Hey everyone,
So I'm sure some of you have by now read about my little issue with writing, this month's update and everything else and I won't lie; this chapter didn't make that problem any easier. Why? Because I had trouble thinking up a way I could get this story back to its CR part in such a way it would make sense.
Let's see if I can,

Venquine1990


Chapter 36
Not A Good Start

14th of August 1995
The Arena, Potter Place
Tonks' POV

James' words about cutting the reading short came true the other day as the Trial that commenced on the guilt of the Dursleys and the results that were brought to the forefront, as well as Hermione informing Harry and Sirius that this would probably cause a media craze made it so that we just didn't feel like reading anymore.
Yet that was still what Harry, Lea, Sora, Riku, Hermione and Belle spent the rest of their day doing, even if it was books that would help them fit in with Wizarding Society and concerned books my mum had me read once every fortnight myself while I was growing up instead of the books Sora, Riku and Kairi brought to us.
Because of this did Sirius and James take it upon themselves to either watch over their offspring and the friend and mates of their offspring and entertaining the rest of us. Yet most of us actually admitted that we'd rather spend some time to ourselves as well and James had muttered: "Yeah, this reading really is socially heavy."

And so we just kept to ourselves or those we wanted to be with. This did give me a chance to spend some time with Sirius as he took an hour away from being with James and the others to have a bit of a chat with me, but the rest of the time I spent combing out the entire estate, feeling determined in the goal I had set myself.
"Lea and Even may have scoured the entirety of the outside, but I'm going to make sure there's no one on the inside, whether they be a guarding friend or a conniving foe." Has gone through my mind as I use every technique Moody taught me in my years as his pupil to ensure that I don't even miss a blade of grass moving wrong.
And while one would think that such a task would be tiring, do I feel energized in my need to see this through and relieved and satisfied late at night when I finally finish and conclude that Albus well and truly took any and all possible guards away from Potter Place. "That man may have askew intentions, but he can learn."

Is what went through my mind just before I finally laid myself to rest, yet while I did have to answer a quick letter to my mum – who actually ranted at me for not letting her know that her favorite cousin was innocent and that his partner was still alive – do I still wake up with a heavy feeling in my stomach the next day.
And while I don't like it, does it take me only looking at how Hermione is sitting on the right opposite of Harry before I realize why this feeling in my stomach came to be only minutes after my morning fatigue left me. "Book Harry is going to give in to Hermione's plans. This just can't end well." I think as I eat my breakfast.

And the girl herself seems to realize the same as she actually looks at James imploringly and when the mother of her best friend nods, she taps her glass to draw the attention and says: "I – I just want you all to know that – the books I read – I – I can say with sheer confidence that they have changed me from book Hermione 100 percent.
I now really understand why Lord Sirius and the others think that book-me is making a mistake and – and I will work my hardest to understand that – when you criticize my actions in the book – you criticize Book-Hermione, not me." And with that does the girl sit down, giving a nod of thanks to James, who smiles at her.
"Now that's the Hermione we know. Willing to listen, able to read and understand situations and capable of putting what she learned to use the minute her eyes have left the page. Welcome back." Ron then says and this makes the others laugh, all of them having huge smiles on their faces to prove their pride with the girl.

Yet this does nothing for how I feel as we leave the dinner table, even if Sirius does approach her and says: "That was a brilliant practice performance, but you really don't have to execute what you learned with us. Just show it to those not already here, okay?" And the girl nods, her eyes showing both her relief and her understanding.
I then walk over and mutter: "I knew you were something special." Making the girl blush as she and I really hit it off after our first meeting and she often tried to, subtly, get me to reveal things I found out during my guard duty. Yet thanks to the book, I now despise that very concept and feel very glad to be rid of that job.

We move into the arena and once we are all seated, Hermione having come to sit between me and the Weasley kids, does Arthur say: "I'm happy to report that the Ministry has – ahem – appointed me as one of those that will guard the Potter line and ensure bastards like Pommel won't get the same chance he almost did.
I also got Percy to search the Ministry for a few staff members who are each willing to take over my job for one day of the week for the rest of the month, so I won't have to worry about keeping up appearances for the time being." At which I laugh and say: "Ditto here, though Kingsley didn't get to have the same luck."
At this Arthur and I share a laugh as Kingsley was actually assigned not just the paperwork behind the group of cases, but also to guard Umbridge until her trial has been set and done and so was unable to come back to Potter Place with the rest of us. And the look on his face as he heard this is what my friend and I laugh about.
"You know he's going to get you back for laughing, right?" Moody then asks and Arthur answers: "You can't even keep the humor out of your own voice, so shush." And Moody sends the balding man a proud grin before I decide to get down to business. And so, with the dread returning to my form, I open the book once more.

