I don't own any characters and as far as I'm concerned I won't own any characters. So, with that said, let the story continue!
The next few days passed by fast, with the trio and even Ginny pouring into their books because of all the work they were being given. Most fifth, sixth, and seventh years poured into their books either in the common room or library - Ron choosing the library everytime Hermione and Harry didn't want to go. It was suspicious, but seeing as they were extremely busy with their own work - plus Quidditch for Harry - they did not bother fussing with it... yet. Ginny kept giving Harry dreamy glances in between working, and Hermione noticed all too much. She decided she would have a talk with the girl sometime. The first weekend soon came, and as promised, Hermione, Harry and Ron (for the first time) decided to visit Grawp with Hagrid. Because they weren't allowed in the Forbidden Forest (hint the name) they had to use the Invisibility Cloak. And just in case they brought the Maurader's Map.
The afternoon was bright, sunlight pouring onto every corner of Hogwarts. As planned, they met Hagrid at the edge of the Forest - nothing looked really suspicious. The Slytherin Quidditch team - with its new arrogant Captain Malfoy, was having tryouts and afterwards immediate practice. Others were enjoying their weekend - or pouring into their books.
"So," whispered Ron rather nervously. "How's this Grawp, eh?"
Hermione grinned at Harry. "Oh, he's about 16 feet tall. No biggy. Kinda feisty."
Ron shuddered, but tried to conceal his fright immediately. "Alright then."
They gave Hagrid a nudge and he knew it was them. They made their way into the dark forest, the only place where the sun's rays of light didn't illuminate its brightness.
"He's beem more tamed lately, Grawp has." Hagrid said proudly.
Ron said rather happily, "Really?"
"Oh, yeh, he likes meetin' new people."
Harry and Hermione were a bit nervous. The centaurs had cursed them last time for entering and they were only saved by the giant fellow.
"Er - Hagrid," Hermione started. "Where are all the centaurs?"
"In 'er 'omes," Hagrid shrugged. "I guess their a bit afraid of little ol' Grawp. An' well, after I told Dumbledore 'bout Grawp he had a little talk with 'em. They weren't too 'appy, but agreed to leave 'em alone for the time bein'. Great man, Dumbledore..."
Soon, they arrived where Grawp had been staying. To Ron it looked like a huge tree that had been broken down - just a bit round in the middle. Grawp had been sleeping when they arrived and Hagrid didn't want to bug him. He was quite feisty when he woke up.
"How is his english?" Hermione asked. The trio took off the cloak, thinking it would be safe now that they were nearer to Grawp.
"Oh, loads better!" exclaimed Hagrid.
Suddenly, the giant snored and moved feverishly in his sleep. This startled Ron a bit, as he shook next to Hermione and mumbled "Bloody hell!". She laughed silently to herself. But Grawp moved even more, probably having a bad dream, but things were tossing off of him. One thing hit Harry in the stomach, and he fell over. He got up, rubbing his tummy, as Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid hovered over him.
"Are yeh okay, Harry?" Hagrid asked. "He tends to do that when he has bad dreams, tossin' his belongins all over the place, Grawp does."
Harry sat up, feeling the octagon shaped box in his hands. He mumbled "Lumos" to get a better look at the dark object. It was marble black, with golden linings. It was rather tiny - even smaller than a snitch.
"What is this, Hagrid?" asked Harry, fascinated. His other two friends looked at the curious object in awe as well.
"I really don't know," Hagrid said, bemused just like the rest of them. "Musta been somethin' ol' Grawp found in the forest. Yeh can keep it, Harry, in memory o' him..." Hagrid's face turned into sadness.
Hermione was just about to reply with a cheerful statement when centaurs came roaring.
"What are those two doing here?" the centaur said furiously. He pointed at Harry and Hermione and addressed Hagrid. They noticed him from the night they took Umbridge here as a trick. "We agreed not to bug the beast, but those cunning kids!"
"They're not cunnin'!" Hagrid defended. He whispered to them, "Yeh guys better get outta here, or else all hell's gonna break lose. I don't know what happened that night, but yeh guys better go! I'll take care o' this."
The trio grabbed the invisibility cloak, Harry placing the stone box safely into his robes. They ran, as the centaurs started to chase after the, Hagrid trying to calm them. However, when the Invisibility Cloak was placed upon them, they had no where to follow.
