Take Me Back To the Start

Chapter 2: Catfights and Confusion

Disclaimer: C'mon, I'm in high school. I own nothing but the clothes on my back.

P.S. I am the author here, so I will take the artistic liberty of perhaps tweaking little facts about the book. For instance, I am having the group take Divination in their seventh year. They probably won't, but I will because it makes the story easier to write. And the moon probably does not stand for despair, but now it does because I SAID SO. Just FYI.

Reviews

Butterflygal123- THANKS A MILLION! Here you go.

Frida Vaccari: Hey, stop reading my mind!

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Mysteriouscharm- Thank you so much, it means a lot to me. I'll do my best for the rest!

The next morning, Hermione awoke with a pounding headache. Great, She thought. Well, at least it's Saturday. She dragged herself out of bed and took a quick shower. It was then, when she was rinsing the shampoo out of her hair when she realized that today was the Quidditch match. I'll have to remember to put that spell on Harry's glasses again… HARRY! It was then that it all came back to her. She remembered last night, and she realized what she would have to face in the Great Hall. But she didn't cry. I'm through with crying for him, She thought bitterly.

She put on her clothes quickly, and walked down to the common room. She saw Lavender Brown giggling with her friends and Hermione immediately gave her a glare that could burn through a wall. Lavender replied with a similar look and stuck her tongue out.

At that moment, Ron was coming from the boy's dormitory and saw the whole thing.

"Oh, she'll be paying for that one," he said in a sing-song voice.

Hermione nodded gravely. "Yes she will."

…………….

Harry could not believe his eyes. He had been awake for hours, sitting in a chair by the window. No one really noticed he was there. He had seen that look in Hermione's eyes; she wanted revenge. This isn't going to be good, Harry thought.

Harry decided to get up when most people had gone to breakfast. He decided that the later he left, the less he would have to talk to people. However, his plan was unfortunately thwarted by Lavender.

"Oh, Harry! There you are! I was hoping to walk to breakfast with you. You know I just had a marvelous time at the party last night, it was a shame you left so early!" She squealed. Harry tried not to barf.

"Erm, look Lavender. It's nothing personal or anything, but…" he started.

"It's ok if you don't want to have breakfast with me, Harry, I understand. But I'll be watching you at Quidditch, ok? See you later, Harry!" And with that, she skipped off.

"Ugh…" Harry groaned. Now what do I do? He ran his hand through his hair and was deep in thought until his stomach reminded him that it was 8:00, and he had a big match coming up that he should prepare for. So he went down to breakfast.

…………….

Hermione made a sour face. "Doesn't this pumpkin juice taste rancid to you?"

Ron sighed. "Herm, don't you think you're being a bit negative this morning?"

She was about to snap back an indignant remark when Neville came up behind her.

"Hermione, I just wanted you to know that I'm awfully sorry about what Harry did to you. It wasn't right, and you deserve better," He stated with finality. "I also wanted you to know that if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."

Hermione's heart softened. (Not too much though.) "Oh, Neville, that's so sweet of you! Thanks very much, I always knew you were a good friend." She smiled at him, and he nodded and walked back to his seat at the other side of the table.

"Well, that was easy," Ron said with a look of relief on his face. "At least he can put you in a better mood."

"Ron, I'm sorry. Really I am. But you're honestly just going to have to deal with me," Hermione said apologetically.

He smiled. "You're right. It's a good thing you're my best friend." She beamed at him, and asked if he could pass the toast.

Ron and Hermione were really close, but Ron didn't like her like everyone thought he did. They were the best of friends, but nothing more. They cared about each other, and that's all they needed.

…………….

Harry tried to get into the Great Hall as quietly as possible, that is, causing the smallest amount of commotion possible. It worked until he had to sit down. He knew he couldn't sit with Ron and Hermione, but the only other place was by the end of the table with all of the first-years. He stood contemplating for only a moment, but it was enough for people to notice him. Soon people were whispering to each other, and the entire room turned to face Harry, and it became deathly silent. But the silence spoke multitudes.

Harry made his way to the end of table with as little eye contact as he could manage. He stiffly took a seat next to a rather frightened-looking first year. He was about to dig in, when he saw Lavender, at the other end of the table with the other seventh years, motion for him to come sit with her. Well, it's much better than sitting with these first years, he thought. He got up to go sit with her, pretending to be happy about it.

