Okay this chapter isn't as exciting but I hope you like my new charchters. Just go with it in the next two chapters it will all be revealed. I promise. Now I know not exactly suspenseful. But I needed some laughter. I hope you like. I know some of my charchters are king of off a bit, but I hope you love my new revised Hermione. Tell me if it's too long thanks! R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R&R!
A burst of laughter woke her in the morning and Hermione automatically grabbed her wand. "Pluggald." It came out in a moan and a gruff. The floor hit her elbow as she fell out of bed with the sheets twisted all around her. She missed by a long shot and heard the spell hit the back wall. Hermione woke to Ron's hollering laughing in her ears and Ginny's sniggering. Hermione puffed out of bed and was about to lunge on Ron. Ron and Ginny though were too quick for Hermione and had already left her room.
When Hermione first woke up in the morning she was usually mean, but after she woke up she was the normal Hermione. Hermione rushed down for some food and realized it was noon when she woke up. She gave a huge yawn in the doorway and stretched. She had slept for a while, and then she realized why she was so tired. The night before hit her like a blast, her parents and Crookshanks.
Ron and Ginny were trying to hide their sniggering, but when Hermione gave them a frown they both burst out laughing. Hermione ate next to Harry who was a bit cheerful looking and passed her a hot cross bun.
"Well there's been an article in the Daily Prophet about what happened to you Hermione. Said that you defended muggles and that you survived. That was about the extent of it." Mr. Weasley was absent mindedly sipping coffee and looking at the newspaper.
Harry smiled a little and said, "They didn't get half of it though. Didn't tell how bloody brilliant you were." Hermione laughed a little bit and ate a warm hot cross bun.
The next week and a half past very quickly for Hermione. She read books with Harry, got rudely awaken every morning very early by Ron and Ginny, and had a splendid time talking with Ms. Weasley about her family and how they were being taken care of.
Most of all Hermione's mind wandered over what happened at the mall. Had Voldemort known she had been there? If so, what did he want with her? Why should Voldemort care about her love life to begin? Did he still want revenge? What in god's name did he want with her old journal? How did the ministry find her? Such questions filled Hermione's routine day and she could do nothing to stop the lines of confusion running through her mind.
Ms. Weasley and Hermione also talked about boys, fashion tips, a bit of gossip, and some of the what-if game. Ms. Weasley provoked Hermione into a game of, "If you had to date one death eater and had to finally kiss one who would it be? And don't try to slip your way out of this one I know your tricks." Mrs. Weasley smiled slyly. Had this been any other person Mrs. Weasley wouldn't have dared asked this question, but Hermione had been her friend since their first meeting. This question although a bit odd intrigued Hermione.
Hermione thought about all the death eaters for a second and knew none of them would be advisable in the least. Then mysterious thoughts popped into her head what would Voldemort say to this question? Hermione shook herself out of it. Hermione don't be stupid, why even think that!
"Hmmm…" Hermione grinned evilly and said, "Malfoy!"
Mrs. Weasley snorted at Hermione. "Why Malfoy?"
"To see the look on his face when I have to kiss him."
Both women burst out laughing and Hermione didn't think about Voldemort again. The day before school started everyone woke up early to go to Diagon Alley.
When they had all gotten out of the fireplace Mrs. Weasley announced, "Meet us back here at two!"
Hermione had decided the some days before that she needed a pet and someone to keep her company when Ron and Harry were out and when she was in her dorm. When she decided this she decided the best idea would be to get an expert to go with her. Hermione wanted to make sure that her next pet was just as good as Crookshanks. When she told Harry about wanting to find a special pet he told Hermione that Hagrid had picked out Hedwig out for him. Hermione had always liked Hedwig and owled Hagrid at once to see if he would help her pick out a pet. He replied that he would love to do so and to meet him at the pet shop in Diagon Alley at 9:30.
Dumbledore owled Hermione a letter saying:
I hear from Hagrid that you are thinking about getting a new pet. Please get whatever animal you want. I know you will probably not want another cat and if there are no agreeable owls please feel free to get whatever animal you want.
Hermione thought it an odd letter but knew that Dumbledore felt sorry for Hermione and knew that she would be needing a pet to help her along with the next year
Hermione first bought a brand new quill since she had time before she had to meet Hagrid and the boys were off looking at Quidditch supplies. Hermione waited around for a while and decided at least she could start looking around before Hagrid showed up. She wanted someone to go with her, but she knew she was being silly. Hermione sucked in a breath and stepped towards the pet shop.
