Note: Thank you to all the reviewers. I love 'em all. Is it too long? Well, I was a bit busy and the sixth installment of Harry Potter came out (Half Blood Prince) so I was a bit preoccupied. Note that the bold part of the diary entry is the note, so don't be confused. Please enjoy this one! Hope I'm getting better.

Chapter 11: Excitement

A scarf almost smacked Hermione's face as she jumped up and down on the second row of the stands along with her fellow Gryffindors. The wind was violent even if there was no sign of a downpour later on. A blur of red and blue flew past her eyes, cheering on the red-haired girl on that broom. It was the second Quidditch match of the season, and the match was much wilder than any Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match that ever happened on Hogwarts. The new Ravenclaw captain was very determined to win the Quidditch Cup that year, after they crushed Hufflepuff in the previous match (200-20pts.) It was even rumored that the captain trained the team during wild and stormy nights to prepare them in any weather.

The blaring voice of the commentator could barely be heard over the roar of the crowd and the wind. Hermione tightened up her scarf as she scanned the pitch for three of her close friends. She raised her binoculars to her eyes sheltering them to the painful slashes of the biting wind. To the left side of the pitch she saw Ron with a determined face hovering in front of the 3 gold rings. Somewhere in the middle, she saw Harry scanning every edge of the Quidditch pitch for the snitch and a few meters above him, she saw Cho Chang also looking for the snitch, but frequently glancing at Harry. A mixed roar of cheer and resentment arose from both the blue and red sides of the stands as a Gryffindor chaser easily snatched the Quaffle from a Ravenclaw. Out of nowhere, a Ravenclaw chaser appeared by her side and purposely knocked the chaser of her broom while snatching the Quaffle. The chaser who fell was Ginny.

Ron froze in front of the rings with a horrified expression. Hermione dropped the binoculars as Ginny pelted towards the hard, solid ground. Unfortunately for the Gryffindor supporters, the deliberate action, because of the speed, was seen as an accident since the whistle for foul didn't sound. No one could stop the Gryffindor chaser from hitting the hard ground…or so they thought. As she was about to make contact, someone caught her and placed her back on her broom easily. The player then sped off to the other edge of the pitch with a Ravenclaw in hot pursuit.

Then, the player, together with his broom, rolled and stopped. The Ravenclaw player stopped too. Then, there was silence so strong (even the wind seemed to stop howling), you can hear a soft candle crackling. It was followed by a deafening sound of hundreds of students screaming and celebrating (especially from the Gryffindor side). It took a while for Hermione to realize that the player who saved Ginny and caused the uproar was Harry Potter. The players all descended to ground with cheers and joyful noises coming from the red side, while anger and sadness enveloped the other team. The audience poured like water to the center to congratulate the winners or return back to the castle (those who didn't want anything to do with the winners).

Hermione reached her two best friends after being squashed by the other students. Both of them were windswept and exuberant. Ron was ecstatic, practically preventing Harry to breathe. Harry looked much happier than he had been in weeks with the snitch still clutched in his hands.

"That was an awesome game," Hermione shouted to them both for them to be able to hear.

"Yeah, I really couldn't imagine you in that speed, mate," Ron commented for a million times looking at Harry with a grin of admiration.

"You don't have to imagine it. It really happened," a voice from somewhere said. The trio turned to see Ginny standing behind them her hair messier than Harry's normal do.

"Thanks for that, Harry," she shouted over the noise to Harry, with a smile.

"No problem," Harry shouted back. Then someone jumped behind Ginny and wrapped his arms around her.

"Are you alright, Gin?" the boy said. It was Dean Thomas.

Harry turned away while Ron looked like he was ready to commit murder. Hermione snickered silently to herself. Ron had been more distant with Dean Thomas ever since his 'baby' sister started dating him.

"Let's get out of this zoo," she told them, trying to push her 2 best friends out of the Quidditch pitch before Ron did something stupid.

The common room was packed with wild partying Gryffindors. Some of the older students had organized a party in honor of the recent victory. Harry was the hero of match so there was barely a chance for the trio to talk privately.

"Finally, a time to rest," Harry sighed as he sat down in front of the fire with his 2 friends. Harry cocked an eyebrow up at his best friend, "Ron, what's wrong with you?"

"Ron hasn't been very glad with the idea of his 'baby' sister dating," Hermione said with a grin, indicating the two laughing couples sitting a few meters from them.

"It's not funny, Hermione," Ron retorted. "You wouldn't be too thrilled, too if you found out that your sister is dating numerous amount of good-for-nothings."

