A/N: Ok, first off I would like to clarify a few things for anyone reading this on Fanfiction.net. This will definitely be a Harry/Hermione story! I am sorry to everyone who does not think they belong together, because they do. I do not like the thought of Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione or anything like that. I don't mind any other characters being together, just as long as Harry and Hermione end up together. That is the way it should be! So if you hate the Harry/Hermione ship, then you will not like this story!
Next, I want to think all my reviewers! I have gotten quite a response on this story, more so than my other ones on both portkey and fanfiction. I didn't think anyone would want to read a story such as this, but I guess I was wrong.
Third, I would like to address to anyone who is reading my other story, Trying Times, that I am having a bit of a case of writer's block pertaining to that story, so that is why this chapter was up faster than the chapter for Trying Times. For some reason, my mind is set on this story and I have some ideas that I would really like to get down for upcoming chapters.
Fourth, I noticed a few errors in the last chapter, sorry about that, but I don't know how to correct it without deleting the chapter, so I hope everyone can look over that.
A question I was asked, why did Hermione not think they were muggles, because muggles can't use portkey's, it shouldn't work at all! Could they be special? Hint, hint! ***
And last, I would like everyone to know that this story will be a serious story, but with humor as a backdrop. I want to try a different approach. I think it is only natural that people try to lighten the mood on serious situations!.
If anyone has any questions, then please feel free to email me!
Harry/Hermione forever!
~Jen~
Disclaimer: I own nothing! The rights of Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling, I'm just having a bit of fun!
I made this chapter extra long, for the wait! Hope you like it!
Planes, Trains, and Harry Potter?
Chapter Three
As the sun began to hit Claire's eyes, she reluctantly opened them. She noticed she was lying in a bed. Thank God it was a dream! For a second there I thought I was going insane.
Claire sat up, but when she did, she banged her head rather hard on a lamp overhead. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to numb the pain she felt throbbing in her forehead.
Great, now I'm going to see stars! Claire opened her eyes, but she didn't see stars, but rather little Harry Potter's flying on brooms circling her head.
Now, I am going crazy! She closed her eyes and when she opened them they were still there. Upon closer inspection she could have sworn they were sticking their tongues out at her!
She closed her eyes again and plopped back down on her bed. What is wrong with me? Where am I anyway?
Almost as if someone heard her question, a woman stooped by her bed. The woman looked like a nurse, but not the ones Claire was used to. The woman had on an outfit that looked as if it was from the old days, definitely not the usual scrubs Claire knew nurses wore today.
Claire attempted to sit up again, but the woman put a hand on her shoulder and pushed her back to the bed.
"No, no dear!" the woman said, "You need to lay down and rest."
"Where am I?" Claire asked watching the woman as she mixed different solutions together.
"You dear, are in the hospital ward," the woman replied kindly as she mixed the solutions and handed it to Claire.
"How did I get here?" Claire asked as she eyed the solution in her hands. She didn't know if she should drink it or not, she had no idea what it was. But she seems nice enough, why would she try to hurt me when she looks like she is trying to help me.
"We were hoping you would be able to tell us," she heard a voice say from the door.
Claire looked up and caught sight of three teenagers coming her way. She watched them walk over to her, and her eyes widened to the size of quarters.
"This can't be happening, I'm dreaming!" Claire said aloud.
Claire stared at them for a moment. They looked just like they do in the movies, but older. Harry was tall and had the black, messy hair he was known for. His green eyes shined bright and Claire knew why she had always read they mesmerized people.
Ron had bright red hair and freckles. He was the tallest of the three.
Hermione's hair was brown and still bushy, but it suited her. Claire could see the knowledge within her chocolate brown eyes. I can't believe this!
"Now, now, I do not want anyone disturbing her," the woman said to the three teens.
"Madam Pomfrey," the red head said.
Madam Pomfrey? God, this is just a joke! Claire turned stunned eyes to the nurse beside her.
