This is a note to remind all the readers that this story was started BEFORE HBP!!!
Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling
Chapter 16 - Hermione's Close Call
Despite the fact that only they, Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore had know about Peeves's attack on Hermione the night before none of the trio were surprised that by Saturday lunchtime the rest of the school knew of Ron's victory of Peeves (the only other people who knew the truth about what had really happened were of course Ginny, Neville and Luna who Harry and the others had told earlier that morning).
Naturally the Gryffindors hailed Ron as a hero, even more so after they realised he'd earned fifty points. The Ravenclaws (encouraged naturally by Luna) and Hufflepuffs also joined in with the celebrations and even a few Slytherins tried to congratulate Ron (albeit grudgingly) although Ron usually just glared back at them.
Peeves meantime was in total disgrace and had been confined to the third floor where he could be heard wailing and moaning as he bounced around the empty and unused corridors. The rumours that quickly spread around the castle said the only reason he'd not expelled from the castle was due to the trouble he'd caused Umbridge at the end of the previous year but at the same time adding that Dumbledore had warned him if he even looked at a student in the wrong way he would be banished from Hogwarts.
But it wasn't just the students celebrating Peeves's disgrace. The staff also seemed to be quite cheered by the news and on Saturday afternoon Ron was summoned to McGonagall's Office only to return a short time later clutching a large bar on Honeydukes chocolate under his robes and which he immediately shared out with the rest of the Marauders.
But whilst the teachers were fairly discreet in their celebrations there was one member of staff who could not hide his delight at Peeves's fall from grace.
Filch!
For the first few days after Peeves's defeat the Caretaker could be seen walking around the castle with a gleeful (and somewhat eerie) smile and was often seen heading up to the third floor to taunt the Poltergeist until Dumbledore intervened and told him to leave Peeves alone.
In the meantime life went on and for Harry that meant preparing for the Gryffindor Quidditch Trials and on the night before the trials he'd received a list from McGonagall with the names of eleven students who'd signed up for the trials. Eight of the names, Ginny, Seamus, Dean, Jack, Andrew, Colin and Dennis and their friend Miles, he recognised instantly but the other three he knew but wouldn't have been able to pick them out so on returning to the Common Room he immediately sought out Katie and Ron and the trio made their way towards a quite corner where they could talk quietly together.
"So who have we got," Katie asked as Harry pulled the list out of his pocket.
"Okay, first one is Emma Dobbs."
"The brunette over in the corner," Katie said with a nod of her head. "Second year, very smart and I know for a fact she got the top score in the Flying Exam last term. Next?"
"Geoffrey Hooper."
"Oh, not that whiner!" groaned Katie whilst Ron grimaced. "See the guy reading the Prophet, that's him. All I ever hear him do is complain! He even whinges about the feasts!"
"Really?" said Harry with a grin. "Better not tell Hermione that, she might have a go at him for being an ungrateful so-and-so!"
"Hey, that's not a bad idea!" replied Ron with a grin of his own whilst Katie sniggered. "Okay, whose the last one?"
"Vicky Frobisher," said Harry. "Didn't she try out last year?"
"Yeah," replied Katie with a nod. "She would have been in too but she chose Charms Club over Quidditch."
"Another good thing from this one practice rule," said Ron leaning back with his hands behind his head.
"Maybe," said Harry with a slight frown. "I just hope we'll be able to train `em up pretty quick."
"I wouldn't worry about Gin," said Ron with a grin.
"No, we know she can play," agreed Katie. "What about the others?"
"Dean and Seamus are both pretty good," said Ron. "I think they'd make a good pair of beaters."
"Just as long as it's neither Dennis or Colin," said Harry gravely. "I know those two mean well but I reckon we could kiss the cup goodbye if we had to choose them!"
"Too bloody right we can!" muttered Ron at which Harry and Katie exchanged a look. Ever since he'd learned off the Creeveys desire to make the team Ron had been going around virtually all the other Gryffindors trying to persuade them to try out for the team in a desperate effort to keep Dennis and Colin off the team.
"Well," said Katie with a sigh as she tugged at a lock of hair. "I guess we'll see tomorrow night then won't we?"
***
And so, the following evening after dinner Harry, Ron and Katie led the hopefuls down to the stadium. They weren't alone however as Hermione, Neville and quite a few other Gryffindors accompanied them and whilst the spectators took their seats in the stadium the players made their way to the changing room where they quickly changed into their training kits and headed out onto the field where they were met with wild cheering.
Almost as soon as they heard the cheering Harry noticed Miles, Dennis and Colin had all gone ashen faced whilst Geoffrey was visibly trembling with nerves.
"This should be interesting," muttered Ron quietly from beside Harry. "Galleon says Dennis pukes first!"
"I've got Colin!" said Katie from Harry's other side.
"Guess I'll take Miles," said Harry with a grin before blowing his whistle. "Alright you lot, over here."
He quickly explained the rules with the three team members who were playing in their usual positions, Katie, Jack and Andrew, making up one team with the others divided into similar teams. They'd then play the other teams in ten minute games with Ron in goal while Harry watched from above.
The first match was between Ginny, with Seamus and Dean as her beaters against Vicky, Geoffrey and Emma and it quickly became clear to Harry that whilst Seamus and Dean where the superior beaters (although Emma was certainly no slouch, she was merely let down by being paired with Geoffrey) Vicky was just as good as Ginny and probably was slightly faster than her. In the end however Ginny's trio won but only just by sixty points to forty.
