One Week of Pandemonium

"Hell, what are you trying to do? Kill me?! I've got to finish this damn essay so stop pestering--"

"We're only trying to help you George, for goodness' sake!"

"Don't! I didn't ask for it, so sod off."

"Why are you acting so uptight anyway? You're not like this."

"That's none of your business, Lee."

"I'll just bet it has something to do with--"

"Fred! Shut up!"

"What, what is it? There's something you're not telling me, is there?"

"Our lover boy here has a crush on--"

"FRED! YOU DUMBASS--"

"Who, who?"

"Why who else Lee?!"

"I knew it! You have a thing for my girl, don't you? How dare you George?! I treated you as a real brother and now what are you doing to me? You filthy traitor--"

"Lee! I don't have a bit of a thing for Katie, ok? And as far as I know, she's not your girl yet."

"See? SEE! You're starting with technicalities already--!"

"LEE SHUT YOUR BIG MOUTH! How many times do I have to tell you? I don't have a crush on Katie Bell! She's not my type! Now do you understand?! If you still don't, go to Madame Pomfrey. You really need some help."

"You better not..."

"Ha. ThatÂ’s the best joke I've ever heard from you Lee. Katie? Your girlfriend?! Right. And the pigs are flying in the sky."

"See yourself in the mirror first Fred and you'll find yourself with an 'L' on your forehead. Isn't it that your so-called 'ultimate move' on Angelina backfired? What is it again? Oh yeah, I remember now. Something that goes likeÂ… 'You don't have to be rich to be my girl' line. Fred oh Fred! I really thought your brains are a tad bigger than Longbottom's! Told you Angelina won't buy that stupid Muggle song you sang in the Common Room. You acted more like a frog croaking in the middle of the storm begging for entrance in the Princess' castle."

"Ah, you're missing something Lee. Don't forget that dozen of orchids Fred sent for the poor girl. Honestly brother, it looks more like flowers for the dead to me."

"But George really, there's only one thing I'm not surprised of our dear Fred here."

"What is it?"

"Say one more word Lee and you'll be saying your goodbyes to the wizarding worldÂ…"

"I'm quite surprised our Angelina didn't stuff his head down the toilet bowl, worse than what she did when Fred tried to--"

"YOU STUPID BLOOD-SUCKING GIT! SHUT UP!"

"Fred! Look at what you did to my ink!"

"Better clean that up already George or--"

"Ha! Now look who's talking Lee! Didn't Katie dump the chicken porridge on your head just a few weeks ago? And you're calling me loser. Tsk tsk."

"Ah yes, Fred. What a fire-woman that girl is. That's my Katie."

"Poor Katie. You won't give up on her, will you Lee?"

"Fred! Don't you ever learn? As what Pluto -or is that Plato? No, Plewtu. As what he stated, 'Try and try until you die'. I always love that philosophy."

"LEE WATCH OUT! Oh no, my 16 page essay! You just scattered the ink!"

"Wha--"

"FRED NO! My quill!"

"George you're so dense--"

"UGH! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO WRITE A 16 PAGE ESSAY THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE 50 PAGES?!? Eh?! Do you know how hard it is to research about Killer Potions on Vampires, Bats, and Other Monstrous Things Famous on Halloween?!? I have been on the library for almost ten hours just to have a tiny little tad of information on that! Have you dumb people ever imagined how hard it would be to accomplish that? I DONÂ’T THINK YOU HAVE, WITH THAT WALNUT SIZED BRAIN OF YOURS, YOU-- YOU STUPID GITS!!!"

"George. You just described yourself."

"SHUT UP! GET. OUT."

"Huh?"

"Out!"

"As far as I know, this is mine and FredÂ’s room too. Earth to George?"

"FINE! I'LL GET OUT! A hundred meters away from you two and I will finally have peace and quiet enough to finish my homework."

"Since when are you doing your homework? Or been concerned about school work for that matter?"

"Lee oh Lee. I told you he has gotten his inspiration from--"

"I'm leaving and don't even try to follow me."

"Who says we are going to? Moody."

"Fine."

"Fine!"

"FINE!"

** BANG! **

"Man, he sure needs a psychiatrist."

"No Lee. That's called a veterinarian."

Down at the Common RoomÂ…

"Damn it. Now what am I going to do?! I'm gonna have to start all over again--"

"George?"

"What now you-- Oh Hermione!"

"What are you doing here?"

"This annoying 50 page essay for Snape. Damn that bloke!"

"Want some help?"

"You willÂ…?"

"Why not?"

"Well, considering it's almost midnight and past curfew and you're a PrefectÂ…"

"So?"

"Are you sure? You're not sick are you Hermione?"

"No, no of course not. WellÂ… not really."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh George. I just fell!"

"You fell! Where?! AreÂ… are you all right? Are you hurt? Wha--"

"No George. I just fell in love with you."

"Â…"

"You better close your mouth George. A fly might pass by and--"

"Ha! You're becoming very funny Hermione. Funny and cute. That's the best prank I've ever experienced."

"What makes you think this is a prank? George, I just realized I love you. I fell head over heels for you. I--"

"Hermione! Stop it! You-- you. Honestly. You're making me hyperventilate. NO! No Herm! Geroff my lap!"

"I think you're looking for some proof of my love for you George."

"Hermi--"

"I love you GeorgiekinnsÂ…"

"ButÂ… MmmppphhhhÂ…"

After full three minutesÂ…

"Whoa! Is that real Hermione?"

"What? You want another kiss?"

"UhÂ…"

And the two drowned in the bliss of their newfound love, melting in each other's kiss, in each other's warmth, sharing their long-hidden passion they thought was impossible.

Heh. Right.

And this is how it all started.

Ladies and gentlemenÂ… yes, and ghosts, welcome to the dizzying world of two exact opposites who just realized that a simple "tease-hate" for each other could lead to a greater deal than that, than anyone could ever imagine, something the both of them might not handleÂ…

*

She moaned. She knew it was time to get up already but she didn't. It was one of those normal days that she hoped would change. Normal days mean breakfast, classes, lunch, and classes again, then study period (which means library for her but lazy period for the others), and then class again, dinner, and finally resting and sleeping time. It was just a cycle. A dead boring cycle. Wow. Who would have thought of that about the brainy library-girl Hermione Granger?

Hermione yawned in a very unladylike manner without opening her eyes. She hugged her pillow and savored that heavenly moment before she totally woke up and got out of bed. She was having a weird, but still nice dream. She and her two best friends were outside the wizarding world and they were all having fun. They went to a disco, the carnival, a museum, the beach, the Eiffel Tower, and to the Linkin Park concert. Yes, it was a very odd dream, going from place to place in one hell of a day, when suddenly, she felt sprinkles of water coming from nowhere. She turned to see whom it was and was not surprised to see the Weasley twins with Lee Jordan. But what did surprise her was that George Weasley was holding a bouquet of red and white roses. She backed a step away from him, or rather from the flowers because she was allergic to them--they made her itchy all over. And to her greater surprise, George was giving it to her! Or rather, he was trying to. Hermione kept on stepping backwards. She found this new joke of theirs very annoying. It wasn't funny at all. But George was very persistent. He kept attempting to force her to accept the flowers while she glared at him. She snatched the flowers away from George just to stop him from pestering her. And at that moment, everybody had gone away except her and George. They stood facing each other while she was still clutching the flowers, unaware that her skin was not reacting to any allergic tendencies. Sprinkles of water continued to wet her face. She looked down, and somehow magically, the roses were sprinkling the tiny drops of water to her face! How, she didn't knowÂ…

On a tiny corner of her sluggish and still dreamy mind, there was something that told her it was already time for work. But she tiredly ignored it.

C'mon Hermione. Get up. She said to herself, still too sleepy to move a muscle. But the sprinkling water kept on dripping to her face. What the hell? Where does this water come from anyway? I thought it was just aÂ… She finally decided to open her eyes. She blinked.

What madness--

"AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"

*

"Is this some kind of a joke?!" Hermione asked, the upper part of her body still dripping wet.

