Chapter Text
“The worst way to miss someone is to have them sitting right next to you and know you can never have them.”
- Gabriel García Márquez
1st of September, Monday:
September that year was unusually chilly. The very first day started with nasty drizzle and while hurrying to the station, I was forced to use an umbrella. There were Muggles around, so I couldn't resort to magic.
It had been a long time since I'd been so happy to arrive at Platform 9 ¾ — there were no signs of rain here. Parents had already seen their children off to Hogwarts and left, but countless wizards and witches still milled about the platform. These were students of one of the five currently existing magical universities — Stonehenge University of Magical Sciences — as well as their nearest and dearest.
I arrived alone — my friends Harry, Ron, and Ginny couldn't come to the station because they were resuming their Auror Training. I stood on tiptoe, trying to spot a familiar face as I made my way through the crowd, constantly apologising and getting apologies in return. Finally, I smiled gleefully. I waved to attract her attention, as I was still too far away to call out to her. Thankfully, the elderly wizard blocking my path stepped aside, and I was blessed with a fierce hug from my university friend Claudia Marinescu.
"How was your summer, 'Mione? Did you enjoy yourself? Why didn't you write more often? So much has happened, you wouldn't believe it! Did you see any of our folks?"
I was slightly taken aback by the hail of questions, and only managed to reply, "I did ask you not to call me "'Mione", didn't I?"
"Oh, still a nagger! And I was afraid you would change over the summer and I wouldn't recognize you! Wait, your hair seems different… You cut it!"
"A little," I answered with a smile.
"It suits you! I've already seen Dick — he's with Jason on the train. I stayed out here to wait for you. Come on!"
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of the person I had dreamt about all summer. Richard Montague — Dick — was a good friend of mine. We had met about a year ago when Claudia had started seeing Jason. Jason was the Quidditch team captain, so she was obliged to attend his matches. I often tagged along, and eventually became acquainted with everyone on the team, including Dick.
A pure-blood wizard, he had sophisticated manners, a subtle sense of humour, a pleasant appearance and the most enchanting smile. I couldn't resist his charm, but it wasn't really in my nature to flirt with guys. I wanted to be liked for who I was without any foolish pretences and coquetry. Besides, I wasn't very good at it. As a result, my relationship with Dick never progressed beyond friendship, which greatly upset me.
We talked about the summer throughout the train journey to university. Claudia and Jason had spent it together in Brazil, while Dick had travelled to Romania with his father on a scientific expedition.
"Father has been very stressed about his age, so I decided to introduce him to some vampires. The youngest turned out to be one hundred and thirteen, which cheered Dad up immensely," Dick said, smiling teasingly.
"Let's hope your father would never dream of adopting their lifestyle to retain his youth," I joked.
"Oh no, he's on an all-carb diet. Protein is off-limits," Dick answered, and I couldn't help but smile.
As the train took us west across England, I thought about my life. I liked university. I was very fond of the many witches and wizards who studied and taught there: most of them were accomplished, intelligent and well-educated. Sometimes it felt like I had been transported into the nineteenth century, particularly considering the old-fashioned clothing style the alumni tended to wear.
Of course, there were exceptions. Claudia, for example. No matter how well we got along, it was impossible not to admit she was noisy, talkative, flirtatious and a bit spoilt. But she easily won people over and was always friendly. I rarely heard her speak ill of anyone — at least not intentionally or seriously.
I was captivated by student life — the rush, the freedom, the desire to discover myself and gain one of the world's greatest treasures: knowledge.
"Oh, you still don't know!" Claudia suddenly exclaimed, tearing me away from my thoughts.
"It's possible, but I try my best to avoid such situations, so I'm all ears," I replied teasingly.
"Do you remember Professor Torrent?"
"How could I forget him? He drove us mad with his tedium and stubbornness for an entire year."
"He resigned! We have a new lecturer on Poisons and Antidotes this year: Professor Veans." Claudia squeezed my hands in hers, delighted. "Isn't that brilliant?"
