Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 7/16
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I just noticed that when you type 3 dots (.) it appears as 1 dot only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 5
And the Year Starts
Harry, Ron together with Ginny waited for Hermione to get out of the train. Sure Harry and Ron were upset when Hermione chose to stay with Draco, but she was still their best friend.
Ginny on the other hand didn't want to wait for Hermione. She wanted to spend a lot of time with Harry and she wanted to grab the opportunity that Hermione just gave her. 'With Hermione out of the way, Harry's bound to notice me more than Ron's little sister.' "Harry, don't you think we should get going? I mean you are the new Head Boy. You must have some other things to work on rather than just waiting here."
"It's alright Ginny. We already had the Prefect meeting in the train. Besides, I don't think I can handle being a Head Boy without Hermione to help me out." Harry didn't even glance at her. He was eager to see Hermione. He knew being a Head Boy has some advantages like spending time alone with the Head Girl.
Ron however could see the change in his sister's facial color. She's turned bright red. "Gin if you're that hungry, you could join Neville and the others." Ron pointed at the direction of Neville who was with Seamus and Dean.
Hermione, Draco and Dale were among the last people that got off of the train. Dale was beside her talking to her and teasing her, while Draco walked behind them, mumbling with irritation.
Ginny couldn't believe what she was seeing. Harry was glaring at Dale, Malfoy seemed about to explode any second, and Dale seemed to be flirting with her. 'What does she have that I don't?' She then stepped forward for an attack, "Well, well, well. Here comes Hermione, are you done with your flirting already? Some of us here are already starving!"
"Gin, dear, all you had to do was ask."
"What are you talking about?" Ginny was taken aback.
Hermione pulled Dale forward, "Ginny this is Dale Krum. Dale, Ginny Weasley."
Ginny's mouth was left open. Harry, Ron and Draco were amused.
Hermione leaned towards her and added in a whisper, "He's in Gryffindor, you'll have all the chance to flirt with him."
Ginny now wanted revenge, but before she got a word out her brother dragged her away from the group.
Hermione turned to face the three, "Shall we go in now? I heard earlier that someone's already hungry."
Harry nodded and accompanied her to one of the coaches. Dale and Draco followed suit.
Harry saw an empty coach and helped Hermione in it. He got inside and sat beside her. Draco and Dale entered as well not wanting to leave her side.
Harry and Hermione were engaged in deep conversation. They were deprived of communication last summer and they wanted to catch up. Dale and Draco kept quiet as they headed towards the castle. They felt left out. It was like Harry and Hermione were talking in symbols as they laugh at each other's stories. Draco and Dale couldn't relate especially when Harry would bring up some muggle topic.
When they finally got to the castle, most of the students were already in the Great Hall ready for the feast. Harry couldn't see Ron or Ginny at the entrance and was glad that he didn't have to go through a similar encounter earlier by the train.
Hermione faced Draco; "We'll be heading to our table now. I'll be seeing you."
"I suppose." He regretfully marched towards the Slytherin table.
Hermione lead the two boys toward their table. She scanned for Ron's face, 'Surely he would've saved us a place. True enough, Ron saved three seats. Ron was facing the Slytherin table and had two seats vacant to the left of him. Ginny was seated across him and had one vacant seat beside her. Hermione didn't wish to be seated so near Ginny so she chose the seat beside Ron. Harry was quick enough to be able to get the seat next to her. Dale had no choice but to take the seat next to Ginny. Clearly this is not what Ginny planned. She cast a careful glare to Hermione, careful in a sense that no body but Hermione saw it.
Hermione, however, didn't let it get to her. Instead she started a conversation. "Anybody here know who's going to be our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"
"Well, duh! If the Head Girl doesn't have a clue, what makes you think that a normal student would know?" Ginny rolled her eyes.
Ron was getting impatient with his sister but he didn't say anything.
"Don't you have a permanent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" Dale asked. He didn't want to be left out of the conversation again.
Parvati was seated close to them and couldn't help but hear Dale's question, "You see, there's rumor that that position is cursed. There's no professor here that lasted more than a year."
Hermione smiled at her friend, "Dale meet Parvati Patil, Parvati, Dale Krum."
