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CHAPTER 5

As Ron made his way down to the second floor after Healing class, he discovered that there were two distinctly different types of nervous butterflies. There were the pleasant ones that came from smiling at Hermione or playing Quidditch, but there were also the unpleasant ones that came from going to your first N.E.W.T. class. What had he been thinking? He had signed up to be an Auror! And with the Logistics branch at that! How was he going to plan important missions for the field agents if he couldn't even plan out his own homework schedule? There was no way he could pull this off. What would it feel like to be the first Hogwart's student to drop out for not being smart enough to pass the N.E.W.T. classes?

Somehow he had just managed to scrape by on the little brains that he had with the help of Harry and Hermione. What would he do without their help…especially Hermione's? Of course, Hermione would still be able to help since she already knew everything. But, asking her for help on his own N.E.W.T. classes would make her realize just how dumb he really was, and then his chances with her would be ruined for sure! Wait…chances with her? What was he thinking? What chances?

When Ron finally reached the Geography of the Magical World classroom, he decided that if he were going to get anywhere in these upper-division classes, he would have to stop thinking about Hermione long enough to really concentrate. Okay, no more thoughts on Hermione. He could worry about his chances with her later. WHAT CHANCES! He was really losing it.

At least he was fond of the teacher for this particular class. Ron had been surprised over the summer when he'd received his N.E.W.T. Schedule Confirmation letter, informing him that Madam Hooch was the teacher of Geography of the Magical World. He thought she only taught flying and referreed Quidditch games. But it was indeed Madam Hooch's hawklike yellow eyes that greeted him as he entered. And, to Ron's surprise, Neville Longbottom was seated in the back at a small, wooden table.

"Hey, Neville." Ron said, approaching the empty seat beside Neville's.

Neville looked up at Ron and smiled shyly. "Hello, Ron." He then looked down nervously at the chair beside him. "You can sit here…if you like." Neville said as if he doubted Ron would want to sit with him. Ron felt a swell of pity for Neville.

"Thanks." Ron said taking the seat. He noticed that there was a book in Neville's lap titled, Herbal Remedies Across the Globe. "So…what career path are you taking?"

"Herbological Research." Neville replied happily. "You?"

"Auror Logistics." Ron said quietly. Saying it aloud made Ron's stomach turn sickly. Why hadn't he just chosen Muggle Studdies or the St. Mungo's Sanitation Committee, or anything he might actually be able to do? Neville's eyes got wide.

"Wow. I guess you and Harry will be a team, then?" Neville began in awe, "That sounds like great fun."

Ron nodded with a weak smile. An awkward silence followed. It was rare that Ron couldn't think of anything to say, but this was one of those rare moments. He liked Neville, but they'd never really talked much. Ron was raking his mind for something interesting to talk about when Neville turned to him.

"I was in the corridor when you slugged Malfoy. It was really great!" Neville exclaimed with a wide, toothy grin. Ron smiled brightly.

"Yeah, it felt great." Ron said remembering.

Neville shifted nervously in his seat. "Yeah, well…Hermione's probably the nicest witch at Hogwarts. I'm glad you stood up for her."

Ron simply nodded his head. He'd wondered in the past if Neville fancied Hermione, and he felt a twinge of uneasiness at Neville's words. But, Ron told himself that Neville was only being polite. It's not like he had to worry about Neville being competition; Hermione wasn't the least bit attracted to him. What am I thinking? Competition? It's not a competition if I don't have a chance! So much for no more thoughts on Hermione.

Ron quickly changed the subject to Herbology, which got Neville rambling until Madam Hooch began class. She began with a "brief history on herself." She informed the class that she had learned to fly on one of the old Silver Arrows, which were no longer made. Ron was impressed; the Silver Arrow was considered the true forerunner of the racing broom. Apparently she had fallen in love with flying after her first flight and had, thenceforth, traveled the globe. She claimed to have visited each country of the world at least once. Ron hoped he could travel the world someday with Hermione.

The class period went by extremely fast, but it wasn't until Ron began making his way to the third floor that he realized Madam Hooch had talked about herself the entire time. He had enjoyed it, however. She spoke like an animated storyteller. Hermione would definitely not approve if it were her class. Ron, on the other hand, thought Madam Hooch would be one of his favorite Hogwart's teachers if she continued to talk about flying and Quidditch throughout the term.

As for his Magical Law teacher, Ron was completely in the dark. His N.E.W.T. Schedule Confirmation letter had specified the teacher of this course as 'to be announced.' Who would teach law? Probably Professor Binns, but Ron hoped not. Without Hermione there to take notes…he would be doomed. Binns was the complete opposite of an animated storyteller.

"Ron!"