The next match between Katie's team and the Creevey brothers and Miles however was just ugly. Katie just left Miles in her wake whilst neither Dennis or Colin seemed able to deal with any of the shots that Andrew or Jack sent their way and twice they sent Miles off his broom whilst the Creeveys nearly collided twice before Harry's final whistle.
In the end Katie's team won by a hundred and thirty to zero and things didn't improve for Colin, Dennis and Miles when Ginny, Seamus and Dean beat them by a hundred and seventy points to ten whilst Katie, Jack and Andrew ran out easy winners against Vicky's trio by one hundred and twenty points to eighty. After this match Harry called a break and once he reached the ground he called Katie and Ron over.
"Who do you think?" he asked hoping the others were of the same mind.
"Easy," said Katie. "Vicky and Ginny for the Seekers spots and Dean and Seamus as our seekers!"
"Ron?" said Harry turning to his friend who merely grinned and nodded.
"Sounds right to me," he said.
"Right," said Harry. "And I think I'll ask Jack and Andrew to be our reserve beaters and I know she tried out as a beater but what about Emma as our reserve Chaser?"
"Perfect," said Katie whilst Ron nodded with agreement before they turned to look at the trialists. Jack and Andrew where sharing a joke with Seamus and Dean whilst Emma, Vicky and Ginny where chatting amongst themselves. Geoffrey was sat on one of the benches twiddling his thumbs whilst Colin, Dennis and Miles just looked plain miserable.
"Reckon we should put them out their misery?" chuckled Ron.
"Not yet," said Harry with a small grin. "We'll play the last two games then make the announcement; after all, something might happen to change our minds."
Here Ron and Katie both snorted with laughter but agreed with Harry to finish the trials.
The next game saw Emma, Vicky and Geoffrey up against the Creeveys and Miles but the game had barely gotten started when it was called off after Dennis and Colin collided in midair and were only stopped from hitting the ground by Katie and Ginny who caught the stunned brothers using levitation charms and lowered them safely to the ground.
"Well, that's it for these pair," said Katie firmly as Harry landed beside her.
"We're fine," protested Dennis attempting to stand up but fell down on his backside whilst Colin just sat on the floor looking green.
"We'll take them to Pomfrey," said Vicky quickly. Here Harry paused and then looked over at Katie and Ron.
"Nah," he said. "I guess we're finished here. Me and Ron can cart these two up to the Infirmary. I'll announce the team in the morning."
The others all nodded when Harry slung one of Dennis's arms around his shoulder and took off towards the castle with Ron and a still dazed Colin following right behind.
"Did we win?" asked Colin groggily as they made their way up the path.
"Yeah mate," said Ron and though Harry couldn't see his friend's face he could almost hear the smirk in Ron's voice.
When they arrived at the Infirmary Madam Pomfrey immediately began fussing over the Creeveys and quickly determined that Colin had a concussion whilst Dennis was also slightly concussed on top of which he had a badly bruised knee.
"Nothing I can't deal with," Madam Pomfrey assured Harry and Ron. "I hope I don't see you in here too often Mr Potter."
"I hope so too," replied Harry with a wry grin.
Pomfrey gave him and Ron an amused smile then turned and headed off to her office. Harry and Ron meanwhile turned and made their way back down to the stadium so they could grab a shower and change into their regular clothes. On arriving they found Ginny and Katie, now back in their own clothes waiting for them.
"How are they?" asked Katie raising from the bench she and Ginny had been sitting on.
"They'll live," said Harry. "Might have a hard time remembering tonight thought."
"Well they did bang their heads rather hard," said Ginny with a chuckle.
"I suppose it's too much to hope that it might have knocked some sense into `em," snorted Ron causing a few more chuckles as Ginny now got up to her feet.
"Well, see you back in the Common Room," she said and with that she and Katie left the boys on their own. Harry and Ron quickly headed to the shower blocks. Ron only showered briefly whilst Harry decided to take a slightly longer one. He always enjoyed a good shower after flying, even if he hadn't worked up much of a sweat.
"You want me to wait?" called Ron from the changing room.
"Nah, you get going," replied Harry as he ran a hand through his damp hair. "I'll be up shortly."
"Righto," came back the cheerful reply. "See yea," and with that Harry heard the door open and then close behind Ron. He now stood and allowed the hot water to wash over him for a few more minutes before turning off the shower and grabbed a towel which he wrapped around his waist and a second to dry his hair with.
He now started to pad back towards the changing area and was rubbing his hair vigorously when he heard a squeak causing him to rapidly pull the towel away from his head to see Hermione, quite red faced, standing in the doorway of the changing room.
"Oh, oh, Harry! I...I'm so sorry," said Hermione turning her back on Harry. Harry however, to his surprise, didn't feel the slightest bit embarrassed about his girlfriend catching him like this.
"'Mione," he said calmly tossing the towel he'd been using on his hair onto a nearby bench and moving over to her. "It's Okay."
"But…but….you're…." stammered Hermione as Harry rested his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around. "Naked!" she finished weakly as she caught sight of Harry, her cheeks going bright pink!
"Well, not quite," said Harry with a grin as he slipped a finger under her chin and raising her gaze to meet his. "Besides, it's not as if it matters. You're my girlfriend aren't you?"
"Well yes," said Hermione, a shy smile crossing her face.
"Well then," said Harry and without hesitation leaned down and kissed her softly before pulling back and taking great pleasure in the dreamy expression on Hermione's face.
"So?" said Harry warmly. "Still regretting walking in on me?"
