Temporal Flux

Chapter Twelve: A Stroll

Ron and Hermione entered the maze without any hesitation, but after a minute they realized how quiet it was. She gave him a glance as they walked onward in silence. It didn't take long for them to realize that they hadn't seen anyone come in or run into the others inside. "Ron, where's everyone?" asked Hermione, feeling the air around go cold with each second.

"Harry is right behind us. There's nothing to worry about," Ron hurriedly reassured her, but he didn't sound so sure of himself. "Let's keep moving. We're bound to run into someone sooner or later." Hermione merely nodded and followed him closely.

They continued for another ten minutes in silence until they stopped again. "Ron, we haven't seen anyone for a while now. We aren't in the maze anymore. Look around," whispered Hermione. Ron didn't answer her. He knew where they were headed. "This isn't part of the maze at all. How did we get here?"

"I have no idea," replied Ron. "But we're in the Forbidden Forest. I've been wondering how long before we'd have to go in here."

"What is that supposed to mean?" snapped Hermione.

Ron gave her a grin as he explained, "Well, almost every year one way or another, one of us ends up going in here with Harry one way or another. It was you last year with the centaurs and Hagrid's brother."

"We really didn't go in the year before that," corrected Hermione. "We did that our third year."

"I went in with Harry on the second. We had to go looking for the spiders," said Ron as he glanced around nervously. "Didn't Jared say that there were spiders in this thing?"

"I think he meant the maze. Ron, I don't think we're supposed to be here."

"I'm not sure. What if everyone went out in different directions?"

"Ron, even Professor De Luca with his eccentrics wouldn't put any student through the Forbidden Forest. Every year, Professor Dumbledore warns us, so the faculty has to listen, too."

Ron heard something snapping, like footsteps on twigs. He stopped, drew his wand, and shield Hermione with his arm, stopping her from walking ahead of him. She drew a long breath and looked around her. She gripped his hand tightly when something came out of the darkness. A hooded figure came at them.

Harry, Neville, and Jared had walked in together with their wands drawn. They immediately ran into Seamus and Dean who had stopped for a little bit after the former had tripped and hurt his knee. "Are you guys all right?" asked Jared as he came to their assistance. "Do you want to turn back?"

"No, we have to finish this," insisted Seamus as he grimace when Jared pressed a piece of his outer robes to stop the bleeding.

"You know Hermione can do a better job at this than any of us. I'm sure of it," pointed out Jared without looking at anyone in particular.

"We didn't see them come in," Dean informed them. Jared stopped and looked up at him, so he repeated, "Ron and Hermione never came in."

"That's impossible," muttered Harry. "They were right ahead of us. We're supposed to be right behind them. What about Lavender and Parvati?"

"They went up ahead of us. We told them to. At least we have a chance of they can figure their way through the maze," answered Seamus as Jared secured a bandage.

Harry looked around and finally his eyes settled on Jared. "I'm sure they're all right. Are you all right, Jared?"

Neville spoke up, "We should keep moving. Professor De Luca said that there were different ways to get through the maze we just have to find it. Maybe, Ron and Hermione took a different way. They might get through the maze before anyone else in Gryffindor."

Jared got to his feet and stepped forward without glancing at the others. They followed him after one glance back. "We have to get moving. The sooner we get through this, the sooner we'll see everyone at the end."

Ron had his wand ready for anything, and Hermione was right behind her. They ducked their heads when they saw it was only a swarm of bats. "It's daytime. How can they be out?" observed Hermione.

"How can you bloody tell it's daytime when the trees are so tall they cover the sky?" retorted Ron, rather annoyed.

"Ron, we should go back in the opposite direction we came from. We're obviously just getting deeper and deeper into the forest."

"We have no idea where we are. When we walked in, we thought were walking into the maze. Just because we go back in the opposite direction, doesn't mean we go back to where we started. If there's anything more obvious than the fact that we're going deeper and deeper into the forest, it's the fact that it looks like we walked into a trap."

"Why would anyone want us to walk into a trap? Who would have the power to do that, especially in front of Professor De Luca?"

"Someone who wanted us to separate from the others. And I'm thinking someone who knows more than he seems."

Hermione immediately knew who Ron was talking about, "You mean Jared Blake did this? That's insane, Ron."

"Is it? He was the one who tested the damn obstacle course in the first place, Hermione. He could have done something to it while he was in it," argued Ron. "Why is it so hard for you to accept the fact that he's not what he seems?"

