Together

Chapter 9



Beep! Beep!



It was 6 am. Viktor got up and got into his running suit and went for an hour of fresh air.



He would be back at 7 to take a shower, eat, and do some reading before heading to class. He would leave for class at 8:30, half an hour early; after all, he couldn’t possibly be late on his first day.



In the Heads Common room, Ginny and Hermione were up as well. They had planned out everything the night before. Every morning at 6, they would get up for an hour of swimming, then shower, eat breakfast with Millicent and Blaise, hang out with them and chat or read and then finally head to class.



Ginny and Luna have both transferred from 5th year to 7th year. They both studied like two freaks during the summer, they studied and got through their examinations, all in two months; an experience they both wished not to repeat ever again. But knowing it was for good cause made them go through all the crazy moments and the breakdowns. They knew the war was heading their way and they wanted to be prepared, or at least have the chance to graduate from Hogwarts, before getting killed.



Hermione, Luna, and Ginny wanted to become healers. They decided to take Advanced Potions with Professor Snape, Advanced Herbology with Professor Sprout, DADA with Professor Lupin and Professor Krum, and they all had a spare period to round out their schedule.



Classes



DADA ------ R. Lupin & V. Krum



Potions ------ S.T. Snape



Lunch



Herbology -----P. Sprout



Spare period



Ginny and Hermione headed towards the Head Gym, where they would spend the next 45 minutes swimming and 15 minutes using the treadmills.



After Hermione explained the use of treadmills and other muggle fitness machines, and their benefits, Ginny was impressed by what the muggles came up with. After an hour of working out, the two showered, got into their school uniforms, taking their morning stuff with them, and then head downstairs to the Heads’ Kitchen where they Met Blaise and Millicent.



“ Hey Blaise! Hey Mill! ” Hermione greeted her two friends.



“ Hey Mia!“ The two Slytherins returned the greeting to Hermione.



“ Hey Ginny. Ginny this is Girlfriend Millicent Blustrode, but we all call her Mill. Mill this Ginny Weasley.”



“ Hi, You can call me Gin! ”



“ Good morning Gin ”



“ So Ladies What do want for Breakfast? ” Blaise asked the three girls.



“ You cook? Haha!“ Ginny was giggling, not believing her ears, Blaise Zabani, Draco Malfoy’s best mate cooked. That’s something you don’t hear every day out of a Slytherin.



“ Why is it so surprising? Is it because I’m a guy? A pureblood? Or a Slytherin?” Blaise asked curiously “ because, these 2 ladies over here still find it shocking that I’m able to cook, even after 6 years. Anyway, what do want for Breakfast ladies?”



“ Pancakes” Hermione and Millicent replied together.



“ Same” Ginny responded.



“ Coming right up, ladies.” With that said, Blaise smiled and turned around to start his work.



And very quickly, Ginny became friends with the two Slytherins. She learned so many interesting facts that morning that were both shocking and funny. For instance:



Blaise…cooking…which he is very good at!



He is the only Slytherin Guy who does not care about blood status, and the only reason he has not said a word about his friendship with Hermione was because Hermione did not want to see Harry and Ron’s reaction unless it was absolutely necessary.



He was not going to be like his father and become a Death Eater. He and Millicent would run away and elope, if they had to.



And most important of all: Hermione’s friendship with Blaise and Millicent dated back before Hogwarts.



“ How is that possible? Are you a pureblood? Because if you’re not, you could have known before you got your letter! Or if you are, it explains why you are so smart and intelligent and a know-it-all”



“Ginny! Ginny!”



“Why didn’t you tell us before? Are we not trust worthy?”



“GINNY!”



“ Yes?”



“ I do trust you, but this is not about trust! No I’m not a pureblood, but I do have a secret. When the time comes, I swear I’ll tell you! If I tell you now, you might get hurt and I can’t afford to lose you! You are one of my best friends!” Hermione pleaded with her.



“ Why can’t you tell me now? What will happen to me if you do?”



“ Through you Harry will know, and through Harry the enemy will find out the secret and will all be doomed.” Hermione responded flatly.



“ Who is the enemy? You don’t mean Vold…Volder…Voldemort! Do you? And what do you mean doomed?”



“Yes, we mean Voldemort, and by doomed we mean the whole Wizarding world will disappear!” Millicent exclaimed. In a softer voice, she added, “That’s why you must wait for the right time for us to tell you the truth! Can you do that, Gin?” Millicent asked.



“Yes, I understand and yes, I can wait!” Ginny responded.



“Oh, look at the time, it’s already 8:30! We have only half an hour to get to class! Come on, let’s go!” Blaise said leading the three ladies out of the Heads’ dormitory.



With that, the four friends left half an hour early for their first lesson of DADA of their 7th and final year at Hogwarts.