"I dunno. Achoo! I think it is signedÂ… Achoo! By O' Blaire," Katie Bell said in between sneezes. Too bad, she was allergic to feathers.

"How can you be sure she signed it?" Parvati Patil asked. Her whole face was still covered by green powder.

"Well first, the signature says, 'Your New Master, The Oracle," Trinity Order said, her raven hair in disarray and with strays of hay. "Duh. Who else will name himself or herself like that? Sprout? Second, who else will write a 'poem' such as this? It looks like it came from one of those sappy and corny ancient volumes O' Blaire always has. Third, the paper was not even parchment. It wasÂ… some kind of a weird paper. Hell, it is scented too, with designs of roses and daisies and lilies. Now who do you think uses this kind of shit? McGonagall?"

"It's called a stationery paper," Hermione said. "Actually, I'm thinking it's more likely Snape."

"Whatever this is called, it sure is revolting," Trinity retorted with a small smile at the thought of the intimidating Snape, Potions master, doodling on this piece of paper Hermione called stationery.

"If she's the real mastermind behind all these," Katie said. "Achoo! Damn it. What's her purpose? Achoo! What's with all these?"

"Wait," Hermione suddenly said.

"What is it?" Parvati asked irritatingly, scratching her "green face".

"Didn't she say that her surprise for us will be this week?"

"This is her surprise?" Trinity asked back with sarcasm evident in her voice. "Well I'll be damned. It is very funny."

"More like the Weasley twins are responsible for these," Katie managed to say without a sneeze.

Parvati sighed. "So what do you think should we do? Dress up as how Muggles do? Because I think that's what this stupid riddle is trying to tell us."

"Its not a riddle," Trinity opposed.

"Whatever," Parvati said, rolling her eyes.

Hermione looked down at the paper she was holding, which had a few spots of water. She reread it and by the looks of it, it seemed that this was really O' Blaire's doing.

MISSION I

Open thy eyes and let the fragrance

Of this new morning bathe thee;

Be in for a surprise

For a great price awaits;

Dress as a Muggle

And act like one

Until you reached

The Great Hall for new fun;

For those who won't heed,

The gods will forgive thee

But will be banished forever.

Your New Master,

The Oracle

PS: Take this seriously.

"What kind of an idiot would take this seriously?" Parvati sniggered.

Yeah, this is definitely O' Blaire, Hermione thought. "I think we should just do whatever this tells us to do."

"Dress like a Muggle?! What for? Forget it!" Parvati exclaimed. She realized too late that Hermione was present. "Oops. Sorry. But really, no offense."

"But -- Achoo! -- I'm still confused. What's her point?" Katie asked, clearly confused.

"Well we won't know about that unless we do it right? Really, what's wrong with dressing like a normal Muggle?" Hermione asked. She tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear. Damn it. I really should take a shower now.

"Well it's totally okay for you, Hermione because you're Muggle-born, so naturally, you don't know how it will probably feel to be stared at incredulously when you're supposed to be on your normal Hogwarts robes. And the others might think I'm insane. And what if Snape caught me in that costume, or the other Professors for that matter. And who really knows if Professor Ash really is responsible for this?" Parvati finally stopped her rant, took a deep breath, and looked at the others who were just staring at her blankly.

Hermione blinked. The others still stared at her like she was some kind of an alien who had just landed on their lair.

"Really, what harm would it do to us?" Hermione persisted.

"That's because you're a Prefect, Hermione, so you won't suffer any consequences," Parvati shot back.

"But stillÂ… I donÂ’t know. I just have this feeling that this is really Professor Ash."

"And since when does Hermione Granger, the believer in facts and particulars and the witch who doesn't believe a single thing in Divination, follow her instincts?" Trinity smirked with a twinge of mock surprise in her voice. Almost everyone had heard of her unbelievable "stunt" in Trelawney's Divination class last year.

"Shut up, Trinity."

"Nope. Sorry. Dressing like a Muggle is not one of my biggest plans for today. And I really should take a bath now. This-- " Parvati said, turning towards her door. Her sentence was left hanging in the midair when suddenly, a familiar scream was heard inside Parvati's room.

"Guess Lavender has finally woken up," Trinity said nonchalantly as she walked towards her own room at the far end of the girls' dormitory hall.

"I'll bet she too was expecting on waking up the normal way," Hermione said as she watched Parvati open their door. The ear-piercing screams of Lavender just got louder and longer and the other doors suddenly opened as heads peeked out to see what was going on and groans were heard.

Hermione and Katie shook their heads as they both walked towards their respective rooms.

*

The students in the Great Hall were, for once, inaudible and puzzled. Certainly, this wasn't a normal day as everyone was expecting. Hushed talks, small whispers, and some disgusted and suspicious looks--obviously from the Slytherins--were directed towards some certain students who were dressed rather peculiarly. Or, to be more accurate, as a Muggle.

Hermione, together with Trinity, walked in to the Great Hall. She quickly noticed that less than fifteen or so people were also dressed in Muggle wear and they, including her, were being stared at pointedly. They went to their table and walked down to where Harry and Ron were sitting, to their usual place in the middle of the long table.

"What's happening?" Ron Weasley suddenly asked Hermione who hasn't even touched her chair.

"You mean this?" Hermione answered, gesturing to her clothes instead of her usual Hogwarts uniform.

Ron nodded.

"I don't know either."

"Then why are you--"

"I don't know."

"You don't make sense."

"I know."

"Hermione are you playing on me?"

"What? You? No. Why?"

"Will you stop that nonsense conversation already?" Harry Potter interrupted looking slightly worried that they would fight again.

"Children, children. Now stop playing around. It's so early in the morning," Fred Weasley butted in. The three looked up and saw that the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan were also dressed in Muggle attire.

"You too?" Ron asked. "What's happening here?"

But before anyone could say anything else, the professors walked in and to everyone's great surprise, the Advance Muggle Psychology teacher, Professor Ashleigh O' Blaire was garbed in professional Muggle clothes. She was like the casual type of person, though a very straight and to the point sort. To Hermione, the Professor reminded her of her old grade school teacher who was her favorite teacher back then because she taught Hermione's favorite subject: Mathematics.

When everyone had settled down, Dumbledore stood up and spoke, "For this day, don't concern yourselves with peculiar events." He looked at the students meaningfully while the students just looked at each other. All were excited at what the Headmaster had say. "Good morning and enjoy your hearty breakfast," Dumbledore continued, and with that spoken, he sat down. The plates then were filled up with every delicious and mouth-watering meal that exists in the wizarding world, and the students momentarily forgot about the peculiar dress code.

"What the hell?" Trinity asked no one in particular with her perfectly arched eyebrow raised. She was still staring at the Headmaster as if he'd grown another head. "That's it? He's not going to explain anything or at least a thing?!"

"Relax, Trin. We're on safe grounds. Prof. Ash is on our side," Fred assured the perplexed Head Girl while munching on an apple pie.

"But they owe us an explanation! Or at least O' Blaire should have explained before eating there in the High Table as if she's someone so superior--" Trinity exploded.

"Trin! It's ok," Hermione tried to comfort her. "Like Fred said, I think we're safe and that all of these are intended."

The other girl took a deep breath and still reasoned out. "But I think it's still inconsiderate of them to--" The Head Girl didn't get to finish her sentence as she stood up and boldly walked towards the High Table.

"Oh boy," Hermione whispered.

"Ha! Don't be so afraid Hermione. You know Trin. As the Head Girl, she has to fulfill her duties in getting things done early and being nosy about everything," Lee said while helping himself with a plate of baked mushrooms.

Hermione gave Lee a glare.

"Why don't we just sit back, relax, and enjoy our hearty breakfast, eh?" Fred suggested with his mouth full of cabbage cake.

"Yeah Hermione," Harry said. "DonÂ’t worry too much."

"Who said anything about me worrying?"

"So what exactly do you call that, Herm?" Ron asked almost absent-mindedly. He realized his mistake too late.

"What do you mean by that Ron?" Hermione asked him sternly. She stared at him, eye-to-eye.

