...And the 7th Year Student | By : Carfunky Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 3195 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or make money off of this story |
As the term wore on, the stress of studying for N.E.W.T. exams for the seventh-year students began to show. Hermione was often waspish with anyone who was not Matt, especially when interrupted. Matt himself even endured some of her frustrations on rare occasions. Matt was more determined than ever, keeping his nose to the grindstone. And after a meeting with Professor McGonagall over his detentions he was finally able to get them released, much to Professor Sharp’s dismay. He simply assigned both Hermione and Matt additional homework instead.
Matt even, would sometimes would snap at the others, unintentionally and would immediately apologize for it. When the Easter holidays finally arrived, it felt like a welcome reprieve. Matt was stretched out in front of the fireplace, chatting quietly with Ginny about what they were going to do once the year ended, and they had graduated.
“I’ve already been scouted a few times by professional Quidditch teams.” Ginny was telling him.
“Oh! Is that who that was in the stands here recently? I know they allowed families to visit to watch the matches, I just assumed that it was one of the lower years folks who were really into Quidditch.” Matt replied. “But it does make sense, you haven’t lost a game yet and we’re about to win the Quidditch Cup and probably the House Cup, all thanks to you.”
“The Wimbourne Wasps and Puddlemere United both have been here already, but I thought the Holyhead Harpies were supposed to have been here as well.” Ginny said.
“That who you’re looking for?” Matt wondered.
“They’re the only all-female Quidditch team. It’d be perfect for me. Not having to constantly prove myself to the boys, you know?”
“Not that you need to.” Matt said with a nod. The portrait hole opened, and Hermione climbed in before plopping down next to Matt. “Hi, hon.” He said with a grin.
“Hey yourself.” Hermione said as she slipped under his outstretched arm. “I’ve gotten a reply back from Rita!” she said excitedly. “She’s agreed to meet with us tomorrow in Hogsmeade!”
Matt nodded and took a deep breath. “Alright then. We’ll go into Hogsmeade.” He spoke. Mentally he was groaning, having hoped he could convince Hermione to stay in over the holidays and relax with just the two of them.
“We can check out what’s happening then…” Ginny said and nodded to the announcement board. Hermione was confused and slipped out from under Matt’s arm as they both walked over to the posting.
Special Charity Event
A special event will be held this Easter Weekend in Hogsmeade Village
Benefitting Muggleborns Displaced by the War
A Special Celebrity Gunge Tank Will Be Held
Sponsored by Weasley Wizard Wheezes
“What the hell is a ‘Gunge Tank’?” Matt asked, looking confused as ever at the posting.
“It’s a Muggle term. You Americans have them too, they’re just called something else…what was it…it’s a…s-s-Slime Booth, that’s it!” Hermione explained.
“Oh! Oh?” Matt realized what she meant and then furrowed his brow. “That’s a No-Maj thing, though. There’s nothing like that in our world. That’s a weird thing to cross over, isn’t it?” Matt said as they sat back down. “It also doesn’t mention who the celebrity is. Must be someone who’s either not that famous or needs the publicity boost, so they’ll let themselves get slimed. I’m assuming gunge and slime are the same thing?”
“As far as I know.” Hermione said. “I never watched many programs that dealt with it, to be honest. The few that did come across the Telly, well, they seemed to use them the same way.”
“Another colloquialism I’ll have to get used to.” Matt said as he pulled Hermione close, and she curled up next to him. “Hey, maybe it’s Rita and that’s why she’ll be in Hogsmeade.” He chuckled.
“I doubt it very much. She hardly needs the attention. Although, she may be covering it for the Daily Prophet.” Hermione said.
“Well, we’ll find out tomorrow.” Matt said and leaned down to kiss Hermione. Ginny rolled her eyes and made a retching sound. Matt simply grinned and made a rude gesture to her.
The following morning Matt and Hermione walked to Hogsmeade village, Ginny in tow; their arms linked with each other. While Ginny rolled her eyes and walked just behind them. Hermione was wearing a long-sleeved pink blouse, with her left sleeve rolled up to her elbow, a pair of denim jeans, a brown leather belt and sneakers. Matt was wearing a green long-sleeved button-down shirt, a graphic t-shirt underneath, khaki pants, and his own pair of sneakers as well.
“I’ve…uh…got something to show you later…when we get back to the castle…” Hermione whispered in his ear and her free hand played with one of the straps of her tank top that was under her blouse. Matt blushed and nodded.
“I can’t wait.” He said, and it was Hermione’s turn to blush as he winked.
As they walked into Hogsmeade they could see on the square a large wall had been set up. A clear rectangular box was in the very center of the wall and a large number of benches and seats had been placed around it. Above the box was a second rectangular container full of thick, lumpy, green sludge.
“That must be the gunge tank.” Matt said as they walked by.
“George really out did himself.” Hermione said.
“This must be what he’s been working on. He’s mentioned he’s had a top-secret new project.” Ginny said. She turned and dashed off; Harry had just wandered into town behind them. “See you later!”
The couple wandered farther towards the northern end of the village. Just across the small river that runs through the village was a field and in the middle of the field was a large structure being built.
“Whoa, check that out.” Matt said and pointed to the building.
“Oh, that’s the new dining hall they’re constructing. It’s supposed to be bigger than the Great Hall back at Hogwarts!” Hermione said as they looked at the various witches, wizards, and seemingly Goblins at work on it.
“I’ll say, it’s huge.”
“According to the Daily Prophet, this new hall will officially open on May 2nd, to commemorate the Battle of Hogwarts and they’re going to host a banquet honoring those of us who fought.”