In the Hogs Head

At this Moody hums and says: "I – don't know whether or not that's a good meeting place.""Why not?" Hermione asks and I answer: "It's definitely not somewhere other students will go, so the chance of students reporting you to Umbridge is less than zero, but –." And Moody grumbles: "Adults are a different story here."
This makes Hermione cringe and she says: "I probably chose it because the Three Broomsticks is always so busy." Yet then Ron says: "And because that was where we overheard Fudge and the others talk about Sirius. That must have weakened your belief in the secrecy and security of that place." At which Hermione nods as I read on.

Hermione made … fade entirely);

"You don't have those scars right now, do you?" Beast asks and while it was a bit of a hassle getting used to someone looking like him, did Belle's presence near him make it easier. And the way that Beast seems to have already enclosed Harry into his heart definitely helps as well as he looks at the boy in great concern.
Harry shakes his head and says: "This story is already part of a now non-existent future. Umbridge won't be DADA teacher, so I won't get scarred like that.""Not to mention that we will soon get rid of that horrible Heartstamp spell and cure you of its effects before others can make use of that." Riku says, yet this makes Harry frown.

"That – that reminds me. Moody, who were the families that could use and cast that spell again?" And Moody looks at him before he says: "The Prewetts, Blacks, Notts, Malfoys and Umbridges. Why?" And Harry answers: "Two reasons. One, why can't dad see the spell? Two, Malfoy and Nott are students at Hogwarts.
And considering how much Malfoy loves tormenting me, who says he isn't going to try and use it against me the minute we get off the train?" And instantly everyone is heavily concerned, yet then Sirius says: "I hate the second problem, but I have an answer to the first. My mother's disownment of me; it's not official, but it has effects."
Yet he then turns to me and says: "However, it was your grandfather that disowned your mother, so maybe –." And I happily say: "Maybe she's not effected the same way you are. You're right and she did give me a bit of a hard time for not being the one to tell her about your innocence. She'll want to come the minute we ask her."
Sirius nods and James smiles as he says: "Good thing we're reading here and not at London. There was no way we could have fit all these people and all of Sora's friends still left in that bloody kitchen." At which all those who had been there nod in severe agreement, Sirius looking the most pleased before I read on.

Ron had … teaching us."

Yet Hermione proves she really has learned her lesson as she sighs and says: "I really shouldn't try and use peer pressure to get my friends to do what I want. Or use one of my friends to convince my other friend." And both her friends send her a proud smile, proving how happy they are to have her back as I pleasantly read on.

Harry did … planning lessons…

This makes Hermione look excited and Sirius mutters: "I wonder if you're good teacher material. I still don't think the idea should be executed in the book, considering the situation, but there have been Potters who have really helped the education system forward in that exact position." And while this excites Harry, do I read on.

"Well," he … Ron accusingly.

"Hate to say it, but he's right." Luna says, shocking Hermione before she goes on and says: "I heard him speak with Cho at the end of last year. He was boasting, saying that, even though Harry was more famous, he was going to prove himself superior by, as he said, stealing Potter's girl right from under his nose."
This makes tears start to glimmer in Hermione's eyes and Ron quickly goes to sit with her, wrapping a warm arm of comfort around her as Luna looks away and says: "He's not worth your tears. He only wants fame, because he thinks it can get him all the girls. He doesn't care for anything else, not even Quidditch or his team."
Yet to this I put a hand on her shoulder and says: "There's a time and place for everything." And the girl nods, her eyes showing she realizes that she went too far and while Arthur goes to sit on Hermione's side and pulls her close, do the rest of us wait patiently for the girl to gather herself back together before I read on.

Hermione shook … other people."

"Hermione, no. You're already pushing things and asking Harry to do something he's not entirely comfortable with. If you want him to teach, you need to start small and slowly grow the group over time, whenever Harry feels ready for it. You need to compromise something like this." Erik tells the girl, who nods as I read on.