"Pleasure." Dale was used to captivating women's attention. Parvati was one of the prettiest witches he saw in Hogwarts, aside, of course, from Hermione.
Then Professor McGonagall appeared up front to start with the sorting ceremony.
"Hey, there's your answer Herm." Ron was looking up front at a new professor.
Hermione shot him an eye for the nickname. She did agree to let him use it, but she didn't want Dale to hear it.
"Who's she? She looks dangerous." Harry commented.
Hermione pulled her eyes off of Ron and looked at the professors' table. 'What the.'
"You alright Hermione?" Dale seemed concerned.
"Nothing." Her gaze was then caught by Draco form the Slytherin table and he nodded at her.
"Do you know her Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Arabelle." Hermione said not realizing she did so out loud.
"What?"
Dale for once took his gaze away from her to look at the person they were talking about. "Arabelle, what's she doing here?"
Parvati raised and eyebrow questioningly. "You know her?"
"Yeah, she was in our place this summer. I wonder what's she doing here."
"How'd you know her Herm?" Ron asked.
"Huh?" She turned to face him. "Well, um."
'She hasn't told her friends yet about the visit.' Dale surmised.
"It's not that important."
"Oh come on Hermione, do tell us." Ginny wanted to watch her in a fit.
Soon all her friends' eyes were focused on her.
Hermione gave up; she couldn't lie especially since Dale knew everything. She also couldn't tell them about her first meeting with Arabelle, she promised to keep it a secret. "Harry, Ron, promise me you won't get pumped up, ok?"
'This'll be good!' Ginny was acting all smug.
The two nodded, impatient for her answer.
"You see, I. How will I say this?" She paused for a while. "IwenttoViktor'splacethis summer." She managed to say all in one breath.
"Come again?" Harry didn't understand a word. It looked like nobody did.
"Can you say it slowly this time?" Ron pleaded.
Hermione sighed, "I went to Viktor's place this summer."
Harry's eyes widened.
"Really?" Ginny was giddy with excitement to see a brawl between Harry and Hermione.
"You see, I was upset when you guys didn't write, I ran away and since Viktor offered his place that time, I said what the heck." Hermione bit her lower lip as she wait for their reaction.
Harry couldn't get mad at her since he thought that it was his fault. He blamed himself for unintentionally pushing her to Viktor. He also couldn't help but admire her face as she bit her lips almost seductively.
"So that's how you met Dale." Parvati joined.
Hermione was blushing, not because she was ashamed of what she's done because she's done nothing wrong, but because she was still hiding one little secret. The fact that Draco tagged along was still buried inside of her.
Ron wanted to explode, but he didn't because Dale, Viktor's brother was in front of them. Harry, however, started doubting about the reason she told him when he asked about their relationship. 'I have a feeling that her trip to Krum's place had to do with her decision.'
Lavender heard everything and was curious about Arabelle, "So is she as bad as she looks?" She also wanted to help Hermione out of the fit she's in.
"Well actually, she's sort of like me." She was thankful for Lavender's intervention. Normally she didn't like eavesdroppers, but this was an exemption. "We got to talk a lot and she told me that I reminded her of her younger self." (Remember Models chapter 11.) "She's been pretty nice to me there."
"Exactly how long did you stay in Viktor Krum's place?" Ginny didn't want to let go of the topic. This was her chance to break up Harry and Hermione completely.
"Why are you so interested? Dale's here now, isn't he?"
"Hey, hey. I don't want to get involved in any cat fights. Leave me out of this." Dale didn't like the fact that she was using him only as an.object?
"You know Hermione? I'm interested too." Harry wanted to know if anything happened at that visit.
"What for? Viktor only spent time on his career to even notice me. I spent much more time with Arabelle than with him." Technically she was telling the truth for the first week, but not on the next.
"Really?" Harry had to ask.
Dale arched an eyebrow.
Hermione managed a yes.
"Ok. So how long again?" Ginny was persistent.
Fortunately, Dale didn't say anything.
"It's alright Hermione, we trust you." Ron managed to say.