“Oh, wow. That’s going to be a hell of an event.”
“You’ll see, you’re coming with me, right?”
“Well…yeah! Of course!” Matt blinked and grinned patting her hand in the crook of his arm. The two of them turned back and headed for the Three Broomsticks.
Outside the pub, eating a sandwich on a bench with platinum blonde hair cropped short and darkly made up, was Cassidy Curtis.
“Well, I’ll be damned, this explains a thing or two.” Matt said as they stopped in front of her.
“Hello, Matthew.” Cassidy said, looking provocative in a skimpy tank top and dark makeup.
“Ditched the hair color but kept the overall look, I see.” Matt replied referring to her gothic style.
“Thought I’d try something new. See you haven’t bothered.” She shot back.
“You must be the one supplying Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes then, with the slime. Uncle Kurt still working in L.A., huh?”
“Yeah, and someone thought that enchanting slime for an awards show for No-Maj’s was a hilarious idea. MACUSA threw a fit. And they had to make the bad batch go away, so here I am. I knew the Weasleys would love the stuff and Geroge went nuts for it.” Cassidy smirked.
“Since when was Diagon Alley selling CD’s?” Matt asked, unimpressed.
“I do have a life you know! Besides, George likes my look.” Cassidy said with her nose in the air.
“Whatever, see you around, blondie.” Matt said.
“Bye, lovebirds!”
The duo walked into the Three Broomsticks and sat down at a window near the door. Hermione had a good vantage point to see the entrance so she could spot Rita walking in. Sure enough, a few moments later, Rita Skeeter entered the pub. She was not much different looking than in Matt’s dreams. Her blonde hair curled rigidly, bejeweled spectacles, acid green robes, and her nails long and painted red.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the Know-It-All Missy.” Rita said as she sat down. The reporter was clearly in top form.
“Hello Rita.” Hermione said cheerily.
“And you must be the new boy toy, is it?” Rita looked at Matt.
“I suppose that’s accurate.” Matt said looking off-put.
“Well, what is it this time, Miss Prissy?” Rita asked acidly.
“I need you to do me a favor.” Hermione said. Rita looked at her, glaring.
“I thought all of this was behind us. That you were going to leave me alone!” Rita snarled.
“I will, after you write Matt’s story.” Hermione said and held up an envelope. Rita’s eyes went wide.
“That’s it isn’t it? The proof. The pictures and everything?”
“All of it. And I’ll hand it over to you, if you write Matt’s story, as he tells it. He’s had enough of his name being dragged through the mud.” Hermione replied.
“Oh, but here we are again. The wind isn’t blowing that way.” Rita turned to Matt, looking over the top of her spectacles at him. “The readers don’t want it, what do you think you are, anyway? A real American hero?”
“I’m more than meets the eye…” Matt replied dryly.
“No one is going to care. That won’t sell papers. Now, a story of how this,” Rita continued to stare at Matt over the top of her glasses “attractive enough, American bad boy, broke up the famous Hogwarts Golden Trio, just so he could have Little Miss Perfect all to himself…”
“No! That’s not what this is about. This is about clearing his name in the papers. The Ministry’s already given him the O.K.” Hermione replied.
“Let me think about it…” Rita said, eyeing the envelope on the table. “I do this for you, and I get your evidence?” she asked.
“That is the deal I’m proposing.” Hermione replied.
“Counteroffer…” Rita began. She lurched forward and yanked the envelope from Hermione’s grasp and held it aloft. “I take this, and you, get nothing.” Rita stood, her wand drawn and pointing at Matt and Hermione before either could react. Hermione glared at the reporter and with a flick of her wand, the envelope disintegrated in a flash of fire. “Too bad Missy. You won’t catch me again.” Rita said as she walked out of the Three Broomsticks. “You should both stick around for the charity event, should be a lark!” Rita cackled.
“Damn!” Hermione swore as they left without having bought any drinks or food.
“It was a long shot hon.” Matt said as they linked arms again.
“I know…I just really wanted you to get your name cleared…” Hermione’s voice trembled.
“Hey, it’s ok, we’ll figure it out.” Matt said and paused. He raised her chin with his thumb and forefinger before leaning down to kiss her. Hermione’s eyes closed as their lips met, and he held her tightly against himself.
“Come on, let’s get back.” Hermione said after they finally broke apart. “Still have something to show you…” At that moment and owl swooped down and dropped a letter at Hermione’s feet.
Ms. H. Granger
The Path
Hogsmeade Village
“Expecting something?” Matt asked inquisitively.
“No, there’s something in here too.” Hermione said holding up the envelope.
“Careful ‘Mione…” Matt warned, remembering booby trapped letters and explosive eggs.
“Oh, relax it’s just a key.” Hermione said and she emptied the envelope into her palm. A small metal key dropped into her hand. Suddenly, both Matt and Hermione felt a horrible pull behind their navels. Their arms were still linked and as a result the portkey drug both of them along.
The pair slammed to the ground and immediately slammed into a wall. Hermione yelped in pain and Matt gasped, as neither was able to bleed off the momentum of the transport. They looked around and found they had not moved extremely far; in fact, they were behind where they originally were. Matt’s eyes widened in shock as they were pressed against one another inside the clear box set up in the middle of the town square.
“Oh no…” Matt looked up to the thick green slime hovering above their heads. “I think we’re the Celebrity Guests…”
“No…” Hermione looked afraid as reporters and onlookers were gathering around the magical gunge tank.
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