Ron spun around to see Hermione waving at him from across the hall. He smiled. Now those were the pleasant stomach butterflies…"What are you doing here, Hermione?" He asked as he met her halfway.

"Ancient Runes with McGonagall is on the third floor. I guess Magical Law is, as well?" She asked excitedly.

Ron nodded, smiling down at her. He got a sudden excited feeling about the fact that he would see Hermione every Tuesday and Thursday before Magical Law. She looked marvelous today. There was a Muggle writing tool stuck behind one ear, and her hair was falling out of its ponytail. She was a bit flushed, too.

"I bet you ran all the way here."

"How did you know?" She asked with a curious smile. Ron just shrugged. Suddenly, Hermione took a firm hold on his arm.

"What?" He asked, watching Hermione's eyes go wide, as she stood on her tiptoes to look over his shoulder.

"Is she your Magical Law teacher?" Hermione asked in awe. Ron turned around to see a square-jawed witch with short grey hair.

Ron gulped. Good butterflies gone. It was Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law. She was adjusting her monocle while talking to her niece, Susan Bones, who apparently had the class as well. Ron didn't have a very good feeling about having a teacher that had the power to throw wizards into Azkaban. Amelia Bones was on the Wizengamot…of course, she had been helpful to Harry's case last year.

"Wow, Ron. You should really suck up to her." Hermione said earnestly. He looked down at her in surprise.

"And, why exactly should I do that?"

"Because, Ronald…don't you know what an important position she has in the Ministry? She could quite possibly become the next Minister of Magic. You definitely want to get on her good side if you're to be an Auror." Hermione said, releasing Ron's arm. A scared look quickly came over her, as she turned in the direction of her class. "Oh! I've got to run! See you at lunch!" Ron watched her run down the hall and disappear into a classroom before he turned around, a bit more nervous than before his encounter with Hermione, to do the same.

"Professor Snape? Oh, Harry I'm so sorry…at least it's only twice a week." Hermione said sincerely to her friend. She, Ron, and Harry had met for lunch to eat and exchange stories of their N.E.W.T. classes. She had gone first, telling them that Arithmancy and Ancient Runes were still fascinating as the material got a bit more difficult. Ron had then gone on and on about how Madam Hooch and Madam Bones were both great at making the class period 'fly by.' Harry, however, had just informed her and Ron that his History of the Dark Arts teacher was none other than his least favorite teacher at Hogwarts.

"Yeah, you would think that would be the worst part, wouldn't you?" Harry said glumly. "Actually…I hate to admit it, but Snape managed to hold my attention throughout the lecture. The worst part of the class is that I share it with Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson. Dean Thomas is the only person in the class that's not Slytherin."

"Dean Thomas?" Hermione asked curiously. She could definitely see why Slytherin students would want to take the class. History courses were needed for many of the career paths; of course Slytherin's would pick History of the Dark Arts…but why Dean? Was he studying to be an Auror? Hermione had thought Harry and Ron would be the only two boys in their year to be that daring. Ron turned to her with a disbelieving stare.

"Who cares about Dean? Did you hear what Harry just said, Hermione? Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Parkinson!" Ron exclaimed incredulously, before turning a sympathetic frown to Harry. "So, did they try anything?" Hermione scowled at Ron before turning to listen to Harry's answer.

"Well, before Snape arrived, they each took turns insulting my chosen career path. Pansy ratted off some statistic of Auror deaths from the first war, and Malfoy had the nerve to ask me if I were preparing to face my murderer." Harry spat angrily.

Hermione's stomach clenched in pain, and Ron's mouth fell open. They sat there in silence for a moment, as there was nothing to say that would describe the horribleness of Malfoy's comment. Hermione wondered if Malfoy knew about the "so-called" prophecy or if he were just being his usual foul self. Harry and Ron both looked miserable and worried. They probably wouldn't feel so bad if they didn't believe in that stupid prediction! Hermione thought angrily.

Ginny suddenly approached the table with an armful of schoolbooks. She sat down beside Harry, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "What do you three look so miserable about?" She asked setting her books down heavily on the table.

Harry continued to look down at his plate; Ron shook his head with a look of pure disgust. "Malfoy made a foul comment about Harry's prophecy." Ron said finally.

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, turning to glare at him. She couldn't believe him! And, he had the nerve to look positively clueless.

"What? Ginny already knows! Harry's told her!" Ron said defensively. Hermione shook her head, frustrated at his naivety.

