A/N: I'm so sorry for the long wait. I just finished this chapter, so there will be errors, but I felt so bad for leaving you guys hanging that I posted it anyways. I hope you like it. I'm so close to the end of this book, I can taste it. This book has always been my least favorite so that's why I think its taking so long for me to get the chapters written. Anyways, Sorry for the wait. Also, giant thank to all of you who have commented. Every comment I get leaves me smiling all day. Anywho, to the chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything from that wonderous universe. I do own Riley and Ian.

Chapter Ten; Harry + Duels = Bad Things

It was probably about midnight now. Most students were in bed, though some fifth and seventh years were still in the common room desperately studying. Riley was huddled under her blankets, trying to stave off the November chill. Elephant was curled up in the crick of her neck, using her hair as a blanket. He had switched to a tiny cat at some point in his dreaming and was now purring loudly in Riley's ear.

Riley was still wide awake and seething over what she had found out from going to Madam Pomfrey. That Despicable, evil, slimy, old bastard, Snape had put an extra charm on his cupboard. One that latches onto the part of your brain that makes you scared and feeds off it. Every minute that it feeds, causes the person it's been cast on to steadily grow more paranoid and fearful until finally, the person breaks and goes insane.

Pomfrey had told Riley she was extremely lucky that she had noticed it when she did, because the spell was feeding off the fear that had consumed her when she found Colin. It would have driven her mad a lot sooner then most. Now Riley was furiously planning her revenge. Snape would not go unpunished.

~{ }~

Over the next few weeks it seemed like everyone was either freaking out about what happened to Colin or taking advantage of those that were. Rumors and suspicion were spreading like the plague. First years were now walking around in tight knit groups, as though scared they would be attacked if alone.

Ginny, who was friends with Colin, was completely distraught. Fred and George were constantly trying to cheer her up, by taking turns covering themselves with fur and boils and jumping out at her from behind statues. They stopped once they finally set Percy into an apoplectic rage and Hermione started scolding them. ("She's scary sometimes, alright?")

Meanwhile, unknown to the teachers, a trade in talismans, amulets, and other "protective" devices was sweeping the school. Riley had to talk Neville out of buying a big ugly talisman, an evil-smelling onion and a weird purple crystal that all supposedly warded off evil, by telling him he was a pureblood, and thus had nothing to worry about.

"They went after Filch first, though," He said desperately, "And everyone knows I'm almost a Squib."

"Neville," Riley said exasperatedly, "There's no such thing as 'almost a Squib'. You either are or you're not and you, my dear friend, are a perfectly capable wizard."

~{ }~

It wasn't until Riley cooled down a bit that she realized she didn't really have much right to be angry at Snape. She was the one, who broke into his private cupboard, but Riley was still Riley and so some kind of revenge needed to be had. Thus she and the twins concocted a perfect way to make Snape feel as though he was going mad.

It was surprisingly simple to do, but it took a lot of build up.

It started with Riley. Every time Snape passed her in the halls, she would begin to hum her chosen tune. A few days later the twins started to do the same and soon after that, Riley got some other people to do it, too. Then last, but not least, Riley charmed two or so dozen suits of armor to hum the tune every time Snape walked by, as well. Before she knew it, random students would start to hum the tune every time Snape was near. It took nearly a week before Snape figured out what was going on and went to Dumbledore about it. The prank was mostly harmless, but oh, was it glorious to see Snape storming down the corridor to the Imperial March.

~{ }~

Two weeks into December, Professor McGonagall came around, taking names of all the students staying over the holidays. Harry, Ron and Hermione, having heard that Malfoy was staying, signed up almost immediately. Riley sighed, shaking her head. She had decided that, though she would help the Trio make their plan and continue to help Hermione with the Polyjuice potion; she would not be here to see the results. She already knew that Malfoy wasn't the Heir because he was jus too, to put it lightly, stupid to do it. Whoever was opening the Chamber was extremely clever, and that is something Riley knew Malfoy was not.

Besides, she was missing Remus and the others. It seemed like so long ago that Riley had been at home tormenting Andy. For a moment, Riley had still considered staying at Hogwarts over the holidays, purely because the Tonks family was going to see Andromeda's mother. The woman had been on her death bed for five years as far as Riley knew, and at least three times every year, Andromeda would be called out to see her "one last time". Riley despised the old woman and vise versa, but in the long run, Riley decided it would be best to go home.

The next morning, Riley and Hermione came down from the dorms to see everyone crowded around the bulletin board in the common room.

"What's going on?" Riley asked as she stood on her tiptoes to see over the other students' heads.

"It's a dueling club." Ron answered, being the only one tall enough to see.

"Oo! That could be fascinating!" Riley rubbed her hands together, a manic grin on her face. The students around her took a half step back in fear.

"I agree." Hermione said with just as much enthusiasm, but a lot more innocence. "Maybe Professor Flitwick will be teaching it. I've heard he was a master dueler in his day."

"Oh! That would be fantastic!" Riley and Hermione continue to chatter excitedly about it as they waited to sign up. If this went anything like they were hoping, it would, indeed be a interesting evening.

