Growing up too fast

The next few weeks passed slowly he was looking forward to Hagrid getting back. Finally it was announced that Hagrid had come back and would be taking over classes after the weekend. Harry was anxious for Monday's classes to be over so he could talk to Hagrid. Potions seemed to drag on but Harry thought that Professor Snape wasn't quite as mean to him. He still picked on Harry but only said comments about his schoolwork, not his private life. They all ran down to Care of Magical creatures and were surprised to see Professor Grubbly-Plank still standing there. "Hi Professor. We heard that Hagrid was back today. Are you still going to be our instructor?" Harry asked.

Before she could answer Hagrid came out of his hut and said, "Alright you three? C"mon in."

"Did you hear I'm Quidditch captain Hagrid?" Ron asked.

"Oh, I heard. There should be some kind of rule about having a team made up of all one family thought," Hagrid joked. "I'm sure you'll be doing just fine as captain. A more responsible thing to do than letting either of those brothers of yours take the job, that's for sure."

"Having trouble keeping these two in line this year Hermione?"

"Well other than Harry getting detention already this year they haven't been too bad. I keep getting the feeling they are keeping secrets from me though."

"Yeah, it's probably tough having a prefect as a best friend, especially for them."

"Hear you've been having an interesting year so far Harry." Then Hagrid lowered his voice but Ron and Hermione could still hear. "Do they know about you-know-what tonight?"

"Of course we know Hagrid. We're his best friends you know," Ron said proudly.

"Ok then. It should be fun. I've been away so long some of my friends might have forgotten about me."

The three of them headed over to join the other students for class. Hermione held back a little and said quietly to Hagrid. "Hagrid make sure you keep him safe. He's been acting a bit odd this year. I think seeing Cedric get killed really affected him."

"How could it not affect him? I don't know how he handles it all. But you don't worry; I wouldn't let anything happen to him."

Harry tried going to see the griffin before supper but it wasn't there. Harry transformed and roared but there was no response. He was extremely disappointed and was moping out of the forest when Firenze came up. "I think it accomplished the task it came to do Harry."

"I really wanted to see it again. It was such an amazing animal. I liked being around it. I thought maybe it would stay throughout the year."

"It was probably not truly happy here Harry. They like being left alone with their own kind and there are too many things around here."

"I'm glad it came. If it hadn't I wouldn't have picked that form. I should have thanked it."

"My thoughts are that it knew. Take care Harry."

Harry walked slowly back to the Great Hall. Most of the other students were already eating when he came in and sat next to Ginny. He whispered, "The Griffin is gone."

She looked at him and nodded. She had seen it and felt bad as well. After eating he noticed Hagrid get up to leave and give a nod in Harry's direction. He said loud enough that a few of the other Gryffindors could overhear. "I've got to take care of a couple things, I'll see you back in the common room a little later."

Ginny gave his arm a gentle squeeze and whispered, "Be careful."

Harry got to Hagrid's hut and Fang came bounding out and started licking his face. "Aargh, get off me."

"He's excited about going on a walk. Grubbly-Plank has been taking care of him, but she only walks around the grounds. Fang needs some real exercise." Hagrid gathered up his crossbow and they started walking. "How are you really doing Harry? You had a rough bit at the end of last year."

"It bothered me Hagrid. I kept getting really angry with myself. I realized that I needed to learn to be a better wizard and to protect myself more. Ron, Hermione and Ginny have been great; they've helped me feel a lot better. I also found out that the Mrs. Figg who lived close to me was a witch. She's the Defense of Dark Arts professor now. I wish she would have told me years ago."

"She is supposed to be a very tough Auror. You should be able to learn some useful things with her as your teacher. In general, I reckon learning to protect yourself better is always a good thing. With times being what they are, you just never know when you'll need it."

"So, are the giants going to join our side?"

"It looks like most of them are. It took... Wait, who said anything about giants? I was just on extended leave, that's all. But I'll say the leave went pretty good. I don't think the other side will be getting much help from them. Some may not help either side but most seem to side with us. Not much news out of you-know-who though. Strange being so quiet."

"Hagrid, if you like the creatures in the forest so much, why do you carry a crossbow? What is in here that would hurt you?"

"Oh, there are things in here that don't like anyone. You can just feel them when they get close. Most creatures just want to either be left alone or treated with respect, but some are just evil. I wouldn't shoot anything unless there was no other choice."