Then Headmaster Dumbledore started the feast. As usual, Ron gobbled up food as much as possible. The normal conversation between Gryffindors resumed. There were a lot more people staring in the direction of the Gryffindor trio because of Dale. Draco on the other hand kept on glancing at Hermione, careful not to miss any move made by his rivals, Harry and Dale. There were times when Hermione would look back at him and give him an enticing smile. If it weren't for Harry and Dale he could feel contentment. But life wasn't easy for him.
The meal passed and every body felt full. Dumbledore stood up to address the students. "Good evening to all. I hope that you've all had your filling. I would like to add to the announcement earlier the introduction of your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor Arabelle."
There was a bit of applause to welcome her, but there were other students who were too afraid of her to even move. Hermione, however, caught her eyes and smiled at her. She was getting eager to have lessons with her.
'Wait a minute, what happens to our extra classes? Will we still continue them? I hope so, I think I need Professor Snape's help in Etheral.' Hermione's thoughts suddenly came back to life.
After all the announcements have been made Dumbledore bid them good night. "Prefects, usher the first years to their dormitories."
Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindors started for their tower. Dale forced his way beside Hermione. "Do we get to choose our room mates?"
"Not really the." Hermione tried to answer his question.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger, would you please follow me to my office?" Dumbledore called out for them.
"Are you in trouble or something?" Dale tried to ask.
'Ooh boy, I hope this is about the extra classes.' Hermione didn't hear him. Instead he caught her two best friends and dragged them to Dumbledore's office.
~~~~~~~~~~
For once, the door to the Headmaster's office wasn't lock so they came in without any trouble. Hermione chose the seat opposite the headmaster while Ron and Harry sat beside her. Harry was a bit disappointed when he didn't find Sirius in the room. Hermione was disappointed also when she didn't see Arabelle with them. She thought that she would be there to greet her or something. The professors that were there were Snape and McGonagall.
"So how was your summer?" Dumbledore addressed it to no one.
"It was uh, ok sir." Harry answered.
Dumbledore eyed the three carefully. "Ok then. You've all done great jobs with your extra classes last year and I was wondering if you're all still up for it?"
Hermione nodded enthusiastically. When Harry and Ron saw her reaction they just shrugged.
"Good, but I have a proposition."
The three listened carefully.
"You've all actually passed the entire curriculum given for Hogwarts students and I don't see any reason in taking all the extra classes this year. I think you are all able and a little prepared."
"What are you saying sir?" Hermione asked.
"What I'm saying is that for your final year, I want you to choose which area you'd like to focus on expanding your knowledge and expertise?"
"Do we still have the same professors?" Ron thought this was critical. If he was going to choose Defense Against the Dark Arts, he had to be sure that Sirius would be the one teaching it. He didn't trust Arabelle.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley. Same professors as last year."
"Then I choose Defense Against the Dark Arts." Harry declared first.
"Hey! I was going to say that!" Ron argued.
"You both can take the class if that is your wish." Dumbledore watched as the two grinned at each other. "Ms. Granger? What would you choose?"
'What am I going to do? I know that Defense Against the Dark Arts will surely come in handy especially in a battle but so does the other subjects and then I'd like to ask for Professor Snape's help in Etheral.' She looked seriously disturbed.
"Come on Hermione, there isn't really much of a choice. Join us with Sirius it will be fun." Ron persuaded.
"Sorry I was late. Did I hear someone call my name?" Sirius came in from a portal. He gave a warm smile to Harry. "Sorry about Hedwig. I'm sure Hagrid will nurse her back to health."
"No problem."
"So am I going to be teaching you all?" He looked at the three.
"I'm not sure yet." Hermione heard herself say.
"You can't decide which class to take?" Arabelle entered the room with a soft smile on her lips.
Hermione turned to look at her. "Arabelle."
"Hi Hermione." She widened her grin. "How are you now? How did you convince your parents?"
"I just reassured them." She lied. It was really Draco who did it.
Arabelle saw through it but thought she'd question her about it later. "So which class are you going to take?"
"I still don't know."
"You really sound like me. If I was given that choice then maybe I'd choose. let's see. all of them."
'All of them, hmm.' Her gaze then dropped to the headmaster.
"Are you sure Ms. Granger? This is a tough year, although you have been able to finish the curriculum last year and then some. Are you prepared for it?"
