Dec. 17
As Christmas approached, many of us forgot entirely about the warnings and attacks. Wen, however, continued to investigate, as did many other students; they were easy to spot: staying up late in the libraries, sneaking out of the rooms at odd hours- although I assumed many were doing other things but I pushed that out of my mind. I poured my energy into finding the best present for friends. Wen was easy, but even though I spent hours with Patricia, it took me a few hours. I considered sending an anonymous gift to Prieste but didn't know what to get. Meanwhile, Lockhart and Professor Snape led a dueling class. And then today, something happened. Kids all over the school were saying that Harry Potter had spoken Parseltongue. The rumors spread like wildfire. Harry Potter was a Parselmouth. Their strong disgust at him confirmed my own fear. My fear of reveling what I had discovered when I was only five- I too, could talk to snakes.
In an effort to forget the bizarreness at Hogwarts, I got a pass to go to Honeydukes to look for some candies for my professors. I wasn't going home for the Holiday, so I still had plenty of time, but I've always been one to get ahead. Luckily, the shop wasn't too crowded; I didn't have to fight my way inside or in any lines. I picked up some Drooble's Best Blowing Gum and other assorted chocolates, paid for them and then headed to the shop exit. Cassius Warrington slid in front of it, his shoulder resting against its hinges. "Ello, Vitani."
"Cassius." I glared at him. He had begun to flirt with me this year and I was growing tired of it. I wanted to tell him, "I'd rather date the Giant Squid of Hogwarts than you" but I kept my mouth shut. "So a few of us are getting together for a game of Quidditch. You coming to watch me?" He pushed himself up straight and took a step towards me.
"Yeah, sure."
"You'll cheer me on?"
I nodded, hoping he'd take that as confirmation and leave. He looked up at the ceiling and folded his arms. "You know I plan on making Chaser next year."
I tried to look impressed. I glanced outside the frosted window impatiently. "Well, good-bye." I strode out of the doorway as quickly as I could.
