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RETURN

CHAPTER FOUR-THE VISION.

Winter came around. A heavy snow had begun falling. A thick blanket of snow covered the grounds and half of the lake was frozen.

Everyone was talking about the Christmas Dance a few weeks away.

"I wonder who Professor Dumbledore will get to play?" I mused, curling up on a chair in front of the fire, which crackled gently and cast an orange glow over us.

"I wonder if it's the Weird Sisters again," Ron said, frowning as his Knight just pummeled Harry's King in Wizards Chess.

"They certainly were weird," Harry replied.

"Who're you asking?" I asked Ron casually.

"I don't know. I don't want to think about that right now," he replied, shivering.

I snorted.

"You can't very well go around ignoring girls. They are on this planet as well,"

"Some. Some come from other planets...like Lavender. All she does is giggle when it comes to boys asking her to the dance like in our fourth year," Ron replied. "If that's not abnormal behavior, I don't know what is."

Harry was fighting to keep a straight face.

"Maybe because she's just as nervous as you are," I offered.

"Maybe," Ron said, unconvinced.

I just shook my head.

"What about you mate? Who are you asking?" Ron asked Harry.

Harry glanced at me.

"Who else? Hermione,"

I had been deep into the book I had been reading when I heard my name.

"Eh?" I asked, looking up at Ron and Harry.

"I'm going to ask you to the Christmas Dance," Harry replied calmly.

I smiled.

"Thanks. I accept,"

Harry grinned.

Ron just rolled his eyes and they got back to their game. I was totally pleased though.

The next day at Astronomy, we had a good time. Ron jokingly suggested that Lavender find his Big Dipper. That resulted in Lavender giving him the most dirtiest and repulsive look.

Harry shook his head. So did I.

We learned about the astronomical signs, like Leo, Aries, Gemini, and the others.

After that, we headed to Potions.

Professor Snape gave us a little speech.

"If you think that because of the Christmas Dance, that you could slack off in here, you're sadly mistaken," he said coldly. "I expect full attention in the lessons up until the dance."

"Don't worry, he'll have it," Harry whispered to me.

I silently agreed.

Professor Snape must've heard Harry because he whirled around, his black robes billowing out behind him. He glared at Harry.

"Did you say something, Potter?"

"Yes. I said that I'm sure you've got the class's full attention. No slacking off here, sir," Harry replied calmly.

Professor Snape regarded Harry for a moment. Malfoy was snickering behind Snape's back.

Saying nothing, Snape returned to his lesson. Malfoy seemed shocked that Snape didn't bully Harry further.

"Whew. I thought for sure Snape was going to bust you!" I whispered to Harry.

"So did I," he said, relieved and surprised.

"Now, add four Gleyton wings to the potion," Professor Snape said.

We were learning the Sarven Potion, which was used on certain deep wounds. It was put over the wound like a cream.

Gleytons were small creatures, kind of like cross between a bat and rat. They were useful in many potions.

"Your potion should be a light brown. If its dark, that means that the potion is too strong and could end up poisoning someone by getting into the blood stream," Professor Snape continued as he came around, checking everyone's potions.

Malfoy's was almost black, but Snape said nothing. When he got to Ron's, which was a light brown, again, he said nothing. Mine was the right color and so was Harry's, but he paused in front of Harry's cauldron.

"Potter, did you add the four wings?" he asked, stiffly.

"Yes, sir. Every ingredient as you spoke them," Harry said, confused.

"Five points from Gryffindor," Snape said and continued to check the rest of the class's potions.

Ron's jaw dropped as Harry looked at him stunned.

Harry's potion was perfect. There was nothing wrong with it. Why did Snape deduct points?

Deciding to get to the bottom of it, I raised my hand.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"I was just wondering why you deducted five points when Harry's potion was perfect," I asked, lowering my hand.

Professor Snape came over and stood in front of my desk.

"Five more for being nosy, Miss Granger," Professor Snape replied and turned his back on me and headed up to the front of the classroom.

"What a git," I heard Ron hiss under his breath.

