AN: I'm sorry for the long wait…like I said I renovated it…so from 2k words it's now a 6k…I don't know how you feel about the change but I realize…this is a multi-chap I shouldn't rush it like my oneshots…
And since I'm surprised by the sudden interest Nemo had received recently it now reached 52 faves…(I'm so happy)…for those who've read it…you might want to check my profile and vote on my poll.
Anyway, this is sort of weird and different for me, this chapter…I tried so hard to separate myself from the characters, so yeah…I hope you guys enjoy…LOL, I take this job seriously…ahahahaha.
XXX
-September 4, 1996-
"Have you ever seen anything as pathetic as that?" Ron told Harry as they took their respective places in the Gryffindor table for breakfast. After Harry had posted the results in the common room he and his friends had to hurry out of the portrait hole as a mob-like crown gathered around a single piece of parchment. And although there was only an hour left for breakfast the Gryffindor table was half full the rest were still probably caught up with the results.
"What?" Harry asked Ron quite confused as he begun pilling his plate with Kippers and sausages. Ron was doing the same thing while Hermione has chosen a bowl of porridge and some sliced fruits.
"Draco and Pansy are all over each other. Disgusting pair." Ron told Harry as he shoved down a whole piece of sausage into his mouth. Harry looked over at the Slytherine table and instantly regretted it as the sight made him loose his appetite.
Draco and Pansy had been officially together since their third year but still, they haven't grown on him, kind of like the way Snape treats them remained unchanged, only Snape could make him regret he was his father's son. Merlin, sometimes he wonders what his father and the Marauders did to that bitter man and why he keeps venting out all his anger towards him.
"I'm surprise you could still eat." Harry playfully teased Ron as he grabbed a pumpkin juice and took a sip from it.
"I can eat through anything, but by the time Pansy tries to sit on Draco's lap, well let's just say I'll be losing more than my appetite."
"Oh, don't be such a prude Ron, we know you secretly wish that was you." Hermione told Ron pointedly as she began reading her first subject books. Ron gave her a greatly sour and offended look.
"Me with Pansy? Don't kid yourself Hermione. I don't think I'll stoop that low. How Draco could even stand her surprises me."
"I don't think I've seen two people more perfect for each other. Hey Hermione You and Neville have Patrols tonight don't you?" Harry asked Hermione and she merely nodded in affirmation. They finally decided to get started on their breakfast. But as the three of them had slowly started eating their way their momentary silence was broken once more.
"Hey Ron!"Lavender Brown greeted Ron as she passed their side of the table.
"Hi, Lavender." Ron greeted her rather uncertainly as they didn't know their bubbly blonde housemate quite well. Seeing her here and greeting him was certainly a surprise for the three of them, even Hermione dropped her book to watch the small exchange.
"I just saw the list on the bulletin board in the common room. Congratulations in getting in the team again. I have to say you are my favorite keeper." Lavender told him whilst blushing and playing with a lock of her hair.
"Oh, thanks." Ron replied quite surprised as he locked eyes with Harry and silently asked him what was going on but his best friend only shrugged at him in response whilts spreading butter on his kipper.
"Well then, I'll see you around?" Lavender nodded in greeting to both Harry and Hermione before giving a last smile to Ron and scampering off to her first class.
"Well, that was weird, Lavender suddenly talked to me, you know she's never initiated a conversation with us that's unrelated to class or gossip." Ron told them and Harry merely nodded as he took a sip of his pumpkin juice and Hermione merely rolled her eyes as she continued reading her Defense book.
"Must be a bet or a dare. Who knows what goes inside those girls' heads." Harry told him when Hermione smacked her book on their table suddenly that it slightly caused some of the plates and cups to move due to the impact.
"Honestly you two? You're not eleven for goodness sakes! I know you know Lavender was clearly flirting with Ron here, it's clear she's fancied him since last year."
"Well, I thought that could be it, but I didn't want to seem presumptuous." Harry told Hermione slightly smirking in her direction as he pierced a piece of sausage and took a bite from it.
"Harry, anyone with eyes could see that's what she was doing." Hermione replied quite confidently at her two friends but Ron gave Hermione a confused look and told Hermione what he thought about the matter.
"Maybe she's just happy I got to keep my position and she's just congratulating me for it."
"She was there yesterday at the try-outs and cheering for you. Stop, pretending you didn't entertain the idea."