"Those creatures may not enter here again!" the centaurs exclaimed angrily to Hagrid. Hagrid just nodded sadly and proceeded his own way out of the forest.
The next week passed by just as fast as the first. The trio had soon forgotten about the stone box - Harry placed it into his trunk right when he got back, fearing he'd lose it if it was kept in his robes. Now the next week passed. It was a Thursday evening - the day before Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts. Harry was having a meeting in the common room with the remaining of the team. Ron as Keeper - who had just gotten back from the library and Prefects duty, and Seamus and Dean as beaters. Ginny was also there, but she wasn't necessarily part of the new team.
"You're gonna have to show me some skills in Chasing, Gin," he said, captain-like. "I expect you guys to be there tomorrow night - don't land yourself in detention like I did last year." Ginny gave him an approving look - way too approving, but nobody noticed.
"Eh," Seamus snorted. "Lucky we don't have that fussy Umbridge this year." Dean nodded in agreement.
"You've posted the tryouts on the notice board, right Harry?" Ron asked.
"Yeah," he answered. "Now, all of you be there. And we'll see who we've got." The meeting was ended there. Harry started to gather his things and saw Ron about to walk up the steps. He grabbed his arm, and said, "There's something we need to talk about." He was referring to Ron being in the library all the time. It was getting ridiculous, Ron wasn't telling him anything! Ron just nodded, looking exhausted.
The week for Hermione was just as tiresome as the boys. For her, maybe more. She had to endure almost all N.E.W.T classes, and plus the extra practice with Malfoy. That week the DADA class took a break from the Patronus charm and worked on Defense terms and history and the like. Tonks insisted that the two work together in the library one night of the week and help each other write the essay and definitions. They both snorted in disapproval, but agreed. It was a Wednesday night before dinner. They had a break from classes so they decided to meet in the library, as they also had Prefect Duty that night and Malfoy practice with his Quidditch team.
"Well, you're the one with the brains, so enlighten me," Malfoy said, taking a seat across Hermione.
Hermione just glared at him. "Oh, Malfoy, when will you ever learn to be humane?" But she quickly changed the subject, seeing the smirk on his face. She pulled out a few books about the History of Defense and they started working. After they were finished, Hermione wanted to discuss something with him.
"Dra - Malfoy," she screamed inside for almost calling him Draco. He turned a shade of pink, just light pink. She didn't notice. "You said sorry to me last time and you haven't called me a mudblood for quite some time. So you enlighten me, what's wrong with you?"
Malfoy just shrugged, "If you insist on being called a mudblood, I'll do it. You are a filthy mudblood scum and I hate associating with you."
Hermione was obviously hurt by the remark. "Well, you are nothing but a - a soon to be Death Eater, following in the footsteps of his good for nothing father to Azkaban Prison! That - that scar on your forearm! Don't think I don't see it! I know what it is, Malfoy, anyone can see the Dark Mark." She would've stormed out, but she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes.
"What is on my arm is none of your business," he said solemnly, but hurt was written all over his face.
Hermione stuttered. "I - I'm sorry, Malfoy. But at least now you know how much you hurt me by calling me a mudblood. I just want to know... I understand... the look, I can see it.. you are hurt."
For a moment, Malfoy's cold eyes searched Hermione's honey-colored ones. For that single moment, he felt as if he was in love with this girl, who he hated, but cared even after all he had done. Well, that moment soon passed. "I don't need your help, mudblood." He got up, and then turned around, tossing a copy of the Daily Prophet to her. "See for yourself the stupidity your parents got into."
Hermione stared at the Daily Prophet in awe, as Malfoy walked out of the library feeling guilty and hurt.
A/N: Did that help any? I hope it did. This is my longest chapter yet, I think. I'm trying to put things in one chapter to quicken the pace. Thanks to the reviews, I don't think I'll be answering anymore... as I don't get a lot. Anyway, lots more will happen so keep reviewing and reading. I need the support! :) Also, I am utterly sorry for my spelling and grammer mistakes - I don't spell check because of this stupid program - it's not exactly Microsoft (that got wiped out when I reinstalled Windows 2000). So sorry sorry sorry!!