"We just wanted to talk with her for a minute, just to see how she's doing," the young girl admitted.
Claire couldn't take her eyes off of "Madam Pomfrey". This was all just too much for her to handle at the moment.
"Dear, drink up," Madam Pomfrey said when she noticed Claire was still looking at her with stunned eyes.
"What…um…what is it?" Claire asked reluctantly; finally able to find her voice.
"It will just help with your headache, dear," Madam Pomfrey admitted as she patted down the bed once more and turned and left.
Claire swallowed the solution, which didn't have a great taste, and sat the bottle on the desk beside her bed.
She didn't look any of the teenagers in the eye. She thought if she did, she would faint again.
This just isn't happening. I am hallucinating! I'm an official nutcase!
She finally got the nerve to look up, and all three teens were staring at her.
"I can't believe I am sitting here with Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger!" Claire said aloud as she continued to look them over.
"How do you know our names?" Ron asked. "I mean, I can see how you may know Harry's, but mine and Hermione's?"
"I know a lot about y'all. More than you would think," Claire answered.
"You must have read the books, haven't you?" Hermione asked as she walked over to get closer to Claire.
Claire sat up a little more and turned to face her. She nodded her head. "So, this is true? I swear, this is just all from books and movies, you…you…you can't possibly be real!" Claire exclaimed, her head still spinning with thoughts.
"I assure you now, that we are most definitely real," Hermione admitted.
"I can't believe this; never in my wildest dream would I have thought this would happen. Next you're going to tell me that house elves really exist!" Claire muttered as she put her hand on her forehead, attempting to rub this dream away.
Suddenly there was a loud pop, and Claire looked up to see none other than Dobby the house elf standing by her bed. "Did someone call for Dobby?" Dobby said as he inched toward Claire.
Completely shocked from the sudden appearance, she leapt back, but she went too far and fell off the side of the bed.
She landed hard on her back with a loud thud. She stared at the white ceiling above, when she noticed three pairs of eyes staring down at her. She blinked a few times before Harry reached down and offered his hand to her.
She took it apprehensively, and Harry pulled her up with ease. "Are you ok?" Harry asked politely.
She nodded her head, still in complete shock. "Thanks," she said and Harry smiled.
"Bloody hell, you took a nasty fall. Why are you so jumpy?" Ron said as he shook his head at her in bewilderment.
"You would be too, if you were in my position!" Claire said as she dusted herself off.
"I think it's time we take you to Dumbledore. He will be able to tell us what exactly is going on," Hermione said.
Claire smiled as she walked behind them. Just as they were about to walk out the door, she remembered that Tyler was with her. "Where is Tyler, my friend that was with me?"
They turned back to her and Hermione said, "He fainted as well, he is in that bed right over there," Hermione pointed to the bed in the far corner.
"Well, I think I should get him up, he needs to hear this too," Claire said as she walked over to the bed and pulled the curtains back.
She leaned down and gently shook him. He took a second, but he started to stir.
"Tyler! Tyler, wake up!" Claire said as she shook him once more.
"Hmm….what?" Tyler murmured as he sat up from the bed, his eyes squinted while they adjusted to the light.
"Listen, you need to get up. We have to go talk to someone," Claire said as she helped him off the bed.
Tyler's eyes adjusted and he allowed Claire to help him walk toward the door. When they were on their way, he saw Harry, Ron and Hermione and he stopped.
"Tyler, what's wrong?" Claire said eyeing him suspiciously.
"It wasn't a dream?" Tyler said stunned still looking in the direction of the three teenagers huddled at the door.
"Tyler, come on, there is someone who can tell us what's going on," Claire said as she pulled Tyler in the direction of the door.
They walked through the corridors in silence. Claire surveyed her surroundings. The castle was quite beautiful, and she couldn't help but think that the movies didn't do it justice. There were armor suits lining the halls and elegant pictures that hung on the walls. She couldn't help but find herself staring for a few minutes adjusting to see the portraits actually move. She looked over and was thankful that Tyler was looking down, he might have gone crazy.
