Cleo Chestra and the wizards of America: Chapter 6

Potions

Cleo woke up and felt that she really didn't wont to get out of her warm bed and soft covers, that so properly sheltered her from the conflicts that have now imposed themselves on her. However, Hermione's forceful hand contradicted her opinion. Cleo was actually awakened but Hermione's prodding and when her head was thrusted against her headboard.

"Sorry." Hermione muttered. "But it's time for breakfast."

"Fine." Cleo crooked while kicking of the covers. Her eyes focused on Hermione's smile and got out of bed.

"I suppose I should be getting ready then." Cleo said. She conjured a merrier and table with her cosmetics and uniform. There she pulled on her clothing and fixed her hair in a soft ponytail. Hermione watched and slowly begin to fiddle with her own hair that hung limply at her shoulders.

"Alright then." Cleo said closing her hair book and setting down her wand. Hermione opened her mouth like she was about to say something but thought better of it and closed it.

Cleo knottiest this threw her mirror (she easily caught such things) this and turned to look at Hermione.

"What's up Hermione?" Hermione gave her a questioning look.

"Oh, sorry…um what's the matter?" Hermione, strangely looked confused in a lose of words. "Oh! I…just thought…your hair it's… er…nice." Cleo smiled broadly.

"Do you really think so?" She asked, touching the top. "I could do it for you if you like." She offered. Cleo hit the spot. Hermione glowed and sat on sat on the edge of Cleo's stool.

"Just like mine?" Cleo asked. Hermione nodded excitedly. "Cool, then we can match!"

Cleo preformed the de-frizzing charm and then the spell. Hermione sat awestruck, looking in the merrier.

"Do you like it?" Cleo whispered. Hermione nodded. "Wont to go show the boys?" Hermione again grinned and nodded.

"Come on." Cleo said taking her hand and speeding down the steps to the common room. Ron and Harry were playing exploding snap rather unenthusiastically.

"Where are the girls?" Ron demanded after one of his own cards popped. "They're taking all…"

"Were here!" Cleo yelled, her hair whipping her in the face from running so quickly to them. Ron smiled up at her and then saw Hermione. His eyes (as well as Harry's) grew ten times their normal size and his mouth began to hang.

"Hermione!"

"You look so…not frizzy." Harry said standing up and studying her more closely. Cleo gave Hermione a confused look at which Hermione returned with a shrug.

Once it was confirmed that Hermione was in fact pretty Cleo suggested that it may be a good idea to nourish themselves before they were late for class. They all sat down in their regular seats in the grate hall, surrounded by their friend who all gave a stunned smile to Hermione.

"Harry was blunt wasn't he?" Cleo asked in an amused whisper. Hermione nodded.

"Yeah, well they aren't too used to me looking like this often. The last time I did something like this was at last year's Christmas party." Cleo thought and responded.

"Do you think Harry likes it?" Hermione glanced over at him, gave Cleo a smirk and nodded. Cleo hummed.

"Well then, we should do this more often." Hermione starred at Cleo but soon smiled.

"Do you think…" She began but just then the owls swooped in with the mail. They lifted their heads to look and Cleo saw with much pleasure Stephanie was among these owls. She landed on Cleo's shoulder and nipped her ear.

"Hello their Stephanie here let me get this." Stephanie wobbled slightly as Cleo untied the letter from her leg.

"What is it?" Hermione asked her. Cleo squealed.

"It's a letter from my brother!"

"Read it!" They told her. Cleo unfolded it and read allowed.

Dear Steph,

Hay kid, how's Hogwarts? I didn't believe Mom and Dad when they told me you were going. But when they showed me the letter and your room was wiped clean, how could I not! They told me everything! Is it as cool as they say? Any new friends? Everyone's asking about you and what school your going to. I've just told them you've gone to a private school. haha! Schools fine here, lots of work. (and cute girls) Still need to work hard. I'll see you this Christmas. Bye!

-Ben

"He seems nice!" Hermione said. Cleo nodded.

"He is." Stephanie had gotten into her bacon plate and had eaten a good amount of it. Cleo decided if she didn't wont her owl to get a cholesterol ratting that she better send her off.

"How come he didn't believe your parents that you were going to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, as if he was expecting this sort of thing to happen for a while. Cleo causally stirred her tea.

"Well it isn't every day that you find out your sister is a witch is it? I mean it must have been a little unbelievable when you found the same out." And don't try to deny it 'cause I know you did.

