CHAPTER X
The days passed slowly; Hermione and Ron hardly spoke to each other, other than when it was particularly necessary. Harry noticed the change in behaviour between his two best friends but ignored it, thinking they had had another of their petty little arguments. Hermione began to spend even more time in the library; the only place where she could really avoid Ron; and as a result she was hardly seen in the company of her former best friends.
A week had passed before Ron remembered his promise to Hermione; to find out what potion Malfoy may have used. Seeing Hermione's retreating back after a Divination lesson, Ron ran from Harry's side towards her.
"Hermione," he panted, as he drew nearer. To his surprise, Hermione carried on walking and didn't even turn her head to acknowledge his presence. Ron continued, "I'm sorry, I completely forgot about finding out information about the potion."
Hermione stopped in the middle of the corridor, causing a few of her fellow classmates to walk into her. "I guessed that, Weasley," Hermione said spitefully, calling him by his last name. Having said this, Hermione turned abruptly, swinging her bushy ponytail past his face and walked off briskly. Ron was glued to the spot; he was shocked, Hermione was acting so differently.
Harry eventually caught up with him. "What's happened now?" he sighed, referring to the disagreement he thought Ron had just had with Hermione. Ron explained to Harry what had just happened, being careful about what he said. Although he knew that Harry suspected him of having feelings for Hermione, he had not openly admitted it, or told his best friend of the kiss that they had shared.
As a result, Harry was even more confused that Ron. "So," he summed up, "basically Hermione is becoming more and more like Malfoy?" Ron blinked and turned to look at Harry, thoughts running through his mind again. Could that be it? Ron questioned, Hermione was under the influence of Malfoy's potion. Or, he wondered, was it something more than that?
Ron knew he was unlikely to find out either way, but decided that he would spend the afternoon doing his own research. That afternoon, Ron slipped away from the common room and made his way up to the school library. Settling his books on a table which was isolated in the corner of the room, Ron scanned the shelves of books.
As he looked, Ron ran his fingers along the spines of various books. How To Slay Bobslegans ~ In Five Easy Steps; The Art of Discovering Groogehangers; 10 Ways To Master Your Transfigurations Class, he read the titles, in his head, and almost stopped to pick out one: The New Chudley Cannons Annual. He stared at the book for a few moments, before allowing his eyes to wander on.
He paused when he came to the Potions section. One by one, he pulled out the thick books, looking at their titles and, occasionally, their contents pages. Eventually he found two which looked promising and carried them back to his desk. Quickly he set to work; scanning the pages, studying the pictures carefully; looking for anything that fitted the description Hermione had given him: a green liquid with streaks of blue running through it.
It took him a whole hour and, in that time, Ron didn't find anything which looked vaguely similar to this description. He looked longingly at the Restricted Section of the library, a funny feeling welling up in his stomach; I bet it's mentioned in a book over there, thought Ron angrily.
The Restricted Section required a note from a teacher at all times. When he had first come to Hogwarts, older students who were studying Defence Against the Dark Arts were allowed in as and when they pleased. When he had been in his fifth year that rule had changed; a student had accidentally left a Restricted book on a table. A few first-years had read the contents with undesired results. Following this, Dumbledore had said that all students would have to have a note from a member of staff and would also have to sign the books in and out.
Ron gave up; it wasn't likely that he was going to be able to find anything if the information wasn't in the two books he had looked through. Picking them up, Ron carried them back over to the shelf pausing to look at the Chudley Cannons book. He carried on, placed the large books back where they belonged, and as he was returning to his seat, he picked out the Chudley Cannons book and carried it over to his desk.
He sat down heavily, opening the book's hard orange cover. Once again, he scanned through the writing and looked at all the pictures of the various Quidditch players and also of the different techniques which they used. He looked in wonder at the moving pictures; some showing the players aimlessly flying in the air, whilst others showed a game of Quidditch in action.
He didn't hear footsteps or see a figure come towards him until she spoke. "And here I was thinking that you would be helping me find out about the Cochgrayne juice," he heard Hermione say in a cold voice. He began to apologise and to explain that he had tried to help, but Hermione cut him off, "and to think I actually believed your little apology this morning."
Having spoken, Hermione turned and walked away, seating herself at the opposite end of the library. Ron stared after her, making a silent resolution to himself, he had to find out what that Potion was. He left the library having, after much deliberation, decided to sign out the Chudley Cannons book, and went quickly to try and find Harry.
As soon as he stepped into the Gryffindor common room, he noticed the large crowd that was standing around the Gryffindor notice board. He spotted Harry in the centre of the crowd, attempting to keep order, and tried to get his attention. Harry, however, didn't look over at his best friend, but was still trying to quieten down the rowdy group of students who stood in front of him.