"Yes, that's great," I admitted, smiling. "But let's wait before we celebrate. We don't know what this new professor is like."
"Oooh, my dad met him. He said he was a 'pleasant young man, composed and sensible'. Do you get it? Young man! He could be cute!"
"Why would you care?" I replied, glancing at Jason. He was talking to Dick, waving his hands animatedly.
"What do you mean?!" Claudia's eyes burned in anticipation.
"If we take into account the fact that your boyfriend is sitting opposite me, my confusion is understandable."
"Oh, you're so uptight. Where do you get it from?"
I sighed. How was I to know?
"Well, think about exams, for example," Claudia explained. "If he's young, you can give him a couple of flirty smiles, and a good mark is in your pocket."
"It's not the marks, it's the knowledge that matters—"
"Jason, have you chosen a new Keeper?" Claudia interrupted me pointedly. She always did that if she thought I was being too nerdy. I'd stopped taking offense.
"Yeah. Kenneth did such a great job last year, so we'll take him to the university team."
"He's as dumb as a tree!" Claudia cried.
"The Quidditch team isn't selected according to intellectual ability," Dick noted.
"Then it's not surprising that the two of you got in," my friend mocked.
"Claudia!" I exclaimed.
Jason and Dick just smiled indulgently. It was impossible to get angry with her, even if she was completely obnoxious. I shook my head in disapproval and stared out of the window.
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We arrived at the Stonehenge campus shortly before lunch. Accompanied by hundreds of other students, we immediately headed towards the main building of the university — Merlin's Campus.
An incredibly important ceremony awaited me, and I was very tense. This year, I had been appointed as the Lead.
Surrounded by a crowd of students, we finally reached the inner courtyard of Merlin's Campus. A large, traditional building which resembled a vast mansion stood in the centre — I walked up to the massive doors and stopped in front of them as soft music began to play.
My emotions almost overwhelmed me — being the Lead was a great honour. Two first-year girls brought me a velvet cushion, on which laid a carved wooden hammer. I carefully picked it up and knocked on the door three times. The noise resounded across the lawn — the hammer was enchanted.
"Who knocks on the doors of science?" a male voice rang out.
"I, a Wizard," I replied. My voice echoed around the courtyard.
"What do you seek?"
"Spiritual awakening through diligent work and hard labour, as I devote my life to Knowledge."
"Then welcome, and may everyone who pursues the same goals enter also."
The huge doors flung open and the professors, led by Rector Newman, gathered on the steps before the students.
"I now declare the academic year has begun!" the Rector said solemnly.
I took a deep breath and entered the castle, other students filing after me.
The professors lined the corridor down which we walked, greeting their students with smiles. My gaze met the surprised look of unfamiliar green eyes — this must be Professor Veans. He really was quite attractive.
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In the Uroboros Hall — a spacious room that hosted various events, conferences, and receptions for important guests — the students sat on wooden benches facing the small podium where Rector Newman stood. As was tradition, he gave the opening speech, explained the rules to the first-years, and wished soon-to-be graduates good luck with writing their diplomas. Whilst I struggled to listen, Claudia tried to obtain the timetable from our class's Head Boy, Julius Glauber. She succeeded right at the end of the Rector's speech.
Jason and Dick left for their college building, and Claudia and I hurried to the Dining Hall, which was opposite Merlin's Campus across a rather large lawn.
As I chose a side dish, Claudia shared the information she'd procured. "Here's the schedule for today. Bibliography after lunch, and then Poisons." She made a vague sound, obviously expressing joy, and continued her report. "And here is the general schedule. Hurray, no classes on Saturday!"
"Great!" I agreed. "I can go home every Sunday and spend Saturday in the library."
Claudia folded her arms. "No, Hermione. You can spend all Saturday morning in the library, 'cause we'll go to Quidditch at noon."
"But when…? I don't know…"
"Don't you want to go to the matches? You enjoyed it last year!"
"I'll think about it," I said uncertainly. "Now let's hurry, we don't have much time."
