Harry Potter and the Seers of Lost Time

    Harry, Ron and Hermione all sat on the couches around the fire in the Gryffindor Common Room.

    “Why did Professor Snape give us so much damn homework?” Ron complained.

    “Ron shut up already!” Hermione snapped, looking up from her homework.

    Ron mumbled something incoherent, and Hermione rolled her eyes.

    “Ok, I’m done,” Harry announced tossing his homework into his bag. “That wasn’t too bad.”

    Ron frowned. “How can you be done? I barely just started.”

    Harry shrugged.

    “You can’t be done,” Hermione exclaimed. “I’m not even close to finishing. Harry come on! Just finish your work so you don’t have to worry about it later.”

    “I told you, I’m done with it. I have nothing else to work on.”

    “Let me see it!” Hermione demanded.

    Harry took it out of his bag and handed it to Hermione.

    “Wow, Harry, this is amazing work,” Hermione said, astonished.

    “Umm, thanks.”

    “Lemme me see it,” Ron said, grinning.

    “Ron, do your own work.” Hermione snapped at him. “I didn’t know you were so good at potions. Didn’t you just get a D on your last potion assignment?”

    “Umm yah... I decided I better study harder,” Harry said, not looking Hermione in the eye.

    “Good idea. Maybe you should try that too, Ron.”

    Ron didn’t hear Hermione; he was too busy staring suspiciously at Harry. Harry just stared innocently back.

    “Harry...” Ron started, but Harry cut him off.

    “OK, I’m going to go grab a bite to eat. I’ll bring you guys back some food.” Harry left the common room.

    Ron tried to protest, but Harry was already out of the portrait hole.

    “Hermione, I think there is something wrong with Harry,” said Ron.

    Hermione looked up from her homework. “What are you talking about?”

    “Never mind.” Ron let out a sigh and started to get back to work on his homework.

    Eventually Hermione finished and began to pack her things away. At the same time, the portrait hole opened and Ginny stepped in.

    “Hey, Hermione; hey, Ron,” she greeted.

    “Hello, Ginny,” Hermione greeted.

    Ron grunted his hello.

    Ginny looked down at her feet. “Hermione, umm... I need to talk to you in umm, in private.”

***

    Fred stood behind the counter of the joke shop. George was in the back counting the stock. The shop was filled with costumers, mostly students with freaky hair-doo’s; looking for ways to trick their so called “friends”.

    “OK people, the shop is closing in ten minutes, so get your shopping done now!” Fred shouted above all the laughter.

    People hurriedly brought their purchases to the counter.     

    When the shop was empty, George came out from the back.

    “How much we make bro?”

    “Tons,” Fred said, grinning.

    “Great! We will have enough to buy some new supplies,” George said, examining the money.

    A knock came at their door.

    “Come in,” George shouted.

    The door opened, and Fred caught sight of Charlie.

    “Hey Charlie, what’s up?”

    “Nothing much, just came on vacation. We all are still going on that trip to Rome right?”

    “Yes, of course, as soon as Ron and Ginny get out of school for Christmas vacation,” George announced.

    “But Ron probably is going to bring along Harry and his little girlfriend,” Fred said, grinning.

    “Girlfriend? When did this happen?” Charlie asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

    “Her name is Hermione. Probably not his girlfriend, but you can totally tell he is in love.”

    “I know! The way he talks about her; Hermione this, Hermione that. Jeez, it gets so annoying.”

    Charlie laughed. “So, what have you two been up to lately?”

    “The usual,” they said in unison with identical grins.

    Charlie rolled his eyes. “Damn twin thing.”

    A loud noise came from the back of the store.

    “What was that?” Charlie asked.

    “Umm... Oh there have been cats sneaking into the shop lately,” Fred said quickly.

    “Yah... I think they are attracted to the catnip that’s in one of our jokes,” George said simply.

    Charlie raised an eyebrow at them, but said nothing.

    “I’ll go get the cat,” George announced and headed to the back of the shop.

    Charlie shook his head. “OK, I’m going to pretend that I don’t know that something is up.”

    Fred grinned. “Nothing is up, just a normal everyday c—”

    Fred stopped talking as a small faerie came flying through the shop and passed Charlie's face. George was tumbling after it, tripping over merchandise as he went.

