* It seems all too much. A nice summer swirls out of control, and not just because a certain Weasley keeps breaking into Hermione Granger's thoughts. It's everything... the danger... the worry about John and his existence... the disapperance of newfound ally Alyn... the questions on singer Nicole Skylark... the question: When will the Dark Lord strike? And how? Sirius Black and Remus Lupin try to announce that it's the wizard Carquel's stronghold that is the one thing Voldemort would value next to the life of Harry Potter. The latter should know; he spent a year there. "Carquel's several centuries ahead of his time... we'd be crushed," Lupin writes. But no one really wants to listen. Worse, what if the Dark Lord strikes a bit closer to Hogwarts School after a failed attempt on Carquel?
*Disclaimer: The HP world is property of the genius J.K. Rowling. I make no money off this and don't intend to by any stretch of the imigination.
Extracts From the Diary of Hermione Granger: Year Five
July
July 11th
Dear Diary -
Another wonderful day of doing absolutely nothing in Bulgaria! I can't believe my visit is nearly half-over, and when this is over I have to go and be the Granger receptionist to "pay" for the vacation - come on! Oh, well, I suppose they're right - they are my parents, and I'm lucky they even let me come, after all. Remember how long it took me to convince them?
There really isn't too much to describe anymore except for what I did, since I've already written about nearly everything I've seen. It's quite stormy today anyway, so Viktor and I stayed near the farm. I still think it's funny that the world's most famous Quidditch player lives in a farmhouse, even if the Krums don't farm - but it's sweet, too; I'd hate him if he weren't down-to-earth.
Although, I don't think I can ever really like Mrs. Krum. She has only just gotten over her habit of staring askance at me, and I still feel like dying of embarrassment whenever I remember her muttering: "Of all the girls I expected Viktor to bring home…" So humiliating… when I compare her to Mrs. Weasley, it's incredible.
Of course, I might just be irritable from the Polygut Potion. I need it to conserve in Bulgarian - even I can't learn a language that quickly - but it gives me headaches and I don't sleep well. Compared to the average, though, this is mild, so I shouldn't complain, and it's wearing off - or I'm getting used to it; I'm not sure which.
I did enjoy spending "nothing" time with Viktor, though. The farmhouse was so big we could stay out of Mrs. Krum's way.
It's amazing how Viktor and I can talk about anything - well, actually, we never mention Quidditch, except that I promised I would try flying once the rain let up, just to make him happy, I suppose, as I hate Flying Classes.
Anyway, there were other things to talk about. I got my Daily Prophet today and we read some of it together. Does that sound straight-laced, or have I been listening to Ron and Parvati and Lavender too long or too late? It doesn't matter. It's very interesting. Viktor is very clever and very opinionated, and it's fun discussing current events with him. The amazing part is, we almost always agree! The Daily Prophet, new and improved and sans Rita Skeeter, is wonderful to read with Viktor.
(Of course, I am a little worried she's going to get revenge. She's a full-fledged witch and clever enough to become an Animagus - but then, what exactly can she do? Become my own personal bedbug?)
For example, today the Prophet was picking apart the Ministry's actions on Hibilitians. Hibilitians are people with magic, but mostly in places that aren't fully - well, the Ministry uses the word "civilized", you know, still living like in the old days and with the old ways. Well, they are witches and wizards but they aren't trained, because even if they got letters to magical schools they didn't go.
The Ministry wants to uproot them and make sure they're educated and trained, while the Hibilitians want to stay the way they are - and you really can't blame them! Some of those awful Ministry officials went so far as to call them "savages", which is awful!
So there was an article in the paper today debating that and interviewing officials and all. And Viktor and I both agreed that the Ministry had enough lives to ruin without dragging in the Hibilitians. He also said that he wouldn't push the Hibilitians if he were in charge -
"They haff very strong magical powers, much unlike ours."
I suppose developing your own magic for centuries can do that.
Of course, the Ministry can't put too much effort into the Hibilitians - they've got You-Know-Who to worry about. I can't believe they're trying to cover this up! Four Muggles were killed in Kent yesterday - and there was a Dark Mark above them, and the Ministry is trying to tell us that it was a killing by Muggles, not You-Know-Who! Can you believe? It's disgusting. I'm so glad Viktor accepts the fact You-Know-Who is back. Mr. Krum firmly does; Mrs. Krum doesn't speak when the subject comes up - she just purses her lips. I know she's one of the ones refusing to believe it.
