Merci beaucoup va à mon dictionnaire de Français.(Very many thanks goes to my French dictionary.)
With out it, I wouldn't have come up with such a cool title as this. If anyone knows if I messed
up on my grammar, let me know. I really stink at French grammar, so if anyone knows what it should
say, email me.
I hope you like the chapter addition. C'est à vous à décider.
God bless,
S'Eleene Paris
Chapter Sixteen
S'il vous plaît, élévation à vos pieds.
(French for: If you please, rise to your feet.)
Classes at Hogwarts started back up as soon as they arrived back at the school.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather suffered from a severe case of jet lag.
Ron had to be woken up in all of his classes and Harry could barely keep his eyes open
in potions. Heather was having problems just walking down the hall in a straight
line and especially Hermione was suffering from the lack of sleep in the worst way
possible. "An E!" Hermione moaned as Professor Binns handed back their pop
quiz from the day before. "I can't believe it! I put the answer for number
twenty down for twenty-one! How could I have been so stupid?"
"Its just because you're tired, Hermione." Harry reassured her once they had stepped
away from the classroom door. He put his arm around her as they stopped down the hall
a few meters away. He reached up and caressed her cheek with one of his hands and he reassured
her with a smile. "You just need to get some sleep tonight."
"But I have to study, then go to the prefect meeting tonight with you, Ron, and Heather, then
I have homework I have to do, and then we have to do rounds." Hermione moaned as tears of frustration
filled her eyes. "There is very little time to sleep, Harry."
"You're definitely getting some sleep tonight after you finish your homework tonight. You can't
stay like this! You need to sleep." He kissed her forehead and then escorted her to the Great Hall.
"And don't worry about doing rounds tonight. I can do them on my own tonight. You need to sleep."
"And what about you, Harry? You've been falling asleep in class too." Hermione smiled. "Are you
going to make Heather and Ron go to sleep too?"
"Nah, they're skipping class today. Heather got Madame Pomfrey's okay to do it because
Heather's been having those dreams again. "Harry sighed as he ran his hand through his
messy black hair. "Hopefully, they'll be down for lunch."
"What about you? You've been taking that dreamless sleep potion. Have you had anymore
dreams?" Hermione asked as she stopped at the doors of the Great Hall.
Harry stayed quiet as if debating as to answering her. "Yes."
"Have you seen Professor Dumbledore about them?"
"He says there is nothing we can do at the moment, but wait and see
what Voldermort is up to." Harry sighed and smiled down at her. "Don't
worry about me, 'Mione. I'll be fine." He took his fingers and lightly brushed
her hair with it. He kissed her lightly on the forehead and then led her into
the Great Hall. He sat down at the table and noticed Heather and Ron weren't there.
Mika must have read his mind because she noted. "He's probably helping Heather." then
she giggled.
"You know, he's been 'helping' her a lot recently." India commented, but before she
could say anything more, Ron and Heather entered the Great Hall. Heather wore a pair
of thick, red, oval-shaped lens glasses, something any of the Hogwarts students have
never seen her wear before.
Harry was the first to say something about them. "I didn't know you wore glasses."
"Yeah, I always thought you had perfect vision." Hermione commented as she dove into her sandwich.
"I normally wear a pair of contacts, but someone here stepped on them when they fell out this morning
and tore them." Heather motioned and pointed to Ron over her shoulder. "That set was my last pair, so
I was lucky that I had my glasses, otherwise, I can't see a damn thing. I already owled my mom and I will
probably get my replacement either by the lunch time tomorrow or the next day. That is if she can
find my other boxes in my bathroom because if she can't I have to wait like one to two weeks for the
doctor to send me another pair."
"Did Professor McGonagall mention why she called another prefect meeting? None of the other
houses are going." Ron asked as he dove into a back of brownies and ice cream; trying to
change the topic.
"That is for our house only, Ron. You know, I think this meeting is about our fashion show."
Hermione stole a strawberry off Harry's plate. When he noticed it was gone, she grinned at him.
"You know, maybe instead of just a fashion show, maybe we could have some talent acts." Harry
yawned and rubbed his eyes sleep fully. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I think I am going to skip out
on classes this afternoon. Maybe then I can get caught up on some sleep."
"That sounds like a good idea, Harry." Heather grinned evilly at Hermione. "Why don't you join him,
Hermione."
Hermione grinned back, but said nothing because Ron beat her to it. "Yeah, right. Hermione never
misses
class because I think it would kill her." Ron yawned and took a drink of his pumpkin juice.
Heather yawned in response to Ron, and then slapped her brother. "What did I do?"
"You yawned and started this whole thing. Don't you know yawning is contagious?"
"So, Hermione. Can I copy your notes from class this morning?" Ron asked as he pulled
out his notebookand quill.
"I figured you might have wanted them." Harry handed Ron his notes. "Make sure you copy them
exactly. My notes for it are on the next page."
Heather looked over at her brother's notes and noticed the margins were filled with detailed
drawings of animals and magical beings. "Wow, Harry, you should be an artist. I think
I just found the person to help with designing the sets for the show."
"Let me see." Hermione pulled at the note book and flipped through the pages. "These are very good."
Harry blushed once Hermione handed Ron Harry's notebook back so he could finish copying the notes.
"Thanks." Harry continued to blush crimson. "Being locked in a small room all summer, I had a lot of time
on my hands."
Heather looked at her brother. "Are you serious?"
"About what?"
"Being locked in a small room all summer." Harry turned pink again and Heather got the feeling
that she had touched on a sensitive topic. When Harry said nothing and acted as if his food was the most
important thing in the world. "Oh, Harry! That's awful!"
"Your Aunt Petunia and her husband Vernon got a divorce this past summer." Hermione
informed her. "Things have changed since your Aunt Petunia was under the Alzheimer's
curse."
Feeling uncomfortable, Harry stood up and walked out of the room and headed toward the
Gryffindor tower. Once at the picture of the Fat Lady, Hermione caught up with him. "I don't
want to talk about it, Hermione."
"That's the problem, Harry. You don't talk about it and its really controlling your life."
"Controlling my life!" Harry exclaimed. "How the bloody hell is it controlling my life. My
life is here at Hogwarts not there with them! It always has been...I can't blame them for
being scared of me, Hermione."