They walked pretty deep into the forest. Harry was trying to pay attention to landmarks so he could find his way out if he had to. It was pretty hard since at night almost everything looked the same. Hagrid showed him a couple caves and told him of hearing wolves and other growls coming from inside. Walking down one path they heard the familiar clicking of Aragog and his family.

"Hagrid. It has been too long. And Harry, Friend of Spiders. You are both welcome in our presence anytime."

"Friend of Spiders? Have I missed something you two?" Hagrid asked looking confused.

"We were finally able to thank him for slaying the creature we fear most. A horrible mistake we almost made trying to eat him and his friend," Aragog said.

"I should think a mistake. You shouldn't eat any of my friends. But how did you thank him, Harry hasn't been in the forest this year. Or have you?" Hagrid said.

"Didn't I tell you? Firenze took me for a walk the first week of school. He said someone wanted to meet me. It was Aragog who said I had his protection in the forest and shouldn't fear his kind. Then I talked to Bayne and then I saw a griffin that had come to the forest."

"A griffin! I've never. What would a griffin be doing in our forest? They don't like being around people. Always being hunted they are. Is it still here?"

"I think it left. I went to see it before super and it was gone. I really miss it. I went to see it almost every night."

"You were in the forest every night? Who went with you?"

"No one went with me Hagrid. I can take care of myself you know."

"I know, or I should know by now. And you don't have Aragog to worry about anymore. Bye Aragog" The two headed back towards the castle. They got back around midnight and Harry snuck back up to his room.

In the morning Harry came down to the common room to gather his books for class and found Professor McGonagall waiting for him. Some of other students were standing around waiting to see what she said.

"Exactly what time did you get to your room last night Mr. Potter? There was a nasty rumor that you were seen coming into the castle well past curfew. Is there any truth to this?" Even though Harry knew she wasn't really mad, hearing her talk to him this way made him feel very worried.

"I um--Yes professor, I was out of the common room after curfew. I was looking for something in the forest, I'm sorry." Harry heard most of the students gasp but heard Fred and George say, 'Excellent'.

"Come with me right now Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said and he followed her to her office. "I take it there were no problems last night?" she asked, now sounding more normal.

"No professor. Hagrid showed me the location of a few caves and we talked to Aragog, but we were back by midnight so I was able to still get enough sleep," Harry responded. He wanted to make sure he sounded like they were being responsible.

"Very well, we'll say detention for two weeks. After this, I'd like you to be a model student for the rest of the year. Having a Gryffindor student receive 4 weeks of detention when we are only into the fifth week of term doesn't look good for our house you know."

"Yes professor, I will try my best. Thank you," Harry said and then went on to class.

The other students tried to ask more details but Professor Figg didn't allow any talking during class. She was almost as strict as Professor Snape, but she treated everyone the same. "This will be our last week of theory on avoiding and blocking spells so please pay attention. Next week we will be putting this theory into practice and if you aren't prepared it may be uncomfortable for you." Harry saw Neville squirm and look at little panicked.

During lunch break Harry was able to fill Ron and Hermione in on what happened last night. "It was actually pretty boring. We didn't see any creatures that I hadn't seen already. There are some caves in there that I didn't know existed. I don't really understand why the centaur thought this was important. I have detention for two weeks now, I'll be ready to quit after a couple days."

It seemed much harder for Harry to concentrate in classes this year. Only Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms held his interest.

After supper, Harry went to Hagrid's for his detention trip into the forest. He really wasn't looking forward to it as much as he expected. He would rather be practicing dueling with Ron and Hermione.

"Aye Harry! Ready for another walk?" Hagrid asked. "Think you can lead us back to the caves tonight?"

Harry had tried to pay attention last night and hoped he could at least get close. "I think so Hagrid. Hagrid do you have any idea why the centaur would suggest I get more familiar with the forest? I don't see how this would help."

"Been wondering the same thing myself Harry. The only thing I can think is that maybe some of the other centaurs are watching and are getting used to you being around. Maybe he wants other creatures in the forest to see you and decide if they are going to be friendly or not."

"I hope everything I meet will be friendly." After saying this he was glad to see that he recognized the final path to the caves. "The caves are right up here Hagrid. I actually found them."

"Good work Harry. It's hard enough to find your way through here during the day, but you managed it at night. Let's head down this way. There is a way to get into Hogsmeade over here. We could stop in for a quick butterbeer if you don't mention to anyone what we've done."

"Yeah, let's do that. I won't tell anyone," Harry added, really liking butterbeer.