Harry considered … it over?"

"Another double-sided idea. It's definitely better to do it in Hogsmeade than it is to do it at Hogwarts, but you can't just invite anyone who's interested or who's interested in what Harry's got to say. Especially because most of those people – they won't want to hear Harry speak about DADA, if you catch my drift."
Yet while Hermione seems confused, does Harry turn pained and does he turn to hide his face in Lea's side, the fiery warrior quickly pulling his beloved mate close. Ron then whispers in Hermione's ear: "They want to know about Cedric." And Hermione gasps before sending Harry a look of regret and I quietly read on.

"Why do … Draco Malfoy?

At this Sirius, who sits on Harry's other side, pulls the boy close and say: "Harry, even if I were to take that risk, I assure you I would use all the stealth, shadows and hidden corners that Hogsmeade provides. At most, I would probably hide in the tunnel under Honeydukes and leave a paw print near a trashcan full of candy."
This makes Harry sigh in relief and he says: "I'm glad to hear that, dad, even if it's no longer necessary." And Sirius happily smiles at him, yet I suddenly notice something. "Kairi, are you alright?" Yet the girl shakes her head and says: "Not now, later, please." And I nod, glad that others didn't notice as I read on.

"Well, you … ghastly elf."

"Not to mention that horrid monster I once called a mother." Ron grumbles and Fred mutters: "We really should have gone after her.""Before we let her go." But to this I shake my head and says: "You would have sunk to her level and you're better than that." Which the twins seem to grudgingly agree with as I read on.

Hermione scowled … one thing."

"Something I should have realized I could use to get Sirius freed months ago." Kingsley groans, shocking us as we didn't hear him coming and I ask: "What are you doing here?" And the man answers: "I put Dawlish on guard duty and promised Fudge I would finish the paper work while helping you."
Making me roll my eyes and I ask: "Are you sure you can trust Dawlish with that? Seeing his character and all?" Yet Kingsley smirks and says: "He actually owes me a few favors that helped him get where he is now. I told him those would be repaid as long as he guards Umbridge – and promptly ignores all her orders."
At this I laugh and say: "That'll work. If there is one thing Dawlish hates it's owing people anything." And Kingsley happily sits down before Sirius says: "Also, if it helps anything, just think of how well you are doing with the Umbridge and Dursley trial to make up for failing my case." Kingsley glares at him as I read on.

"I don't … he hears."

Yet at this Sirius looks at the rest of his family and says: "Though I sure am glad I stopped doing that. Considering that Albus thought I should go back to London and leave you guys here." Yet I know that Albus has learned his lesson from that and think: "Still, not listening to book-Albus is for the best." And I read on, slightly worried.

When Harry … Sirius, too."

Yet this silences the entire arena and leaves a sense of utter shock, rage and fury hanging around before Sirius stands up and says: "Excuse me a moment." Yet when Hermione wants to reach out, does he say: "Hermione, I know you mean well, but I will curse whoever tries to stop me." And the girl cringes back.
"Just remember, this is book-Hermione talking, not our Hermione." Harry then says and Hermione sends him a grateful smile as Sirius mutters: "That does help. Thanks pup, be back soon." And he leaves the arena, his hands still fists to prove that he really is still feeling furious. Yet he doesn't seem to be the only one.

"I can't believe myself." Riku suddenly mutters and we all turn to him as he looks up and says: "We've been so worried about and focused on Harry – we completely forgot that, in another photo, it was proven that it wasn't just him that was suffering." This shocks the rest of us and then Ron exclaims: "Hey, that's right!"
Riku nods and Sora asks: "You don't think – that Hermione is under the Heartstamp spell as well, do you?" And Riku frowns as he says: "All things considered, especially the fact that she used to share a room with Ginerva, I wouldn't consider it an impossibility." And instantly Hermione asks: "Could you –?" And Riku nods at her silent question.

The girl sighs in relief and Riku goes to stand on the other side of the arena, looking straight at the girl. He then aims his Keyblade at her and just like with Harry, does he light up and vanish, leaving sparkles and stars behind and causing Hermione to light up before she falls asleep, her body slumping against Arthur, who hugs her.
Like this we all stay seated, none of us really sure what to say after hearing that statement and some of us just wanting either Sirius to calm down and return or for Riku to come back and tell us what we all want to know. And while I feel mixed about it, is Riku the first to return, the look on his face proving things before he says:
"It was Ginerva. She didn't cast the same spell, but she did do something. I know, because – her whispers sounded a lot more clear and were much more demanding. They weren't just whispers to entice, they were direct orders. I just – couldn't understand them." Which makes us all look at the girl in great concern.