I sat, bewildered.

"I bet he just took points off because it was Harry. He did it just because he could," Ron muttered as we left the dungeon and headed to Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

"Probably," Harry agreed as we entered the classroom and took our usual seats.

Professor Robbins was sitting at her desk. She had her arms crossed on top of the desk and her head was buried in them.

"Professor Robbins? What are we going to do today?" Neville Longbottom asked eagerly.

I've never seen him so excited over a class, unless you counted Herbology, which Neville was good at.

Professor Robbins didn't budge.

"Professor Robbins? Are you all right?" I asked.

She still didn't move.

Now, the class began getting worried as they whispered amongst themselves.

I got up and went over to her. I put a hand on her shoulder. She slid off the chair and landed on her side on the floor.

Several of the girls screamed.

"She's dead!" Parvati cried, losing her head.

Harry and Ron rushed over to me. I kneeled down beside her. Harry and Ron crouched down beside me. Harry felt her neck.

"No. She's alive," Harry said.

Just then, Professor Robbins opened her eyes and sat up.

"Professor? Are you okay?" Ron asked worriedly.

"Yes. What happened?" she asked, as we helped her sit back down on her chair.

"I must've dozed," she said.

"You looked like you were dead. Are you sure you're okay?" Harry asked.

Realization formed on her face.

"I know what happened. I must've had a vision," she replied softly. "I haven't had one in a while."

"A vision?" I asked.

"Yes, kind of like your Divination teacher, Professor Trelawney," Professor Robbins said.

"What did you see, Professor?" Lavender asked eagerly.

She loved Professor Trelawney.

Professor Robbins looked up at us. Her eyes focused on Harry.

"I saw him, falling from a rooftop."

The class fell silent.

"Are you sure?" Ron asked, his voice coming out uneven.

Professor Robbins nodded.

"I'm afraid so. My first vision came true,"

"What was that?" I asked, starting to get the feeling that she was just like Professor Trelawney.

"That I would be working here," she replied.

The class let out 'ooh's'.

"I'm okay now. Ready for that lesson?" Professor Robbins asked brightly.

As we left her classroom later on, Ron seemed worried.

"Remember Professor Trelawney predicts the death of one student a year and not one has dropped dead yet?"

I asked him.

"Yes, but Professor Robbins isn't Professor Trelawney. Suppose her visions are real?" Ron replied.

"She said herself that she's like her," I scoffed.

"I still don't want to take a chance," Ron said.

Deep down, I had to admit I was also nervous. What Ron said was right. She wasn't Professor Trelawney. Suppose her vision did come true and Harry falls? Ron and I would lose him.

I didn't think I could handle that.

Harry didn't seem rattled by it though.

During dinner, Professor Dumbledore announced that the plans for the dance were commencing.

Malfoy was glaring over at us at the Gryffindor table. All Harry had to do was show Malfoy his wand, and Malfoy's eyes quickly diverted elsewhere.

"What a chicken poo," Ron laughed.

"I think he's learned his lesson," Harry said, tucking his wand quickly back into his robes.

"We hope. You know he might not have learned his lesson. He might just keep coming back for more punishment," I said.

"Well, we'll give it to him," Harry responded.

"Yeah...until Lucius has a say in it. He could have you thrown to a werewolf," Ron replied.

"He thinks his son is some sort of an angel," Harry said, bitterly. "If he only knew half of the crap that Malfoy dishes out to us."

"He would go along with him. He despises Muggle-borns as well," I said, sighing.

Ron and Harry just exhaled loudly.

"I wonder where Professor Robbins comes from?" Ron mused.

"Earth, Ron," Harry replied jokingly. "Or, I at least I hope she does. Maybe she's like Lavender who giggles too much."

I laughed.

Ron threw Harry a dirty look.

"You know what I mean,"

"Dunno. Why don't you ask her?" Harry asked, gesturing toward the entrance to the Hall.

"Maybe later," Ron said, suddenly blushing.

Harry and I looked at each other and grinned.

"Aw, lookit...someone's got a crush!" Harry teased.

