Disclaimer: Ha! I? Own Harry Potter? Are you joking?! That's priceless! It really is!!
A/N: I told you I probably wouldn't be able to get this posted until Christmas… Well, I am now OFFICIALLY on my Christmas Holiday. I have been SO busy lately… it's UNBELIEVABLE!!! But, I did promise I would get it up, and so, here it is! This chapter is now dedicated to all of you who have been reviewing from the beginning! All you loverly people out there who are so dedicated at reading and reviewing my story! Check the bottom of the story to find shout-out's to people… since a lot of people have reviewed, I'm only going to give shout-out's to those who reviewed for the last chapter!
And now… ON WITH THE MADNESS!
Down With Love
By Andi JJ
Chapter Five: A Seven Day Free Trial!
The sun was slowly setting, and dusk was beginning to take its full effect as the rays from the moon began to cover the school's grounds.
Yup, that's right, we were FINALLY at Hogwarts. The last hour of the train ride was peaceful. I even got to take a short nap! Luckily (or at least to my knowledge), Malfoy didn't pay us a visit. I'm still not sure what Ron or Harry did to him when he visited them during the "Female Only" meeting, but what ever happened, he didn't stop by for a second visit. But I guess that's a good thing.
As for me… I get to attend the feast, but then it's straight off to Hogsmead with Professor McGonagall. Malfoy will be going into town also, but the chances of us meeting will be slim to none.
While we're out for a week, my female associates get to carry out their little experiment! I can't thank Ginny enough for doing what she did… I mean, like I said, I really didn't expect to start it off with so many people that fast. But, with the little boost that she had created, I think this little stand that I'm taking is about to progress to a whole new level!
Harry, Ron, Ginny and I marched our way threw the sea of students over to a carriage. We were lucky enough to be able to get one of the first ones, meaning we didn't have to share with another group of students. It wasn't long until we arrived at the Grand School.
I was so anxious! I mean… how would you feel if it was your Seventh and Final year of school, you were about to unleash the biggest stand against love the school (and maybe even the wizarding population) has ever seen, AND you were a new and improved version of the Gryffindor (bookworm) Princess that the student body had yet to see? I was so nervous, but I was EXTREMELY giddy (for lack of a better word!).
The moment I stepped through the gigantic French Oak doors, my eyes little up! It felt like years since I had seen the Entrance Hall, when, really, it had only been three long months! I truly felt at home! The room was lit warmly with floating candles, with the doors to the Great Hall open and inviting!
"FINALLY!" Ron yelled. "We can eat!" He grabbed mine and Harry's hand and was about take off, when he turned around and looked at Ginny with confusion and realization dawning across his freckled covered face. I watched him look down at both mine and Harry's hands, then, like the stupid git that he is, search around for a third arm to grab Ginny's hand with. He looked back over at Ginny, then looked over at the great doors that led to the Feasting Hall. "AH!" He spluttered in defeat, "Screw this! I'm going to eat! Just follow!" And he ran into the Great Hall.
I looked at Harry and smiled as we shared the same thoughts about Ronald's dim-wittedness and his uncontrollable hunger. Moments later, we leisurely walked in after Ron and took our seats at the Gryffindor table.
It wasn't long before the rest of school was seated in the room awaiting dinner and Dumbledore's famous beginning-of-the-year speech.
I noticed Harry was talking to Seamus and Dean about (what else?) Quidditch. I took this opportunity to talk to Ginny about my (truly ingenious!) plan.
"Gin, how did you ever get that many girls to come and listen to my idea?" I asked her.
She just looked at me like I was stupid. "Mya, (God I hate that nick-name, it was given to me during the war when Harry first used it. It didn't take long for me to figure that it was my new name, when later Harry had told me that it was just quicker to say then 'Hermione'. As much as I hate to agree with him, I do.) are you serious?"
I just stared at her.
"When you first wrote that letter to me, you know, before we got to the train station? I was already on-end waiting for you to tell me your 'brilliant plan'! And you didn't even say much about it! So, obviously, when you told me the whole thing on the train, I was ecstatic!"
'Ecstatic'? Did Ginny just use a big word? …Maybe I'm finally rubbing off on her…
"All I had to do was run into a compartment full of girls and just mention that you had come up with such a plan, and they all went running to our compartment!"
I smiled at her. Was it REALLY that good of an idea? I mean, in public, I was being modest about it, but (as you've seen) my ego is completely opposite! Then a thought struck me…
"Well, what about the coed compartments? Like ours?"
"Oh, that was easy…" She straightened her back and put on a fake, but convincing smile. Then, acting as if she were a ring master for a circus, she said " 'Hello there, boys! There is a farting contest going on in Malfoy's compartment against our infamous Potter! Make your bets now, and go join in on the fun! But don't tell them that a Weasley told you!' " Then she sat back down.