It wasn't that far but there were many turns. Harry wasn't sure he could find his own way back. They came out near an old road that led right into Hogsmeade. From there it was a short walk to the Three Broomsticks. Harry followed Hagrid in side.

"Ah Hagrid," Madam Rosmerta said walking over. "Unusual for you to be here so late. And what is a student doing out of the school this late?"

"Hello Rosmerta. You know Harry here."

"Of course, good to see you Harry, but I don't believe students were allowed out this late, especially these days."

"Harry and I are doing some special work in the forest and being that we were close to this side, I suggested stopping in for a little refreshment. He has permission to be in the forest with me tonight and since we were in the neighborhood."

"I don't exactly say that the forest is in the neighborhood, but if that's your story, who am I to doubt it."

Harry was amazed at how different the crowd was at night. Normally there were students and other normal looking wizards and witches (well normal for wizards and witches), and occasionally a goblin or two. But at night, there were many people who kept their hoods up and more goblins. He wouldn't like to come in here by himself at night.

He and Hagrid kept to themselves talking about the griffin and that Hagrid had been able to see some dragons over the summer. After their butterbeer they left and walked back up the road to the path. If you weren't looking hard for it, you wouldn't know where to re-enter the forest. It was getting late and Hagrid was walking faster. Harry had to almost run to keep up with him. Harry had a strange feeling that they were being followed all the way back, but he could never see anything. They finally got back to the castle and Harry went back to his room. He had planned on sneaking into the library tonight but it was too late to go now, he really needed to get some sleep.

In Professor Figg's class the next day, they were ready to talk about shield and blocking spells. She started off by saying, "Now, even though there are shield and blocking spells, only in very rare cases will they totally protect you from a curse, and there are some spells that they won't protect you from at all, so it is better to avoid being in a situation where you need to use one of these in the first place." This surprised Harry. He knew that the unforgivable curses couldn't be blocked, but he had been able to completely block spells over the summer.

Professor Figg went on. "The difference between blocking and shield spells is that a blocking spell deflects some of the force of the spell, which could cause the remnants of it to hit an unintended target. A shield spell when done correctly absorbs some of the energy of the spell that would limit the effects on you. In either case, you can expect to have some exposure to the spell you are trying to avoid." She went on to explain the basic spells and how to properly say and perform them. Harry wasn't paying much attention since he already knew this. He was wondering why he didn't feel the effects of the spells when he was blocking them. Were the Unspeakables not trying very hard? Now he was getting slightly worried.

"Mr. Potter!" Harry heard which snapped him back to class. "I hope you weren't thinking this lesson was unimportant," Professor Figg said sternly.

"No professor, I'm sorry. I was thinking about what you said about blocks and shields not being able to stop all the spell effects," Harry said slowly.

"I see," she said with a knowing look in her eye. "That is usually the case. There have been rare cases in history where a witch or wizard was able to entirely stop some spells. These have been written off as mostly myth but some of us have faith it can still be done. Now, who can tell me any curse that cannot be blocked or shielded?"

Hermione's hand darted up and was waiving when Professor Figg said. "I was hoping someone other than Hermione would know the answer but if not, please inform the rest of the class Miss Granger."

Hermione blushed a little and said, "The Cruciatus Curse."

"Very good Miss Granger, now any others?" Only Hermione raised her hand again, so Professor Figg said, "Very well Miss Granger, please tell us all of the ones you are thinking of."

"The Imperius Curse and the Killing Curse can't be blocked. All of the unforgivable curses," Hermione said.

"That is of course correct. I understand the fake Professor Moody tried teaching you how to overcome the effects of the Imperius Curse with some limited success." Harry felt some of the class looking at him even though Professor Figg didn't. He had been the only one who could throw off that curse. "What are the defenses for the other two curses?"

For once, Hermione's hand didn't shoot up. "Can anyone think of a defense?"

Harry raised his hand. "Yes Mr. Potter," she said sounding surprised he would be answering a question.

Harry continued "Don't get into the situation where it could happen to you. As the fake Professor Moody kept saying 'Constant Vigilance'". Some of the other students chuckled at this.

"That is the best defense, but I'm surprised you thought of it. From what I hear, you are usually going headlong into situations where this could come up." Most of the class chuckled at this. "Now, let's partner up and work on the shield charm. Please stick to using the leg-lock curse so we don't have stray curses flying around the room.