Oh, my goodness. It was so awful today when she huffed that the killing was probably Sirius Black. Sirius didn't do that - but of course, I can't say that or try to convince them. Even Viktor thinks Sirius is a mad murderer. I'm so confused. I'm trying to avoid the subject. Oh, I hope Sirius is all right. I shudder to think of how Harry would react if anything happened to Sirius - Harry spends half his time worrying about him anyway; he really cares about him. And I as care about Harry that means I care about Sirius as well. It seems that ever since the end of our third year you can't have one without the other - both are so connected; it's almost frightening and certainly rather odd.
But I'm rather scared for Mum and Dad. They're Muggles, and I'm a witch, which probably doesn't bode too well with the Death Eaters. I know I've said it a million times, so now I refuse to think of saying…
Hmm… let's change the subject… I got a letter from Ron today. He's still being a baby, trying not to mention Viktor or Bulgaria but then throwing in these little slighting hints. I'm sorry; I cannot like Ronald Weasley like Viktor Krum. Ron and I spend half our time angry at each other, and Ron never understands me - especially like Viktor. Anyway, I guess I can cut Ron some slack. His family is very busy right now and therefore somewhat strained. Ron hasn't heard from Harry. Harry hasn't answered my letter, either. Oh, I do hope this isn't one of those summers Harry can't write us!
Viktor just zoomed by the window, scaring poor Crookshanks to death! Even though it's raining, he still likes to train everyday - Viktor, that is, not Crookshanks! He also meets up with the Bulgarian team once a week. He said he'd be happy to make arrangements for me to come - if I would really want to! Isn't that kind? He's so thoughtful, I swear.
I really should finish that Herbology essay before I go to bed tonight. Pity, though, that this wasn't about bogdolearys. There's so many in Bulgaria, I think they even originated here - but no. Instead I get Hoffergluts. Ew. Not that bogdolearys are a piece of cake, mind you!
Oh! The clouds just cleared up and there's a beautiful sunset and Viktor is motioning me outside to come and watch - I'll write tomorrow!
July 14
Dear Diary -
Well, the world is finally drying out. You can actually walk outside without wading in mud.
Viktor and I went to town today. There was an amazing art exhibit - all Muggle, but it really was incredible. I'm glad I didn't miss it. It wasn't a bunch of big-name artists - this was a show of the unknowns, and in my personal opinion that just made it better. (Viktor agrees.) One man had a full table of little figurines for sale - made of wood, gold, silver, glass, jade, diamond, and just about every gem you can imagine! They were so small and so realistic; I just had to get one from him. It was hard to pick, but I chose a crystal cat, all curled up, that looks like Crookshanks, only the crystal cat's face is a bit more common. The sweet thing? Viktor bought it for me as an early birthday present, saying regretfully he wouldn't see me in September. Isn't that nice?
He waited while the man and I talked a while; I asked a million questions. And just as we left the man stopped me and brought out a little wooden box - exquisitely carved - full of more figures and told me to chose one. Of course, I said no, thank you, but he insisted, saying it was a pleasure to find someone so young who so thoroughly understood his work. I said all the polite things but in the end I chose one - it's amazing. It's a tree, and it's smaller than my finger, but it's so detailed - the crevasses in the trunk, the intertwining branches, the little leaves, the roots buried in the ground around the tree - incredible! What I really like is that it's Muggle-made, not made by magic. If it was made by magic it wouldn't be a little miracle, it would just be… a cheap magic trick. Awful to say when I'm a witch, but true! I thought it was made of gold, but right now it looks silver. It must be one of those metals that change color depending on the lighting.
But the figures are so perfect - I had to hide the cat; Crookshanks was jealous! Can you believe? Oh, and I think Viktor is mildly allergic to cats. Pity. I'm trying to keep him and Crookshanks apart, but Crookshanks sleeps with me so I'm all cat-ish. I'm going to start showering in the morning instead of before bed, I think.
I'm going to finish my essay for the Study of Ancient Runes tonight. There were a few things I've learned here from some of the old warlocks I can include now to finish it off nicely.
Another thing - no, I didn't spend the day in there, but on the way back we stopped by the library to drop off a few books of Viktor's. I found that you can do research on the records of people, and there are a few I want to check out, so I'm going to do that within a few days.