They arrived in front of the gargoyle, and Harry said "Chocolate Frog". The gargoyle moved, and Tyler and Claire both moved back. They watched as stairs came into view, and they made their way up.
They arrived at a door, and Harry knocked on it loudly. Claire heard a loud voice, coming from inside saying "Come in."
They walked in and Claire saw the old man standing in the corner. He turned, and Claire couldn't help but think he didn't look all the same as he did in the movies. Granted he still had the long, white beard and half-moon spectacles, but his face was not exactly the same.
"Hello everyone, please take a seat. I'm sure you are all wondering what is going on here, so I will try to explain the best that I can," Dumbledore said as he took a seat behind the desk.
Claire sat down in a seat next to Tyler and Harry sat beside her. She looked over at him for a second and smiled. He smiled back.
Claire looked up to face Dumbledore again, and she watched as he adjusted his glasses than laid his hands on the desk.
"Ok, first off I want to welcome Claire and Tyler here. I know they are a long way from home, and we want you to feel comfortable while you are here,"
"Thanks," Claire answered. Claire felt Tyler nod his head, but did nothing more. He is still in shock, more so than me!
"Now, I guess the first place to start is to tell you that yes, this is real. Hogwarts is real, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are real, and wizards are real,"
Claire stared wide-eyed at Dumbledore. She could feel all eyes were on her and Tyler, but she didn't care. What she cared about right now is the statement that Dumbledore just made to her.
"How?" the only word Claire was able to utter.
"Well Miss McClain, we have always existed and will continue to exist. We have kept our world from muggles, not only for our safety, but also your safety. Do you know how much of a riot it would cause if people found out wizards,"
"And witches," Hermione interrupted.
"And witches," Dumbledore said giving Hermione a wink, "truly exist. It would be chaos, and there is no need for that. So we have taken extra precautions to make sure our world is kept secret from your own,
Now, I know that you have read the Harry Potter book series, and probably have even seen the movies. It has caused quite a craze in the muggle world, if I do say so myself. We are proud to have Harry here, actually belong to our world," Dumbledore eyed Harry and Claire turned to meet his face, which had now gone a bright red. She watched as Hermione laid her hand on Harry's shoulder and gave him a warm smile. Claire smiled to herself at the wonderful gesture, but turned back to Dumbledore.
"I guess I should say right now that J.K. Rowling is no ordinary muggle author, she is actually a witch herself,"
"J.K. Rowling is a witch!?" Claire exclaimed.
"Yes, do you really think someone could actually come up with such a story by themselves?" Dumbledore asked with a twinkle in his eye. "Now, we have made a deal with her. She has been in contract with us to write seven books, one for each year here at Hogwarts. The reason we did this is because we felt that it was the best way to let the muggle world know about Harry's accomplishments and the threat of dark wizards, without actually letting them know. Am I making myself clear?"
"I think I understand, but how did you make movies and everything. I don't want to be rude or anything, but Harry, Ron and Hermione here, look exactly like they do in the movies, but you don't. I can tell you are not the same person, or Madam Pomfrey, who I met earlier,"
Dumbledore smiled at Claire and nodded his head. "You are a wise one Miss McClain. Well, the only ones here that actually do the movies themselves are the students. They are allowed to play themselves in the movies. I and the staff do not have time to make such movies, so they use real actors for our parts. We were extremely sad when we found out Richard Harris had passed away. He was a great man and he portrayed me rather well."
They sat in silence for a moment as if to remember the wonderful man. Claire could no longer hold back her statement.
"So, Harry, Ron and Hermione here are really and truly Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint?" Claire asked looking over at the three.
"Yeah, that's our stage names! Dumbledore let us pick. We couldn't just use our real names, that would have been a little nutters, don't you think?" Ron exclaimed. "I mean, can you imagine what people would say when the actors and the characters have the same names? They would think we were bloody insane!"