Wow. That explains a lot. Leave it to Ginny to start trouble.
"Malfoy wasn't too happy about that!" I heard a male voice squeak.
I looked around frantically, when my eye's landed on Neville. How much had he heard? Did he know about my plan?! NO MALES ARE ALOUD TO KNOW!
"Wh-what was that?" I asked innocently, hoping to God that he didn't know what we were really talking about.
"Malfoy." He said. "When all the guys piled up in the Heads compartment and interrupted his little 'snog-session' (at this he used both his index and middle fingers to identify the quotes) and started chanting, something like, 'Fart! Fart! Fart!' he got really angry. Then someone told him that Weasley started it. I guess he got really mad when that girl he was with gave him a disgusted look and left." He finished.
"Well that explains why Harry had got into a fight with him… Ginny!" I gave her a cold glare, which she purposely ignored.
"So, what exactly happened when Malfoy barged in on you guys?" Ginny asked, suddenly interested in Neville's story.
"Well, let's see," He began, looking up at the ceiling as if trying to remember the train's events. "Malfoy came in, started screaming at Ron… that made Harry mad. One: for barging in, and Two: for screaming at Ron for something we all knew he didn't do. Then Harry threatened him, and Malfoy said something along the lines of: 'What are you going to do… your (beep) friend isn't here to cast anything damaging… (Sorry Mya what is up with that name!? but I didn't want to repeat ALL the words he said…) Then Harry said something along the lines of: 'Maybe not, but I know one that's good enough!' And he said some fancy spell that left Malfoy farting the rest of the way to school, obviously insinuating on Malfoy's false implications." When did Neville get so smart? 'Insinuate'? 'Implications'? Am I rubbing off on all of them?!
We all just stared at him in utter shock. Going back to his story, I only have three words to say to that: Boys are stupid.
"Oh, yeah! And Ron threw a punch at Malfoy before he left (which caught him COMPLETLEY off guard) and Malfoy tried to hit Ron back, but Harry stepped in front, and he caught Harry instead. Then he just left, farting the whole way out!"
Wow. Should 'a seen that one coming. Correction, FOUR words: Boys are really stupid. And that explains A LOT.
"That's probably why Malfoy isn't here," Ginny piped up after scanning the Slytherin table. "He's probably in the infirmary begging Madam Pomfrey for a cure!" Ginny started laughing uncontrollably. "Poor women!" She added. She then leaned over the table and looked towards Harry. "Nice one, mate!" She yelled.
Harry just looked at her, knowing nothing of what we were talking about. "Uh, yeah!" He yelled back to her.
I suddenly felt extremely curious and looked back towards the Slytherin table. I knew he wouldn't be there, but, we all have those moments where we feel that "seeing is believing".
"So what's this about a plan?"
I heard Neville ask. I had totally forgotten about that! Wait… then he DID hear!! NO!
"What plan?" I asked innocently, when I turned around to face him. I glanced nervously at Ginny who exchanged the same look with me.
"Oh, now don't play the innocent game with me, ladies! I know you're planning something! Spill!" He said.
Once again, I looked over at Ginny for help.
She looked back at me, then replied, "Oh, we don't have to worry about telling him… I mean, come on! It's Neville! We all know very well that he's not exactly on the male side!" After that she winked at Neville.
How could I have forgotten?! It turned out to be the nastiest shock for Ginny when she first found out about Neville's… er… fondness… for the male race. The crush she developed for him a few years ago had quickly vanished after she got the news. Ginny's right, who would he tell? I mean, all Ginny has to do is tell him to keep it a secret and he will! They're practically best friends!
So we told him. I'm not going to go into detail about it, because it was really no different then when I told the girls about it. But that's when Dumbledore began to speak…
"Students! Welcome, to another year at Hogwarts! First, I would just like to remind all of you that the Forbidden Forest is FORBIDDEN. Hence it's name. Also, Mr. Filtch has asked me to tell you that he has a list of un-authorized objects hanging from his door. This means they are not aloud in the school. So, if you happen to buy them from Hogsmead (which is only open to third years and higher) keep them locked up safely in your dorms, until the ride home on the train. Then, and ONLY then can you terrorize your fellow students!" There was laughter from the students… and you could see a few boys glance to one-another.
Honestly, what is it with them?!
"On a lighter note, this year should defiantly prove to be very interesting!" At this, he looked directly at me, that same twinkle in his eyes, although, somewhat brighter then usual. Did he know? How could he have known?! He was still looking at me, with that sly smile as if he knew… HE DOES KNOW! Wow. Nothing gets past that man, does it?
"Now, I shall leave you with a few choice words from the extremely old and insane: Plump-a-lump, schwibble lee-dee!" There was laughter through out the room, "Now, Feast!"