"Potions." Harry then mumbles and we look at him as he says: "On the first of September in our Third, I overheard Molly talk with Hermione and Ginerva about how she used Love Potions in her youth. It must have been code between them to say we will do the same soon." Which worries me even more, but then Kingsley says:
"Then we have nothing to fear." We all look at him and he says: "The difference between potions and the Heartstamp Spell is that Potions can wear off. And with both brewers gone, Hermione is probably cleansing her own body even as we speak." This relieves us all and then I hear Sirius approach and ask: "Cleanse her of what?"
We look at him and I say: "Ginerva drugged Hermione to behave the way she does in the book and the way she did before you set her straight. Riku realized it after realizing that there wasn't just a picture of Harry suffering that they took with them." This seems to calm Sirius down even more and he asks: "Is she okay?"
To which Kingsley smiles at him and says: "She will be. She's probably cleansing her system as we speak." And I go on: "And if that doesn't happen, mum can help cleanse her. She is a Potions Mistress after all." At this Sirius smiles at me and a few minutes later does Hermione wake up and hear the news before I read on.

She was … the socks.

"Can I be honest with everyone?" Harry suddenly asks and everyone nods before he says: "I – never really put much effort in my studies.""WHAT WHY?" Hermione screams in horror and Harry coldly answers: "I never had anyone to prove myself to. Anyone to make proud with achievements they didn't expect of me."
And while he doesn't say it, are his unsaid words clear as day. No one ever expected me to be anything other than a savior and a hero. "Harry, that – that's – Professor McGonagall –." Hermione tries, but Harry glares and says: "I got scored lower than you for a test you know I worked harder on than you ever did.
I never received points for any answered questions, unless it was Lupin asking the question and while McGonagall and Flitwick made it bloody clear bloody early they just wanted me to be either mum or Aunt Lily, did the other teachers easily prove they were perfectly fine with me giving up on earning high scores by Second.
And sorry, guys, but you aren't exactly helping either. You, Hermione, had trouble accepting others being better than you for the longest time and you, Ron, proved that you thought Quidditch and chess more important than homework more often than not. And with the Dursleys being who they are – what did I have to lose not giving my all?"

At this a lot of us just keep quiet, not really having an answer as it's obvious that this has been bothering Harry for several years now and Hermione, who is near tears now, asks: "How – how did I never notice that?" And Harry smiles and says: "You were always too busy doing the same thing I do, saving the school."
And this makes the girl smile a little before she turns to looking at his family and asks: "You're going to change that now, aren't you?" And Harry smiles at her as he says: "Definitely. I have what I always wanted and, let's face facts –." He looks at his parents and asks: "Who doesn't want to impress their family?" At which I happily read on.

The morning … small inn.

"You were scooping out the competition, weren't you?" Harry asks and the twins smile before one of them suddenly says: "That reminds us." And the other goes on: "Now that we're, you know, official." "Will you stay a silent partner?" And this shocks Harry before he asks: "Wait, you – you – wait, what?" And this makes me snicker.
"Well, we've thought about it, spoke about it with Lee and even he thinks we should.""And of course, Lea can join as well, if he wants. Make the shop a real thing between the four of us." The twins then tell Harry, George looking at Lea as he says his part and Lea smirks as he says: "Show me some plans and I'll consider it."
At this the twins nod and then turn to Harry, who frowns and says: "Just – let me think about it. It – it's not that I don't want to, it's – I need to consider a few facts that are surrounding – well, me." And the way he says it again makes the unsaid words be loud and clear. I mean my fame. At this the twins nod again and I continue reading.

A battered … to Harry.