"But, you were there too." Harry pointed out and Hermione merely shrugged in response.
"That was different, I was there to support my friends. Girls like Lavender are only there to enjoy the view. Anyway, Lavender isn't good for you. She's sort of annoying; you can do better than her Ronald." Hermione told them pointedly as she flipped her book open and continued reading.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Ron asked her quite annoyed and Harry just rolled his eyes at his two friends, 'what's that suppose to mean' is the cue signal that his friends were about to start a fight.
"It means that if you two are going to get yourselves girlfriends make sure they have a brain beneath their big hair." Hermione told them calmly without batting an eyelash. Harry took a bite from his kippers and thought about what Hermione said. She was right, they were already in the stage where they're sixteen and probably start on having serious relationships, he's certainly sure he doesn't want his parents to meet someone who isn't clever enough or his mum would have a field day about it.
"You don't mean you do you?" Ron asked Hermione quite sarcastically and Hermione glared at him.
"We will be late for Defense you two, come on." Harry told his friends as he stood up from his chair and grabbed his books and Ron and Hermione quickly followed suit.
XXX
-September 5, 1996-
"Okay class, until next time and don't forget to study for our next lesson." Professor Slughorn told the students.A chorus of goodbyes echoed inside the room as the students exited. Harry and his friends were animatedly talking about what they we're going to do on the weekend as it was already Thursday when professor Slughorn called his attention.
"Harry, can I talk to you for a second." Professor Slughorn asked Harry and the latter said goodbye to Hermione and Ron before heading towards the old professor for a quick word.
"Yes, professor?"
"Well Harry, I'd like to tell you I think you inherited your mother's talent for potion making. It's remarkable really, your mother was a brilliant witch, quite surprising for someone who's muggle born."
"One of my best friends is muggle born; she's the best in our year." Harry remarked indignantly his brows furrowing a little as he did not know whether to feel insulted or irritated with the professor's off handed remark.
"Please don't think I'm prejudiced. You're talking about Ms. Granger aren't you, yes she has good potential. The two of you do actually, for that I would like to invite you and Miss Granger for dinner, say this Friday night?" Harry tried to think if he'd booked anything on that day and found that it was just a chess game with Ron. He was almost tempted to tell the professor that but he really didn't think saying "I'm sorry professor but I really have an important event on Friday. My arse would be beaten a couple or more times that night in a chess game against Ron and I don't really fancy missing it" was a good excuse.
"Oh, uhm, that's great professor, I'll be sure to inform Hermione, but if that's all I've really got to go to my next class." Harry made an excuse to leave but professor Slughorn wasn't done with him yet.
"Wait Harry, by the way, you'll be taking that last test tonight, if you're available that is." At this piece of information Harry's interest in their conversation perked up.
"I'm free this evening sir, when and where?"
"Well, seven I supposed after dinner, meet me at my office. That's all for now Harry, send my regards to your parents."
"Of course, professor." Harry gave the professor a last goodbye before finally rushing off to his next class.
XXX
'Knock!'
'Knock!'
'Knock!'
"Come in." Professor Slughorn answered as the door slowly opened and revealed the young boy that he had been expecting for the last half hour. The old professor glanced at his clock and noticed that Harry Potter was quite early.
"You're just in time my boy; I suppose you're done with dinner?"
"Yes professor. I didn't bring anything since you didn't ask me to."
"That's perfectly alright; all we're doing tonight is for you to wear the hat." Professor Slughorn gestured for Harry to sit on the wooden stool in front of him, and Harry approached it rather uncertainly, he was aware that his palms suddenly got sweaty. It was weird; he was excited about this awhile ago, now he was terrified. As Harry sat, Professor Slughorn got the sorting hat from his table.
"Don't be nervous Harry the sorting hat doesn't bite." Professor Slughorn told young pupil who just smiled weakly in response. Harry recalled his first year experience with the hat, it wanted to place him in Slytherine but he wouldn't let it, for he wanted to be in Gryffindor just like his parents, Sirius and Remus.
"Ready?" It felt like his sorting experience all over again, Harry closed his eyes and hoped for the best.
XXX
The moment Harry stepped inside the Common Room Hermione and Ron were upon him. Hermione had a look of worry on her face while Ron was wearing one of curiosity.
"Are you alright?"