Claire was just about to comment when Tyler finally spoke for the first time since they left the hospital.
"Ok, I see what you mean, but why would you pick the name Rupert? You could pick any other name and you pick Rupert?" Tyler said giving Ron an odd look. This caused Harry, Hermione and even Claire to break out into a smile. Harry couldn't hold back a small laugh.
"Hey now, my dad told me that was a respected name; highly sophisticated!" Ron said as he looked at everyone, head held high.
"Highly sophisticated definitely doesn't suit you, Ron!" Harry answered, which caused everyone to break out into giggles. Even Dumbledore cracked a smile.
"Professor," Hermione spoke looking from Claire and Tyler to Dumbledore, "How is it that muggles were able to come here? There are wards all around Hogwarts and muggles shouldn't be able to use portkeys?"
"Yes Miss Granger, I think I have some explanations for that," Dumbledore stated. "But first, I think I would like to know Miss McClain and Mr. Smith's side of things."
Claire looked a little taken aback at having to speak, but she cleared her throat and began the tale. "Well, me and Tyler were in the library, where I work, back home in North Carolina. We were in the back putting some books away, and Tyler here hit some bricks and they came loose. So I was putting them back and I came across a book, it was called The Dark Arts: A Sacred Text. I don't know what happened to it actually. But I just know that me and Tyler both grabbed it, I felt a tug above my belly button, and than the next thing I know I am in Harry Potter universe."
Claire looked over and Harry, Ron and Hermione were all staring at her. Dumbledore was in deep thought and Tyler was gazing at the portraits on the walls, his jaw hanging open as he watched the figures move across the picture. Claire smiled as she watched his puzzled face. She gave his hand a squeeze and he turned his attention toward he, giving her a warm smile.
"Ok, well that pretty much clarifies any questions that I had before. I believe that I know why you are here," Dumbledore said. He opened his top desk drawer and pulled out a book. Claire immediately recognized it as the book she found in the library; the one that had started this whole crazy dream. Wait, it's not a dream, but reality! God, this is going to be hard to get used to.
"This book is an extremely important piece of history. Within this text, are sacred passages predicted by Merlin himself. When Merlin was around, many, many years ago, he was able to see certain aspects of the future. This book is none other than the actual writings of Merlin,"
Everyone in the room, jaws hitting the floor, sat in stunned silence. Merlin? Merlin! I can't believe any of this! Claire was completely baffled. First she is transported to another world, then she finds out Harry Potter is a real person, and wizards exist. Now she learns that Merlin was real and he was a powerful wizard! This can't all be happening.
"Merlin? Really, that is written by Merlin!" Hermione exclaimed. She was the only one who was able to find voice on the topic. "But why would a book of that importance be in the Muggle realm of a small library in America?"
"Well Miss Granger, Merlin came across an old prophecy. It is written within this text, but I know the passage word for word. It has been known to me for quite some time, but I just didn't know exactly when the time would come when the prophecy was to be fulfilled. When I was completely my own training as a wizard, at a young age, I was lucky enough to be able to take part in a certain training program. Not many people have ever been as fortunate as I do take part in this. Few are chosen, and fewer actually succeed," Dumbledore paused a moment to make sure that everyone understood what he was saying. No one raised any questions, so he proceeded with the story. "In this program, we were taught the old ways of magic, magic that has long since been forgotten, magic that is so powerful, some people can not control it. Some people loose over to that power and the power corrupts,"
"You mean, are you saying that," Hermione started to say completely stunned by the knowledge she had just come across.
Dumbledore smiled at Hermione, and gave a nod, reading her thoughts. Claire was confused. Who was she talking about?
"Well Hermione, seeing as us "dumb" people don't know what you have come across, would you mind filling us in?" Ron commented. Claire was thankful for his bluntness.
"He means, Voldemort!" Hermione said. Harry now sat straight up and turned to Hermione.
"Voldemort! What do you mean?" Harry turned his perplexed face back to Dumbledore.
