Disclaimer : Harry Potter characters and other related articles belong to
the author J.K. Rowling. But I own the plot line.
A/N : This is my first fanfic...well, at least in English. To tell the truth I'm from Russia. I have read A LOT of fanfics in English and I've been trying to translate some of my fanfics into English. So if you don't like it, just tell me and I'll stop writing this. Well, on with the show...
Chapter 1
It was maybe the worsest holidays in his life. Ron was somewhere abroad, Hermione was in Bulgaria. He was all alone. He hasn't recieved a single letter from his friends for a whole summer. He missed them... They were the closest persons to him after Sirius. He knew that it was very dangerous to send letters to them in such a terrible time but it was necessary for him to talk to someone. He couldn't keep all his feelings inside of him. There were millions of feelings in him at the same time like guilt, pain, rage and so on. But worse than all there was an emptiness. It was like somebody wrapped his heart out. -- BOY, GET DOWN HERE !!! - uncle Vernon shouted. Harry got up from his bed and started to move downstares and right into the kitchen. There were the whole family of Dursleys : aunt Petunia, uncle Vernon and Dudley. -- Well, Harry, are you ready ? -- Ready to do what ? -Harry asked who were slightly shoñked that his uncle called him by his name for the first time in his life. -- To go to your Hog...school ? " He's drunk or what ? I guess so.There is only two ways : driving witn my drunk uncle in his car to the Kings Cross or not going to Hogwarts at all. Anyway I'll choose the first way. " - Harry thought. -- Umm...uncle, are you sure you can drive a car in such condition ? -- What do you mean ? 'Cause I can !! Now bring all your stuff here, immediately ! Harry felt that it's not gonna end well but nevertheless he put his luggage into the car, and in a minute they were on their way to the Kings Cross Train Station. The only thing Harry was afraid of is to be late and miss the train. And like on purpose they found themselfes in a traffic jam. And when they finaly got out from it they almost hit two trucks and finally reached Kings Cross.
When Harry run out on a platform the train already began to depart. All doors were tightly closed and there were nobody on a plarform. Last carriage wich did not have roof was his last hope. On runing he throw his luggage inside and then hurried to jump himself. But it is necessary to tell that his luggage was lucky more than him. He hadn't reached several centimeters. His cloak was torn and his right hand was all in blood but nevertheless it worked out ! He has got on a train rushing to Hogwarts !
* * *
In case that his usual cloak was torn and rather strongly, he had to put on the only cloak he has - brightly green colour. He certainly understood that will look extremely silly but he had no choice. Harry felt how blood slowly flows down his hand painting a sleeve in red colour. " It's a pity there's no water to wash up the wound... " - Harry thought. And as if having heard his thoughts the cold autumn downpour began. There was no roof so in a few seconds he was absolutely wet. Cold drops of rain flew down his hair, clothes... Slowly a decent pool was forming around him. " I can't imagine anything worse ! I'm wet, all in blood and I'm sure that tomorrow I will be ill ! " - Harry thought angrily. In spite of the fact that the wound was small, there were a lot of blood and gradually he began to feel weakness. He has covered Hedwig's cage with his torn cloak but probadly she got wet anyway. Poor bird was hooting loudly and it started to irritate Harry. -- Oh, shut up ! It's not my fault that we're going to Hogwarts in such terrible conditions ! Hedwig, obviously offended stopped hooting and again only knock of wheels and drops of rain on the walls of carriage became audible. The rain didn't stopped and soon there was a huge ammount of water all around him. Harry had to put all his things on a box standing near him. He was shaking. But suddenly the train stopped and now another test - sneers from Malfoy and his friends. So instead of going through this he decided to wait for awhile. After of a few minutes of waiting he looked out of his shelter. Slytherins were gone and Gryffindores were waiting for the carriages to get to Hogwarts. He throw his luggage on the platform and jumed out himself. " In addition my leg is hurt! Excellent !! " - Harry thought with dissapointment. Limping he walked to the group of Gryffindores and found Hermione, standing near Ron. He touched her shoulder with his hand to pay attention to himself. She obviously thought that someone touched her casually so 'Mione didn't turn back. -- Oh, I guess nobody noticed that I was gone... - he said loudly. Hermione turned around and then Ron did the same. The was a long pause... -- Where were you ? - 'Mione asked. -- In a train. And in a very special carriage with a large comfort as you can see. -- You're bleeding...Are you hurt ? - she asked. -- Yeah, while I was jumping on a train. -- J-j-jumping ?!! -- Well, yes. My adored uncle has brought me to the Kings Cross "just in time". And nearly killed both of us maneuvering between hundreds of cars in drunk condition ! Even in twilight it was visible that horror appeared on Hermione's face. She took him by his left hand and dragged to the emty carriage. -- Where are you taking me ? -- We need to reach Hogwarts immediately. You need help. -- Oh, come on !! It's a rather small wound !! -- Maybe it is but you're still bleeding ! Harry looked down at his sleeve wich was red from blood. It began to darken. He was bleeding again. Ron, Harry and Hermione took thier seats in a carriage and soon they were on their way to the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry was looking outside trough the window. Trees and bushes were floating by. His thoughts were carring him away. He was thinking about Sirius again. -- You're shaking. - Hermione noticed. -- That's ok. It's just...it's really cold in here... -- Not at all ! It's just you're wet and probadly ill. -- Yeah, you're right, I'm wet but not ill. -- And can you tell me why you are wet ? -- Well, have you ever been in a last carriage ? -- You were... -- Yeah. -- Terrible ! -- How was it ? - Ron asked. -- Quite wet...