Oh, and Note To Self: Find a birthday present for Harry soon! It's hard to think of what he'd want here. Probably to be here instead of with his aunt and uncle, but I'll have to find the next best thing. I want to get Ron something, too - no, not a peace token. A friendship token… or is that the same thing now? No, he's not angry with me… much.
July 15
Want to fill in the blanks? "Rain", "storm", "talk with Viktor", "play around", "read", "homework", "research tomorrow".
July 16
Dear Diary,
No more worrying about Harry's birthday present - I've got the greatest, most fantastic idea! But I have to back up a bit and write down the research.
First, this morning I went to the library after Viktor started his daily drills. The man in charge was suspicious of everybody - especially a foreign teenager in the library during summer holiday. Oh, well. I got what I needed eventually.
First I checked up on Barty Crouch, Jr. It seems to me that there's some loose end from last year, something everyone - including Dumbledore - forgot, and I hoped to find it. But I didn't. I didn't learn anything new about him except that he went to Hogwarts and was in Slytherin - which probably didn't go over too well with his father, I'm betting. He tried out for the English National Quidditch team - and didn't make it, by the way. Shortly afterward he settled for some job in Hogsmeade, and I think it was around that time he started working for You-Know-Who. Can you believe his records didn't mention his work for You-Know-Who, even though the Ministry can magically update them? They're doing their best to be blind, I suppose.
Igor Karaoff was so much more interesting, although I didn't find anything of real use. He graduated from Hogwarts in 1964 - a Slytherin, naturally, and came from a family even bigger than the Weasleys - he was the sixth of fourteen children. His eldest sister, it seems, was Darmintry's right-hand agent. Karaoff was convicted of Death Eater activity in 1981, and, like Harry said, he gave the Ministry a few names and only served a few months in Azkaban. Then he continued teaching at Durmstrang and was made Headmaster in 1987.
Phew.
I'm going to ask Viktor about him some, later, but anyway I just want to move on to my Wonderful Idea! So to make this nice and short I next looked up Severus Snape. (And no, my idea was not to serve Snape on a platter to Harry, although I don't think Harry would mind all that much…) But just as I read: "Graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1978…" and my memory sparked. Snape had been in the same year as Harry's father.
I was already worried about Harry because I got a letter from him today, and it's so unlike him -
Dear Hermione,
I am doing fine. Prof. Dumbledore says it's safest for me here, and the Dursleys agree. So I'm not going to the Weasleys this summer.
I hope you are having a good time in Bulgaria with Viktor. Be sure to tell me all about it.
Sincerely,
Harry
That was so strange. Why?
1) "I am fine" - first sentence. That tells me right there that there's a good chance he isn't fine.
2) "Prof. Dumbledore" - I don't see why he bothered to add the "Prof." at all.
3) "And the Dursleys agree" - since when are the Dursleys concerned about his safety? Now, is Harry just putting up a brave front so I don't pity him or what?
4) "Sincerely" - since when does Harry sign his letters "sincerely"? Never, in my memory.
5) I know he isn't a terrific letter writer, but honestly, he usually can do better than this!
6) Why does it seem like he wrote little and said completely nothing?
7) Why didn't he ask for news of the wizarding world? I told him I'd tell him anything he wanted to know and even send him copies of the Daily Prophet - if he could stomach them.
I think that the Dursleys are monitoring his post or else he's with Sirius and even I can't know about it.
But it's not as if Sirius is able to do that, right? He's on the run from dementors and he's running errands for Dumbledore.
In any case, thinking of Harry I wistfully figured that there were plenty in the Potters' year(s) that had great memories Harry would probably die to know. With this is mind, I started on my next subject - Mundungus Fletcher. (I figured if Sirius had to go find him and Arabella Figg and Lupin I should know some about them - like I said, if anything happened to Sirius, Harry would…)
Oh, and Snape, by the way, not much that we hadn't found out, really. Except that during You-Know-Who's reign he was Death Eatering, spying, and working at Florean Fortucue's. Amazing, what you can find out.
Anyway, Fletcher had been a Gryffindor in James Potter's year. And that's when the sparks went of fin my head and started burning.
Arabella Figg? All I saw was that she read: "Graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1978" and I nearly threw down the records. Sparks were really flying now when I thought of all these people who had known the Potters.