"Why is he afraid to tell anyone then?" Harry asked.

Cleo frowned.

"Well, not everyone is too comfortable knowing that someone you're in connection to a witch. You know they don't have a very good reputation in the muggle world do they?"

"Sounds like my aunt and uncle, they wouldn't let anyone in the world know about my 'abnormality.' Do you know they tell the neighbors that I go to a school for uncontrollable boys?"

"They sound ghastly." Cleo said shaking her head.

"They are." The three of them said in unison. Harry went on about his home life and Cleo listened attentively, even though she knew all there was to tell. It did come handy during some stores however. Cleo knew just when to say "How horrible!" or something along those lines.

Harry had wormed up a grate deal to Cleo after that, which Cleo was glad about. She never did like when there was a barrier between someone and herself.

Now that she had budded up with all of them well, it was easy to knottiest that something was the matter.

"What's the problem?" Cleo asked suspiciously and almost motherly.

"We've got potions next." Cleo bit her lip slightly.

"I see.

"You don't understand!" Ron burst out like Cleo had denied the horrors of potions class.

"Snape, our potions teacher is evil!"

"And he really hates me 'cause my father saved him when they were boys."

"Well, wouldn't he like you if your father saved your life?" Cleo said playing along.

"No because he wouldn't have had to save his life if my Dad and some of his friends weren't going to play a trick on him that could have killed him."

"So he takes it out on you." Cleo said in true fury. It had always tweaked her a bit. "Petty isn't it?"

"He's been in a horribly foul mood lately." Hermione whispered to them as they neared to the dungeon where Snape was.

"Is he ever out of one?" Ron asked while opening the door. Just that moment the bell rung and Snape looked up from his notes.

"You're late! 10 points from Grifonder!" He barked. Cleo opened her mouth in anger.

"We were already in the class when the bell rang!" Cleo debated. Whispers skipped about the class.

"There is no freedom of speech in this class Miss. Chestra not seat yourself before I make that 10 points each!" Cleo could feel her cheeks grow considerably red but did as she was told.

"Oh he's horrible!" Cleo whispered to Harry.

"Miss. Chestra!" Snape spat suddenly, making Cleo jump and sit board strait. He walked over to her table and looked her in the eye. Now I know what Harry meant when he said he had the feeling Snape could read minds.

"You're from America are you not?" He said almost frighteningly kind.

"Yes Professor I am."

"And boosted up to fifth year, very good."

"What is he getting at?" Cleo's sharp ears heard Ron hiss to Harry and Hermione.

"So you could tell me what I would get if I added powdered root of asphodel to a infusion of wormwood?" Cleo felt like laughing out loud! Honestly! That's the same question he asked Harry! Doesn't he know I read the books? Cleo made it look like she could have told him in her sleep.

"Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death." Snape blinked.

"Alright then where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?' Cleo pretend to tell him threw a grate yawn that had suddenly come over her.

"A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons." Cleo said putting her hand over her mouth.

"Then was is the difference…"

"Monkshood and Wolfbsane are the same plant also known as aconite." The class looked a little stunned.

"Is that all professor? If so I believe that young lady over there, Lindsey, is also from America if you would like to ask her." Snape's mouth twitched.

"No, one more. How many points should I take from Grifonder?" He asked eyes sinking into Cleo's.

"None, because I answered all your questions, and correctly at that." Some of the students laughed and Seamus even clapped a little.

"Five points for being a smart mouth over confident child." He spat and returned to his seat.

The remainder of the class was utter heck and Cleo was constantly getting the urge to flick him off. When they left Cleo was in a foul mood indeed.

"Harry." She said turning to him swiftly when they left. "Make sure that next Quidditch game you send a Bludger right to his head!"

"Can do." Harry agreed.

"Oh!" Hermione cooed suddenly.

"What is it Hermione?" Cleo asked.

"We've got Defense against the dark arts today."

"So?" Ron asked.

"Who is our teacher going to be?" She asked. "No one was there at the feast!" Cleo gasped.

"I completely forgot to look!" Then again, I was choking on an abomination of pudding!

"Come on!" And without another word Cleo went speeding down to the defense against the dark arts room and peered inside. The sounds of six more feet coming up the stairs soon followed.

"Who's in there?" Harry demanded.

"Its Fleur Delacour!" Cleo felt like screaming, and even did but not to loudly. Harry marched forward.

"NO WAY!" And swung open the door to see her at her desk.