Harry feigned to clear his throat and glanced meaningfully at Ron's way.

"I'm just saying that with a morning as good as this, you should start it with a niceÂ… shot," Ron said very carefully or else. For Harry's sake and his own, he then turned his undivided attention to his full plate, trying his best not to look at Hermione's piercing eyes.

With that, Hermione proceeded to pick on her food. She had to admit, at least to herself, that she was sort of worried. What's this all about? She glanced at the High Table and saw Trinity conversing with Prof. Ash. I hope everything's okay. She sighed. Her best friends were absolutely right. She worried too much these days.

While the majority was busy with their food businesses and some were still murmuring warily about the weird start of the day, another person was also occupied with his own thoughts. The moment George stepped inside the Great Hall, his eyes automatically sought Hermione. And he stopped walking for a fracture of second, but he quickly recovered as to not be noticed by Fred or Lee. He knew very well his friends' antennas. They could detect anything fishy from the range of one foot.

When they reached his brother's usual sitting place, he kept his gaze away from Hermione. As much as he could take. He blamed it on himself. No, actually on his dream. Damn. Why does it have to be that good? He said to himself angrily, recalling how soft Hermione's lips felt against his in his dream. Then the next thing he knew, he was blaming it on Hermione. He inwardly groaned.

"By the way, what did you get Herm?" Fred asked, after swallowing a melon-flavored chewing gum.

"What do you mean, what did she get?" Harry asked curiously.

"When we woke up, we were all surprised by a shock containing a message that we are to dress as an ordinary Muggle," Lee answered. "So what did O' Blaire give to you Herm?"

"When I opened my eyes, I saw a balloon, dripping wet, floating right above my head," Hermione said flatly, wanting to erase the embarrassing memory.

"And let me guess, the balloon exploded with full of mustards and orange juice," Lee interrupted.

"Yuck. But close enough," Hermione said. "It exploded in my face with pure water only."

"Lucky you," George muttered under his breath.

Hermione glanced at George. "Why? What did you get?"

George turned slightly pink but before he could reply, Fred butted in, "A howler beside him was screaming, 'OHAYO!!!' endlessly at its maximum volume. You should have seen how he woke upÂ…"

Fred couldn't continue for he was now at the edge of his chair, laughing his head off. Lee was also laughing hard enough that his face was as red as any Weasley hair, while George, on the other hand, was muttering unintelligent words and was now sinking lower and lower on his chair by the minute.

"Yeah it is very funny like we could relate," Ron said flatly.

"Sorry," Lee managed to say. "But his face--"

And he burst into a series of guffaws that tears were starting to form at the corner of his overly merry eyes. Fred tried to say something but all they heard was, "He-- he-- Hahahaha!!!"

"Will you stuff it?" George snapped.

Fred and Lee just laughed even more and louder causing some students to turn their way. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other and exchanged the same look. They shrugged and proceeded with their food. Moments later an obviously exasperated Trinity came back. She slumped at a chair beside Hermione.

"What did she say?" Hermione quickly asked, automatically dropping her munchkin on her plate.

"She told me to wait for further announcements," Trinity gritted her teeth. "Damn. If there's one thing I really hate, it's waiting."

"Well, you can't do anything about that now, can you?" Fred dared to ask. Trinity just shot him a dreadful look.

And so, they ate the rest of their meal--or more likely, until they were so full the house-elves stopped giving them food--while chatting endlessly. Up to the end of the breakfast, most of the students still couldn't let go of the latest hubbub that the Great Hall seemed to be the best complement to a market. But only one wizard remained quite quiet. And Lee Jordan, the one who was known for his trickiness along with the Weasley twins and his very quick and rather good eyesight--which was why he could discern almost anything visible within a kilometer--was the one and only who took notice of this peculiar attitude of his friend.

TING TING TING! The students turned to the High Table as McGonagall tapped her empty wineglass to get their undivided attention. A blanket of expectant silence covered the whole room, waiting for Dumbledore to stand, as it was his normal pattern after every meal. But instead, he nodded towards O' Blaire. She stood.

"I would like to call on to the certain students, who bravely obeyed what was instructed to them just this morning. You know yourselves so please go up in front," O' Blaire said. Hermione and Trinity exchanged looks. Again, murmurs of reactions rose.

And the nasty murmurs turned to surprise and somewhat indignant gasps as the three students, led by the ever-daring Fred Weasley, Lee Jordan, and George Weasley, walked towards the platform on the High Table. And so, students clothed in ordinary Muggle wardrobe shrugged and they too went towards the front. O' Blaire joined them and instructed her students to face the Headmaster. Dumbledore stood and held up his hand to quiet down the mass.

He started. "These students, led by Professor O' Blaire, will go outside the protective grounds of Hogwarts to explore the outer world of Muggles as their extra-curricular activity for Advance Muggle Psychology."

He held up his hand again as fire of responses rose again for about a second. They halted and Dumbledore continued. He took out his wand and said, "With the blessings of the respectable Four Founders and the divine approval of the wizards' Ancestors of the administration of Hogwarts," Dumbledore swished his wand, which emitted silver and gold sparks. "I bestow upon you good luck and magical protection as you go on with your quest and venture."

*

And soon all fifteen of them, including the enigmatic Professor Ashleigh O' Blaire, were aboard the steaming Hogwarts Express. All students were now very excited for three reasons. First, they still didn't know what awaits them in their new activity in AMP (Advance Muggle Psychology). Secondly, as far as they know, it'll be the first subject activity ever that'll be done outside Hogwarts. And thirdly, they're going to a place where there are no other hassle subjects, no annoying Slytherins, and most especially, no Snape.

"Now what could be better than that?" Lee exclaimed.

"Well it would be a lot better if you would move so we could also move on with our luggage, which is, by the way, getting heavier and heavier by the minute," Hermione said irritatingly behind Lee. There were still some students (who all grunted their agreement with Hermione) lined up in the narrow lane behind the overly ecstatic Lee.

"Why won't you just make a Weightless Charm on it so you won't--" Lee suggested, reaching for his wand.

"No no no! It's okay, I can take it," Hermione stopped his wand-hand before he could even make a swish. She put her luggage slightly behind her and shook her head. "And you know we're not supposed to use magic outside--"

"But we're still inside the wizarding world, Hermione," Lee interrupted.

"But we're already outside Hogwarts!"

"So why didn't you made the Weightless Charm when you're still in Hogwarts? Eh?" Lee raised his eyebrow quizzically with a sneer on his face.

Hermione just glared at him.

"HA! GOTCHA!" Lee shouted happily in her face.

"Okay, okay, we got your point Lee. Now will you please move?" Katie fairly yelled over Lee's loud laugh.

"Anything for you, Katie my dear," Lee said. He took a step back and, like a gallant prince, he bowed his back low and extended one of his arms, making way for them.

"Thank you," Hermione sighed in relief while Katie rolled her eyes.

"Wait, wait. Let me help you with that Princess," Lee stopped Katie, reaching for her baggage, which she swung away from him, causing Hermione to stumble backwards.

"Ow!" Hermione groaned as her head hit the wall.

"Stop calling me that, you insipid git!" Katie cried out. This time, she tried to hit Lee with her baggage, hitting him in the shin.

"Ouch! Hey, that hurts!" Lee exclaimed.

"Get out of the way," Katie snapped. She ignored the whining Lee and proceeded to walk with the other students trailing behind her, pulling their trunks. While Hermione was still clutching her head with her hand and wincing in pain, George came out of nowhere all of a sudden.

"What happened here?" he asked.

"This is all your fault," Hermione accused Lee after recovering from the throbbing ache in her head.

"What?!" Lee burst out. "I've been hit by Katie and you accuse me?!?"

"If it weren't for your unneeded bragging and excessive stunt earlier, I wouldn't have been hit in my head and I would have been safe and sound, tucked in a room by now!" Hermione said with her ire getting higher and higher by the second.

"What the hell--" Lee advanced on Hermione. Fortunately, George was quick (he wasn't on the Gryffindor Quidditch team for nothing) and got himself between the glaring two.

