A/N: I want to first apologize that it took me so long to write this chapter. I have been very busy. Chapter Six is now up for my other story "Trying Times". I wrote a short one-shot fic entitled: "How Do I Get There?" It's just a cute, little fluff story. I am working on a new fic that is going to be called "Hermione's All That" It is going to be an AU fic based on the movie "She's All That". I hope to have that up in the next week. Anyway, now I hope everyone likes this chapter and hopefully I won't take so long to get the next one out.
Oh yeah, I want to thank my beta, Nick, and I want to thank all my reviewers, you help me to make this story the best that it can be and you keep me going!! Thank y'all!!
Have a great day!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!!
Planes, Trains, and Harry Potter?
Chapter Four
Hermione rubbed her eyes as she pulled herself into a sitting position on her bed. She peered around the dark room, her eyes not registering any objects at the moment. She rubbed them just a little more and finally things seemed to come into focus.
Claire was still sound asleep in the extra bed brought into Hermione's head girl dorm. She figured Lavender was probably still asleep in the girl's dormitories also. She got up from her bed when suddenly the events of the previous night hit her full force.
She remembered that today, her and five other peers, would be embarking on a long and hard journey.
She knew the road would be dangerous, and she didn't know what to expect, but she knew it was a quest she pretty much had no choice in. It was her duty to do this, for the world's sake, and when something that monumental is at risk, there is little choice in the matter.
She looked at her clock, noticing it was a little after six in the morning, and made her way to her dresser. She picked up her brush in an attempt to detangle the bushy mess that was her hair, when something in the mirror caught her eye. She looked closer and realized that it was Claire starting to stir in her sleep.
Hermione immediately felt guilty. She remembered what it was like to live your whole life as a muggle, then one day realize that there is a whole other world out there too. But not just any world, a magical one, where witches and wizards dwell and magic is the center of it all.
Hermione recalled the first time she learned about Hogwarts and magic folk and how scared she was of the concept. To learn that all the tales and stories her mother had told her as a child were actually real, it was as if she was drawn into a fairy tale herself.
She turned to look more closely at Claire and felt herself being drawn to her. They seemed so alike, and Hermione knew that they could be friends instantly. How would she feel if one day she was transported to a world that you always believed to be make-believe, and then finding out you are one of the key players in a prophecy detailing a dangerous quest you had to partake in to save mankind? Not too good, I don't think, Hermione thought to herself as she shifted back to the mirror.
She felt guilty and sorry for Claire and Tyler. Both had no idea what they were really getting themselves into, but then Hermione found herself being proud of them, because here they were helping them out regardless. True Gryffindors they would be, that's for sure.
She laid the brush down, giving up any hope of making progress on her mane, and decided to give Lavender and Claire a few more minutes to sleep before she had to arouse them.
She decided to head down to the library to try and read up on a few more things before they had to leave.
She dressed quickly and headed down the stairs and out the portrait hole. It didn't take long and she wandered into the Library. She didn't see Madam Prince anywhere, so she went to go take a seat at her usual table.
She came around the corner and almost gasped out loud. The sight in front of her startled her. She then began to smile as she made her way over to the table, the current occupant oblivious of any movement around him.
"Harry," Hermione stated as she took a seat beside him. He was startled and looked up from the book he was reading.
"Hermione, what're you doing here?" Harry asked as he rubbed his eyes.
"Do you really have to ask? I think that's usually my question," Hermione said and it made Harry smile.
"Well, I couldn't really sleep, so I decided to come down here and read up on some spells and other stuff that might help us on this journey," Harry said simply.
Hermione eyed the many books on the table and was surprised. Harry was never usually this thorough and careful before going out on a quest, and yet here he was trying to read up on many different things.
"I see, but why? I mean, it's good, don't get me wrong, but usually you just drive right in, why are you so worried about reading stuff now?" Hermione voiced her thoughts.
"Well, I guess it isn't really for me, more-so for Tyler and Claire," Harry answered true-fully.
Hermione looked around and noticed some of the titles of the books: Muggles and the Magical Way, Ten Ways A Muggle Can Do Magic, and Can Muggles Work Magic?. She finally got the idea and was happy that Harry was being sensitive about this.