"It's not numerous, Ron. Besides, she's fifteen. She's old enough to decide what she wants to do."

"Well, if she wants to date she should choose someone worthy enough," Ron said loudly, while giving a small sideward glance towards Harry (which fortunately he did not notice). "If she doesn't want to do it, she might as well concentrate on her OWLs."

Hermione snorted. "Look who's talking. You're the one who put almost no effort on your grades but just on Quidditch."

Harry rolled his eyes, "But we had brought victory to Gryffindor. Only one more match and the cup is ours."

"Yeah, the effort led us the something," Ron said. "We won the match, didn't we? You do want that of course, don't you?"

"Of course I want that," Hermione snapped. "It's just that you must put some time on your studies rather than just sports. Even Lily Evans was not so thrilled with James Potter always planning tactics and practicing Quidditch rather than concentrate on their NEWTS and Head Duties. You two should follow her—," Hermione stopped. She just managed to blubber without thinking. But it was a second to late to repair her words.

Harry gaped at Hermione while Ron gave her a surprised look. Hermione froze at what she had just done.

"How'd you know that?" Harry asked curiously, while Ron watched Hermione carefully waiting for her answer.

Hermione opened her mouth and closed it. She did that for a few more times, but no sound came out except for a couple of choking noises.

"I- I don't," she answered finally. "I don't know. I'm just guessing, s-since, y-you know, James Potter was also a Quidditch player a-and all. That's what I think his future wife and fellow Head Student would say a-and do."

Harry studied her carefully with his mouth still a bit opened. Ron, meanwhile, was struggling not to laugh. Hermione knew, of course, that it was a pathetic excuse yet she had nothing to say for her defense. Luckily for her, Harry seemed to buy it.

"Right," he said, with still a hint of curiosity. She even knew his mother's maiden name. He never told her that.

Hermione grabbed Ron's wrist and frantically looked at his watch, "Oh it's getting late. I have to finish my essays, so I'll just go up to the dorm. See you both tomorrow." Hermione walked to the girls' dormitory as fast as she could, trying to avoid being flattened by the euphoric Gryffindors.

"Come on, Hermione, we just won a match. I can't believe you want to work! Relax from your homework just this once," Ron called to her. Hermione ignored him and rushed up the dormitory stairs.

"Some things never change," Ron muttered, shaking his head at Hermione's disappearing figure.

"Have you ever heard Hermione talk about my parents before?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"Nope," Ron said casually.

"She even knew my mother's maiden name! How could she know that?"

"Come on, mate, you know our Hermione. She knows everything, reading them from various resources," Ron said truthfully, while still concealing the whole truth.

"Yeah, you're right. She's Hermione Granger after all."

"She's just probably using your parents as examples…based on what she read," It was almost obvious that Ron was defending Hermione.

"Right," was all Harry could say…again.

Hermione slammed the dorm door shut and gave a huge sighed. She didn't realize she had been holding her breath that long. She slumped on her bead and stare at the ceiling. How could she let her tongue slip like that? It was bad enough that Ron knew and now Harry will become suspicious.

"I better be careful," she muttered to herself. She took her wand out and tapped her bedside table in a rhythmic pattern. The first drawer opened magically revealing a red book. She took the book once again and stared at it thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I can't tell you yet," she muttered. Hermione flipped the diary to the page where she left out at.

February 14

Dear Diary,

The day I dreaded finally came. I'd thought it was going to end up terrible, like always. Every year, Potter and his gang would set up some kind of trap to a few unfortunate couple and as a Prefect I'll be left to clean it up (well since 5th year anyway). Not only that, Potter would start giving me these endless gifts and wouldn't get off my back until I agree to go out with him. Of course, I never agreed. Just a bit of threat and he would lie off eventually. But still, it was torture. I was expecting the same things today, so I prepared all types of precautions. Surprisingly, I was wrong…beyond wrong!

The most extraordinary things happened today, I couldn't even believe it myself.

It all started this morning. I was expecting the usual pack of owls from James Potter (the ones I get every Feb. 14 for the past 5 years). All that arrived for me, however, was my usual Daily Prophet and an owl from my parents. Firstly, I read that more deaths and mysterious disappearances had been happening. Also, the worst one had come yet, when a whole village was completely destroyed. The cause for such disaster was unknown, but it was enough to strike up the fear in everyone, wizard and muggle alike.

