Title: Misinterpretations
Author: Jade S. Lee

Chapter 03: Celebrity

Hermione had to hand it to those P.E.F girls, their ability to find out any new information about Professor Elric was astounding.

Not only did they find out where Professor Elric's office was (On the third floor two doors down from the singing suit of armour), but they knew ahead of time that Professor Elric was going to be the substitute teacher for Defence Against The Dark Arts. Apparently Professor Snape had fallen ill so his post would be covered by Professor Elric for the time being.

For the next few days she had to put up with the swoons and giggles of the girls who had the Professor as a substitute, which was practically everyone in the school. Since he only taught the seventh years, not many students had been able to interact with him, to the disappointment of his fan club (and the rest of the girls too, I suppose).

"Sheesh! Girls!" Ron spat, angrily pushing a third year girl who was talking animatedly about her first Defence Against The Dark Arts lesson with Professor Elric aside.

"Ron! That was rude! You shouldn't abuse your authority like that" said Hermione furiously, glaring at his back as she half ran to catch up with his angry strides.

"Why do they always have to act all funny whenever they see a cute guy?" The bitterness and anger, coupled with the horrible face he made on the word 'cute', coloured Ron's words as he stomped his way towards the common room. He occasionally pushed a love-stricken girl out of his way and growled at them when they gave him dirty looks.

Hermione could only glare at him furiously while she tried to calm herself down. She couldn't very well blow up at him, lest they get into another long and winded fight, but she couldn't let him get away with abusing the younger students.

Why did Ron always have to be such a jerk? she thought exasperatedly. She could understand his frustration, since it had been days since they had any quiet time to themselves (what with all the girls gossiping everywhere); but he did not have to be so violent and ill-tempered! She was having a worse time than him after all, she had to put up with the giggles, the love confessions (to the professor, of course) and the jealousy (she was being targeted because some girls thought that she was a threat to them. Must have been her smarts) almost all the time since she shared the dormitories and bathrooms with the other girls. And the swooning! Merlin, she could not stand the fact that perfectly intelligent and logical girls were fainting at the sight of a pretty face, even if she did like Professor Elric. Their behaviour disgusted her but at least she did not take out her frustration on everyone, she had more restraint than that.

"Will you STOP that giggling for one second? I can't think with all this noise!"

"Finally cracked, huh Hermione?" Harry said with a wry smile as he trotted alongside Hermione, having muscled his way through the crowd to Hermione.

"And where have YOU been Harry?" Hermione seethed, feeling her anger rise at his comment.

"Meeting with McGonagall" was his curt answer. "What is Ron doing?"

"Doing an excellent impression of King Kong on a rampage!"

Harry laughed heartily at this comment, saying something about how she was incredibly funny when she was angry through his chuckles. He then politely pushed through the throng of girls and stopped when he reached a much calmer Ron pacing in front of the portrait door while waiting for them.

Giving the password to the Fat Lady and stepping into the brightly lit Common Room, the three immediately went to the unoccupied table at the back of the room, Hermione and Ron bickering all the way there.

"...what's so great about Professor Elric anyways!" Ron spat disdainfully, giving Hermione a look that clearly said I know you worship him like everyone else so don't start.

"He seems to have a really big fan club. Almost all the girls are in love with him." said Harry dismissively, thumbing through his Potions textbook.

"But he's short!" Ron whined, earning himself a glare from two Gryffindor second year girls who had overheard him.

"Oh come off it Ron! You can't judge a person by his height!" Hermione said, giving Ron another pointed glare. Trying her best to ignore his rantings about the professor, she opened her book bag to look for her Ancient Runes textbook. She found that by tuning out Ron during his lengthy rants she could keep a relatively cool head and avoid shouting at him (most of the time), plus she would have a head start on her homework.

"...He doesn't seem to be liking the attention though, he keeps running away from those girls. Wonder if he's as good of a teacher as they say he is."

Thank you Harry! Hermione thought, for once enjoying the fact that at least one of her friends was being level headed about the whole thing. Usually Harry was the first to jump to conclusions about mysterious new teachers but he seemed completely fine with Professor Elric.

"He's probably an excellent teacher, he seems to be knowledgeable in almost every aspect of magic." Hermione said matter-of-factly, feeling happier now that the conversation was taking on a lighter tone.

"Yah...guess so, whoever spends that much time in the library has got to know something." said Ron begrudgingly.

Hermione liked Ron better this way, humble and calm. Although they rarely saw eye to eye, she appreciated how Ron always let things go after a while and was willing to admit his mistakes.

They talked a little more about Professor Elric's rumoured teaching skills before eventually lapsing into silence, each trying to finish their homework. Hermione could honestly say that she liked studying with them. Although Harry and Ron complained too much and always tried to pry answers out of her, she enjoyed their presence while she studied and felt comfortable around them. The comfy, squashy chairs and the blazing fire in the Gryffindor Common Room made her feel safe and at home. In the busy first weeks of school she did not have time to appreciate how much she missed Hogwarts, it was good to be back.

"Hey, is that git Snape really sick?" Ron murmured, his quill coming to scratching halt as he looked at his friends with a questioning gaze.

By then the Common Room had emptied out, leaving only the trio and one first year student who was already climbing up the stairs towards the dormitories.

After he disappeared through the door Hermione replied, "I don't think so. He's probably doing something for the Order."

"At least I don't have to put up with him during class now." said Harry bitterly, still angry that his least favourite professor was now teaching his favourite class.

"No more Snape! What could be better than that?" Ron said excitedly. "Hope that he's gone for the whole year!"

"You know that's not possible Ron, but I am looking forward to having class with Professor Elric." Hermione couldn't help but gush, ignoring the deadpan look from Harry and the strangled sound that Ron made at the mention of the Alchemy professor.

Deciding that it was getting late, the trio bade each other a good night and prepared for bed.

After re-checking her schedule for the next day, Hermione slipped under the covers of her four poster bed and thought about what the next day had in store for her. What was the reason for Professor Snape's absence? Would Professor Elric be a good teacher? Would she be able to learn more about him now that she had class with him?

She would have to wait and see.

A.N: Geezz….long time no update. Been really busy this week and haven't been in a 'writing' mood. This chapter was boring…nothing really happened (cuz I'm trying to re-read the Half Blood Prince for accuracy) but I suppose it's an okay filler/transition. I'm actually sort of proud at my writing style this time around….I just looked back on the last three chapters and noticed that I sort of suck at certain things (like trying to write in character…and my lack of description). But oh well, I'll try to write better (and edit edit edit!) and hopefully this story will move along the way I want it too.

Until next time!