Hermione said nothing as she took her hand and ruffled his messy jet-black hair. "Why don't
we go to bed and get some sleep. We've had a long couple of weeks and I think both of us could use
some."
"What about your classes. You'll miss them."
"I'll get the notes from Heather." Hermione said as they walked hand-in-hand into the common
room after saying the password. "I'll set my alarm so we can get dinner and then we can go to
the meeting after."
Harry kissed her forehead and together they entered the head common room. "I just hope that
I can sleep." He thought to himself.
*****
Harry stirred in his sleep and his eyes fluttered open. He rolled over to put his glasses
on and felt around for them on his side table. When he couldn't feel them, he sighed and rolled
back on to his back.
"What's wrong?" Hermione's voice floated into his ears and Harry turned in the general direction her
voice floated from.
"I can't find my glasses. I usually put them on the table over there, but they aren't there." Harry
gazed upward toward the canopy top of his four-poster bed.
The bed gave some and a few minutes later, his vision cleared. Hermione had found his
glasses and put on his face. "When was the last time you saw an optometrist?"
"When I was six," Harry sighed, "My eye sight really hasn't changed much, so there really
hasn't been a need to get new ones."
Hermione laid back down on the bed on her side. "You know, you may want to get your
eyes checked anyway, after we graduate. You could lasers optic surgery and don't have
to wear any at all anymore. Not to mention, there might be something hidden we don't know
about yet." She tousled his hair as she could tell he was growing a little irritated with her.
She smiled fondly at him. "You know I'm just trying to help."
Harry decided to change the topic before her nagging bothered him further. He looked at
his watch, looking for help, and mentioned. "If the meeting is at seven, we'd better be getting
up if we want dinner."
"Sounds like we'd better be getting up." Hermione mentioned out loud as she moved from
the bed to the Head boy's bathroom to fix her hair and her uniform.
"I really don't want to get up." Harry whined and Hermione laughed as she came back over
to the bed to lean down to kiss him.
There really wasn't anything passionate about this kiss, just one to encourage him to get up.
"Come on, silly. We need to get a move on."
Harry behaved and stood up. He "fixed" his hair as best as he could and in actual sense making
it messier than before. Hermione took the liberty of fixing his tie and straightening his Head boy pin.
As they made their way down the hallway, the voice of Draco Malfoy called out to them. "Oh,
look Danielle, its Potty and Mudblood coming from a pre-dinner shag, I see."
"I'd shut it, Ferret, if I were you," Harry threatened as Hermione and him turned around and
tightened his grip on his wand.
"And whose going to make us, Potty? Danielle chastised. "I don't think you have the balls
to do it with."
"Well, if he doesn't," Hermione countered, pulling out her wand, "I do."
"That's sad, Harry." Danielle countered with a sly smile. "You have your girlfriend fight for
you! In a way though, I guess its kind of romantic." Danielle circled Hermione as she said
this. "I hear, Harry, you're rich. Why don't you go out and buy some clothes that are actually
in style."
"Because I don't want her looking like a cheep arse harlot like you!" Harry countered.
Instead of saying anything in response, Danielle slapped Harry across the face, leaving a
bright pink hand mark on it.
"Bitch!" Hermione screamed and clawed Danielle's face. Danielle countered by
punching her hard on Hermione's upper cheekbone, near her eye, knocking Hermione on
to the ground.
Draco Malfoy took the moment to take out his wand and point it at Harry. "Furuncuclus!"
Fortunately, Harry anticipated his rivals' decision and he was able to dodge the spell.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry cried and Draco's wand flew out of his hand. "Accio Draco's wand." With
that, Draco's wand flew from where it lay a few feet away and was just about to reach Harry when
Professors Shift and Moon came running down the hallway. Professor Shift pulled the two girls away
from each other, albeit in the process getting scratched by Danielle's long manicured nails.
"Fifty points from both Gryffindor and Slytherin." Professor Moon sighed. "And detention for
all four of you. Sierra, please escort Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger to Professor McGonagall's office
and inform her as to what happened." Celestial Moon sighed and made a gesture to Harry to hand
her Malfoy's wand. Harry gave it to her and then she continued. "I will take Mr. Malfoy and Ms. MacNeal
down to see Professor Snape.
"Alright." Professor Shift replied and escorted the head boy and girl to the transfiguration
department office. Once there, Ron, Heather, and Professor McGonagall went wide-eyed at the
condition of the head boy and girl.
"Please tell me, Professor Shift, that this isn't what it looks like." Professor McGonagall
almost moaned.
"Unfortunately, Minerva, it is." Professor Shift sighed. "Professor Moon and I found these
two engage in an all out brawl with Mr. Malfoy and Ms. MacNeal. The four of them have been given
detention and house points have been taken away. These two are going to take their detention with
me and the other two with Professor Moon for the next week."
"That's fine, Sierra. If you would like you could join us. We were about ready to discuss the
charity project."
"Well, I would love to, but I have to go and put together a report now for Professors Dumbledore
and Gaddis. Not to mention to go and see how Professor Moon is fairing with Professor Snape."
"Understood." Professor McGonagall turned to the group of adolescents seated across from
her as Professor Shift left. "Well, Miss Granger, Mister Potter, I do hope your little fight was well worth
loosing house points over. Another stunt like what just happened in the hallway and the both of you
could loose your head boy and girl ships. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Ma'am." They said in almost unison.
"Now, let's get on with the topic of interest." Professor McGonagall turned to the other two in
the room. "I have asked Professor Dumbledore about where to hold this event and he has granted
permission to use the Great Hall once he and Professor Gaddis has modified the room; set
construction and practicing can commence."
"Where will the meals be served?" Hermione asked, pulled out a quick notes quill and several
pieces of parchment.
"In the house common rooms. Professor Gaddis suggested on the day of the event to hold an
all school picnic outside. Weather permitting, of course." Professor McGonagall flipped through her notes
to see what she needed to cover next. "Do you know where you are going to get the outfits from?"
"I already owled Madame Cross at Rodger Drive and she has already agreed to help us. I'm
also looking into other robe shops in the area." Heather flipped through her notes on her clipboard.
"There is a shop in London in Diagon Alley that has agreed to help us out, too."
"Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions?" Harry asked in her direction.
"Yeah, that's the one."
"Good." Professor McGonagall smiled. "Let me know when you have the line-up of events
and who's going to host."
"Actually, I've given that some thought to it, Professor. I'm going to need their approval
for it first, but I was thinking Ginny Weasley and Cosmo Cyrus to be our hosts." Hermione dipped
her quill in the ink for it to continue to write.
"Sounds good. Anything else?"
"Well, I was thinking we could get some of Hogwarts alumni involved." Heather said,
while glancing down at her notes again. "I have a few names of former Hogwarts students and they
were interested when I owled them."
"That sounds like a good idea." Ron said, while he looked down at the paper he was doodling on.
"That does sound like a great idea, Heather."
"Yeah, that does sound like fun."
"Well, if no one has anything else to add." Professor McGonagall stood up and collected
her notes. "The four of you are dismissed. Remember what I said, though." Her glare went to the
faces of Hermione and Harry. She winked and then she walked over to her desk from where the
five of them sat in rather large armchairs.
*****
The scents of paint, paint thinner, and wood made Harry Potter light-headed and dizzy
as he made entered the magically modified Great Hall. The constant pounding of hammers,
snipping of scissors, and drilling of screws was in the process of giving Harry quite a headache.
A gentle squeeze on his left hand assured him Hermione felt the same way.
"Now tell me again, why we're not using magic to do this again?" Ron complained as he
and Heather walked in from behind Harry and Hermione.
"Because Professor Moon mentioned to Professor Shift, who mentioned it to Professor
McGonagall that she'd be awarding not only house points, but extra credit to each person who
helped out this project." Heather explained as she went to the supplies and grabbed the hot glue
gun. "That is, if we built the sets the muggle way."
"How many house points?" Ron's eyes lit up like fireworks on the fourth of July.
"Let's just say it's worth it." Heather's eyes twinkled and Ron's eyes grew large.
"I think I just found a new appreciation for Muggle studies." Ron said in awe as he
grabbed a paintbrush.
"Harry, you did a really wonderful job with stenciling the set." Hermione said as she picked
up a paintbrush to begin putting color to the background Harry had finished drawing the previous night.
"Yea, Harry, its really wicked." Andrew Ambrose came over to get a better angle of it
and see how the progress was coming on them. He, then, noticed Heather hot gluing red, orange,
and yellow crape paper leaves on to the limbs of a tree. "Whoa! Blair, Heather's got a glue gun!"
"Oh, no!" Blair shouted mockingly. "We'd better go and get Madame Pomfrey since
Madame Johnstonia can't do it anymore because of what happened at the Institute. I guess
she went crazy with all the stunts you pull, Heather."
"Especially when you have a hot glue gun in your possession." Andrew, Blair, and
the Chicago Institute students on the stage roared with laughter.
Heather put her hand on her hip. "Hey, that was only one, single occurrence."
"Yeah and the time you almost burnt down the Muggle studies auditorium when you
didn't unplug the curling iron in the girl's dressing room." Andrew counted on his fingers. "And
the time where you knocked the lamp over on the set of Les Miserables. If it hadn't been for
Hector, the whole set would have been fried."
"Could you imagine Professor Moon and Shift's face if they would have found out?" Blair
laughed and Andrew joined them.
"Okay, okay. I got the point, quit hexing me okay?" Heather stood up and rolled her eyes.
"So I made some minor miscalculations, big deal; a lot of people have them. If it makes you feel
any better, Andrew, I still have the scar from where the hot glue gun burnt me."
"And remind us, again, Heather where you had the glue gun again?" Blair pointed to Harry,
Ron, and Hermione. "Because I don't think they have heard this story, yet. Especially since your not
really into telling your "brightest" moment stories."
"Here." Heather pointed to a spot on her upper thigh.
"And pray tell, where did you have the mentioned glue gun when this incident occurred?"
"Okay, Okay! It was in my pocket tip faced down…so it's wasn't exactly my brightest moment…"
"Brightest moment, Merlin Heather, it was still plugged into the electrical outlet through
the extension cord." Andrew laughed. "Come on, Heather. You know you want to laugh at your
stupidity."
Heather stayed still-faced for a minute and when she could not contain herself anymore,
she laughed out loud. " You know sometimes, I wonder if I should have been born blonde."
"Hey!" I resent that remark!" Amanda Miller called from where she wrote down some of
the cast members' sizes for clothing.
Heather didn't apologize, but yelled to her. "Is Madame Cross still going to let us use the
clothing for next season?"
"Yeah, she and that store in London. What was it called again?" Amanda asked her
sister who had the clipboard, writing down the measurements.
"Madame Malkin's." Amber looked down at her sheet to get the name right.
"Yeah, that one. They both said they would floo the crates with the garments in them
tomorrow, so we can make sure the sizes are right so incase they aren't they can be sent back
before the show to be corrected."
"I thought it was really nice of both of the stores to loan us the robes and the clothes for this
occasion." India mentioned from the ladder from where she stood painting.
"Especially since its for charity." Hermione agreed. "I don't think we should have been able
to pull this off with out their help."
"You know, tickets go on sale today, so we need volunteers to give out tickets during meals."
Mika noted. "Zunko's in Hogsmede is going to sell a limited amount of tickets to the public and
Professor Dumbledore confiscated a good couple hundred. Something about Professors Gaddis
and Dumbledore wanting to send them somewhere, but I don't remember where."
"Where do you think he might have sent them to?" Hermione asked out loud to no one
in particular.
"There's no way for sure, but I am getting an idea." Heather mumbled as she grabbed a
paintbrush to help paint the set.
"Heather! The glue gun is still plugged in!" Mika noticed the orange extension cord still
attached to the white cord of the dual temperature glue gun. "You really don't want to repeat of
what happened…"
Heather unplugged the hot glue gun and set it down for it to cool down. She grinned at
Harry and they went back to work.
*****
When set construction was finally completed, the groups for the talent portion of the
show could finally practice on the stage. As Heather organized the costumes with Hermione,
Ron and Harry put the sets in order with Parker Aubrey, Robert Smart, Jasmine Brown, and
Jessie Phillips. Blair Blake and Cosmo Cyrus were in charge of the music and audio enhancing
equipment for the practice session.