    “Fred! Did I just see what I thought I saw?” Charlie asked, bewildered.

    “Nope, definitely not. It was your imagination.”

    “Oh, you two are so dead; mom is going to kill you!”

***

    “What is it you need to talk about?” Hermione asked when they had gotten up to the girls’ dormitory.

    “Umm I wanted to ask you if, if umm. . . .”

    “What?”

    “I wanted to know if Harry had a girlfriend.”

    “What?” Hermione said, shocked. “Umm, well no, no he doesn’t. Are you going to ask him out?”

    “Umm, no,” Ginny said sadly.

    “Then, what’s this about?”

    “One more question first.”

    “OK what is it?”

    “Is he friends with any of the Slytherins?”

    “Slytherins? Ginny, what is this about?”

    “Well, Harry has been distant with me lately. Not that we talk much anyway, but I think some of the Slytherins are up to something, cause I see him hanging around the Slytherin table a lot.”    

    “What?!”

    “Isn’t there that one Malfoy guy? Draco, right?”

    “Well, that is his name, but why would Harry be hanging out with Malfoy?”

    “I dunno, but I think we need to find out. And I don’t think we should let Ron know about it.”

    “Why?”

    “Ron hates the Malfoy’s. He’ll probably go pound Harry and Draco into the ground,” Ginny said sadly.

    “Yah, true. OK so no telling Ron.”

    “Watcha guys talking about?” Lavender asked as she entered the dormitory, seeing Hermione and Ginny in the corner.

    “We are talking about Harry,” Ginny said simply. “Has he been acting strangely to you?”

    “Nope, not that I can recall,” Lavender said, thinking. “Why, what’s up?”

    “Harry’s just being distant, that’s all.”

    “Oh, is that not usual?” Lavender asked curiously. “I mean, with everything that goes on in that boy’s life, you’d think he wouldn’t like to talk about it.”

    Hermione shrugged. “Ginny, I’m going to go down and get some food. Want to come with me?”

    “Yes, I’m starved,” Ginny said quickly.

    Hermione and Ginny left the dormitory.

    Ron looked up from his homework as Hermione and Ginny came down the stairs.

    “Is everything all right?” Ron asked.

    “Why do you care Ronald Weasley?!” Ginny asked, giving Ron a glare.

    “What? I was just asking!” Ron protested.

    “I’m sure! Well, mind your own business!”

    Ron, shocked, looked from Ginny to Hermione. “What did I do?”

    “What didn’t you do?” Ginny hissed and stormed off out of the common room. Hermione followed quickly behind.

    “What was that about?” Hermione asked, shocked.

    “Trust me, it’s the only way to get him off your case. Now he will be so wrapped up in figuring out why we are mad at him, he won’t even wonder about what we were talking about,” Ginny said, grinning.

    “Wow, nice,” Hermione said, laughing.

    “OK, so now are we going to go find Harry?”

    “Yes, we just have to make sure he doesn’t see us watching him.”

    “Right. OK, I have an idea.”

***

    As soon as Harry exited the common room, he pulled his invisibility cloak out of his bag. Looking around the corner, he made sure no one was around and he put the cloak around himself. Harry knew Ron was on to him, but he didn’t really care. He needed to find out exactly what was going on.

    He went hurriedly down passed the Great Hall and down towards the dungeons. As he opened the door he caught sight of Draco. Harry let out a low sigh and took of the cloak.

    “Hello, Potter,” Draco said, smirking.

    “Malfoy,” Harry said in a greeting.

    “So, how are you this fine day?”

    “Fine,” Harry said stiffly. Harry strained not to turn around and walk back out the door, but curiosity was holding him there.

    “What, still don’t trust me?” Draco asked, grinning.

    “Not remotely,” Harry muttered.

    Draco made a tutting noise. “Potter, I’m not going to hurt you. As I said before, I’m here to help you.” Something in Draco’s voice made Harry want to believe him.

    “I still don’t get why you would help me. What’s in it for you?”

    “Well, I was hoping you could help me in return.”

    Of course, Harry thought, always that little snag. “How?” Harry asked suspiciously.