"Albus, I am sure there won't be any problems with her. This year's normal classes would serve as a review for her. She finished it as opposed to Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. All she needs to do is take the N.E.W.T.S. and then she can graduate right now." McGonagall said.
Hermione blushed at her professor's words.
"I agree, she has done more than the curriculum required. I'd say why not just let her graduate?" Snape added.
Arabelle looked at Sirius in disbelief. "Is she that good?"
"Must be, if even Snape's giving her credit." Sirius answered her.
"Well, seeing as how your professors would like you to leave Hogwarts early then I won't argue. I'll talk to professor Filtwick."
Hermione nodded and gave smiles to both professors who just praised her.
"That's our Hermione." Harry sighed. He thought that he would have a big advantage to his other rivals, but it looks like she'd be busy this year.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione let Harry and Ron go ahead. She wanted to talk with Arabelle.
"So tell me, how did you convince your parents to let you finish Hogwarts?" Arabelle was curious.
"Actually, Draco did help."
"Excuse me?" Arabelle just didn't think that someone like a Malfoy would ever help a Gryffindor and a muggle-born at that.
"He came to my house and he convinced my mum. Of course, I had to compromise first."
"Well I'll be damned."
"You see, I can trust him now."
"I still say watch your back, he may be planning something against you."
Hermione couldn't think of anything that could've happened to her that made her so untrusting.
"So what's Viktor Krum's brother doing here?"
"I have no idea."
"Well I think you should watch yourself when you're with him. There's something in him that I just don't trust."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"So do you have any plans on what's going to be your thesis?"
"Are we supposed to?"
"Of course. I remember when I had to make mine, I had to research."
Suddenly Hermione felt faint. She didn't have a clue on what to do. "Um, is it individual or by groups?"
"Individual, silly."
Her face paled.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I want to thank my beta Toni. Love your comments! I would also
like to thank those who've revied.
What to expect on the next chapters:
Draco and Hermione starts reminiscing near the lake about their time
in Krum's mansion.
Groupings on project Etheral.
Dale makes life hard for Harry and Draco. Joins forces with Ginny to
end any feelings they still have for each other.
MORE ROMANCE
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is the continuation to "Models".
I just noticed that when you type 3 dots (.) it appears as 1 dot only.
R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R
Title: Last Chance
Chapter 5
And the Year Starts
Harry, Ron together with Ginny waited for Hermione to get out of the train. Sure Harry and Ron were upset when Hermione chose to stay with Draco, but she was still their best friend.
Ginny on the other hand didn't want to wait for Hermione. She wanted to spend a lot of time with Harry and she wanted to grab the opportunity that Hermione just gave her. 'With Hermione out of the way, Harry's bound to notice me more than Ron's little sister.' "Harry, don't you think we should get going? I mean you are the new Head Boy. You must have some other things to work on rather than just waiting here."
"It's alright Ginny. We already had the Prefect meeting in the train. Besides, I don't think I can handle being a Head Boy without Hermione to help me out." Harry didn't even glance at her. He was eager to see Hermione. He knew being a Head Boy has some advantages like spending time alone with the Head Girl.
Ron however could see the change in his sister's facial color. She's turned bright red. "Gin if you're that hungry, you could join Neville and the others." Ron pointed at the direction of Neville who was with Seamus and Dean.
Hermione, Draco and Dale were among the last people that got off of the train. Dale was beside her talking to her and teasing her, while Draco walked behind them, mumbling with irritation.
Ginny couldn't believe what she was seeing. Harry was glaring at Dale, Malfoy seemed about to explode any second, and Dale seemed to be flirting with her. 'What does she have that I don't?' She then stepped forward for an attack, "Well, well, well. Here comes Hermione, are you done with your flirting already? Some of us here are already starving!"
"Gin, dear, all you had to do was ask."
"What are you talking about?" Ginny was taken aback.
Hermione pulled Dale forward, "Ginny this is Dale Krum. Dale, Ginny Weasley."
Ginny's mouth was left open. Harry, Ron and Draco were amused.
Hermione leaned towards her and added in a whisper, "He's in Gryffindor, you'll have all the chance to flirt with him."
Ginny now wanted revenge, but before she got a word out her brother dragged her away from the group.
Hermione turned to face the three, "Shall we go in now? I heard earlier that someone's already hungry."