"How did it go Harry?" Hermione and Ron both asked respectively.
"I'm fine, it went well I suppose…" Harry told them as he sat at a couch and Ron and Hermione followed suit and took their seats as well.
"Did you pass Harry?" Hermione asked once again and Ron just waited patiently for Harry's answer.
"I don't know really. Professor Slughorn just told me to wait as he'll tell me the results this Friday."
"Were the questions hard mate?" Ron asked slightly leaning forward as if to hear Harry's answer better.
"Not at all. Some were really funny though, I remember the first thing the hat asked me was if I was gay, and I almost did answer but he said it didn't matter as he already knew. For most part of it I just stayed quiet, we really didn't talk much." Harry told them and Ron just suppressed a laugh and looked really amused but Hermione just picked up her needles that were lying beside her. Harry reckons that maybe Hermione was knitting S.P.E.W. things again before he came in. Hermione started pulling at the yarn threads whilst talking to him; he could not help but notice the seriousness in her tone.
"That doesn't surprise me. The hat is a master of Legilimency, it only needs to peek inside your mind and it can assess if you have the right mental state. I bet after the test with the sorting hat Professor Slughorn will have to talk it through with Professor Dumbledore first before finally deciding if you've qualified." Hermione rationalized as she kept on knitting, and Harry wasn't sure if her hands were trembling too.
"It would be neat though if you passed the test. I mean how many wizards get to meet the girl of their dreams? Merlin that's quite rare…" Ron breathed in awe as he praised Harry for his achievement. Maybe Ron was as excited as him.
"Well, my dad met mum…" Harry told Ron grinning and Ron threw a pillow at him. The three friends just laughed for awhile until Ron sobered and seemed to remember he still had something to say.
"Well, honestly, I bet before your dad knew your mum he had an ideal girl in his mind, and your mum just came close…"
"Are you insinuating Ronald that our dads just settled for our mums?" Hermione asked almost mortified and offended. She had assumed a stance which Harry and Ron liked to call as Hermione's 'attack position'.
"No, that wasn't what I meant." Ron told Hermione and Harry once again feared they might get into another row.
"Guys, really? Not another one." Harry told them and both Ron and Hermione looked chastised before deciding to fight their battles on another day, for that Harry was grateful.
"I'm quite knack, I'll turn in now. Harry, are you coming?" Ron told the group as he stood up, stretched his arms over his head and yawned as if to emphasize his point.
"In a while Ron, I still need to talk to Hermione about something."
"Alright, see you guys tomorrow." Ron excused himself and climbed up the stairs of the boys' dormitories. Finally, when Harry was sure that Ron was safe inside their dorm he turned his attention towards Hermione who by now was attempting to start her knitting again.
"Hermione, Professor Slughorn wanted me to tell you that he's inviting the two of us for dinner this Friday night." Harry told Hermione in an almost whisper. He really didn't want Ron around when he tells Hermione about the professor's invitation since he didn't want Ron to get offended or hurt, Merlin knows Ron could be quite sensitive too.
"Oh, he is? What is this dinner for?" Hermione asked quite surprised yet curious too.
"Don't know really, but I feel I'm required, it would mean a lot to me if you'd go too."
"Of course Harry, I'll go. Hey Harry, do you want to knit with me?" Hermione asked Harry as she showed off the hat she was currently knitting. Harry had to admit that after two years of actively knitting for S.P.E.W. Hermione was getting good at practicing the art. But still, Harry thought that knitting was rather unappealing to him.
"Oh, I'm sort of tired already. I hope you don't mind if I join Ron. I'm really sorry Hermione."
"I understand, it's alright. Goodnight and sleep well." Hermione told Harry but despite the smile on her face Harry couldn't help but noticed the tinge of disappointment in her eyes. Harry strode guiltily and climbed up to his room.
XXX
-September 6, 1996-
"Thank Merlin that was over!" Ron exclaimed as he and Harry stepped out of their classroom and slowly made their way back to the common room, their last subject for the day had been Arithmacy, although Hermione was taking up advance Arithmacy so they didn't have that class with her, they had to wait for her outside her Ancient Runes classroom before heading up together to Gryffindor Tower.
As the students which were mostly composed of Ravenclaws poured out of classroom, Ron and Harry noticed that Hermione stayed behind for a few words with her professor before finally heading out to greet them.