"I…I suppose not," said Hermione, the fingers of her left hand tracing an invisible pattern on Harry's bare chest which she was scrutinizing intently.
"Obviously like what you see though," said Harry chuckling. Hermione blushed scarlet at this but a small smile crept across her face.
"Maybe," she said softly as her finger traced a scar on Harry's arm. "What's this?" she asked, her fingers pausing on the scar while her eyes moved up to meet Harry's.
"Remember Fourth Year," said Harry with a grim smile. "That's another souvenir courtesy of Voldermort, well, Pettigrew to be exact. Neither Fawkes nor Poppy could heal the wound properly for some reason. Not that it acts like the one on my forehead, as far as that goes it's just a regular scar."
Hermione's eyes watered slightly and she bit her trembling bottom lip.
"Oh Harry," she sighed softly. Then, she surprised Harry by leaning forward and kissing the scar gently before looking back up at him.
"He's not going to hurt you again," she whispered in a trembling voice. "Not if I can help it!"
"I know," said Harry with a warm smile before their lips met in another kiss.
"As much as I do enjoy seeing you like this," said Hermione after a few more minutes. "You'd better get dressed, it's getting close to curfew even if we are allowed a little latitude what with me being a Prefect and you being Quidditch Captain, but I'd rather not run into Filch."
"Good point," said Harry with a snort. "Wait for me?"
"Of course I will," said Hermione smiling brightly. Harry ginned, kissed her quickly on the tip of her nose and then gently shoved her out the door and closed it before hurrying over to his clothes.
***
A few short minutes later Harry and Hermione were making their way back up the path, Harry with his arm around Hermione's shoulder whilst Hermione had one of her arms around his waist.
"So what do you think our chances are then?" asked Hermione as they made their way up to the castle.
"Pretty good I think," said Harry with a thoughtful expression. "I mean, Ginny's already a pretty good chaser so we'll only have to work on Vicky and I don't think she'll need much training up and as for Dean and Seamus, well, they could be Fred and George using Polyjuice seeing how well they played. I'd say we've got a good chance this season."
"Good," said Hermione although her voice seemed to quiver slightly.
"'Mione," said Harry slowing their pace. "Is something wrong?"
"No," sighed Hermione. "I'm just being silly, that's all!"
Here Harry stopped dead forcing Hermione to stop as well and then stepped in front of her.
"Hermione Jane Granger," he said firmly. "You're never silly, now what's worrying you?"
Hermione sighed and then looked up at him. "I'm…I'm scared," she blurted at which Harry looked at her in confusion.
"Scared? Of what?"
"Of you being injured!" snapped Hermione. "I mean, I've always been worried when you play that infernal game but…well, now we're together I don't even know if I'm going to be able to watch!"
A part of Harry wanted to laugh at this but the overriding part of him thought this would be a bad idea and instead he merely stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Hermione.
"Hey," he said softly. "You seemed to be forgetting that there's a psychotically deranged wizard out there who wants to kill me! Compared to that I think a game of Quidditch is pretty safe!"
"I know," muttered Hermione gloomily. "It's just…well, like I said, it's silly!"
"What's silly?" Here Hermione hesitated and turned and looked back towards the stadium.
"Well it's like I said in the changing room, when it's Voldermort at least I can do something to help you! Find a spell or something to help you defend yourself but when it comes to Quidditch I useless to you and I don't like feeling useless!"
`Ah,' thought Harry with a wry smile. `So that's it.'
"Hermione," he said tilting her head back so they were looking into each others eyes. "You seemed to be forgetting my first ever Quidditch game when Quirrell was trying to kill me. It was you who set Snape's robes on fire and distracted him, if you hadn't done that Merlin knows what would have happened. And as for being useless to me when I'm playing, well I'm sorry but that's a complete load of bullshit!"
Here Hermione's eyes widened and her jaw dropped whilst Harry grinned inwardly as he continued to speak.
"Just knowing you're there to cheer me on gives me a buzz. Gives me this feeling that I can do anything so don't say your useless to me Okay?"
By now Hermione's eyes were watering slightly and her lips were trembling in a smile.
"How come you always known what to say to cheer me up?"
"I'd guess it's because unlike a certain red-haired friend of ours I have an emotional range slightly larger than that of a teaspoon!"
Hermione giggled at this and hugged Harry tighter.
"Thanks," she murmured against his chest.
"Anytime," he replied. "Now come on or Filch WILL catch us."
And as they started hurrying up towards the castle Hermione made a decision.
She just needed to speak to her best female friend first.
***
"So what's up?" said Ginny as she sat down beside Hermione in the Gryffindor Common room ten minutes later.
Hermione turned from the younger girl and glanced across the room to where Harry and Ron were sat. Thankfully Harry hadn't even battered an eyelid when Hermione had told him she needed to speak to Ginny about bed checks although both he and Ron had been somewhat reluctant to take up her suggestion to do some of their homework but none the less they were now sat in the opposite corner with their Charms books out. Hermione now took a steadying breath and then turned to Ginny with a nervous smile.
"I need your advice on something…delicate."
"Sure," said Ginny, her face wearing a curious expression. Hermione now glanced down at her hands and then back at Ginny and began explaining what she needed. As she did both girls blushed slightly but a small smirk still found its way onto Ginny's face.
"Well, it's a good job you brought that stuff at Madam Malkin's isn't it," she giggled whilst Hermione went even redder although a small smile did appear on her face.
"If I recall correctly I brought them at your suggestion, something about making Harry's eyes pop out!"