Ron tried to weave through the mass of Gryffindors to make his way to where Harry stood, but soon gave up; every time he got a little further forward, he was pushed back. Eventually, Ron waited at the back; he'd catch Harry later and have a look at the notice board himself. He took a seat opposite the crowd and waited for some of the students to leave.
This they did slowly. Ron smiled as he heard many yelps from those who had had their feet trodden on by the students who were retreating out of the crowd. Finally, when there were only a few students left surrounding the board, Harry emerged looking both flushed and frustrated.
"What's that all about?" Ron asked his friend, as Harry sunk into a chair next to him, looking completely exhausted.
"Go and look for yourself," he said simply, and watched as Ron walked towards the notice board reading the bright orange notice which had been tacked on. NOTICE FROM THE CHUDLEY CANNONS, he read, hardly believing his eyes. The Chudley Cannons? What did they want from Hogwarts? He wondered as he read on.
TRY-OUTS FOR THE UNDER-21's TEAM, he continued to read, CANNONS OFFICIALS WILL BE VISITING HOGWARTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO LOOK FOR NEW TALENT. That was all that was written on the notice board, but Ron remained there for a few moments, looking at the notice in wonder.
The Chudley Cannons were looking for people to be on their team? WOW! Ron thought excitedly. As he took his seat next to Harry, he turned to face his best friend in bewilderment. "Do you know what this means Harry?!" he stammered, a wide smile spreading across his face, "we have the chance to be flying with the Chudley Cannons!" Harry, too, had a smile on his face; Dumbledore had given each of the school team captains extra information about the try-outs. He wondered whether or not he should break his promise to the head teacher and tell Ron what he knew.
He decided that he would; as far as he knew, the two friends had no secrets between them. "The try-outs are in a week's time. It's being done as a tournament; Dumbledore and the Cannons agents are working out a schedule today." He watched his best friend's eyes widen with surprise and excitement. "I'll let you know anything more, when I find it out myself."
Later that night, Dumbledore had a special announcement for the Hogwarts students after their dinner. He cleared his throat as he stood up. "My dear students," he said in a loud voice which echoed around the hall, "you may have read the notices about the Chudley Cannons try-outs."
An excited murmur broke out amongst the students as he spoke. He cleared his throat again, silencing the students. "We have worked out a schedule as to which team is playing who and when. The lists are to posted in each of the common rooms. Unfortunately, due to law and restrictions, students trying out have to be fourth-years or older. The school's team captains will compile a team list, which does not necessarily have to be the same as the usual teams. I wish each and every one of you every success."
As Professor Dumbledore took his seat again, the excited voices of the Hogwarts students rose again. Ron looked at Harry; his brow was furrowed and he had a deep look of concentration his face. Probably trying to work out who should be on the team, he realised, before making a silent wish, I hope he puts me on the team.
He risked a glance at the Slytherin table and saw Malfoy looking please with himself, laughing with his friends. Briefly, Ron wondered whether Malfoy would have been given any more information about the try-outs. Would Hermione have told him if she and Malfoy had been told. He somehow doubted that she would have done.
When they had returned back to the Gryffindor area, Ron followed Harry who went to have a look at the schedule before retiring to the dormitory. From over Harry's shoulder, Ron saw that the first match to be Gryffindor versus Slytherin. He rolled his eyes, of all the teams they could have played.
Ron sunk on to his bed, which was next to Harry's. His friend was obviously deeply troubled and was thinking about the team he would want to put forward for the tournament. "I think," he said slowly, more to himself than to Ron, "I'll keep the same team as normal. We all work well together, we all know our strengths and weaknesses."
Ron kept quiet, a smile creeping onto his face. So he was going to be on the Quidditch team, and have the opportunity to try out for the Chudley Cannons, he thought happily. He hadn't noticed that Harry had turned to face him, "is that alright with you Ron?" he heard Harry ask him.
Quickly he stammered a response, getting excited even as he thought of the idea. He fell back onto his bed, acknowledging that Harry had left the room, probably to return to the Gryffindor common room. As he lay there, a thought came into his head, wiping the smile off his face. They would have to face Slytherin first, he remembered, if they lost this game, they would be out of the tournament and all their hopes would be shattered.
They would be playing Slytherin in a week. Harry set to work, quickly checking that all of the regular team would be fine to play then. The spirits of the entire school had lifted; excited chatter filled the corridors as students went to their lessons, and even Snape couldn't keep his classes silent.
At the end of the week, when there were only a couple of days left before the first match was to be played, the staff table had had an extra three places sat for it. Whilst many of the students suspected this had something to do with the arrival of the Cannons officials, it was another evening before they saw who they had been set for.