"Fleur! You knew all along you were coming here didn't you!" She lifted her head and brushed some hair out of her face before she frowned.

"Excuse me Mr. Potter it is Professor Delacour." But she was quick to smile. She was very pretty, and had a very odd glow about her…literally! (Cleo even latter noticed that she was married, which she was glad to point out to Ron, who shrunk away.)

Class, for the first time was splendid. They began to learn about a contrarotulus, this little green slime things that could go threw your nose and up into your brain and control you! As disturbing as it was, it was very entertaining learning the curse to ward it off. (contra-conteroller!)

Cleo tried doing this to hers and accidentally hit it with her wand. It made a whimpering sound and scooted away from her. Fleur burst out laughing.

"Or 'Vorst come to 'Vorst you can just throw your 'Vand at it!"

"That was so much fun!" Cleo said breathlessly when they went out.

"Yeah, in care of magical creatures Hagrid will probably be having us taking care of 'um." Ron said sarcastically. Cleo sighed.

"Well maybe he got us something nicer to take care of this time."

The four of then made there way across the lawns of Hogwarts to Hagrid's hut. He had a large tank behind him and was tending to it while the class arrived. Of course, Slytherins had to be there but Cleo encored them as always.

"Which one's Lindsey?" Ron asked, inspecting the Slytherins like dogs. Cleo shrugged carelessly.

"Look for the one pitifully flirting with Malfoy."

"Malfoy?" Harry asked in disgust. Cleo nodded with perched lips.

"Yeah, she thinks he's cute." Cleo stuck her tong out.

"Everyone here?" Hagrid asked ones they had seated themselves. Cleo saw Lindsey pointing to her, alongside of none other than the little scumbag himself, Malfoy. Hum, they should make a very good couple. Cleo hissed to herself.

"Good." Hargid said ones he saw them all. "Today we'll be learning about the Pinnypook. The Pinnypook his a 'elly little creature but it's mouth will expand to eat it's pray and enemies." Explained Hagrid.

Cleo looked at the Pinnypook with much astonishment. It's fur was a brown-green color that covered its inter body besides its enormous eyes. It was a perfect circle except for the bat like wings that stuck out on either side of its body. If Hagrid hadn't told her that it had a mouth, Cleo would have wondered where it was. Hagrid was right about another thing, it was tiny! She wouldn't be surprised if it could fit in the palm of her hand.

"The Pinnypook lives in the very bottom of the sea. As you might have noisiest, its eyes are big like that so it can see in the dark water. Right above it's eyes it has gills. Even though they mainly live in the water, they also can live on land. They usually eat birds and take their nests. They're favorite nests were those of the dodo birds, but ate so many that the dodo's became extinct and now the Pinnypook mostly stays in the water."

A merrier of understanding traveled threw the class.

"Really!" Said an amazed Hermione.

"What? You haven't read the 'big book of boring creatures facts' yet for some light reading?" asked Ron sarcastically. Cleo giggled.

"Sorry Hermione but it was funny." Cleo whispered after both Ron and Hermione had gotten good and red.

"Simmer down now, simmer down!" Yelled Hagrid, which made them all silent immediately. "That's good. Now, even though the Pinnypooks are small, they don't have any bones which allows them to expand when eating or fighting. Let me demonstrate."

Hagrid look out an extremely large peace of stake and threw it into the tank that the Pinnypook was in. The Pinnypook examined the stake and then without warning it inflated ten times it's original size and devoured the stake hole.

The Pinnypook remained that size while it chewed, and as the stake got smaller so did the Pinnypook until it was finished with the stake and was back to it's normal size. The class burst into applause and Hagrid grunted.

"Yea, ya' think that now, but ya' wont think it's that cool if it was one of ya'." The class was silent again and Hagrid proceeded.

"The way you make sure you don't end up like that stake the Pinnypook just ate you do this one very simple trick." The class was intrigued and the four of them leaned forward. "Ya' smile."

"What?" Malfoy spoke indignantly.

"It's true, If you do then the Pinnypook knows you mean no harm. However they can sense if you untrustworthy, but I think you'll all be ok unless you wont their fur for a new hat." The class gave weak smiles.

Hagrid smiled and motioned for them to stand up and come to the tank.

"Theirs a Pinnypook for each of you in separate tanks. All you have to do is pick out the one you wont, smile and it will let yer' hold it. How you know it will let you hold it is it will wink."