"Voldemort was indeed on of the people who took part in this program, and he couldn't control himself. He was greedy and selfish, and magic like this can not be combined with such characteristics. The power overcame him, and now the evil has been projected so much, many people will not be able to kill him. Only one person will be able to do that, one person alone,"
"Me," Harry said with a stoned expression. He didn't give any hint of sadness or fright. Claire saw this and immediately felt bad for Harry. She knew what the prophecy said from the latest book, and she knew it was not good.
"Yes, you Harry, but you will have help along the way. And now back to what I was saying. During this program, we also learned of old prophecies and there was one that none of us could forget. We all remembered it word for word, as if it was etched upon our brains permanently, never to be removed. It states:
"As the turning of the pages amongst the book of life, begin to reach darkness and the evil wizard has regained most of his power, two lone souls will be sent to help aid the warriors in the battle to the end. Along with them, the key piece of history. Six people will come together, all sharing different traits. The one with a heart of a lion, valor and pride are wrapped up in one. His mission to take down the one who has doomed the world. The second and the third, both have considerable amount of spirit, help defeat the dark before the light is no more. The fourth with true love can now conquer anything. The love will strengthen and the bonds shall not break. The fourth and fifth have never seen power so great, nor have they witnessed certain things as they have now, but the power within them will be needed to accomplish all that is to come. As the six circle, prepare, and battle, the world will either survive or parish forever."
As the teenagers sat digesting this new piece of history they had just received, Dumbledore eyed them all.
Claire didn't fully comprehend what was just said, but felt to weak to actually express her concerns.
"Ok, not to be all rude and stuff, but what the fuck does that mean!?" Tyler shouted. Ron and Harry turned to smile at him. Claire figured they both had the same thoughts.
"Honestly!" Hermione stated. Claire couldn't help but smile at her exasperation. She doesn't change; she is just like she is in the books! "Did you not listen to Dumbledore or not?"
"Ok Hermione, than please, elaborate!" Ron shouted crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well what it means is that six people, which we already know three for sure. Claire, Tyler and Harry, are to battle Voldemort and they have to work together with three other people for him to be completely destroyed,"
"Right you are, Miss Granger!" Dumbledore said and Hermione flushed. "When we were told the prophecy, we were given a little bit more information. They told us that no one knew when this would happen, but we would feel it inside when the two showed up. They would bring along a piece of history, which is of course, the book. We were told that these six were going to have to embark on a quest, one that is highly dangerous, but is most definitely required for the end of the dark lord."
"Quest? What type of quest? I mean, I ain't MacGuyver here! I don't go on quests everyday! Before this, my life was normal. There was no such thing as wizards and magic and people flying on broomsticks. I didn't know that I was part of some plot to kill an evil wizard that I didn't even know existed!" Tyler said getting up in frustration. He ran a hand through his hair, and Claire knew that all this was just too much for him to handle, as it was for her.
"I know how you feel Mr. Smith and I promise you, that you were meant to do this. You wouldn't have been given this task if you were not the one meant to have it," Dumbledore said, trying to voice some wisdom.
Claire got up and made her way over to Tyler. She grabbed his hands and he looked at her.
"Listen Tyler, I know how you feel. I feel the same way, but at least we are together. And if this is what we are meant to do, we have to help or else the world will be gone forever. Just because we didn't know about the wizarding world or this evil wizard, does not mean we shouldn't help, because if the world parishes, not only will their world be gone, but ours also. I can't let that happen, when I may have the ability to stop it. Please, just hear them out. I think we should at least do that,"
Tyler didn't take his eyes off of Claire and he wrapped her up in a hug. Over Tyler's shoulder, she saw Hermione giving her a knowing smile, which Claire returned. They walked back to their chairs and Tyler said, "Ok, we're in. What do we have to do?"