"I'm not talking about that! Of course Ginny knows. I'm talking about…about…you know I don't believe in that…fortuneteller! I swear, Ron, if you bring that up in front of me again…"

"So we're not allowed to even mention it in front of you? Hermione, don't you think your being a little rash? I mean...Harry and I believe that…"

"No!" Hermione exclaimed. She wouldn't let him finish that sentence. How could he be so utterly juvenile? Did he care nothing for her feelings? "If you can't resist the temptation to talk about such nonsense in my presence then…then…I won't eat with you two anymore!"

"Okay! Okay! I'll never mention it again!" Ron said frustrated. He rested his head in one hand and began violently rubbing his forehead in aggravation. Hermione blew her hair out of her face and turned to look at Harry and Ginny. Harry had his head about three inches from his plate, eating silently. Ginny, on the other hand, gave Hermione a displeased look before standing up, retrieving her books, and going to sit with Neville.

What was the matter with Ginny? Great! Hermione thought sullenly. Now I have three people angry with me! Well, it was their fault for believing in such nonsense. Sybil Trelawney? Hermione had the sudden urge to go to the library and research something. Anything! She just needed to get away from Ron and Harry…and apparently, Ginny.

Hermione stood up from the table and slung her satchel over her shoulder. "Hermione…" Ron said pleadingly, grabbing hold of her wrist. Hermione looked down at him. Curse his striking blue eyes! "Hermione, I'm sorry, okay?"

Hermione suddenly felt the urge to cry as she looked down at Ron's beseeching look. "I just need to go to the library." She said softly. Ron looked at her sadly and released her wrist. "I'll see you two later." Hermione quickly turned to leave the Great Hall without looking back. She was afraid if she saw Ron again, she might return to the table, but she really just needed to be alone for a while. Maybe she would look into those Wemic tail hairs.

Library? Yeah right, Ron thought. For the first time that he could remember Hermione had left to go to the library without really wanting to. He didn't want to believe in Harry's prophecy either, but he wasn't going to ignore the truth to suit his feelings. Hermione was really being very selfish, which wasn't like her.

Harry had obviously closed up when Hermione had begun her rant at the lunch table, and as soon as she left the Great Hall, Harry said he was 'tired' and wanted to go to the dormitories. Well, Ron wasn't going to the dormitories. He was going to track down Hermione, and force her to talk to him. It made his skin crawl thinking about the danger he would be putting himself in if he told her what he truly thought of her behavior. He would just have to sugarcoat it a bit. But, this denial she was going through needed to be addressed.

When Ron reached the fourth floor, he stepped into the quiet, dimly lit library. Madam Pince was sitting behind the circulation desk reading quietly, yet looking up frequently to peer around the room, keeping an eye out for misbehaving students. Ron quickly spotted Hermione sitting alone at a small table. She was bent low over a large leather-bound book, her hair tucked messily behind her ears. Her expression was one of intense interest; she was adorable.

Ron slowly made his way toward her. She didn't notice him until he sat down beside her and leaned in close to see what she was reading. "Wemics. Hmm." Ron whispered before leaning back and turning in his chair to face her. Her mouth was fixed in a sullen pout that made Ron want to kiss her.

"They're liontaurs." She whispered. "They practice Geomancy, which is a form of divination using the soil of the Earth instead of tealeaves and crystal balls."

Ron nodded. He wasn't really paying attention to what she was saying, but he didn't want her to know that. That would only make her angry. Angry…yes, also the emotion that would arise if he told her why he'd come looking for her. She looked so sad and alone reading this oversized book, that Ron realized he wasn't going to be able to bring up the prophecy again…not now.

"It's really fascinating that these creatures are only found in one area of the entire world." She continued softly, looking down at the book. "They live on an island in the North Sea above Germany called Fohr. It's largest town is Wyk, and the Muggles don't realize that it's named after the first Wemic Chief of the Middle Ages."

"Wyk?" Ron said smiling slightly. "Not a very strong name for a Wemic, is it?" Hermione shrugged and closed the book quietly. What could he do to cheer her up? Suddenly cheering her up seemed like a very important thing to do. "Want to go to Hagrid's?"

Ron thought he saw a hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth. "Where's Harry?" She muttered quietly. Ron smiled inwardly. Score!

"Let's go fetch him."

Hermione was beginning to feel a bit better as she, Ron, and Harry made their way to Hagrid's hut across the grounds. It was really very sweet of Ron to come after her in the library. Maybe she should have been angry with him for not allowing her a little privacy, but he had a way of making her forget her troubles. Well, he actually had a way of making her forget anything and everything.

After Ron had successfully coaxed her out of the library, he had successfully coaxed Harry out of the dormitory with the mention of a visit to their tall friend. Harry seemed to have forgotten about their uncomfortable lunch in the Great Hall, and was talking excitedly with Ron about their Quidditch tryouts tomorrow. Hermione was relieved that Harry wasn't still angry with her, but she hadn't really been able to stop thinking about his and Ron's belief in Trelawney's prophecy. It was unnerving how they could put so much faith in…Dennis Creevey?