Ron just blushed more and playfully pushed Harry. Harry retaliated and accidentally pushed Ron too hard that he fell off his seat backward. Professor Robbins was standing over Ron as she made her way up the aisle between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor's tables.

"Are you okay, Mr. Weasley?" she asked, concerned.

Ron frantically scrambled to his feet and sat back down nonchalantly as if he falls over backward every day.

He smoothed his robe out.

"I'm fine, Professor Robbins," he said in an even voice.

Dean, Seamus Finnigan, and Neville were snorting with laughter.

Harry was also having a hard time keeping a straight face.

I was biting my lip to keep from laughing right then. It was a hard fight. Harry's lip was twitching.

I was losing the battle as well.

Pretty soon, we were laughing. Ron was blushing furiously. Professor Robbins was grinning and laughing as well.

"Well, as long as you're okay. Just make sure you've got clean underwear on in case you even fall down and accidentally mistake yourself for a bathroom," she whispered to Ron. Harry and I heard her and laughed harder.

Ron almost sank under the table.

She continued up the aisle to the head table.

"You've got friend," Harry teased.

"Shut up," Ron said, fiercely.

The plates filled with food. We hungrily dove in. I plopped a helping of roast beef onto my plate, along with peas.

I felt a tap on my right shoulder. I looked. It was Lavender.

"Do you know what color robe you're going to wear to the dance?" she asked.

"No," I said, truthfully. "Do you?"

"Probably a light pink. I know where to go to get great dress robes," she replied.

"Diagon Alley?" I asked.

Lavender shook her head.

"No. Credal Alley. It's in Manchester. They've got designer dress robes by Becky Perris,"

"Wow," Ron said, rolling his eyes.

"Keep it up or we'll add a bra to that outfit we gave you earlier," I said.

Ron fell silent and ate his food.

Lavender giggled.

"Who are you asking?" I asked.

Lavender stared at Ron.

I followed her gaze and realization dawned on me.

"That's great! Just be warned...if you giggle too much, Ron'll think you're from Mars or something," I said.

Lavender looked at me like I was bonkers.

"It's a long story," I said, grinning. "Seriously though. You should ask him."

Lavender looked at Harry, who was watching me.

"I gather Harry's asking you," Lavender said.

"Yes," I said, catching Harry watching me.

He winked and broke out into a smile. I had to smile back. You couldn't help but smile when he smiles at you. It was catching and with those emerald green eyes...

"I'm glad," Lavender said.

"Is Parvati going?" Harry asked Lavender.

"I don't think so. I don't know why," Lavender said, frowning.

"Maybe she's all danced out," Ron offered.

"I think it's deeper, but I didn't ask her. I think it's best if she just tells us on her own,"

Lavender went back to her dinner. So did we.

"Blimey, I wonder why Parvati's not going?" Ron mused.

"I don't know...but Lavender's right. We should just leave her alone. It's really none of our business," I replied.

Ron shrugged and went back to his beef casserole.

"When's Care of Magical Creatures?" Harry asked me.

I pulled out my schedule.

"Friday," I replied.

I had almost forgotten we had that class due to all the hubbub about the dance, Malfoy, and the new teacher. I know normally I don't forget a class, but this time it couldn't be helped. I didn't want to admit to Harry and Ron that I'd almost forgotten.

"We've got Astronomy first thing tomorrow on the roof," I said, and immediately, Professor Robbins' vision came flooding back to me.

"Hermione, relax," Harry said, leaning forward and taking my hand in his.

"It's just a vision like Trelawney gets and we all know Trelawney's visions haven't come true yet," he replied calmly.

I intertwined my fingers with his.

"I know. But if something did happen to you..." I began quietly.

He moved his face closer to mine so that our faces were inches apart.

"Nothing is," he whispered.

I felt a glimmer of tears forming in my eyes.

"Don't cry. I'm not going anywhere," Harry said smiling.

He gave me a kiss. He sat back.

After dinner, we headed up to the common room. Around 10:00 P.M., we all headed to bed.