Harry decided to partner with Neville since Ron and Hermione were sitting next to each other. Neville had gotten a very white look on his face while they were discussing the Cruciatus Curse. Harry knew Neville's parents were in a mental hospital from having this curse placed on them. They wouldn't give in to the demands and their minds finally gave out instead of giving in. Neville wasn't able to stop any part of the curse while Harry was able to fully stop the curse but acted like some of it got by. He didn't want to explain to anyone how he could stop curses completely.

While they were walking to the next class Harry asked them, "How did you guys do on the blocking? Were you able to stop much?"

"I think its rubbish," Ron said. "I couldn't tell any difference."

"Maybe we just don't have enough practice," Hermione said, sounding unhappy. "I wasn't able to feel any difference either. Was it the same for you?"

"I didn't feel anything, so either Neville wasn't doing the spells correctly or I was able to block all of them," Harry said.

"Good bet it was Neville not knowing the spells," Ron added.

Hermione was looking at Harry strangely and said, "Let's try it now. I'll be able to perform the spell properly." She pulled out her wand and started the spell. Harry quickly performed the shield spell and didn't feel anything from Hermione's spell and was able to walk around.

"Harry, you CAN completely block the spell! Professor Figg said it was extremely rare to be able to do it."

"I was pretty sure I could do it since this summer I was blocking more powerful spells than a leg-lock curse, but when she brought it up I began to wonder." Harry added, "I wonder why she said that since she knew I could block all of a spell? And why did she bring up the defense against the unforgivable curses either? The only one I may have problems with is the Killing Curse."

"What about the Cruciatus Curse? That can't be blocked," Hermione asked quickly.

Without thinking Harry answered, "Oh, I can throw that one off as well. I mean I had it used on me about a hundred times this summer. I'd hope I could deal with it after that."

Ron and Hermione looked at each other. "You didn't tell us that!" Ron yelled. "How did something like that just slip your mind?"

This is the problem with keeping secrets from your friends, Harry thought. "Um--I thought I had told you. But really, it's not something you just to bring up. Hey guys I spent my summer getting the most painful curse ever put on me," Harry said slightly annoyed and started walking on to class.

After supper, Harry headed down to Hagrid's to spend more time in the forest. Harry was not looking forward to it. He had seen enough of the forest and didn't see any value in spending more time in there. It was nice to talk to Hagrid but he would rather be up in the common room with his friends. As he walked up to the hut, Fang came running out and greeted him with sloppy licks to the face. "Hi Fang, c'mon get down."

"Ready to go Harry? We'll make this a quick one if you don't mind. I've got some things to take care of tonight."

This was good news to Harry. "That's fine with me Hagrid. I could spend some time studying." They headed off with Harry leading the way. Harry really had the feeling they were being watched again but never could see anything around. Hagrid didn't seem bothered by anything and was just talking about how impressed he was with the job Grubbly-Plank was doing.

They rounded a sharp bend in the path and there was a hooded figure standing there.

"Well, what would a student and the games keeper be doing alone in the forest so late?" The figure said, and Harry was able to glimpse under the hood.

"Hagrid! It's a vampire!" Harry yelled while jumping in front of Hagrid. "Run, I'll take care of her." Harry had his wand pulled out and pointed at the vampire.

"Harry, No!" Hagrid started saying before the vampire spoke up.

"You! You'll take care of me?" The vampire said sarcastically. "Don't they teach you anything in that school boy? Your magic is nearly useless on me. What could you possibly do to take care of me?" she said with such arrogance.

Harry just glared at her for a minute before Hagrid spoke up again, "Harry, she is helping protect the school. This is R.J."

Harry looked confused but didn't take his eyes off of the vampire and kept his wand pointing at her.

"What do you think you were really going to do to me boy?" R.J. was still taunting him.

"Look behind you," Harry said flatly.

R.J. turned around and saw the section of a tree branch with a very sharp point hovering right behind her back, ready to run her through if Harry had chosen to. She turned back around with a totally different look on her face and said calmly, "I see they do teach you well. I'm impressed. Why didn't you go ahead and use that stake on me? Most wizards wouldn't hesitate to kill a vampire, especially being confronted by one in the dark forest." The vampire pulled back her hood and Harry was struck by how attractive she was.

Harry released the spell on the branch and it fell with a thud. "You hadn't done anything to try and hurt us yet," he said, still a little unsure about trusting her.

"R.J, this is Harry. Not exactly the best way for you to meet but all's well now," Hagrid said. "Harry, R.J. has been here since before the term started. Professor Dumbledore thought extra security was in order this year and she agreed help us out. Never met a vampire before have you?"