Mika Salena stepped out on stage wearing a red dress and a pair of black high heals.
Andrew Ambrose joined her wearing a pair of black dress pants and a loose fitting red dress
shirt. When Heather heard the music began to play, she dragged Hermione to watch. "They're
doing the "El Tango de Roxanne" from "Moulin Rouge"!" Heather smiled. "I saw this particular
dance one time when they performed it for another show. Its really cool!"
Soon Ron, Harry, and the rest of the set crew joined Hermione and Heather and they
watched the couple dance their tango. Harry put his arm around Hermione's waist and she
smiled over her shoulder at him. When the dance was completed, the entire auditorium roared
with applause. Heather grabbed Ron's hand and dragged him on to the stage. "Since you already
have the cd in, why don't we go over the duet?" Heather asked once she stepped over to the
microphone. Blair nodded in the sound booth and the introduction to "Come What May" played.
Ron began to sing, but all through out the song, his eyes rarely left those of Heather's.
Heather joined him in song when he cue came and her eyes twinkled with something
Harry couldn't quite recognize. As they continued to the end of the song, Harry knew what ever
shown in the duo's eyes he didn't like too much. Once Heather and Ron finished, Harry, Hermione
and them went back to work. As she worked, Heather listened to India's rendition of "My Immortal"
and Isaac, Ishmael, and Samuel Yoder's original rap song. "I'm hungry." Heather commented a little
while later. "You guys up to some food?"
"Definitely." Hermione pug her clipboard and quill down. "Should we go and get the boys?"
"I dunno." Heather looked at the boys; who had shed their shirts under the hot stage lights.
"They look kind of cute with their shirts off."
Hermione took a moment to enjoy the rare site of Harry's well-toned abs. "Quidditch has
been treating him well." Hermione thought as she noticed a rather long scar from his shoulder
blade to the middle of his spine. She knew she would have to ask him about it at a later time.
Heather broke her brother's girlfriends trance as she exclaimed. "For Merlin's sake, Ron, get a
shirt on!"
"What? You don't like to watch me sweat? I could have sworn you did." Ron walked over
and wiped some of his sweat on to her face.
"Ew!" She swatted his arm playfully. "You're going to get it!"
"Later." He grinned as he leaned in closer and Hermione couldn't hear what else he told
her, but she figured it wasn't anything real appropriate because Heather swatted his arm, much
harder than she did before.
"Ready to go?" Harry asked her.
"Yeah." Hermione smiled as the two of them made their way across the stage.
"Let's go get the children."
"You guys ready to go to the common room to get something eat?" Harry asked his
sister and his best friend. They nodded and the four of them traveled up to the Gryffindor house
common room to get something to calm down the hunger welling inside them.
"So what do you guys think of the uniform portion of the show?" Heather asked. "I thought it
would add something kind of funny to the show. Not that it's not funny anyway, but our talent/fashion
shows never were too serious."
"It is rather fun, Heather, but I am wondering if the "Thong Song" is an appropriate
song choice." Hermione thought out loud.
"What's wrong with the "Thong Song"?" Heather asked.
"Yeah, what is wrong with the "Thong Song"?" Ron asked Hermione. "I don't see anything
wrong with it."
"Yeah, its just about underwear." Heather rolled her eyes.
"Its about sex, Heather." Harry blushed slightly.
"Yeah, so when did you get a Victorian attitude about sex?" Heather rolled her eyes.
"So its about sex, big deal. You see more sex on muggle television than most people actually
get to perform the action."
"That's not the point."
"So then, what is the point?" Heather shrugged and continued down the hallway to the
portrait hole to get into the Gryffindor common room. Once she reached the entrance, Heather
said the password. "Voldermort Sucks," and the painting opened up like a door to allow entrance
into the Gryffindor common room.
Before Heather could say anymore a voice called to her from the common room couch.
"Heather." A short brunette haired girl with chocolate colored eyes called from the couch where
she and a few others from Sifto-Salt reclined in front of the fire.
"Yeah."
"A little birdie tells me you need help finding groups to fill some talent spots."
"Yeah."
"Well, our cheerleading squad has a routine down." She commented. "We could fill one of
those spots for you."
"You guys have a cheerleading squad?" Hermione asked laying her arms down on the back
of the sofa.
"Its first thru third years only. Its too bad it didn't continue here officially when we came over
here. We've been practicing though for next year and we have something together so we need to
practice it in front of an audience." The girl replied. "My name is Emily-Anne Post. I'm the Captain."
"It's like how in tradition our dance team is fourth thru seventh years only." Heather tried to
explain. "The cheerleading squad allows members to get down some basics so if they wish they
can try-out for the dance team when they get to the Shapiro campus."
Heather turned to Emily-Anne. "Sounds like a good idea. What's the song?"
" 'Don't Go There' by 24-K."
Heather grinned evilly. "Yeah, I think we can pencil your group in."
*****
"For today's lesson, class, who can tell me what is the proper way to eat bread in a high
class muggle social setting? Let's say your out to dinner with your muggle neighbors and they just
so happen to be rather we-to-do." Professor Moon asked her seventh years and her lone fifth year
as they began their section on table etiquette. Hermione and Heather raised their hands in response
to their professor's question, but a few seconds later Harry raised his hand. "Yes, Mister Potter. I don't
think we've heard much from you this past class session."
"The proper way, Ma'am, to eat bread of any form is breaking it into bits and smaller pieces with
your fingers and eating it like wise." Harry sighed as he relayed the information to his teacher. "Usually a
finger bowl is provided after the course with water and lemon juice to wash your fingers with."
Professor Moon smoothed the front of her red roves before he finished. She smiled at Harry and
walked closer to him. "Why do I get the feeling that you didn't read the Chapter in the book I assigned for
class today?"
Harry caught Hermione's expression as she fully knew not only they had read the chapter, but took
notes on it. Before he responded, he stole a glance at Ron and Heather whom of which acted rather
shocked he didn't provide the right answer. Or at least the answer the Professor wanted to hear.
Professor Moon tapped her shoe to indicate she was still waiting for an answer out of him. Harry
hated when teachers put him on the spot like she had especially since Professor Snape did such a
good job of it. Harry ran his hand through his messy natural black hair. "Well, did you Mister Potter?