    “You have to help me get a Gristale Globe.”

    “A what?”

    “A Gristale Globe. It’s a globe that possesses great power, and if you can unleash that power, you can control it for yourself.”

    Harry frowned. He didn’t like how that sounded. “Right, but how and why do I help you get it?”

    Draco smiled. “You help me get it by coming with me to a room in this castle and using some powers to get it out. You help me get it because I can help you see and talk to your parents, any time you wish.”

    Harry held his breath. Why does my curiosity always get the better of me? Harry thought. “OK, but why can’t you get someone else to help you get it?”

    “Because you have a special gift.”

    “Gift? What gift?”

    “Now, now Potter, you have to agree to help me if I help you before I say a single word.”

    Harry glared at Draco. “How do I know I can trust you?”

    “You can’t,” Draco said simply.

    Both Harry and Draco jumped and turned to look at the door as a loud crashing noise came from behind it.

    “What was that?” Harry asked.

    “Who is there?” Draco shouted at the door.

    No answer came. Draco marched over to the door and pulled it open. Ginny sat on the floor, picking up a pile of books. Draco let out a groan.

    “Ginny, you okay?” Harry asked.

    “I’m okay; I was just trying to find professor Snape,” she said, giving Harry a smile.

    Harry didn’t smile back, but he did go to help her with her books.    

    “Get out of here, Weasley,” Draco spat.

    “Is he here?” she asked, ignoring Draco, her eyes fixed on Harry.

    “Can’t you hear girl? I said get out of here.” Draco reached for the door to close it, but Harry stopped him.

    “He’s not here.”

    “Oh, OK. Harry, could you help me find him, please? It’s kind of important.”

    Harry didn’t speak for a moment. He wanted to talk to Draco some more, but the pleading look in her eyes made him feel he had to help her find him.

    “Umm, yah, sure. I’ll help you find him,” Harry said, giving in.

    “Potter, think about the deal, and give me your answer ASAP. So leave, both of you. Now!” With that Draco shut the door in their faces.

    “Jeez, why is he so cranky?” Ginny muttered.

    “Aah, don’t worry, he is always like that. Don’t take it personally,” Harry said grimly.

***

    Where are they? Hermione asked herself, looking around the corner to the dungeons. She was getting tired of holding her stack of books. Finally, she caught sight of Ginny. Hermione walked back ten steps and began to walk hurriedly foreword again. Ginny collided with her.

    “Ouch!” Hermione wailed.

    “Are you two OK?” Harry asked, helping Ginny and Hermione to their feet.

    “Fine,” Hermione said swiftly.

    “Hermione, have you seen Professor Snape? I need to turn these books in right away.”

    “Oh, he said to hold on to them and he would collect them later.”

    “Oh OK, cool.”

    “What are the books for?” Harry asked curiously.

    “Umm. . . . Book club.”

    “Book club?”

    “Yah, umm Snape decided to start one for the better students in his class.”

    “Neat-o,” Harry said, grinning.

    Hermione looked at Ginny. Now that they had him away from Draco, they were wondering how they would bring up their concern.

    “So, Harry, what was Draco talking about? What deal?”

    “Umm. . . .” Harry murmured.

    Hermione gave Ginny a grin. This had to work.

    “Harry, we know something is up, and we care about you. What is going on?” Hermione said, her eyes concerned.

    “Why do you two care?” Harry said in a distant voice.

    “Because we are you friends!” Ginny said, trying to get Harry to look her in the eye.

    “Well I’m not going to tell you,” Harry said determinedly.

    “What, you and Malfoy having a secret love affair or something?” Ginny asked sarcastically.

    Harry rolled his eyes and laughed. “Oh yah. Our plan was to go snog in the garden tonight. But shush, don’t tell anyone. We don’t want anyone to know.” Harry stormed off.

    Ginny and Hermione watched him go.

    “Well I guess it didn’t work,” Ginny sighed.

    “Well what do we do now?”

    “You could get out of my way!” came Draco’s drawling voice from behind them.

    Ginny rounded on Draco.

    “What is going on with you two?”

    Draco looked taken aback. “Just that little secret Potter told you. But remember, shush! It’s supposed to be a secret.”

