A Siren's Song
Chapter 14
Friday October 16th.
The next morning brought smiling happy faces to the Great Hall, well some happy smiling faces anyway. Ron was in a particularly bad mood, he laid up in bed the night before listening to laughing from the Common room. He wondered if any of the other students heard what was going on in the Common room. Around 10:30pm it had gotten quiet, and he heard a girls voice peak in the first few bars of a seeming Muggle Song. He opened the door to and stepped into the hall. The sound assaulted his ears, it was surprisingly beautiful.
Ron hadn't been able to get her voice out of his head, he almost wished that he had been down in the Common room last night to hear it. No, she was consorting with the enemy, or soon to be enemy. She was bound to betray Harry, when he needed her the most. It hadn't happened yet, but it would, he just knew that it would. Harry would thank him in the end, Fred and George would see, how she was and come to their senses. They just had to. He feared that there was no help for Neville and Ginny, they seemed to be really close to Hermione. It was like they were replacing Harry and himself by taking their place in her life. See she's already replaced you, Ron thought.
Shaking his head, the thought dislodged from his head and he continued eating his breakfast. Harry would be there soon and then they could go to class. He turned his head and watched as Fred and George walked through the entrance into the Great Hall. George or was it Fred, was sporting bright blue hair. Ron was among the man who stared at him like he was crazy, and then there was the rest of the student population who laughed and ask if he blew up an experiment. Fred just smiled and asked if they like it.
Some of the teachers scoffed at him, the others trying not to laugh. Even Professor Snape commented that he thought it was a good look for him. Although it was said in more of a menacing tone, not really meant as a compliment.
"Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said, "would you mind explaining why your hair is Blue?"
"It was a dare professor," Fred said, "Harry here dared me to wear it like this all day today."
"I remember once I changed my hair Yellow for a day," Dumbledore said, "oh but that was a long time ago."
Trying not to laugh Fred sat and started eating. After Harry finished eating, he walked over to where Cho Chang was sitting, and silently tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hello Harry," she said, "something the matter?"
"I wanted to ask," he started to say, "would you go to Hogsmeade with me on Halloween?"
after a moment of two of silence, she said, "I would love to Harry."
"Wonderful," Harry said grinning from ear to ear, "Thanks Cho."
"Your welcome Harry," she said, turning around to finish eating her breakfast.
"What was that about?" Ron asked.
"A dare," Harry said, "Hermione dared me to ask my crush to Hogsmeade."
"Oh?" Ron was baffled, why were they playing games in the common room? Ron thought, Hermione would throw a fit about not being able to study. "Since when does Hermione play games?"
"I don't know really," Harry said, "it was my idea actually. Hermione thought it was a good idea. Her first dare was that I had to sing my answers to any questions I was asked last night."
Ron stifled a laugh, was something she would do. "So I missed out on the fun," Ron said, "I'm sure you'll remember to invite me to the next one yeah?"
"That could be arranged I'm sure," Harry said, "can you be nice to Hermione long enough to play a few rounds?"
"I'm sure I could," Ron said, "i wouldn't actually have to talk to her right?"
"Why play a friendly game with someone you don't even want to talk to?" Harry asked snidely, "just stay away from her. If you don't have anything nice to stay then don't talk."
"Are you alright Harry?" Ron asked a bit concerned,
"Why would anything be the matter Ron?" Harry asked,
"I was just wondering, you were acting a bit angry," Ron said.
Harry shook his head, and stood from his seat before gathering his things to head to class. "come along Ron," Harry said ushering his friend out of the Great Hall, "we'll be late for class if we don't hurry up."
"What about everyone else?" Ron asked, "how come they get to finish their breakfast?"
"Because," Harry said as he walked out through the door to the Great Hall. That was all he had said though, he never expanded on the thought. When Ron asked him later that day what it was he had planned on saying, and Harry never answered.
The silence between Harry and Ron lasted until the last day in October, the 31st to be exact. Harry seemed to be more and more quiet every day, until that fateful day at the end of October. This was the day that everything would come together for better or for worse. Harry would find out just how much his friends cared for him. Although everyone seemed to have someone to go to Hogsmeade with except Ron. He had been so caught up with trying to get Harry to tell him what he had planned to say that day a little over two weeks ago that he missed the bigger picture.