All the way to Hogwarts they were silent. Ron decided not to ask anything about Harry's trip on a train. They reached Hogwarts rather quickly. And soon all students were in the Great Hall wating for professor MacGonagall. -- Hey, Harry ! Why are you dressed like that ? - Seamus asked. He was sitting right near Harry by his left side. -- My other cloak was torn. -- And what about blood ? -- Oh...it's a long story... -- Hi, Harry. -- Hi, Nevill. -- How was your summer ? -- Terrible as usual. And your's ? -- I can't say that it was terrible but it was not excellent also. What are you planning to do after school ? -- I don't know yet. Maybe I'll become an auror. And you ? -- I decided to become a teacher. -- Here ? At Hogwarts ? -- Yeah ! -- It's great ! You're going to kick Snapes ass !!!! -- Yeah, I'll try. And you, Ron ? -- Oh, ask something more simple than that !!! -- Hermione ? -- I wanna become a Minister of Magic or an auror. I'm thinking hard about it but I think I'll choose the first job. Ron sighed and immediately rage appeared on his face. -- Oh, for haven's sake !! Ministers of Magic, Ministers of Magic... I can't hear about that anymore !! It appears to me that everybody in England are going to be Ministers of Magic !!! -- You're just jelious !! -- No, I just... -- Shut up, you two !!! Are you nuts quarreling in the begining of the year ?!! And what's next ? -- There will be food fight next !!! - Ron shouted and threw a peace of meat at Hermione. She did the same and the fight began ! -- You two are surely crazy !!!! - Harry said with a huge smile on his face. -- Yeah, we are ! - Ron agreed evading a peace of food flying by. -- Oh-MY-God !!! Harry was still shaking like it was terribly cold in the Great Hall. But for real there were at least 20 degrees of heat. -- Harry, is it so cold for you ? -- No, I think I'm just ill... -- How did you manage to do that ? -- I said it's a long story. -- Well, tell us in a few words. - Seamus suggested. Harry told them about his trip in the last carriage. Hermione and Ron were listening too 'cause they didn't hear the whole story. -- My oh my... poor guy... -- Yeah... Well, I'm so tired ! I'd better go to bed... -- Yeah, I'm coming with you. - Hermione said rising from her seat. -- I'm too. - Ron shouted putting down his fork. -- And miss a dessert ? - Hermione asked with a strange intonation in her voice. Ron was looking in her eyes for s few minutes and then sat on his seat again. -- Yeah, you're right. I'll better stay. Seamus and Dean Tomas smiled. Nevill smirked. They quickly left the Great Hall and soon they were in front of the portret of the Fat Lady. -- Password ? - she asked. She looked rather sleepy. -- Is there something wrong. - Hermione said. -- No-no, everything's alright. Why ? -- No, you don't understand ! It's the password ! -- What ?!! Really ?!! -- Yeah. -- Oh, all right, come in then. I have to think up the new password. -- Thanks ! They came inside. The fire was burning in the fireplace distributing warmth all aver the room with improbable speed. Night cool and moisture, like after the rain, breathed through the open window. But it was warm enough only for Hermione. -- You're really cold ? -- Yeah, really. -- Well, then sit down by the fire. -- That's exactly what I'm going to do. Well, goodnight then... - there was a dissapointment in his voice. Somewhat he wanted her to stay here with him. --'Night. -- Ok, goodbuy. - he sat by the fire with a sad expression on his face. -- Umm...Harry ? Can I stay with you for awhile ? -- 'Cause you may !! - Harry said with a cheer in his voice. Hermione sat near him uncertanly. Her heart was beating hard. " God, why am I so nervous ? " - she thought. -- You're warm now ? -- No, I guess I'm really ill. Damn ! Right in the begining of the year ! It's unbelievable ! -- Move more close to me. I'll get you warm. Harry obeyed. Hermione covered him with her cloak not removing it from herself. Harry's heart was hammering. At this moment a strange desire appeared inside of him - to do something he had never done bofore ( at least with 'Mione ) - kiss Hermione. Somehow he restrained. He decided to talk to her to breake the pause. -- Umm...is it true that you're going to be an auror ? -- Well, yes. -- Cool. And i've been thinking about what is better for me : to become an auror and live all my life in danger or to go to the kwiddich team. -- Sports and especially kwiddich - it's good but I know you have other talents, except of how to catch a ball. It's not wise to connect