Or have you come unprepared to my class?"
"I read, but the book isn't entirely accurate." Harry said finally. "It reads on page 165 that if
you butter your bread it's rude not to use your knife to cut it into smaller pieces, but actually, it is
better if you use your fingers."
"Really," Professor Moon smiled, "and how do you know this, Mister Potter?"
"I use to live with muggles."
Before Professor Moon could elaborate the reason why she asked him, the bell rang
for the class to end. "Class, be sure to read the next chapter for class tomorrow. There will be
a quiz on this chapter and the next on Friday."
After a collective moan from the class, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather collected their
books and the rest of the seventh years left the Muggle Studies classroom. "You know I think I have
finally figured out why Professors Gaddis and Dumbledore wanted those extra tickets." Heather
commented as they walked down the hallway toward the Great Hall.
"Oh, really?" Hermione asked as they rounded the corner to the corridor where the Great
Hall was located. Strangely enough, the halls began to fill with students. Once they entered the
foyer, the Hogwarts and Chicago Institute students welcomed the new comers.
"I knew it!" Heather yelled as she raced over to greet a blonde haired and blue-eyed girl
in Franklin house uniform. "Anete!"
"Oh, Merlin! Heather Potter!" Anete raced over and met her halfway. They embraced in
a warm hug then lead her over to where Ron, Harry, and Hermione stood. "Its good to see you!"
"Where have you been?" Heather asked her ecstatic her friend had survived the attack.
"How did you get here?"
"Professor Alexander, the headmistress at Salem Academy received an owl from
Professors Gaddis and Dumbledore. They had sent a couple hundred tickets of which they said
would be paid for to see the show. I heard it's for a really awesome cause this year."
"Its for the lifelong resident ward at St. Mungo's hospital." Hermione mentioned. "I'm
Hermione Granger, by the way, this is Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter. You are?"
"I'm Anete Zagare." The newcomer shook the trio's hand. "I'm a fourth year, and you?"
"Seventh." Harry said as he shook her hand. "You're in Franklin house."
"And a prefect, none of the less." Heather noticed the badge on her friend's robes.
"Yeah, unfortunately, our house prefects ended up here and there was no one to represent
our house when we were re-sorted. It was actually kind of weird to have the majority of ours and
Milner house at Salem and our prefects at another."
"I noticed that too." Heather tucked her hair behind her ear. "Did anyone from Sifto-Salt
or Western end up there?"
"There was like two from Salt and four from Western." Anete counted on her fingers.
"Christina and Emily Wonder from your house and Alexia Smith, Jayna and Kayla Hyde, and
Jessica Bowinski from Western."
"So all the rest is from Franklin and Milner house?"
"Yes, Ron. Thank you for restating the obvious." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"So who else is here?" Heather practically jumped up and down from the excitement.
"Me!" A voice floated from directly behind Heather. Heather jumped and turned around
to face a short-cropped blond haired blue-eyed girl stood wearing a Franklin house uniform.
"Erin Elizabeth McCullough!" Heather embraced her fellow schoolmate. "What's new, Big
E.?"
"She finally got the nerve to dye her hair blue for homecoming, Heather. It even had silver
tips. It was really great." A dark black haired, brown-eyed girl said. She also wore a Franklin house
uniform, but the girl stood only five foot one inch. Compared to Erin, whom Harry guessed to stand
five foot eight; the new girl looked like a dwarf. "Hi, I'm Dawn Hagenbarth-Raymond."
Harry looked at his sister, confused at the hyphen in her name. "Her betrothed is in Milner
house. She and Casey's parents arranged their marriage. Its kind of old-fashioned, I would say, but
at least she knows she isn't going to be alone." She turned to Dawn. "Anyone else from our lunch
group from Cottage Grove here?"
"Shannon Berry, Megan Boudreau, Nadira Williams, Hayden Michaels, and Harry Dickinson
are here from my house." Dawn counted off on to her fingers. "I thought I saw Julie Russ, Tom
Simmons, Mary Herbert, and Cassandra England from Milner talking off in the other corner."
"You know, I think I did too, but I also saw Madeline Madison and Gregory Thompson from
Milner, too, down the hallway talking to Professor Phillips a few moments ago." Erin pointed down
the foyer to where the three people she mentioned were standing next to the doors to the Great Hall.
"I think that is Troy Alexander, Celeste's brother. He's in Franklin house along with the two
guys next to him." Dawn mentioned casually as the group looked down the corridor as she pointed
to a boy vaguely looking familiar. "The boys with him are Brian Campbell and Nicholas Pfotenauer.
All three of them are on the Quadpot team for Franklin house."
"Is that Annika Williams talking to Jackson Levitra? The rumor mill at school has them going
to the winter ball this year. Gotta love Sadie Hawkins style dances especially since Franklin house
is the one that throws them."
"What house are Annika and Jackson in?" Hermione asked.
"They're both in Milner. Jackson is on the house Quadpot team as captain." Erin smiled.
"I hope they do get together. They make a really nice couple."
Dawn's gaze went down the other hallway a ways. "I see Danielle and her evil minions
are still at large."
Erin rolled her eyes, but Anete was the one who commented. "Are you serious? I hoped
that little snot nosed bitch died in the attacks."
"Yes, but you see if she did, we would have to put up with a building on the campus named
after her." Heather huffed, then sighed. "We definitely wouldn't be that lucky, though."
"I hear you got homecoming queen this year, Heather." Erin mentioned as she took a sip
of the bottle of I.B.C Root beer
"Yeah."
"Did you disinfect the crown before they placed it on your head?" Anete giggled. "I just hope
you didn't catch whatever put the stick up her ass."
"I didn't wear it too long." Heather's gaze went to Ron. "Some things came up. It's stored
away safe, though."
"Heather!" Professor McGonagall called down the hallway. Once the Professor caught up
with the group, she continued. "Thank Merlin I found the four of you all in the same place! I need you
to spread word to the other prefects we need to clear the foyer and escort the students who just arrived
from Salem Academy to their respected dormitories so they may rest before dinner."