"Well, you will need this book. It will help you along your way. I do not know what the quest entails, but I know it will be rigorous, but I have completely faith that you can do it. Now, I know you are all wondering who the other three are. Well there is a way that I can tell if you are to come along or not." Dumbledore paused for a moment and went to his cabinet. He pulled out a small flask that held a bright purple substance. "This," pointing toward the flask, "is called Subonte Revealo. I have been saving this for just this particular event. What I will do, is place a small drop on your wrist, and if the liquid leaves a small symbol, than you are part of this quest. It is what you are destined to do. I will start with Harry, because there is no doubt in my mind that he is to be a part of this."
Dumbledore walked over to where Harry was sitting. "Please, turn you hand over Harry."
Harry did this and pulled up the sleeve of his Quidditch robes. Dumbledore took out the dropper and placed a small amount on Harry's arm. It laid there for a moment before it began sizzling. Harry didn't flinch, so Claire figured that it obviously didn't hurt. When it was finished, on his wrist was a small tattoo of some sort. It was a star with six points, with a small rose through the middle. One of the points on the symbol was a little darker than the rest.
"Well what do you know?" Harry said trying to lighten the mood. Claire again felt bad, she knew how much Harry had to endure, and this wasn't any better.
"Now, how about you Miss McClain?" Claire nodded and rolled up her sleeve. Dumbledore repeated the process and on her arm appeared the same symbol, in the same spot as Harry's. The only difference was that one of the points on the star, was a little darker than the other points. Claire noticed that it was a different point than Harry's also.
Dumbledore did the same to Tyler, and his also appeared.
"Now, we knew that you three were involved. I am hoping that Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley are also suppose to take part in this. I have my suspicions that they are." Dumbledore walked over to Hermione, and she let him pour the solution on her arm. In a second, the potion sizzled and there too appeared the symbol. Hermione smiled widely, and Harry grinned back.
Claire was glad Hermione was to be going, they would need her, and Ron too, of course!
Ron also came out with the symbol. So now they had five, but what about the other person.
"What about the other person?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, how are we supposed to find them? It could be anyone!" Harry added.
"Like trying to find a needle in a haystack!" Hermione said.
"Huh?" Ron added, not getting Hermione's saying. She gave him a glare and he didn't say anything else, even though he still looked quite confused.
"Well, I will give this solution to you Miss Granger, and I want you to casually drop some on people you would think would make great candidates," Dumbledore said handing Hermione the bottle.
"Ok Professor,"
"And I want you to keep this quiet. There has to be no mention of this to anyone, ok?"
They all nodded their heads in compliance.
"Well, now that everything is covered, I think you all are probably starving, as it is dinner now in the great hall. Claire, Tyler, I want you too to stay in the Gryffindor tower tonight. I will have extra beds put in. Miss Granger will show you to the girl's dormitories and Mr. Potter I'm sure will show you the boy's. Now, I want you all to meet me here at seven tomorrow morning. You will have to begin your quest as soon as possible. I will go over the fine details and have your supplies ready. You will just need to pack you a bag with some clothes and certain amenities. Pack light, you won't be able to carry much. Now, run along and have some food."
They all left the room; silence filled the air till they had walked out of the stone wall and passed the gargoyle.
"Bloody hell! I can't believe this! A quest!" Ron shouted, seeming very excited. Claire couldn't help but smile at his eagerness, even though it was exactly the opposite of how she felt.
"Ron, please, this isn't something to be excited over. Remember Dumbledore said it was going to be dangerous and hard, not something that is a game!" Hermione said.
"Well Hermione, would you rather me sit down and cry over this or be happy, you pick!" Ron said. He had an angry look on his face.
"Ok, now is not the time to start bickering. We have two people with us who know nothing about our life and they are here to help us with this quest that really has nothing to do about them. Let's at least try and make them feel at home," Harry said.
Claire looked over at him and gave him a smile for his compassion. I can't believe all this is happening! At least Harry seems to understand what's going through our minds!