your life with sport. Kwiddich cannot support you all your life. You can play only up to a certain age. Think about it. -- Alright. -- What Ron is doing up there in the Great Hall ? Sleeping or what ? -- I don't know. Maybe we can go and look for him ? -- It's possible. We'll take a walk at the same time. They quickly rose from the sofa and hurried to the exit. When they passed the portrait which was an enterence to the Gryffindore tower, the fat lady shouted : -- Hey, wait ! I must tell you the new password !! They stopped and slowly returned to the portrait. The fat lady in pink was smiling widely as though she has just learned a terrible secret. She was looking at them for awhile and then said : -- Anyway, the new password is " love ". - she winked at them. They smiled and continued looking for Ron. But in one of the corridores they have found Malfoy with his retinue. He rose before them bloking their way. Crabbe and Goyle behind him ready at any moment to beat someone. -- Well-well-well ! Look who's here ! Potter and his mudblood girlfriend !! I wonder when are you going to get rid of her ? -- I wonder when are you going to shut up, bastard ? - he said with anger in his voice. Harry stepped forward trying to protect Hermione with himself. -- What did you call me ?!! -- Bastard. So ? -- Too bad, that your parents are dead and there's no one to teach you good manners !! - Draco said through his teeth. " That's it ! " - Harry thought. He couldn't stand it anymore. Harry jumped at Draco and hit him hard in the face two times. Because of that somehow his fingers on his right hand were broken. At the next moment Malfoy's bodyguards rushed to their master to help him. With one strong hit in the stomach Crabbe cast Harry away. He fell to the floor feeling terrible pain. Blood was rising in his throat. Hermione stayed idle not for a long. Wand appeared in her hand in an instant. -- Dictorio !!! - Hermione shouted. It was a hex wich made hair to grow. Immediately the hair on their enemies's heads began to grow promtly until they were covered with hair to such degree that there were nothing visible. They were just lying there not wanting to move at all. Hermione was laughing loudly helping Harry to rise to his feet. Harry was laughing too. Even though his lip was bleeding, his fingers on his right hand were broken and there was still a bit of pain in his stomach. -- God ! HA-ha-ha !!! Just look at them ! A have never seen anything more funny than that !! -- Yeah !! Ha-ha !!! I think they are more pretty that way !! She laughted even more loudly and put a hand on his shoulder. Harry swallowed. That strange feeling appeared again. It was visiting him too often. -- Ok, Ron can reach Griffindore tower by himself. We're not babysitters, you know. -- Yeah, you're right. Are you alright ? You look terrible ! -- No, I'm fine. -- No, you're not ! Stop lieing to me !! Let's go to the infirmery ! -- Wherever you say, 'Mione.
* * *
After the visit to the infirmery they were in the Gryffindore tower again. THey stepped inside and found Nevill sitting on a chair near the fire with his toad. When he heard footsteps he turned around to find Harry and Hermione. -- Oh, it's you ! Harry, what happened ? -- I don't wanna talk about it. -- Hey, I have forgotten the password again. Can you tell me ? - he asked. -- 'Cause we can...love. -- Yeah-yeah, I know that. I'm asking what's the new password is. -- This is the password ! -- Really ?! -- What did you mean by saying that you know something ? -- Well, you know... -- Well, actually no. Tell us ! -- There's something between you two ? Right ? -- No. Who told you that ? -- Nobody. I figuered out myself. -- That's not true, Nevill. We're just friends. - Harry said. Hermione gave him a strange look and agreed. -- Yeah, Nevill. He's right. Well, I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone. -- I'm going too. 'Night, Nevill. -- Harry, tell me why are you so...so... -- Beated ? Go to the second floor and find out yourself. 'Night...
* * *
Next morning Harry woke up from a loud hooting. It was his owl Hedwig. She was sitting on his bed with a letter tied to her leg. Sometimes she was sneezing. " I guess she's ill too... " - Harry thought taking a letter from her leg. He opened it and started to read.
" Dear Harry, Dambldore told me how you were travelling to Hogwarts in a last carriage. That's terrible ! I hope you're all right. You could be killed ! I'm asking you to never do such things again. Oh, and keep an eye on Ron.
P.S Arthur says HI."