"FINALLY!" I heard Ron shout over the chatter of students. He must have been starring at his plate the entire time… when will that boy realize that food won't come any faster if you stare at an empty plate. Actually, it seems to come slower… (A thought for another time!)
Dinner went by quickly, with talk of nonsense and so on. Soon enough, the students began to file out of the room. It was up to the Prefects to lead them to the dorms. As for me, I had to meet up with McGonagall for our trip to Hogsmead.
I walked over to her, where she was standing next to the High Table.
"Ah, Miss Granger!" She greeted with a cheerful smile. "Don't you look extravagantly lovely this year!" …
Was I ugly all those past years?
…
"Your things have already been taken to the Inn, just outside the town. A carriage is waiting for us outside. As for Professor Snape and the Head boy, who I trust you have already met (she had a twinkle in her eye too! Now it's just getting annoying! Why do they have to know EVERYTHING?! …Oh. I'm starting to sound like Ron and Harry when they get mad at me for correcting them…), they will be buying from certain stores on the west side of the town, as we will be buying from the east."
I nodded to signify that I understood.
"Good, then let us be off." She smiled and led the way out the doors.
The week went by EXTREMELY fast! I didn't even catch a GLIPSE of Malfoy! The suspense was slowly building inside me… I just couldn't wait until he saw me! Like I had said previously, I was really trying to impress him! I want him to see (and want) what he can't have! He's who I need to take all this frustration, from Tom, out on! How can I do that when I don't even see him!? It was now Sunday Night, and McGonagall and I were on our way back to Hogwarts. I wonder how the week went for our young ladies…
I had just entered the Entrance Hall, and I was dropping off all the stuff I had bought for the school. Apparently, there was to be another Yule Ball of some sort. I wasn't sure yet, all I knew is that we had to buy decorations.
"That should do it!" My teacher said. "You may now go and join your house mates! They should be finishing dinner. I will give you permission to get your dinner from the kitchens after the students leave. I trust you know how to get there?" She asked with that SAME FREAKIN' TWINKLE in her eyes! How do they always know?!
Then she just left. I walked into the Great Hall, and took my seat at the end of the Gryffindor Table, since my spot on the bench (next to Harry, Ron or Ginny) was taken. McGonagall was right, they were just finishing dinner. Most of the students had left, but, ironically, all the girls were still there, looking as if they were waiting for something.
Scratch that, they looked as if they were IMPATIENTLY waiting for something. They looked utterly mad. (As in angry, not mental.)
I looked over to the Slytherin Table to see if Malfoy had come back from Hogsmead as well. And he had! There he was, sitting among his cronies! AND, I happened to catch his eye!
He looked at me in complete shock! I could see his eyes move up and down, obviously scanning me over (or as you American's would say, "checking me out" Secretly, I like this phrase better!) His eyes got wide, then he mouthed those infamous words, which made the scene even more memorable, "Granger?!"
I looked at him, narrowed my eyes, and smirked. I smirked like it was the last time I would ever smirk in my life! I smirked as if I had smirked like so my entire life! My smirk was BETTER and more TEMPTING then his could EVER be! My smirk not only challenged his own, it DISCIPLINED his!!
HA!
I turned away as his eyes got bigger and showed more confusion and shock then I could ever imagine. Inwardly I was shouting and grinning like an idiot! I had done it! Well… I had started it! I was now superior to him! And I always will be!
I don't know how much time had gone by since the shocking incident (…GET IT!? HA! IT'S A JOKE!... never mind.) But how ever long that took, it was enough time for students to finish dinner. Obviously, Malfoy was staying behind to eat (As my prize, I get to dine with him!), but he was the only male to be left in the room. It seemed like the entire female population of the school was left in the room, and when Professor Flitwick had announced that dinner was over, they all jumped and ran right over to me.
I really wasn't expecting this… and when I saw all their angry stares, I started planning ways for me to escape before they killed me.
I could see Ginny standing within the crowd of girls, but she had a smug look on her face. She would never join in on a raid against me… so her smug look seemed to give me hope.
Then Parvarti and her sister Padma stepped out in front of the crowd and looked me straight in the eye.
They looked extremely out-raged. Then they spoke in unison, "When's the first meeting?!"
-tbc-
A/N: BOOM BABY! HOW DO YA LIKE THEM APPLES?! Didn't I promise I would have it up before Christmas?! Huh? HUH?! That's right… I DID! AND I KEPT MY PROMISE!
As for shout outs, Here they are!
BDShadothe: I'm gona send you e-mail… I hope it gets to you, My e-mail has been acting up lately! If not though, then, well, OH WELL! Sorry? But thanks anyway for reviewing! And I will try my best to get you that e-mail!