The bell rang and a clerk said, "Be with you in a moment." Hermione looked around at all the different animals and sighed a little bit. It was sad to think that only a couple of years ago she had gotten Crookshanks at the exact same pet shop.
She saw some salamanders, nifflers, turtles, rats, mice, snakes, oddly shinny tortises, cats of every kind, owls which hooted serenly. Cages were situated all around the room with animal smells radiating from them. The clerk was a big man with a mustache who regarded Hermione with a smile and said, "How is that mangy ginger cat?"
Hermione put on a little smile thinking of Crookshanks. "Unfortuantely he has passed."
"My deepest apologizes, but I have a vague feeling that you are here for another pet."
"Yes." Hermione chuckled as a tiny monkey lept from somewhere and started tap dancing in front of Hermione. The pet keeper gave the monkey a look of great disdain. The monkey seeing this stopped and went back to his perch in the back of the shop.
"Now, would you like another cat?" Hermione hadn't really thought about this and stopped to consider. Did she want another cat? She felt like the answer should be no. There would ever be one cat in her lifetime. Crookshanks had been special and getting another cat wouldn't be the same.
"No."
"Well I have some lovely Oooowwww", but the clerk was cut off when a huge dog leapt over the counter and smashed straight into Hermione. The dog started licking every inch of her and slobbered on her face.
"Dane. NO!", the pet shop owner yelled at the dog. The shopkeeper literally had to shove the dog off of Hermione. The shopkeeper looked horrified at what had happened and kept stumbling his apologizes to Hermione. The dog just sat right next to Hermione and wagged its tail. Its ears were perked up and looked as happy as could be, and the dog arffed very happily at Hermione.
When Hermione was all the way up she took a look at the dog and saw that he came up to chest area. The dog was a Great Dane with a gold coat, blackened face, and cropped ears.
Hagrid at this point in time came into the store and said, "Where are yah Hermione?"
Hermione laughed when she answered, "Here Hagrid."
Hagrid walked over and saw the great big dog and laughed. "Well that's quite a dog Hermione."
"Yeah it is Hagrid."
The dog meant to jump up on Hagrid but all Hagrid had to do was say, "Don't do that." And the dog sat back down.
"What's his name?" asked Hagrid of the shopkeeper.
"Dane, and what a hand full he is. I wouldn't recommend him for a student at Hogwarts."
Hermione heard the logic in this but was intrigued by the dogs wagging tail and apparent happiness.
"Shall we see what else we have?" the shopkeeper made to lead the way to show Hermione all sorts of other pets. Hermione followed him around the shop as he showed her hooting owls. Hermione was slightly intrigued by an amber-eyed barn owl, but decided against it when the owl made to peck of Hermione's fingers. The dog all the time staying right next to Hermione and wagged its tail.
When she had seen all the pets Hermione felt that she had made her choice. Hagrid came towards Hermione and said, "Well if you don't take the dog I will. That's one smart dog and Fang could use some company."
Hermione smiled at this thought and knew that if anything went wrong or if Dumbledore said no then that Dane would still have a good home.
Hermione was still considering whether or not she should get Dane when Harry and Ron came racing inside the pet shop. "Come on Hermione, let's go." Said Ron impatiently.
"Yeah come on Hermione you've got to see something."
"Hold on a moment. I'm still trying to figure out something."
"Fine, when you're done meet us in The Café next to the owl posts." The boys left the store in a bustle.
"No Hermione. That's a good idea, go out in Hogsmeade with him and see if he behaves. If he does then you'll know if you've got the right dog or not."
Hermione knew that Hagrid's advice was ideal. "Yeah you're right Hagrid."
Hagrid smiled and said to the shopkeeper, "We want to take him for a walk and see if he's alright. He'll be back in a few hours." The shopkeeper wanted to argue but seeing Hagrid thought better of it. "Alright."
Hermione left the shop and Dane stayed at the door. Hermione turned back around to see where Dane was and saw him in the doorway. Hermione smiled and knew that Dane really was smart. "Come on Dane."