Harry nodded and accompanied her to one of the coaches. Dale and Draco followed suit.
Harry saw an empty coach and helped Hermione in it. He got inside and sat beside her. Draco and Dale entered as well not wanting to leave her side.
Harry and Hermione were engaged in deep conversation. They were deprived of communication last summer and they wanted to catch up. Dale and Draco kept quiet as they headed towards the castle. They felt left out. It was like Harry and Hermione were talking in symbols as they laugh at each other's stories. Draco and Dale couldn't relate especially when Harry would bring up some muggle topic.
When they finally got to the castle, most of the students were already in the Great Hall ready for the feast. Harry couldn't see Ron or Ginny at the entrance and was glad that he didn't have to go through a similar encounter earlier by the train.
Hermione faced Draco; "We'll be heading to our table now. I'll be seeing you."
"I suppose." He regretfully marched towards the Slytherin table.
Hermione lead the two boys toward their table. She scanned for Ron's face, 'Surely he would've saved us a place. True enough, Ron saved three seats. Ron was facing the Slytherin table and had two seats vacant to the left of him. Ginny was seated across him and had one vacant seat beside her. Hermione didn't wish to be seated so near Ginny so she chose the seat beside Ron. Harry was quick enough to be able to get the seat next to her. Dale had no choice but to take the seat next to Ginny. Clearly this is not what Ginny planned. She cast a careful glare to Hermione, careful in a sense that no body but Hermione saw it.
Hermione, however, didn't let it get to her. Instead she started a conversation. "Anybody here know who's going to be our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"
"Well, duh! If the Head Girl doesn't have a clue, what makes you think that a normal student would know?" Ginny rolled her eyes.
Ron was getting impatient with his sister but he didn't say anything.
"Don't you have a permanent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" Dale asked. He didn't want to be left out of the conversation again.
Parvati was seated close to them and couldn't help but hear Dale's question, "You see, there's rumor that that position is cursed. There's no professor here that lasted more than a year."
Hermione smiled at her friend, "Dale meet Parvati Patil, Parvati, Dale Krum."
"Pleasure." Dale was used to captivating women's attention. Parvati was one of the prettiest witches he saw in Hogwarts, aside, of course, from Hermione.
Then Professor McGonagall appeared up front to start with the sorting ceremony.
"Hey, there's your answer Herm." Ron was looking up front at a new professor.
Hermione shot him an eye for the nickname. She did agree to let him use it, but she didn't want Dale to hear it.
"Who's she? She looks dangerous." Harry commented.
Hermione pulled her eyes off of Ron and looked at the professors' table. 'What the.'
"You alright Hermione?" Dale seemed concerned.
"Nothing." Her gaze was then caught by Draco form the Slytherin table and he nodded at her.
"Do you know her Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Arabelle." Hermione said not realizing she did so out loud.
"What?"
Dale for once took his gaze away from her to look at the person they were talking about. "Arabelle, what's she doing here?"
Parvati raised and eyebrow questioningly. "You know her?"
"Yeah, she was in our place this summer. I wonder what's she doing here."
"How'd you know her Herm?" Ron asked.
"Huh?" She turned to face him. "Well, um."
'She hasn't told her friends yet about the visit.' Dale surmised.
"It's not that important."
"Oh come on Hermione, do tell us." Ginny wanted to watch her in a fit.
Soon all her friends' eyes were focused on her.
Hermione gave up; she couldn't lie especially since Dale knew everything. She also couldn't tell them about her first meeting with Arabelle, she promised to keep it a secret. "Harry, Ron, promise me you won't get pumped up, ok?"
'This'll be good!' Ginny was acting all smug.
The two nodded, impatient for her answer.
"You see, I. How will I say this?" She paused for a while. "IwenttoViktor'splacethis summer." She managed to say all in one breath.
"Come again?" Harry didn't understand a word. It looked like nobody did.
"Can you say it slowly this time?" Ron pleaded.
Hermione sighed, "I went to Viktor's place this summer."
Harry's eyes widened.
"Really?" Ginny was giddy with excitement to see a brawl between Harry and Hermione.
"You see, I was upset when you guys didn't write, I ran away and since Viktor offered his place that time, I said what the heck." Hermione bit her lower lip as she wait for their reaction.