The next few days passed by fast, with the trio and even Ginny pouring into their books because of all the work they were being given. Most fifth, sixth, and seventh years poured into their books either in the common room or library - Ron choosing the library everytime Hermione and Harry didn't want to go. It was suspicious, but seeing as they were extremely busy with their own work - plus Quidditch for Harry - they did not bother fussing with it... yet. Ginny kept giving Harry dreamy glances in between working, and Hermione noticed all too much. She decided she would have a talk with the girl sometime. The first weekend soon came, and as promised, Hermione, Harry and Ron (for the first time) decided to visit Grawp with Hagrid. Because they weren't allowed in the Forbidden Forest (hint the name) they had to use the Invisibility Cloak. And just in case they brought the Maurader's Map.
The afternoon was bright, sunlight pouring onto every corner of Hogwarts. As planned, they met Hagrid at the edge of the Forest - nothing looked really suspicious. The Slytherin Quidditch team - with its new arrogant Captain Malfoy, was having tryouts and afterwards immediate practice. Others were enjoying their weekend - or pouring into their books.
"So," whispered Ron rather nervously. "How's this Grawp, eh?"
Hermione grinned at Harry. "Oh, he's about 16 feet tall. No biggy. Kinda feisty."
Ron shuddered, but tried to conceal his fright immediately. "Alright then."
They gave Hagrid a nudge and he knew it was them. They made their way into the dark forest, the only place where the sun's rays of light didn't illuminate its brightness.
"He's beem more tamed lately, Grawp has." Hagrid said proudly.
Ron said rather happily, "Really?"
"Oh, yeh, he likes meetin' new people."
Harry and Hermione were a bit nervous. The centaurs had cursed them last time for entering and they were only saved by the giant fellow.
"Er - Hagrid," Hermione started. "Where are all the centaurs?"
"In 'er 'omes," Hagrid shrugged. "I guess their a bit afraid of little ol' Grawp. An' well, after I told Dumbledore 'bout Grawp he had a little talk with 'em. They weren't too 'appy, but agreed to leave 'em alone for the time bein'. Great man, Dumbledore..."
Soon, they arrived where Grawp had been staying. To Ron it looked like a huge tree that had been broken down - just a bit round in the middle. Grawp had been sleeping when they arrived and Hagrid didn't want to bug him. He was quite feisty when he woke up.
"How is his english?" Hermione asked. The trio took off the cloak, thinking it would be safe now that they were nearer to Grawp.
"Oh, loads better!" exclaimed Hagrid.
Suddenly, the giant snored and moved feverishly in his sleep. This startled Ron a bit, as he shook next to Hermione and mumbled "Bloody hell!". She laughed silently to herself. But Grawp moved even more, probably having a bad dream, but things were tossing off of him. One thing hit Harry in the stomach, and he fell over. He got up, rubbing his tummy, as Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid hovered over him.
"Are yeh okay, Harry?" Hagrid asked. "He tends to do that when he has bad dreams, tossin' his belongins all over the place, Grawp does."
Harry sat up, feeling the octagon shaped box in his hands. He mumbled "Lumos" to get a better look at the dark object. It was marble black, with golden linings. It was rather tiny - even smaller than a snitch.
"What is this, Hagrid?" asked Harry, fascinated. His other two friends looked at the curious object in awe as well.
"I really don't know," Hagrid said, bemused just like the rest of them. "Musta been somethin' ol' Grawp found in the forest. Yeh can keep it, Harry, in memory o' him..." Hagrid's face turned into sadness.
Hermione was just about to reply with a cheerful statement when centaurs came roaring.
"What are those two doing here?" the centaur said furiously. He pointed at Harry and Hermione and addressed Hagrid. They noticed him from the night they took Umbridge here as a trick. "We agreed not to bug the beast, but those cunning kids!"
"They're not cunnin'!" Hagrid defended. He whispered to them, "Yeh guys better get outta here, or else all hell's gonna break lose. I don't know what happened that night, but yeh guys better go! I'll take care o' this."
The trio grabbed the invisibility cloak, Harry placing the stone box safely into his robes. They ran, as the centaurs started to chase after the, Hagrid trying to calm them. However, when the Invisibility Cloak was placed upon them, they had no where to follow.