"Hey, you two how was class?"
"Same old, how about you?" Harry asked her as him and Ron offered to carry some of her books, which Hermione greatly appreciated.
"Well, I was discussing with the professor if they ever thought about teaching muggles about ancient runes too, you see there are still stones with inscriptions in them in the muggle world which were found in Egypt while others in Mesopotamia and the ancient Mayans, and I was wondering if the wizarding world has considered imparting some of its knowledge regarding old texts and ancient runes to muggles. You know the muggles will certainly learn more about their history if they were taught to decipher those rocks and walls with runes or inscriptions you see they closely resemble some of the runes we were learning about, and presently there are theories that there could have been aliens on earth, but since we know that magic exist I'm thinking wizards helped them-"
"Hermione, please! Stop talking about school for once, my brain is killing me…" Ron complained as they continued to walk towards their common room.
"It might be hurting to remind you that you have one to use, don't keep on neglecting your brain Ronald." Hermione glared at him and all of the sudden her book bag broke and her books came pouring out.
Harry, Ron and Hermione all scrambled down to gather her books, as they were helping Hermione, Harry saw a pink envelope and reached for it. As soon as they were done Harry handed Hermione the letter and she blushed when he gave it to her, but she quickly grabbed it and hurriedly placed it inside her robes.
"Oh, was that a letter Hermione?" Ron asked her and Hermione just shrugged.
"Yes it was." Hermione told them as they picked up their pace and continued walking.
"Is it from Viktor? Didn't know you still write to each other." Ron told Hermione.
"We don't write to each other as often as before but he's still my friend, and no the letter is not from him." Hermione replied as the three of them continued walking
"Then who sent you a love letter?" Ron asked her, and Hermione looked at him quite surprised.
"I recognize that letter, it's a magical letter, it sings the feelings of the sender, Ginny keeps getting lots of those, especially during summer, it gets annoying." Ron told them and Harry stared at Hermione, quite surprise that his friend was getting love letters. But looking at her now, he was aware that she has indeed grown.
Her teeth has been fixed since fourth year, her bushy hair has been less of a mess and is actually a beautiful collection of brown curls now, and she's certainly grown prettier, maybe it's about time other boys start noticing her. Of course most of the boys in Hogwarts did pick on her when they were younger so if she had any admirers they better have no funny business or they'll have to go through him and Ron.
"Who sent it?" Harry asked her and Hermione blushed and avoided looking at them.
"That is unimportant." Hermione told them shrugging the letter off, but Harry noticed her apprehension and the slight tensing of her jaw, he was certain she was hiding something from them.
"I didn't know you get one of those." Ron told Hermione and Hermione glared at their red haired companion.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"What I mean is, you should be careful the bloke that sent you that might just be playing or using you. It's strange for you to get those letters don't you think?" Ron replied but Hermione's brows only furrowed some more.
"Oh, you mean to tell me that I'm not the type of girl who gets letters and if I do get them they're not genuine is that it?"
"We're your best friends; we're only looking out for you. Just be careful…" Ron told her and Harry tried to get Ron to shut up but his best friend wasn't reading the silent signals he was sending him
"Yes, I need to be careful because no bloke in his right mind could actually like me right? I'll see you two later." Hermione told them as she stormed away from her friends with a glare at Ron that was almost scarier than Molly's.
"Hermione," Harry called out his friend's name but he got her fast retreating back as a reply.
"Why'd you have to do that?" Harry turned to ask Ron glaring at him too and Ron gave him an offended look.
"What? She's the one that bloody blew up, she's so sensitive." Ron told him and Harry merely sighed.
"You know I'm guilty of being insensitive too. But even I could tell you were offending her. Do us a favor Ron and just learn when to shut up." With that Harry left Ron and ran to chase after Hermione. As he turned around the corner he almost collided with Hogwart's Headmaster professor Albus Dumbledore.
"Ah, Mister Potter, you're just the person I'm looking for, a word if I may?" The Headmaster greeted Harry. He was sure Hermione needed him right now, but the professor might have some serious business with him too.
"Professor, I was just…oh, uhm…okay…what do want with me sir?" Harry greeted his old Headmaster as he casted one last longing look at the direction he last saw Hermione's shadow at. The professor gave him one comforting smile before clearing his throat to speak.