The four of them nodded and began clearing the foyer. Some listened and listened and
went to their common rooms while others like Danielle MacNeal, Draco Malfoy, and their "minions"
decided going outside suited them better.
*****
Soft ticking of the clock slowed, it seemed anyway, time in detention with Professor Shift.
Harry never really had detention quite like the ones Professor Shift gave. It seemed the Professor
preferred just to have the company rather be harsh on them like making them clean the trophies in
the trophy cases. Hermione and Harry were made to clean the empty cauldrons by muggle means.
"After you're done with the cauldrons and the test flasks, you may leave. I know you guys still
have a lot to do before the talent show." Professor Shift said from her desk, while grading papers. She
sniffed and blew her nose with one of her handkerchiefs; sick yet again from the dampness of the
dungeon. She pulled the blanket on her lap higher and pulled tight her sweater and her scarf around
her neck. "I really need to talk to Professor Dumbledore about moving out of the dungeons until the
summer like weather returns. February is really going to be horrible if the winters here are anything
like they are in Illinois."
Harry glanced up from his cleaning of test flagons to look at Hermione, whom of which was
cleaning the size two pewter cauldrons required by Hogwarts for all its students. Her white shirt
sleeves were rolled up to her elbows and she long ago lost her sweater to keep it from getting too
much potion or cleaner on them as it was the same with her robes. Her face, concentrating on the
task, was scrunched up and free from any loose falling hair for she had tied it up in a ponytail to
keep the curly-locks out of her face. Once she realized he watched her movements, she looked
up and smiled at him from where she sat across the room.
He stood up and walked down the row to sit next to her; Professor Shift either not noticing
or not caring he moved closer to her to talk to her. "You ready for the show tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded. "I'm kind of nervous."
"Why? You'll be spending a lot of your time backstage." Harry smiled. "You'll be doing
something your really good at."
Hermione smiled back at him. "Yes, but I will also be the one everyone comes to when they
need to know what time they need to head on stage and where their costume is at. Not to mention
nameless other things needed to keep the show going."
"Yes, but it's a very important job and I can't imagine anyone else doing it." Harry nuzzled his
head against hers. "With how much your on Ron and my case through out the years, you have gotten
very good at it."
Hermione did not know if she should be angry or laugh. "What can I say…you and Ron love to
procrastinate to the very last minute so you never really could show your full potential."
Her elbow almost knocked him out of his seat. "It's a really tough spot."
"Here let me help." Harry said and she handed the cauldron over to him. He scrubbed
the bottom of the cauldron with a lot of effort and finally able to get the particular spot clean.
"Three more flagons and we are done."
"At least we're not with Professor Snape."
"You can say that again." Harry smiled and continued to wash out the flagons.
*****
The crowd whispered with excitement as the lights dimmed to the magically modified
Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore took the moment to tell Professor McGonagall some reminiscing
memories of James and Lily Potter and how much their children acted like their deceased parents.
The enchanted ceiling gave off a soft star glow and it was just enough of a glow the professors of
Hogwarts and the Chicago Institute could keep a watchful eye on their students.
Several hundred wizards and witches returned to their Alma Martyr to witness the charitable
show. For as a wonderful cause it was, the show promised a light-aired after dinner entertainment of
which no one had ever seen. Not to mention most of the wizards and witches had not returned to
their beloved school in years and wanted to see how much it had stayed the same.
"Good evening and welcome to the first ever Hogwarts and Chicago Institute of Witchcraft
and Wizardry charitable event." Ginny Weasley announced once she and Cosmo Cyrus stood on
stage right. The two red heads shared the podium where their script for the evening sat obediently.
Ginny's dress was a strapless full length gown and it was mostly black except for a slit on each side
that had a white section where black and embroidering with been work glistened once the stage light
hit it.
Cosmo wore a full tuxedo including tails and a top hat, of which he tipped to the women
of the audience. "Tonight is sponsored by several retail locations which provided the attire
you will see on us tonight." Cosmo gestured grandly at Ginny. "This delicious looking witch
is our hostess with the mostest: Ginny Weasley." Everyone clapped as Ginny curtsied.
"And this smashing looking wizard to my left is our host: Cosmos Cyrus." Cosmo tipped his
hat again as Ginny finished her sentence.
"Do you really think I'm smashing?"
"I'm just reading the scrip, Cos." Ginny countered and everyone I the audience laughed.
"Tonight, we' bedazzle and even charm you with the greatest talent belonging to both
Sifto-Salt and Gryffindor houses."
"We have singing, dancing, and we even have a little time to show you the latest fashions
from both the wizarding and muggle worlds." Cosmos Cyrus counted on his hand.
Ginny slapped his arm playfully. "Don't go and tell them everything!"
"I didn't!" Cosmo turned to the audience and asked. "You guys ready for the show to begin?"
A large round of applause rang from the audience. "I'll take that as a yes." Ginny said as her
curly hair bounced behind her. "I guess we should get the party started then, huh?"
"Yeah, but we'll be back everyone." Cosmo mentioned as he waved to the audience.
"Everyone sit back and enjoy the show."
Meanwhile, the backstage went frantic as the show's first group, the duet of Sandra Farr
and Hannah Yoder went on stage. The duo sang their piece, a song in Latin, and left the stage
after the audience clapped. Hermione Granger stood in the middle of all this and seemed to be
in her element "bossing people around". "Next up are the Johnstone jugglers." She called to
the members in the backstage green room through the door and three of the jugglers wearing
brightly colored outfits.
Harry made his way toward Hermione wearing a pair of bright red Hawaiian print
swimming trunks and a pair of red thong sandals. His hair was disarray, like usual,
and he hurriedly ran his hand through it, trying to make it look straighter. "Hermione, I
know you're busy at the moment, but I have some bad news."
"What is it?" Hermione sighed, not sure if she could take anymore.
"Heather asked me to tell you Alice Ari can't do the show tonight because
she's sitting in the hospital wing."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "What happened?"
"Heather said something about having a nervous break down because of her
O.W.L.s this year. Madame Pomfrey is tending to her now, but she thinks Alice won't be
in any real condition to do the show tonight."
Hermione sighed again, this time with frustration ringing through out her. "How the
bloody hell does Heather think we're going to be able to do the fashion portions of the show? Many
of Alice's outfits go with yours and it would just look odd if we just did without those fashions. Does
she have anyone in mind to replace her?"