~{ }~

Riley was once more on the run. Honestly, with all the running she did, she was sure she should've been in far better shape. Though, considering she'd just run up two flights of stairs and was only mildly winded, she felt safe in saying she was in good enough shape. Besides that, she was far too lazy to try exercising.

Turning into a corridor, she knew would be empty at this time of day, Riley was surprised to see a girl standing in the middle of it. The girl seemed to be levitating an odd radish like thing into the rafters. The girls blue eyes went wide when they spotted Riley charging toward her. Riley glanced back the way she came; listening for the footsteps of her pursuer. The poor sucker had set off one of her traps she had set for Snape. It really wasn't her fault that he was walking around, when he should've been in class.

Riley shook herself from her thoughts. She needed to hide, quickly. Before the other girl could protest, Riley had grabbed her by her wrist and shoved her into the nearest broom closet. With a quick glance back down the corridor, Riley joined her.

The girl opened her mouth to speak, but Riley slapped a hand over her mouth. "Shh!" She whispered, "Angry Ravenclaw!"

The girl tugged at Riley's hand till she was free, then pointed above them. "Shh! Rumparts!"

Riley gave her a strange look, before just nodding acceptingly. She could hear rushed footsteps and angry breathing as the unlucky Ravenclaw passed by the cupboard. After waiting a few minutes to make sure he was definitely gone, Riley turned to the other girl and held out her hand.

"Riley Langley, soon-to-be legendary troublemaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

The girl stared at her curiously for a moment, before finally taking and shaking the hand held out to her. "Luna Lovegood."

Riley smiled, "So what are these Rumpart things that seem to have taken over this closet?"

Luna's eyes sharpened as though she was trying to decided whether Riley was making fun of her or not. Apparently, deciding she wasn't, Luna relaxed and her eyes took on a dreamy look. "Rumparts are tiny creatures that hide in your hair and tangle it into big knots that you have to cut out. The only thing that wards them away are radishes."

Luna's voice was soft and just as dreamy as her eyes. Even though she was looking at Riley, it was like she wasn't actually seeing her. It was odd, but Riley was intrigued.

"No way! That's awful! I could never cut my hair!" Riley cried, clutching her precious locks.

Luna smiled vaguely. "That's why I have these," She pulled her hair back to show Riley dangly earrings with little radishes on the ends. "I could make you some if you'd like. You'd have to charm them to stay fresh, though. My dad charmed mine for me."

Riley gave Luna a bright smile. "You'd do that? Awesome! Thanks Luna!"

Riley spent the rest of the day with Luna, learning about Nargals, Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, Heliopaths and other odd creatures Riley had never heard of before. Riley knew that most likely none of them were real, but she figured if she could still believe in Santa Clause, then she could believe that these creatures were out there. Besides, the longer Riley spent with Luna, the more she realized that Luna was an outcast and really just needed a friend and Riley had no issue with being that friend.

~{ }~

Evening came, and Riley, Neville and the Trio met up with over half of the student body in the Great Hall where the teachers had set things up. Everyone had crowded around a long, raised platform that stretched from one side of the hall to the other. The students were all buzzing with excitement; waiting to see who would be their teacher for the dueling club. A simultaneous groan came from Ron, Harry and Riley as Gilderoy Lockhart, himself, came sweeping into the Great Hall with Snape not far behind.

"I should've known this club was too good to be true," Riley bemoaned as half the girls in the hall swooned over the pompous peacock.

"I don't even know which one is worse," Ron agreed.

Hermione scowled at them, "Don't be ridiculous. I'm sure we'll learn loads from them both. After all Professor Lockhart did duel three evil wizards at once and won."

Riley looked at her incredulously, "You can't possibly believe that rubbish? I mean, the man ran from Cornish Pixies that he set loose!"

"He was just giving us a practical lesson. I'm sure he would have stepped in if he thought we couldn't handle it," She huffed, "Now, be quiet. They're starting."

Riley shook her head in disbelief, but let it go. Now wasn't the time to get into it.

"Gather 'round, gather 'round. Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me?" Lockhart called waving an arm for silence. "Excellent!

"Now Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little club, to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I have done on countless occasions— for full details, see my published work.

"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," Lockhart said, flashing a smile, "He tells me he knows a tiny bit about dueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters to worry— you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with him, never fear!"

"Wouldn't it be good if they finished each other off?" whispered Ron.

Riley snorted, "At least we get to see Lockhart get his butt kicked."

Harry and Ron both grinned appreciatively. Snape's lip was curled and looked at Lockhart like he was deciding how best to go about maiming him. And yet, Lockhart was still smiling away. If Snape had been looking at Riley that way, she was sure she would be running for the hills. Riley then came to the conclusion that Lockhart was either far braver then she had thought, or was a thousand time dumber then she imagined. Either way, this would not end pretty.

The two teachers turned towards one another and bowed. Well, Lockhart bowed (with added pomp and theatrics); Snape just gave an irritated jerk of the head. Then they raised their wands, like swords, in front of them.