"I was wondering why you want so much to partake in the ritual."
"Sir?"
"Surely there must be a reason that the ritual interests you. Is there?" Harry was struck by the question. It was a question he never fully asked himself. Why did he want to? What did he intend to get by it? Maybe it's his impairment to jump into situations that he never fully understands, but just like all the times before, mysteriousness has always allured him, maybe it's one of those boyish fantasies to experience a little adventure or to have something his peers do not posses or maybe to do something his friends haven't done before. It could be one of those, or it could be all of them.
"I haven't really thought about it professor. Maybe it's just for experience; I might understand what it means to me after I know it." Harry replied rather uncertainly and the professor merely nodded before opening his mouth to speak.
"People always want what they do not know and need what they do know. But never seem to want what they know, nor need what they do not know. Wouldn't you agree Mister Potter?"
"Sir?"
"A food for thought. A question you might answer through experience, perhaps. Now, I do believe I have kept you, I'm sure there's a place you need to be." Professor Dumbledore gave Harry a meaningful wink and dare he presume a small grin too.
"Yes, uhm, thank you professor." Harry said his goodbyes to the professor before hurrying off to search for Hermione. The words imparted to him by the Great Wizard was slowly being buried inside the deep recesses of his mind, a thought that might not be thought of till another time, such is the shortness of the attention span of young wizards after all.
XXX
After looking at the nearest empty classrooms within the vicinity, Harry finally stumbled into one of Hogwarts old and unused dusty rooms. He saw Hermione's back sitting on one of the desks, barely moving but there were some quiet sniffing and sobbing. Harry looked at his friend's bent silhouette and he was slightly uncertain if he should step inside or allow her a moment to just cry in peace. Despite his better judgment that might have told him to leave his friend alone, he had stepped inside, and with his first step, and the heel of his shoes softly clicking against the marble floors and echoing inside the room, Hermione had turned towards the door quite surprised that she had an uninvited visitor. But from the shock that was painted on her tear stained face it had turned into relief when she knew it was just Harry. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes as Harry stepped towards her. Finally, he arrived by Hermione's side, he was then perplexed, he didn't know what to do next. Luckily it was Hermione that broke the silence.
"I'm sorry I stormed off. It gets tiring fighting with Ron all the time. It isn't always fun."
"Oh, were there fights that were fun?" Harry teased Hermione and she gave a small squeak of laughter and finally looked at him, the tears were no longer there but the redness remained.
"You know some were fun."
"I do know. That's what makes you Ron and Hermione right?"
"Right. I should be used to him by now don't you think? Ron's a good friend, but he's stubborn, idiotic and sometimes he says the most offending things that just annoys and angers me. Do you think I'm being too much of a perfectionist? I know friends can't all be perfect as I have my faults too, but isn't friendship supposed to be unconditional?" Hermione asked Harry and for a moment Harry was speechless, he didn't know what to say. Sometimes he wondered why Ron and Hermione were even friends when they fight and hurt each other so much almost all the time, but then…
"Do you remember the first time you met Ron?" Hermione looked at him quizzically before nodding.
"Of course I did, he was such a prick, he always teases me, calling me a know it all even if all I did was help."
"But he never called you mudblood even if all the other pureblood were." Harry pointed out and for a moment Hermione looked at him, and finally gave a sigh of agreement.
"Yes, he didn't, that's how I know we could be friends despite of our differences."
"You're right, because friendship is also about respect and knowing when to draw the line. You know you're older than us…like you say there are times we can't keep up with your emotional maturity. Maybe Ron and I need some growing too. Just give us some time to catch up, is that alright?" Hermione gave Harry a smile.
"Yes, that's perfectly alright. As long as you promise you can tolerate my bossiness and being so sensitive too."
"Agreed."
"Thanks, Harry, you always do this to me you know? You've always noticed me and chase after me, even before." Hermione's brown eyes searched Harry's green ones as if telling him the sincerity in her words. And Harry merely smiled as he recalled that his friend has always been there for him too. Always the one to get him out of a mess, to help him in his schoolwork, to be the first person that believes in him, she has always been a good friend to him and all the good that she's done far outweighs her nagging qualities and other faults.
"You're welcome, and that's because you do the same for me too." For a moment the two friends basked in a comfortable silence that was until Hermione Granger looked at her watch.
