Treacherous | Hermione Granger Book II

|18| Chapter Eighteen

E I G H T E E N

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Lisa was seemingly incorrect when she said that some scandalous history of Professor Dumbledore could be located within the confines of the school library, as Saffron essentially asked the library itself, in the form of Hermione Granger, for such information and she received none of it. She should have known that in the library of Dumbledore's school there would likely be nothing negative about him in there. 

Hermione being Hermione had to inquire as to why Saffron had a sudden longing to know about Dumbledore's past, after showing no signs of any interest in the past. Not wanting Hermione to know about her motives of finding out about why Dumbledore has hired two unqualified Defence Against The Dark Arts teachers in a row. Still under Lockhart's spell, Hermione wasn't able to see clearly when it came to the blatantly obvious flaws of the man. Therefore, Saffron told her that she was just curious, and so Hermione explained what she knew of Dumbledore to Saffron, none of which was foreign to her.

For the first time in their friendship, it seemed that Saffron and Hermione had to just agree to disagree when it came to Lockhart. Of course, they both agreed on the charm and physicality aspects, yes. But when it came to his teaching methods, Hermione remained intent on claiming that Lockhart was a perfectly qualified and adequate teacher. Deep down Hermione must have known that she was making excuses for the man, but she wouldn't admit that to anyone. 

These differences also brought a shift in Saffron's bond with Lavender and Parvati. Ever since their first year in school, Saffron had always shared more in common with the pair. But now with Saffron agreeing with the likes of Harry, Ron, Dean and Seamus of all people, the girls seemed to have more in common with Hermione, in how they defended Lockhart.

This shift had caused Saffron to clip her tongue and after only discussing her distaste of Lockhart twice, she dropped it and let the boys and girls argue it out without her. It was easier that way. There would be a time and place for a discussion over Lockhart, and one week into school was neither the time nor the place. That was a conversation for another day. 

The conversation for that point in time, as Ron walked through the Great Hall alone that Saturday morning revolved around why Harry wasn't with him?

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked him, as he took a seat opposite them, wasting no time in buttering some toast. 

"Quidditch," Ron told them hastily, his eyes fixed on his food. "He left me a note, I reckon he's been down there a while, Fred and George told me Oliver's taking it to the next level to make sure they win the cup this year,"

"Sounds good," said Saffron with the faintest of smiles. Oliver Wood, also known as her self-proclaimed future husband, was the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and practically breathed Quidditch. "What do you say we take some of this down and go watch? I could do with getting outside, we can meet up with Hagrid once he's done,"

"That's fine with me," agreed Hermione. "Hopefully they'll be finishing up when we get there, I'm looking forward to seeing Hagrid again,"

Saffron merely nodded. She didn't share the same feelings. Hagrid had caused so much trouble for them last year and she still hadn't found it in her heart to forgive him for it.

The three Gryffindors grabbed a pile of toast each and set off towards the Quidditch pitch. The sun had nearly risen completely when they got outside and there was a thin layer of fog hovering over the dewy grass caused by the immense rainfall the night before. They walked across the grounds and reached the Quidditch pitch, going on to choose some seats at the bottom of the stands. Little chatter was spared between them, as they chewed away at the toast they brought with them.