Hermione stopped in her tracks as she saw a small boy sitting in the branches of an old oak tree. She would have probably never noticed him, but she had seen some sort of flash while admiring the blue sky. He had his broomstick lodged in between two branches, explaining to Hermione how he had gotten up that far.

"Hermione?"

Hermione jumped and looked down to see Ron and Harry looking at her as if afraid that she'd gone mad. She pointed to the tree and watched their faces as they looked up, changing from confused to bewildered.

"What in the bl…"

"Ron, no swearing…" Hermione said absently looking back up in the tree.

"Didn't Luna say this morning that Dennis had fallen from a tree?" Harry asked curiously.

"What's the idiot doing? He didn't fall hard enough yesterday?" Ron exclaimed with a perplexed expression.

Hermione bit her lip. "Well, as prefects…do you think we should make him come down?" Ron shrugged and twisted his lip indecisively.

Harry began shaking his head. "Sometimes people just need a place to hide. Leave him." Hermione noticed a flicker of sadness in Harry's eye just before she heard a loud creaking and banging of a wooden door.

"Harry! Hermione! Ron! Alrigh'?" Hagrid had opened his door and was staring out at them with a pleasantly surprised smile on his big, black-bearded face.

The three of them followed Hagrid inside his hut and sat down in the oversized seats around the table. Hagrid went directly to his stove and poured three mugs of freshly brewed tea. Fang, the boarhound, was lying in one corner of the hut looking up at Hermione lazily.

"Mighty glad you dropped by today." Hagrid said as he gave each of them a mug. "Jus' in time fer tha late afternoon snack." Hagrid glanced up at a large black clock on his wall and went back to the stove to drop something large and…hairy, into a boiling pot. He then came to stand by the table and peer down at them.

"So, Hermione, I s'pose yer getting' ready to take yer Apparation test fairly soon." Hagrid said smiling.

"I plan to take it over the Christmas holiday." Hermione replied. She felt a small flutter of excitement. Apparation was such an amazing act of magic! She was actually very excited about getting her permit, but she had decided to wait until midterm since apparating wouldn't do her any good inside Hogwarts anyway.

"And, Ron, yer mum says yew'uv decided to be an Auror." Hagrid said looking down at a blushing Ron. Ron was so cute when he blushed, thought Hermione.

"When did you speak to my mum?" Ron asked curiously. Hagrid's smile faded a little.

"Oh, a' tha last Order meetin'." Hagrid turned to stir the contents of the boiling pot at the stove, but continued, "We discussed this Slytherin School of Magic…wuz o' waste o' bloody time seein' as how nobody knows nowt about it." Hagrid frowned for a moment before his black eyes glistened and he turned to Harry with a grin. "Molly also tol' me about a certain someone gett'n private lessons from a one, Albus Dumbledore."

Harry smiled and nodded, although Hermione noticed his smile didn't reach his eyes. "Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights…beginning next week." Harry said politely, but without even a hint of excitement.

Hermione felt a twinge of worry. She had thought Harry was ready for these lessons. The year before Harry hadn't committed himself to the art of Occlumency, but he simply had to now. He might be physically secure at Hogwarts, but if Voldemort could reach his mind, awful things would happen. Hermione had already made up her mind that if Harry started slacking in his study to be an Occlumens, she would personally speak with Dumbledore. It would be for his own good.

"Well," Hagrid said turning to remove the steaming pot from the stove and pour the contents into a large metal bucket. "You'll learn a lot, Harry. I'm sure o' that…great man, Dumbledore…"

Harry simply smiled weakly. Hermione glanced at Ron to see if he had noticed Harry's lack of enthusiasm, but Ron was looking at the steaming metal bucket Hagrid now held in his huge hand.

"Um, Hagrid? What exactly is in that bucket?" Ron asked apprehensively.

"Oh, jus' a few hares and veggies." Hagrid said before turning toward the backdoor of the hut. "Ready?"

Hermione, Ron, and Harry exchanged puzzled looks. "Ready?" Hermione repeated cautiously, hoping her suspicion of whose 'late afternoon snack' Hagrid held was wrong.

"Late afternoon snack…ole Grawpy's been ach'n ter see you three." Hagrid said cheerfully, and then turning to a horror-stricken Hermione he added, "Especially you, Hermione."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks again for those of you continuing to send in reviews! I really love seeing what you have to say. Sorry, if this chapter seems a bit dull; it's sort of a filler chapter to introduce the NEWT classes. Hope you enjoyed it anyway!