A/N: Next chapter is the highly-anticipated Spring Dance! The suspense is building up... Thanks for your continued reading and support! I enjoy the interaction!
Hermione and Daphne accompanied Harry, Kellen, and Chelsea to Transfiguration and History of Magic that morning. They enjoyed Transfiguration, but were pleasantly surprised by the History class. Professor Esposito was alive for one, not to mention engaging and passionate.
"She blows Professor Binns out of the water," murmured Daphne. "You guys are lucky, Professor Binns is an utter bore!"
"I'm actually enjoying History of Magic," agreed Hermione. "She's a little loud, but she's otherwise pleasant to listen to. And the pizza bites she gave us? Oh my…"
After lunch was Potions. Neither Hermione nor Daphne had high expectations, but once again they found Madam Lewandowski to be a far better instructor than Professor Snape.
The nearsighted witch placed her split-bridge glasses on her nose to inspect the two Hogwarts guests sitting beside Harry and Kellen. "I don't recall seeing either of you before," she said in her Julia Child-esque voice. "Are you a couple of fifth-year students that quaffed down some Polyjuice?"
Both Hermione and Daphne giggled. "No, Professor," Daphne began. "My name is Daphne Greengrass. We're guests from Hogwarts. We're simply observing for the week."
"And I'm Hermione Granger. We're both first-year students, and we are Kellen and Harry's friends," added Hermione.
Madam L nodded. "Never mind the 'professor' title, I'm Madam Gwendolyn Lewandowski, but most students and faculty simply call me Madam L. I'd be much obliged if you'd do the same." She arched an eyebrow. "So you two young ladies are from Hogwarts… I suppose the both of you are familiar with Severus Snape… he and I go back a ways…"
Both Daphne and Hermione winced. "We are familiar with him, Madam L," replied Daphne in a resigned tone.
"That man is a prick and is completely unfit to teach," Madam L said with a note of passion in her voice. The class erupted in laughter. "I don't know who he slept with to get his position, but I assure you, Professor Fontaine would cast an incendio spell on his resume should he show any interest here at Ilvermorny!"
"He's also my house head, Madam L," Daphne continued.
"You have my sincere condolences, young lady," murmured Madam L. "So you're a Slytherin, but I find that hard to believe. I've known you five minutes, and I can already tell that there is much kindness in your heart, and you play by the rules… values many Slytherins utterly lack."
Daphne nodded. "He's biased for sure… I mean, it's nice to know that he has my back because he is my head of house; but it sucks that he's just as biased against other houses. He's very unfair to a couple of Gryffindor friends of mine…"
"And how many years running has Slytherin won the house cup?" Madam L said. "Five? Six?"
"Something like that," Hermione chimed in. "It's rigged… and Professor Snape does his part to ensure it. He docks Gryffindor points for the most trivial of reasons, but awards Slytherin points if one of them says 'Gesundheit' should he sneeze!"
"Well, I suppose that's enough badmouthing of your professor for one day," chuckled Madam L. "Please follow along with your friends, and by all means, participate! You two look quite bright and could give our resident smarty-pants Mister Grimseth a run for his money."
After potions was over, both Hermione and Daphne gushed over Madam L.
"Madam L is terrific! She is so much better than Professor Snape," Hermione said to her friends. "She actually cares about her students. She actually wants to teach the material. She's even rather funny!"
"I like her a lot," agreed Daphne. "Although I think she went a little overboard insulting my head of house… he's not completely irredeemable like she thinks he is." She smiled. "But yes, she's a much fairer teacher and doesn't belittle her students, no matter how hopeless they are. She can be my Potions instructor anytime."
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday flew by. Both Hermione and Daphne enjoyed their class time, as they found each and every one of their instructors kind, informative, and helpful. Hermione even struck a conversation with Professor Rudiger after Charms after class on Wednesday - she was fascinated with all the voodoo trinkets on the shelves in the background, and he told her some a most captivating story about his past as a voodoo priest back in Jamaica.
Daphne connected well with Madam L - as it turned out, one of Daphne's favorite classes was Potions, and she told Madam L some funny stories about her experiences with Potions back at Hogwarts. Madam L simply sat and listened to Daphne, and was even courteous enough to hold her tongue whenever Daphne brought up Professor Snape, simply because she liked the girl and didn't want to risk offending her further.
Finally, most unexpectedly, Madam L complimented Professor Snape. "I don't care much for his personality, but he's a man that knows his craft. I'll give him that."
Daphne merely nodded, then asked her a question. "You seem to know a lot about Slytherins, but you never went to Hogwarts. How in the world are you so familiar with my house?"