"Well, it wouldn't be like home if we didn't have me and Hermione having a row!" Ron said. This caused them all to laugh, but Tyler looked on with a confused expression.
"A what? Row?" Tyler asked perplexed.
This caused them all to break into laughter!
They had a nice meal in the great hall and when the food vanished from in front of their faces, Claire and Tyler couldn't help but gasp.
As they were leaving, heading for the Gryffindor Tower, they ran into the least person they wanted to see at the moment.
"What was Dumbledore thinking, letting filthy muggles into this school?" the voice drawled from behind them.
Claire knew in a moment who it was.. He was her least favorite character, and knew from reading the books, what kind of person he was.
They all turned around to find Draco Malfoy standing there with a smirk on his face. Pansy Parkinson had her arm linked through Malfoy's and was hanging all over him. His cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, were also right behind them with smug looks upon their faces.
"Malfoy I would mind your mouth if I were you!" Ron said stepping up to them. Claire watched as his face turned red with anger.
"Oh, and what is the weasel going to do about it? Tell mommy and daddy about me? Oh wait, he can't because he doesn't even have enough money to buy a bloody owl that flies!" Malfoy sneered, this comment caused Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle to roll with laughter.
Ron was just about to pounce on Malfoy, but Hermione held him back. She shook her head no and stepped up.
"Malfoy, go away now, or I will not hesitate for a second to take points away from your house!" Hermione said hands upon her hips.
"I don't think a mudblood like you would have the guts!" Malfoy said back. This caused Harry and Ron to both move forward, wands clenched tightly in their fists. Hermione held them back from moving any closer.
"You watch what you say about Hermione, Malfoy!" Harry said. Claire could tell that Harry was trying hard to control his anger.
Claire looked up and this time, she saw that Malfoy was looking at her. He moved around Hermione and stood right in front of Claire.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Pretty little thing, to bad you are trash," Malfoy said as he traced a finger down Claire's jaw line, causing her to flinch. "I could have had some fun with you!"
Tyler moved up and pushed Malfoy away from Claire. "Don't you dare fucking touch her! Ever!" He moved in front of Claire, but she could still see Malfoy's face from over Tyler's shoulder. It was red and he was extremely mad. Just then he pulled out his wand, and pointed it at Tyler. He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything else, he was laying motionless on the ground.
Hermione, Ron and Harry all had their wands pointed at where Malfoy stood. Hermione walked over so she could look down at Malfoy's form. "Thirty points from Slytherin for using foul language in the corridors and another fifty points for trying to hex a muggle!"
Claire looked up to see Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy all standing with stunned expressions.
"Now, want to try it?" Ron said to the three. They shook their heads and took off. When they were out of distance, Claire heard Pansy turn around and yell, "Just wait, we will get you back! We are not scared of you!"
Ron turned around and yelled, "Scared my arse! You're the ones that are running away; I bet Crabbe has already peed on himself!"
This in turn caused them all to laugh a little, as they again made their way back to the common room.
They were all tired, so Claire bid them all goodnight, a hug to Tyler, before following Hermione into the girls dorm.
"Ok, well I see they have already put your bed in. So make yourself at home," Hermione said with a smile. She walked over to her bed and placed her wand down on the table.
"Hermione?" Claire asked with reluctance. She was so confused about everything, she needed a little advice.
"Yes, Claire?" Hermione said giving her, her full attention.
"Well, how are we going to find this sixth person? I mean, we have to leave in the morning!"
"Oh, I almost forgot. Well, do you want to go down to the common room with me and we will try and see if anyone looks like they would be a good candidate," Hermione said walking towards the door. Claire nodded her head and out they went.
Not too many people were still up, it was getting rather late. Hermione noted that she wanted to check Ginny for sure. Maybe Dean and Seamus. Claire and Hermione both laughed when they saw Colin and Dennis walking around blinding people everywhere as they kept snapping pictures.
"Ginny!" Hermione said as she saw the small girl pass.