Ginny and Hermione were busy getting ready for Hogsmeade like every other girl in Gryffindor. Ginny was going with Neville, Hermione was going with the twins, in turn they would all go together. Harry was going with Cho Chang, a pretty Ravenclaw 5th year, she also just happened to be the seeker for her house team. Of course none of that mattered to Harry, Sure she was a bit older, and she was amazing, and could date whoever she liked. That wasn't to say that he shouldn't have a chance to be with her, right?
Harry, Neville and the twins were waiting down in the common room for the girls to come down. Harry wanted to be sure that Hermione would be in safe hands before he went to meet his date.
"Harry," Hermione said from the steps, "what are you still doing here, shouldn't you be meeting Cho?"
"I wanted to be sure you were in good hands before I went," Harry said.
"Don't worry," she said reassuringly, "I'll be fine, I've got Fred and George, plus Ginny and Neville to keep me company. Anyone gunning to pick a fight with me would be wasting their breath."
"I'll see you in the Great Hall for dinner then," Harry said, "try not to have to much fun this afternoon."
"Of course not," Hermione said, "me have fun? Never."
"Keep an eye on her won't you," Harry said to the twins, "she'll try to spend her whole trip in the book store. Don't try to drag her to the Quidditch pro shop she'll ditch you as soon as your not paying attention. Don't let her go to the Apothecary alone, she'll get into an argument with the sales witch over the price of Potion supplies. Don't let her talk you out of going into Zonko's either, trust me she'll try."
Everyone laughed when Harry finished his speech before heading towards the Great Hall to meet Cho, to go on their date.
"You would really try to do all those things?" Fred asked.
"Possibly," Hermione said, "but now that he's told you all my secrets, perhaps it would just be best if I went to the book store while everyone else goes to the Quidditch shop. I can't stand that store but since you guys like it I can hardly expect you to stay away."
"Don't worry Princess, we wouldn't drag you against you will," George said, "plus we promised to stay with you at all times unless we couldn't. And then Ginny will go with you, we won't let you out of our sights today."
"Thats sweet," Hermione smiled.
"Almost salkerish," Ginny said.
Everyone laughed as they headed out of the common room, towards the Great Hall to grab a bite to eat before heading to Hogsmeade. "So did you guys perfect a way to try and enter the tournament?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," Fred said, "but we can't tell you. You'll see soon enough tonight at the Cup ceremony."
"Alright," Hermione sighed in mock disappointment, "i guess I can wait until tonight."
The twins leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Hermione blushed a beautiful shade of red. As the reached the Gryffindor table, they noticed that Ron was sitting alone. Well not really alone Lavender was sitting next to him eating breakfast. It was abnormally silent.
"Ron," lavender asked, "would you want to accompany me to Hogsmeade? I was to busy studying for yesterdays test to realize that I didn't have anyone to go with."
"Sure," Ron said, "if you don't mind hanging around with a boring boy all day."
"Your not boring Ron," Lavender said encouragingly. "i don't know what cause the falling out between you and your friends; but there are others that are there for you, you know?"
"Thanks Lavender," Ron said, "lets have some fun today shall we?"
"Yes," Lavender said, with a smile. Soon after the pair of them got up and left the Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall was standing outside the entrance doors to the castle helping to sort everyone who was going to Hogsmeade. Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George and Neville all shared a carriage. There had been a debate about which shop they should go to first. So they played a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide. Of course, only Hermione could explain the reasoning behind the Muggle game. After trying for 5 minutes to put it in a perspective they could understand, they finally got it.
As it turned out Ginny won best 2 out of 3, so she pick to go to Zonko's first. After shopping there for about a half hour they went to two other stores before stopping at The Three Broomsticks for a butter beer and something to eat. After which they went to the remaining stores. The Quidditch Pro store was the last stop on the trip back to the castle. Hermione did in fact attempt to ditch them for the book shop, even though she had already been there once that day. Neville agreed to accompany her, while the three Weasley's took their time.
To everyone relief, the Malfoy scare in Hogsmeade was, just that a scare; but they would still keep their guard up just in case.