Madam L gave Daphne a look she rarely gave any student... a solemn, almost sad look. She swallowed hard, before speaking slowly, almost painfully. "Miss Greengrass... you must promise me you'll never tell another soul. I have something I'm about to share that I'm not proud of, but it explains my intimate relationship with the Slytherin house."
"I promise, Madam L," Daphne replied earnestly. "I won't tell anyone - even my best friend."
Madam L nodded. "My long-deceased husband was a former Slytherin and a Death Eater. I married him knowing his tendencies, but I was too frightened to back out of the relationship, so I told him that I would stay with him on the condition that he would let me remain neutral. I didn't want to attend those bloody meetings or socialize with the filth he allied himself with, but it was all part and parcel of the whole Death Eater package. I did not mourn him when he was killed in the first war... in fact, I was relieved. I returned to my homeland a free woman, and Professor Fontaine - then the Deputy Headmaster - offered me a Potions Master position not long after I came home. I rekindled my passion for potions, but I also discovered a new one - spending time with the next generation of witches and wizards."
She smiled at Daphne. "I see so much innocence in you, my dear. I'm afraid for you because another war may be upon us - He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named is bound to return... there is some truly dark magic that can bring him back to bodily form, and I shudder to think what will happen should that come to pass. I want you and your friends to be prepared when that time comes..."
She embraced Daphne warmly. "I also take heart in knowing that there is some tremendous talent in this very classroom. Your friend Mister Grimseth is firmly devoted to the light, and when he's ready, he can single-handedly take down multiple Death Eaters without breaking a sweat. And Mister Potter is the Chosen One... I firmly believe he will defeat You-Know-Who for good. And you and Miss Granger are very talented witches in your own right... you four give me hope."
"Harry and Kellen are very special... they're natural leaders," replied Daphne. "I'm so glad I made the trip over here. Before this week I've only known them through letters - and I didn't even know Harry except what I read in the history books - but after spending several days with them in person... there's just a deeper connection. I wish I could stay here with them."
"And I'm delighted that you decided to spend your Easter break with us, dear," purred Madam L. "I would have loved to be your full-time teacher, you're a terrific young lady. So is your frizzy-haired friend, she's a sweetheart just like you are."
"May I owl you when I get back to Hogwarts?" asked Daphne. "You know... to, erm, let you know that I got back okay?"
Madam L chuckled. "You may owl me anytime you like. If you need help with Potions and if Snape's being a stinker, I'll gladly render assistance. I'd love to keep in touch with you, child. Even if you had a bad day and need to use me as a 'bitch pillow', I'll always listen."
"Thank you," Daphne replied softly. "I'd like that."
Friday morning had finally arrived. Kellen got up extra early to put on his formal robes for the final quiz bowl of the term. He tried to remain as quiet as possible so he wouldn't wake up Harry. He put on his trousers, white button-down shirt, teal and gold necktie, and matching sweater vest. He pulled his robes over his uniform and waited in the common room. It was about five forty five in the morning and he sat in one of the luxurious plush sofas in the common room, and cracked open The Last Command, the final installment of the Heir to the Empire trilogy that Hermione sent him for his birthday.
Perhaps five minutes later, he heard someone call his name. He thought it would be Ana since she was usually an early riser, but to his surprise, he saw Hermione standing on the other side of the common room - she was wearing a plain white button-down collared shirt, tidy black trousers, and black lace-up brogues with a bit of a heel. Her hair was a bit different than usual - instead of the usual wild brown untamed jungle, she managed to make it moderately wavy. She had the barest touches of makeup on her face - it really made her amber eyes stand out. She smiled at Kellen. "Good morning, Kellen. You look really dapper in your formal robes. You look good in teal and gold."
Kellen returned the smile. "You look very nice yourself... you look like you're about to replace Madam Romero in the library!" He patted the cushion next to him; Hermione daintily sat down next to Kellen.
Hermione giggled. "I'm very much a bookworm, yes... I might as well look the part, right?"
"So, I take it you're going with us to Vermont to watch the quiz bowl today?" Kellen asked.
"I am," confirmed Hermione. "We don't have them at Hogwarts, but the very concept fascinates me! I'm curious to see how it all shakes out!"
"Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, so you'll just have to find out then!" Kellen teased. "But for your sake, I really hope they implement it at Hogwarts sometime. You'd totally kill it there."
"Hope springs eternal," sighed Hermione.
"Oh, I wanted to thank you in person for the birthday present... this is the last one in the trilogy," Kellen said gratefully. "That was very awesome of you."
Hermione smiled sweetly. "You're welcome, Kellen. I'm glad you're enjoying your gift."
"So, when's your birthday? I don't think I've ever asked you, and I want to get you something nice... and I feel bad because there's a chance I already missed it," Kellen replied.