But that was a big mistake; soon the entire Gryffindor table was gaping at him. Once Harry had sat down, he realized that they must all think that he and Lavender were going out now. Now Hermione's going to feel even worse, he worried. I really need to talk to her. For the next few minutes, Harry sat there in turmoil, feeling like horse poo.

"Oh, Harry, I'm so glad you decided to join me! It's really too bad that you had to leave last night. Did I already say that? Oh, well," Lavender said in an annoyingly high-pitched voice. "You know, I was thinking, maybe we should buy matching socks! Wouldn't that be absolutely adorable?"

He was about to stick his head in his oatmeal when Ginny took a seat next to him.

"Hey, Harry," she said sociably.

He looked at her with a questioning look. "Um… Hi, Ginny. Why are you…?" He trailed off. "I mean, it's just that everyone else…"

"Look, Harry," she stated. "Just because everyone else is treating you like some sort of deathly disease doesn't mean they're right for doing so. And besides, I believe that you were hexed. So does Luna!"

Almost on cue, Luna Lovegood came and sat across from the pair.

"Hello, Harry," she said in a light voice.

Great, Harry thought. Now my best friends are sixth-years… "Hey, Luna. It's really nice of you guys to eat with me."

"Sure thing," Ginny said with a smile. And they dug in. For most of the meal, Harry managed to avoid too much conversation with Lavender by replying with "Uh-huh" every few seconds. But Harry knew this couldn't last long; he'd soon have to talk to Lavender and Hermione too.

……………

Hermione heard that Gryffindor had won the Quidditch match. She didn't really feel like going. Instead she stayed in the common room and played wizard chess and drank hot cocoa with Ron.

…………….

The next day, Harry was still sitting with Luna and Ginny, but he found that he really didn't mind too much.

"Uck," Harry said through a mouthful of eggs. "I have Divination first today."

"Don't worry, Harry," Luna started. "At least you have Divination with your frien… nn… never mind." Harry sighed. Luna was right. He knew he'd just have to suck it up and deal.

…………….

Ron sighed as he climbed through the trapdoor to Divination class. "You know, I'm really starting to dread this class. I'm awful at it."

"I agree," Hermione said. "It's irritating; I'm not a bad student, I just think that Divination is a silly subject. That's why my grades are so bad."

"Um, Hermione, you got an E on your O.W.L.S. for Divination," Ron said, confused.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, yes, but I could've gotten an O if it was such a stupid subject. I mean, it isn't as if we'll actually use anything we learn in this class in the future." She climbed up after Ron and stumbled on her way into the room. Lavender, who was huddled around Professor Trelawney with her friends, snickered at Hermione and turned back to her friends. Hermione thought she had just about had it with Lavender, but Hermione knew not to make the first move. I'm the bigger man, she thought. Or girl… oh bugger.

She and Ron walked toward their usual spot in the back corner of the room. Hermione had momentarily forgotten that Harry had been omitted from their group, and felt a pang of remorse when she saw the vacant pillow next to her. She sighed and told herself to focus. A few minutes later, she was very involved in what Professor Trelawney was telling them to do, when Hermione let her eyes wander around the room. She spotted Harry and watched him inspect his teacup. She felt herself melt inside, he was so beautiful. She hardly realized that she was zoning when Harry suddenly looked up, and they locked eyes. At first Hermione was savoring the moment, but then she realized the situation and promptly turned back to her own teacup.

Ron, as usual, was struggling, but Hermione paid no attention. She was quite content being the star, actually. (Not surprisingly.)

Hermione was recording her observations when Professor Trelawney came over and started hovering over her shoulder.

"…Yes?" Hermione said in an agitated voice.

Professor Trelawney looked taken aback and said, "Well, Miss Granger, I was just looking over your work. Is that all you see in your teacup?"

"Yes," said Hermione, without looking in her teacup to be sure.

"Well, you should know my dear, that you have failed to notice the most prominent symbol in the leaves," the professor said mystically. Hermione rolled her eyes. "It is the moon, symbol of despair."

Hermione was at wit's end. "Look, Professor, these stupid tea leaves mean nothing! You might as well be reading a teacup filled with feathers."