"Alright, so I might have pushed you a bit," allowed Ginny, a look of smug satisfaction on her face. "As for the other thing you need, we're gonna need to get into Pomfrey's Office."
"Pomfrey's Office?" replied Hermione looking surprised. "I thought they'd be in the restricted section."
"Probably are," replied Ginny. "But I'd be willing to bet it'd be easier to find in the Infirmary, less books to check. Plus Filch and Mrs Norris don't usually go up there."
"Good point," agreed Hermione before looking over at Harry and Ron who seemed to be sharing a joke about something as both were grinning broadly. Harry happened to catch her gaze and winked at her, an action that made her stomach flip.
"Do you think he'd loan you his cloak?" said Ginny thoughtfully as she leaned back in her seat. "It'd make the whole thing a bit easier."
"Probably," allowed Hermione. "Although he may ask why."
"Tell him it's a surprise," said Ginny. "You wouldn't be lying to him and he will get a surprise at the end!"
Hermione considered this and then nodded.
"I'll ask him later, when we're alone."
***
"You want to borrow my cloak?" said Harry curiously as he watched the fire crackle and spark whilst he stroked Hermione's hair as she rested her head against his shoulder. They were now alone apart from a dozing Ron and the only other sound was the tick-tock of the grandfather clock that stood in the corner of the Common Room. "What for?"
"I need to do some research," said Hermione truthfully. "I promise I'll look after it."
Harry's hand paused in mid-stroke and he looked down at his girlfriend who met his gaze with a soft smile.
"You want to go into the Restricted Section right?"
"Maybe," allowed Hermione with a non-committal shrug.
"But you're not gonna tell me why?"
"Not yet, but I will, I promise." There was silence for a moment punctuated by a snort and then a growl from Ron's direction before Harry spoke again.
"You don't want it right now do you? I'm kinda comfy at the moment."
"No, there's no rush," replied Hermione with a content sigh as they fell into a comfortable silence for several minutes before Harry spoke again.
"You know, I half expect him to appear in the fire any minute now with a great big grin on his face."
Hermione didn't need to ask who he was talking about. The slight tremble in Harry's voice made that obvious.
"I know," she said softly squeezing his hand. "I miss him too." She shifted herself so she could look up at Harry whose eyes she could see where shining slightly. "You know, if he was here he'd really be giving us a hard time."
"Yeah," snorted Harry, a wry grin crossing his face. "He'd probably be comparing us to Mum and Dad."
"Well, we'll get that from Remus when he gets back," said Hermione with a sigh as she snuggled closer to Harry.
"Yeah, probably," agreed Harry with a chuckle. "Do you reckon Dumbledore would let me send him a letter?"
"I don't see why not, you should ask him."
"Yeah, think I will."
The silence return except for occasional murmurs of "Luna," or "Five more minutes Mum," from Ron's direction bringing grins to Harry and Hermione's face as they exchanged looks just before the clock struck two.
"Goodness, is that the time?" exclaimed Hermione lifting her head from Harry's shoulder and look over at the clock as is needing to confirm it was correct. "We should probably go to bed!"
"Yeah, guess so," said Harry stifling a yawn. He now slowly pushed himself to his feet and then pulled Hermione up and into his arms.
"Hmm," sighed Hermione as she snuggled against him. "Wish we could stay like this."
"I know," said Harry. "But we'd better get to bed."
"Right," agreed Hermione that cast a glance over at Ron. "What about him?"
"Don't worry, I can handle him," Harry assured her before leaning down to kiss her quickly before reluctantly releasing her.
"Night then," said Hermione as she turned and headed for the stairs shooting one more smile over her shoulder at Harry before disappearing up the stairs.
Harry now sighed and pulled a hand through his hair before turning to the sleeping figure of Ron.
"Oi, Ron," he called kicking his friend on the ankle. "Wake up!"
"Wha…?!" grunted Ron as he jolted up in his seat and looked around blearily. "What time is it?"
"Just gone two," said Harry as he raised his arms above his head and yawned again.
"Two!!!" exclaimed Ron as he got unsteadily to his feet and followed Harry towards the stairs leading to the boys' dorm. "Crikey, what the heck have you two been talking about or have you just been snogging the whole time?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" replied Harry shooting a grin at Ron who grimaced.
"Probably not, come on, let's get to bed."
***
The following evening after dinner Ron and Neville both sought out their girlfriends whilst Ginny headed off to the library with a couple of her friends from Fifth Year on the pretence of doing their Potions homework leaving Harry and Hermione to head back to the Gryffindor Common Room on their own. As soon as they were through the portrait hole the pair exchanged a smile before both quickly headed up to their dorms. On returning to the Common Room a few minutes later with her book bag over one shoulder Hermione found Harry already waiting for her with his own bag over one shoulder and a broad smile on his face.
"Come on then," he said and they headed back out the portrait hole and began making their way to the Marauders Common Room.
"I've brought the map too," said Harry softly so only Hermione could here him as they made their way down the corridor which was full of noisy, happy students making their way back to their Common Room, out to enjoy the pleasant September evening or in the case of the Ravenclaws towards the Quidditch Stadium for their team's trails.
"Thanks," said Hermione gratefully as they continued down the Corridor. "Are you sure you don't mind me borrowing them?"
"Of course not," replied Harry. "Just don't go telling Ron, you know he'd only start sulking."
"Don't worry, I won't tell him," said Hermione giving him a reassuring smile.
"Good, last thing we need right now is a sulky Ron," said Harry as they stopped outside the DADA classroom. He now flipped open his bag and pulled out the cloak and the map and handed them to Hermione who placed them carefully in her bag.