"No, I haven't." Harry said extending his hand and stepping forward. R.J. was strikingly beautiful. "Sorry about that stick through the heart thing, I didn't know you were friendly."

She took his hand and Harry felt how cold it was but he held it firmly. "It was my fault for startling you two. I knew Hagrid wouldn't be alarmed but I didn't expect a student would be able to cause me any worry. I learned a valuable lesson today. Thanks again for not going through with it," she said smiling. Harry was in awe with how beautiful she was. There wasn't any color in her face but still she was hauntingly attractive.

"Have you been the one following us?" Harry asked.

She seemed impressed again and said, "Yes. I'm supposed to be protecting the school and students. Having one wandering around the forest seemed like a risk to me, but I dare say you could probably handle yourself."

"R.J. is living near Hogsmeade now Harry. Some of the professors aren't too pleased by her helping with security but remember that some of them didn't want a werewolf teaching either," Hagrid said chuckling. "What say we call it an early night Harry, I've got a few things to do?"

"Why don't I show Harry around a bit Hagrid? That way you can get going and if Harry doesn't mind, I'd like to give him my perspective on the forest.

"I reckon that would be ok. Ok with you Harry?"

This sounded like a great idea to Harry; he had never been around a vampire before. "That sounds great," he said sounding more excited than he intended.

"All right then, don't be out too late or McGonagall will have my hide," Hagrid said while walking back.

"Well Harry, is there anything you want to see in the forest?"

Harry made sure Hagrid was out of earshot and said, "Not really. Tell the truth, I was getting kind of bored already. I've seen the caves and can find my way to Hogsmeade and know where Aragog's area is. I was ready to see if I could get out of coming down each night."

"I know what you mean. There are many things in the forest, both good and bad but you're not going to just find them by walking around. Most don't want to be found. So, what are your impressions of vampires?"

"Umm... we haven't studied them much but I always thought they were rather ruthless and not nice at all." But he quickly added, "But you don't seem that way."

R.J. smiled a bit. "Your original thoughts are most often right. There are a few who have decided to attempt to be a part of society but not many. Why aren't you afraid of me Harry?"

Harry thought for a moment and said, "Well, Hagrid is half-giant and everyone says how mean giants are but he wouldn't hurt anything. My godfather is an escaped prisoner from Azkaban and most wizards would try to kill him on sight, and yet all my friends really like him. My godfather's best friend who is also good friend of mine now is a werewolf and most people are really afraid of them. And, Aragog tried to eat Ron and me once but now he offered to protect me. So, I guess you have to judge each individual, not the group. Except maybe for dementors, I can't imagine them having any good in them at all."

"That's a good attitude to have Harry; most wizards don't feel that way. They see everything as the 'good' side and the 'dark' side. It's not always so clear-cut. Your attitude is also somewhat dangerous. You can't just trust everybody you meet though."

Harry looked at her for a minute and said, "Can I ask you something if you don't mind? How long have you been a vampire?"

"You should know better than to ask a girl her age Harry?" she said with a smile. "But I don't play those kinds of games so it doesn't bother me. I've been a vampire for about 150 years. I was 19 years old when it happened. I was stupid and trusted someone when I shouldn't have. I can't say I've always been on the good side either. In the beginning I was like most vampires and wasn't nice at all."

"Vampires aren't magical, are they?" She shook her head no. "Then how do you help with security against Death Eaters?"

"You don't need magic to deal with evil Harry. Vampires aren't magical, but also exist in the Muggle world. We've adapted to using their weapons." She pulled out a long sword from a sheath on her back. "Almost any creature can be killed by beheading. So, not only would a stake through my heart kill me, but taking my head would do it as well. Same for werewolves and wizards."

This made Harry flinch. He couldn't picture R.J. using a sword like that on something. She then added, "I bet you don't learn any other self defense except for magic do you?"

"Um... no. But I did some Auror training this summer and that's where I got the idea to make other objects into weapons. That's how I got the branch idea."

"What were you doing getting Auror training? That's not normal procedure for students now is it?"

"I don't really know why they let me. I think they are probably trying to help me protect myself for the next time Voldemort or the Death Eaters attack me. Most people don't want to even think about that happening, but some know it's going to happen and are helping me be as ready as I can."

"You actually said his name. You're something, you know that?" R.J. said looking at Harry strangely. "Most people would be playing it safe and probably hiding if they'd been attacked as many times as you have. And yet you're here in the forest putting yourself in danger."