Cleo couldn't help but smile then. She picked out a Pinnypook with blue eyes and white wings. Cleo grinned at Pinnypook. Almost right away the Pinnypook winked and Cleo pulled the Pinnypook out of the tank. Much to her surprise, the Pinnypook was really quite cuddly. It tucked its wings/fins down and simply turned into a big furry ball. It closed its eyes and started making a gurgling sound that Cleo guessed was something like purring.

Hermione walked over to Cleo with her Pinnypook; she was holding it much as if it were a baby. (Cleo soon imitated this) Hers had a blond and brown fur and had really big purple eyes. It too had its wings tucked in and was making the gurgling sound.

"Aren't they simply precious?" She said tickling Her's under the wing.

"They are pretty cute." Cleo admitted as his went to sleep. Harry had gotten a black one with gray eyes and Ron got a green one with blue eyes.

They spent the rest of the class-making nest that resembled those of the dodo birds. Neville's Pinnypook didn't seem to like his nest and kept eating it so Cleo and Hermione helped.

Though they were a little regretful to have to leave the Pinnypooks, Cleo had gotten rather attached to her own. Hermione had even named Hers… Catharine.

"But it isn't even a girl!" Insisted Ron when he found out.

"I know." Said Hermione, "But doesn't it look like a Catharine?" Cleo glared at Ron and nodded at Hermione.

"I think that's a splendid idea Hermione. I think I'll name my own Jeff." (Hers was a boy.) Ron stormed of muttering something like "girls, always sticking together." That day was probably the best day Cleo had had in a long time.

When night came the boys bid the girl's goodnight, promising that they would wait for them in the morning. Hermione was very cheerful and got ready in the speed of light.

She was sitting on her own bed beside Cleo, watching her fix her hair into two braids for the night.

"Cleo?" She murmured.

"Hum." Cleo said.

"I wonted to ask you something at breakfast but…I didn't get a chance to."

"What was that?" Cleo asked while she set down her wand and turned to look at Hermione. She looked a little hesitant. "Hermione? You can tell me, it's alright." Hermione took a deep breath and looked around the room.

"I er… I sort of…fancy Harry." Cleo clapped her hands together and squealed.

"That's lovely Hermione!" She said when she gave her a hug. Hermione smiled ones Cleo released her.

"But…do you think he dose too?" Cleo's eyes softened. She knew for a fact that he didn't, not menacing she had some competition.

"I don't think so Hermione…BUT," Cleo said quickly catching the glint of sadness in her eye. "I could help you! I mean to get him to fancy you. I wouldn't mind fixing your hair or anything." Hermione shook her head.

"I liked the look and all but it hurt my head." Cleo smirked and patted her on the hand.

"We'll try our best then wont we? Now can you keep a secret for me?" Cleo asked quietly. Hermione nodded enthusiastically, apparently glad to be trusted with a secret from Cleo.

"I think…sure that I fancy Ron." Hermione shrieked.

"Shut up!" Cleo yelled.

"I'm sorry, but wow Ron!" Hermione said in a shocked whisper.

"Do you think its stupid? I mean he's just so funny and nice and I just love his hair and…"

"No I don't think it's at all stupid, I think it's wonderful!" Hermione said, exchanging another hug with Cleo.

"This is nice." Hermione said with a glad sigh. "Theirs never been another girl in the group and to be able to talk about these things are so good." Cleo nodded.

"I'm glad too Hermione, were like best friends now!" Hermione nodded.

"I think so. I'll see you tomorrow Cleo, good night. "Good night Hermione." Hermione cuddled under her covers and closed her eyes.

"Where is Papa Momma?" Susanna Wakfeild asked her Mother while playing with her little sister Emily on the floor.

"In America Precious." She responded, while rolling the doe she would use to make bread.

"Why didn't he bring us with him?" Emily asked with her sweet baby voice.

"He had…things to do darling." They were all silent for a second.

"I miss him mommy." Emily said simply. Mrs. Wakfeild whipped a silent tear from her cheek and responded, "I do too darling." And continued to roll the bread.

'Cause things

Just, keep getting better!

The school week was sadly stressful for Cleo. She had expected from the books that Hogwarts to be nothing but a jolly good time! But with all the times she wonted to strangle Snape, staying up 'till 12 looking at the blasted stars, and all the homework Cleo was sure that by next Tuesday she was going to go insane!

With all the work she had, she didn't have any chance to look in the library for info about American Witches and Wizards. Cleo still hadn't told Hermione, Ron or Harry about her worries in being 1 out of the only two American Witches to date.