"Whoa, wait a minute," George said. "Chill out, Lee."

"Me? Why are you saying that to me?! You should say that to her! I say to you, she's crazy, man," Lee shook his head.

Hermione gasped and her eyes widened in horror. For a second, George thought she was going to strangle Lee to death but quickly dismissed the ridiculous idea. Hermione wouldn't and couldn't do anything like that.

"You-- You-- DUMB-WITTED MORON!" Hermione cried. She glared at him, hit her heavy luggage towards Lee, and stomped away.

Lee was now slouched on the floor, moaning, while George was standing in front of him, laughing his head off.

"Dammit. That's the third time I've been hit today," Lee complained.

"Third? Katie hit you two times?" George guffawed.

"No, stupid. The first time was from you. Remember when you woke up this morning?" Lee said, now making it on his feet and a nasty grin forming in his face.

George stopped laughing. Now it was Lee's turn to cackle.

“By the way, where’s Fred?” Lee asked when he had recovered from howling so hard.

“The usual. Off with Angelina, snogging,” George answered.

"What are you two doing still here?" a stern female voice from behind interrupted them. They both turned at the same time and saw Professor O' Blaire, with her hands on her hips, giving them a strict questioning look. "You should both be in your respective compartments by now."

"Professor Ash! Good to see you!" they said in a little overly enthusiastic tone. But O' Blaire wasn't buying it. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"What are you up to?"

"We're not doing anything Prof. Ash! How can you even suspect us of that?" George exclaimed with a mock hurt on his face.

The Professor, too tired to deal with them, just rolled her eyes and decided to dismiss them. "Don't worry, I'll be watching the three of you closely."

"Three of us?" Lee asked, feigning innocence.

"Yes, you Terrible Three and don't feign being innocent on me Lee Jordan and George Weasley. I know your pranks and tricks conspired with your other friend Fred Weasley so don't ever attempt to pull any of those kinds to where we are going," O' Blaire warned.

"Uh, Prof. Ash, what exactly are we going to do in the Muggle world? You still haven't told us anything," George asked. Lee, too, looked at their Professor curiously.

"That, you will know soon enough once we get to our destination," O' Blaire answered. And with that, she turned on her heels and walked away.

*

It took them half of the day to get to Platform 9 3/4. The sun was almost setting and the horizon varies from red orange to dark violet. The air now was chilly and the students pulled their thick coats tighter. They were gathered in a semi-circle, listening to O' Blaire give instructions and rules.

"From now on, you'll act as ordinary Muggles and forget everything magic related that you know. Once you pass through that portal," Professor O' Blaire pointed at a brick wall, "there's no turning back. We'll be staying in a totally different world for a week--"

"YES!" three students rejoiced, giving each other high-fives.

"GEORGE, FRED, AND LEE!"

The three stopped and turned toward the furious O' Blaire. "I'm not finished yet. You know very well that I don't tolerate interruptions and noises especially when IÂ’m talking. If I hear another interruption from any of you," she gave all of them a pointed look, "you'll be going back to Hogwarts all by yourself and I'll make sure you'll be deducted fifty points or more for your house."

She looked at them one by one and they stared back at her quietly like obedient lambs. "Am I clear?"

"Yes, Professor," they said softly in chorus.

"Good," O' Blaire continued. "As I was saying, we'll be staying for a week in a hotel which was taken care of by Mrs. Looney, the Head Manager for the Education Department of the Ministry of Magic, as are everything else that we will need and use for ourÂ… educational field trip. As all of us know, this is the first extra-curricular activity of Hogwarts that will be held outside the school perimeter. So the Ministry of Magic was very kind and helpful to us to assist with all of the utilities and equipment that we will be using.

"General rules and regulations," she continued in a firmer tone. "Rule number one, no using of magic of any kinds. May it be charms, potions, spells, and hexed sweets or any things are not allowed," she looked piercingly at the surprisingly silent Lee, George, and Fred, "Rule number two, your wands please."

With that, she held out her hand. But they just stared at her, not knowing if she was serious with what they think she wanted for them to do. "Your wands please. Give them to me."

Fred opened his mouth as if to say something but George immediately clamped his mouth. One by one, the students handed their wands to their Professor.

When they had all surrendered their wands, O' Blaire spoke again, "I assure you, you will not be needing these and they will be safe with me, so don't worry. I'll return these to you, without a scratch, at the end of the week. So this means that from now on, you'll live as ordinary Muggles, act as Muggles, speak like Muggles, and dress like Muggles. Don't even try to find your wands from me because you will not see them."

The students looked at each other. This was getting weirder and weirder.

"And rule number three, no cheating."

What? And all students raised their eyebrows.

She tucked their wands in her bag and looked up at their surprised and puzzled looks. Then, she smiled. She walked towards the brick wall, and without any further talk, she passed through the seemingly solid wall.

Nobody said anything for a second. ThenÂ…

"What the heck is that all about?"

"What does she mean?"

"Are these all real?"

"She's gone bonkers."

"I shouldn't have followed that stupid letter."

"Aren't we supposed to come next to her now?" Justin Finch-Fletchley of Hufflepuff asked no one in particular.

"Yes we should," Trinity said in her signature Head Girl voice. She was the first one to follow the Professor.

Angelina Johnson and Katie looked at each other and shrugged. Together, they walked through the wall. One by one, they followed suit until Fred, George, and Lee were the only ones remaining.

"You know, I'm beginning to doubt her," Fred said.

"Why did you say that?" George asked.

"No Professor I've known since our first year is that demented," Fred replied.

"And daft," Lee added.

"But you know what?" George butted in.

"What?"

"I'm beginning to like this."

And he walked through the wall, followed by his brother and friend. When they reached the other end, (for only a second) they saw the other students clustered in a corner. Their good Professor was nowhere in sight.

"Where's O' Blaire?" Fred asked.

"She said she's just going to check the person we're supposed to meet. She's supposed to be back in a few minutes," Dean Thomas answered.

"Wow. Look at their trains," William Diggory, a 5th year Hufflepuff and the cousin of the late Cedric Diggory, said in amazement. “It’s-It’s-different and more… amazing from the Hogwarts Express…!”

“You’re in luck, my boy,” Fred patted him on the back, “O’ Blaire is presently not in our midst.”

“Why?”

“You’ve just violated rule number two,” Fred said haughtily.

“From now on, you'll live as ordinary Muggles, act as Muggles, speak like Muggles, and dress like Muggles,” George imitated O’ Blaire’s voice.

William turned green when he realized this. The Weasley twins just laughed.

“That’s okay, buddy. In times like these, just don’t let Trinity, Hermione, or Terry Boot hear you,” George assured the poor boy and winked at him.

“What?” Terry Boot, a 5th year Ravenclaw Prefect, whirled around. “You called?”

“Oh that’s nothing,” Fred said, smiling widely, with his arms around William. “We were just telling Willy boy here that-”

William widened his eyes, thinking that Fred might tell on him, as Terry was a Prefect. But George quickly cut his twin off. “As you’re a half-blooded wizard, we told Will that he can come to you in case he needs assistance about Muggle-related things that he couldn’t understand yet. Eh? That okay with you, Terry?”

“Well you’re a Prefect and all so we just assumed that it’ll be okay with you…” Fred looked at George and gave him a look.

“But it’s perfectly fine with us though we won’t totally understand if you refuse to…” George added.

Terry opened his mouth to reply but Fred was quicker. “Right, Will?”

The speechless boy weakly nodded his head.

“No…” Terry tried to say but again, he was interrupted.

“Okay, we can’t force you into anything anyway. I think there are others who are more willing to help…” George trailed off.

“But I mean to say-”

“And who are far more understanding,” Fred added, nodding.

“NO, it’s okay with me!” Terry exclaimed loudly that the others turned to look at him. He blushed in embarrassment.

“That’s settled then,” Fred said, merrily.

“Will, we just found you a new mentor,” George said, patting the still flabbergasted William.

“But I’m not asking for one,” William said. But they ignored him.