As the group walked down the path that lead to where they would be picked up by the carriages. They met up with Harry and Cho on the way.
Hermione who was wondering if they would run into Ron on the way. And sure enough they did, he and Lavender were walking hand in hand towards the carriages, he was also carrying two of her bags and one of his own. The pair of them seemed to be a world of their own.
"Hello Ron, Lavender," Harry said with a smirk.
"Oh, Hello Harry," Ron said blushing. He was trying to hide that he was holding her hand. Ginny thought it was cute that Ron finally had a girlfriend, perhaps with Ron having a girlfriend it would take his mind of what was happening with Hermione.
Hermione couldn't help but smile, why should she be the only one happy? Ron and Harry deserved to be happy too. Hermione relaxed a bit as she felt both of her hands being encompassed within a grip of the boy on either side of her. She couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Shall we go?" Hermione said, to everyone, "it's getting late and if we don't hurry the Slytherin's will get the first ride back to the Castle."
"Merlin forbid," Ron said loudly, as the nine of them raced towards the carriages, trying to beat the Slytherin's. Ron and Harry harrumphed in triumph as they reached the carriages first securing the last two empty carriages for Harry, Hermione and their mighty crew.
Harry, and Ron took the first carriage along with the girl accompanying them. Hermione, Neville, Ginny and the twins took the other. They waved at the grumpy Slytherin's as the carriages pulled away.
"Oh we are so going to get them back for this," Theodore Nott said, "right?"
"Of course," Draco said, "we'll get them back during DADA."
x.X.x
As the carriages pulled up to the castle, the Gryffindor's were still waving as if there was actually something special about being in the last two carriages.
"I missed something," McGonagall said sullenly under her breath. "What could I have possibly missed?"
"Perhaps you missed my presence?" Dumbledore asked, "I am rather easy to miss."
"Your so full of yourself," McGonagall said, "do me a favor and deflate your ego a bit."
"Minnie my dear you wound me," Dumbledore said holding his hand to his heart.
"Not very well it seems," she said bitterly, "you're still breathing."
"Your very cutting today Minerva," Professor Snape said as he stepped from the first carriage, "what did our dear Headmaster do to deserve such cutting remarks?"
"Nothing," McGonagall said with a laugh.
Snape snorted as he walked into the castle ahead of his everyone else. McGonagall watched as he disappeared into the castle.
"Minnie," Dumbledore said, "would you accompany me on the next trip to Hogsmeade?"
"Why Albus, have you suddenly decided to stop playing games?" McGonagall asked, "Whats with the sudden need to be forward?"
"It seems as though going the long way around isn't getting me anywhere," Dumbledore said, "perhaps the direct approach is the best way to go."
"My dear Albus," McGonagall said, "i don't know what game your up to, but if you are sincere in your request then I would be honored to accompany you on the next Hogsmeade trip. After all as colleagues it is best to show students that even authority figures can get along."
"My dear Minnie," Dumbledore said, "i was hoping you would be my date."
"I'm sorry albs but you'll have to work a bit harder than that," she said snickering as she turned and walked away.
"I shall have you eventually my dear," Dumbledore said under his breath, "ah but the chase will be so much funner after I catch the little minx."
It seemed that he might actually be getting some where with her, now that he had made his attentions known. The run around seemed to be getting him nowhere, something had to give.
Meanwhile Harry and crew were heading back to their common room. It seemed a but odd but Cho was the only one not from Gryffindor. He asked her if she would like some company back to her house. She agreed that company would be nice.
As the girls grouped together in the dorms, they were talking about how great their day had been. "Lavender did you have a good time with Ron this afternoon?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Oh yes," Lavender said with a smile, "he really is very sweet once you get him off the topic of Quidditch."
the girls laughed, "that's Ron for you," Ginny said, "he's always been like that. You should have heard him this summer before we went to the Quidditch world cut. It was all he could talk about, he even cut Hermione off about summer vacation, and he was the one who asked her about it."
"He can be a little thick sometimes," Hermione said, "but if anyone can get him to cooperate I'm sure you can."
"Thanks guys," Lavender said, "I'm sure that he'll get over what's bothering him eventually. I personally don't believe that you would ever betray Harry, or any of your friends for that matter. I'm sure that he'll realize this before the year is through."