"You didn't," giggled Hermione. "September 19th. You've got plenty of time."
Kellen smirked. "Are you excited about tonight? You know I am."
"I've been looking forward to this night ever since you asked me to be your dance partner," replied Hermione. "I hope tomorrow never comes because I have to go back to Hogwarts then."
"I wish I could cast a spell to prevent tomorrow from coming, Hermione," Kellen murmured. "But even I'm not that good." He closed his eyes as he leaned toward Hermione, prepping himself to plant a smooch on her never-been-kissed lips, until a familiar-sounding snicker came from the hallway leading to the girls' dorms. "All right, lovebirds. Break it up."
"Oh, hello Ana," Hermione squeaked. "We were just... talking."
"Uh-huh. Suuuuure," Ana replied sarcastically. "Romeo - word of advice, if you're going to plant one on that little witch - save it for tonight, mmkay?"
"And that's coming from someone who's never been kissed," quipped Kellen.
"You're being a bit presumptuous there, Kellen," huffed Ana.
"Are you expecting Harry to make a move, Ana?" asked Hermione.
Ana's cheeks turned rosy, and her eyes shifted side-to-side. "I dunno," she replied coyly. "Maaaybe..."
"Well, you're a very pretty witch, and I'd say he's crazy if he didn't at least try... though it's probably just as likely that he'll feel the open palm of your hand as your lips," chuckled Kellen.
"If he's gentlemanly enough about it, he just might feel my lips," Ana snickered.
"Harry's very much a gentleman," Hermione said. "He's a very sweet boy, but I don't know if he's confident enough to try it."
"Well, I don't suppose you want to head to the great hall? We might as well eat out breakfast early while everyone else works up a sweat - I'd rather eat a full meal this time than chew on a biscuit or two on the road," suggested Kellen.
By the time the three friends made their way downstairs, scores of Horned Serpent students decked out in workout gear made their way into the common room and out the door to the proving grounds to start their workout routine. Meanwhile, Ana, Kellen, and Hermione dined on ham-and-cheese omelets with pumpkin juice in relative peace and quiet.
The friends were glad that they ate early, because they had less than five minutes to say goodbye to Nova, Harry, and Daphne before Professor Frye called them to the CAB to spirit them away to Vermont.
About an hour and a half later, all the contestants arrived at a remote log cabin in south-central Vermont, on the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest. There was a hidden staircase inside the cabin which led them well over a hundred feet below the ground, into what resembled a game show studio. There were four benches - one for each team, and in the middle was a podium reserved for the moderator - Professor Goode herself!
Hermione sat with the Horned Serpent coach, Professor Frye. Neither of them were allowed to interact with the team during the game, but Hermione was at least glad to sit and watch the whole process.
"Welcome to the third and final Ilvermorny Quiz Bowl of the 1991-92 term!" Professor Goode announced to the teams. "The winning team gets fifty house points instead of the usual twenty five, so more is at stake this time! As usual, each question is worth ten points, not including questions from two lightning rounds where each question is worth one point apiece. The first team to buzz in and answer correctly is awarded the appropriate number of points; wrong answers are not penalized, but your team cannot guess again until the next question."
Hermione sat back and watched the game unfold. She was proud of herself - she was able to mentally answer many of the questions based on her prior knowledge, but Kellen correctly answered several questions that would have otherwise completely stumped her. This boy is really, really freaking smart, she thought to herself. She couldn't help but smile at just how talented Kellen was. Ana was able to help herself as well, and after an hour, the Horned Serpents held a sizable lead with 377 points. The Thunderbirds were a distant second with 264.
The teams took a ten minute break before continuing with the second half. Hermione gave Kellen a quick peck on the cheek before he trotted back out to the Horned Serpent bench.
"You think she likes me?" Kellen whispered to Ana as they sat down. Ana gave Kellen a very deadpan expression and merely nodded. "Very much," she whispered in his ear.
The second half was a bit tighter than the first - the Thunderbirds started racking up points early and often and were only 40 points down after just fifteen minutes. Then Kellen went into beast mode, and racked up 60 points in less than ten minutes.
When it was all said and done, the Horned Serpents had made it a clean sweep - they scored 685 points, winning by exactly 100 points over the next closest team, the Thunderbirds.
"You were incredible, Kellen," Hermione said on the way home. "I knew you were smart, but omigosh! When you dropped the hammer, they had no answer for you!" She giggled. "Pun quite possibly intended."
"You're the heart and soul of this team, Kellen," Ana added. "Thanks to you, we have fifty more points and we're in prime position to take back the House Cup!"
Kellen blushed. "I'm just glad it's over. I have a dance with a pretty little witch I'm really looking forward to tonight!"