"That would be Dumbledore's brother." Sirius says to which Ron exclaims: "HE HAS A BROTHER?" And Sirius laughs as he says: "I had the exact same reaction when I found out. Yes, Albus has a brother. Aberforth. He actually sheltered anyone is a fugitive from Voldemort's reign during the last war.
He also used – special means – to keep Death Eaters out of Hogsmeade, though neither he nor Albus – nor even Alastor here – ever told me of those means." At which Moody says: "That's because Albus never told me anymore than he did you, laddie. He asked me to borrow some of my stuff, but that was it. And I complied."
"But you always question stuff." Ron says and Moody shrugs as he says: "Albus told me it would keep the students safe and I knew that he and his brother were practically on my level of – cautiousness – so I could only imagine in glee how they would use the stuff." And while this makes me shake my head, do I read on.

"What?" he … face. "Yeah…"

"That doesn't mean anything in Hogsmeade unless the teachers assign you guard duty in the village. And even then you're only supposed to do the same thing you do on the train, but you need to first make sure you know the village rules as you can't impose the school rules in the village. Plus, Ron, Firewhiskey isn't for those under 20."
"What, so even Fred and George can't get it? Not even from that guy?" Ron asks shocked and Remus shakes his head as he says: "No, and I know Aberforth won't accept it either. He might not like Albus, for his own reasons, but he does report what happens in his bar during weekends to him. So Albus expects him to keep to official rules."
At this Ron shrugs and says: "Ah, it was worth a try." At which Hermione sends him a reproachful look, but then Sirius laughs and says: "Besides, you're pretty late to the party. I tried to do that at the Three Broomsticks when I was at the end of my Third year, just before exams." And while Hermione looks horrified, do I read on.

"So, who … more chairs?"

Yet no one seems happy with this and Ariel says: "This is just all levels of wrong. Hermione took Harry's acceptance for granted to the extreme, went way beyond what she should have known Harry would be comfortable with – and even went with people Harry didn't even know." And the girl in question looks down in shame.
Yet Moody grumbles and says: "That last part is the worst of them all. Because Potter doesn't know them, they run the risk of those people being potential spies. I really hope you'll be more careful next time you try to do something secretive, missy." And while I feel amazed that he let the girl off easy, does Hermione nod and I read on.

The barman … of these…"

"Why did you even buy so much merch in the first place?" Hermione asks and Fred answers: "To see if we could improve it or make our own versions." And George goes on: "You might not know this, Hermione, but most of Zonko's stuff? It's improved versions of toys sold by other stores." The girl looks shocked and I read on.

Harry watched … at all.

"You know, that is a problem in and of itself, but the fact that Cho is as untrustworthy as her doesn't make things easier." I mutter and James says: "I think I need to schedule a meeting with Lord Chang." But Augusta shakes her head and says: "Won't work. Lady Chang is the Head of that House and she was the same in her youth.
She won't find anything wrong with it." Yet to this Kairi asks: "Even if Cho continues this while Harry is bonded to Fred, George and Lee? I mean, that is public knowledge now, isn't it?" But at this Augusta smirks and says: "Actually, it isn't. It's only known to the Wizengamot – and House Chang isn't part of that."
"So?" Sirius smirks, apparently already knowing what Augusta is thinking and Augusta smirks back and says: "If there is one thing Lady Chang hates – it's a scandal. So if we make sure everyone finds out about the bond before Cho, make sure that her mother explains her about it – and then imply at what stage the bond is at –."
Yet Harry seems unhappy and says: "No." Everyone looks at him and he says: "Cho may be manipulative and in the wrong, but she and I do share one thing. We both miss and grieve over Cedric something awful. I say we be straightforward with her and tell her what will happen if she tries to go against the bond.
I am not against being there for her to help her past her grief, but I won't be anymore and I won't accept her trying to make me be anymore. If she tries that, Fred, George and Lea can live themselves out. Otherwise, we leave her alone." And while I feel amazed that the boy can be this noble about it all, do I read on.

In twos … more confident)

"The last thing a friend should try and do is used unwanted fame of a friend to get her point across. Yes, Harry's fame can help your cause, but you can't use it if he doesn't fully agree with your idea in the first place." Luna tells Hermione and the girl sighs as he says: "I can only imagine it will get worse." At which I read on.

"– because nobody … You-Know-Who's back."