Dane almost leapt out of the store and by Hermione's side. Dane drifted a little from Hermione but always came back to her side. He sniffed a couple of doorways, but never went in the shop. Dane went around sniffing everything and a few people stopped to watch Dane's progress towards them. Besides that Dane was just content with being outside and sniffing everything.
Harry and Ron were in the café sniggering at each other. Hermione wanted to go in, but she was afraid of what Dane would do. Hermione pondered this just out of reach of the doorway.
"I'll watch him dear. I can tell you what he does when you're not in sight." A witch with a mixed drink sat in the shade and looked at Hermione. Hermione recognized her almost immediately as Professor Grubby-Plank.
"Thank you so much Professor." Hermione rushed in the store and saw Harry and Ron talking very rapidly to one another.
Hermione sat down and asked the boys, "What's going on?"
Ron whispered, "We saw Snape with Dumbledore and Snape said something about needing to be somewhere tonight."
Hermione heaved outwards, when were these guys going to learn. "That doesn't mean anything. He could have to come to Hogsmeade for trivia night for all we know." Ron started frowning at Hermione and Harry smiled a little bit.
"Well I for one want to know where Snape is going tonight."
"Come on before Ron gets anymore brilliant ideas." Harry sniggered into his drink and Ron hit Harry in the shoulder.
They stepped outside and Dane just sat there looking up at Hermione. Hermione turned to Professor Grubby-Plank and she said, "He didn't move and he barked only once at someone who was about to run into him. He's very well trained."
Hermione patted Dane on the head. Dane just wagged his tail and sprang up on Harry's and Ron's shoulders. Dane started sniffing them and got down quickly. He sat right next to Hermione and looked up at her.
"Oh why today?" Ron said exasperatedly.
"What?" said Harry who was still looking at Hermione's dog and was patting Dane on the head.
"Hello Granger, Potter, Weasel."
All three of them turned and the source of drawling voice was none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Hello Malfoy.", said Ron through gritted teeth. Harry's fists were starting to curl and he said, "Hello Malfoy."
Dane leaned his head out and sniffed the air. Dane to the shock of Hermione started backing up to level with Hermione and started growling at Draco.
The color in Draco's face started to drain and he looked scared of Dane. "Keep that thing away from me Granger." Dane's growl was very low and menacing.
With a curt nod Malfoy said, "See you at school."
Draco strode off down the street and Ron looked down at Dane and said, "I think you should keep him Hermione."
Ron patted Dane on the ears and Dane wagged his tail delighted with himself. Harry smiled broadly and said, "Yeah I agree. You should totally keep him." Harry bent over and patted Dane's massive head.
Dane looked pleased with himself and followed Hermione, Harry and Ron through the high street. The three of them wandered through the high street and got all of there school supplies. Dane waited for them in front of all the shops. Dane just wandered in their line of vision. When they got an afternoon snack Hermione gave Dane a part of her snack. He snatched it up and arffed happily at Hermione.
Later that afternoon she saw Hagrid getting some supplies. He and Hermione went into the pet store and bought Dane for eleven galleons, eleven sickles, and five knuts. Hermione also got a collar and tag for Dane. When Hermione put it on Dane, he scratched it gingerly and arffed his approval. Dane followed Hermione all the way home and when it came time for the Floo Powder cowered a bit in the fire but followed Hermione's instructions.
When Dane and Hermione landed in the kitchen of Grimmaulda Place he jumped straight onto Mr. Weasley. He licked Mr. Weasley and sniffed him all over.
Hermione shoved all of her parcels onto the kitchen table and went to pry Dane off of Mr. Weasley but Dane got of quickly when Mr. Weasley cried, "Get off me!"
Dane came and sat directly next to Hermione and looked pleased with himself.
Hermione shook her head and said, "No Dane."
Dane looked a little downtrodden at this remark. Hermione went and picked Mr. Weasley up off the floor. When Mr. Weasley saw Dane sniffing him he started laughing and patted Dane on the head.
Mrs. Weasley came in the kitchen and said, "Hello Hermione dear. I heard a crash what happened Arthur?"
Dane came bounding up to Mrs. Weasley and tried to jump up on her Mrs. Weasley took a step backwards and swatted her tea towel at Dane who sat automatically. Dane wagged his tail as he sniffed Mrs. Weasley over. Mrs. Weasley looked unpleased as this took place.