"Actually she does. Heather was kind of hoping you would step in."
"What the bloody hell is she thinking? I can't do that. I have a lot on my plate now as
stage manager!"
"But you're the only person on this project small enough to fit into her outfits that isn't
already in the show." Then he whispered in her ear. "Where's your Gryffindor courage, huh?"
"I was supposed to be in Ravenclaw."
"And I was suppose to be a Slytherin." He whispered back to her and she looked at him
rather shocked. "But what difference does it make? It's the decisions we made who make us who
we are. Please, do it for me." He gave her a rather pathetic attempt to give her the "puppy dog" face.
Harry looked deep into her eyes with his emerald green full knowing she couldn't resist them. "I'll make
It worth your wild."
"Fine," Hermione smiled, "but just remember what you said just now."
"Agreed, Heather is in the dressing room waiting for you."
A few minutes after Hermione entered the dressing room, a loud voice rang throughout
the green room. "I am not wearing that!"
"But Hermione, you have to." Heather pleaded. "You're the only person who can."
"But it shows way too much!" Hermione shook her head. "Why can't you wear it?
You get to wear a two piece wet suit, which by the way is way more covering then that."
"I just can't, Hermione. I have scars from body acne on my back I'm really fond of showing off."
Heather sighed in frustration. She had been hoping this situation wouldn't have played out like she had
formed in her head. "You're the only one who can, Hermione. The only other person would might be able
to fit into it is Ginny and she's already on stage during this besides Harry doesn't seem to mind the idea
of seeing you in this."
"But it shows way too much!"
"Look if it bothers you that much to wear a string bikini, then wear the wrap with it."
"That's not a wrap. Its see through."
"Just go and put the suit on. I'll get Sandra's wrap because we're up next and I really don't have
time to fight with you." Hermione huffed and went to change into the black swimming suit. A few
moments later, Hermione stepped out in the halter style top and the string tied thong. Heather handed
her a turquoise blue wrap. "Better?"
"Much." Hermione giggled. "So you really think Harry will like me in this?"
"He's gay if he doesn't." Heather grinned at Hermione and they went together to await their
entrances to go on stage.
*****
A little while later, after the muggle borns "oo-ed" the audience with a line-dance to the
"Electric Slide" and "Down on the Farm" by Tim McGraw. Mr. Weasley, the alumni of choice,
joined the dance team perform a rendition "Thru Heaven's Eyes" from the muggle movie "The
Prince of Egypt" and not too soon after Heather and Harry Potter gliding out on the stage.
Heather wore a long sleeveless black concert dress with her hair pinned up with a diamond
clip in a French roll. She wore full-length black gloves and a pair of diamond earrings. Harry matched
her in his black tuxedo with tails. He immediately headed over to the black baby-grand piano and sat
down on the bench, but Heather walked over to the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, the piece I
am going to be performing for you tonight holds something dear to me. You see, the very first night I
came here from the Chicago Institute I played it in the Gryffindor common room in a time of worry over
the fate of my friends Rachel and Hector. The piece also summoned my brother from his bed to me in
that time of need." Heather paused to breath and then continued. "I've also recently found out this song
was my parents wedding song so, it is to them I dedicate tonight's performance of Beethoven's Moonlight
Sonata number 14 in C sharp minor to James and Lily Potter. With out their constant dedication on fighting
forces of he-who-must-not-be-named some of us, including Harry and I, would not be here now."
Heather stepped away from the microphone and went to the piano to sit down. She began to
play the song while Harry turned the pages for her. The audience was silent while she played, except
for a few whispers amongst Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall. Once she finished, Heather bowed
and walked off stage leaving the audience in a stone silence. It was only after they exited, the audience
stood in cheer in awe.
*****
Once the sets were picked up and the room was cleared Hermione laid down on the stage
floor in complete exhaustion. The empty room, except for a few stragglers, echoed with people tearing
down the room for breakfast in the morning. "Come on, 'Mione, Let's go to bed. Professor Dumbledore
said he would get the rest in the morning." Hermione nodded in agreement, but yawned instead of
saying anything. Harry chuckled a little. "Let's get you upstairs before you collapse here."
Together the two of them climbed the staircase to the Gryffindor common room and
once they were safely through the barrier between the head dormitories and the common room, Harry
escorted her into her room. As she went to get her nightgown out of her closet for the evening, but instead
of finding her nightgown, she found Ron and Heather in the midst of a deep and heavy snog and moving
quickly to shagging. Once they realized they were being watched, the both of them stopped abruptly and
turned a deep shade of pink.
"Ron, I'll give you until the count of ten to get your hands off my sister's arse and run the hell
out of here." Harry's face changed to a deep shade of crimson that would have made Vernon Dursley
envious.
"But…"
"One..."
"But…"
"Two..."
"But Harry..." this time it was from Heather.
"Three, four…" Harry's grip on his wand tightened.
"But Harry…" Ron tried again, but Harry's face turned an even deeper shade of red, a feat
which Hermione thought could not happen. Ron glanced over at Heather for a second, and then made
a run for it.
"Five."
"Harry, remember; he is your best friend." Hermione reminded him.
"Six, seven, eight, nine, ten." Harry finished quickly and he raced after Ron, followed by
Heather and Hermione. Ron raced through the common room, the portrait hole, down the corridor, and
to the third-floor corridor, trying to escape Harry and his ill temper.
Hermione caught up with the two of them and pulled out her wand to utter a spell. The
two of them froze in place and Heather finally caught up with them. "Harry would you just calm
down and let them explain." Hermione rolled their eyes. "Granted they might possibly be in love,
Harry, but I'm wanting to know why they were doing what they were doing in my closet."
"Mm…hm…mm." Ron tried to explain, but the spell Hermione had cast kept his mouth shut
tight. Heather glanced over at Hermione and gestured for her to lift the spell binding Ron. Hermione
waved her wand and the spell Ron was under lifted.
Hermione walked over to Harry and he watched her glide over. "If I lift the spell, will you behave?"
"Hm…Hm." He mumbled, unable to clearly state his answer. She lifted the spell and his body
relaxed.