"Because you said so yourself, he seems familiar somehow. I can't help, but think that he's not out to get anyone, especially Harry. They're getting along right now. Are you telling me that you're jealous because Harry and him started spending a lot of time together since yesterday?"

"No. That's not why," answered Ron after some hesitation. "Okay, maybe. Last year, he was so mad at us. I mean Harry. He wouldn't confide in us. I mean we lied to him because Dumbledore told us not to tell him anything. That's still a lie. Even before yesterday, Jared and Harry get along. It was right away."

"And I was spending my time with him, too," added Hermione. "Why don't you get to know Jared, too? Maybe, if you didn't you wouldn't feel left out. And another thing about Harry, last year he wasn't the easiest person for anyone to get along with. I mean he was fighting more than just Voldemort last year or any of his followers. He was fighting wizarding society. It's easy for you, Ron. You were born and raised into this world. Harry spent most of his childhood feeling unaccepted in the Muggle world, and then last year, he experienced it in this one."

Ron paused for a moment and took a long look at Hermione. "Is it hard for you, Hermione? I mean going back and forth."

"I feel more comfortable in the wizarding world. I never understood why I felt so different until that letter. But, yeah it's hard. I can't really explain to my parents and I can't tell the rest of my family anything. But this isn't about me right now. We're talking about Harry. He's got a temper worse than yours when he's mad."

Ron gave her a lopsided grin. The same as the one that Jared had given Ginny earlier. "You forget something. His mother had red hair."

"Are you implying that Harry has a bad temper because his mother had red hair? I mean that's just a stereotype Ron. You just have a bad temper because you have a bad disposition," insisted Hermione with a laugh.

"Look, it's not just a stereotype. Look at Harry. Getting black hair from his father was just a good way for him to cover up his temper," said Ron as he chuckled.

Hermione started really laughing, "I can't believe you. We're lost and you're making jokes. But if what you say about red hair is true, then one of Jared's parents has to have red hair because he's got a bad temper, too. Look what happened to Malfoy." She stopped laughing as she looked at Ron's side profile for a moment.

"What is it?" asked Ron.

"Nothing," answered Hermione. She pulled the lock of her hair behind her ear as she changed the subject, "Ron, I'm worried. What if we're really in trouble here?"

"Do you honestly think I would let anything hurt you?" asked Ron.

Hermione shook her head as she replied, "I trust you."

Jared strode ahead of the others. Neville and Dean were supporting Seamus and they were having the most difficulty keeping up. Harry was right behind Jared, saying, "Slow down, Jared. Seamus' hurt."

"We need to get out of here. We've wasted enough time," muttered Jared under his breath. He was very worried about his parents.

"We're not going to hurt Seamus more by forcing him to go faster," argued Harry. He sighed as he glanced at the Neville. "You're part of our team, Neville. What do you want to do?"

"I think you should go up ahead," answered Neville. "I'll stay here and help Dean and Seamus."

"I don't need help," said Seamus as he winced.

"We can handle this," insisted Dean.

Neville shook his head. "I'll stay," he said firmly as he glanced at Harry and Jared. Jared didn't bother to turn around. "You'd better get moving. I don't know where the rest of the class it, but we don't want the Slytherin to win, do we?"

Harry nodded in agreement as he glanced at Jared again. "Let's go, Jared. We'll see you at the finishing line. We'll leave you a trail to follow."

"All right. See you later," said Neville, giving them a grin as they walked away.

Hermione studied the bottom of a tree. She sighed as she looked at Ron. "I don't know what direction the moss is growing. I never thought I'd have to figure out what direction the castle was in."

"We're not trying to go to the castle. We're trying to go in the opposite direction," muttered Ron impatiently.

"That's why I'm trying to figure out what the direction the castle is in," said Hermione irritably. "What do you suggest we do? Do you have any idea where we are, other than lost?"

"You don't have to bite my head off," retorted Ron. "Like I told you before, I wouldn't let anything happen to you. I thought you trusted me."

Hermione nodded as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I'm just frustrated," she muttered. "Everyone's got to be through that maze by now."

A crow was lurking in the highest tree branches. It's black eyes focused on the pair as the continued to find their way through the forest. The crow's eyes fell upon Hermione and it let out a loud caw of disapproval. Mudblood Bitch. Ron glanced up at the crow. Something came over him. A very bad feeling.

