Disclaimer: I do not in any way claim to own, nor did I create, Harry Potter or any related material. All was a result of the diligent work of J.K. Rowling and her publishers. I do not make any profit from this story.

The Great Hall buzzed with the ordinary sounds of dinner, when the threesome walked to their usual spots at the Gryffindor table. Ron's stomach grumbled loudly with laughter from Harry for accompaniment. However, the clattering of plates and the scent of delicious entrees made Hermione's stomach lurch.

As they took their seats, Harry and Ron immediately made a grab for the mashed potatoes, which resulted in the smashing of the bowl somehow over the top of Neville Longbottom's head. Astonished, Neville jumped out of his seat, crashing into Ginny Weasley, whom was late for dinner as well. Those surrounding laughed heartily, though Neville's face showed a faint, cherry-colored tint.

Hermione, thoroughly shocked, gave Ron and Harry reproachful looks, which they dismissed and continued to pile more food onto their respective plates.

"You haven't touched your meat pie, Hermione," Harry commented with concern. With this, Hermione's glance darted self-consciously to her untouched, but piled golden plate. Harry's inquiry made her feel quite uncomfortable, so she decided to make an escape.

"Um, Harry, Ron? I need to catch up on work. . . I'll be in the library!" Hermione spluttered quickly as she jumped quick as a hare and fled from the Great Hall.

Harry attempted in vain to respond to Hermione's abrupt explanation , "But Hermione, wait! You did not miss any work!" Harry silently glanced at Ron, who shrugged.

"Hermione has been acting quite odd, don't you think?"

"Odder than usual, mate?"

"I mean…ever since she had that…incident."

"Well, she has always been a nut over schoolwork. Personally, I'm surprised she did not go to the library as soon as she woke up!"

Harry knew that he would not get any insight talking to Ron, who was too unobservant for his own good. However, he noticed Ginny Weasley peering at him anxiously over the heads of several other Gryffindors, clearly attempting to eavesdrop upon his conversation with Ron.

"Ginny?" Harry asked, trying to break her stare.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just could not help overhearing…"Ginny shouted loudly over the boisterous din of students.

"Well, do you agree?"

"With what?" Ginny shouted, still unable to hear Harry clearly.

"Yeah, mate, with what?" Ron asked, aware finally that he had been less than contributory to Harry's attempts at a serious conversation.

"It is too crowded here," Harry answered. "Why don't we go back to the Common Room?"

Ginny nodded quickly , but Ron complained loudly. "But I have not finished with dinner!"

"Come on, Ron. Have a chocolate frog later. . ."

"Alright, Harry, but I'll hold you to that!" Ron answered.

So, the two boys and Ginny nonchalantly exited the Great Hall without any diversions. However, the situation held a certain tension that even Ron could not help but notice.

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Author's Note: I am EXTREMELY sorry about the unusual lapse of time between this and the last chapter! I was out of town, and since I have gotten back, I have been traveling to ballet class an hour and a half's distance from where I live every day. On top of that, we have had some unfortunate computer problems. But, the good news is that I now have a laptop! I can write now wherever I go! Hopefully, the result of this should be more frequent updates and longer chapters (don't hold me to the latter…we shall see).

By the way, was anyone else disappointed by the third movie? I just was annoyed by how much they veered from the book.

Now, REVIEW !!!!! I promise you will never have to wait this long for a chapter again.

Have a wonderful day! Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions, anything you wish to say!