"I'm not so sure really," Hermione said, "I have a feeling that he won't change just because I wish he would believe in me like you guys do."
"don't worry," Lavender said, "you'll get through. Just keep thinking about all the handsome boys that seem to be swarming about you like your a beautiful flower."
"It's really very surprising really," Parvati said, "not that your not pretty or anything. It's just surprising is all."
"Yes," Hermione said, nodding her head in agreement, "it's all very surprising."
"I mean you saved the life of a National Quidditch icon," Parvati said, "which was very brave by the way. You've attracted the attentions of four very handsome Quidditch players, I would be falling all over myself. But you, your actually very surprised to have four very cute boys chasing after you. I don't know how you juggle your attention between the four of them."
Hermione blushed, and the girls swarmed around her, "they seem to be taking turns walking me to class each day. I don't know if they worked it out between themselves; but it seems to be working."
"We're glad to hear it," Ginny said smiling.
"But you know in the end you'll have to choose which one you want the most," Parvati said, "you can't string them all along forever."
wait, Hermione thought to herself, I have to choose between them? She had started to like each and everyone of them, and all for a different reason. She really didn't want to choose between them. But eventually she would have to wouldn't she? Unless she could find some exception to the rule, no siren she had ever read about had four mates. She couldn't marry four men could she? That would be rather weird, not only for her; but for them as well. It was a good thing she didn't have to choose until she was 18, she still had 3 years. Right?
Hermione broke away from her thinking when Ginny tapped her on the shoulder, "Come on," she said, "lets go to dinner, we can't leave your princes waiting."
Hermione smiled at the younger girl, "alright," Hermione said jumping off the bed, "lets go. Wouldn't want your brothers to get hungry and decide to eat the furniture."
"No that would be horrible," Ginny said, "imagine the stomach ache."
The girls howled in laughter at the thought of any of the Weasley with a stomach ache. When they reached the common room, Ron was sitting next to lavender on the couch. She had expressed an interest in learning chess, so Ron decided to take her under his wing and teach her everything he knew. "Having a strategic mind would come in handy," she said, "can you teach me?"
"Of course," Ron replied, "it's not very hard once you get the hang of it." So there the two of them sat, leaning over the chess board, Ron was showing her the importance of every piece, including the pawn.
"Come along little brother," George said, "it's time to go to dinner."
"Alright," Ron said over dramatically, "shall we continue this after dinner"
"I don't know," Lavender said thinking, "we might have other things to look forward to before we come back from dinner."
"Like what?" Ron asked confused.
"Tonights the night they decide who the champions are," Lavender said.
Suddenly he remembered what day it was. How could he have forgotten? Oh thats right, he had such a good day that he totally forgot. Ron blushed at the thought of having fun with someone other than Harry and Hermione. Suddenly life didn't seem so bleak.
As the Gryffindor crew walked to the Great Hall, Ron, Harry and Lavender in the front, and Hermione and Ginny taking up the rear, someone asked. "Who do you think is going to be Hogwarts champion?" the voice sounded like Harry's.
"Cedric," Hermione blurted out. When everyone stopped and looked at her in surprise, and astonishment, she said, "he said he was going to put his name in for the task. He said, he hopped it would be him. Seeing as none of us are of age, it seems like the best choice, don't you think?"
"I can see it," Harry said trying to be supportive.
"But I'm sure that if Fred and George are able to enter, one of them would be picked," Hermione said quickly.
Fred and George grabbed one of her hands and gave a quick kiss on her knuckles, "nice save," Harry said under his breath so that only Ron and Ginny could hear. Both of them snickered a bit, at Hermione's predicament. Ron didn't envy her that at all. Should Cedric Digger and Viktor Krum both decide to go for the Championship then she would have to choose who to cheer for. Suddenly Ron didn't envy her the attention so much. It must be hard to have the undivided attention of that many people and have to choose between them. Ron was suddenly glad he only had one persons undivided attention, well other than Harry, anyway.
"Are you alright Hermione?" Harry asked.