Hermione smiled a little at Mrs. Weasley and said, "Come Dane." Hermione sat down. Dane put his forearms in Hermione's lap and put his head on her lap. Hermione could feel his slobber on her robes, but she didn't really mind. She massaged his ear and he went into a trance almost. Dane seemed really pleased with this exercise.
Dumbledore came into the kitchen, which was a bit of an odd sight. Dumbledore sat in a chair and looked around at Mrs. Weasley, "Molly that smells wonderful. Thank heavens I can stay here for dinner tonight."
Mrs. Weasley smiled and turned back to the stove. "So Albus how goes the day?"
"Ahh... pretty well."
At exactly this moment Dane came out of his stupor and recognized that Dumbledore was here. He ran at Dumbledore full throttle and snatched Dumbledore's hat off of his head. Dane wiggled his butt in the air with his tail wagging and his mouth wiggling on the floor.
Dumbledore chuckled and said, "Who is this?" Hermione looked a bit disgrunteled and said, "This is Dane." Hermione was a bit worried that with Dane's first impression that the Headmaster wouldn't allow him in the castle walls.
Dumbledore just shook his head and with a wave of his wand got his hat out of Dane's mouth. "Scourgify." Dumbledore's hat became clean and free of slobber as he put it back on his head.
Dane smelled Dumbledore and wagged his tail in approval of Dumbledore and sat next to Hermione.
"Well Hermione I heard you were getting a pet the last thing I thought of was this huge animal, but I can understand why you chose him. He's highly intelligent and seems to love you."
When Dane came back towards Hermione he jerked his head in the direction of her pocket. He sniffed it and Hermione felt something move in her pocket. Dane puffed at it, a half way bark. Hermione was a bit curious at why Dane was doing that. Maybe the quill from earlier in the day was still there?
Hermione dug her hands into her pocket immediately and felt something squishy and furry inside her pocket. Hermione shrieked a bit as Dumbledore looked at Hermione and said, "What is it?" Fear seized Hermione and snatched at what was inside her pocket.
Hermione put her hand in her pocket and withdrew a ferret. Hermione was holding it by the stomach. The ferret was squealing in discomfort and Hermione put it on the table.
Mrs. Weasley looked highly displeased at the ferret. "Where did it come from Hermione?"
Hermione looked at the ferret on the table that crawled onto her cloak and onto her neck.
"I have no idea Mrs. Weasley."
Dumbledore chuckled and said, "A stow away. Well what are you going to name him?"
Hermione looked incredulously at Dumbledore and said, "Sir?"
"Well it needs a name."
"Sir I can't. I mean I'm only allowed one pet a Hogwarts."
Dumbledore's eyes glittered and he smiled widely. "Well since this truly isn't your fault and you can't exactly get the animal back to the pet shop in time. I'll let you keep him this year. Don't worry about what others will say."
Hermione felt so odd about this allowance that she didn't know wether to be skeptical or happy. Why would Dumbledore allow Hermione another pet? What was going on? She knew that Dumbledore always had a reason for his discision, but this time wasn't so certain. Hermione just nodded and knew that somehow she would like to have more pets with her that could keep her company. The ferret was brown, strong and smooth, and had brilliant yellow eyes. "I think I'll name it Brownie."
"Brownie, it has a ring to it."
The ferret sat on Hermione's neck and almost purred. Dane propped himself up on Hermione's leg and sniffed Brownie. Brownie crawled from Hermione's neck and onto her shoulder and sniffed Dane. Brownie crawled onto Dane and got on his back.
Dumbledore laughed and said, "Well they'll do well together."
He chuckled and said, "So Molly where is everyone?"
"Upstairs and in a few minutes we'll be having dinner. Can you tell them to come down Hermione?"
"Yes Mrs. Weasley." Hermione got up and went upstairs with Dane right behind her and still confused why she was allowed two none allowed animals inside the school.
Ginny was writing a letter in the back of the room. Everyone was watching the progression of a game of chess between Ron and Lupin. All the boys were cheering and smiling watching Ron and Lupin.
Hermione laughed and everyone watched her come into the room.
Ron pointed at Dane and Brownie and said, "Who's that?"
Brownie was getting down from Dane and crawling up Hermione's robes. Brownie rested on Hermione's neck as Hermione said, "This is Brownie everyone."
Ginny looked at the ferret and said, "He's very cute Hermione."
Lupin looked up at Hermione with those languid eyes and said, "Is dinner ready Hermione?"