“Isn’t life just great?” Fred mused dreamily.

“Yeah. Another addition to the list of great achievements of the famous Weasley twins,” his twin rode on.

“Stuff it, you two,” Angelina, a 7th year Gryffindor, suddenly piped in from behind.

“Let the poor boys go,” Katie, also a 7th year Gryffindor, said. She glanced at Will and Terry. “They’re just kidding around.”

“No, we’re not. Why don’t you guys ever take us seriously?” Fred asked, offended.

“We could also be sincere, you know,” George defended.

“Right,” Angelina said slowly. “And Draco Malfoy is a devilishly handsome Slytherin Sex God.”

“EWW! DON’T SAY SUCH AWFUL BAD EVIL WORDS!!!” Fred cried out with passion.

“ANGELINA! And I thought your tastes are bad enough for you to like my brother!” George exclaimed.

“Hey!” Fred protested.

“Really, must you be so outdated, guys?” Nicole Rhae, a 7th year Ravenclaw, hearing their conversation, joined in. Unexpectedly, she had a crush on the egotistic “attractive” devil. “Draco Malfoy might be a Slytherin but you got to admit, he is hot and good-looking.”

“Oh puh-lease!”

“YUCK!”

“Nicky, you can’t be serious!!!” Katie cried, aghast.

“What?” Nicole asked, quite confused. “But he is!”

“He’s a Slytherin!” Fred screeched.

“So?”

“He’s a Malfoy!” George shouted, spitting the name like a curse.

“I think that’s stupidly obvious.”

The four of them gaped at Nicole, with their mouths hanging open and their eyes wide.

“What’s happening here?” Hermione asked, hearing their outbursts.

“Oh c’mon. Not liking someone just because he or she is a Slytherin is so last year!” Nicole said, exasperated.

At that, Hermione raised her eyebrow.

“But-” Fred started but his girlfriend, Angelina, cut him off.

“Well, there are some Gryffindors that I know who bow their heads before this git. Though I don’t know whatever came to them to even think of that,” Angelina admitted.

“Angel, are you for real?” Fred asked, incredulously.

Angelina nodded. Fred and George looked like they want to throw up.

“See?” Nicole said with a smile on her face.

“But he’s a… Slytherin!” George was still in denial.

Nicole shook her head. “Why do you despise him so much, anyway?”

“Maybe because, he’s included in the team which, as fate have it, is our number one rival in Quidditch,” Katie answered.

“And he’s a foul cruel conceited rotten egg,” George said intensely.

“And, don’t forget, Malfoys and Weasleys don’t ever, never, mix,” Fred said.

Nicole just sighed. “Now I understand. Quidditch rivalry and family feud.”

She glanced at Hermione’s way. “How about you, Hermione? You’re quite quiet with this whole Slytherin-Draco thing.”

“Are you asking me why I hate Malfoy?” Hermione asked.

The other girl just shrugged.

“You don’t need to ask that, Nicky. We all know the answer,” Katie said.

But Nicole still appeared to be clueless. So Hermione filled her in. “I’m Muggle-born, he’s pureblood and my best friends coincidentally are Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.”

“Oh,” Nicole finally caught on. They all nodded.

“To add to that, I’m the top student in our batch,” Hermione added. “I think he wants to claim that for himself.”

“What do you expect Hermione, he’s a Slytherin and a stinking Malfoy. A totally perfect combination of selfishness and wickedness,” Fred said loudly.

“Slytherins are not that bad,” Nicole shook her head slightly.

“What are you saying?” Fred snorted.

“Ahem.”

The six of them turned to see a short golden brown haired girl and with an indifferent look in her eyes.

“Hey Jordan,” Nicole greeted the girl cautiously. The other girl just nodded in return.

After Nicole introduced the Gryffindors to the girl, Hermione quickly asked, “I don’t think I have seen you much around Hogwarts. What year are you in?”

“If you must know, I’m a 6th year Slytherin,” Jordan answered coolly.

“You’re a Slyth?” Angelina repeated in disbelief.

“Yes. Do you have any problem with that or your hearing is just that bad?”

“Well, I do. What, in the first place, is a Slytherin doing here and dressed in Muggle clothes?” Fred shot back. He suddenly felt a twinge of protectiveness over his girlfriend.

“Because, that’s none of your damn business,” she replied.

“I think it is. If you’re going to work with us, then you must know how to cooperate with the rest of us,” Fred shook his head, “I don’t believe it. A Slytherin with us for the whole week.”

“Hell,” George muttered.

“Well live with it, because I’m not going anywhere,” Jordan said with a smirk. And with that, she walked away from them.

“What is she doing here?” all of them asked Nicole at the same time, the moment Jordan was out of earshot.

“You guys have many problems, you know that?” Nicole laughed and walked away.

*

“PERCY?!?”

After exactly five minutes of waiting, the students saw their Professor walking towards them together with HogwartÂ’s former Head Boy, Percy Weasley. Most of them were confused and surprised to see Percy but that was putting it mildly when the Weasley twins saw their pompous brother. They were utterly shocked and flabbergasted.

“What in heaven’s name is he doing here?” George asked no one in particular but he was still staring at Percy.

“Shut up, or do you want O’ Blaire to hear you and send your asses back to Hogwarts?” Lee hissed.

When the two finally reached the group of students, O’ Blaire quickly made the introductions, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mr. Percy Weasley, as you might know to be our former Head Boy and now an employee of the Ministry in the Education Department. He now works under Mrs. Looney, whom I’ve told you earlier about, as her Assistant Manager. He explained to me earlier that Mrs. Looney cannot be with us today for an important business meeting had suddenly came up in her busy schedule.

“Now, Mr. Weasley here,” she put a hand on the proud-looking Percy, “was very kind to assist us instead.”

At this, Percy smiled importantly. George and Fred exchanged looks.

“Now class, listen carefully,” O’ Blaire continued. “Don’t ever forget what I have said earlier. Violate any of those, and you’ll never find out what you’ll be missing. I’ll be discussing further announcements and other policies later,” she paused and glanced at Percy, “Mr. Weasley?”

As if on cue, he stepped forward and spoke, “Like Professor O’ Blaire said, I’m here to guide you in your destination because as the Assistant Manager for the Education Department, it’s my job to take over the responsibilities of Mrs. Looney in times of her absence.”

“Must he repeat what O’ Blaire said?” Fred muttered.

“As if we don’t already know that,” Lee mumbled in return.

“We’re going to Heaven’s Hotel where you’ll be staying for a week. We have arranged everything like your rooms and…” Percy stopped and momentary looked knowingly on O’ Blaire’s way. They exchanged glances and he proceeded. “Well, you’ll just see.”

“Arranged conspiracy,” George whispered to his brother, who nodded his agreement.

“This way please,” Percy said as he walked toward a train and they all followed suit. “This is the train that will lead you Birmingham. Once we’re there, Professor O’ Blaire will give further instructions. So, shall we?”

He gave way for the Professor and the students to go inside. When he spotted his brothers, he walked towards them.

“I’m glad you’ve chosen to participate in this, Fred and George,” Percy said.

“Well hello to you too, Perce,” George greeted.

“Don’t call me that,” Percy said, throwing George a nasty look.

“Ok then,” George tried again, “Hello to you, Weatherby.”

Fred and George snickered. Percy went red in his ears but he just glared at them.

“Percy, are you going to stay with us for the whole week?” Fred asked, now with a frown in his face.

“No. Once we got there in the hotel, I’ll be leaving you. I have other things to do,” Percy answered.

“Oh, thank goodness!” the twins exclaimed loudly, with relief expressions.

With a scowl, Percy strolled away from them and went inside the train with the twins still hooting and cheering.

Suddenly, Trinity poked her head outside. “Are you two going inside or not? You’re the only ones holding up the train, you know,” she told them off.

“Yeah, yeah. We’re going,” Fred said. Once Trinity’s head disappeared, he turned to his twin. “Head Boys and Girls, such pains in the ass.”

George smirked. “You said it, Fred.”