It was 7 o’clock and Viktor had returned from his walk around the school. He headed upstairs to take a quick shower before starting classes. After showering, Viktor got dressed and head towards the Great Hall to eat breakfast. When he arrived he saw that every one was already present. Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, sat on his usual spot in the middle of the teachers’ table. To his left sat Remus Lupin DADA, who will be observing him for the next few months. Going down the line, next sat Minerva McGonegall Transfiguration professor, then Pomona Sprout (Herbology), Madam Pomfrey (the School Nurse) and finally Irma Prince (the Librarian). On Albus’s right sat a very moody Severus Snape (Potions), followed by Viktor’s empty seat, then Fillius Flitwick (Charms), Rubeus Hagrid (Care of Magical Creatures) and finally Sybil Trelawney (Divination).



When he sat down, he looked around the Great hall, trying to find HIS Hermione, but to his disappointment she was not there. When he finished his breakfast, he headed to class, half an hour early.



DADA Classroom:



Once Viktor got into the classroom, he saw his love, the love of his life, sitting in the back corner of the class laughing with 3 of her friends. Two of them he did not know, but the other one was Ginny Weasley - he was sure of it.



All of a sudden, Hermione turned around and caught Viktor Krum staring at her. She felt a pleasant burning sensation in her heart, not knowing he felt the same thing in his heart. She broke their eye contact and smiled shyly at the young professor, greeting him with a cheerful. “Good Morning, Professor”.



Her 3 friends turned around automatically and greeted him politely as well. Ginny poked Hermione in her ribs, and Hermione got up and walked towards Viktor handing him a piece of paper, then retuning to her seat.



He didn’t get a chance to read it, because right at that moment the class accompanied by Lupin walked into the room.



“ Good Morning Everyone! This is Professor Krum, who I will be observing for the following months. Now, how was everyone’s summer?” Lupin asked the class.



The class all spoke up at the same time, making it impossible to understand. Remus Lupin looked around the room to see who he would ask first, and noticed that six of his students were having their own conversation. Hermione was not that sort of student, so he decided to let go. However, Ronald Weasley had other plans.



“ Hey Zabini, got ditched by Malfoy, didn’t you?” He smirked, while the class snickered.



“, Sit down, please!” Professor Lupin said.



“ Ronald no one asked you to talk! Or are you trying to be the hero? You’re just Potter’s sidekick, so keep your mouth shut!” Ginny snapped, while her five friends laughed at Ron.



“That’s enough! “



“You little bitch! He is your brother! Why are you siding with those losers! You traitor!” Parvarti yelled at Ginny while smiling at Harry and Ron.



“ Look, Patel, shut your trap, and stop flirting with Harry! He wouldn’t date you even if you were the only girl on earth. Besides, Harry has enough sense not to betray his feelings. Someone who can’t face and believe their own feelings doesn’t have real feelings to begin with! He likes Ginny and everyone knows it!” Millicent said.



“ No one asked you, you Slytherin Whore!” Lavender came to her friend’s rescue.



“Enough!”



“ My girlfriend is not a whore. She is not the one who sleeps around with all the guys - you are, so that makes you a whore, Lav-lav!” Blaise shouted back.



“I said ENOUGH!” Lupin bellowed, but no one listened to the Professor. Viktor was so nervous, he didn’t have the faintest idea what to do.



“Expelliarmus!” Ron shouted, and suddenly, instead of hitting Blaise as planned, Hermione was thrown against the wall.



“Aw!” She got up slowly, wincing from the blow. Pointing her wand at her target, she yelled “Incendio!” and suddenly Ron was on fire.” AWAWA!”



Ron started running around the class like a moron, trying to take his robes off, but he wasn’t having any luck. Lavender and Parvati were screaming and the rest of the class was either laughing or too shocked to do anything,



Suddenly Lavender cast “Densaugeo” on Hermione, which caused her teeth to grow. “ That suits you, Granger! It suits your ugly face! You know why guys don’t go for you? It’s because you’re ugly! You are a disgrace to all women! Look, now you look better, those pretty teeth on your ugly face looked wrong, now you look like what you are - a Mudblood!”



Blaise was about the curse Lavender when Remus Lupin stopped the fight, “That’s enough! Miss Brown, 50 points from Gryffindor for mistreating the Head Girl! Mr. Weasley 60 points from Gryffindor for starting this argument. Ms. Patel 5 points from Gryffindor! And you will be serving your detentions with me for the next two weeks!” The Gryffindors all groaned. First day and they already lost 115 points, plus three people had detentions.



Lupin continued. “Ms. Weasley and , don’t speak that way in my class again! All six of you,” he said, pointing at Luna, Neville, Blaise, Millicent, Ginny and Hermione “ along with the four of you,” pointing at Ron who was still running around the class like a moron, Harry, Parvati and Lavender, “will stay behind after class, I need to speak to you!” Then he looked at Ron and said “Stop running already! Finite Incantatem!” and the fire went out. “Now everyone get back to your seats or I will deduct more points.”



After that, there were no more outbursts in class. The bell finally rang, and they were pleased they didn’t have any homework. Everyone left except the ten Lupin had asked to stay. After closing the door, Remus turned to Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny and said, “Explain yourself! What were you four thinking! Don’t you remember that Draco’s Father is a Death Eater! “



“ Yeah? What about it? “ Ron asked stupidly.