Hermione felt Ron clamp his hands over her shoulders. "What is it?" she asked in alarm. Ron hushed her. She stared at him so intently with wide eyes that she didn't notice him lower his hand to flick his wrist to make sure he was armed with his wand. "It was just a crow, Ron. Put your wand away. You're going to hurt someone," whispered Hermione harshly. It turned out that Ron had the good idea.

An orb of light came from the treetops, just barely missing them. Ron pulled Hermione behind him. "Who's there?" demanded Ron as he brandished his wand towards the trees where the spell had come from. "Expelliarmus" he shouted, but no wand came to him.

A crow cawed and dove for their heads. Hermione screamed in surprised as she drew her wand. "Avis!" she shouted, conjuring birds to deflect the attacking crow. The birds surrounded and protected Ron and Hermione temporarily. "What is going on?"

"I don't know, but I don't think this was part of Professor De Luca's campout," answered Ron. "I think we should get moving. Before something else comes after us. Now do you believe when I said this was a trap?"

"Yes," agreed Hermione without hesitation. "But I still don't think that Jared's responsible for this."

Ron stared at her for a moment, marveling at her stubbornness. He shook his head to stop himself from starting another argument, especially another one about Jared. Thus, he said, "I think we should get out of here first before we decide who started this whole thing."

"We should just go back to the castle. I've never been this far into the woods before," said Hermione.

"Neither have I," admitted Ron. "I hope we run into someone friendly to us or to the school."

"Me, too," agreed Hermione. "What are we going to do if we can't get out of here?"

Ron gave a smile as he jokingly replied, "What's so wrong with being just with me?" The look on his face was so reminiscent of Jared that Hermione blinked at him. "Why are looking at me like that? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. It's just that I've been getting this weird feeling of déjà vu lately," answered Hermione.

"So, do I," said Ron as he looked at her. He was leaning in close towards her face. He lowered his head, closing in on her face. Their lips were mere inches away from each other. Suddenly, Ron pulled back away from Hermione, his ears were reddening. He cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his hair as he turned his head away from her.

"Ron, I think there's something out here to get us," said Hermione as she looked around anxiously.

"And you're worried that since Harry isn't here, we're in trouble," supplied Ron with a sigh. "Every time you get into trouble, he's almost always the first person you call on."

Hermione placed her hands on her hips as she said, "I don't always rely on him, Ron. It's just that he has more experience with this kind of thing than we do."

Ron shook his head, "He's got more than I do, Hermione."

"You're talking about money. Harry doesn't have what you have. You have a family that loves you. And how do you know that you won't make something of yourself someday? I think you've got a great chance of becoming an Auror. Is that what you want to be still?"

"I wouldn't be in Snape's class if I didn't want to be one. You know what I've never heard what you wanted to be."

"To tell you the truth, I really don't know," admitted Hermione. She laughed at the look on Ron's face. "Yeah, pretty hard to believe, isn't it? I'm always the one with a goal or a plan, but things changed for me. Both my parents are dentists, so I thought that I would be one, too. But when I found out that I was a witch, a whole different world of possibilities opened up for me. I have a feeling that I may just end up falling into my career."

"Is there anything you've got planned for the future?"

"Getting married and having a family of my own. What about you?"

"I don't know if I'll have a family as big as mine. I don't know who would want to have me. I really don't have much to offer."

"Not yet, but any girl would be a fool not to notice your potential," pointed out Hermione confidently as she gazed at him. "And some of what you've got isn't just potential. I wouldn't pay any attention to what that girl from Ravenclaw said."

"So, Ginny told you, didn't she?" said Ron sheepishly. "I guess it's better that she told you than me."

"No one had to tell me anything," said Hermione.

"Oh," mouthed Ron without actually saying anything. They continued to walk on, but they stopped when they saw the tops of a familiar sight. Ron smiled as he told Hermione, "Look, it's the Quidditch field. I'd know that anywhere. I fly there every week. Almost everyday."

"Thank goodness," sighed Hermione with relief.

"Yeah, thank goodness," agreed Ron. Yet both of them didn't express any of the feelings they had towards each other the entire time. They didn't give any indication of the affections they had for one another. That was the reason why their would be attacker decided to delay his attack.

"What do you mean you didn't see them come through here?" fumed Jared at Professor De Luca. The DADA professor regarded him calm as he continued, "Are they only ones who didn't get out of that maze? That's impossible."