She had seen someone that could have brightened her week, but of course didn't.

It was around Thursday when it happened. Cleo was walking to her charms class, looking like a middle aged woman with out her coffee when she knocked into none other than Natalie.

"Natalie!" Cleo said stopping her before she went further. Natalie blinked up at her and choked.

"Oh, er…hi."

"Hi! How are you?"

"You're in Divination." She peeped. Cleo looked around as if hoping to see where this comment had come from but she soon respond.

"Yes, I am, I've been boosted to fifth year."

"I know." Natalie said flinching a little. "I heard about what you had seen." Cleo put her hand to her head.

"Gosh that got around fast." Natalie nodded uncomfortably.

"Yes well…er…bye." She said turning to walk away but Cleo stopped her.

"Natalie? What's the matter?" Natalie shuddered uncontrollably.

"What you saw was just a little creepy. Now can I please go?"

Cleo was left with a horrible felling all day, and suddenly knottiest some of the students inching away from her as she pasted like she carried some decease. Several times, she's been wanting to scream out to them… "Get over it! It's not like I killed him!" Not to mention that the dark figure had appeared in her dreams 2 times that week.

One night she was dreaming about Ron, Harry and Hermione in Hogsmade, looking at some sweets when he came looking at her from the Connor of the store. Suddenly a grate force flung her to him.

"If you think that your going to get away from me child you are sadly mistaken!" And just as he lifted his hand to strike Cleo, she was woken up. Hermione and Lavender were looking over her bed. Even in the dark light, Cleo could see how ashen they were.

"Cleo, are you alright?" Hermione asked in a quivering voice. Cleo nodded and whipped some sweat of her for head.

"But you were screaming so loud!" Lavender said, shocked to hear say such a thing.

"It was nothing, I had a bad dream. You can go back to bed Lavender, thank you." Lavender breathed deeply threw her nose and left.

"I should say you were having a bad dram." She muttered. Ones Lavender was safely in bed Hermione leaned into Cleo.

"Was it the dark man again?" Cleo nodded. "Is that all you remember?" Cleo nodded yet again, soberly.

"Well tomorrow we'll tell the boys. For now just go to bed." That should be something to look forward to.

Divination was the only class that looked on Cleo like it did. Trelawney was treating her like some sort of prodigy, always showing off her work and claming her to be a true Seer.

Lavender and Patty starting insisting on Cleo sitting next to them and discussing the lesson like she cared! They said she had a gift, gift wasn't the word.

So Cleo was quite stressed that week and when the weekend rolled around she felt she could finally breathe.

Saturday morning Cleo didn't bother to fix her hair and slipped on the first thing she could find. Without eating breakfast Cleo went down to the library, she wasn't very hungry and was hoping to find something that would answer her question about American Witches.

Cleo walked passed the grate hall and into the library. Hardly anyone was in there, but Cleo was glad. She just wonted to read in peace, peace something she hadn't had in a while. Around this time, she would probably snuggle down with one of her, Harry Potter books but she thought bitterly to herself that they were no longer hers to read. Trying to clear her mind of any nasty thoughts she went to one of the shelf's and pulled down some eligible books, that might contain the answer to her questions.

Cleo was skimming threw them for a while when she felt someone looking at her.

"Cleo?" Hermione's voice came over her. Cleo looked up and seeing her friends, she smiled.

"Oh hi." Cleo hadn't talked sense waking up so her voice was hoarse and corking slightly.

"You didn't come to breakfast." Harry said in a worried, serous voice.

"I wasn't very hungry." Hermione glanced at Harry and Ron and then sat down beside her.

"Cleo, you need to eat." Cleo examined Hermione then.

"Hermione, you guys…what's going on?" They hesitated.

"Were just…a little worried about you." Ron said, fidgeting with his fingers. Cleo looked at them, shocked to say the least.

"You guys are acting like I'm going crazy." Cleo's tone stronger.

"Well can you blame us? You've seen this dark guy four…"

"Five."

"Five times this week!" Cleo ran one of her hands threw her hair.

" 'Yall, I don't know what's going on any more than you do but I know I'm not going crazy!"

"And were not accusing you of that," Hermione responded quickly, with the boys nodding and agreeing.

"I mean you've just been acting so strangely! You're always so tired…"

"I'm up to 12 every night looking at those damn stars!" Cleo screeched. Hermione stopped.

"But you're really stressed too." Ron added.

"Well that usually happens with lack of sleep!" Cleo growled.