Harry couldn't get mad at her since he thought that it was his fault. He blamed himself for unintentionally pushing her to Viktor. He also couldn't help but admire her face as she bit her lips almost seductively.
"So that's how you met Dale." Parvati joined.
Hermione was blushing, not because she was ashamed of what she's done because she's done nothing wrong, but because she was still hiding one little secret. The fact that Draco tagged along was still buried inside of her.
Ron wanted to explode, but he didn't because Dale, Viktor's brother was in front of them. Harry, however, started doubting about the reason she told him when he asked about their relationship. 'I have a feeling that her trip to Krum's place had to do with her decision.'
Lavender heard everything and was curious about Arabelle, "So is she as bad as she looks?" She also wanted to help Hermione out of the fit she's in.
"Well actually, she's sort of like me." She was thankful for Lavender's intervention. Normally she didn't like eavesdroppers, but this was an exemption. "We got to talk a lot and she told me that I reminded her of her younger self." (Remember Models chapter 11.) "She's been pretty nice to me there."
"Exactly how long did you stay in Viktor Krum's place?" Ginny didn't want to let go of the topic. This was her chance to break up Harry and Hermione completely.
"Why are you so interested? Dale's here now, isn't he?"
"Hey, hey. I don't want to get involved in any cat fights. Leave me out of this." Dale didn't like the fact that she was using him only as an.object?
"You know Hermione? I'm interested too." Harry wanted to know if anything happened at that visit.
"What for? Viktor only spent time on his career to even notice me. I spent much more time with Arabelle than with him." Technically she was telling the truth for the first week, but not on the next.
"Really?" Harry had to ask.
Dale arched an eyebrow.
Hermione managed a yes.
"Ok. So how long again?" Ginny was persistent.
Fortunately, Dale didn't say anything.
"It's alright Hermione, we trust you." Ron managed to say.
Then Headmaster Dumbledore started the feast. As usual, Ron gobbled up food as much as possible. The normal conversation between Gryffindors resumed. There were a lot more people staring in the direction of the Gryffindor trio because of Dale. Draco on the other hand kept on glancing at Hermione, careful not to miss any move made by his rivals, Harry and Dale. There were times when Hermione would look back at him and give him an enticing smile. If it weren't for Harry and Dale he could feel contentment. But life wasn't easy for him.
The meal passed and every body felt full. Dumbledore stood up to address the students. "Good evening to all. I hope that you've all had your filling. I would like to add to the announcement earlier the introduction of your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor Arabelle."
There was a bit of applause to welcome her, but there were other students who were too afraid of her to even move. Hermione, however, caught her eyes and smiled at her. She was getting eager to have lessons with her.
'Wait a minute, what happens to our extra classes? Will we still continue them? I hope so, I think I need Professor Snape's help in Etheral.' Hermione's thoughts suddenly came back to life.
After all the announcements have been made Dumbledore bid them good night. "Prefects, usher the first years to their dormitories."
Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindors started for their tower. Dale forced his way beside Hermione. "Do we get to choose our room mates?"
"Not really the." Hermione tried to answer his question.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger, would you please follow me to my office?" Dumbledore called out for them.
"Are you in trouble or something?" Dale tried to ask.
'Ooh boy, I hope this is about the extra classes.' Hermione didn't hear him. Instead he caught her two best friends and dragged them to Dumbledore's office.
~~~~~~~~~~
For once, the door to the Headmaster's office wasn't lock so they came in without any trouble. Hermione chose the seat opposite the headmaster while Ron and Harry sat beside her. Harry was a bit disappointed when he didn't find Sirius in the room. Hermione was disappointed also when she didn't see Arabelle with them. She thought that she would be there to greet her or something. The professors that were there were Snape and McGonagall.
"So how was your summer?" Dumbledore addressed it to no one.
"It was uh, ok sir." Harry answered.
Dumbledore eyed the three carefully. "Ok then. You've all done great jobs with your extra classes last year and I was wondering if you're all still up for it?"
Hermione nodded enthusiastically. When Harry and Ron saw her reaction they just shrugged.
"Good, but I have a proposition."
The three listened carefully.
