Chapter Four: Bad Timing
A/N: This chapter contains one mild swear word at the end.
Two weeks had passed since the emotional conversation. Although Hermione felt much better afterwards, she couldn't help feeling anxious that her friends might receive their acceptance letters soon. She knew that she should be praying that they got in, but she was still afraid of losing them despite the comforting words her friends said. Nevertheless, she put up a brave front, trying to act like she was happy so Harry and Ron wouldn't worry.
The trio sat down to breakfast during one Saturday morning laughing about Malfoy's mishap.
"Harry, you should've seen his face when Hermione put that spell on him! It was priceless!"
Hermione clutched her aching side, laughing. "It feels great to get revenge on that annoying git!"
"I wish I could've been there," Harry said, smiling. He had a meeting with Dumbledore the previous afternoon when Hermione whispered an incantation just as Malfoy left his last class. After Malfoy destroyed Hermione's charms essay, Hermione decided to get revenge by using a spell that turned Malfoy's uniform into a frilly pink dress with a plunging neckline. Fred and George Weasley commented that Malfoy was a bit under-endowed in the chest department and even offered a few of their "products" to enhance his appearance. Hermione even gave Malfoy a tiara complete with a plastic pink fairy wand and hot pink hair. Needless to say it was a moment that nobody could forget.
Harry was glad that Hermione had learned to laugh again. After what happened to her parents, he didn't even think she could smile again.
Suddenly, a few of the school's owls flew in, dropping mail in front of the trio. Hermione's laughter was quickly silenced and replaced with worry. Harry and Ron opened their envelopes and began to read. Seconds later, they started jumping for joy. "We got in! We got in!"
Hermione forced herself to smile and congratulated her friends/ "That's wonderful! I'm so proud of you two!"
Realization quickly struck the two boys when they saw Hermione. "We don't have to go Hermione," Ron said.
"Yeah, there's no place we'd rather be than right here with you," Harry added.
Hermione shook her head with fierce determination. "No, you guys go. This is too good an opportunity to pass up. I would feel worse if I kept you guys from going."
Harry raised his eyebrow. "Are you sure about this, Hermione? We won't hold it against you if you want us to stay."
"I know, but I'll hold it against myself if I stopped you from going."
Ron grinned. "Thanks, Hermione! And don't worry. We'll owl you everyday. If Snape or Malfoy give you anymore trouble, just owl us and we'll be here in a second."
Hermione smiled weakly. "I'll be fine. Just promise me that you both will return to Hogwarts in one piece."
Ron held up his hand. "I promise."
Hermione turned to Harry, anticipating his response. She knew that Harry would face Voldemort any day now especially since he would be in America where he wouldn't be as well protected. "Harry, I know that your fight with Voldemort is right around the corner, but please promise me that you'll survive."
Harry smiled confidently. "Hermione, either Voldemort or I will die, and it sure as hell isn't going to be."
A/N: I'll make you a deal. If I get at least 3 more reviews, I'll post chapter 5, the chapter that has Oliver. Hint Hint Also, if you have time please review my poem "Suicide" or my song parody fic "Potter goes Pop" (CHAP 42 is up!). Click on my penname for easy access and scroll down.
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