Needless to say, Professor Trelawney was quite shocked. The entire class looked as teacher and student engaged in a staring contest. Some students looked happy that someone had finally knocked some sense into the old bat. Some, however, were not as happy. Like Lavender, who jumped out of hair and started shouting.

"How dare you speak to a professor that way? Have you no respect and dignity?" Lavender screeched. Hermione thought she saw Harry roll his eyes, but she couldn't be sure. Hermione was too busy telling Lavender off.

Hermione gave Lavender a steely look before firing a comeback. "How can you speak of respect and dignity, you little whore?"

Lavender scoffed. "Oh, that's original."

"So you steal people's boyfriends quite, often then?" Hermione said with mock-curiosity.

"Hey, your's seemed pretty willing!" And that was the last straw for Hermione. She started at Lavender with a fire in her eyes.

Most students were now out of their chairs to get a good view of what they knew would be a good catfight. Hermione saw Harry with his head in his hands, clearly wishing he was invisible. Professor Trelawney, who for the last few minutes seemed immobile, quickly got herself together and tried to separate the now-fighting girls.

They were, however, broken apart by the sound of someone's voice.

"Enough," Professor Dumbledore said sternly. "Miss Granger, Miss Brown, my office now. The rest of you, please continue with your class. Sorry for the interruption. Sybil, please continue your lesson with the exception of two students. Have a nice day." And with that Dumbledore turned on his foot and motioned for the two still-fuming girls to follow him.

…………….

"Miss Brown, please follow me into my office," Dumbledore said. "And Miss Granger, you wait in the hallway." He leaned closer. "Remember, if you try to run away, I will be watching you." Then he ushered Lavender into the room and closed the door with a wink.

Hermione sighed. She realized that Dumbledore had just eliminated her last chance to escape. Now she had no choice but to face punishment for what she had done. She thought for a moment… But it felt soo good, she thought. She smiled to herself. Harry wouldn't know me at all.

Just then, Draco Malfoy sauntered down the corridor, looking surly and hurt.

In a bold mood, she spoke out. "Hey, Malfoy, what's eating you?" She asked in a taunting voice.

He threw her a cold stare. "Why don't you just mind your own business, Hermione," he said quietly. As he walked down the hallway, Hermione looked after him and immediately felt awful for saying what she did. Still, it was quite unnerving, and un-Malfoy-ish, to call her by her first name. Something must really be bothering him, she thought to herself. She was about to yell an apology when Dumbledore and Lavender emerged from the office. Lavender was looking quite sour.

Dumbledore gestured to his office door. "Please come in, Miss Granger."

Hermione took a seat in the padded chair across from Dumbledore's desk. She nervously picked up a shiny silver object off of his desk, just so she could do something with her hands.

"Now, Miss Granger," Dumbledore started. "I understand that you're going through a difficult time right now, but that's no reason-"

Hermione dropped the silvery object. "S-sorry professor. Keep going."

Dumbledore smiled. "Anyhow, I'm aware that you're going through a hard time. And I understand your inner need to battle Lavender Brown. But Divination class is neither the time nor the place."

"Sir, I don't think I understand," Hermione began.

"Well, it's simple. I saw what happened."

Hermione's mouth hung open. "But… how? When? What did you see?"

Dumbledore sighed. "I don't like to be nosy, but I couldn't help but see what happened the night before the Quidditch match. I hope it doesn't embarrass you. As for how… well a sorcerer never reveals his resources," he said with a crinkly smile.

Hermione sighed. "Well that's frightening. So what is my punishment?"

"Even though I think your actions were justified," Dumbledore began. "I still must punish you. You will report to the greenhouses to help Professor Sprout repot plants every other weeknight until the Christmas holiday."

She groaned. It was only mid-November. "I understand, sir. Thank you."

"Have a nice day, Miss Granger. I will alert your next teacher that you will be tardy," Dumbledore said. Hermione was just turning to leave when he added, "Oh, and Hermione? If you ever happen to come across Lavender in an empty hallway, I wouldn't mind if you did ruffle her up a bit."

Hermione grinned widely as she left the room.

AN: Ok, here ya go. I don't know, maybe Dumbledore was a bit OOC, but it was worth a try, huh? I'm leaving for vacation in 2 days… sniffle. Hopefully I'll have a lot of reviews when I come back… wink, wink Oh and this chappie is dedicated 2 juka. I lubb you and I'll miss you, girl! 3