As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position," Lockhart told the silent crowd, "On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course."

Looking at Snape, Riley felt she had to disagree. Harry's murmured comment only confirmed that she was not the only one.

"One— two— three—"

Both moved into action immediately lifting their wands over their heads and pointing at their opponent. Snape was faster, though, and with a cry of: "Expelliarmus!" there was a flash of scarlet light and Lockhart was blasted off his feet. He flew backward off the stage and landed sprawled on the floor.

Riley, Ron and Harry stifled chuckles, as three-quarters of the girls in the room gasped or squealed worriedly.

"Do you think he's alright?" Hermione worried.

"Who cares?" The three friends scoffed simultaneously.

Looking slightly disheveled with his hat having fallen off and his hair standing on end, Lockhart got to his feet again.

"Well, there you have it!" He said, "That was the Disarming Charm— as you see, I've lost my wand – ah, thank you Miss Brown – yes, an excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you it would have been only too easy— however, I felt it would be instructive to let them see…"

"You've got to be kidding me," Riley muttered, "Snape totally kicked his butt."

Snape glared murderously at Lockhart, causing said man to do away with more demonstrations and move on to other things. "I'm going to come amongst you now, and separate you into pairs. Professor Snape if you would like to help me—"

They moved through the crowd pairing everyone up. Neville was paired with Riley; Hermione unfortunately was paired with a giant of a girl, Millicent Bulstrode. Harry and Ron were likewise paired with Slytherins thanks to Snape.

"This is going to end well," Riley said rolling her eyes at Neville who shrugged in return.

"Face your partners!" Lockhart called from the platform. "And bow!"

Riley grinned at Neville as she bowed. "Do your best, Neville, and you'll be great."

"Wands at the ready!" Lockhart shouted. "When I count to three, cast your charms to disarm your opponents— only to disarm them— we don't want any accidents— one… two… three—"

Neville opened his mouth to shout something, but Riley was too quick. With a flick of her wrist and a shouted word, Neville's wand flew right out of his hand. Riley stuck her tongue out at him playfully when he shot her a nervous smile. Unfortunately, it seemed Neville and Riley were the only ones to get off easy.

Ron's broken wand had done something odd again and now he and his partner were surrounded by a weird greenish smoke. Harry and Malfoy were both on the ground, Malfoy was laughing hysterically and Harry had lost control of his legs. Hermione, on the other hand, was in a head lock by Bulstrode who seemed to have gone for the muggle approach; their wands abandoned. Riley and Neville jumped to help Hermione out of her predicament, while Lockhart and Snape fixed the mass chaos in the Hall.

"Dear, dear," Lockhart said, skittering through the crowd, looking at the aftermath of the duels. "Up you get, Macmillan… Careful there, Miss Fawcett… Pinch it hard, it'll stop bleeding a second, Boot—

"I think I'd better teach you how to block unfriendly spells," Lockhart said, looking flustered. He looked at Snape, whose black eyes glittered, and looked away quickly. "Let's have a volunteer pair— Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley, how about you—"

Neville looked mortified but was quickly saved by Snape's sneering comments. "A bad idea Professor Lockhart," Snape said, gliding over to the platform like a large, malevolent bat. "Longbottom causes devastation with the simplest spells. We'll be sending what's left of Finch-Fletchley up to the hospital wing in a matchbox."

Riley growled but the red faced Neville sent her a wide-eyed look to let it go.

"How about Potter and Malfoy?" Snape suggested with a twisted smile.

"Excellent idea!" Lockhart cried, waving the boys forward.

Riley groaned. This was so not going to end well and everybody knew it. Harry and Malfoy's dislike for each other was already infamous among the Hogwarts students. As the two boys faced each other and bowed, everyone held their breath.

"Three— two— one— go!"

Malfoy was quick to raise his wand and bellow, "Serpensortia!"

A large, dark snake jumped from his wand, hissing menacingly at Harry. The hall was filled with screams as the snake raised itself as though reading itself to strike. Everyone backed away from the platform quickly, watching the snake nervously.

"Don't move, Potter," Snape said lazily, clearly enjoying this. "I'll get rid of it…"

"Allow me!" Lockhart stepped forward and before anyone could even get a word of protest out, he shot a spell at the snake, making it fly into the air. Landing once more on the platform, the snake hissed furiously and made towards the first person it saw; Justin Finch-Fletchley.

Before the snake could strike though, an odd furious sound came from Harry. He was hissing at it, but like each hiss meant something, like he was speaking to the snake instead of just hissing at it to get its attention. To him it seemed it meant something but to everyone else it was just a mess of elegant sounding noise. Amazingly the snake stopped in its attack and slumped to the floor as though it was as docile as a garden snake.

The hall quickly filled with hushed mummers and gasps. Riley, herself, was stunned. She had heard about this ability, but had heard that it had died out a long time ago. Riley felt a grin start to stretch across her face. Harry was a Parselmouth.

A/N: I swear I'm writing the next chapter as you are reading this. I'm SO close to the end it hurts. I cannot wait to get to third year. It's going to be fantastic!