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After Bibliography, which Claudia dubbed as 'the most perverse way to kill time', we headed to the small auditorium in the laboratory wing, where Poisons lectures were held.
"Merlin, I'm so on edge!" Claudia said as we walked along a long corridor. Her voice echoed unpleasantly in the emptiness. "I'm so eager to see him as soon as possible. Aww."
"Claudia, I beg you, please stop making these terrible noises."
"Aren't you curious about what Professor Veans looks like?" Claudia demanded, grabbing my hand. "Doesn't your heart tremble with anticipation?" She pressed my hand to her chest. "Doesn't it sweetly falter at the thought that our new professor is a handsome young man?"
I winced at Claudia's uncomfortable familiarity. To be frank, I didn't like to be touched. I didn't know how to explain it, but any contact not initiated by me made my skin crawl.
"Let's start with the fact that he is our teacher. That rules out any possible thoughts of a relationship, other than a professional one," I said, pulling my hand from her grasp. "Therefore, it's probably preferable that our lecturers are either elderly or women."
"Or ugly," Claudia added. "Like Torrent."
"Or ugly," I agreed.
"You're wrong," Claudia stopped at the window and pulled me to face her. "Loads of professors have found their other halves here at the university. Do you know how often teachers fall in love with their students or assistants and end up marrying them?"
"No idea."
"All the time! My dad met my mum here. Truth be told, she wasn't a student, but her sister, Aunt Rose, was. She became quite ill, and Mum was visiting her when she met my dad."
"That's completely different. Anyway, I've already seen Professor Veans."
Claudia's eyes widened. "No way! When did you manage that?"
"At the opening ceremony." I turned and walked down the corridor, expecting Claudia to follow me.
I was not disappointed.
"Really? How did you know it was him? And what does he look like?"
"I don't know for sure. Maybe I was mistaken. It was just an intuition. As for his looks, you'll see him for yourself in a couple of minutes."
Claudia sighed as we entered the lecture hall and climbed the stairs to the back of the room.
"Hermione Granger trusts her own intuition. Yeah, and pigs might fly!"
"We're at the University of Magic. Anything is possible here."
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Professor Veans entered the auditorium as the Old Tower's clock chimed — he was not even a second late.
Claudia sighed, along with several other female students. I nodded in satisfaction — I was right. In front of me stood the very same blond, green-eyed man I had seen earlier. His watchful gaze quickly passed over the students, as if appraising us. Claudia, obviously wanting to somehow express her delight with the teacher's appearance, painfully jabbed me with her elbow.
"Are you nuts?" I hissed.
"Sorry, I…"
Professor Veans turned to me. "Is something wrong, Miss…?"
Somehow, I managed not to blush to the roots of my hair. "Granger. Miss Granger," I replied firmly. "It's alright, sir, I'm sorry."
"Well, Miss Granger," Professor Veans drawled in a honeyed voice. "I hope it will remain that way."
I bashfully lowered my eyes. The teacher's gaze was too piercing for me to keep looking at him.
The next instant, the lecture hall door opened, and three students froze at the entrance.
" Can I help you, gentlemen?" Professor Veans inquired in a tone that might have been commenting on the weather.
"Uhh… We…" one stammered, "we're here for the lecture."
"The lecture began two minutes ago. If during four years of study you haven't learned how to arrive for class on time, I have serious doubts about allowing you to work with poisons."
"Sorry, sir. It won't happen again," said one of the intruders.
"I do not doubt that. As for now, you are dismissed."
"But…"
"You are disturbing your colleagues and myself. Goodbye."
The trio shrugged and left the room, muttering something angrily.
"So, Poisons and Antidotes." The professor folded his arms and looked somewhere over our heads. "You have studied them for a year, and probably think you know a lot. But I promise that you do not possess even half the knowledge that a future healer or potion master should. The science of poisons does not allow inaccuracies, as it stands on the border between life and death.