“Yeah? Yeah? Really Ron, why don’t you use your brain? We just made ourselves look like enemies! We might be mad and pissed at one another, but we never fight each other in public, not right in front of Draco! Do you understand what we just did?” Hermione asked.



“ I’m not dumb, Mione! But what does that have to do with Malfoy’s father”



“ Weasley are you really that dumb are you playing dumb? Seriously, dude! Voldemort’s whole goal is to break apart the Golden Trio, well the Golden Quadrate. If Draco tells his father about today, Voldemort will surely try to break up the bond between you four. One or all of you will get hurt. Well, Hermione is one of my best friends, like my sister and so is Ginny and I don’t want them hurt. He will use your emotions, feelings, weaknesses and your loved ones against you, and in the end you will lose! This is a war Weasley, if you give enemy a clue or a sign, you will lose. The key to winning is to always be ahead of your opponent, and in the Dark Lord’s case, he is good at playing with your head, and getting not just one step but three or four steps ahead. We can’t afford to give him that! Do you understand?” Blaise explained.



“ Blaise is right mate! This is a war, and no matter what, we can’t lose! Not to Voldemort! Not to that murderer!” Neville said.



“ You too?” Parvati asked.



“What?” Neville asked confused.



“Traitor!” Lavender accused him.



“He is not being a traitor, Lavender! It’s called House unity, exactly what Voldemort fears the most: His house uniting with his enemy’s house - his second weakness! His first is not having the ability to love or feel love or stand lovers. If anything, Neville is being mature, unlike your boyfriend and Harry!” Luna said defending Neville while stating a fact.



“ Luna is correct Ms. Brown. Now if this problem is solved, you may go to your next class. Just tell me what you have.”



“Gin, Luna, Neville and I and those two,“ pointing at Harry and Ron who were ashamed of themselves but too proud to admit “have Potions as well, and those 2,” pointing at Lavender and Parvati “ have Divination.”



“Alright here you go. This for Severus, this for Minerva and this for Sybil! Harry, I want you to stay behind; I wrote to Severus to excuse you! Viktor, Albus wishes to see you in his office.”



Harry & Remus



“ Harry what’s on you mind? You have not talked lately. What’s bugging you?”



“Nothing, sir.”



“Harry!”



“Ok. Ok! Well it’s about Hermione and Ginny. I messed up!”



“That, you did.”



“Hermione is like the sister I never had, and hurt her, and it makes me mad to know I’m the cause! I mean, we’ve fought before, but this is different! I think she’s hiding something from me, like Dumbldore always does! I don’t want us to fall apart. Ron is my best friend, but Hermione is my sister, just from different parents. And Ginny, well I was rude to Hermione, and you know how those two are, one always defends the other. Sometimes Ginny even defends Hermione against her own blood, like today! They’re like so… agh! I don’t understand them at all! And let me be honest, everyone knows I like her, we are dating after all, but she has been ignoring me since yesterday’s situation in the Great Hall. She did not even come back to the Gryffindor Common Room last night. I don’t want us to fall apart either.” Harry confessed.



“Well Harry, give them time, then apologize to them and see what happens.”



“What about my feeling that Hermione is hiding something?”



“All I can tell you is wait for the right time, and time will answer your question. To defeat the enemy you shall have to wait for the right time. Let it go for now, and you can worry when the time comes.”



“Thank you, Professor.”



They sat there and chatted for a while longer, and when the bell rang, Harry ran to catch up with Ron.



Blaise and Millicent arrived late for class, gave the note to McGonagall and sat down. Minerva helped them to catch on with the class. When the bell rang they made their way to the Heads common room.



Hermione, Luna, Ginny, Neville and Ron were also excused. They were given the instructions and told to work in groups of five. The 4 did not speak a word to Ron, but just talked among them selves, which made Ron sad, and left out. He blamed himself, however, knowing it was his fault Hermione was mad at him. When the bell rang, they didn’t give Ron a chance to talk, choosing to head straight to the Heads Common room.



After lunch, all six of them had Herbology, and then Millicent and Blasie had Potions, while Ginny, Luna, Neville and Luna had a spare period. Luckily, nothing happened the rest of the day, which they were all grateful for. That night, the six friends all stayed in the Heads room, fearing attacks from the Gryffindors.



Viktor retired to his chambers after his chat with Albus. All he could think about was the letter Hermione gave him earlier.



Dear Viktor:



I’m sorry for my rude behavior. I was mad at Ron and Harry. Hope you can understand me. Im very glad to see you, and wanted to say welcome back.



Hermione

He grinned happily. Knowing Hermione was happy to see him again made him very excited. There was still some hope left for him after all! That night he slept very well…dreaming of his Hermione.



Finally. Im done. I should tell you im grounded for my math mark, and my dad is not home now so I got the chance to write this chapter. I’ll try to update soon.



Again I want to thank Nynaeve80, my beta.



Review please!