"Oh, I almost forgot, we have to get ready for Professor Slughorn's dinner. Come on…"
XXX
Harry waited patiently for Hermione to come down from the girls' dormitories. Professor Slughorn had told them that it was a semi formal dinner but it was best if they dressed in comfy clothes, so Harry opted to wear a pair of black slacks, a red button up shirt and a grey jacket to help ward off against the cold. Harry finally saw Hermione come down from the girl's dormitory. She was dressed in a comfy v-necked white sweater and grey jeans. She was also wearing a pair of stud diamond earrings and her curls were pulled back in a slightly messy ponytail.
"Sorry for the wait. I mostly had comfort clothes, and I really couldn't find a single skirt or dress for this dinner. Is it alright Harry?" Hermione asked him and for Harry, Hermione still looked the same way she always did. But for some reason something has changed too, maybe it was the stud earrings she was wearing that was causing the change.
"You look nice Hermione. You're earrings really suit you by the way. You should wear it more often."
"Oh, this? Thank you, it was a gift. Shall we go now?" Harry nodded and the two friends walked towards their dinner date with Professor Slughorn.
XXX
The dinner was going very well. Harry thought the food was amazing; it was definitely lavish. Harry noted that some of the occupants of the room were from well known wizarding families like him, although he isn't particularly close with most of them. The only people he were friends with at the dinner were Hermione, Neville and Ginny. Harry couldn't help but noticed that Ginny looked quite pretty in her black cocktail dress; it really showed off her feminine attributes quite nicely.
As they continued eating dessert Harry's gaze shifted to Hermione who looked quite uncomfortable in her chair as she was barely touching her dessert. It was as if she was just playing with her ice cream. Harry noticed Cormac McLaggen who was sitting across Hermione has been looking at her quite lustfully as if undressing her with his eyes. Harry felt insulted that Cormac would make a fool of himself; blatantly flirting and staring at Hermione without feeling an ounce of shamefulness or self reservation. Disgusting man, truly. Suddenly Professor Slughorn's attention shifted to Hermione Granger.
"So Miss Granger, I've heard from Harry that you're the best in your year." At this Hermione blushed and looked at Harry quite meaningfully. There was a certain gleam in her eyes as she was biting her lips as if preventing herself from grinning widely. Harry just shrugged and smiled at her for it was true; a known fact after all.
"I don't know if I'm the best professor, but I do try." Hermione answered the professor honestly.
"I can't help but wonder how a muggleborn like you could do so well. Surprisingly really, a lot of muggleborns do excel, take Harry's mum for example, despite being muggleborn she became an excellent witch." At this statement Harry noticed the slight pursing of Hermione's lips and her jovial mood suddenly turned sour but she opted to remain quiet instead. The professor continued to ask Hermione about her muggle family background, and although Hermione tried her best to be pleasing, Harry noticed no one really understood her stories, only he did, since most of them were purebloods. Harry reckons if it wasn't for his muggle upbringing because his mum adamantly insisted upon it, then he would have been ignorant too.
The rest of the dinner went rather uneventful with the professor asking each student random questions about their families and school. Harry got the impression that the Professor seemed awfully concerned of their personal lives; something which he can't really decide if he finds amusing or unnerving. With so much talk that didn't even seem substantial, Harry found himself utterly bored. He couldn't wait for the dinner to be over so the professor could finally tell him if he passed the test or not.
Dinner finally came to a close and Professor Slughorn had asked for both Harry and Hermione to stay behind. As their fellow students slowly cleared out, Harry and Hermione were in anticipation for the Professor's next words. The professor had asked them to sit with him by the fire and both Harry and Hermione obeyed. When the three of them finally sat down, the professor finally spoke.
"I wanted to tell you Harry that you passed the two tests. And after my talk with Dumbledore he said that you are indeed qualified. So Mister Potter, I would like to officially ask you if you want to partake in this ritual."
"Yes." Harry didn't even pause for a moment to think about it, the words just slipped out of his mouth, either naturally or carelessly. He was a man of action and not of consequence, the analyzing and thinking part was always Hermione's forte.
"Good Harry. Now, Miss Granger I wanted to ask you if you'd care to assist us during the ritual? I think I'll need an extra pair of hands, and I've talked with the other professors and they do comment that you're a good student, even professor Snape says so. What do you say Miss Granger?"