"Therefore, I demand perfect discipline and diligence from you. I also demand perfect knowledge of the material, as there will be practical lessons as well as theory. I wouldn't want any of you to perish in the laboratory as a result of one of your colleagues' failures. The classification of poisons should be committed to your memory as firmly as your own name. Poisons Theory should be your bedside book…"
"Merlin, he's gorgeous," Claudia whispered, looking at Professor Veans dreamily. "He just radiates strength!"
"Hush," I hissed to my friend, fascinated by the teacher's speech. "You're distracting me."
"Miss Granger, perhaps you require help after all?" Professor Veans immediately approached me, as if he was waiting for me to make my presence felt again. "You seem somewhat… agitated."
"I… No, I'm fine, sir. Sorry again."
Veans got back to the lecture. I gave Claudia my most reproachful look and wrote down his every word.
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After lectures, we, like most of our class, went to the Chocolate Frog — a café in the college courtyard, right next to the dormitories. A heated discussion began about the holidays, the new timetable, diploma theses and, of course, Professor Veans.
"Damn, why the hell did he kick us out of the class? We were two minutes late. Is it a university or a school?" one of the latecomers bristled. "Git!"
"I daresay, Terry, a bit of discipline won't hurt you," I said.
"Of course you would think that!" Terry answered, and everyone chuckled.
"You're wrong about him, Terry." Claudia supported me, then added coquettishly, "He doesn't look like a git at all..."
"Sorry, I didn't have time to examine his face in those ten seconds that I was in the lecture hall," Terry replied angrily.
"Well, I did." Gina, his girlfriend, giggled and dreamily rolled her eyes.
"He seems to be a true professional," I declared authoritatively, not wanting to listen to conversations about our teacher's appearance. "I'd like to write the graduation work under his guidance. I just need to discuss it with Dean Pitch."
"A tiny obstacle on the way to our new sex symbol," Julius, the head boy of the class, sneered.
"I'm sure she won't insist that I keep writing under her…" I replied uncertainly.
"Nah, of course. She'll just methodically torment you because she perceives a transition to another professor as a betrayal and personal insult."
I gave Julius a dreary look. "But I don't want to write about Potions Theory anymore. I want to try something new."
"Tell that to Pitch."
They all nodded.
"Come on, she has no right to interfere with your choice of topic," Claudia said. "So, switching to a more interesting subject, tell me… did you notice how hot Veans' bu…?"
"Claudia!"
"So you did!"
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2nd of September, Tuesday:
The first meeting of the Student Council, the body of student self-administration, was held on the second day of classes. As a rule, the Freshers' Day was the main topic of discussion. Traditionally, the post of Head of Event Organisation was held by a fifth-year student — this year, that post was entrusted to me.
Dick also attended the session as a representative of the Quidditch university team. After the meeting, we went for a short walk together.
"I have no idea what theme to choose for a party. It looks like everything has already been used before," I complained as we crossed the Professors' garden.
"I don't know if there has been anything like this already, but what about 'Antiquity'?" Dick suggested.
I looked at him in surprise. "Great idea! Why didn't I come up with it myself? I don't think there's been anything like that before, at least over the last decade or so. You're a genius!"
"I won't deny the obvious," Dick replied teasingly.
I smiled and once again thought how wonderful he was. We talked over possible costumes, music, and decorations, and I didn't even notice how quickly the hour passed.
Suddenly Dick glanced at the Old Tower clock, visible from almost anywhere on campus.
"Oh!" he exclaimed. "I have Quidditch training in ten minutes. I'm already late!" He took off towards the Quidditch pitch, yelling as he disappeared, "See you!"
I watched his tall slim figure moving away from me. The more blurred his silhouette got, the more wistful I became.
"Yeah, bye," I replied quietly in the end.
I felt so good with him, and so bad without him.
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6th of September, Saturday:
On Saturday, I got up unusually early but felt full of energy. The Quidditch match lay ahead, and I couldn't think about anything else besides seeing Dick. Of course, Claudia was still asleep — she loved to lie in until noon whenever the opportunity arose — so I was able to enjoy my bath without her constant whining.