Secondly, for the rest of the morning, nothing disturbing had happened. There was no sign of the 'Marauders'' handy work. I'd been observing them too, they had been acting…queer. Pettigrew was jumpier than ever. Even a teacher's sudden question caused him to fall out of his seat hard. It was funny, yet strange all the same. Remus Lupin looked a lot sicker today and asked Professor McGonagall for an early leave during the afternoon classes. But at least I know the reason for his problems. Tonight's the first full moon this month. I felt great sympathy for him. Even if he got his friends by his side, I know that it is not easy to change into something monstrous every month. It's such a bad thing to happen to person who might have a good future. Lupin is the most, let's say, 'mature' of the four. He was a Prefect after all. Yet Potter is Head Boy and he's not that matured.

Well, back to the queerness. Black meanwhile looked moody. The impatient expression never left his face. He seemed very annoyed this morning, like he was being prevented to do something he craved. Wonder what's holding him?

Potter was the weirdest of all. He was really quiet and never gave me any of his usual (irritating) Valentine's gifts. In fact, he wouldn't even look at me in the eye. Believe it or not, I tried testing him by infuriating him while on Head Duty. It didn't work, he barely answered me! I hate to admit this but I kind of miss the usual annoying taunting comments he throws at me ever so often. What is happening to them, to him? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME!

If you think that's out of the ordinary, just wait till I write what happened at the end of the day. I walked tiredly towards the fat lady with Sam. Will had short Quidditch meeting. I hate that Potter, taking even my friend's free time.

"Darn, Lily, I have to go back to the library. I forgot my essay," Sam said rummaging her bag. "I have to go back before it gets lost. I worked on it for more than two hours. "

"Sure, I'll wait for you inside." As she ran off, I gave my password to the Fat Lady. I was just about to enter when she called to me.

"You are Lily Evans, aren't you?" the Fat Lady asked.

"Who wants to know?" I asked, not rudely, but tiredly.

"I think it's you. I've been seeing you going in and out of my portrait for the past 7 years. Also, the description is like you: Long red hair, emerald green eyes, tall, with a Head Girl badge," the Fat Lady paused and looked her over. "Though the pretty face part is not as correct with that look you are displaying, young woman."

I gaped at her, "What are you talking about?"

"I have a message for you, Lily Evans. 'Look at the couch near the fireplace'."

"What?" I asked her. To me, at first, she was babbling.

"A message for you. It's what I had been told, 'Look at the couch near the fireplace'. That's it."

"Who gave it to you?"

"I had been instructed not to say. If you want my advice, dear, just do it," the Fat Lady said with a shrug.

I entered the common room still confused. So, I just did what the message said: Look at the couch. There on the couch was a single rose, a note, and a bunch of papers stacked neatly together. I took the rose and sniffed the brilliant smell coming from it. It was a fragrant I had never smelt before. I picked up the note. The handwriting looks a bit familiar.

Lily Evans,

I'm sorry for delaying all these plans for our Head Duties and work for the project. I guess you were agitated since I had not been helping you for the past few weeks. Hope this makes you happy. Consider it as my Valentines Gift.

Happy Valentines Day,

JP

I re-read the note 4 times. What does it mean? JP? Those initials could only mean James Potter. I looked at the stack of papers. Indeed, it was the Head Boy's reports and plans. He even did his part on our Transfiguration project!

Every part he should be doing was done. He even went a bit further on it. The most amazing part was, he did it all! ALL! The work he was supposed to do while he was being crazy about Quidditch. It was unbelievable, and I thought he was some lazy, no good git who cared about nothing but himself and his so called star qualities.

But it doesn't mean I think he's not! But it was really nice of him all the same. I sat next to the window in the common room and thought things over, often glancing at the stack he had left out. What's happening to that boy? Ever since he became Head Boy, he had been…different. He was still that annoying prankster, yet he was more responsible and matured? It was when I was contemplating these things when I saw the most spectacular sight I've ever seen. As I took a glance from the window, I saw a flash of silver. It seemed to reflect from somewhere. After a moment, it disappeared replaced by a large stag running in the grounds and out of sight. I've never seen wild animals in Hogwarts' Grounds before. But the creature was so beautiful, I had this strong urge to go and follow it. Stupidly, I followed the urge. I didn't go at first, but it reappeared again, this time farther and with a gigantic black creature. It was either a bear or a dog. They seemed to be conversing? It was a weird thought, but by the looks of it, that's what they were doing.

I wrapped my coat around me and darted out of the common room. I had to go see it clearly. I bumped into Sam as she entered the common room.

"Lily? Where are you going?" she asked me.

"Just going for a walk," I answered. "I'll be back in a few." She went pass me and looked at the papers I left on the window seal. I was about to close the portrait hole when she called back to me.

"What's this? JP? Did James Potter give this to you?" she asked, reading the note attached to it.