Harry understood at once that the letter was from Molly Weasley. He smiled and put the letter aside. -- Who sent you a letter ? - the voice from the next bed appeared. -- Your mother. -- My mother ?! What is she saying ? -- To keep an eye on you. -- Oh, I hate when she's doing this ! -- What ? -- Treets me like I'm a child !! - Ron sat on his bed. - What were you writing ? - he asked and noded at the peace of parchment on Harry's table. -- Oh, that's nothing. -- Nothing ? Really ?! Then why it was written with red ink ? Harry felt that his chicks turned red like an ink on his parchment. He understood that everything was very obvious. Every time he's near Hermione he behave himself rather different. And everyone sees it. -- It's a letter to Hermione. - Harry said. -- Oh, you never wrote letters with red ink to me... So, I can see that it is rather special one, am I right ? -- Right. I wrote it last night. In this letter I wanna express my feelings to her. -- I see. Can I help ? Harry thought for a moment. -- Well, yes. Can you put this letter into her cloak ? -- Are you nuts ?!! It's more simple to put it into Snape's cowards !!! -- Com on, Ron ! Do it for me ! -- Harry, why do you need to put it into her cloak ? Just send it ! Anyway, she'll guess at once that you wrote it ! -- Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll better send it. Today in the evening I'll do it. -- So, what were you doing last night here without me ? -- Nothing. Just talking. -- Talking ? About what ? -- About kwiddich. -- Harry, you are crazy ! Don't you see that she's in love with you or at least she likes you !!! Did you see how she made me to stay in the Great Hall last evening ?!! -- No, you are crazy ! She can't fall in love with me. We're just friends. She told that yesterday ! -- Oh, really ? And Nevill told me that you said that and she just agreed. - Harry fell silence. That was true. - Think about it ! Remember how she was worring about you when we were waiting for the carriages ? You must've seen her in a train !! She was talking about you all the time. Like : " What happend to him ? Why did he miss the train... " and so on. Think about it, Harry. She's never been worriening about me that way. Just look closely and you will see everything. Everybody in Gryffindore are talking only about you and Hermione. -- What ?! Everybody are talking about us ?! Everyone are thinking that we're more than friends ?! -- Isn't it obvious ? You godda see yourself when you're near 'Mione ! You're not mentioning everyone else around you. -- Well, that's true, I guess... -- Guess ?! Let me ask you something, Harry. Do you love her ? -- Yeah, I love her. - Harry answered with a dreamy look on his face. -- Then do it, tell her ! And don't be afraid ! She answers your feelings, you can be sure. -- Ok, ok, I said that today's evening I'll send the letter. - there was a pause. - Thanks, Ron. -- You're welcome, buddy. -- What's our first lesson ? -- Care of magical creatures with Hufflepaffs. -- Oh, that's good...So, how's your mood ? -- I'm ready for everything. Oh, I wanna ask you another question...You beated Malfoy yesterday ? -- Oh, yeah. - Harry smiled. -- So, it was him...who cut you so badly ? -- No, it was Crabbe ! And have you seen him without hair ? -- No. -- That's ok. Soon you'll see him and you'll understand that my scratchers in compasion with his are a trifle. -- I can't wait. So, are you going to get ready for our first lesson in this year ? -- Of course ! I've been waiting for three mounths !!
* * *
When Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking through the field to the Hagrid's hut something bittened him in his neck. Harry even slightly screamed. -- Harry, what's wrong ? - 'Mione asked. -- Nothing. It's just, something stunned me. -- This isn't your lucky week... - Ron commented. -- Yeah, you're right... -- Well, anyway it's up to you, isn't it ? I mean, only you can change your life. Am I right ? -- Yes. - Harry agreed an' looked at Hermione. But nobody noticed. At last they were among other students from Gryffindore and Hufflepaff. After some minutes of waiting some overdue students from Gryffindore came and the lesson began. The first lesson in this year. Hagrid magesticly stepped into the middle and slowly began to speak : -- Ok, students. Today we're going to talk about Acromantules. I'll tell you about them in full detailes.Acromantul is a huge spider with eight eyes. He can speak. He plait cobweb in a dome's shape. It is said that they were deduced by wizards to protect treasures or something valuable. Though these creature's native lands are Borneo's jungle they are found in our woods too. - he made a little pause to look what impression his words made on students. Harry, for example, wasn't impressed at all, 'cause he wasn't listening to professor. He was looking at Hermione all the time. Though nobody noticed that.
Other students were looking timidly at the Forbidden forest. Hagrid smiled and continued his lecture. -- Yes, you understood correctly. They're also living in Forbidden forest but only in the depth, in the thicket. I often see them there. And by the way Ron Weasley and Harry Potter also saw them. This time everybody looked at Ron and Harry. Harry felt that tens of people were looking at him, so he came back to reality. He was wondering why everybody were looking at him and Ron. -- Well, your homework is to read and write out basic signs of Acromantuls and also find some features wich distinguished male from female. Ok. Well, one of Acromantules that lives in our wood is my friend. And he allowed me to show you some of his children. Be careful. He's small but still he can hurt you.
Students started to examine them. Ron was afraid of spiders not to mention that acromantules even their children were much more bigger than than usual spiders, so he flatly refused even to approach to these creatures and stood very far from the group of students. Harry had to be in pair with Hermione. -- I still can't believe that you two were all alone in the Forbidden forest with million and millions of giant spiders. - Hermione said and noticed at once that her friend wasn't listening to her at all. But he was looking strait into her eyes. -- Umm...are you listening to me, Harry ? Harry ? Harry ! -- What ? What did you say ? Sorry, I guess I just reflected... So, what were you talking about ? -- Oh, forget it ! - she said returning to their acromantul cub. Harry suddenly felt fear rising inside of him. -- Hermione, I said I'm sorry ! Are you mad at me ? -- Harry, calm down ! I'm not mad at you. It's just, I have already forgotten what I was talking about. That's all. So, don't worry. -- Thanks god ! Hermione smiled and continued the examination of acromanrul...Harry started to watch her again. He wasn't interested with these creatures at all. To tell the truth they were disguisting to him after his adventures in Forbidden forest. -- What ? Is there something wrong with me ? - Hermione asked noticed that Harry was watching her again. -- No-no. Everything's alright. -- Harry you're acting very strange today. What's wrong with you ? -- Nothing. And I don't act strange ! Soon the lesson was over. And all student were rushing for the next one. That day flew wery fast. And soon it was late evening and almost all gryffindores were sitting in the common room and relaxing after the hard day.