Lying in the bath, I read a book and listened to classical music, which put me in a good mood and in complete harmony with myself. After drying my hair and putting on a black robe that barely differed from the student uniform, I went to breakfast in the Dining Hall. There were very few students and only one teacher. The majority of the students were still in bed; only those who had classes on Saturday morning came for breakfast. Professors often preferred to have breakfast in a café next to the staff quarters.
For the umpteenth time, I regretted that students from only four colleges ate at the Dining Hall. Triffany College, where Dick and Jason studied, wasn't among them. They had their own Dining Hall right next to the dormitories unlike ours which was located in a separate building.
I cheered up when I remembered I would see Dick soon. I wanted so much for time to go faster so Claudia and I could be on our way to the Quidditch pitch. After the match, we would go to the Bludger café next to the field with the Triffany College team and hang out there until the evening.
My heart swooned at the thought of the upcoming meeting. Different images flashed through my head; I imagined where everybody would sit in the café, and if I would be lucky enough to end up with Dick next to me. I wouldn't try to get near him intentionally because he might guess my feelings and our friendship would be ruined. No, he only liked me as a friend, and he had to think that the feeling was mutual. I bit my lip, melancholy seizing my heart again, and tried to content myself with the thought that I would still see him, and we would hang out. He treated me well — very well. He had said time and again that he considered me the smartest witch in the world, and I was lucky I was also pretty.
Sometimes I just wanted to bang my head on the nearest available hard surface. I had too many thoughts and feelings all at once. I looked completely calm, but inside me was a bubbling volcano of roiling emotions, present at all times and erupting more often than Kīlauea. It drove me crazy.
After breakfast, I went to the university library on Merlin's Campus. I needed to prepare a report on the History of Potions, but a few of the required books were not in the college library. I stayed on Merlin's Campus until lunchtime, almost managing to take my mind off Dick. As soon as the Old Tower clock chimed, announcing the beginning of lunch, I didn't even finish writing my sentence and rushed headlong out of the library. I met Claudia in the Dining Hall and quickly bolted down my food, then we headed to the dormitory for a change of clothes and some money.
"Hermione," Claudia said sternly, looking me up and down, "you're not going to go in that?"
I rolled my eyes. Every Saturday last year had begun with that phrase. It seemed nothing had changed.
"Claudia, I beg you, don't start," I prayed.
But my plea was in vain. Claudia lectured me about diversifying my wardrobe. According to her, I wore a uniform five days a week, so I needed to let my hair down a bit on weekends if I wanted to finally get a boyfriend.
"Claudia, I like everything simple and austere. Not everyone is comfortable in a cloak that would give a peacock butterfly a run for its money, and a massive chain with an anchor hanging around your neck!"
"Put on a light beige one," Claudia concluded, ignoring me and slipping on a bright blue robe that complimented her eyes.
I obeyed with a sigh. If I wanted Dick to fancy me even a little bit, I really should try to look more attractive.
When I was ready to go, Claudia examined me from all sides and arrived at her verdict. "You're such a cutie! Why are you so afraid to show it?"
I shrugged.
"If you always looked like that, you would have a queue of suitors."
"Mhm."
It's so simple. Wear something that isn't black, do your hair and put on some eyeliner. You become a pretty, charming girl rather than a super-intelligent nerd."
"Let's go already," I said, feeling uneasy with the number of compliments and even more numerous insults.
The stands were only half-full, as they always were during college matches. It was quite another matter at the inter-university cup, when extra seats had to be installed. We walked to Flamel's College's stands and, to our surprise, saw Professor Veans near our favourite spot. Looking at each other, puzzled, Claudia and I went to the free seats. I found myself next to the professor, and Claudia sat on my left.
The match had already begun, but nobody had scored yet. However, we weren't very interested in the gameplay. It was much more entertaining to discuss the players instead.
"Aww, Jason looks so fantabulous on a broomstick!" Claudia said admiringly. "If it were up to me, he'd never get off it."
"It appears to me that the two of you think alike on that subject."
"And Dick isn't bad either." She pointed. "Mm?"