The following night, when the students had entered the Great Hall for dinner, they finally saw the new arrivals. Next to Professor Dumbledore, and talking in hurried whispers, sat three men. One, the smallest and oldest-looking of them all, wore a deep blue cloak and looked anxiously around him as though something was about to hit him. To his left was another wizard who was the tallest of the three. He wore an florescent orange robe, to which he had a matching wizard's hat. He had, however, taken of his hat, revealing a shock of blond hair that stood up in all directions, similar to Harry's. The final new arrival, who sat between the wizard with the orange robe and Snape, was deep in conversation with the Potions master. As Harry looked at this wizard, he shuddered, suddenly feeling unsure of himself. This wizard wore robes of black velvet, but printed onto the fabric were a number of keen red eyes. As Harry watched, the small pupils of each eye looked around the hall at the pupils.
As the final few students arrived for their evening meal, the noise lessened as the students waiting in anticipation for Professor Dumbledore to introduce his chests. In due time, the headmaster rose and looked down fondly at his students. "I have no doubt," he began, "that many of you have figured out the nature of our guests. They are indeed the officials from the Chudley Cannons Quidditch Team, and I hope you will willingly accept them into Hogwarts over the next couple of weeks."
Very quietly, Harry heard a snigger and turned his head instantly towards the Slytherin table. Malfoy was sitting there, holding his hand across his mouth, as though Dumbledore had said something absolutely hilarious. Crabbe and Goyle were in much the same state. While Dumbledore talked about some of the formalities of the tournament, Ron also turned his attention to the long table at the opposite end of the room. he quickly noted that Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson were sitting at almost opposite ends of the table and he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. What were they up to, he wondered.
"And now, I shall introduce our three guests." As Professor Dumbledore said this, Harry and Ron both returned their attention to the front of the hall. "To my left," Dumbledore motioned to the wizard sitting closest to him, who bobbed his head in acknowledgement, "is Mr Froupin." Harry heard a gasp from where Ron sat and quickly turned to face his best friend. Ron sat with his jaw hanging down. Harry chuckled silently, it was obvious that Ron recognised the name. He made a mental note to ask Ron for details later.
"And this," Dumbledore continued, gesturing to the wizard with the bright-coloured cloaks, "is Mr Lyfinkle, the current Chudley Cannons Coach. Although all three of our chest will be looking at each player's abilities, it will be Mr Lyfinkle's decision that is final. And finally," Dumbledore smiled at the final guest, "we have Mr Jekydson, the Vice Chairman for the Team." As he spoke, the wizard in the dark cloak, moved his head slowly around the room, glaring at the sea of faces below him.
Harry shivered again, as the wizard's eyes fell on his face; their gaze shifting momentarily to his forehead. Consciously, Harry rolled his eyes; would he ever meet a wizard who wouldn't look for his scar within the first few minutes of their meeting, he wondered. Harry didn't listen to Professor Dumbledore's final words, but instead focused his gaze upon the figures of the three new guests. While Lyfinkle and Froupin sat looking graciously at the students; the final guest, Mr Jekydson had bent his head and was listening cautiously to whatever Snape was muttering in his ear. For a split second, he thought he saw the two men look up and stare at him, but almost as soon as he noticed, they looked away.
Soon, Dumbledore dismissed the students from the Great Hall, saying only that the school's Gryffindor captains and the Head Girl should remain behind. Ron shrugged as he left Harry's side and walked out of the Hall, passing Hermione on the way. He gave her a small smile as he brushed past her arm, but she gave no signs of having seen him. He groaned inwardly, it was going to be hard, over the next few weeks, to regain Hermione's friendship.
Hermione had, however, noticed Ron as he had walked past her. She had made a point of avoiding both he and Harry the past week. Since the incident in the common room with Ron, Hermione had decided both herself and Ron embarrassment by spending time on her own. She had also, over that period of time, thought a lot about Malfoy and the possible outcomes of the potion that he had used.
The day she had bumped into Ron in the library, she had seen him look through a couple of Potions books. She had watched from behind a large bookshelf as he sat down and, running his fingers along the words, had tried to find out any information. She had previously looked through the particular books which Ron had been scanning, when doing her own research. Hermione had watched as Ron had replaced the two large Potions books and, on his way back to his seat, had picked out a Quidditch book. From where she had been hiding, Hermione hadn't been able to see the title of the book but the large picture on the front gave the subject away. Feeling suddenly maddened by this, she had strode over to where her friend sat and had accused him of being insensitive and useless.
She hadn't had many opportunities since that time to talk to Ron and she wasn't sure if she was ready to talk to him yet. He was bound to ask her questions about Malfoy, she had thought, and she wasn't sure that she was ready to face that yet. A low murmur in her ear interrupted her thoughts and she jolted her head sideways as she realised that Malfoy was standing behind her, leaning his mouth close to her ear so that only she would hear what he was saying.
"So, Hermione," he said gruffly, into her ear, "fancy meeting up tonight, finalising our plans for the Yule Ball?" She paused, aware of how all their previous meetings had gone. Then, as if an unknown force was controlling her actions, she nodded, silently agreeing to meet him.