"What about you not coming to breakfast and coming here today?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"Well that requires a bit of a story." Cleo said meekly. Ron and Harry sat down as if to say continue.

"Isn't even the littlest bit strange to you that me and Lindsey are the only American Witches to date?" She said. "That there weren't even any to make a school and that I had to come here to Hogwarts?" Hermione did nod.

"Yes…I was actually wondering about it." Hermione admitted.

"But why?" Harry broke threw. "Is the question."

"And I intend to get a answer." Cleo said determinedly. "Do you think, you all could help me?"

"Gladly!" Ron responded while pulling a book towards him to look threw. Cleo smiled.

"Oh! Wait." Hermione, Ron and Cleo looked up and Harry who was gathering his things.

"What is it Harry?" Cleo asked in a disgruntled tone. Harry frowned.

"I'm Sorry Cleo but Ron, Hermione and me are going to see Hagrid at 12:00 today and it's passed then." Cleo gasped.

"Oh! Is it really! Wait you were invited too?"

"In…invited too?" Harry asked in confusion. Cleo stared laughing.

"And your surprised we worry about you?" Ron said, mocking her.

"It was a set up! See me and Lindsey used to be friends but when we got into an argument he sent a letter saying he saw and that it might be of some comfort to see him!"

"And…" Harry went on, then his face suddenly showed his understanding and nodded.

"He wonted us to meet." Cleo put her hand over her chest. He wonted me to meet my stars!

"OH! That is so sweet of him! Let's go now, I need to give him a hug." And leaving her books abandoned she dashed out of the library and strait in the direction of Hagrid's.

Some seventh years were spiraled along the lawn enjoying the cool sun and freedom. Cleo swerved threw them, getting a full blast of wind every time and making her hair fly past her head. Hermione, Harry and Ron caught up with Cleo fairly quickly. They were laughing threw their hard breathing.

"Maybe – we – should – tell – Hagrid – about – your – dreams." Ron suggested. Cleo snorted.

"And risk him thinking I'm insane too? Thanks but no thanks." Ron went on to explaining that he didn't think she was crazy but she had already heard.

Picking up the pace, you can understand perfectly why, it didn't take them long to arrive at Hagrid's home. Fang was tethered outside, whimpering loudly when he caught sight of the four of them.

"Good Morning Fang." Cleo said hurriedly. Harry knocked on the door.

" 'Ello there." Hagrid said ruffly, as if hopping they hadn't figured out his plain. Cleo smiled quickly and hugged him (as best she could) around his waist. Hagrid was looking down at Harry, Ron and Hermione in a confused manner until Cleo released him.

"It was so sweet of you to try to get us to meet!" Cleo explained without taking knottiest to his look. His confusion shifted to worry, but soon melted into gladness.

"So I see my work is not needed." He said smiling down at the four of them while allowing them in.
"Cleo smacked into Ron in the Hall and by some bazaar twist of fate were friends cause of it." Cleo huffed and smacked her hands on her waist.

"Is it that bazaar that you get along with me?" Harry nodded.

"For many reasons yes." Cleo stuck her tong out at him, which he returned playfully.

"How was your summer Hargid?" Hermione asked with a change of subject. Hagrid sighed

"Long, very, very long. Me and Madam Maxtime got the Giants to come on our side, but it took some negotiation'." He smiled at them. "So," Hagrid said sitting down, after he had offered them sweets, which they refused. "I heard about what happened at Divination." Cleo glanced a worrisome look at her friends and back at Hagrid.

"What happened?"

"I just saw something." Cleo said meekly.

"What was that?" Cleo didn't know what to say. She didn't wont to worry Hagrid, or get him thinking she was insane. But what would she say? I mean, There aren't many things that cause that reaction!
"I'd rather not talk about it." Cleo said finally. Not bad! You didn't lie but you still got him of! Hagrid nodded.

"Alright."

"Thank You Hagrid for understanding." Cleo said sweetly. Hagrid shrugged it off and leaned back in his chair.

" 'is alright. I heard what yer' saw anyway." Cleo gasped.

"Well that was a lot of use asking me then!" She screeched. Hagrid paid no attention.
"Why'd yer' see a murder do yer think?" Cleo scrunched in her chair.

"You know you could have told me you already knew." She muttered. She mentally calmed herself and shrugged.

"I have no idea." Hagrid looked taken back.

"Do yer' mean ter' tell me that the nectarous mystery solvers don't even have a idea? Well that's just a little pitiful in my option."