"I shan't be long," she said giving Harry's hand a quick squeeze.
"Right," said Harry. "Good luck."
"Thanks," came the reply before Hermione turned and started to continue down the corridor.
"Hey `Mione," called Harry's voice making Hermione to turn to find her boyfriend looking at her with a puzzled expression on his face. "The Library's the other way isn't it?"
"Yes, but what I need is in the Infirmary," called back Hermione.
"The Infirmary?" parroted Harry.
"Yes, the Infirmary, but I can't exactly go asking Madam Pomfrey if I can rifling through her private books can I?" said Hermione walking back to where Harry was stood.
"I…I suppose not," agreed Harry who was, by now looking even more confused as he pulled a hand through his hair. "But what are you looking for?"
"You'll find out soon enough, I promise, Okay?" said Hermione raising herself on tiptoe and kissing Harry quickly on the cheek.
"Okay," murmured Harry with a shrug. "I guess you know what you're looking for!"
"That's right, I do," replied Hermione with a smile. "Anyway, I'll see you in a bit." And with that she turned and began back towards the Infirmary.
***
Despite her seemingly cool demeanour as she made her towards the infirmary Hermione was far from calm. Her brain was, to her dismay, churning out a long list of what could go wrong and what could happen to her if it did whilst her stomach felt like it had every butterfly in the entire British Isles currently flying about in it.
And then, before she knew it, she saw the doors to the infirmary up ahead and her pace automatically slowed from a brisk walk into slow steady footsteps before she stopped by a door she knew to be a storage cupboard where Madam Pomfrey kept her non-magical medical supplies like bandages or stretches and even an old fashioned wheelchair and a selection of walking sticks and crutches.
With a quick glance to see if anyone was about Hermione tugged the door and found that it was locked. Not at all surprised by this she quickly pulled out her wand and with a swift `Alohomora' the door lock clicked allowing her to slip quietly into the room leaving the door only just ajar, enough to allow a small crack of light into the gloomy cupboard.
She now knelt down on the floor and slipped her bag off her shoulder and then reached in and pulled out the cloak and the map before reaching into her robes for her wand.
"The things I do for you Harry James Potter," she chuckled softly before taking a deep breath and muttering, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good!"
Almost at once the parchment sprang to life as a detailed map of the castle sprang to life showing Hermione the location of everyone in the castle. Quickly tapping her wand on the Infirmary to magnify it as Harry had shown her she saw that Pomfrey was currently in her chambers above her Office.
"Bother," Hermione muttered gloomily as she frowned at the map. Still, there was nothing she could do about it. She needed to do this TONIGHT; she only hoped no-one would need the Matron while she was here.
She now carefully folded the still active map and placed it into her robes and then pulled the invisibility cloak around her taking a second to enjoy the sensation of looking down and seeing nothing where her body should be before pulling the cloak over her head.
Now totally invisible she slipped out of the storage room and quietly pulled the door to but decided against locking it before heading over towards the Infirmary. She briefly glanced at the large main doors to the Infirmary and then turned and glanced at the smaller door that lead directly to the Matron's Office and Private Apartments before pulling out her wand.
"Secrecies Detectus," she murmured recalling the useful Security Detection charm that Professor Stoutbridge had taught them over the summer. She guessed by the fact he'd waited until both Gringle and Hedges weren't in the room that Stoutbridge wasn't supposed to show them it but Hermione wasn't someone to turn down a useful spell, no matter how dubiously she came across it!
As it was there weren't any spells on the door but a quick tug provided it was at least locked, a hurdle Hermione overcame within a few seconds and slipped into the darkened office. This time she did take the care to lock the door behind her before murmuring "Lumos" at which the tip of her wand started glowing allowing her her first look around the fairly spacious Office that belonged to Hogwarts Matron. A single door on the left hand side of the room led to the Infirmary itself whilst a door on the right hand side of the room hid a staircase leading up to the Matron's apartments according to the map.
Her gaze now fell on the large bookcase that dominated the far side of the office as she shrugged of the invisibility cloak and placed it carefully over the back of Madam Pomfrey's chair before she now moved as swiftly and silently as she could manage over to it and began to run the light tip of her wand along the spines so she could read them. The titles on the shelf ranged from Professor Prometheus Popple's Potions and Poultices for Everyday Ailments to Healing Hexes by Healer Hettie Hornswag.
Then, right on the bottom shelf she found what she was looking for. Occupying almost a third of the shelf itself stood a large volume entitled `The Complete Encyclopaedia of Medical Spells, Charms, and Potions, edited by Healer I.P Freely'.
"Perfect," murmured Hermione as she knelt down in front of the bookcase and placed her wand and the Marauders Map on the ground beside her as she pulled the book off the shelf.
Flipping the book open she immediately turned to its index and began running her finger down the list muttering under her breath as she did so and in a matter of minutes she found the spell she wanted and turned to the required page and began reading.
The basic spell was simple enough although some of the wand movements required but a blush to Hermione's cheeks as they required her to place her wand close to certain intimate parts of her body although this wasn't exactly unexpected.
She now reached into her robes and pulled out a scroll of parchment. The parchment was however far from ordinary, it was a sheet of Dilbert Dubble's Duplicating Parchment. She'd used it many times when she needed material from books that weren't allowed out the library although she was also well aware of students (including a certain Ron Weasley) who'd used it to do their homework by copying pages from books. She now laid the sheet on top of the page and as she did so the words from the page below began to appear on the parchment.
