A Night In The Astronomy Tower

A Night in the Astronomy Tower

"You've got an owl," Ron said, looking up from the magazine he was reading as Harry walked into the 6^th year boy's dormitory.

"Thanks..." Harry replied absent-mindedly, sitting down on the side of his four-poster. He picked up the letter and read:

Dear Harry,

Meet me in the Astronomy Tower tonight at 8:30. Please be punctual.

Love from,

Hermione

"Hhhhmmmmm, wonder why........." Harry murmured.

"What?" Ron asked, not looking up from his magazine.

"Nothing..." Harry said, a bit quicker than usual.

"It's from a girl, isn't it?" Ron asked.

"Yes," came the reply.

"Let me guess......" Ron said, sounding as bored as heck, "could it possibly be.........from your girlfriend?"

Harry replied smiling, "Maybe, Ron, maybe."

~**********~

The rest of the day seemed to inch by for Harry. He tried to concentrate on anything but Hermione and her owl, but the thought kept wandering into his mind. Finally, Harry couldn't take it anymore and decided to find Hermione and talk to her before 8:30. But, it seemed that she had disappeared completely.

"Hey, Harry, want to play a game of chess?" Ron asked him at about 6:45.

"Sure," Harry said.

As the game proceeded, it seemed that Harry wasn't even trying. He'd lost all of his pieces except for three, and there seemed no hope for victory. Amazingly, two minutes later,

"Checkmate," said Harry.

"What?!?" Ron said incredulously.

"Checkmate," Harry said again.

"Cool, mate, you won!" Ron exclaimed.

"Yeah, I guess I did!"

Dinner came and went. Harry tried to talk to Ron, but he said he was busy.

Around 8:00, Ron was about to leave the common room. 'Wonder where he's going.' Harry thought as Ron got up from his chair.

"Hey Ron," Harry yelled, "where are you going?"

"Oh, er, I'm going to the library to get a book for some homework," Ron answered.

"Okay, well, for what class?" Harry asked.

"Er, well, Charms," Ron replied.

"Hey, I've finished that. I can help you," Harry offered.

"Oh, er, no......that's alright. Plus, it's for extra credit," Ron said nervously.

"Oh, okay. Well, bye then," Harry said, sighing. 'Ron doing extra credit? That's a first...'

"Bye," said Ron, walking away and out of the portrait hole.

'Well, I guess it's for the best, I'll have to leave soon, anyway.'

Fifteen minutes later, Harry stood up from his chair and walked out of the Common Room. Anticipation was in his every step. He knew what the Astronomy tower was famous for.........and he wasn't talking about the stargazing, though, that may be part of it......

When he reached the tower, he stopped, took a deep breath, and turned the handle.

The door opened with a creak and he saw that the room was pitch black. A figure stepped out of the shadows and said in an icy tone, "I am glad you made it. We have been waiting for you Mr. Potter."