"Yes come down to the kitchen for dinner."
Everyone got up and Ron and Lupin put their game on hold. Everyone got downstairs and sat down at chairs. Brownie just chirped when dinner was passed around.
"So Hermione where did Brownie come from?" said Ron his body resting against the table.
Hermione took a bite and said, "He was a stow away."
Ron sniggered into his napkin and said, "So you're taking him to Hogwarts?"
"Yeah. I sort of have to."
Ron just smiled as Brownie wiggled off of Hermione and took a few bites out of Hermione's dinner. Brownie cleaned himself before crawling back onto Hermione's neck. He just chirped and a few moments he was asleep.
Ron and Harry were talking about the Qudditich team this year and who would be the captain, who would be on the team who would be on the team for the rest of the houses. Mrs. Weasley was talking to Ginny about Dean.
Mr. Weasley was talking to Dumbeldore about something that sounded like Fudge, "Well it sounds like he's thinking about controlling blood lines." "He can't do that though. They would all die out and he knows it." Fred and George were talking to Tonks about business and what they were planning next. Mad Eye came in through the middle of dinner and Dane wagged his tail as Mad Eye patted Dane on the head.
"It's good to see you Alastor. What's the news?"
"None really. Though Lucius was in town today for some reason." Harry, Ron and Hermione perked up at this response.
Hermione looked at the boys and said, "That explains why Draco was there."
Ron looked crestfallen and Harry asked him, "What's wrong?"
"I was just thinking that we should have known that Lucious was in town. We could have had Lucius on a sliver platter and had something against him."
Hermione shook her head and said, "That would have been a very stupid idea to start with Ron. Personally I don't want to be cornered by Lucius at the moment, not after what happened at the mall."
Ron smiled grimly and said, "Yeah you're right."
Harry burst out laughing and said, "We can still say we saw Draco's dad. I can't wait to see the look on his face."
Hermione and Ron both laughed. Dinner was soon over and Dane happily ate the leftovers from dinner. Even Dane was full when Mrs. Weasley and Hermione had finished the dishes. Dane gave a huge yawn and followed Hermione into the living room where she sat and read.
The rest of the crowd except for Ginny was watching the rest of the game. Ron won with a single move and cornered Lupin in. Lupin admitted defeat and shook hands with Ron. Harry and Tonks patted Ron's back.
Tonks' voice sounded inspired almost, "Wow I have never seen Lupin beat, good job Ron."
Hermione after a few hours of study started yawning and said that she was going to bed. Everyone said goodnight and went back to concentrating on the game between Harry and Ron.
Hermione put on her night things, without disturbing Brownie and curled up in her bed. Dane had sleepily followed her up the stairs. Dane plopped onto the rug beside Hermione's bed and started breathing heavily. Brownie's little patter of sleep assured Hermione as she fell asleep.
Hermione dreamed of the mall again and got outside into a starless night. She felt someone clasp on her arm, she whirled around to see Voldemort holding her arm. He was laughing in her ear and had an eagle on his shoulder, which had an ear splitting cry.
Hermione woke up with Dane nuzzling her and Brownie on her chest. Her breathing was shallow and rapid, she was caught in her covers and his laughter was still in her ears. Dane leapt up onto the bed and laid right next to Hermione. Hermione fell asleep in Dane's fur coat and it smelt warm almost. Hermione wrapped one arm around Dane for comfort as Brownie rested around Hermione's neck again.
CareBearErin- That whole target thing will be revealed later. It will be fun to say the least.
Talie-Sorry I'm trying not to make my charchters to OCC. I agree with you on all except one point. Voldemort is not a god he can be hit with a spell, as long as Hermione hit him straight on he would have fallen. I know she was suppose to be panicking and everything, but I think reasoning is sort of way of Hermione's way of panicking. Or doing random stuff. Yeah I have no idea what OCC means but I do understand the idea. I read through my Hermione and Voldie and realized it sucked. I REALLY hope this chapter is a bit better. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REVIEW. You rock for it. Yeah okay yes I know I suck at cliff hangers.
Wuzup13- I promise the next chapter will be a lot more suspenseful.
Mistress of Mystery-Thanks!
The Legend Begins- Didn't forget. Now I would love to have anonymous reviews but I have no idea how to do that. I just now figured out the new system for Fan Fic.