"Come on, come on," muttered Hermione under her breath willing the parchment to copy quicker. Thankfully it was done within a few seconds and she now removed the duplicating parchment and checked it against the original page only to see it was an exact copy.
`Perfect,' she thought as she rolled the parchment back up was just beginning to tie a ribbon around when the loud jangle of a bell made her yelp loudly.
The Infirmary bell.
Hermione's eyes snapped to the map and to her horror she saw two dots standing right outside the Office door.
One was marked as Tolliver Giddins.
The other was identified as Severus Snape!
And if that wasn't enough Madam Pomfrey's dot was now moving across her quarters towards the door leading to the staircase to her Office!
For a moment all Hermione could do was stare at the map before a tiny voice in the back of her head yelled `Move!' and forced her into action.
In what seemed one swift unbroken motion she slammed the book shut with a dull thud that she was certain Snape could have heard before shoving it haphazardly back into it's place on the shelf. Then she jumped to her feet and scramble over to the chair over the back of which she'd draped the Invisibility cloak and snatched it up throwing it over her head as she hissed `Nox!' at which the light from her wand dimmed a second before the door leading to Madam Pomfrey's quarters opened and the matron emerged carrying a lamp. Hermione who was stood frozen literally just a couple of feet from the matron held her breath as for a moment Pomfrey looked around with a curious expression on her face before the bell rang for a second time causing her to turn towards the door.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming," she grumbled as she moved to the door. As she did Hermione slowly made her way across to the wall and pressed herself up against it taking a moment to adjust the cloak just as Pomfrey pulled the door open.
"I apologise for the disturbance Madam Pomfrey," came Snape's oily voice. "But it appears that Mr Giddins here has been slipped a…Canary Cream."
"Yes, so it would seem," said Madam Pomfrey with a deep sigh. "But shouldn't he have turned back by now?"
"Under normal circumstance yes," replied Snape. "But from what I have been able to ascertain the Cream that Mr Giddins consumed had been…altered to last for an hour. Unfortunately it would seem that Mr Smedley's charm-work isn't as good as he thought, something he'll be reflecting on during his detentions."
"I see," replied Poppy. "Well then you'd better come through then Mr. Giddins."
Underneath the cloak Hermione's eyes widened as a miserable looking human-sized canary walked in, its wings hanging slumped by its sides letting out a miserable chirp as it stepped by Pomfrey and followed by Snape.
"This way then," said Pomfrey as she closed the Office door then made her way across the room to the door leading into the infirmary. "I think I have something in the back that will sort this out."
Giddins the Canary followed here as did Snape but as he reached the doorway the Professor paused and then, slowly, he allowed his gaze to wander around the room.
Beneath the cloak Hermione held her breath, sweat forming on her brow.
`He knows,' she thought weakly as for a moment she thought Snape's gaze was locked onto her before it continued around the room. `At the very least he suspects! And he'll think…Oh dear, I'm sorry Harry!'
After a couple more seconds however Snape gave a snort before disappearing through the door into the Infirmary.
The moment he was gone Hermione found herself moving as quickly as she dared to the door which she opened as little as possibly before slipping through and into the corridor which she started to hurry down stopping only to collect her bag from the supply cupboard. Then, after locking the door again she turned and fled down the corridor and down two levels until she was stood panting for breath outside Flitwick's classroom.
"That," she muttered softly to herself as she leaned back against the wall. "Was way to close!"
She took a couple of minutes to catch her breath, and then after making sure the corridor was clear she slipped off the cloak and shoved it back into her bag before giving her robes a quick brush down and straightening her tie and then hurried back down the corridor towards the DADA classroom to meet up with Harry and the others.
***
"Hey, here she is," chirped Ron as Hermione stepped into the Marauders Common Room a few minutes later. "We were getting worried about you…well, Harry was anyway!"
"Was not!" exclaimed Harry a little too quickly whilst glaring at Ron. Ginny and Luna both smirked at this whilst Neville gave a snort.
"So what was with the watch checking every few minutes then?" he asked gleefully.
For a moment Harry could only stare at Neville's grinning face before a scowl settled across it.
"When did you become such a git?"
"Been taking lessons from Ron."
Here Ron who was sitting with an arm draped over Luna's shoulder turned quickly to glare at Neville.
"Oi!" he growled. "That's fighting talk Longbottom!"
"Yeah?" said Neville folding his arms across his chest. "And?"
"Right!" growled Ron jumping to his feet. "Pit! Right now!"
"And I'll have the winner!" said Harry as he stood up quickly and with that the three boys hurried off towards the Pit.
"What was all that about?" said Ginny with a puzzled expression turning to Hermione and Luna.
"Oh, they're just having some fun," said Hermione with a grin. "They've wanted an excuse to use that book all week!"
"Ah," said Ginny, a grin of her own crossing her face. "Anyway, what about you? Did you get what you wanted?"
"Get what?" asked Luna curiously.
"Oh, I kinda needed something from one of Pomfrey's books," said Hermione quickly. "Nearly got caught thought, Snape turned up with one of his Slytherins." And she went on to tell them about Giddins the Canary.
"Oh dear," chuckled Ginny. "Still, at least you got away!"
"Maybe," said Hermione with a small shrug. "But I've got a horrible feeling he knew someone was there and that he'll think that someone's…"
"Harry," finished Ginny, her smile fading to be replaced with a frown.
"So what was the spell you were looking for?" asked Luna calmly as if she hadn't heard a single word about the Giddins/Snape incident.
"Oh, erm, nothing important," stammered Hermione. "Just a bit of research."