A/N : This is my first fanfic...well, at least in English. To tell the truth I'm from Russia. I have read A LOT of fanfics in English and I've been trying to translate some of my fanfics into English. So if you don't like it, just tell me and I'll stop writing this. Well, on with the show...
Chapter 1
It was maybe the worsest holidays in his life. Ron was somewhere abroad, Hermione was in Bulgaria. He was all alone. He hasn't recieved a single letter from his friends for a whole summer. He missed them... They were the closest persons to him after Sirius. He knew that it was very dangerous to send letters to them in such a terrible time but it was necessary for him to talk to someone. He couldn't keep all his feelings inside of him. There were millions of feelings in him at the same time like guilt, pain, rage and so on. But worse than all there was an emptiness. It was like somebody wrapped his heart out. -- BOY, GET DOWN HERE !!! - uncle Vernon shouted. Harry got up from his bed and started to move downstares and right into the kitchen. There were the whole family of Dursleys : aunt Petunia, uncle Vernon and Dudley. -- Well, Harry, are you ready ? -- Ready to do what ? -Harry asked who were slightly shoñked that his uncle called him by his name for the first time in his life. -- To go to your Hog...school ? " He's drunk or what ? I guess so.There is only two ways : driving witn my drunk uncle in his car to the Kings Cross or not going to Hogwarts at all. Anyway I'll choose the first way. " - Harry thought. -- Umm...uncle, are you sure you can drive a car in such condition ? -- What do you mean ? 'Cause I can !! Now bring all your stuff here, immediately ! Harry felt that it's not gonna end well but nevertheless he put his luggage into the car, and in a minute they were on their way to the Kings Cross Train Station. The only thing Harry was afraid of is to be late and miss the train. And like on purpose they found themselfes in a traffic jam. And when they finaly got out from it they almost hit two trucks and finally reached Kings Cross.
When Harry run out on a platform the train already began to depart. All doors were tightly closed and there were nobody on a plarform. Last carriage wich did not have roof was his last hope. On runing he throw his luggage inside and then hurried to jump himself. But it is necessary to tell that his luggage was lucky more than him. He hadn't reached several centimeters. His cloak was torn and his right hand was all in blood but nevertheless it worked out ! He has got on a train rushing to Hogwarts !
* * *
In case that his usual cloak was torn and rather strongly, he had to put on the only cloak he has - brightly green colour. He certainly understood that will look extremely silly but he had no choice. Harry felt how blood slowly flows down his hand painting a sleeve in red colour. " It's a pity there's no water to wash up the wound... " - Harry thought. And as if having heard his thoughts the cold autumn downpour began. There was no roof so in a few seconds he was absolutely wet. Cold drops of rain flew down his hair, clothes... Slowly a decent pool was forming around him. " I can't imagine anything worse ! I'm wet, all in blood and I'm sure that tomorrow I will be ill ! " - Harry thought angrily. In spite of the fact that the wound was small, there were a lot of blood and gradually he began to feel weakness. He has covered Hedwig's cage with his torn cloak but probadly she got wet anyway. Poor bird was hooting loudly and it started to irritate Harry. -- Oh, shut up ! It's not my fault that we're going to Hogwarts in such terrible conditions ! Hedwig, obviously offended stopped hooting and again only knock of wheels and drops of rain on the walls of carriage became audible. The rain didn't stopped and soon there was a huge ammount of water all around him. Harry had to put all his things on a box standing near him. He was shaking. But suddenly the train stopped and now another test - sneers from Malfoy and his friends. So instead of going through this he decided to wait for awhile. After of a few minutes of waiting he looked out of his shelter. Slytherins were gone and Gryffindores were waiting for the carriages to get to Hogwarts. He throw his luggage on the platform and jumed out himself. " In addition my leg is hurt! Excellent !! " - Harry thought with dissapointment. Limping he walked to the group of Gryffindores and found Hermione, standing near Ron. He touched her shoulder with his hand to pay attention to himself. She obviously thought that someone touched her casually so 'Mione didn't turn back. -- Oh, I guess nobody noticed that I was gone... - he said loudly. Hermione turned around and then Ron did the same. The was a long pause... -- Where were you ? - 'Mione asked. -- In a train. And in a very special carriage with a large comfort as you can see. -- You're bleeding...Are you hurt ? - she asked. -- Yeah, while I was jumping on a train. -- J-j-jumping ?!! -- Well, yes. My adored uncle has brought me to the Kings Cross "just in time". And nearly killed both of us maneuvering between hundreds of cars in drunk condition ! Even in twilight it was visible that horror appeared on Hermione's face. She took him by his left hand and dragged to the emty carriage. -- Where are you taking me ? -- We need to reach Hogwarts immediately. You need help. -- Oh, come on !! It's a rather small wound !! -- Maybe it is but you're still bleeding ! Harry looked down at his sleeve wich was red from blood. It began to darken. He was bleeding again. Ron, Harry and Hermione took thier seats in a carriage and soon they were on their way to the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry was looking outside trough the window. Trees and bushes were floating by. His thoughts were carring him away. He was thinking about Sirius again. -- You're shaking. - Hermione noticed. -- That's ok. It's just...it's really cold in here... -- Not at all ! It's just you're wet and probadly ill. -- Yeah, you're right, I'm wet but not ill. -- And can you tell me why you are wet ? -- Well, have you ever been in a last carriage ? -- You were... -- Yeah. -- Terrible ! -- How was it ? - Ron asked. -- Quite wet...