"Now what in Merlin's name possessed you guys to do that in my closet?" Hermione demanded.
"Sorry Hermione, but when you get going you can't really tell where you're going. What matters
is how you get there." Harry lunged at Ron, forcing Hermione to hold him back.
"Cool it, Harry." Hermione yelled at him.
"But that's my sister he's talking about." Harry yelled back. "My blood! My only real family and
this one here wants to shag her brains out."
"And shouldn't you want your family to be happy?" Heather asked. "I love him, Harry."
"Your sixteen years old, Heather. You don't know what love really is."
"Oh and I guess you do." Heather egged on.
"Maybe I do."
"You're only a year older than me, Harry." Heather volleyed back.
"A fact of which I know very well, Heather." Harry growled.
"Harry James Potter, your sister's love life really isn't your concern. It is Ron of all people!
Of all the people in the world, she could possibly fall in love with and its Ron that she does. You
really should be grateful that it's him and not someone like Draco Malfoy or something." Hermione's
face turned red with anger and her nerves were wearing thin with her boyfriend. She huffed and
abruptly left the three of them standing there. Not quite sure what to do, Harry stood there in silence.
"Look, Harry. I do love your sister and I wouldn't do anything to hurt her." Ron began taking
a calming breath.
"I know." He said. "Look, Ron, Heather, I know I really am happy you guys became a couple.
I just was trying to protect you Heather."
"My big brother came to my rescue, as sweet as what it is, I am a big girl now and I can
take care of myself." Heather hugged her brother. "I promise though, the next time I need saving I will
let you know."
Harry kissed the top of Heather's head and looked at his best friend with his anger subsiding.
"You better treat her well or I will have to come after you."
"I don't think you will have anything to worry about." Ron sighed. "Now go after Hermione."
*****
Harry had searched for Hermione the entire day and was not able to find her. Finally
giving up, Harry headed to the astronomy tower and he found the object of his search. Dressed in
a tight pair of black workout pants and a blue sport bra Hermione kicked the target with her leg.
Harry said nothing as he watched Hermione kick the target with her foot about twenty more times
then moved to a punching bag and pounded it with the gloves she had on her. "Are you just going
to stand there? Hold the bag for me." Hermione called as she moved to another bag. Harry walked
over slowly and took hold of the bag. After a few good punches, Hermione tornado kicked the bag
face level to Harry.
"Look, Hermione, I know your angry."
"Angry doesn't cut it, Harry. Completely pissed off "
"Okay, so you're completely pissed off at me."
"Damn straight."
"Okay, but why are you mad at me?"
"Why am I mad at you?"
"Yeah, why are you mad at me?"
"Because of what you said to Heather."
"Well that's reason why I apologized, Hermione." Harry sighed. "Why are you really
mad at me?"
"Because, " Hermione's eyes filled with tears and on the verge of falling onto her cheeks
when she stopped punching the bag, "because the only reason your with me is because I changed
the way I look."
"What?" Harry exclaimed. "That's not it at all!"
"Then how come you only took an interest in me after the girls gave me a make over?" Hermione
asked as she turned to pick up her towel on the floor. "It seems rather funny as soon as I come back from
the dance team retreat and changed in the way I dressed you would take notice in me and then ask me out."
"Hermione, look at me." Harry took her by the shoulders. "I've loved you for a long while now, not
just when you changed. I can't say when I started to love you, but I do."
"Don't you think you're a bit young to know what love is?" Hermione indirectly quoted him.
Harry looked deep into her eyes. "Maybe, but you know what?"
"What?"
"No matter what happens, I know if I have to choose between your life and mine, I would
gladly die for you." Harry wrapped his arms around her. Then he leaned down and kissed her. "I
mean what I said, remember that."
*****
With the excitement of the talent/fashion show, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Heather almost
completely forgot about their upcoming examinations until Professor Dumbledore mentioned a few
days prior there would be a Hogsmede day before cracking down on their books would start like a
calm before the storm. Hermione and Heather separated from the boys to do some shopping and Harry
was rather grateful. Ron and him made their way to the Three Broomsticks and claimed a table far from
the bar. "Ron, there's something I need to talk to you about."
"Sure, Harry, what is it?"
"You know how we're leaving Hogwarts this year and you know after graduation sometimes
friends don't see each other again until reunions and stuff…"
"But that won't happen to us, Harry." Ron sipped at his butter beer. "You, me, Hermione,
and Heather will always be together."
"You see that's just the thing." Harry paused as he fiddled with something in his pocket. He
was frustrated he could not just get out what he wanted to say, but then he just blurted it out. "I want
to ask Hermione to marry me."
"What?" Ron went wide-eyed. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I think so."
Ron smiled and shook his head, still trying to get over the shock. "So, when are you going
to ask her?"
"I thought I might do it today if I find the right opportunity." Harry sighed, pulling his hand out
of his pocket. "If she does say yes, I wanted to ask you to be my best man."
Ron clapped his hand down on his back. "I'm sure she'll say yes. Congratulations, mate!"
"Don't congratulate me yet; she still can say no. Especially after what just happened." Harry
chuckled, but before the two of them could say anything, more a real commotion was brewing outside.
Harry and Ron ran to the doors of the Three Broomsticks and witnessed the disturbance. Several
hooded figures Harry took to be Deatheaters, flung spells back and forth with several students and
a couple teachers. A couple Deatheaters were trying to take a couple of students with them. "Harry!"
Hermione screamed as one of the Deatheaters full-bodied binded her to carry her off.
"Hermione!" Harry yelled as he pulled out his wand.
"Ron! Get this fucking son of bitch off me!" Heather commanded as two Deatheaters
binded her as well. Ron pulled out his wand and Harry and him raced after her and Hermione.
After stunning a few Deatheaters, but not making any real give way, Harry and Ron watched
helplessly as both Hermione and Heather apperated with a couple of Deatheaters to an unknown
destination.
As soon as the Deatheaters took Heather and Hermione, the rest of the Deatheaters left
as quickly as they came. Professor McGonagall stood from where she had ducked behind a rock
across from where they had fought the allies of Voldermort. "All students." She croaked aloud. "Please
report back to the carriages at once, this is an emergency. Teachers get a head count. Professor
Dumbledore isn't going to like this."
*****