    “You where spying on us?” Hermione glared at Draco.

    “So, maybe you shouldn’t talk so loud.”

    “Go away Malfoy,” Ginny spat at him.

    “Well, I would but you two happen to be in my way.”

    Hermione stepped aside but Draco stood where he was.

    “I would get off Potter’s case if I where you.”

    “Why?”

    “Because it’s none of your business, and not everything concerns you two. So I’m warning you now: get off his case or suffer my wraith.”

    “Oh, we are so scared.” Ginny rolled her eyes.

    Draco just grinned. “You should be, Weasley. So keep you pretty little face out of things that don’t concern you.” With that, Draco walked off towards the Great Hall.

    Ginny’s jaw dropped. “Did he just say pretty?”

    Hermione glared after Draco. “Slimy little git.”

***

    Ron sat thinking on the couch in the common room. Why are they mad at me? What did I do to them? he asked himself. And just as he had decided to go and confront Ginny about it, the portrait hole opened and Harry stepped in, looking upset.

    “Harry, you OK?”

    “Not in the mood to talk Ron,” Harry muttered and started to head upstairs.

    “What did I do?” Ron asked, but Harry was already beyond earshot.

    Ron groaned. Everybody seemed to be mad at him all of a sudden.

    A loud tapping noise came at the window. Ron looked up to see it was and Pig. He opened the window and took the letter. Pig excitedly flew around Ron’s head.

    “Chill Pig,” Ron muttered, opening the envelope. Ron began to read.

Ron,

    How are you bro? Mum told me to send you a letter cause she didn’t have time and Fred, George, Charlie, and Percy are all busy with work. We are all going to Rome for Christmas vacation, so start packing you bags. Mum and Dad say you can bring Harry and Hermione along if you like. Make sure to tell Ginny that we are going on vacation, we want the whole family here.

    Fred and George are doing really well with their joke shop. It’s amazing how much cash they are getting. They are making more money then me.

    Send me a letter back and tell me what’s up at the castle and what’s not.

    I’ve found out some news about the Order. Seems Lupin and some guy named Luras are on their way to the castle to talk to you guys. I’m not quite sure on the details, but I believe it’s got something to do with a portal. Dumbledore isn’t clueing me in, because for some reason he does not trust me. I think he found out about the other letter I sent you. But any news I find out I’ll send you.

                        Write back soon,

                                Bill

    Ron folded back up the letter and pocketed it. Taking out a piece of parchment and a quill, he started to write:

Charlie,

    Nothing much is new up at the castle. Everything seems to be fine, though Harry has been acting oddly lately. I’m not quite sure why.

    The trip to Rome sounds exciting. I’ll make sure I tell Ginny, she’ll probably be ecstatic to hear about it.

    Portal? That sounds interesting. But why are Lupin and Luras coming down here to talk to us? Are they going to warn us? Or just talk to Dumbledore?

    Can’t wait to see you next week.

                        Bye,

                            Ron

    Ron looked over the letter, put it into an envelope and tied it to Pig. “Make sure mum and dad don’t see you give this letter to Charlie, OK?”

    Pig hooted in response and took off out the open window.

    Ron sighed and took off out towards the grounds. He avoided Ginny and Hermione, who where sitting in the Great Hall talking. As he stepped out on the field, he bumped headfirst into a girl. She fell to the ground, and Ron stared dumbly at her with his hand on his forehead where they had knocked into each other.

    “Are you OK?” Ron finally asked, holding out a hand to help her up.

    “Yah, I’m OK,” she said taking his hand and brushing herself off. She had long golden blonde hair, bright sea blue eyes, a long flowing white dress, and a glow around her that made her seem unreal. She talked in a sweet, soft voice.

    “Who are you? I’ve never seen you around here.” Ron’s eyes were fixed on her face.

    “I’m Jasmine. And you are Ron Weasley, are you not?”

    “Yah, how did you know that?” Ron asked, astonished.

    The girl just smiled. Ron’s knees started to give in.

    “Where are you from?” Ron asked curiously. “ You’re not from Hogwarts are you?”

    “No, no I’m not.”

    “Well then. . . .” Ron started, but the girl interrupted him.

    “I have come to tell you something, something extremely important.”