"I'm fine Harry," Hermione said, "there is a reason the tournament hasn't been around for such a long time. I just hope that the tasks aren't to dangerous."
there was silence as they walked into the Great Hall. Everyone in the Great Hall seemed excited and distracted. As everyone finished eating dinner, they started filing out into the hall as the Great Hall was transformed into a stadium of sorts. Everyone filed back in, and sat down. Some with their own house, some students sat with friends from other houses.
Hermione pulled out her book and began to read, "I would like everyones attention please," Dumbledore's voice ran out through the room. "A One hour window will be given for those students who still wish to put their names into the goblet of fire. After which the Tri Wizard champions will be decided."
chatter broke out through the room as Dumbledore and most teachers vanished from the room. Fred and George stayed seated, they wanted to wait for everyone else to go before they tried to enter.
Viktor Krum entered the hall, his headmaster and some close friends not far behind him. They stopped near the bleachers, allowing Viktor to finish the last few feet alone. Walking with his back straight and shoulders tall he entered a slip of parchment with his name into the flames of the Goblet of Fire. Turning on his heel after watching the flame glow a bright orange before turning back into a brilliant blue. He walked from the hall, head held high, looking over at Hermione on his way out. He smirked when he saw her smile his way.
A few other students from Drumstrang entered there names as well. It was then Cedric's turn to enter his name into the Goblet, Hermione had been sure that he had entered earlier, with how earnestly he declared his intentions a few weeks ago. She couldn't help but be happy that he was very brave. Hermione hoped she would never have to prove her bravery.
Hermione watched as half of Slytherin's seventh years entered their name into the Goblet of fire. After everyone was finished Fred and George stood, pulling a vile of liquid from their robes.
"What are you two up to?" Harry asked.
"why were going to enter our name into the fray," George said, "wish us luck."
"What is it the two of you have there?" Ron asked curiously.
"It's an aging potion," Fred said pulling the lid from his vile.
"It's not going to work," Hermione said in a sing song voice.
"And why not Hermione dear?" George sang in response.
"You see that line there," she said drawing a circle with her arm, "Thats an aging line."
"So?" Fred asked.
"So, Dumbledore drew it himself," she said turning towards the boys, looking up at them with a smug smile of her face. "Dumbledore would never be fooled by such a simple thing as an aging potion."
"Want to bet?" Fred said.
"Why," Hermione said, "I already know I'm right, I wouldn't want to take advantage of the situation."
"If this works," George said, "you have to take the plunge and enter yourself."
Hermione gulped loudly, "and if it doesn't? What do I get?"
"I dunno yet," Fred said, "how about we'll not pull any pranks for one full week."
"Done," Hermione said, "well go on. Lets see how well your potion works."
"Ready Fred?" George asked.
"Ready George," Fred said, and they locked arms and chugged the potion. After which they jumped of over the aging line and into the circle. Whooping like little boys, they took their folded parchment and threw it into the Goblet or Fire. After a few seconds they whooped again, but before they could brag about the accomplishment, the fire turned a disturbing red color and spit the names back out. The turned to ash in the air, and the potion that the boys took started to cause them to age more than just a few months older. They started to grow mustaches and beards and before they knew it, their hair was turning from red to gray.
The boys broke into a fight and started rolling around on the floor. Students from all houses were whooping and cheering. After a few moments, Dumbledore hushed everyone before speaking, "a finner aging potion I've never seen," he said, "you both age very well. Now off to Madam Pomfrey with you, I'm afraid you'll need an antidote before you grow to much older."
"Now to see who our champions are," with a wave of his wand the first name shot out of the cup. Dumbledore reached out and caught it in his hand. "our first champion from Beauxbatans Fleur Delacour."
Cheers rang out, mostly from the boys, in the Great Hall, before they were once again silenced, "Our second Champion," Dumbledore said, as another piece of parchment shot from the blue flames or the goblet. "Viktor Krum from Drumstrang Institute."
Cheers once again rang out, amongst the students of Drumstrang and some Hogwarts mostly Slytherin's and of course Hermione cheered happily.
Once again Dumbledore spoke, "and our third and final champion," a third paper once again flew from the clutches of the Goblets fire, only to be snatched by the fingers of Albus Dumbledore. "Cedric Diggery, from Hogwarts Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Cheers from the entire hall broke out, except those from Slytherin house. Hermione beamed a smile at him, which he returned before walking up to stand with the other two champions, who were being ushered from the room by Barty Crouch.