"I'll use the shortcuts that I put in the maze and search for them," Professor De Luca assured Jared as he drew out his wand. "Everyone stay where you are. If anyone moves from here, you will have detention." Not even the Slytherins could say anything because of the professor's tone. He walked up to the maze and uttered the spell to unlock the secret passages all at once. "It shouldn't take that long. With the passages opened, they shouldn't have much trouble getting out."

Jared paced a little bit, appearing so much more worried than anyone else. Harry cleared his throat and when Jared didn't acknowledge him, he said, "Stop that. People are starting to look."

"What's so wrong, Blake?" drawled Draco with his arms folded over his chest without looking at Jared. "You're worried that Weasley's got his hands on Granger?"

"If I didn't think that I would get into any trouble or that there was any hope for you, I would make it so that you would see tomorrow," retorted Jared as he glared at him. He would have said more, but Harry threw Jared a look that stopped him.

"Come on, Jared," urged Harry as he veered him away from Draco and the others. They walked a little bit before he started whispering to Jared, "What was that all about?"

"He's my professor," answered Jared under his breath. He almost relished seeing Harry's eyes widened. "Before, you guess Potions, he's my Transfiguration professor."

"Unbelievable," breathed Harry in utter surprise. "I thought he bought his grades."

"Headmistress McGonagall appointed him after she became head of the school, which wasn't too long before Dumbledore passed away," revealed Jared. "So, Malfoy was there before I started at the school. I'm sorry my tense is all wrong. Everything is in past tense for me, while I should be saying in future tense now for you. It's one of the annoying things about time travel."

Harry couldn't help but grin as he pointed out, "You sound like your mother. Pointing out grammar at a time like this is so much like her. I don't think anything's happened to them. You wouldn't be here still if something had."

"That's true," agreed Jared. "I have a vested interest in what happens to them after all, if anything happens to them—"

"Nothing is going to happen to them," interrupted Harry in a reassuring tone.

Ron and Hermione both gave sighs of relief when they saw the high turrets of the Quidditch field. Neither thought of the strange goings on that they had encountered in the Forbidden Forest because they were too relieve to be out of it. "Just once, I would like it very much if neither you, Harry, nor me end up there," muttered Hermione.

"We're out now. That's all that matters," said Ron as he glanced around him. "We should get back to the camp site. I don't want to even think of what they're probably saying about us."

Hermione glanced at him and started to grin at him. "What do you think they're going to say about us? That you and I ran off together?"

Ron turned bright red at her comment as he sputtered, "N-no, that's not it."

"What you don't think I have a chance?" asked Hermione, appearing quite harmless at the moment. She was enjoying seeing him getting all flustered on her account. He was cute when he got like that. However, she soon realized how uncomfortable he was, so she said, "Come on, Ron, we've been friends for years now. I don't think they're going to say anything about us. They'll probably say we just got lost."

"Yeah, that's it," responded Ron. He hadn't answered her question. The truth was he didn't want to say that he didn't have a chance with her. He didn't have the personality or the social skills. He wasn't as smart nor as rich as her. It wasn't all that hard for him to conclude that he didn't have a chance.

"There you are," said Professor De Luca, immediately getting their attention. "I've been looking for you. How did you end up here?"

It was Hermione who answered for them, "We have no idea, but we just got out of the end of the Forbidden Forest."

The professor looked a bit startled at Hermione's explanation. He looked around him and felt a chill go through him. He was definitely sensing something out there. "Let's head back to camp. We'll take the long way. You've been through the forest enough to day." They nodded.

It didn't take very long to get back to camp and on the way, they talked about what had happened in the forest. When they reached the camp the first person to greet them was Jared. "Are you all right? What happen?" he asked anxiously.

Hermione glanced at Ron briefly, wondering if he was going to confront Jared. Neither of them told Professor De Luca that they thought Jared had something to do with what happened to them in the forest. However, this time Ron's eyes locked with Jared's. He found himself startled by them. They were alight with concern.

"We got lost," replied Ron.


AN: This chapter features some of the best dialogue yet. At least I think so. This is the time where Ron and Hermione have a chance to compare notes on their little boy. And there is another example of why Harry and Jared get along so well. They have so much in common. Seeing Jared grow up, gives Harry the chance to see what it would have been like for him to be raised by his parents.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This story belongs to me and cannot be posted anywhere else without my permission.