Silverwinged Blackbird: You live in Boston? I would ask you what part, but I'm not too well familiar with the area, we stay at one of the Hilton's when we visit. E-mail me, we should talk! Anyway, I hope my story cheered you up after that book! I'm extremely happy you like it! Thanks for reviewing!
TheManWhoLetTheBoyLive: Wow. I LOVE your other story! I don't know if I reviewed for it though… consider this your review! It's AWSOME! You must UPDATE! I also read your Bio… Loved it. The pairings… extremely funny! Especially your comment on Dumbledore/Voldemort pairing! And as for Snape… I totally agree! And your short story on Ron and Hermione (Even though I hate the pairing IMMENSLY, I found it hilarious! You had a lot up there, and I would comment on all of it, but it was those there that caught my attention! Thanks for the review!
Calypso in Love: I'll send the alternate chappie on the 25th! Cheers!
Enchantress Cat: Sorry if it's goin by a little fast… I can't exactly help it! My mind never stays in one place so I have to lay out things so fast as to not lose the idea! That's pretty much how it is with my ADD. But is this chapter sufficient? Truly sorry mate… I try and keep em long. Thanks for the review, though!
ProwlingKitKat: Alright… first off, I would defiantly go with this plan to! It sounds fun and interesting, but most of all, FUN! And as for where I live, I live pretty much on Jersey Isle, located just north of France, but in the English Channel. IM DEFFINATLY NOT FRENCH THOUGH! Actually, I have great joke for the French… a thought for another time though! And thanks for the suggestion, I'll post this as soon as I finish! Thanks for the AWSOME review!
Pen-Behind-my-Ear: Yea, the first chappie was a bit of a take off of that book "Angus, underwear and whatsit"… I can't remember the title. I'm getting the book for Christmas. One of my friends reads the books, so I had her help me write the chapter (PROPS TO BRITTANY!)…Yea, I just gave her shout out in the middle of yours… I do that! Sorry! As for the name Tom, I picked it because it's my ex-boyfriends name. I hate him. And I hate the character. CLICK! Oh… and I think you just gave away the whole story for that book… thanks! Even though I was gona read it after Christmas, I guess I don't need to now! Don't worry, I'm just joking! Thanks ever so much for the review though!
Abnoxious-Obsession: "I'll give you a hint, he's part ferret." Wow, that had to be my all time favorite line! I came up with it, and as soon as it hit me I was like…"Wow. That's bloody amazing! I MUST use it!" This also happens to be all my friends favorite too. All day long we kept calling each other ferret face and using that line. So now that you have stolen it, I would appreciate it if you give it back! Please? Pretty Please? With sugar on top?? …I will get it back, mark my words…I WILL GET IT BACK! … and yes. That is a threat. But thanks for the review!
S1Lv3r LiLly: I UPDATED… ARE YOU HAPPY?!? DON'T GO KILLING YOURSELF!!! OR ME!!! …bloody American's. BUT THANKS FOR REVIEWING! (lol!)
Pyro-2389: "Enthralled"? Thanks… and you defiantly just increased my vocabulary! Your review was absolutely flattering! Thanks so much! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
And a special thanks to BeastlingD707, BabyRuth, Mimi, DanRadcliffe5666, KeeperofthePineNeedles (wow, when I first read your pen name, I thought it was Keeper of the Pin Needle, and I found this extremely funny!), hunibuni479, red-e-2party(!!!!!), Hannah-901, Sirius-Black-4eva, popcornx5, daydreama, Keladry9, and DarkRaven-04 (who has been reviewing since the beginning!).
ATTENTION/ URGENT MESSAGE!!!:Ok… maybe it's not urgent, but for those of you who wanted a copy of the original fourth chapter, I have it. I've decided to e-mail it to you. And as for those of you who have no idea what the bloody blazes I'm talking about, I had written an alternate fourth chapter (I think it's the fourth chapter… Ugh! I can't remember! ADD kickn' in…) Uh… yea, there is two fourth chapters, which were gona decide the outcome of the story. I know it's kind of early to decide an outcome, but I did. And I stuck with one. SO if you would like to read the alternate chapter, just tell me in your review (click the little blue button that says "GO!" and write out "I WANT THE ALTERNATE CHAPTER.") and I will gladly email it to you. But for those who want it… I shall send them out on Christmas day as my EXTRA Christmas gift to you! What can I say…? I'm in the GIVING mood! So… HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!! AND… UH… HAPPY BOXING DAY FOR THOSE WHO CELEBRATE IT WITH ME!
Ta!
Andi
P.S: Sorry, but I can't help it… CHRISTMAS, BOXING DAY, AND NEW YEARS (DAY/EVE)!!! What more could you want?!?