Chapter 4.
The scene abruptly changes to Hermione leading the trio through the snow. In front of them is a duo of girls.
LEANNE: Katie, you don’t know what it could be. We pan back to the trio.
RON: (whispering) Harry?
HARRY: What?
RON: Did you hear what she was saying back at the pub about me and her snogging? As if. Hermione slows down and puts her arms around the boys’ necks, content.
A bloodcurdling scream interrupts their peace.
“What in Merlin’s name?” James sat up in alarm.
LEANNE: I warned her. I warned her not to touch it. Katie is laying behind her, before the body starts being dragged left and right.
“Why is it doing that?!” Alice cried.
The body then starts levitating. Her eyes are open and her mouth is wide in a silent scream. Her body falls heavy, like a stone.
“Jesus,” Lily swore. “That was unsettling.”
Her head is still twitching when Hagrid approaches.
HAGRID: Don’t get any closer. Get back, all of you. Hagrid picks her up, whispering assurances to Katie. Harry goes to pick up whatever she was holding. Don’t touch that, except by the wrappings. Do you understand? Harry stares down at the piece of jewelry underneath the box.
The scene transitions to McGonagall surveilling the necklace.
MCGONAGALL: You’re sure that Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks?
LEANNE: It’s like I said. She left to go to the loo, and when she came back in, she had the package. She said that it was important that she deliver it.
MCGONAGALL: Did she say to whom?
LEANNE: To Professor Dumbledore.
“Did the Deatheaters enlist her?” Andromeda questioned, but Remus frowned.
“She’s a little young for that, don’t you think?” He answered.
MCGONAGALL: Very well. Thank you, Leanne. You may go. Leanne turns and departs, leaving the trio left behind. Why is it when something happens it is always you three?
RON: Believe me, Professor. I’ve been asking myself the same question for six years.
Despite the situation, James snickers.
Snape walks behind Ron.
MCGONAGALL: Oh, Severus.
Snape lifts the necklace into the air, examining it.
MCGONAGALL: What do you think?
SNAPE: I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive.
HARRY: She was cursed, wasn’t she? I know Katie, off the Quidditch pitch she wouldn’t hurt a fly. If she was delivering that to Professor Dumbledore, she wasn’t doing it knowingly.
MCGONAGALL: Yes, she was cursed.
HARRY: It was Malfoy.
“He was in the Three Broomsticks,” Lily acquiesced.
Hermione looks at Harry in surprise.
MCGONAGALL: That is a very serious accusation, Potter.
SNAPE: Indeed. Your evidence?
HARRY: I just know.
“That’s not enough,” Remus humphed unhappily.
SNAPE: You just… know.
“Harry’s been right this whole series!” Sirius exclaimed. “A little faith would be appreciated!”
“Eh, he’s been wrong sometimes,” Regulus disagreed. Sirius shot a glare in return.
Harry silently seethes.
SNAPE: Once again you astonish with your gifts, Potter.
“Snape’s helping Draco, though,” James pointed out. “It’s not like he would tell the truth here.”
SNAPE: Gifts mere mortals can only dream of possessing. How grand it must be to be the chosen one.
MCGONAGALL: I suggest you go back to your dormitories. All of you. Hermione and Ron leave, and Harry pauses a moment before following them.
The scene changes to Harry in bed monitoring Draco’s steps on the Marauders’ Map.
RON: What do you suppose Dean sees in her? Ginny?
HARRY: Well, what does she see in him?
RON: Dean? He’s brilliant.
HARRY: You called him a slick git not five hours ago.
“This is a nice change of pace,” Remus laughed.
RON: Yeah, well, he was running his hands all over my sister, wasn’t he? Something snaps, and you gotta hate him, you know? On principle.
HARRY: I suppose.
RON: So, what is it he sees in her?
HARRY: I don’t know. She’s smart, funny. Attractive.
RON: Attractive?
HARRY: You know, she’s got nice skin.
RON: Skin? You’re saying Dean’s dating my sister because of her skin?
HARRY: Well, no, I mean… I’m just– I’m saying it could be a contributing factor.
RON: Hermione’s got nice skin.
Alice raised an eyebrow.
RON: Wouldn’t you say? As skin goes, I mean.
HARRY: I’ve never really thought about it… but I suppose, yeah. Very nice. I think I’ll be going to sleep now. He puts away the map.
RON: Right, yeah.
As Harry puts his glasses down, he watches as Draco’s footsteps trail off.
SLUGHORN: So tell me, Cormac, do you see anything of your Uncle Tiberius these days? We cut to Slughorn’s special party for his most esteemed students.
CORMAC: Yes sir. in fact, I’m meant to go hunting with him and the Minister of Magic over the holidays.
SLUGHORN: Well, be sure to give them both my best. What about your uncle, Belby? For those who don’t know, Marcus’ uncle invented the Wolfsbane potion. Is he working on anything new?
MARCUS: (eating) Don’t know. Him and Dad don’t get on. Probably because me dad says potions are rubbish. Says the only potion worth having is a stiff one at the end of the day.