"Oh, you were looking for the Contraceptive charm," said Luna, her face breaking into a smile whilst Hermione's went bright red. "You should have come to me. Daddy sent it to me after I told him me and Ron were together. I'm sure he doesn't want us to start having sex just yet but he just wanted me to be ready I suppose."
"Wait a minute," said Ginny slowly whilst Hermione stared slacked jawed at Luna. "Your Dad sent you the charm?"
"Of course," said Luna as she twirled a finger in a loose bang. "You sound surprised."
"If Mum knew I knew the charms she'd go barmy!" murmured Ginny leaning back in her seat. Hermione meanwhile gave a groan and let her head drop into her hands. Why had it never occurred to her to ask Luna?
`Because you don't trust her like you trust Ginny,' said a small voice in her head.
And although she hated to admit it Hermione knew the voice was right. Despite the fact Luna had proven her loyalty to them in the past year Hermione just hadn't been able to bring herself to go to the Ravenclaw for advice!
With a sigh Hermione now lifted her head and turned to Luna.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "It's not that I don't trust you Luna, it's just…"
"That you don't feel as close to me as you do Ginny," supplied Luna with a reassuring smile. "That's understandable. After all, you're an only child of only children and Ginny's the first female born into her family for seven generations. As for me, I've got three female cousins to relate to so it's only natural you two are closer to each other and turn to each for advice."
For a moment Hermione just looked at Luna before turning to Ginny who gave her a small shrug.
"She's right," said the redhead pulling a hand through her hair. "I'd never really thought about it but since we've known each other you're always the first girl I come to when I need help, and vice-versa I guess."
"I guess so," said Hermione thoughtfully just as the sound of a small explosion followed by laughter filled the air causing the girls to turn in the direction of the Pit.
"What are those three up to?" asked Ginny with a frown.
"No idea," replied Luna rising to her feet. "Come on, let go see."
"Yeah, should be a laugh!" said Ginny with a grin. "You coming `Mione?"
"Why not," said Hermione and with that she let Ginny and Luna pull her up before the three girls made their way over to the balcony.
The sight that greeted them had exactly the effect Ginny had predicted and the three were soon hooting with laughter at the sight of Harry with lime green hair, Ron with his body moving in reverse and Neville speaking in a fast high pitched voice that reminder Hermione of her Granddad who always made her laugh with his funny voices.
"This isn't funny you know!" growled Ron looking up at them as he almost walked backwards into a pillar. "If I want to go forward I have to think I want to go backwards! It's giving me a headache!"
"That'll teach you for messing with my hair!" snorted Harry grinning broadly as he folded his arms across his chest.
"And what about me?!" squeaked Neville. "My throat's going to be killing me in the morning!"
"You all knew what you were doing so it serves you right," called Hermione from the balcony as Ginny and Luna continued to snigger beside her.
Harry now looked up towards her and grinned.
"Sure you don't want to come and join the party?" he asked with a suggestive wink.
"No thank you!" said Hermione quickly. She knew from having had a quick flick through the book the other night there were some jinxes in there that she most defiantly did not want to be on the end of! "Besides, we should be going. It's curfew shortly."
"Fair enough," replied Harry before turning to Neville. "Give us a hand with Ron would you Nev?"
Neville merely nodding in reply and each now placed an arm under one of Ron's and carried him roughly up the stairs.
"'Ere, watch it will you!" howled Ron in indignation. "I'm not a sack of spuds!"
"Really?" said Ginny with a grin as she and the girls met the boys at the top of the stairs. "I wouldn't have guessed considering how many you scoffed at dinner!"
"Oh, cheers sis," muttered Ron shooting her a dark look whilst Luna and Hermione both smirked.
"No problem," replied Ginny, the grin on her face widening. "Anyway come on. I'd rather not run into Filch or Mrs Norris."
The six friends now made their way to the portrait hole and after saying goodnight to Luna (which was far too short for Ron's liking!) the five Gryffindors started back towards the tower.
Then, just as they were approaching the Fat Lady a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Stop right there Potter!"
Beside Harry, Hermione felt a chill run down her spine as she turned along with the others to see Snape bearing down on them rapidly.
"Where have you been Potter?" hissed the Potions Master as he reached them looking down his hooked nose at Harry with a venomous sneer.
"With Professor Gringle Sir," said Harry coolly.
"Indeed," replied Snape softly. "So you have not been near the Infirmary this evening then?"
"Do I look sick Sir?" asked Harry casually causing Ron and Neville both to snigger and for Snape's expression to darken with rage.
"Do play the fool with me Potter!" he hissed. "Otherwise I will make you regret it! Open your bag!"
Hermione watched nervously as Harry dutifully handed over his bag which Snape practically tore open and began rifling through it before giving a snarl of annoyance and thrust it back into Harry's chest causing Harry to stagger back slight while the Potions Professor turned his gaze towards Hermione.
"Miss Granger," he growled softly, a look of triumph crossing his face. "You're bag please!"
Hermione felt the blood in her veins freeze as she nervously stepped forward holding the bag out for Snape.
"Severus? What's going on?"
Hermione had never been more delighted to see Professor Gringle walking towards them with a curious expression on his face. Snape seemed to stiffen as the DADA teacher approached and he now turned his cold gaze towards Gringle.
"There was an intruder in the Infirmary tonight and I suspect that it was one of these five," he growled softly. Gringle immediately raised a single eyebrow and gave a small smile.
"Well, I'm sorry Severus but all of your `Suspects' have been with me in my classroom all evening."