"Oh Harry! That's great; I really do feel terrible for them. They have such a burden to hold up and I am so worried for them," Hermione answered.
"Yeah, I do too. I'm just worried that they are going to get hurt because they can't do magic. How can they defend themselves? I mean, we don't even know what we're going to be up against?" Harry answered as he looked down to his book.
"I know, it is a little scary, isn't it? We don't know what is going to happen, but the only thing we can do is meet it when it comes," Hermione said as she took Harry's hand in hers and gave it a light squeeze.
"You know, Hagrid said something like that to me once," Harry replied as he squeezed Hermione's hand back.
"Smart man, he is," Hermione said.
"Smart witch," Harry replied and this caused Hermione to look right into Harry's
Eyes. She was blushing and turned down to the floor. I can't believe he just said that!
Wait, was that anything really? It didn't mean anything, did it?
"Well, how about I give you a hand in looking up some of this stuff. Maybe there are some things that can help us out," Hermione said as she grabbed a book from the massive stack and opened it up in front of her.
"Thanks Hermione," Harry said. Hermione turned and gave him a little smile, her cheeks getting a little pink, and turning back to the book to begin her reading.
Claire pulled herself up out of the bed and looked around. She noticed that Hermione's bed was empty and wondered where she was.
She walked over to the dresser and put some of Hermione's clothes on that Hermione said she could borrow the night before. She looked at the clock and noticed it was 6:30 am. In half an hour we will be leaving to go on this quest to save the world, when this time last week I would have been dragging myself out of bed to head to school and wishing I could go on a quest to save the world, how ironic?
She didn't feel like sitting on the bed until someone came and got her, so she decided to go down to the common room. No one will be up at this time, so I will be ok.
She opened the door and walked down the stairs. She rounded the corner and was surprised to see Tyler sitting on the couch, seemingly lost in space.
She walked around and sat beside him, and he turned to smile at her.
"Mornin'," Tyler said.
"Good morning," Claire replied.
"Sleep ok?" Claire questioned as she moved to a more comfortable position on the couch.
"Pretty good, you?" Tyler asked back as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"It was alright," Claire answered. She turned to stare at the floor and her hands began to nervously play with the hem of her shirt. She looked at Tyler and saw the weird look on his face and asked, "Are you ok?"
He looked at her and simply smiled. "Well as good as can be expected seeing as how I just found out Harry Potter is real, wizards exist, people can actually do magic, and I am a key part in this prophecy to bring down the dark lord, but hey that's life right?" Tyler chuckled and Claire laughed uneasily.
She took his hand in hers and said, "Tyler, I know all this is a shock, I mean, it is a huge shock for me too, but think about it. Here we are, two normal teens from a small town in North Carolina, and we get thrown into this world full of daring adventures and mystical creations. It's almost like a dream come true." She had a smile, but she noticed that Tyler didn't smile back.
He got up from the couch and moved over to the window. "Claire, no, see this may be a dream come true for you, but I never wanted this. I liked my life back home, you might not have, but I did! I want to be back in my own bed, hanging out with my friends playing basketball," Tyler said frustrated as he rammed his hand through his hair and stuck it into his pockets turning to face her. "I'm normal, and hell, I like it!"
Claire listened to his words and thought about it. She had been so miserable in her life back home that she never really thought about how Tyler felt about it. He really did enjoy his life!
Claire looked at him and shook her head, "I'm sorry Tyler. I have been so selfish. I know this is hard, especially for you. I have dreamed of this for so long, I mean, I never thought it would happen, but I longed for those exciting tales of mischief and excitement that I read about in my books. I just felt like my life is nothing. I have no incredible tale, nothing to be special for, and now this might be my chance to shine!"
She held Tyler's eyes till she felt the red surge to her cheeks and she looked down.
"Claire, I…uh…you already shine, don't you see? It isn't the adventures or stories that make you shine, it's who you are…"he said as he walked toward her, "it's what's in here that really counts," Tyler finished as he touched the place on her chest right above her heart.