SLUGHORN: What about you, Miss Granger? What exactly does your family do in the muggle world?
HERMIONE: My parents are dentists. They tend to people’s teeth.
SLUGHORN: Fascinating. And is that considered a dangerous profession?
HERMIONE: No. Although, one boy, Robbie Fenwick, did bite my father once. He needed 10 stitches. Everyone looks mildly disgusted.
“Tough crowd,” James commented. “I think that being a dentist or whatever it is sounds cool.”
The door opens, revealing Ginny.
SLUGHORN: Ah, Miss Weasley. Come in, come in.
HERMIONE: Look at her eyes. They’ve been fighting again, her and Dean.
“Poor Ginny,” Marlene said sympathetically.
GINNY: Sorry, I’m not usually late. Harry stands up.
SLUGHORN: No matter, you’re just in time for dessert. Harry sits back down, as Hermione watches. That is, if Belby’s left you any.
HARRY: (whispering) What?
Hermione: (whispering) Nothing.
“Harry,” Sirius groaned. “He’s gonna make me lose the bet.”
“That was never in doubt,” James asserted, smug.
Cormac licks his fingers whilst staring at Hermione, and she looks away, uncomfortable.
The scene changes to the end of the party.
SLUGHORN: Goodbye. Bye-bye. Slughorn ushers out the students. He then turns around and spots- Potter.
HARRY: I’m sorry, sir. I was just admiring your hourglass.
SLUGHORN: Ah, yes. A most intriguing object. The sand runs in accordance with the quality of the conversation. If it is stimulating the sand runs slowly. If it is not…
HARRY: I think I’ll be going then.
SLUGHORN: Nonsense! You have nothing to fear, dear boy. As to some of your classmates, well, let’s just say they’re unlikely to make the shelf.
HARRY: The shelf, sir?
“He collects us,” Lily stated. “I can’t decide whether or not it’s a compliment, or it’s creepy.”
“It’s creepy,” Marlene assured.
SLUGHORN: Anyone who aspires to be anyone hopes to be up here. But then again, you already are someone, aren’t you, Harry?
HARRY: Did Voldemort ever make the shelf, sir?
“Very smooth, Harry,” Sirius nervously quipped.
Slughorn pauses.
HARRY: You knew him, didn’t you, sir, Tom Riddle? You were his teacher.
SLUGHORN: Mr. Riddle had a number of teachers whilst here at Hogwarts.
HARRY: What was he like? Slughorn doesn’t answer, staring off into space. I’m sorry, sir. Forgive me. He killed my parents.
SLUGHORN: (seemingly far away) Of course. It’s only natural you should want to know more, but I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Harry. When I first met young Mr. Riddle, he was a quiet, albeit brilliant, boy committed to becoming a first-rate wizard. Not unlike others I’ve known. Not unlike yourself, in fact. If the monster existed, it was buried deep within.
“He’s lying!” Mary accused. “I don’t understand why.”
“Dumbledore says he possesses something,” Remus reasoned. “Riddle must’ve confided in him something important.”
“He should just give it up!” She continued. “It could help the cause.”
“Maybe it condemns himself, in some way,” Regulus figured. “Maybe he’s ashamed.”
The camera pans over to the hourglass, where the sand falls so slowly that it stops altogether.
The scene fully changes to Ron standing in the hallway, in Gryffindor gear, with a keeper’s helmet on.
BOY: Good luck, eh, Ron?
James grinned, and exchanged an excited look with Sirius.
“It’s Quidditch time!” He joyfully exclaimed.
As Ron walks down the hallway, it seems as if he believes he’s walking to his doom.
BOY: (mocking) Nice hat!
BOY: Ron, you’re a loser! Seamus runs up to Ron and leans over his shoulder.
“They’re bullies,” Andromeda scowled.
SEAMUS: I’m counting on you, Ron. I have two galleons on Gryffindor, yeah? He runs off.
GIRL: (mocking) Looking good, Ron.
BOY: Loser! The Slytherins are all laughing at him. What’s he wearing?
Ron sits down and looks at his plate, which has been made to look like a Quidditch goal.
RON: So, how was it, then?
HERMIONE: How was what?
RON: Your dinner party?
HERMIONE: Pretty boring, actually. Though I think Harry enjoyed dessert. Slughorn’s having a Christmas do, you know. And we’re meant to bring someone.
RON: I expect you’ll be bringing McLaggen? He’s in the Slug Club, isn’t he?
“He’s awfully dense,” Mary commented, annoyed.
HERMIONE: Actually, I was going to ask you.
RON: Really? Lavender appears and taps Ron’s shoulder.
LAVENDER: Good luck today, Ron! I know you’ll be brilliant.
RON: I’m resigning. After today’s match, McLaggen can have my spot.
“No,” James moaned. “He needs to feel confident! He’s not going to play well if he doesn’t believe in himself!”
HARRY: Have it your way. He pushes Ron a glass. Juice?
RON: Sure.
LUNA: Hello everyone. We focus on Luna in the background. She’s wearing a Gryffindor lion costume.
Lily frowned. “I could’ve sworn that she was a Ravenclaw!”