"Lay of Hagrid!" Harry called. "Besides it's a hard subject!" Hagrid grunted.

"That's never gotten it your way before! Harry! For crayin' out loud you solved all those pesky riddles in the Triwizard's Tournament! And in your First year you figured out all those tests to get to the Sorcerer's Stone…"

"With our help!" Ron cried out indignantly. Hagrid shook his head and continued.

"All I'm saying' its it's never stooped yer' before!"

"Hargid!" Hermione growled. "Are you trying to get us in trouble?"

"Well yer' wont get in jail for figurin' out why she saw a cotton picken' murder now is it!" Well the way the books go I can't be so sure.

"You know…" Cleo said thoughtfully. "There might be something in 'Unfogging the Future.'" Ron and Harry looked over at Hermione, most likely expecting her to announce a quote from it but she returned their expecting looks with a glare.

"Well you don't actually expect me to read that rubbish do you?" She said huffily.

"It's never stopped you before." Ron responded dully. Hermione's lips thinned.

"Well I was going to tell you that I might have seen something like that in there." Hermione muttered.

"Let's check it out then!" Cleo said, getting up from her chair.

"Hold it!" Hagrid boomed. "You're still visiting with me! Do your detective work after!" Cleo laughed and agreed to stay.

The rest of the visit was wonderfully relaxing. They mostly sat and talked, boys conversing about the Quidditch season growing ever nearer and the girls chatting about muggle amassment. (Both being quite informed about such things. Cleo even suggested Hermione coming over to Kings Dominion some day.)

They did help Hagrid gather the Pinnypooks and put them in their cages, which they were more than happy to help with.

They finally bid their good-byes to Hagrid and rushed of to the castle to do some research.

"Let me just go get my test book up stairs." Cleo said ones they had come to the common room. Pushing aside transfiguration, and setting aside Charms she found her Divination textbook and dashed down the stairs with it. (Leaving her other things abandoned.)

"Alright then." Hermione said taking Cleo's book and looking threw it. She frowned.

"What is it?" Cleo said timidly. The last thing she needed to hear was a bad omen.

"There isn't anything in here about murders…lets try kill." Cleo nodded.

"Yeah, ok." Hermione flipped threw the K's but there was no sine of Kill either." Cleo bit the inside of her lip.

"Fine then try death." Harry suggested. Hermione did so and found it.

"Aha! Death it says hear that "someone else's death can mean a birth,"

"A birth?" Ron sneered. "Cleo have you been fooling around?"

"Ron!" They said scoldingly.

"Honestly! Now as I was saying, death can mean a birth or a small warning for you to slow down as you're taking on too much." Hermione looked up at the over stressed Cleo as if to say that it made sense.

"Well a lot of good that dose me! As if I can stop taking on Magic! What am I going to do? Skip school!"

"Cleo, calm down." Hermione urged. "Maybe that's not what were looking for. Why don't we look up dark figures?" Cleo took a deep breath and allowed her to do so.

"Perhaps strangers might be the best thing to look under." Whatever, just don't be bad, don't be bad! Cleo thought desperately.

"It seems that a stranger or unknown person predicts that new and unknown challenges are ahead." Cleo put her head in her hands.

"Fun." She sighed while collapsing in a chair. "That's just a mystery in its self! What sort of 'Unknown challenges?"

"I think that's why there 'unknown." Ron said

"Well at least we can do one thing." Harry said. Cleo took her head out of her hands and looked up at him.

"What." She croaked.

"We could try relaxing. Maybe that will help to get used to all the things you're taking on." Cleo smiled.

"Thank you Harry, everybody. Its really sweet of you to put up with all my whining." Hermione put her arm around Cleo.

"Your stressed, it makes sense for you to react this way." She cooed "What do you wont to do?"
"Why don't we go see Dobby and the other house elves about some food?" Ron asked excitedly.

"Dobby?" Cleo asked. (She was extremely interested in seeing exactly what Dobby looked like. She had seen a picture of Dobby in the second Harry Potter movie and was to say the least horrified.)

"Dobby is a house elf I saved from the Malfoy's in my second year." Harry said, thinking that she did not know who he was.

"Oh…OH." Cleo said playing along. "How nice…er…lets go!" Harry smiled cheerfully and the group of them left to the kitchens.

The walk was very long and her feet had begin to hurt after a while, but when they arrived to the fruit paining Cleo could not help but feel glad. Hermione scratched the pear, it giggled, (sounding disturbingly like Cleo's giggle) and allowed them in.