It wasn't for a few more seconds, Dumbledore was nearly gone from the Great Hall when the Fire started to sputter turning orange once again, spitting out a fourth name from it flame. Dumbledore gingerly reached out and grabbed the piece of parchment, opening it cautiously between his thumb and fore finger.
"Harry Potter," Dumbledore said loudly. When Harry didn't respond due to shock, he yelled, "HARRY POTTER!"
"Go Harry," Hermione said anxiously, pushing him, "hurry go."
as Harry was rushed from the room, but Dumbledore and Professors Snape and McGonagall. Yelling and protests were being shouted in the Great Hall.
"I can't believe this," Ron said, "how could he enter his name and not tell me? I"m his best mate." Ron seemed to be in the most shock over it. Hermione wasn't sure what to think, but she knew Harry didn't want eternal glory, or fame, and he certainly didn't need the money. Hermione knew something had to be up, there was no way he entered his name, into the Goblet of Fire.
"No, he didn't enter his name willingly Ron," Hermione said, "he wouldn't do that. He's already famous, he doesn't need the glory or the money. And he certainly doesn't have a death wish."
"how do you know?" Ron asked, "he's hardly said two words to you all month."
"I just know," Hermione said defiantly, daring anyone else around them to say otherwise.
Ron got up and walked out of the room and away from Hermione, once again they hadn't even finished the conversation. She looked pleadingly at Ginny for help, she had to believe that Harry wouldn't enter his name.
"I don't know Hermione," Ginny said, "why would someone enter his name without his consent.. how can you be sure it want Harry?"
"Because," Hermione said with said eyes, "he's nearly died every year since we've come to Hogwarts. All he wants in a normal quiet year, he wouldn't knowingly enter his own name into the fray, if he could help it."
Ginny and Hermione sat in silence the rest of the night, before Ginny, Neville and Hermione headed back to the common room. Fred and George had been waiting for them to return. Ginny took herself to bed straight away, she was knackered from all the excitement of the day.
Hermione on the other hand fell into Fred and Georges arms after telling them what happened after they left the Great Hall. She cried like she used to when she was a child, when she would wake up scared because of the monster that didn't live in her closet.
They comforted her, and held her close, telling her that everything would be fine. "He'll be fine," George said, "this is Harry were talking about. If anyone can make it through it's him."
"you guys don't think he actually put his name in did you?" Hermione asked.
"Were sure that it just someone trying to kill him per usual," Fred said patting Hermione's hair, "he'll get through it fine. He's got you to count on, even if he doesn't have anyone else."
"i can't imagine the other students will make it easy on him," George said, "with him not truly being the Hogwarts champion and all that rot."
Hermione nodded and smiled, before hugging them and giving them both a kiss on the cheek, "good night," she said sweetly.
"Good night," Fred and George said.
As Hermione walked up the steps to the dorms, Harry came into the Common room looking like he's fought a losing battle, "Hey," Harry said, "where is everyone?"
"Bed," Fred said, "Hermione spent the last half hour defending your honor."
"I'm sure you'll have to deal with some rather difficult people tomorrow," George said, "Ron actually thinks you put your name in the Goblet."
"Do you think I did it?" Harry asked sadly obviously they did. Did no one believe in him at all except for Hermione?
"If you didn't," Fred said, "then you didn't. It doesn't matter weather or not the other believe or not."
"I didn't," Harry said as he walked up the steps towards the dorms.
Fred and George looked at each other before they themselves headed up to bed. They would need their strength if they were going to get through rest of the weekend.
A/N: I want to apologize for taking so long to update. I've been busy with work and haven't had much of a chance to update.. forgive me?
Anyways I hope you enjoyed the chapter, I tried to put a little Dumbledore and McGonagall action in there. I promise not to go into detail should they get together. But I thought having Dumbledore trying to win over McGonagall over would be entertaining.
Anyways I don't own Harry Potter, nor shall I ever endeavor to make a profit from this story.
As always thanks to those of you who are keeping up with the stories, your praise and wonderful comments continue to astound me. Thank You!