So I sort of stared off, thinking of Harry's parents and the Marauders and how Harry wants more than anything to know more about his parents and how it was a pity he couldn't have that for his birthday and then WHAM!!
Why not record some of those Potter memories for him? For Harry's birthday?
I carefully considered this for a moment, because it seemed impossible… and then I stared down at my list of names, and guess whose name jumped out at me? A former Marauder, not a wanted murderer, one of my old teachers, and who actually knew about my secret writing? I practically ran - no, flew - to the Krums, composing my letter the whole way there, and then writing Professor Lupin.
I love those brain explosions. I'm really sure he'll do it - I mean, come to think of it, it might be sort of painful for him to remember, but I know he cares about Harry enough to try and do this little thing. I pretty sure, anyway, and if not I'll just have to owl Sirius, dementors and busy or no. (Actually, I think the reason I really don't want to ask him is because it would require revealing my writing - again. And he's Harry's godfather, Harry would find out, and then Ron in an instant, and then the Weasleys, and then the school… ugh.)
But isn't that just the greatest of ideas? Harry is going to love it. (And thank goodness the Krums have extra owls!)
Well, Pig is pecking at my window, so I'll have to go read Ron's letter. There's also this morning's Daily Prophet to read. Er… I'm not sure I want to dampen my mood with Sirius Black reports and stupid articles that are packs of lies… but oh, well. It had this big front-page thing I'm afraid to read, really. Oh, well. Here goes! Goodnight!
July 16 - Later
Dear Diary,
I am so angry I can't see straight! I hate stupid Cornelius Fudge and his stupid pride and prejudice! He is such a biased, self-satisfied, cruel pig!
You just will not believe him. Remember after the third task when he and Dumbledore got into that row? And one of Dumbledore's suggestions was to send envoys to the giants, and Fudge clearly thought he was out of his mind? Well, Fudge has still been angry with Dumbledore since then, and things got no better when a Prophet reporter found that Dumbledore had been sending agents to make treaties with the giants. Fudge called the actions stupid, pointless, defiance to the Ministry…
Now, when a Dark Witch or Wizard is in power, the Ministry calls a Dark Crisis or Calamity. Of course, it took them until You-Know-Who's sixth year of power to declare a Dark Crisis last time, so they're not exactly prompt. But during either of those states there are specific rules for "non-humans who pose as members of society". During Dark Crisises they have to do additional check-ins and must wear these Identification Pins in all public areas. During Dark Calamities, they must turn in their wands and must follow these Communication Guidelines if they want to speak or write to humans. (Dark Calamities are rare - even during You-Know-Who's last reign, they didn't declare one until a few weeks before his downfall, thank goodness.)
Fudge, of course, did not call a Dark Crisis. But he did say "because of the dangers of a mad and still-at-large Sirius Black, as well as other strange happenings, as a precaution, just a precaution, there's nothing to worry about…" that the Ministry will be enforcing "the Guidelines for Non-Humans in Times of a Dark Calamity", which goes for "anyone with giant blood" - it doesn't take a genius to figure out that he is just paying Dumbledore back - Fudge is so prejudicial, remember when he wanted to blame the attack on Crouch on Madam Maxime just because she's half-giant?
This is so unfair; I cannot even see straight and my hands are shaking. Fudge is using actual living beings to continue his petty little grudge. I hate him; I really do. Not to mention the fact this came at a horrible time in the S.P.E.W. campaign, I keep thinking of poor Hagrid. Last year he locked himself up just because of Skeeter's article, and now he won't be able to go anywhere without everyone knowing. Because of the Communication Guidelines, he might not even be able to teach this year.
And it's all because of Fudge's pettiness.
I get more and more confused. I'm still so used to thinking that the people in charge of things are good and righteous and will do everything perfectly - but they don't. At the very least, I always thought they would put others before themselves and be compassionate, but over the years what I've been seeing just doesn't support that theory. How do these people ever get in charge, anyway?