"Those creatures may not enter here again!" the centaurs exclaimed angrily to Hagrid. Hagrid just nodded sadly and proceeded his own way out of the forest.
The next week passed by just as fast as the first. The trio had soon forgotten about the stone box - Harry placed it into his trunk right when he got back, fearing he'd lose it if it was kept in his robes. Now the next week passed. It was a Thursday evening - the day before Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts. Harry was having a meeting in the common room with the remaining of the team. Ron as Keeper - who had just gotten back from the library and Prefects duty, and Seamus and Dean as beaters. Ginny was also there, but she wasn't necessarily part of the new team.
"You're gonna have to show me some skills in Chasing, Gin," he said, captain-like. "I expect you guys to be there tomorrow night - don't land yourself in detention like I did last year." Ginny gave him an approving look - way too approving, but nobody noticed.
"Eh," Seamus snorted. "Lucky we don't have that fussy Umbridge this year." Dean nodded in agreement.
"You've posted the tryouts on the notice board, right Harry?" Ron asked.
"Yeah," he answered. "Now, all of you be there. And we'll see who we've got." The meeting was ended there. Harry started to gather his things and saw Ron about to walk up the steps. He grabbed his arm, and said, "There's something we need to talk about." He was referring to Ron being in the library all the time. It was getting ridiculous, Ron wasn't telling him anything! Ron just nodded, looking exhausted.
The week for Hermione was just as tiresome as the boys. For her, maybe more. She had to endure almost all N.E.W.T classes, and plus the extra practice with Malfoy. That week the DADA class took a break from the Patronus charm and worked on Defense terms and history and the like. Tonks insisted that the two work together in the library one night of the week and help each other write the essay and definitions. They both snorted in disapproval, but agreed. It was a Wednesday night before dinner. They had a break from classes so they decided to meet in the library, as they also had Prefect Duty that night and Malfoy practice with his Quidditch team.
"Well, you're the one with the brains, so enlighten me," Malfoy said, taking a seat across Hermione.
Hermione just glared at him. "Oh, Malfoy, when will you ever learn to be humane?" But she quickly changed the subject, seeing the smirk on his face. She pulled out a few books about the History of Defense and they started working. After they were finished, Hermione wanted to discuss something with him.
"Dra - Malfoy," she screamed inside for almost calling him Draco. He turned a shade of pink, just light pink. She didn't notice. "You said sorry to me last time and you haven't called me a mudblood for quite some time. So you enlighten me, what's wrong with you?"
Malfoy just shrugged, "If you insist on being called a mudblood, I'll do it. You are a filthy mudblood scum and I hate associating with you."
Hermione was obviously hurt by the remark. "Well, you are nothing but a - a soon to be Death Eater, following in the footsteps of his good for nothing father to Azkaban Prison! That - that scar on your forearm! Don't think I don't see it! I know what it is, Malfoy, anyone can see the Dark Mark." She would've stormed out, but she saw a flash of hurt in his eyes.
"What is on my arm is none of your business," he said solemnly, but hurt was written all over his face.
Hermione stuttered. "I - I'm sorry, Malfoy. But at least now you know how much you hurt me by calling me a mudblood. I just want to know... I understand... the look, I can see it.. you are hurt."
For a moment, Malfoy's cold eyes searched Hermione's honey-colored ones. For that single moment, he felt as if he was in love with this girl, who he hated, but cared even after all he had done. Well, that moment soon passed. "I don't need your help, mudblood." He got up, and then turned around, tossing a copy of the Daily Prophet to her. "See for yourself the stupidity your parents got into."
Hermione stared at the Daily Prophet in awe, as Malfoy walked out of the library feeling guilty and hurt.
A/N: Did that help any? I hope it did. This is my longest chapter yet, I think. I'm trying to put things in one chapter to quicken the pace. Thanks to the reviews, I don't think I'll be answering anymore... as I don't get a lot. Anyway, lots more will happen so keep reviewing and reading. I need the support! :) Also, I am utterly sorry for my spelling and grammer mistakes - I don't spell check because of this stupid program - it's not exactly Microsoft (that got wiped out when I reinstalled Windows 2000). So sorry sorry sorry!!