you at seven tonight and we'll see how good you are at making some very difficult potions."
Hermione was quiet the rest of the day and appeared to be resigned to her fate. "Hopefully, this will give me some time to work on some other potions that I've been wanting to try out." Harry put his arm around her waist in an effort to comfort her. She smiled at him. "I'll be okay Harry." She left the common room and went to her detention. When Harry turned he saw Ginny watching him questionly. He ignored her and started his homework. He wanted to wait up for Hermione no matter how long it took. At some time during the night Harry fell asleep but he awakened when she entered the room. He glanced at his watch and saw it was three a.m. in the morning. Hermione looked exhausted and didn't saw a word to Harry. She just grabbed his hand a lead him up the stairs and when they reached the girls dormitory door, she just kissed his hand and let go. "See you in the morning."
Harry walked slowly up the stairs to his bed. He knew one thing to be true. He was falling in love with Hermione.