Claire thought she was going to melt right then and there. Tyler was so sweet and caring, all she wanted was for him to notice her as more than a friend and she thought maybe he was beginning to come around.
He moved up to sit beside her and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gave her a light squeeze. "That's why I have you as my best friend," he said as he smiled at her.
Claire could hear her heart smash against the floor at that comment. She held back the tears and tried to calm herself. Wishful thinking!
"Not everyone gets the privilege of being able to hang with cool and handsome me," Tyler said giving her smirk. Claire smiled a bit and punched him into the arm.
"You were always the arrogant one!" Tyler laughed with her.
"Now, tell me what all the girls said about me. I'm sure they were talking!" Tyler said as Claire grabbed a pillow, hitting him in the face with it.
"Ok, well I think we better get back and wake everyone up. We have to get ready and go meet Dumbledore. He wants us in his office at seven." Hermione said, shutting her book and looking at her watch.
"Oh my goodness!" exclaimed Hermione, "We only have ten minutes!"
Harry also closed his book and they both rushed into the corridor, robes billowing behind them.
"I hope the little that we found can help us in some way," Harry said as he and Hermione were running toward the Gryffindor common room.
Hermione stopped.
Hermione turned to Harry and grabbed his hand. "Don't worry Harry, it will," Hermione said as she gave him a smile.
They started running again, except, Harry still held onto her hand. This caused Hermione to smile with delight.
They walked into the common room, panting, and Hermione was surprised to see Claire and Tyler chatting on the couch. She turned to Harry, who smiled at her and they made their way over.
Harry released his grip on Hermione's hand and took a seat beside the couch and Hermione sat on the one opposite of Harry.
"Hey guys," Harry said smiling at Claire and Tyler, still out of breath.
"Hey, where were y'all? I was wondering what happened to you Hermione when I woke up and you were gone," Claire asked.
"We went to the library to do a little bit of research before we have to leave," Hermione answered.
"So, do you two know what we might have to come across on this "quest"?" Tyler asked.
Hermione looked at Harry and turned to Claire and Tyler. She didn't really know what to say. She honestly had no idea what might lay ahead, but she didn't want to worry by telling them that.
Hermione was saved from explaining because Harry answered. "Well, it could be a number of things, but just know that we have Hermione here that knows every spell known to the wizarding world," Harry smiled at Hermione and she began to blush. "Not including the book that Dumbledore said would help us. We also have Ron, who might be stubborn, but has good fighting abilities, and I am sure that sooner or later we will find out what kind of abilities you two have. There has to be a reason you're here if it's in the prophecy, so try not to worry."
Hermione smiled, but noticed one thing that she voiced immediately. "But Harry, you're forgetting the most important thing."
He looked at her quizzically and said, "What?"
"You!" Hermione answered and she saw Harry's face blush. She then turned to Claire and Tyler and said, "We have Harry and with him, we can get through everything. This boy here has defeated Voldemort five times, on his own, has encountered dragons and dementors without hesitation, and has even beaten me in Defense Against The Dark Arts classes. Not to mention he is a great and loyal friend who will stand up against anyone and anything and is determined to help in any situation. With the team we have, we are unstoppable!"
Hermione saw Tyler and Claire nod their heads in agreement and they turned to Harry.
Tyler turned to Claire and said, "Well if we have Hermione and Harry, I think we are going to make it out of this just fine!"
"Definitely!" Claire exclaimed as she smiled at the both of them.
"Well, we better go up and wake Ron and Lavender. We need to get to Dumbledore's office soon," Harry said.
They all got up and Claire and Tyler began walking toward the stairs. Hermione followed them, but was stopped when she felt a hand on her arm. She turned to see Harry staring at her intently. His eyes had a nice shine to them that made them sparkle even more.
"Wait Hermione," Harry said.
"Yes?" Hermione asked wondering what he wanted to talk about.
"Did you really mean what you said to Claire and Tyler?" Harry asked, his eyes showing the importance and sincerity of the question.
"Harry, I was only speaking the truth," Hermione replied to him. She watched as a smile grew on his face and he moved toward her face.
