Disclaimer: I do not in any way claim to own, nor did I create, Harry Potter or any related material. All credit should go to J.K. Rowling and her publishers. I do not profit from these writings.
"Geroff," Harry groaned as he felt a sharp, sudden pain in his side. He unwillingly awoke to find himself halfway on top of a snoring Ron, and Ginny prodding him with her wand.
"I've checked. It's safe to leave," Ginny whispered.
"But it's dead night!" Harry protested.
"Do you want to get caught in here?" Ginny countered sharply. Harry thought about the sight of Ron, Ginny, and himself found in a closet in the morning and shook his head.
"You're right. We've got to get out of here. Wake Ron."
"Well, that is easier said than done…"Ginny murmured as she began shaking Ron, who simply rolled to the other side.
"I've got an idea," Harry quickly offered. With that, he pulled his own wand out of his pocket and muttered, "Lumos", and made the light glare into Ron's face. "That's the ticket!" Harry exclaimed as Ron stirred out of sleep.
"Blimey! Where are we?"
"Brilliant, Harry. Ron, the coast is clear, we need to return to our dormitories," Ginny started as Ron whined in agitation.
After many protestations from Ron, and several second thoughts from Harry himself, the three friends started back to the Gryffindor Common Room. Though dragging his feet in fatigue, Harry was reminded of their conversation earlier that same night.
With a false clearing of his throat, Harry opened the discussion, "So did we decide to confront her?"
"Who, what, when, where?" asked Ron, stifling a yawn.
"Not now" was Ginny's only response. It was clear to Harry that the other two were not in the right state of mind for any discussion…least not that. However, the subject of conversation would not leave his mind. Where was Hermione now? She must notice that they were not in the Common Room last night. It was all very peculiar to Harry. He was convinced that something very odd was going on. When they finally reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, a resolute Harry decided that he would be talking very seriously, once more, with Hermione Granger.
Author's Note: I'm back! Back from ballet (which was fabulous, if you wish to know)! This is an extremely short chapter, but I am just getting back, so cut me some slack if you will. I will be updating once again in no time on a regular basis. Thanks to all who reviewed Chapter Sixteen! It was wonderful to read the reviews while I was out of town (we had a shared computer to check email). Anyhow, summer has flown.
Now, REVIEW!