I didn't answer her and ran out. I nearly tripped as I ran down the marble staircase and burst out of the gigantic oak doors and out to the quiet night. I can tell you it was one of the most foolish things I've ever done, yet somehow I felt I must go. It was merely curiosity and a small hint of mystery that made me step outside and follow that stag.

Fortunately, there was just a mild breeze, so the cold didn't go through my coat. Somehow by instinct, I started walking not exactly knowing where I was going. I heard soft gallops ahead of me and followed the sound. I thought it was the stag.

It seemed I was right. I saw its large antlers reflect light from the moon. It was probably the same silver flash I saw earlier. Unluckily, I didn't see it or where it was heading. I didn't think of lighting my wand, how idiotic is that?

The next sound I heard was far more different than the soft sound of its hoofs.

A large slashing movement. I fumbled for my wand and lighted it. My eyes went wide with shock as I realized that I was in front of the Whomping Willow. It was the tree that hits anyone that goes near it. Believe me, it's not the ideal tree to stay under during hot, sunny days. I started backing off, but was a little too late. One of its branches swung at me. I ducked and got missed by just a few centimeters. But another branch swung under me just a second after the other. It hit my legs painfully and made me land hard on the ground. I looked up and saw another. I rolled over and pointed my wand at it. I shot it an immobilizing spell, but the spell just bounced off. It was a bad idea for the tree got more 'annoyed' and started hitting me with bigger branches. I managed to avoid being crushed by any of them but my legs were still a bit painful for running. Finally, it got me cornered after one of its branches wrapped around my legs tightly, causing a few bones to break. I screamed of course. Then later a humongous part of it rose above me: it was going to crush me, I braced myself for the pain but it didn't come. I was saved by a large creature I had no idea what. Actually there were two. One of them looked like the same black gigantic creature I saw earlier. It seemed to be distracting the tree. I couldn't see the one that got me but the next thing I knew I was riding at the back of it. I glanced back.

The tree had stopped moving and what looked like a mouse was getting off its trunk. The gigantic creature turned out to be a black dog. It bounded towards the tree and out of sight, but I had no idea where it went.

The creature I was riding was moving away from the tree as fast as it can. Finally, it stopped in front of Hogwarts's oak front doors. I slipped off its back with ease. I gave a small cry as I landed on my left foot. It was the one which broke.

I sat down on the steps in front of the oak doors trying to avoid sitting on my aching legs. I looked up to my savior and saw it was the same stag that I followed. How I haven't noticed it before is beyond me. The stag shook its head. I was expecting it to leave but it didn't. I studied it for a moment waiting for it to do something. It puzzled me how a wild animal would save me. But something was different about it. Well, of course, it must be a magical animal like most of the creatures in the Wizarding world. There are clues that lead to that though. Firstly, it's inside Hogwarts Ground where any human can see it (and in the Muggle world, hunt it). Secondly, it saved my life, intentionally too. Thirdly, it was its unexplainable characteristic that attracted and lured me into going outside and accidentally (I didn't exactly know but I think it was) into the Whomping Willow, annoying me all the same. It sounded familiar but I couldn't figure out why. It makes no sense, does it?

Again it shook its head at me but didn't leave. It did that for a few times, finally stumping its hoofs on the grounds. It didn't look intimidating though, more like…frustrated? Weird, I know, but there are no other words for it. Then I realized what it meant. It wanted me to go into the castle. I uttered a small cry of understanding. It's amazing, if you were a Muggle. I looked at its eyes once more before I stood up, didn't know why. It was hazel. I've seen those eyes before. Wait, what kind of stag has hazel eyes?

I stood up and winced. I forgot about my broken bones. The stag nudged my right hand. I couldn't suppress a smile. My wand was still in my hand without any purpose at all. I pointed it at my legs and bandages wrapped around it tightly. It still hurt but it was better. I opened the double doors and inhaled the castle air. I have to make some sort of story before anyone saw me. Fortunately, almost everyone is in bed. Before going to Madame Promfey, I took one last glance outside. The stag was gone leaving only a few traces of hoof prints on the grass.

If you don't call this day queer, then something is definitely wrong with you. Now I'm lying on the hospital wing bed near the window trying to get a glimpse of those strange animals, my leg tightly bandaged slightly healed. Not at all successful though. Well, until tomorrow then.

Lily

Hermione shut the book and closed her eyes. She had no comment or thought about that entry, but still she couldn't suppress her smile.

NOTE: Longer than usual? Hope it'll make up for the long wait. You have to refer to the last chapter just a bit for some info. Don't forget…review!