I shrugged. I didn't like the fact that Professor Veans sat right next to me and heard our chat, so I decided to be terse.
"I heard the two of you went for a walk together the other day — is that true?" Claudia was not letting up, obviously determined to gossip.
I nodded reluctantly.
"Well? And?"
"And nothing. We just took a walk after the Student Council's meeting," I replied without emotion, although my tone betrayed some irritation.
"And how's it going between you? Nothing… happened?" she asked, looking at me meaningfully.
"No, Claudia," I replied, no longer trying to hide the discontent. "We're friends, as you know. What can possibly happen?"
"But you like him?"
"Does it really matter?"
I didn't want to talk about it. Absolutely didn't. I was dismayed by the thought that someone would know about my feelings, and that they were unrequited. But Claudia would not be Claudia if she had surrendered halfway.
"Just say it, do you like him or not?"
"What's the difference?" I asked. "The point is that he doesn't like me."
"How do you know?"
"You don't have to be the great Cassandra to get it."
"Just because he doesn't show you his feelings, doesn't mean they don't exist. He's just shy."
Hope crept into my heart for a brief moment, but I immediately strangled it and answered Claudia more harshly than I would like. "Don't look for something that isn't there."
Claudia was silent for a moment. "Still, do you like him or not?" she asked after a while.
I sighed in exasperation. "I thought that we were over this topic," I said through clenched teeth.
Claudia turned to me and smiled. Patting my shoulder, she said, "How can you keep everything to yourself, 'Mione? I would explode if I hid everything from everyone like you do."
"You'd hardly dream of making us that happy," I replied grumpily. "And I did ask you not to call me by pet names."
"Nagger," Claudia echoed, still smiling, and turned her attention to the field again.
I tried to follow the game for some time, but eventually grew bored and took out a shrunken tome from my pocket, which I immediately Engorged and began to read.
"Miss Granger." Professor Veans addressed me, and I slowly raised my head to look at the teacher in surprise. "Do you believe the Quidditch pitch to be the most convenient place to read?" He pressed his lips together, but his green eyes gleamed with laughter.
I smiled against my will. "Reading is the most fascinating pastime possible on the Quidditch field," I responded.
"You think that anywhere and anytime," Claudia pointed out.
Professor Veans chuckled, watching us closely.
"What are you reading this time?" Claudia asked, not without sarcasm.
I picked up the book resting on my knees and showed her the cover so that Veans could see it too, if he was interested.
"Whaaaat?" Claudia drawled, wriggling to read the title. "Pre-waffle-what?"
"Pre-Raphaelites. It's a book on art," I explained.
Claudia raised her eyebrows in surprise. Looking at the pages, she exclaimed, "It's full of pictures!"
"Amazing observation," I commented. "But, believe me, that's not its only virtue."
"How beautiful! Just awesome! Such a pity they don't move."
With a sigh, I turned my gaze to the field.
Claudia tugged on the sleeve of my cloak. "Look, look! This is amazing. She looks just like you!"
I peeked at the illustration. It was a picture of Lady Godiva by John Collier. "It's hard to say. She's depicted in profile, so she could look like anyone."
Claudia shook her head vigorously. "It's not just her face, but her character as well."
I looked at the reproduction again. "What can you tell about her character from that? She's just sitting on a horse."
"Merlin, you know so much, but you understand absolutely nothing!" my friend exclaimed. "Do you know the legend about this lady?"
I nodded.
"Only a truly stubborn and selfless woman would ride around the city naked to force her husband to cut taxes. This is exactly the kind of thing you could pull off—protesting against injustice and in defence of the oppressed. Plus, she's smart and cunning, since she had the sense to ask all the residents to close their shutters and not look out onto the street. But this picture shows that, although she resorted to such a move, her determination is driven by despair. In fact, she is not a loose woman at all, but very modest and shy. It's all about you! Besides, you were in Gryffindor at Hogwarts, and there are golden lions on that red rag on the horse."
"Horse blanket. This 'red rag' is called a horse blanket. And golden lions on a scarlet background are just a royal symbol or a sign that one belongs to a noble family."