He leaned down to her ear and whispered, "Thank you," and then he did something that made Hermione's eyes grow wide. He brushed his lips against her own, and he turned around quickly heading to the boy's dormitories, Tyler in tow.
Hermione walked over to where Claire was waiting for her. She was still in shock she didn't hear Claire talking to her.
"Hermione? Is everything all right?" Claire asked. Hermione turned to her and smiled.
"Ok, I know that look. What did Harry do?" Claire asked, her excitement not hidden in her voice.
"He…he uh…. he kissed me!" Hermione finally said as a smile grew on her face from ear to ear.
Claire smiled widely and wrapped Hermione in a hug. "That's great Hermione! I knew it would happen in time!"
Hermione couldn't control her excitement as she began to giggle. Wait…stop! Me, giggling; the Hermione Granger, giggling like a little school girl? No it just didn't happen. Oh, what the hell, I'm happy and a girl, so shoot me if I giggle once in awhile! She turned back and she and Claire made their way up the stairs to wake up Lavender, and Hermione couldn't get the smile off her face if her life depended on it!
"So as you all know, this mission is extremely important. I will need each and everyone of you to work together, help each other, and trust each other if we are going to beat this," Dumbledore began as he gave a little speech to the anxious and nervous six students in his office. "I know this is tough, and you have a long hard journey ahead of you, but know this, I have complete faith in you. I believe in each and every one of you whole-heartedly, and I know that if you can not find a way, no one else will."
Claire shifted from foot to foot. Her nervousness was not helping. She was scared, but excited at the same time. Who knew what they were in store for, but all she knew was that she was about to embark on a journey that will last a lifetime. Her eyes scanned the room as she looked at each and every one of her peers listening intently to Dumbledore's speech.
Her eyes feel upon Harry. He stood strong and confident, but behind his glasses she could see the faint hint of fear. Claire knew that Harry had faced many terrible things in his past and was bound to face more in his future. But thinking back, Harry had always made it out alive, not unscathed, but alive just the same. He was ready and she knew that he would do his best to protect each and every one of them.
Next was Ron; comical and funny Ron. He always knew how to make a situation funny, no matter what the circumstances. He was terrified, Claire could tell, it was written all on his face. She knew he was worried and he wasn't afraid to show it. But Claire knew that Ron had a good heart and he was willing to risk his life for others. He was willing to stand against the dark side, no matter what the cost. He was a true Gryffindor through and through. She knew he would be a great asset to this quest.
Hermione stood proud and confident. Taking in every word Dumbledore was saying. Claire watched as Hermione nodded along with Dumbledore or opened her mouth in surprise as he said something important. Claire knew Hermione's knowledge and skill were great things and she was able to hold her own. Claire looked up to how Hermione held herself and how easily she was able to pick up on things. Claire watched as Hermione turned her head toward Harry, giving him a small smile. It seemed as if he knew she was looking at him, because he turned just then and returned the smile. Claire could almost feel their love radiating through the room and she envied them. Maybe one day, maybe one day!
Claire turned her head now to Lavender. Claire didn't know much about Lavender, besides that she was a prissy girl who worried too much about hair, nails, and material things rather than important stuff like grades and homework. Lavender did seem nice though, and she had an attitude that could match wits with anyone. She was not afraid to say what she thought or tell off anyone that would get in her way. Claire hoped that Lavender's big mouth would help them in certain situations. For some reason Claire knew that Lavender was definitely the one for this trip, and before the end, she would surprise them all.
Claire then shifted her gaze to Tyler; Tyler, my best friend, caring, sweet, lovable Tyler. She watched as he eyed Dumbledore warily. Claire knew he was having a hard time digesting everything that had occurred, but at least he was trying. She knew this was hard on him and she knew that he desperately wanted to be with his family…WAIT! Family? Oh my god, I completely forgot about my mom and dad. They are going to freak.
"Dumbledore!" Claire shouted, startling everyone, as she had just interrupted Dumbledore's speech.
"Yes Miss McClain?" Dumbledore asked as he peered at the young girl over his half-moon spectacles.
