𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐝 {𝐇. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫}

36

A/n: I've used the British slang 'melt' in this chapter. It basically means a complete fucking idiot.

When Johnny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next day, the first thing they saw was Malfoy, who seemed to be entertaining a large group of Slytherins with a very funny story. As they passed, Malfoy did a ridiculous impression of a swooning fit and there was a roar of laughter.

"Ignore him," said Hermione, clutching Johnny's hand. "Just ignore him, it's not worth it..."

"It's fine," Johnny waved her off. "He's only having a laugh."

Johnny dropped into a seat at the Gryffindor table, next to George.

"New third-year course schedules," said George, passing them, over. "What's up with you, Johnny?"

"Malfoy," said Ron, sitting down on George's other side and glaring over at the Slytherin table.

George looked up in time to see Malfoy pretending to faint with terror again.

"That little git," he said calmly. "He wasn't so cocky last night when the Dementors were down at our end of the train. Came running into our compartment, didn't he, Fred?"

"Nearly wet himself," said Fred, with a contemptuous glance at Malfoy.

"I wasn't too happy myself," said George. "They're horrible things, those Dementors..."

"Sort of freeze your insides, don't they?" said Fred.

"You didn't pass out, though, did you?" said Johnny in a low voice.

"Forget it, Johnny," said George bracingly. "Dad had to go out to Azkaban one time, remember, Fred? And he said it was the worst place he'd ever been, he came back all weak and shaking...They suck the happiness out of a place, Dementors. Most of the prisoners go mad in there."

Hermione was examining her's and Johnny's new schedule.

"Ooh, good, we're starting some new subjects today," she said happily.

"Hermione, Johnny," said Ron, frowning as he looked over her shoulder, "they've messed up your timetables. Look -- they've got you both down for about ten subjects a day. There isn't enough time."

"We'll manage. We've fixed it all with Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, winking at Johnny.

"But look," said Ron, laughing, "see this morning? Nine o'clock, Divination. And underneath, nine o'clock, Muggle Studies. And --" Ron leaned closer to the timetable, disbelieving, "look -- underneath that, Arithmancy, nine o'clock. I mean, I know you're both good, but no one's that good. How're you supposed to be in three classes at once?"

"Don't be silly," said Johnny shortly. "Of course I won't be in three classes at once."

"Well then --"

"Pass the marmalade," said Hermione.

"But --"

"Oh, Ron, what's it to you if our timetable's a bit full?" Hermione snapped. "I told you, Johnny and I have fixed it all with Professor McGonagall."

Just then, Hagrid entered the Great Hall. He was wearing his long moleskin overcoat and was absent-mindedly swinging a dead polecat from one enormous hand.

"All righ'?" he said eagerly, pausing on his way to the staff table. "Yer in my firs' ever lesson! Right after lunch! Bin up since five getting' everthin' ready...hope it's OK...me, a teacher...hones'ly..."

He grinned broadly at them and headed off to the staff table, still swinging the polecat.

"Wonder what he's been getting ready?" said Ron, a note of anxiety in his voice.