"Oh, I don't care what they symbolise. It's just all you, that's all. Oh, the match is over!"
Claudia slammed the book shut and handed it to me. I shrunk it, hid it in my pocket, and we walked down to the locker room exit to wait for the boys.
Finally, they flocked out onto the grass, and in a tight-knit group, we all went to the Bludger. Dick greeted me briefly but spent the walk to the café talking to the Seeker, Carl Gruber, so I silently paced beside Claudia.
The Bludger was a fairly large café, or rather a bar. Its walls were covered with various Quidditch team posters and decorated with Quidditch symbols. In the centre of the room stood a large glass cube — inside it, about a hundred Snitches darted back and forth. Trays with orders or empty dishes moved continually around the pub, soft upbeat music played. I had never been in the Bludger when it was empty; rowdy groups were always chilling out here, and now I was part of one such noisy gathering myself.
We sat at a large, round wooden table. The boys ordered Elf-ale, and Claudia and I, as the only girls, chose our usual spiced cider which for some reason was called Witch's Caprice. I diligently pretended I didn't care that there were three people between Dick and me, and mentally reprimanded myself for noticing at all.
The whole evening, Dick discussed the match with Gruber — mistakes, improvements, changes in the opposing team. I pretended to be absorbed in conversation with Claudia and Jason, deliberately trilling with laughter and forcing myself to radiate charm and sunshine. Disappointingly, Dick only addressed me twice with some funny comments about my story, and only once did I find a reason to comment on one of his remarks.
To make matters worse, Kenneth tried to hit on me. He was in the University team and considered it his duty to attend all matches. He had only come to watch the game today rather than play, as he was from Merlin's College, not Triffany. His flirting was unobtrusive and rather inept, but it didn't take much to piss off an already-annoyed Hermione Granger.
Finally, I got tired of sitting with the rowdy lads, pretending to enjoy their company. I got up, said I needed to finish something for class, apologised and left. Of course, everybody tried to persuade me to stay out of politeness, but they didn't actually care. Well, maybe Kenneth would have been glad if I stayed. The rest of the guys barely set eyes on me. Claudia finally could fully fixate on Jason, and Dick would hardly even notice I was gone.
I wandered along the path, pitying myself and feeling neglected. I had a lump in my throat — I tried not to cry in front of the students and teachers passing by. I didn't remember reaching the stone wall connecting our college building with the Chocolate Frog, muttering the password, or entering the inner courtyard and finding the right door. I climbed to the second floor, entered my room, and fell on the bed. For almost half an hour I laid there, crying bitterly into the pillow, feeling sorry for myself and wallowing in my loneliness.
The tears dried up mostly due to the thought that Claudia would return soon and question why I was crying. After washing and dressing in a cosy black robe, I sat at the desk by the window and began writing a speech on the History of Potions. Soon I regained a presence of mind, and by the time my friend returned, I was calm and composed.
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7th of September, Sunday:
The next day I went to the 'city' part of Stonehenge, which had shops, restaurants, a theatre, a museum, a hotel, a hospital, a Floo Hall, and several apartment buildings. I aimed for the Floo Hall and travelled to 12 Grimmauld Place, where Harry, Ron and Ginny were waiting.
At dinner, prepared by Ginny, we told each other about the week, shared news and gossip, and enjoyed each other's company. I told them about the upcoming party and my difficulties in choosing the theme.
"It could be done in the spirit of great wizards," Ginny suggested. "Merlin, Morgana… They had wonderful outfits."
I considered. I liked it more than the idea of an Ancient Classical-themed party, but I had already told Dick I was fond of his suggestion, that I would choose it and that he was a genius.
"Thanks, Ginny. The idea is great, but I think I'll settle on the theme of Ancient Greece after all. Maybe next time we'll do something à la Merlin, but for now…"
Ginny nodded and moved on to suggest costumes I could make for myself. But I was thinking about something else — when did I become a weak-willed creature entirely dependent on the opinions and thoughts of Richard Montague?