Cleo stooped still in the doorway. (The door actually hit her butt and she was flung forward, but the original shock was still intact.) Thousands, millions of house elves were scurrying about, putting away pans and dusting everything in sight.

One elf stood out from the rest. It was impossible to mistake him for any other elf because of the feminine eyes (And strangely long eyelashes) sail like ears, and bazaar dressing stile.

Today he was wearing a green and orange stripped French cap, a pink tail coat, And thick Weasley sweater Ron had given him for Christmas in their fourth year. Below those, were lime green bell-bottoms that were much too big and held up from what looked like the rope from a boat. Probably Dobby's favorite accessories were socks. Today he was wearing his favorites. A sock Ron had given him and a bloody sock Harry had tricked Dobby's last master, Mr. Malfoy, in to giving him in odder to free Dobby mer minutes after he had defeated a large snake as gory as possible. (That was the reason it was soaked in blood, but Dobby didn't seem to mind and didn't clean it.)

Cleo had to restrain herself was gagging, because, well as sweet as Dobby was nothing about him at the moment was in any bit attractive. Still, at the same time there was something incredibly adorable about him, how Cleo still hasn't figure out but she figured she would just focus on that instead.

As if Dobby had a "Harry radar", he turned his head around from the sink he was washing his hands in and gave a little squeal.

"HARRY POTTER!" He scurried over to Harry and rapped his bony arms around his knees. Harry wobbled and laughed a little. (Cleo joining in a ringing back up chorus.)

"Harry Potter! I is glad to see you sir! And you has brought your Weasly with you!" He said pointing up and Ron, with Ron beaming down at him. (Cleo knew that he liked the attention.)

"And girl with the scary idea's for house elves." Another elf said in the back round. Cleo began to giggle but had to choke herself to stop, Hermione didn't think it in the least bit amusing.

"There is nothing scary about getting your deserved rights!" She protested.

"Hermione!" Ron hissed "give it up!" Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Dobby beat her to the punch.

"Who is other, the hairy lady?" He asked pointing in the direction of Cleo. Cleo stared at him in disgust but then saw what he meant and giggled.

"My name is Cleo Chestra, pleased to meet your acquaintance Mr. Dobby." Cleo said politely and taking his hand to shake it. Dobby's eyes grew the size of beach balls and looked up at Harry.

"Keeper!" Cleo burst out laughing at sat down.

"Hay Dobby," Ron said sitting down beside her. "Could you get me one of those lemon pies they had last night?" Cleo stuck out her tong.

"Are you going to eat that all yourself?" Ron shrugged.

"Yeah!" Cleo did some spontaneous discussed movements, then saw that Dobby was looking at her.

"You alright miss?" he asked. Cleo bit the inside of her lip and nodded.

"Yeah." She said threw a spastic giggle. "Could I have a Root-beer float please?" He got Hermione and Harry's orders (hot cocoa for Hermione and some pudding for Harry) and left.

"Well this perked you up quite a bit!" Hermione said joyfully.

"Yes, quite a bit! Thank you Harry, splendid idea!" Harry grinned and took a bight out of his pudding that a little Elf had brought him.

Other than the fact, that Ron's disposal of food made her a little sick the visit had lifted Cleo like no other time that week. Dobby, although Cleo was sure it wasn't intentional, was hilarious! Cleo laughed so many times that her face and throat hurt. And the surprises didn't end there!

They left with full stomachs and happy thoughts, up back to the common room to chill. When they arrived, (at long last) they found a crowed assembled on the left side of the fire place. Ron groaned.

"I swear! If Fred and Gorge are setting one more salamander on fire…"

"Its not!" Hermione called over to them. She had run off to see for herself. "It's a Hogsmade weekend before Halloween!" a crest of disappointment rained on Cleo's cheery parade, Hermione seemed to have thought of it as well.

"Cleo…did you get permission to go to Hogsmade?" Cleo shrugged.

"I d'no." She said sadly. "But I could send Stephanie to my parents asking."

"Well what are you standing there for?" Ron asked hysterically "Go get her!" And they all rushed off to gather Cleo's pet.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hello! Hogwarts is wonderful, although I could do with out Snape. I met some friends that are really nice and I'm having a grate time with them. To save parchment I'll just get to subject. A Hogsmade trip is coming and I was wondering if I had permission to go. Thanks and I'll see you latter!

Love,

Cleo