All the way to Hogwarts they were silent. Ron decided not to ask anything about Harry's trip on a train. They reached Hogwarts rather quickly. And soon all students were in the Great Hall wating for professor MacGonagall. -- Hey, Harry ! Why are you dressed like that ? - Seamus asked. He was sitting right near Harry by his left side. -- My other cloak was torn. -- And what about blood ? -- Oh...it's a long story... -- Hi, Harry. -- Hi, Nevill. -- How was your summer ? -- Terrible as usual. And your's ? -- I can't say that it was terrible but it was not excellent also. What are you planning to do after school ? -- I don't know yet. Maybe I'll become an auror. And you ? -- I decided to become a teacher. -- Here ? At Hogwarts ? -- Yeah ! -- It's great ! You're going to kick Snapes ass !!!! -- Yeah, I'll try. And you, Ron ? -- Oh, ask something more simple than that !!! -- Hermione ? -- I wanna become a Minister of Magic or an auror. I'm thinking hard about it but I think I'll choose the first job. Ron sighed and immediately rage appeared on his face. -- Oh, for haven's sake !! Ministers of Magic, Ministers of Magic... I can't hear about that anymore !! It appears to me that everybody in England are going to be Ministers of Magic !!! -- You're just jelious !! -- No, I just... -- Shut up, you two !!! Are you nuts quarreling in the begining of the year ?!! And what's next ? -- There will be food fight next !!! - Ron shouted and threw a peace of meat at Hermione. She did the same and the fight began ! -- You two are surely crazy !!!! - Harry said with a huge smile on his face. -- Yeah, we are ! - Ron agreed evading a peace of food flying by. -- Oh-MY-God !!! Harry was still shaking like it was terribly cold in the Great Hall. But for real there were at least 20 degrees of heat. -- Harry, is it so cold for you ? -- No, I think I'm just ill... -- How did you manage to do that ? -- I said it's a long story. -- Well, tell us in a few words. - Seamus suggested. Harry told them about his trip in the last carriage. Hermione and Ron were listening too 'cause they didn't hear the whole story. -- My oh my... poor guy... -- Yeah... Well, I'm so tired ! I'd better go to bed... -- Yeah, I'm coming with you. - Hermione said rising from her seat. -- I'm too. - Ron shouted putting down his fork. -- And miss a dessert ? - Hermione asked with a strange intonation in her voice. Ron was looking in her eyes for s few minutes and then sat on his seat again. -- Yeah, you're right. I'll better stay. Seamus and Dean Tomas smiled. Nevill smirked. They quickly left the Great Hall and soon they were in front of the portret of the Fat Lady. -- Password ? - she asked. She looked rather sleepy. -- Is there something wrong. - Hermione said. -- No-no, everything's alright. Why ? -- No, you don't understand ! It's the password ! -- What ?!! Really ?!! -- Yeah. -- Oh, all right, come in then. I have to think up the new password. -- Thanks ! They came inside. The fire was burning in the fireplace distributing warmth all aver the room with improbable speed. Night cool and moisture, like after the rain, breathed through the open window. But it was warm enough only for Hermione. -- You're really cold ? -- Yeah, really. -- Well, then sit down by the fire. -- That's exactly what I'm going to do. Well, goodnight then... - there was a dissapointment in his voice. Somewhat he wanted her to stay here with him. --'Night. -- Ok, goodbuy. - he sat by the fire with a sad expression on his face. -- Umm...Harry ? Can I stay with you for awhile ? -- 'Cause you may !! - Harry said with a cheer in his voice. Hermione sat near him uncertanly. Her heart was beating hard. " God, why am I so nervous ? " - she thought. -- You're warm now ? -- No, I guess I'm really ill. Damn ! Right in the begining of the year ! It's unbelievable ! -- Move more close to me. I'll get you warm. Harry obeyed. Hermione covered him with her cloak not removing it from herself. Harry's heart was hammering. At this moment a strange desire appeared inside of him - to do something he had never done bofore ( at least with 'Mione ) - kiss Hermione. Somehow he restrained. He decided to talk to her to breake the pause. -- Umm...is it true that you're going to be an auror ? -- Well, yes. -- Cool. And i've been thinking about what is better for me : to become an auror and live all my life in danger or to go to the kwiddich team. -- Sports and especially kwiddich - it's good but I know you have other talents, except of how to catch a ball. It's not wise to