"Hey Hermione!" Ginny said. Claire noticed that she looked exactly like Ron, only a girl. She was so much taller than both Hermione and Claire. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, this is Claire. She is here just visiting; a relative to Professor Sprout!" Hermione lied. Claire was rather amused at this.
"Oh, ok. Well hello Claire, I'm Ginny!" Ginny said extending her hand. Claire shook it and smiled.
"Hi, nice to meet you!"
"Well Ginny, I need a favor. I uh…just got this new perfume and I want you to try it out and tell me what you think, ok?" Hermione lied again.
Claire could tell that Hermione hated lying to Ginny, but she had no other choice.
"Oh, ok, sure. Well let me talk to Neville for a moment, than I will be right up!"
"Alright, thanks Ginny!"
"Neville and Ginny, huh?" Claire asked with a wink. "Never saw that one coming!"
Hermione turned to her and smiled, "Yeah, none of us did! We all thought she would be with Harry!"
"Oh, no, there is only one girl for Harry!" Claire said with a wink. Hermione blushed a little and smiled.
Claire and Hermione made there way back up to the dorms, and as they walked in Lavender was sitting on her bed, reading a magazine.
"Oh Hermione, who is your friend?" Lavender asked.
"I'm Claire, and you are?" Claire said. She already knew this was Lavender, but she couldn't say so.
Lavender got up from her bed and extended her arm. Just as Claire was about to shake it she noticed a small symbol on her wrist. Oh my god! She turned to Hermione, and she knew she too had seen it.
Hermione reached out and grabbed Lavender's wrist. "Lavender, how did you get that?"
Lavender's face suddenly paled and she started to stutter.
"The truth, it's really important!" Hermione said with a stern look.
"Ok, ok, I'm sorry Hermione, but I heard you telling Ginny you had some perfume you wanted her to try, so I came up here because I wanted to smell good for Ron and I put some on my wrist, and then all of a sudden that appeared, and I thought that maybe I used the wrong potion because…." But Lavender's speech was cut off by Hermione giving her a huge hug.
"Thank you Lavender! You saved us!" Hermione shouted, jumping up and down.
Claire was also excited. At least now we have all six.
"What are you talking about?" Lavender asked.
"Oh, I will tell you everything, just come with me!" Hermione began pulling Lavender out of the dorm and Claire followed.
They walked over and began heading to the boys dormitories.
She knocked on the door and said, "Hey, it's Hermione, can I come in. I have some news."
Claire heard the voice of Ron reply, "Come in!"
Hermione turned the handle and Lavender began objecting. "Hermione, we can't go in here!"
Hermione pulled her into the room anyway, and Claire stepped in after them. Harry, Ron, and Tyler were sitting at the edge of their beds. They were still dressed in their clothes, and Claire knew they were probably talking about tomorrow.
"What is it Hermione, and why is Lavender with you?" Harry asked.
"Well, look!" Hermione said as she turned Lavender's wrist over and showed the symbol to all of them. They gasped.
"Lavender?" Ron asked.
"Yes, now we have all six!" Hermione said happily. Claire stood in the back and caught eyes with Tyler. He winked at her and she smiled back.
"Will somebody tell me what the hell is going on?!" Lavender shouted.
Claire and Hermione both looked stunned at Lavender's outburst, but Ron couldn't help but laughing.
"Now, that's the way everyone should talk!" Ron said. Lavender blushed at this comment.
They sat around and everyone filled Lavender into the details of what was to happen and the quest.
They sat in the room discussing the events of tomorrow, until Neville, Dean and Seamus came up.
Claire lay back in bed, now clad in Hermione's pajamas. She had no other clothes with her and Hermione assured her she could borrow some of hers.
I can't believe this all happened in one day. I still can't believe it is happening now. What if I die, what if I don't know what to do? What is going to happen?
Claire couldn't stop the thoughts from running through her head, but eventually she succumbed to sleep, and ironically her dreams didn't consist of the Harry Potter world, but of her life back home.