"Other than the fact that, in the book, Voldemort killed both my parents and that I became an orphan thanks to him and that I have my morals?" Harry growls and Dean rolls his eyes as he says: "Trust me, Smith is a jerk. Even everyone in his own House despises him. He just hasn't been banished from the House because he's a descendant."
"Wait, descendant? Of who?" Ron asks and Seamus answers: "Of Helga Hufflepuff herself, or so he says. He also says that his grand-aunt once had proof of this, but that it disappeared after she was murdered. If it weren't for the fact that he was Sorted into the House, no one would believe him. Though it does give him an ego."
This makes most of us grimace and Riku asks: "Is there a way to prove or disprove his claim?" And Kingsley sighs as he says: "Not unless we actually have Helga Hufflepuff's Cup. Legend has it that descendants of Helga would be able to make any kind of beverage appear from the cup, just out of thin air itself."
This makes Riku grimace, but Sora crosses his arms and says: "I don't know why, but – I feel we need to remember this for some reason." And Kairi pulls some writing equipment from the small bag she brought with her and mutters: "Helga Hufflepuff's cup. Zacharias Smith. Descendants." Before she puts it all away as I read on.

"Look," said … to know –"

"Who in their right mind wants to hear how a megalomaniac kills an innocent person?" Ariel gasps and Harry grumbles: "And why hasn't anyone realized yet that I have a perfectly good and personal reason for not wanting to talk about it in the first place?" Which makes his father pull him close and I continue reading, feeling bad.

"If you've … story was.

"I wouldn't say it like that, but she did prove how inexperienced she is in all this. Either that or those potions are messing up her morals. Though personally, I think she's just trying to help two parties at the same time – and not thinking that desire through enough." Belle says, smiling at Hermione, who has started looking down.
"What makes you say that?" Ron asks and Belle smiles at him as she says: "Simple. She's trying to give Harry a purpose that she hopes will make him have some happiness among all the pain and trouble he's in, but she also wants to help the students get the education they deserve, regardless of the fact she doesn't know them all.
Such desires can mess with anyone's mind, let alone someone who might, at the time, be under the influence of potions." At this Ron nods and hums: "That – that does make sense. But – that means –." And Belle nods before the Beast says: "This just cannot end well, one way or another." And with that do I continue reading.

But none … it was."

Yet at this Ron frowns and says: "Though, now that I think back on that, I suddenly realize something. She did that on purpose." We all look at her and he says: "Well, if she hadn't told me not to spread it around, it would have given Harry some more positive attention before all this happened. That would have lessened negative blows later."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asks and Ron says: "The only thing the public knows about Harry is that he is an average student who is supposed to be a hero. That kind of image can easily go anyway people in power would want. So the negative reports that keep coming in about him – those aren't easily battled off, because –."
And Hermione gasps as she says: "Because those who know of the good and great things that Harry did aren't telling anyone. She did do that on purpose. She wants to shield Harry from others, so he will listen to her and she can do whatever she wants." And while I still can't believe that someone can be like that, do I read on.

"She's not … Zacharias Smith.

"Are you trying to prove you have too much of an ego to listen to other people or understand what they're actually saying?" Ron asks and Seamus rolls his eyes as he says: "Trust me, according to Ernie, he's like that all the time. Ernie calls him a pain to just sit next to let alone speak with." At which I grimace and read on.

"Here's an … before this.

"That's the hierarchy of Hufflepuff. Ernie is, outside of the common room, free to speak his mind as long as Smith's not in the room. If he is, Ernie can only speak after Smith has had his say." This seems to really astound the Gryffindors in the room, but I shrug, having experienced it for myself in my teens before I read on.

"Personally I … the Ministry."

"And yet her actions make her nothing but a hypocrite." Belle suddenly says and we all turn to her as she says: "They do. She says she's doing this to help the Ministry, but she is purposely causing the students to fail a vital class, thus decreasing their chances to get a job at the Ministry, which is what she probably wants them to do."
Everyone looks shocked and then Sirius is the first to burst out laughing, the others following and Belle smiling at seeing all of us enjoy ourselves. "How did I not realize this? I could have used it against her, actually shut her up for once." Hermione cries as she laughs, yet no one answers her as I just read on, still giggling.

Nearly everybody … right, Ginny."