"What about our parents? We haven't spoken to them in two days. They are probably worried sick!" Claire exclaimed. Claire saw Tyler's eyes widen as well, he too had forgotten about his family.
Dumbledore chuckled a little. "Miss McClain, no need to worry. As soon as you arrived, I had Remus Lupin go to your house. He preformed a memory charm on both of your families. They now think that you are away at camp," Dumbledore stated.
Claire's anxiety slowed as she heard the news. She couldn't believe she could forget about her family like that. Well after everything that has happened, other things were on my mind.
"Ok, now let's go outside. I have a few things to show you before you are on your way," Dumbledore said as he ushered them outside.
They walked to the front of the school and outside stood an old looking carriage, but it seemed to be redone. The outside was solid and there were five different doors on one side, rather then one. The carriage was hooked to a regular horse, which surprised Claire, because it seemed to be the only thing she actually knew.
"This is what you all will be traveling in," Dumbledore began, but Ron interrupted.
"I've never seen it before. Where did it come from?"
"Well we keep it behind the greenhouse. It hasn't been used in quite sometime, but I thought this was a perfect time to use it. You will not be able to fly because of all the equipment you need and also Claire and Tyler have never been on a broom before. You do not know how to apparate and you don't know where you will be going, so a portkey could not be used. You might have been able to use floo powder, but the ministry monitors the networks, and you want to keep a low key. This carriage has different compartments, so that you all may sit and relax without be pushed tightly together. There are two compartments in the back. One is the storage container," Dumbledore walked over to the door and opened it. Inside Claire could see many different things. "I have put in here a broom for each of you, water, food, magical tents, and other various supplies you may need on your journey." Dumbledore then shut it and moved to the last door. He tapped it lightly but did not open it. "This door is a place where you can put any prisoners or anything harmful that you encounter on your journey. This morning I placed a charm on it, so that it can only be opened from the outside with a password." Dumbledore moved from the door and back to the six students in front of him.
"Professor," Hermione said, "What's the password for the door?"
"Ah yes, well I think "Golden Snitch" will be good. Can everyone remember that?"
Everyone nodded and Dumbledore smiled.
"Alright, now that we have all that cleared up, I want you all to go and put your suitcases inside the storage compartment."
Everyone followed his orders and put all their belongings into the storage compartment and shut it back.
"Ok, here is the book I know you will need on this journey," Dumbledore said as he pulled it out and handed it to Hermione. "You need to take the path into Hogsmeade and continue through the town. Keep going till it is dark, and then rest. Then continue down the road till you get to the Dismal Swamp. You will know what I am talking about. There you will face your first challenge. When you have completed that, you will get a clue that will help you decide where you go next. The book is also a guide. It is not detailed, but it will help you complete certain tasks.
The horse pulling your carriage is not just an ordinary horse, it is one specifically trained in directions. All you need to say is "Directo" over his body and tell him where you want to go. I have already put the spell on him earlier today, so no need to now. You will need to do it after you get done resting.
Here is where I bid you farewell my students. I am glad that you are all living up to your destiny and can fulfill this prophecy. Without each of you, Voldemort would rule this world and it would not be a pretty. I have faith in you and I trust in you. Keep with each other and remember that trust and love are the key factors in getting to your destination safely."
Dumbledore turned and opened the doors to the carriage. They each filed in. Claire was last and as she was about to step in, Dumbledore laid a hand on her shoulder and said, "Don't fret Miss McClain. Everything will be all right. You are finally getting your dream. Just make sure to stick to the book and work together." Claire nodded and turned, but she suddenly felt the grip on her shoulder tighten. She looked back at Dumbledore and he leaned down, "He'll come around." He pulled back up and winked, with that he turned and walked back to Hogwarts and stood on the steps.
Claire felt the carriage start on its way and she knew this was the point of no return. She looked at everyone, they were each lost in their own thoughts, just like her. She stared out over at the lake and smiled. Everything was going to be fine…just fine.
I hope!
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I want to think my wonderful beta, Nick, for all his help! Thanks a lot, I couldn't have gotten this chapter done without him!