"One of them was in the Infirmary!" snapped back Snape. "And I can prove it!" And with that he snatched Hermione's bag out of her hands and turned it upside down causing quills, bottles of ink (which naturally smashed on the stone floor), pieces of parchment and several of her smaller books to fall out onto the floor.
But no cloak or piece of parchment that even resembled the map.
Snape stared at the pile for a second then threw the bag to the ground and reached out to grab Ron's bag which immediately met a similar fate but when he started to reach for Ginny's a hand shot out and caught his wrist.
"That's enough Severus!" snapped Gringle and there was no longer any sense of humour on his face.
"But one of them was in the Infirmary!" insisted Snape, his eyes narrowed with fury.
"And has Poppy found anything missing?" asked Gringle.
"No but then I do not believe they were after a potion! At least not one already made!" growled Snape eyeballing Harry who glared right back at him. "On my insistence that she checked her Office Madam Pomfrey found one of her books had been accessed. One with specific information on how to make several potions that, if used correctly, could have shall we say a disruptive effect on a class in which the person it was administered to is in!"
"Well, that might be so," said Gringle firmly. "But all of these five, plus Miss Lovegood have been with me all evening! Anyway, I'd check your own house first Severus. Poppy was the one who told me you'd come after young Harry…after you'd taken one of your own students to her who'd been stricken by an altered Canary Cream!"
"IT WAS ONE OF THEM!!!!" screamed Snape. "I know it was!!!"
"Well if you can prove it go to Dumbledore then!" snapped back Gringle. "But until then would you kindly clear up Miss Granger and Mr Weasley's bags for them?"
Snape glared at Gringle for a second then turned to Harry and the others.
"I'll be watching you, all of you. One foot out of line and I WILL have you expelled!!!" And with that he turned and stormed off leaving the mess precisely where it had been.
Professor Gringle now sighed and shook his head.
"What a thoroughly unpleasant git!" he said at which Ron and Harry both snorted whilst Hermione, Ginny and Neville just stared at him as he turned to them, the familiar and friendly smile back on his face. "Don't look so shocked you three, yes, I called him a git because that it what he is! Even more so than when I taught him."
The Professor now reached into his robe and pulled out his wand which he patted against the open palm of his free hand as he looked down at the mess of books, parchment and ink on the floor and gave a small sigh. Then with a suddenly flick of his wrist Hermione and Ron's bags were returned to their previous state and even the spilt ink vanished.
"There you go, good as new," said Gringle as Hermione and Ron picked up their restored bags and nodded their thanks at the Professor who then turned his gaze towards Ron, Ginny and Neville.
"You three better get along to your Common Room. I just need a word with Harry and Hermione."
Ron opened his mouth to say something but then thought better of it and with help from Neville and Ginny as he wasn't yet completely back to normal they started back towards to the portrait whilst Gringle turned to Hermione and Harry.
"Follow me please," he said and he now lead them back the way they'd came until they came to a small anteroom just off the main corridor into which Gringle stepped followed by the two students.
"Now, correct me if I'm wrong," said Gringle with a small smile. "But I believe Severus was looking for these." And with that he reached into his robes and pulled out the cloak and the map causing Hermione and Harry both to wince whilst the Professor smiled cheerfully at them.
"You dropped these on your way out tonight Miss Granger," he explained "Of course, I recognised this moment I saw it," he added holding up the cloak with a faraway look on his face. "Many an evening Emric and I would trot down to the kitchens and scrounge some extra grub off the Elves. But this…," and here he flourished the map. "This is a new one. Of course I knew about it. Remus and Albus felt that I should know that you had a `Special' map of the school although Remus was less than forthcoming about how to use it so when I asked it told me to go and stick my nose….well, I won't say where!" The Professor now held out the items towards Harry who took them sheepishly before Gringle turned his gaze to Hermione.
"I take it that it was you in Poppy's Office Hermione." It wasn't a question and all Hermione could do was nod in reply. To both her and Harry's surprise however Gringle mere nodded himself, his lips twitching slightly.
"Alright, just one more question. What you where after, it wasn't going to be used to disrupt a class was it?"
"No Professor," replied Hermione quickly as she felt her cheeks warm slightly.
"Well then, as far as I'm concerned the matters closed," said Gringle. "Alright then, off you go."
Harry and Hermione hurried out the anteroom and started towards the Portrait but then suddenly Harry caught Hermione's hand and pulled her to a halt.
"So, eh, are you gonna tell me?" he asked with a sheepish grin.
"Not yet," said Hermione. "But I promise you'll find out soon Harry!"
Harry nodded and then gave her a crooked grin.
"How about just a kiss for the moment then?"
"I think that can be arranged," replied Hermione before raising herself on tiptoe and pressing her lips against his whilst Harry's arms wrapped around her waist.
"Will that do?" she asked a moment later as she broke the kiss and smiled up at Harry.
"For now," replied Harry with a grin. "But you'd better tell me what's going on soon or I might have to see how you look with…oh, let's say sky blue hair!"
"You wouldn't?!" exclaimed Hermione in mock horror. In reply Harry just waggled his eyebrows before the pair dissolved into laughter as they resumed their walk towards the Fat Lady.
Phew!!! Okay, that's another one down and boy oh boy did that take a while.
But now I've got that out the way I'd like to say a very big thank you to David Brookes whose kind words possessed me to work like a bat out of hell on this chapter (By the way David, if you want to be my beta you know how to get me!).
I hope to have another chapter up before Christmas but don't hold me to that!
But until then
Tatty Bye
Andy
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