I'm exhausted… it's late… my eyelids are drooping… I'm angry… I can't see straight… I'm confused… my head hurts… and my hand hurts from all this writing today… but I want to write Ron about this… and talk to Viktor… but I can't talk right now, and it's nighttime, he's asleep… so I'll just write Ron quickly… and then go to bed… yes, I like that idea…
July 17
Dear Diary,
Oh, I had a fantastic day! Viktor had to go to his Quidditch practice and arranged for me to come, like he said. We Portkeyed there this morning, to a stadium a lot smaller than the one at the World Cup. It's very rare that a guest like me gets to come, but I suppose Viktor carries some weight. I had to stay out of the way, but I knew that. It's not like I knew what to do, anyway.
There were several officials and workers there. Some were very coldly civil to me, but a few were polite, and one worker was very pleasant. His name was Alyn; he's about a year older than Viktor, with dark Bulgarian features but bright hazel eyes, a round-ish face, and a pleasantly talkative (Bulgarian, of course) tongue. He wasn't bothersome though, just very nice and mannerly and kept me amused during the long seven-hour practice.
These seven Bulgarian players were very serious. The lineup hasn't changed since the World Cup, and Alyn whispered that was quite some time, for this team. They were just… intense. The more lighthearted Viktor I had come to know had vanished into the surly player I had seen last year.
Christian Ivanova was the captain, and he ran them like an army sergeant, I swear - you would think this was life and death, not a sport created for enjoyment! Unpronounceable-First-Name Dimitrov, a Chaser, continually challenged Ivanova's authority, to the point I wanted to swat at him a bit. Meanwhile, the Beaters were highly temperamental as well. They were just fiercely hungry to win, at any cost - even their lives, it seemed. And nearly everyone was shouting at Dominium Leviski, although neither Alyn or I could see for the life of us what he was doing wrong, and Alyn is pretty knowledgeable about Quidditch.
Viktor, I noticed, didn't get involved in this mess. He just did what he had to do, to the point he wasn't quite a team player. (But even I can see he was the best, although the team is quite good.)
Growing tired of the endless drills and strategies, I looked around. As I said, the stadium was smaller; but Alyn informed me that this wasn't the official Bulgarian stadium - it was just for practice, because everyone knew where the other one was. This one was hidden, Unplotable, and impossible to reach except by Portkey, unless you were a lucky wanderer. Even he didn't know where it was, it was so highly hidden.
"Whatever for?" I asked in surprised Bulgarian.
"Foreign spies, trying to find our secrets and strategies," Alyn said as if that should be obvious. I nearly laughed in his face, it sounded like a Hogwarts House rivalry - so ridiculous, quite childish.
Viktor seemed only slightly tired after the grueling seven-hour match, but not out of breath or sore or anything. He really is fit. I agreed to borrow Zograf's broom so he could give me a few flying tips. (Alyn seemed a little jealous and watched with rapt attention.)
Even I could tell that Firebolt left the school's Shooting Stars far, far behind, and for once flying was almost enjoyable and I certainly felt more confident after he was done with the little tutorial. We joked all the while about how hopeless I was, but he said I really did show potential and was a good learner.
Afterwards we had to gather up but there was still fifteen minutes before the Portkey activated. I said goodbye to Alyn and promised to keep in touch - he really is quite nice - and Viktor and I waited with Alexandrian Zograf, the Keeper. He was so serious during practice I seriously considered whether or not he could even smile. He was slightly subdued but actually friendly and even witty as we talked. He even offered an autograph, which I politely refused. (Don't tell Harry and Ron, else I'm dead.)
I wondered, though… I think… know… that Harry seems to want to play professional Quidditch. I'd be happy… thrilled… for him if he could… I just hope he doesn't get all moody and surly like Viktor and Zograf if he does. That would be dreadful. Please, don't let him… I won't let him, even if I have to owl him all of Zonko's!
Anyway, Viktor and I had a nice evening after dinner, taking a walk in the woods. We weren't as serious as usual. In fact, we were laughing more than we talked.
And it felt great.
(I just looked in the mirror. I am not blushing. I reread the last four sentences and looked again. I'm still not blushing. My eyes are sparkling; my face is not red. I must be hopeless. Crookshanks has just purred his agreement.)
July 18
I am so miserable.
When will I ever learn to control myself?
Everything Draco Malfoy has ever said about my big mouth is completely true.
I think I could curl up and die.
Upon reflection and rereading, I do not even sound like Hermione Granger.
Good.
That's good.
She needs to learn some self-control.
Why do I always have to be so opinionated?
It always gets me into fights with my best friends.