"Of course professor, I'd be happy to assist you, especially since Harry's my friend. I wouldn't want anything to go wrong." Hermione told the professor and looked at Harry, for a moment she and Harry just locked eyes, that was until the professor cleared his throat and broke their silent reverie.
"Good then. Now I'd like to invite the two of you to join my Slug Club. Some of your peers turned out to be disappointing but you two certainly look promising, so what do you say?"
XXX
The walk back to the common room was silent. But Harry noticed that Hermione was smiling every now and then during their walk. He got curious by Hermione's strange behavior as Hermione wasn't necessarily your typical giggling girl, and so he decided to ask her about it.
"Hermione, what's with the grin on your face?"
"Oh, aren't I allowed to smile?"
"You're allowed, just that you smile randomly." Hermione laughed at Harry and shook her head as if clearing a bubble before speaking.
"Is it true what the professor said? Did you really tell him that I'm the best in our year?"
"Yes of course, everyone knows that." Harry replied quite bemused. He wondered why Hermione acted so surprised, he was sure if it was anyone they would have said the same thing about her.
"Thank you Harry, that means a lot to me." Hermione told Harry and they continued their walk in comfortable silence. A silence that is merely broken by occasional comments about the dinner and a few laughs here and there. But during their walk Harry was only too aware that it was only a matter of days before the ritual, a ritual that may or may not change his life.
XXX
In the darkness there is calm and silence. There is no hint of harsh winds or the tremble of the ground, there is a sense of serendipity as if allowing the sleeping bodies to experience the small miracle of a good night's sleep. There in their safe havens the slumbering forms of the Gryffindor girls lie peaceful. But beneath the silhouettes of black, a lone candle flames in the darkness.
"The last ingredient is the lock of hair…" Hermione yawned as she continued to read the ingredients of the potion, and rubbed her eyes. She could not sleep for her conscience kept her awake. She gave Harry the last ingredient days ago, and although it pains her to admit it, she wasn't so sure if she made the right decision.
She was afraid, afraid that she was going to hurt Harry, or herself…she figured, it was better if she was the one hurt and not him.
Books and theories never failed her and if she was interpreting her readings correctly then she shouldn't be as troubled as she is now. She yawned once more and stretched her arms but as she did so, her brown eyes landed on a lone bronze picture frame. Hermione smiled faintly at the wizarding photo as she reminisced the day it was taken.
The photo was of her, Harry and Ron on their last day in Hogwarts during their first year. They were an odd trio; surely no one would have thought they would be friends. She certainly didn't think they would be, and if the thought did cross her twelve year old mind, she certainly didn't expect for them to last five years in their friendship.
She could almost remember the first time she had met them. Two boys with an air of mischief about them, two boys who clearly have warning signs engraved on their foreheads, two boys who had hurt her feelings and often teased her for her hair, teeth and dubbed 'cleverness'. They had made her feel awful and she had vowed to stay away from people like Harry and Ron who knew nothing but trouble.
But fate has always been unpredictable for she had planned to weave them in a single thread. During their first flying lesson she didn't know how to control her broom and before she fell Harry and Ron had saved her. Since then both boys seemed remorseful for teasing her and they had suddenly grown quite protective, and for her part she was grateful, and she had tried her best to keep and help her friends.
They never left each other's side since then. It was always the three of them and for Hermione; her friends came first before her. She wouldn't dare let them down. Even though she and Ron often fought she values her friendship with him and Harry, Harry has always been there and she would make sure she'll keep him safe like he has always done with her.
Her friends, they were important to her; that was her truth.
"I know I did the right thing." Hermione tried to convince herself once more before welcoming the calling of sleep and finally let it carry her to dreamland.
XXX
AN: Okay, so this is the bridge…next chapter is definitely the ritual…but I warn you I lack imagination I'm not like the authors of 'The Other Boy Who Lived' and 'Hermione Granger and The Goblet of Fire' (in case you're wondering they're brilliant authors whose works I've read in Portkey)…so yeah…I'm still re reading the next chapter as I'm unsatisfied with it.
Question: Thoughts on the charas? Any complains? Are they OOC? Confusion still there?
BTW: I'm kind of bored I haven't read much HP fics anymore…so it'll be nice if you recommend some works to me…even your own. Thank you.
Review…I always reply to them so if you have question please do ask.