"You've all actually passed the entire curriculum given for Hogwarts students and I don't see any reason in taking all the extra classes this year. I think you are all able and a little prepared."
"What are you saying sir?" Hermione asked.
"What I'm saying is that for your final year, I want you to choose which area you'd like to focus on expanding your knowledge and expertise?"
"Do we still have the same professors?" Ron thought this was critical. If he was going to choose Defense Against the Dark Arts, he had to be sure that Sirius would be the one teaching it. He didn't trust Arabelle.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley. Same professors as last year."
"Then I choose Defense Against the Dark Arts." Harry declared first.
"Hey! I was going to say that!" Ron argued.
"You both can take the class if that is your wish." Dumbledore watched as the two grinned at each other. "Ms. Granger? What would you choose?"
'What am I going to do? I know that Defense Against the Dark Arts will surely come in handy especially in a battle but so does the other subjects and then I'd like to ask for Professor Snape's help in Etheral.' She looked seriously disturbed.
"Come on Hermione, there isn't really much of a choice. Join us with Sirius it will be fun." Ron persuaded.
"Sorry I was late. Did I hear someone call my name?" Sirius came in from a portal. He gave a warm smile to Harry. "Sorry about Hedwig. I'm sure Hagrid will nurse her back to health."
"No problem."
"So am I going to be teaching you all?" He looked at the three.
"I'm not sure yet." Hermione heard herself say.
"You can't decide which class to take?" Arabelle entered the room with a soft smile on her lips.
Hermione turned to look at her. "Arabelle."
"Hi Hermione." She widened her grin. "How are you now? How did you convince your parents?"
"I just reassured them." She lied. It was really Draco who did it.
Arabelle saw through it but thought she'd question her about it later. "So which class are you going to take?"
"I still don't know."
"You really sound like me. If I was given that choice then maybe I'd choose. let's see. all of them."
'All of them, hmm.' Her gaze then dropped to the headmaster.
"Are you sure Ms. Granger? This is a tough year, although you have been able to finish the curriculum last year and then some. Are you prepared for it?"
"Albus, I am sure there won't be any problems with her. This year's normal classes would serve as a review for her. She finished it as opposed to Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. All she needs to do is take the N.E.W.T.S. and then she can graduate right now." McGonagall said.
Hermione blushed at her professor's words.
"I agree, she has done more than the curriculum required. I'd say why not just let her graduate?" Snape added.
Arabelle looked at Sirius in disbelief. "Is she that good?"
"Must be, if even Snape's giving her credit." Sirius answered her.
"Well, seeing as how your professors would like you to leave Hogwarts early then I won't argue. I'll talk to professor Filtwick."
Hermione nodded and gave smiles to both professors who just praised her.
"That's our Hermione." Harry sighed. He thought that he would have a big advantage to his other rivals, but it looks like she'd be busy this year.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione let Harry and Ron go ahead. She wanted to talk with Arabelle.
"So tell me, how did you convince your parents to let you finish Hogwarts?" Arabelle was curious.
"Actually, Draco did help."
"Excuse me?" Arabelle just didn't think that someone like a Malfoy would ever help a Gryffindor and a muggle-born at that.
"He came to my house and he convinced my mum. Of course, I had to compromise first."
"Well I'll be damned."
"You see, I can trust him now."
"I still say watch your back, he may be planning something against you."
Hermione couldn't think of anything that could've happened to her that made her so untrusting.
"So what's Viktor Krum's brother doing here?"
"I have no idea."
"Well I think you should watch yourself when you're with him. There's something in him that I just don't trust."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"So do you have any plans on what's going to be your thesis?"
"Are we supposed to?"
"Of course. I remember when I had to make mine, I had to research."
Suddenly Hermione felt faint. She didn't have a clue on what to do. "Um, is it individual or by groups?"
"Individual, silly."
Her face paled.
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: I want to thank my beta Toni. Love your comments! I would also
like to thank those who've revied.
What to expect on the next chapters:
Draco and Hermione starts reminiscing near the lake about their time
in Krum's mansion.
Groupings on project Etheral.
Dale makes life hard for Harry and Draco. Joins forces with Ginny to
end any feelings they still have for each other.
MORE ROMANCE