Hermione Granger and the Prisoner Of Azkaban (Completed)

Chapter 5 - The Hippogriffs

Muggle Studies wasn't as interesting as Hermione had expected. Professor Burbage, a blond witch with oddly pale grey eyes, was quite knowledgeable on the Muggle world, but the Hufflepuffs she was sitting with seemed to be quite clueless on the matter, and Hermione spent half the time helping them with their work. They spent a rather tedious hour learning all about levers and pulley systems, which Hermione had already learnt about in a Physics textbook she had borrowed from a library over the holidays. The only positive of the lesson was that she got to know Eloise Midgen, who was sitting next to her

Hermione didn't have any more lessons at nine o'clock, so walked to the North Tower in search of Harry and Ron. She was almost there when she realised that she would be with them! Hermione ran to the nearest broom cupboard and slammed the door shut. She heard a voice outside that she suddenly realised was her own! "I just need the loo. See you in a second"
She heard a pair of feet run past her. Thankfully, they quickly disappeared

She quickly got out of the cupboard and, trying to look as natural as possible, walked over to Ron and Harry. Ron stared at her
"That was quick" he said slowly. It took a second for Hermione to work out what Ron was talking about
"Oh, um... yeah" she stuttered, stashing her Time Turner out if sight. The three of them walked to Transfiguration in silence. Ron was watching Hermione suspiciously, and Hermione found herself unable to look him in the eye. She hated keeping secrets from Ron!

That lesson, Professor McGonagall was talking about Animagi, who were wizards who could transform into animals. Hermione was finding it fascinating, but she seemed to be the only one who was paying attention. Everyone else was just staring at Harry, as if he was going to drop down dead at any moment. It took a moment for Hermione to realise that Divination had only just happened in everyone else's minds

They were all so caught up in watching Harry do nothing that they somehow missed Professor McGonagall turn into a tabby cat right in front of their faces. There was a 'pop' as Professor McGonagall turned back into herself
Really, what has got into you all today?" she said, looking around the class "Not that it matters, but that's the first time my transformation's not got applause from a class"

All heads turned towards Harry, but he didn't answer, so Hermione raised her hand
"Please, Professor" she started "we've just had our first Divination class, and we were reading the tea leaves, and-"
"Ah, of course" said Professor McGonagall  "There is no need to say any more, Miss Granger. Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?"
This was met with total silence
"Me" said Harry after a while
"I see" said Professor McGonagall, frowning "Then you should know, Potter, that Sibyll Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet. Seeing death omens is her favourite way of greeting a new class. If it were not for the fact that I never speak ill of my colleagues-"
There was a pause, and Professor McGonagall's eyes flashed
"Divination is one of the most imprecise branches of magic" she said in a more level tone "I shall not conceal from you that I have very little patience with it. True Seers are very rare, and Professor Trelawney-"
She paused again, and took a deep breath before continuing
"You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in"

Hermione laughed, but somehow not everyone seemed convinced. For some reason, Ron still looked anxious, and Parvati was still watching Harry nervously
"But what about Neville's cup?" Lavender whispered

Ron still looked worried as they walked into the Great Hall for lunch
"Ron, cheer up" said Hermione, sitting down and pushing a bowl of stew towards him "You heard what Professor McGonagall said"
Ron served himself, but didn't start eating. He leaned in towards Harry
"Harry" he said quietly "You haven't seen a great black dog anywhere, have you?"
"Yeah, I have" said Harry "I saw one the night I left the Dursleys"
Ron dropped his fork in shock
"Probably a stray" said Hermione
Ron stared at Hermione for a full minute before talking
"Hermione, if Harry's seen a Grim, that's - that's bad" he said "My - my uncle Bilius saw one and - and he died twenty-four hours later!"
"Coincidence" said Hermione calmly, pouring herself a drink
"You don't know what you're talking about!" said Ron "Grims scare the living daylights out of most wizards!"
"There you are, then," said Hermione triumphantly "They see the Grim and die of fright. The Grim's not an omen, it's the cause of death! And Harry's still with us because he's not stupid enough to see one and think, right, well, I'd better kick the bucket then!"