Yet then I suddenly notice that Harry is looking between Hermione and Luna with a frown on his face and I lie the book down. Everyone gazes from me to where I'm looking and Hermione asks: "Is something wrong?" And Harry actually shocks us as he asks: "How long has this been going on?" Confusing us all.
"What – what do you mean?" Hermione asks and Harry answers: "Luna's not one to lose her temper very fast, not the way she did in the book just now. The only reason I can think of her doing that – is if you have been showing her how you disbelief all she says – since long before we met her on the train heading to Hogwarts this year."
The girl looks shocked and Harry asks: "So I will ask again. How long has this been going on? How long have you been trying to belittle Luna with your statements and telling her everything she believes in is wrong?" Yet the girl says: "I haven't. Harry, I swear –." But then Fred stops her and shocks us as he says: "Don't blame her, Harry."

We all look at him and he says: "You're right to defend Luna.""But you're wrong to think Hermione being the one you need to defend her from.""You're forgetting an important link that connects them." The twins then chorus and instantly I get it. "Ginny. She's been telling Luna for years that Hermione belittles her and her beliefs."
"But why would she do that? That doesn't even make sense. I only just met the girl after all." Harry says and Ron sighs and says: "Actually, it makes perfect sense, seeing Ginny was probably counting on your loyalty to your closest friends to just pick Hermione's side all the time." And Harry sighs in defeat at this as I read on.

"Well, once … more rebellious.

"Not to mention, telling McGonagall isn't the safest idea either, not with Umbridge putting such a target on her, what with her being close to Albus and all." Kingsley mutters with a grimace and Moody says: "That sure isn't going to make any of this any easier." And we all nod, all of us worried as I continue reading.

"Right, well … up to."

Yet this instantly catches my and Moody's attention and the man asks: "Alright, missy, what did you do with that parchment?" And the girl shrieks: "What do you mean?" But I mutter: "She wouldn't know. It hasn't happened yet. Let's just read and find out." And while Hermione continues looking confused, do I read on.

Fred reached … of contract.

And this is what it seems to take for Hermione to get what we were getting at earlier as she says: "I – I enchanted the parchment. I used some kind of magic to – what did I do to it?" And Moody smirks as he says: "Whatever it is, I hope Smith or that unknown girl get ensnared by it." Which makes the girl shriek at him as I read on.

"Well, time's … with Ginny –"

"Hermione, I hate saying this, but right there and then you proved how little you cared about the secrecy of all this. Can you tell me what proved this?" I ask, deciding to go easy on the girl and let her learn of her mistakes. The girl seems to think for a bit, but then gasps and looks up, her eyes wide as she says: "The location."
And I nod as I say: "You're really lucky it was just Smith that overheard you. A room that public and popular really isn't the right place to discuss topics like that." At this Hermione nods and says: "I'll make sure to remember that." At which Moody smirks and says: "Smart lass." Making us both smile at him as I read on.

Ron, who … going on –"

Yet this time Hermione seems to catch on before I can as she groans and says: "And even more proof that I suck at secrecy. Why did I allow her to even do that?" Yet Ron and Harry seem to share a worried look over something else and Ron mutters: "Those potions are the worst." And Harry nods before Hermione asks:
"What do you mean?" And Harry looks at her worriedly as he says: "Your sense of secrecy. You were top notch at it back in our Third. Remember, how you had to and managed to keep your Time Turner a secret from both Ron and me, regardless of how often we asked you about your schedule?" And the girl gasps in shock at this.
"They're right. Hermione was brilliant at keeping the secret behind her going to all her classes just that. This isn't her doing, it's the potions affecting her." Remus growls, sounding furious at Ginerva and worried for the girl in the arena with us and I think: "Mum, I'm coming for you." And with that in mind, do I read on.

"When did … her breath.

"He deserves better than her." Ron growls and Seamus says: "You know, I kind of wanted to write Michael about all this yesterday, but I didn't want to do this without your permission." To which Arthur says: "Just meet him whenever we have our next break. And thank you, Seamus." The boy nods and I read on.

"But," said … Hogsmeade was.

"Oh, don't worry, we'll be sure to make you realize it ourselves when that weekend comes." The twins happily chorus at Harry, who smiles at them while I lie the book down and say: "I'll be right back, I'm going to pick up mum." At this everyone nods and I leave the arena, the grateful smile on Hermione's face putting a spring of determination in my step.


That was intense.
To be honest, this chapter would have been one of my reasons to skip the update day for a month, but then again, this whole book is almost enough to make me take this story off of the update list all together. Still, I do hope I brought up some good points when it comes to all this and made this chapter entertaining for you all.
See you next month,

Venquine1990