“We need all the team spirit we can get!” Sirius explained enthusiastically.
LUNA: You look dreadful, Ron. Is that why you put something in his cup? Is it a tonic? Harry puts it into his pocket.
HERMIONE: Liquid luck.
“Really?” Frank sighed. “That could’ve been used for so many better purposes!”
“Not to mention it’s cheating,” Marlene reminded.
HERMIONE: Don’t drink it, Ron! Ron glanced at her, then downed it. You could be expelled for that!
HARRY: I don’t know what you’re talking about. Ron grins, now in a much better mood.
RON: Come on, Harry, we’ve got a game to win. Harry clasps his hand, and they get up.
We fade to white, and then the Quidditch game against Slytherin begins!
Slytherins take possession of the quaffle. They fly in a triangular pattern and meet the Gryffindors. The quaffle gets passed along the Slytherins at the opposing house slam into them. They attempt to punch it into one of Gryffindor’s goals, but Ron sweeps and deftly blocks it, to the crowd’s loud approval.
“Yes!” James cheered. “I do feel slightly bad that it’s not really fair…”
“But it’s against Slytherin so who cares!” Sirius finished, ignoring the glares from the Slytherins watching.
RON: Yes! Lavender cheers rambunctiously in the crowd.
There is a montage shown of all the times Ron blocked a quaffle from going in. Each time he catches it, he grins and looks towards the crowd. Hermione watches as well, laughing as she claps her hands together.
The Gryffindor fly in a diagonal line, and Ginny is able to take a shot and score!
Mary claps her hands. “Yeah!”
Yet again the Slytherins and the Gryffindors clash, and another boy is able to take a shot at Ron, however Ron catches it again. His confidence oozes out of him, and he looks to the crowd that is now chanting his name in worship.
RON: Yes! Hermione shakes her head and joins in the clapping. Yes! Ron cheers for himself on his broom.
The scene changes and now the entire Gryffindor common room shouts Ron’s name.
“How I love post-Quidditch parties,” James said, a fond smile gracing his face.
GRYFFINDORS: Weasley! Weasley! Weasley! Weasley! Ron is hoisted onto the team’s shoulders. Confetti falls from the ceiling and a large painted Gryffindor banner is held up. Harry watches with a smile.
HERMIONE: You really shouldn’t have done it.
HARRY: I know. I suppose I could have just used a Confundus Charm. Hermione glances at Harry in surprise. She quickly recovers.
HERMIONE: That was different. That was tryouts. This was an actual game. Harry takes out the full bottle of liquid luck.
Frank’s mouth fell open. “No way...”
HERMIONE: You didn’t put it in.
“Ron did that all on his own?” Remus asked. “Seriously?”
“Yes, Remus. Siriusly,” Sirius smirked. Remus shot him a mean look. “Anyways, of course he had it in him. He wouldn’t have made the team without the flame of success!” At the last part, Sirius pumped his fist into the air.
“Yes, Black, I do believe we get your point,” Severus rolled his eyes, and Sirius stuck his tongue out in return.
“I’m in this room with a bunch of children,” Lily deadpanned.
Marlene nudged Mary. “Did he finally earn your respect, then?”
“Eh,” Mary shrugged. “It may be a work in progress.”
Harry put the bottle back into his pocket.
HERMIONE: Ron only thought you did. Harry smirks, proud.
Lavender pulls Ron off the podium, and into her arms. They kiss: deeply and passionately.
Mary gasped. “Ugh! Just when he does something halfway decent-”
Harry chuckles a bit, as Hermione’s face falls. She quickly leaves. Harry’s smile falls off as well, and he chases after her. There is the sound of Hermione sniffling. Harry finds her at the bottom of a staircase. Birds flutter around her.
HERMIONE: (shakily) Charms spell. I’m just practicing.
HARRY: Well, they’re really good. He sits down next to her.
HERMIONE: How does it feel, Harry… when you see Dean with Ginny?
HARRY: Oh, um…
HERMIONE: I know. I see the way you look at her. You’re my best friend. Lavender’s laughter fills the room, and she and Ron stumble in.
Lily moaned and covered her face. “Oh, I hate these types of moments.”
LAVENDER: Oops. I think this room is taken.
RON: What’s with the birds? Hermione stands up,
HERMIONE: Oppugno. They all chase after Ron, before disintegrating into dust. Ron looks at her, stunned. He walks out, and Hermione collapses into tears, and leans on Harry’s shoulder.
HARRY: It feels like this.
“Poor Hermione,” Mary whined. “That sucked.”
“Well,” Sirius mumbled, turning towards James. “I believe it’s official that I…”
“Lost the bet?” James grinned.
“Really?” Alice frowned, disappointed. “Hermione’s crying!”
“That’s very sad,” James agreed. “But Sirius should give me my galleons.”
“I don’t have any, remember? They’re all back in the real world?”
“Okay, fine. I expect my payment when we get back,” James smirked.
“Maybe this’ll teach you an important lesson, Sirius,” Lily hinted, crossing her arms.
“Yeah,” Sirius nodded. “That next time I’ll win.”