connect your life with sport. Kwiddich cannot support you all your life. You can play only up to a certain age. Think about it. -- Alright. -- What Ron is doing up there in the Great Hall ? Sleeping or what ? -- I don't know. Maybe we can go and look for him ? -- It's possible. We'll take a walk at the same time. They quickly rose from the sofa and hurried to the exit. When they passed the portrait which was an enterence to the Gryffindore tower, the fat lady shouted : -- Hey, wait ! I must tell you the new password !! They stopped and slowly returned to the portrait. The fat lady in pink was smiling widely as though she has just learned a terrible secret. She was looking at them for awhile and then said : -- Anyway, the new password is " love ". - she winked at them. They smiled and continued looking for Ron. But in one of the corridores they have found Malfoy with his retinue. He rose before them bloking their way. Crabbe and Goyle behind him ready at any moment to beat someone. -- Well-well-well ! Look who's here ! Potter and his mudblood girlfriend !! I wonder when are you going to get rid of her ? -- I wonder when are you going to shut up, bastard ? - he said with anger in his voice. Harry stepped forward trying to protect Hermione with himself. -- What did you call me ?!! -- Bastard. So ? -- Too bad, that your parents are dead and there's no one to teach you good manners !! - Draco said through his teeth. " That's it ! " - Harry thought. He couldn't stand it anymore. Harry jumped at Draco and hit him hard in the face two times. Because of that somehow his fingers on his right hand were broken. At the next moment Malfoy's bodyguards rushed to their master to help him. With one strong hit in the stomach Crabbe cast Harry away. He fell to the floor feeling terrible pain. Blood was rising in his throat. Hermione stayed idle not for a long. Wand appeared in her hand in an instant. -- Dictorio !!! - Hermione shouted. It was a hex wich made hair to grow. Immediately the hair on their enemies's heads began to grow promtly until they were covered with hair to such degree that there were nothing visible. They were just lying there not wanting to move at all. Hermione was laughing loudly helping Harry to rise to his feet. Harry was laughing too. Even though his lip was bleeding, his fingers on his right hand were broken and there was still a bit of pain in his stomach. -- God ! HA-ha-ha !!! Just look at them ! A have never seen anything more funny than that !! -- Yeah !! Ha-ha !!! I think they are more pretty that way !! She laughted even more loudly and put a hand on his shoulder. Harry swallowed. That strange feeling appeared again. It was visiting him too often. -- Ok, Ron can reach Griffindore tower by himself. We're not babysitters, you know. -- Yeah, you're right. Are you alright ? You look terrible ! -- No, I'm fine. -- No, you're not ! Stop lieing to me !! Let's go to the infirmery ! -- Wherever you say, 'Mione.
* * *
After the visit to the infirmery they were in the Gryffindore tower again. THey stepped inside and found Nevill sitting on a chair near the fire with his toad. When he heard footsteps he turned around to find Harry and Hermione. -- Oh, it's you ! Harry, what happened ? -- I don't wanna talk about it. -- Hey, I have forgotten the password again. Can you tell me ? - he asked. -- 'Cause we can...love. -- Yeah-yeah, I know that. I'm asking what's the new password is. -- This is the password ! -- Really ?! -- What did you mean by saying that you know something ? -- Well, you know... -- Well, actually no. Tell us ! -- There's something between you two ? Right ? -- No. Who told you that ? -- Nobody. I figuered out myself. -- That's not true, Nevill. We're just friends. - Harry said. Hermione gave him a strange look and agreed. -- Yeah, Nevill. He's right. Well, I'm going to bed. Goodnight everyone. -- I'm going too. 'Night, Nevill. -- Harry, tell me why are you so...so... -- Beated ? Go to the second floor and find out yourself. 'Night...
* * *
Next morning Harry woke up from a loud hooting. It was his owl Hedwig. She was sitting on his bed with a letter tied to her leg. Sometimes she was sneezing. " I guess she's ill too... " - Harry thought taking a letter from her leg. He opened it and started to read.
" Dear Harry, Dambldore told me how you were travelling to Hogwarts in a last carriage. That's terrible ! I hope you're all right. You could be killed ! I'm asking you to never do such things again. Oh, and keep an eye on Ron.
P.S Arthur says HI."
