Hello again.

This is going to be a bit more Hermione centric, continuing from last chapter.

Don't own Harry Potter

More than meets the ear

Hermione's eyes narrowed suspiciously as some of the older students ended up developing the same tiredness issue that the first years had for a bit, however, her attention was taken away when Jasmine suddenly showed up, shivering a bit as she snuggled into the older girl's side. "Jasmine?"

"Sorry, Hermione." Jasmine responded. "Just felt...something."

Hermione wrapped an arm around her for extra comfort, only to snort when Jasmine suddenly leaned away, stared pointedly at Moony's face, and said "Again? Will you stop with the weird talk about Hermione and the others? It's annoying."

It was mildly concerning that she was getting used to it, but Hermione couldn't help the quiet snort that came from the amusement she felt. Moony really likes using us to mess with Jasmine, huh?

Didn't stop the lingering concern about what could've caused Jasmine to shiver, though.

And she wasn't the only one who noticed, though it was more subtle thanks to the range of both Draco and McGonagall. Also, McGonagall had a much different thought from the other two.

Why do I feel like Jasmine shivering is a sign? And if so, for what?

XXXXX

Hermione's concerns only grow as time passed, particularly when Jasmine shivered again around certain areas and Moony started growling a little at certain walls. Walls that seemed to have rather big pipes within them.

Of course, every time she brought it up, Jasmine was quickly distracted by something.

Eventually, she decided on holding back after a Transfiguration class to at least ask someone about it, only to be momentarily derailed when Professor McGonagall already knew what she wanted. "It's about Ms. Potter, Ms. Granger?"

"Uh, well, yes." Hermione nodded. "I think something in the walls might be scaring her, but whenever I broach the subject, something always gets in the way."

"In the walls?"

"Yes, though it's usually the ones with the really big pipes in them." Hermione clarified. "I asked Percy to help identify that. It...it's also getting Moony on edge, growling at those walls as well."

That made the elderly woman stiffened. "Are you sure of this?"

Hermione nodded again, a little nervous now, which McGonagall noticed.

"My apologies, Ms. Granger, I didn't mean to unnerve you. Unfortunately, without more substantial information, there isn't much either of us can really do. So all I can say is don't let it overwhelm you, keep me informed of anything further, and be careful."

She gave the girl a reassuring smile to help, which mostly worked. Hermione was a lot more level-headed about the whole thing now, which brought up something. "Do you think it could possibly have something to do with the Chamber of Secrets in Hogwarts, a History? It didn't say much, but..."

McGonagall could see her point. "Maybe. Unfortunately, again, we don't know enough to be certain. It is only talked about as a legend, including the supposed monster within."

Hermione was disappointed, but understood. Without anything far more concrete to go off of, concern was all she really had.

"Sorry for bothering you, Professor." She said, only to be assured otherwise.

Even still, though, it hung in the girl's mind into the weekend, where she found herself walking to Hagrid's hut of all places, Draco by her side.

Said boy, however, was able to give a reason for this. "I think Hagrid might know more about what it could be. Even I got to admit, he does know his creatures."

"It's plausible, I guess." she acknowledged. "But this is about a legend, Draco. He might not know anything."

"Not know anything of what?" Hagrid's voice joined into the conversation, making the pair jump from the suddenness of it.

Draco was the first to recover. "Hermione here thinks something might be moving through the pipes. Something big. And it's making Jasmine shiver and Moony growl."

That got the big man's attention. "How about you come inside and tell me everything you know? Rock cake?"

"No, thanks." Hermione, upon entering, went into her full explanation. "Around the walls with the big pipes in them is when it happens, with the aforementioned reactions for each. However, all it ever sounds like is muffled water going through them."

"Muffled water?" Hagrid clarified.

Hermione nodded. "Yes. Muffled water."

Draco then added something. "Not sure if it helps, but I did catch a glimpse of a trail of spiders moving quickly towards the Forest."

Hagrid stiffened. "Like they were fleeing from something?"

"Actually, yes." Draco looked at the man. "You know what it is?"

"What it most likely is, at least, seeing as it is the only thing spiders willingly flee before like that. A basilisk."

Hermione gasped. "A basilisk?! But one hasn't been seen in-"

"Decades easily." Hagrid nodded, then stood. "Come on. I'll take you two back to your common rooms, then let the professors know. Even if it isn't a basilisk, we need to be careful."

Both kids nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation.

Draco was dropped off easily enough, followed by Hermione. However, as she moved toward her and Jasmine's door, she suddenly felt her body freeze up so thoroughly, she could barely even connect to her senses.

Though not enough to see long red hair and red eyes, followed by a gentle finger on her cheek and a modified Ginny's voice saying "I'm not ready yet."

It was Ginny's regular voice that screamed upon finding Hermione the next morning, alerting everyone else.

I know this isn't all that much, but the idea wasn't length, just focus. Hermione was concerned about Jasmine, so while the 2nd year attacks didn't happen, her concern plus affinity for knowledge (too easy to get in a debate of 'walking book' vs 'intelligent,' hence...) and Draco's better understanding of 'Who's who' make it easier for her to learn about the basilisk. A LOT easier.

As for the last bit at the end: added incentive.

Until next time. Please let me know what you think.