Once all of the passengers had entered the train, it started to whistle and finally it moved. Hermione finally settled down in an empty compartment. She was settling her trunk down when she suddenly thought of her two best friends. She already missed them. She bit her lower lip as she wondered what they were doing now. They’re probably sleeping already. She sighed. Guess I should entertain myself then. She opened her luggage and pulled out a book. She was reading peacefully when suddenly, the door burst open and a strawberry blond girl smiled at her. “Hey Hermione!”

“Hi Miuccia,” Hermione smiled back.

“Uh, do you mind if I join you?”

“No, not at all.”

“Thanks,” the girl named Miuccia Madden, a 6th year Ravenclaw, said. She sat across Hermione and noticed the book in her hand. She laughed.

“You really can’t get enough of those?” Miuccia asked Hermione, as if disbelieving that such a creature chose to read a book instead of doing something else.

Hermione just shrugged. She was already used to having people think about her being a boring addictive bookworm but she didnÂ’t want to change anything about it.

“You know, you should loosen up a bit,” Miuccia said.

“What do you mean?”

“Do something else for a change. We have a whole week away from Hogwarts and just to ourselves, why not have fun! Carpe diem, Hermione!” she suggested excitedly.

Hermione laughed. Whenever anyone told her to “loosen up”, she usually got mad and told them off to mind their own businesses. But Miuccia was different. Being Hermione’s friend, she was friendly, typically optimistic, and the most open-minded person she ever knew. That was what attracted Hermione to the older girl. She didn’t judge people that easily. Instead, she tried to probe more about them first then assessed them critically and fairly. Another reason why she was chosen as a Claw, Hermione thought.

“Or to be more appropriate, seize the week, Hermione,” Miuccia said which only made Hermione laugh even more.

“What?” Miuccia asked with a grin.

“I just never expected of you to say that, Miuccia,” Hermione replied, still chuckling.

“Like I would never expect you to…” Miuccia trailed off, thinking of something the conservative bookworm would never dared to do.

“To what?” Hermione challenged.

“To kiss George Weasley!”

HermioneÂ’s eyes went wide as saucers and her face reddened madly. Now, it was MiucciaÂ’s turn to laugh.

“I WOULD NEVER DO THAT! I won’t even think about it-!” Hermione exploded.

“Well I dare you to.”

“No way!”

“Are you a Gryffindor or not?”

“Of course I am-”

“Then be brave and take the challenge!”

“Why would I?”

Miuccia suddenly got an idea. “How ‘bout this…”

“You might be a brilliant Ravenclaw, Miuucia, but for once I don’t think I will like your idea…”

But the other girl ignored her. “I’ll dare you, you dare me. In short, we’ll dare each other…”

But Hermione was already shaking her head. Miuccia continued, “But there’ll be conditions! If one of us didn’t do the dare then she’ll be requested to do something really humiliating once were back at Hogwarts. If we both win, then… I say we treat ourselves. And we’ll play this game safely and…”

“And what?”

“And safely!” Miuccia answered while Hermione rolled her eyes. “It’ll be fun, Hermione! This is your chance to shine!”

“Are you saying I’m not happy living my life?” Hermione narrowed her eyes.

“No, it’s not that. I know you’re very happy living with books and I don’t doubt that. It’s just…” Miuccia stopped.

“Just what?” she asked with sudden curiosity.

Miuccia sighed. “I think you only know your world, Hermione. It’s like your securing self behind a wall, these books. You’re excellent, very intelligent, smart, and all I sometimes wonder why you’re in Gryffindor instead in Ravenclaw. But still there’s more to it than books and Hogwarts and family and friends.

“Look, I may never know you that much to ‘judge’,” she made the quote-unquote sign, “you this way, but you’ve got to see, Hermione. There are just some things out there that you can’t learn by reading or by getting information from others. It isn’t enough. And those are things you would never know unless you find out for yourself. Unless you taste it yourself,” she said.

They were both quiet for a while until Hermione spoke, “The others sometimes tell me that. You know, that I should try leaving my books for a while and getting outside and dance in the rain,” she smiled. “I really don’t know why I don’t. I mean I’m not that much of a school addict when I’m still very young. I remember, when I was still six or seven years old, I had my own room in the attic and every night, I sneak into the rooftop and stargaze and make my own constellations.”

“Really? You make your own constellations?”

“Yes,” Hermione paused. Then she suddenly grinned. “If my memories are correct I think I named one as Sniffers.”

Miuccia chortled, “Sniffers?!”

“Yeah. Sniffers, the amazing dog.”

Then they both laughed.

“Hey, why don’t you do it again?” Miuccia suddenly asked, after recovering from the ridiculous name.

“What? Climb on a rooftop and find Sniffers?” Hermione smirked.

“Uh, not really,” Miuccia said. “Why not be a kid again but in a more ‘teenage manner’. You know, be crazy for a second. Have… fun! And speaking of which, let’s go back to our dare…”

“Oh are we back to that again?” Hermione crossed her chest.

“… I dare you to kiss George Weasley and your deadline is by the end of the week…”

“Miuccia stop that!!!”

“It’ll just be between the two of us, Hermione,” Miuccia said confidently. Knowing Hermione, she wouldn’t be able to get the dare done by just instantly kissing the boy on the face.

“Tell me, what will I get by doing that?” Hermione asked sternly. She was getting impatient.

Miuccia thought for a while. Then she smiled mischievously and said, “You’ll know if George Weasley is a good kisser or not.”

Hermione blushed. “I won’t do it if that’s my only reason. It’s pathetic and you know, you’re beginning to sound like Parvati and Lavender.”

“Oh shut up, Hermione. Anyway, it’s just going to be a simple kiss, but not the friendly-peck-on-the-cheek type. It’s not as if I want you to snog him to death and be his girlfriend,” Miuccia said, then suddenly another idea popped into her head. “Now that’s not so bad…”

“Forget it,” Hermione suddenly snapped.

“Okay, okay, let’s just settle with the kiss. Now what’s your dare for me?” Miuccia asked with a challenge in her voice. If her goal was to divert Hermione’s mind then she succeeded. She knew her friend would now retaliate by thinking hard of something to dare for her.

“What now, Hermione? What’s your challenge?” Miuccia asked again, almost smugly.

“Will you wait?! I’m trying to think of something,” Hermione said. Then she gave her a warning look. “You be prepared, Miuccia. I won’t be soft with you.”

Miuccia snorted. “Really now? Then what is it?”

Hermione looked out at the window, thinking. Darn this is hard. She knew Miuccia was partially like her; only she was more outgoing and interactive. Now what would she possibly not dare to do? Hermione thought of challenging her to snag a boyfriend within the week. Nah, that would be easy for her. How about make her do the Funky Wave Chicken Walk Dance? Hermione snorted. Now that would be a sight to see. Wait, what is a Funky Chicken Walk Dance anyway?

“I see you’ve a smirk in your face. What are you thinking?” Miuccia asked curiously. She knew she needed not be slightly nervous about this. After all, she’s up to almost anything crazy… but not dangerous. But what’s with Hermione?

Hermione turned her gaze toward Miuccia. Miuccia, Miuccia. What donÂ’t you like? Her brows furrowed in concentration. She bit her lip. She likes books and studying like I do. She likes music and can sing and dance. She can taunt any boy with a proper attractive-woman-sensor around. She can go out and find a friend or enemy within a minute or so. But she canÂ’tÂ… ThatÂ’s it!

“Miuccia Madden, I dare you to cook a very rare exotic dish without any help and with the approval of all of us here in this trip, including Professor O’ Blaire,” Hermione declared triumphantly. She grinned complacently toward her friend who suddenly went whiter than white.

“Co-Cook?!” Miuccia stammered.

“Yes, cook,” Hermione confirmed.

“Me? COOK?!?”

