Hermione Granger and the Goblet Of Fire (Completed)

Chapter 17 - Dobby's New Job

“What are these fascinating creatures called?” she asked
“Blast-Ended Skrewts” said Hagrid
“Really?” said Rita, acting fascinated “I’ve never heard of them before... where do they come from?”
Hagrid didn't answer, and Hermione's heart sank. Where had Hagrid got them from? He had won an illegal dragon egg in a card game in Hermione's first year, she wouldn't be surprised if the place he had got these things from wasn't exactly rule abiding

“They’re very interesting, aren’t they?" she said loudly "Aren’t they, Harry?”
She trod on his feet
“What?" said Harry blankly "Oh yeah... ouch... interesting,”
“Ah, you’re here, Harry!” said Skeeter, as if he wasn't the real reason she was here “So you like Care of Magical Creatures, do you? One of your favourite lessons?”
“Yes” said Harry. Hagrid grinned
“Lovely” said Rita “Really lovely. Been teaching long?” she asked. Her eye travelled over the various injuries of the students still outside, and the faces pressed against the windows of Hagrid's hut, waiting for the coast to clear

“This is o’ny me second year” said Hagrid
“Lovely..." said Skeeter "I don’t suppose you’d like to give an interview, would you? Share some of your experience of magical creatures? The Prophet does a zoological column every Wednesday, as I’m sure you know. We could feature these - er - Bang-Ended Scoots”
“Blast-Ended Skrewts” Hagrid said brightly “Er - yeah, why not?”
Hermione didn't like the sound of that, but she couldn't say anything, so she watched mutely as Hagrid and Skeeter arranged to meet up at the Three Broomsticks at the end of the week. A bell rang for lunch, and the students hidden in Hagrid's hut emerged and bolted towards the castle
“Well, good-bye, Harry!” Skeeter said brightly as Hermione, Ron and Harry set off up the hill “Until Friday night, then, Hagrid!”

“She’ll twist everything he says” Harry breathed
“Just as long as he didn’t import those skrewts illegally or any- thing” said Hermione. She and Harry exchanged looks - Hagrid could've easily done that
“Hagrid’s been in loads of trouble before, and Dumbledore’s never sacked him” said Ron firmly “Worst that can happen is Hagrid’ll have to get rid of the skrewts. Sorry... did I say worst? I meant best”
Hermione laughed, and a weight seemed to leave her stomach

Hermione didn't have enough head space to think too much about Blast-Ended Skrewts. After double Arithmancy, Hermione didn't join the crowds heading to dinner. Instead, she took out a map she had drawn of Hogwarts and marked where she was. Then, she set off down a corridor at random, scanning the walls she passed for paintings of fruit bowls, marking where she was going as she went

She continued her search for hours, but came up fruitless. She sighed, putting the map in her bag. Maybe if she was quick, she'd be able to reach the Great Hall before dinner finished. She hurried down the many staircases and corridors until she reached the Entrance Hall. She paused as Cedric Diggory walked passed her with some friends, walking down a set of staircases that she barely ever noticed. Hermione stopped. She had always assumed that the Hufflepuff common room was the only thing down there, but as Helga Hufflepuff was the one who was supposed to have brought the house elves here in the first place, what if she had put the entrance...?

Hermione stared for a moment, before following Cedric and his friends down the set of staircases. She found herself in a long, well lit corridor that didn't seem to go anywhere. Hermione wasn't fooled, though. On one wall there was a pile of vinegar barrels, which she knew hid the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room. On the other side was lines of paintings of food. And, at the far end, there was a painting of a silver fruit bowl!

Hermione ran over to it. It was exactly how Fred had described it! Hands trembling slightly, Hermione reached out and ran a finger down the pear. It squirmed and giggled, before suddenly turning into a green doorknob. Hermione grabbed it and yanked the door open, leaping inside a moment later