Hogwarts Online
Chapter Two: Proud

Harry clutched his side, wheezing. He had finally made it to the great hall, from the muggle studies room. He decided then and there that he would have to start going to the library instead, it seemed to be a lot closer to everything.

He quickly spotted his two best, both laughing at something Ron had apparently said. He took a deep, nervous breath. He was about to take the advice Jane had given him, or, more specifically, given to James.

He had felt a bit guilty, giving her his middle name instead of first, but knew that if she found out he was 'The Harry Potter' everything would become awkward. It always did.

"Hey, Harry! Me and Herms were just talking about Quidditch practice, and how... Woah, you look determined, mate... What's up?"

Harry froze. "Oh, nothing, just...tired, I guess, y'know...alot of homework..."

"You did your homework already, Harry?" Hermione asked, smiling. "I didn't even get started on it yet. I'm proud of you!"

Harry's stomache lurched. Proud of him. That's what parents say to children when they paint with fingerpaint. That's what friends say to friends when they catch the Snitch or ace a test.

Harry smiled back, "Yeah..."

He knew he couldn't do much with Ron around, but judging by the amount of pumpkin juice left in his redheaded friends goblet, Ron would be leaving for a bathroom break soon.

Harry glanced at Hermione. She was looking around the Gryffindor table eagerly, though he didn't understand why.

"What're you looking for, Hermione?"

She froze and her eyes went wide. "Uuhh...my, um...Ginny..."

Ginny, who was sitting across from Hermione, looked up when she heard her name. "Yes?"

Hermione froze yet again. "Oh, uh, there you are!"

"Did you want something...?"

"Oh, um, yes, you, uh...I'll be right back..." And with that, she rushed out of the busy dining hall.

"Ron?" Harry began, still staring after Hermione who had long disapeared, "Do you like Hermione, still?"

Ron looked at him, confused. "Yeah, mate, why? Do you like her or something? Because, you know, she might like you back..."

"You know Ron, for as thick as Hermione claims you to be, I think somewhere you have a hidden wisdom, because you just hit the nail on the head."

"So you do like her..."

"Yeah...but...I don't think she likes me...and I don't want to ruin our friendship. Ron, this girl told me-"

"Girl?" Ron waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Oh shut it, anyway, she said I should try and find out if I had a chance with Hermione."

"Well, first off, does this 'girl' even know who Hermione is? Secondly, I can get Ginny to find out who she likes so, you know, you don't have to be embarrased."

Harry felt immensly relieved. "Thank God," he whispered. "You wouldn't mind-"

"No, Harry, I wouldn't mind," Ginny smiled. "I always thought you and Hermione was a cute couple...yeah, sorry, Ron... Anyway, I can ask her tommorow morning if you want? She usually helps me with potions at that time, in the morning in the library."

"Thanks so much, Gin," Harry grinned, engulfing her in a hug. Although Ginny didn't like Harry anymore, she blushed nevertheless and turned to her dinner.

oon as Harry had finished dinner, and the homework he hadn't really finished, he was back on the computer, waiting for Jane to get online. He was beginning to get worried, maybe internet addiction was possible...He wondered briefly how they treated internet addiction. He decided to write a quick email, just in case she was invisable, or not logged in to the instant messenger.

Hey Jane,

I tried talking to the girl, but kinda wimped out. On the bright side, I did get my homework done, earlier than usual. Was your dinner gross?

James

He got a reply almost immediatly.

James,

Oh, I'm sorry! Good job about the homework, I was just working on it now. Happen to know the key-terms in Lesson Five for Transfiguration? I got there late this morning, and was kind of...in a daze, I guess. I've been in a daze all day. Good luck with your friend.

Jane

Ps: No, my dinner was lovely, how was yours?

I think the terms were 'fera' 'animagi' and 'Gray Terms', although I still don't know what a gray term is .Dinner was okay, I didn't eat much.

-James

Oh, why was that? Your friend? Thanks for the terms, by the way, and I think a gray term is...Or not...I have no clue what that is either.

Jane

I don't know, guess I was nervous. I found what gray term means in a tanfiguration encyclopedia one of my friends own. Apparently its that period between human state, and full animal transformation. If someone stops before fully transformed, they are stuck in their gray term. Hm..didn't know I had it in me to look something up. What do you want to be when you get out of Hogwarts?

James

Hmm... I haven't fully decided. Either an Auror, since...well, since alot of things, or maybe a nurse at Mungo's, I'd like to work in the Ministry of Magic (replace some of the dumb blokes they have there now) or a writer. But mostly an auror, it seems like it's...I don't know, fitting. How about you?

Jane

Ps: Thank you for the definition. Your mother would be proud.

Harry froze. He knew Jane didn't know about his dead mother, so he had nothing to worry about. But something about that email freaked him out slightly, and he felt as if he already knew Jane.

Auror as well. You know, for just meeting you, I'm really starting to like you

James.

You know, I've been feeling the same way. I mean I know we just met, but we have alot in common. It feels like I've known you forever. Silly, right?

Jane

Nah, I guess we just clicked...I guess...I don't know what I guess, but it's getting late...so erm...I better get to bed, night Jane, hope to talk to you again asap.

James

Goodnight, James. Talk to you in the morning.

Jane