Miuccia couldnÂ’t cook. She had a trauma in cooking when she was just a child and too bad Hermione knew about this. Me and my stupid big mouth. Why did I even tell her about that? When she was just about ten years old or so, she sneaked into their kitchen without anyone noticing and tried to imitate what she saw in a cooking show on the TV. Not surprisingly, she didnÂ’t make the dish. Instead of frying in the pan, it seemed that she fried the whole stove and sent one-fourth of the kitchen burning. With her endless wail and the smoke coming out, finally, somebody noticed. And that was how she got her trauma in cooking.

“So, is our little game still on?” Hermione asked after watching the conflicting emotions play on Miuccia’s face. Now that she had gone straight at Miuccia’s heels, there was a big chance she would back out and Hermione was crossing her fingers.

Miuccia blinked as if she couldn’t register what Hermione just said. Then she answered, “Of course. I’ll do it.”

She held out her hand and said, “We have one whole week to fulfill our challenges. Deal?”

Hermione looked down at MiucciaÂ’s stretched hand then back again at her face. Then, she took it.

“Deal.”

*

It was already close to midnight when theyÂ’d reached the HeavenÂ’s Hotel in Birmingham. They were on the lobby while Percy and OÂ’ Blaire were at the Registration Office, checking for their reservations. After twenty minutes or so, the Professor, now without Percy, went back with several bellboys trailing behind her. She explained that Mr. Weasley had some other important business matter to do so he hurried back to the Ministry. How, OÂ’ Blaire didnÂ’t care to explain. The students suspected that it had probably something to do with Floo Powder or Apparition.

The bellboys took their bags, (Lee protested at this at first, thinking that the men wanted to take his luggage away and only calmed down when OÂ’ Blaire told him that it were part of the hotel service) and they went up to the 50th floor, the top floor, using of course the lift. The lift was partly made out of glass so they could actually see the people and things on the ground floor getting smaller and smaller as they went higher and higher. Finally, after some gushing and amazement and wonder from some of the students, a fierce look of warning from OÂ’ Blaire, and also some wide-eyed stares from the bellboys, (they probably thought that some of the students were from some faraway town that theyÂ’d never seen a modern lift in their lives before) the lift made a sound that signaled their stop. OÂ’ Blaire went out first, explaining that the 49th floor was where she would stay. The next floor would be for theirs only. Leaving OÂ’ Blaire behind, they went up again and the door opened to a short hallway leading to three doors. Trinity, who was holding the key, went inside the door, which was straight ahead, first followed by the others, then the bellboys. The whole room was very huge (they didnÂ’t even expect it to be that huge) and the best part was, it was all theirs.

While the others wandered about the whole room, Lee noticed the bellboys were still there.

“What are you still doing here?” Lee asked irritatingly. He obviously didn’t like them.

The bellboys looked at each other. Luckily Hermione, being a Muggle-born witch, knew what the men wanted and hurried on to Lee and explained discreetly.

Light dawned on him. “So you want tips, huh. Here.” And Lee started to hand them candies from his pocket much to the bellboys’ surprise.

Fortunately again, Hermione was quick and stopped Lee from giving away the sweets. She gave them five pounds (that was all she had with her) and forced Lee away before he could do or give something else.

“Welcome to the penthouse,” Trinity said, although she didn’t know she said her thoughts aloud. Like the others, she was staring in awe and praise about the whole room.

A big nice comfortable cozy sofa was in front of the fireplace, which was encased within a glass, and cushions were scattered artistically on the carpeted floor and on the coaches. It reminded the Gryffindors of their own Common Room back at Hogwarts. On the other side was another set of comfy settee, which was also where the big-screen television, DVD player, component, and other modern paraphernalia were. Near that, was a full-sized sliding doors made out of glass and outside was an extensive balcony, overlooking the magnificent view of the city. Across the living room was the kitchen. It was beautifully built with a table in the center.

They opened the sliding doors and chilly breeze went inside the already centralized air-conditioned room. But they didnÂ’t mind the freezing air. The view outside was breathtaking that they were almost content in just standing there and watch the city lights flicker as busy cars go by.

Just then, Jordan, the only Slytherin present, noticed a nicely wrapped box with a folded paper on top sitting in one of the couches. She picked it up and read the paper. Then she turned to the group.

“Hey, we’ve got another mission,” she said, holding up the letter.

“What this time?” Dean complained.

Fred snatched the paper from Jordan and read it aloud.

MISSION II

Pick one

And seal your fate

Choose one

And bind your destiny

To the foolishly disguised ventures

Yet to come in your way

As a united group

YouÂ’ll find the route.

~ The Oracle

“What the hell is this again?!” Fred exclaimed after reading the letter.

Terry picked up the box and tore it open. Inside he found pieces of folded papers. “I think it means that we should pick one from this box.”

Jordan grabbed the box nastily and looked inside. She picked one, opened it, and her eyebrows furrowed. “Two.”

“What?” Fred asked impatiently.

“It says ‘Two’,” Jordan repeated edgily.

Nicole then picked one too, and then followed by others. All they had were numbers one and two. Before they end up in an argument, (which is very likely since Fred and Jordan were glaring daggers at each other) the door burst open and went inside was none other than their good Professor OÂ’ Blaire.

The room suddenly grew quiet and O’ Blaire noticed the pieces of papers in their hands. “Good. You picked one already.”

“Professor, what do all of these mean?” Trinity asked.

O’ Blaire narrowed her eyes. “Go figure it out yourselves. What does the letter says?”

Trinity read the letter again aloud and this time, she concentrated on the writings. Then she snapped her fingers. “This numbers represent our groups! Am I right now, Professor?”

“You’re in the right track,” O’ Blaire nodded.

“Wait, wait. There were only two numbers, so there’ll be only two groups…” Fred said carefully. He watched as the Professor smiled warmly. Then he had a look of horror in his face and turned toward Jordan. “So this means that we’re in the same group?!?”

The Slytherin girl just sneered. Then everyone talked at the same time, finding out who’s with whom. O’ Blaire at last explained. “Yes, you figured it out in less than five minutes and I’m proud of you. The first mission I gave you took you almost an hour before you got your wits and guessed it out. You’ve seen two other doors in the hallway, right? The door to the right will be for those who got the number one and the one to the left are for the number twos.”

She looked at her watch. “It is already quarter to midnight. I know all of you are just as tired as I am. Therefore I’ll do the further explaining tomorrow morning. Be sure to get up before six o’clock. I assure you, you’ll need all the sleep you can get tonight for tomorrow will be a big day.”

“I can just bet,” George whispered to his twin.

She clapped her hands twice. “Now what are you waiting for? Go to your respective rooms now and start unpacking. Each room were just very much like your Common Rooms because each contains another separate dorms - one for the girls and the other one for the boys.”

She watched as her students picked up their bags and proceeded to their rooms. “By the way, no exchanging of numbers. I now know what group each of you belongs. Remember rule number three.”

Once theyÂ’d settled down to their own rooms, OÂ’ Blaire went back to her own sanctuary.

*

George flopped down in his bed and closed his tired eyes. He could still hear his other group mates unpacking and chatting. He turned to his side and put a pillow in his head. At long last, everything became quiet so George assumed he could now sleep in peace.

But he couldnÂ’t.

He tossed and turned in his bed until he got tangled up with the sheets. This is really frustrating. I need to go to sleep now. I just bet tomorrowÂ’s gonna be an exhausting day too. After a few minutes of debating with himself, he got up and went to their roomÂ’s small living room. OÂ’ Blaire was right. The room was just like their Common Room, which has a lit fireplace and a small sofa facing the large windows.

Good thing the fire is still up, George thought. He made his way toward the sofa and was very surprised to see another person awake too. A person he least expected to meet at this time of the midnight.

“Hello Hermione,” George greeted as he sat down beside her. But not too close, George noticed.

Hermione looked up, quite surprise as well. “Oh, hello George. Why are you still up?”

Stupid question Hermione, Hermione scolded herself.

“I can’t sleep,” George answered. “How about you?”

Stupid question George, George reprimanded silently. So he added, “Missing the times when you stay up late for homework and exams?”

“No,” she replied, quite irritated that George would bring that up. “I can’t sleep either.”