Harry understood at once that the letter was from Molly Weasley. He smiled and put the letter aside. -- Who sent you a letter ? - the voice from the next bed appeared. -- Your mother. -- My mother ?! What is she saying ? -- To keep an eye on you. -- Oh, I hate when she's doing this ! -- What ? -- Treets me like I'm a child !! - Ron sat on his bed. - What were you writing ? - he asked and noded at the peace of parchment on Harry's table. -- Oh, that's nothing. -- Nothing ? Really ?! Then why it was written with red ink ? Harry felt that his chicks turned red like an ink on his parchment. He understood that everything was very obvious. Every time he's near Hermione he behave himself rather different. And everyone sees it. -- It's a letter to Hermione. - Harry said. -- Oh, you never wrote letters with red ink to me... So, I can see that it is rather special one, am I right ? -- Right. I wrote it last night. In this letter I wanna express my feelings to her. -- I see. Can I help ? Harry thought for a moment. -- Well, yes. Can you put this letter into her cloak ? -- Are you nuts ?!! It's more simple to put it into Snape's cowards !!! -- Com on, Ron ! Do it for me ! -- Harry, why do you need to put it into her cloak ? Just send it ! Anyway, she'll guess at once that you wrote it ! -- Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll better send it. Today in the evening I'll do it. -- So, what were you doing last night here without me ? -- Nothing. Just talking. -- Talking ? About what ? -- About kwiddich. -- Harry, you are crazy ! Don't you see that she's in love with you or at least she likes you !!! Did you see how she made me to stay in the Great Hall last evening ?!! -- No, you are crazy ! She can't fall in love with me. We're just friends. She told that yesterday ! -- Oh, really ? And Nevill told me that you said that and she just agreed. - Harry fell silence. That was true. - Think about it ! Remember how she was worring about you when we were waiting for the carriages ? You must've seen her in a train !! She was talking about you all the time. Like : " What happend to him ? Why did he miss the train... " and so on. Think about it, Harry. She's never been worriening about me that way. Just look closely and you will see everything. Everybody in Gryffindore are talking only about you and Hermione. -- What ?! Everybody are talking about us ?! Everyone are thinking that we're more than friends ?! -- Isn't it obvious ? You godda see yourself when you're near 'Mione ! You're not mentioning everyone else around you. -- Well, that's true, I guess... -- Guess ?! Let me ask you something, Harry. Do you love her ? -- Yeah, I love her. - Harry answered with a dreamy look on his face. -- Then do it, tell her ! And don't be afraid ! She answers your feelings, you can be sure. -- Ok, ok, I said that today's evening I'll send the letter. - there was a pause. - Thanks, Ron. -- You're welcome, buddy. -- What's our first lesson ? -- Care of magical creatures with Hufflepaffs. -- Oh, that's good...So, how's your mood ? -- I'm ready for everything. Oh, I wanna ask you another question...You beated Malfoy yesterday ? -- Oh, yeah. - Harry smiled. -- So, it was him...who cut you so badly ? -- No, it was Crabbe ! And have you seen him without hair ? -- No. -- That's ok. Soon you'll see him and you'll understand that my scratchers in compasion with his are a trifle. -- I can't wait. So, are you going to get ready for our first lesson in this year ? -- Of course ! I've been waiting for three mounths !!
* * *
When Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking through the field to the Hagrid's hut something bittened him in his neck. Harry even slightly screamed. -- Harry, what's wrong ? - 'Mione asked. -- Nothing. It's just, something stunned me. -- This isn't your lucky week... - Ron commented. -- Yeah, you're right... -- Well, anyway it's up to you, isn't it ? I mean, only you can change your life. Am I right ? -- Yes. - Harry agreed an' looked at Hermione. But nobody noticed. At last they were among other students from Gryffindore and Hufflepaff. After some minutes of waiting some overdue students from Gryffindore came and the lesson began. The first lesson in this year. Hagrid magesticly stepped into the middle and slowly began to speak : -- Ok, students. Today we're going to talk about Acromantules. I'll tell you about them in full detailes.Acromantul is a huge spider with eight eyes. He can speak. He plait cobweb in a dome's shape. It is said that they were deduced by wizards to protect treasures or something valuable. Though these creature's native lands are Borneo's jungle they are found in our woods too. - he made a little pause to look what impression his words made on students. Harry, for example, wasn't impressed at all, 'cause he wasn't listening to professor. He was looking at Hermione all the time. Though nobody noticed that.
Other students were looking timidly at the Forbidden forest. Hagrid smiled and continued his lecture. -- Yes, you understood correctly. They're also living in Forbidden forest but only in the depth, in the thicket. I often see them there. And by the way Ron Weasley and Harry Potter also saw them. This time everybody looked at Ron and Harry. Harry felt that tens of people were looking at him, so he came back to reality. He was wondering why everybody were looking at him and Ron. -- Well, your homework is to read and write out basic signs of Acromantuls and also find some features wich distinguished male from female. Ok. Well, one of Acromantules that lives in our wood is my friend. And he allowed me to show you some of his children. Be careful. He's small but still he can hurt you.
Students started to examine them. Ron was afraid of spiders not to mention that acromantules even their children were much more bigger than than usual spiders, so he flatly refused even to approach to these creatures and stood very far from the group of students. Harry had to be in pair with Hermione. -- I still can't believe that you two were all alone in the Forbidden forest with million and millions of giant spiders. - Hermione said and noticed at once that her friend wasn't listening to her at all. But he was looking strait into her eyes. -- Umm...are you listening to me, Harry ? Harry ? Harry ! -- What ? What did you say ? Sorry, I guess I just reflected... So, what were you talking about ? -- Oh, forget it ! - she said returning to their acromantul cub. Harry suddenly felt fear rising inside of him. -- Hermione, I said I'm sorry ! Are you mad at me ? -- Harry, calm down ! I'm not mad at you. It's just, I have already forgotten what I was talking about. That's all. So, don't worry. -- Thanks god ! Hermione smiled and continued the examination of acromanrul...Harry started to watch her again. He wasn't interested with these creatures at all. To tell the truth they were disguisting to him after his adventures in Forbidden forest. -- What ? Is there something wrong with me ? - Hermione asked noticed that Harry was watching her again. -- No-no. Everything's alright. -- Harry you're acting very strange today. What's wrong with you ? -- Nothing. And I don't act strange ! Soon the lesson was over. And all student were rushing for the next one. That day flew wery fast. And soon it was late evening and almost all gryffindores were sitting in the common room and relaxing after the hard day.