"Voldemort will find a way to get to me, he did last year. I was being as safe as I could and many people were watching out for me and yet he got to me and used my blood to come back to full strength. They killed another student right in front of me and I was just lucky to get out alive. I want to learn as much as I can before the next time. I'm not going to turn and run when it happens again," Harry said with confidence.

"I admire your attitude. It may not be the most intelligent one, but since I've been around and seen many terrible things, I can understand your feelings. It's better to live your life on your terms even if it places you in unpleasant situations. How would you feel about learning a little Muggle self-defense? I could get Hagrid to let me work with you for a bit. That may be more interesting than trudging around the forest."

"Really, you'd be willing to do that? That would be great." Harry got serious for a moment and asked, "Can I ask you about how you feed now? You can't be living in Hogsmeade if you went around killing people."

"There are other options Harry. Some animals will provide the nutrition I need. Though they don't have the same flavor." Harry flinched again at this. "Then there are some fairly recent potions that help out. I would rather live with certain limits than to go back to being the kind of person I was right after I became a vampire. I was resentful that so much had been taken away from me and that I would never have a normal life. I nearly killed myself a couple times before deciding on trying to live as part of the society."

"I have some of those feelings, but for different reasons," Harry responded. "I don't feel I can live a normal life. I don't fell like I can have a girlfriend and put someone else at that great a risk of attack. I hate the fact that the people who care about me are targets of Death Eaters and Voldemort. Sometimes I just want to push them all away and deal with it on my own. Until he is stopped, I can never have a normal life."

"Maybe that's why it's so easy for you to be close to werewolves, giants and now a vampire. We don't have normal lives either. Let's head back to the school, it's getting kind of late."

She was right, the time had flown by. When they got to the edge of the forest she said, "I'll plan on meeting you here tomorrow. We can try some self-defense training and maybe talk some more."

"Bye R.J. It's been really nice talking to you. See you tomorrow," Harry said and ran back to the castle. He hadn't been this happy in a while. R.J. was great; he just felt that he could tell her anything.

Harry was obviously happy the next day. Both Ron and Hermione noticed right away. "What's with you Harry, you seem really happy today. Haven't seen you like this unless you just caught the snitch," Ron asked.

"Anything you want to share with us Harry?" Hermione asked, suspiciously.

Harry wasn't ready to say 'Oh, I met a beautiful vampire in the forest last night and I'm really excited about seeing her again', so he just said, "Just woke up in a good mood, no harm in that. C'mon let's get to breakfast". He could tell they didn't completely buy that excuse but they let it slide.

Classes were a blur to Harry today. During a break, he said to them, "I need to go look something up in the Library. I'll see you in class".

"What! Harry, that's Hermione's line. What do you need to do in the library?" Ron said.

"Nothing important, I'll catch up to you later. Bye." He hurried down the corridor before they could ask any more questions. He bypassed the library and went to see Madame Pomfrey.

"Something is up with him," Hermione said.

"At least it seems to be something making him happy this time," Ron added

After classes they were studying together when Harry said, "Ok, I don't want to keep things from you so I'll tell you why I was happy today. Last night I met a vampire in the forest."

"A vampire! And you're happy about that. Have you gone totally mental?" Ron exclaimed.

"Harry, vampires are dangerous, what happened?" Hermione asked.

"This vampire isn't dangerous; she's helping to guard the school. She's helping with extra security."

"She? You met a female vampire and that's what made you so happy. Now I'm starting to understand," Ron joked.

"Ron! Harry wouldn't think like that about a dangerous creature. What did she do when you met her? Did Hagrid keep her away from you?"

"She shook my hand when we met. And then Hagrid left us alone," Harry said.

"So now you're alone in the woods with a female vampire. Oh, this keeps getting better," Ron snickered.

"What were you thinking? You're not going to be around her again are you?" Hermione yelled.

"She's going to teach me some Muggle self-defense since vampires aren't magical," Harry said.

"I don't like this at all," Hermione said strictly. "At least Hagrid will be around and he wouldn't let anything happen to you."

"Well... Um... Hagrid has work to do so he won't be around," Harry fumbled.

"Mental, totally mental," Ron added.

After supper Harry got up to go to the hut when Hermione grabbed his arm and said, "I really don't think this is a good idea. You shouldn't trust her you know."

"Don't worry Hermione, I'll be fine. See you tomorrow," Harry said and ran out.