“Makes the two of us,” he muttered but Hermione heard him clearly. She slightly blushed, though she didn’t know why. Maybe because she just had her conversation, or more like dare, with Miuccia…

“So, miss Hogwarts already?” George asked, trying to make a conversation. Why should I anyway?

“Hm, not really. Though I admit I already miss Harry and Ron,” Hermione replied.

“Really? Hermione Granger not thinking about school for a minute! Now that’s a world record,” George said with a smile. But Hermione thought it wasn’t funny.

“It’s easy for you not to think about school that much George because I reckon you don’t care much about your academics,” Hermione retaliated.

“Of course I do,” George said back.

“If you are then you shouldn’t have gone here. If you have better brains you should have chose to stay back at Hogwarts and learn more. Imagine all the lessons you will miss for a week!” Hermione said casually. Honestly, she didn’t think George would take it seriously. But George did.

“Oh, right. I have dull-witted brains that’s why I didn’t think well. I’m sorry Hermione but that’s all I have,” George said, his voice edgy.

Hermione fortunately took notice of his tone and explained quickly. “I didn’t mean to let it out like that, George. Really. I mean no offense. You know, sometimes I just say things the wrong way. I just mean to say that you’re going to miss many lessons from your other subjects and because you’re soon to leave Hogwarts, you should concentrate more on your final exams.”

“I’m not Ron, Hermione,” George said softly.

Hermione’s back suddenly became stiff. “What do you mean by that, George?”

“C’mon, everyone knows how you bicker like an old married couple. Just… don’t do that with me, okay?” George said, not looking at her eyes.

“But Ron and I are not a couple.”

George glanced at her. “You’re not?”

“No, of course not! We’re just close friends. I mean, Ron? My…boyfriend? Oh please!” Hermione rolled her eyes then suddenly she stopped. “No offense again, George. I know he’s your brother but he’s my friend too. You know how Ron is…”

George grinned. “Actually, you don’t need to explain that to me. I can understand why you don’t like that redhead monkey.”

He laughed.

Look whoÂ’s talking, Hermione said to herself. She, too, laughed. When their laughter died down, silence followed. Thick awkward silence.

George shifted uneasily while Hermione tried not to look directly at him. Why had it become suddenly so uncomfortable?

I mean, heÂ’s just George, one of the brothers of my best friend, Hermione thought.

I mean, sheÂ’s just Hermione, one of my brotherÂ’s best friends, George thought. And a very pretty girl at that. My brother is such a lucky dog.

“I noticed Fred’s not our group mate. For the first time, I saw you doing something without your twin,” Hermione brought up the subject. Anything just to cover the unnerving silence.

“Nice of you to notice. It might come out as a big surprise to you but it is a fact that I can manage and function well without my twin,” George suddenly became tight.

Hermione turned to look at George. She noticed the hard line of his jaw and the sudden tension around him. “I didn’t mean to say it like that, George. I just meant that it’s quite a change to see you without him and…” She trailed off. She saw she was explaining it the wrong way and so she stopped. “Never mind.”

How am I ever going to accomplish the dare when George and I are always having the exact opposite thoughts? Ugh! IÂ’m not going to make it, Hermione thought worriedly. She bit her lip.

“Don’t do that,” George suddenly said, almost harshly.

“Don’t do what?”

“Bite your lip like that. You know, it’ll bruise.”

“Mannerism,” Hermione answered shortly. “Why don’t we start again?”

“What do you mean?”

“This conversation is heading us to nowhere. Why don’t we start again?” Hermione explained.

“Why, Hermione. I didn’t know you care,” George said mockingly. He grinned, his spirits livening again. Hermione rolled her eyes.

“Okay then. Hello Hermione!” George said so cheerily that Hermione laughed. The air between them abruptly changed.

“Hello George. It’s a pleasant surprise to see you still up,” Hermione rode along.

“Well I can’t sleep even if I want to. Bet you can’t sleep either,” George said.

“You’re right. I can’t sleep.”

“What do you think are we doing tomorrow?”

“I expect it’ll be a long day. Know what, too bad Harry and Ron didn’t take up AMP or they could have been here too,” Hermione mused.

“Missing your best friends already?”

Hermione blushed but she still smiled. “They must have been rejoicing right now. I’m not there to pester them into studying for O.W.L.s.”

“But I’m sure they’re agonizing too because you’re not there to help them with their homework,” George said, winking at her.

Hermione chuckled. “I guess you’re right. You know, sometimes I hate them for it. I feel that I’m just there to help them with their assignments and other school stuffs.”

“That’s because you’re good at it Hermione,” George said. “Hey, no harm meant there okay? I intend that in a good way.”

“Don’t worry, none taken,” Hermione said, smiling. This is not so bad…

Hermione yawned and she brought up her hand to cover her mouth. George unconsciously watched her.

“Now sleepy?” George asked softly.

Hermione smiled up at him. Her pretty face took George aback, with the moonlight striking through her wonderful features. His eyes wandered to her chocolate eyes then down to her smiling lipsÂ…

“George?”

“Eh?” he jerked back to reality.

“I asked you if you’re now sleepy too,” Hermione repeated, staring questioningly at him.

“Not really,” George answered. That’s because I’m enjoying the sight of you. He blinked. Now where the hell did that come from? Despite of himself, he continued to stare at her until Hermione noticed.

She looked at him and still he kept on looking at her intently. Hermione flushed and asked self-consciously, “What?”

“Eh? What ‘what’?” George asked back.

“You’re staring at me! Do I have something on my face?”

“No…” he answered. George stared at her again. And she stared back questioningly. His dream was still vivid in his memories…

He grinned widely.

“Now what?” Hermione asked impatiently.

“What ‘what’?” George repeated, beaming.

She sighed impatiently. “One minute you’re looking at me as if I have something on my face that you need to stare at me blatantly. Then the next minute, you’re grinning like an idiot and still you don’t care to explain,” Hermione said quickly. “Do you know you’re very weird, George?”

George laughed. Typical Hermione, always bossy.

"Know why IÂ’m acting like this? That's because I've seen your beautiful face for the whole day Hermione," George said in a husky voice.

"Oh please," Hermione said, disgusted.

"You don't believe me?" George let out a hurtful gasp. "Ouch, I'm hurt."

"George, stop it. You make me want to puke."

"Your angelic face brings sunshine to my day and brightens my black moodÂ…"

"George, I'm telling youÂ…"

"Your radiant smile always captivates my eyes and makes me want toÂ…"

"GEORGE!"

"And your sparkling brown eyesÂ…"

"One more wordÂ…"

"They make me think of cinnamon rolls that I suddenly feel so hungry inside,” George ended dramatically.

Hermione stared at him, unbelievingly.

Then George laughed freely while Hermione glared at him. She stood up, placed her hands on her hips, and said to him, “You can raid the kitchen, you know. And there, satisfy your starving stomach.”

She started to turn around but George stood up and took her arm. She turned to him again.

“Goodnight, Hermione,” George said softly with a friendly smile on his face.

Hermione let out a small smile too. She remembered her challenge with Miuccia. I dare you to kiss George WeasleyÂ…

Neither was prepared for what happened next. Hermione stood in tiptoes and impulsively kissed George on the cheek. When they broke apart, they stared at one another, looking very surprised. Neither spoke for a full minute.

Then Hermione glanced away.

“Goodnight to you too, George,” she said faintly and turned toward the girls’ room. She closed the door quietly behind her and walked toward her own bed. She lied down and hugged her pillows tighter to her chest.

She wondered what made her do that spur-of-the-moment peck-on-the-cheek. Ten minutes had passed and yet she couldnÂ’t find her reason. She sighed and thought of the long day tomorrow. Then she closed her eyes.

I wonder what it feels like to kiss George for real. Then she drifted off to sleep.

Back at their living room, George was still slumped back to the couch, still speechless. He was wondering what made Hermione do that. Not a minute had passed he gave up. Then he closed his eyes and his dream about Hermione returned to his mind, followed by the spontaneous kiss earlier.

I wonder what it feels like to kiss her for real. Then he drifted off to sleep.

*