If you are what you say you are
A superstar
Then have no fear, the camera's here
And the microphone, and they wanna know
~ Superstar x Lupe Fiasco
Chapter 21: Fame
Tobias felt his blood pulsing through his veins as he, Theodore, and Ron stood in Professor Snape's office. He knew it was a bad idea when Theodore wanted to stop and watch the sorting, but there was literally no such thing as a "bad idea" when it came to him. Tobias had only planned to stay until the sorting began, but the conversation about Snape's absence erased all traces of that plan. By the time he realized they were already there too long already, the sorting had begun and Snape had caught them.
Now here they were.
"I love what you've done with the place, Professor." Theodore said—it was obvious he was nervous.
Snape said nothing as he slammed a copy of the Evening Prophet on his desk. Tobias felt an invisible blow to the stomach as he read the headline: FLYING FORD ANGLIA MYSTIFIES MUGGLES. It was them—or maybe it was Draco, Ron, and Hermione. But nevertheless—someone had seen the flying car.
"You were seen!" Snape hissed, anger spewing through every word. Theodore could literally see the veins bulging from the potions master's forehead.
"You were seen—by no less than seven muggles! And what's worse—you all caused some considerable damage to the Whomping Willow—a valued plant at this school!"
"That tree has a name?" said Theo.
"To be honest Professor," Ron cut in. "That tree did more damage to us than—"
"Silence, Mister Weasley." Snape snapped. The man then smirked, and Ron felt his heart stop for just a moment.
"Or should I remind you that your father works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office? And that this is clearly a violation of the laws he works to uphold?"
Tobias turned to look at Ron—his face was completely pale. No doubt that this news would report back to the Ministry, and they would all look at Mr. Weasley. Tobias felt a pain in his chest as he thought about the consequences. Ron's dad would probably get sacked.
"It wasn't our fault that we couldn't get through the barrier!" Theodore blurted out.
Snape's smirk fell, looking intently at the brown- haired Slytherin. "What do you mean you couldn't get through the barrier?"
Tobias looked at Theodore and caught a glimpse of his "play along" face. They all knew that they couldn't tell Snape that it was actually Hermione who couldn't get through the barrier—that she was the reason Ron thought to use the flying car. Snape might bring her in for questioning—they might even expel her. They couldn't do that to Hermione—not in a million years.
Tobias turned back to face Professor Snape, preparing to justify why they were in the flying car in the first place. He was quickly interrupted as the doors reopened and Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore entered the office. Tobias felt his mouth go dry.
"What happened?" McGonagall said slowly.
"They were just in the middle of telling me why they couldn't get through the barrier to platform nine and three quarters." Snape replied.
Tobias saw Professor McGonagall shoot a glance at Dumbledore, but the headmaster did not make any response to her gesture. He just stood there, staring at the three boys intently—more so Theodore and Tobias.
"But—" The transfiguration teacher began, but stopped, as if she was about to say something that was classified. "What do you mean you couldn't get through the barrier?" She directed this question to the second years.
"It was like it closed." Ron explained. "We couldn't get through it, no matter how hard we tried."
Theodore nodded. "I even have a bump to prove it." He pointed to the snitch- sized bump on his forehead where he collided with the car's windshield.
Everyone was silent, taking in the boys' story.
"I can understand why Weasley wasn't able to get through the barrier." Snape began, his eyes curiously landing on the two heirs. "But why were you two on the other side of King's Cross? Mister Riddle told me that you two would be floo'ing straight to the platform."
Tobias went rigid.
"Well that's another funny story," Theodore said. "I said the wrong destination."
Professor McGonagall frowned. "You said the wrong destination?"
"Why would you do that?" Snape asked.
Theo shrugged. "Thought it would be fun. This wouldn't be my first time either, I did on the way to Diagon Alley as well. Isn't that right, Tobias?"
Tobias felt his hands begin to sweat as all three of the Professors turned to look at him, waiting for him to confirm Theo's claim. He swallowed.
"Yes," He nodded. "This isn't his first time doing something like this."
Tobias watched as Snape stared at him for a moment, before finally falling back in his chair. Professor McGonagall stood there with her arms crossed, her lips thinner than Tobias had ever seen them. And then there was Dumbledore, who didn't have a hint of emotion on his face.
"Are you sure," Dumbledore said calmly. "That there was no else with you?"
The three second- years shook their head.
"Just you three?"
They nodded again. "Just us, Professor." Tobias said.
Dumbledore didn't say anything, he looked back to Snape and McGonagall.
Theo sighed. "We'll go and get our stuff."
"What are you talking about Mister Nott?" Professor McGonagall snapped.
"Well, you're expelling us, aren't you?" said Ron.
Tobias looked at Snape and Snape could tell there was something more to the story than the boys were letting on. But he couldn't deny his duty to the Dark Lord. He had been appointed to watch the heirs—and subsequently, that meant watching over their friends as well.
"Not today, Mister Weasley." Dumbledore said, and he saw the three boys' faces perk up in surprise.
"But—" He continued. "I must impress the seriousness of what you all have done. Your head of houses will write to your families tonight," Ron gulped. "and you three shall receive detention."
"Yes, sir."
Dumbledore nodded. "Your detentions will be decided by your head of house, as well." He turned to face Professor McGonagall. "Minerva, if you don't mind taking Mister Weasley to your office so Professor Snape can deal with his students alone."
"Certainly." She responded. "Come, Mister Weasley."
Tobias and Theodore watched as Ron left with Professor McGonagall. They smiled weakly as Ron mouthed the words "good luck." He truly must've forgotten who their head of house was. Being in Snape's office on a night like this could produce no such luck.
"I'm surprised Mister Malfoy isn't here to participate in all of this." The potions master sneered.
"Well you know Draco," Tobias said nervously. "He picks and chooses what he wants to participate in."
"It seems so." Snape replied. He waved his wand, and a plate of sandwiches and jug of pumpkin juice appeared.
"Sit. Eat."
The two Slytherins did as they were told, eating their sandwiches slowly, as if trying to savor the time they had before Snape dropped the bomb on them. Snape then stood up, grabbing his black cloak.
"I will assign your detentions at a later date."
Theodore swallowed a piece of his sandwich. "Are you going to write to our parents?"
Snape was silent for a moment.
"It's alright if you write to mine." Theodore continued. "Just don't write to Tobias's grandfather—he'll kill us if he found out we got into trouble on the first day back."
Snape sighed. "I will take that into consideration. For the time being, eat. And after you are finished, you two will return to your dormitories." The two boys nodded as Snape put on his cloak. "I must now return to the feast. And while I am gone, behave."
Tobias and Theodore listened to Snape's footsteps walk towards the door. When it finally closed, Theodore let out a relieved sigh and Tobias let go of the breath he had been holding since they arrived in Snape's office.
"I thought we were done for." Said Theo. "I mean—did you see McGonagall's face?"
Tobias nodded. "I've never seen her that angry before—I thought what happened last term was bad enough."
"So did I." Theo agreed. "But you know what's strange?"
"What?"
"Even if it wasn't us who couldn't get through the barrier—we still don't know why Hermione, Draco, and Ron couldn't get through?"
Tobias chewed on his sandwich. He hadn't thought about why exactly the barrier to platform nine and three-quarters wouldn't open for them. Maybe it had something to do with Lucius Malfoy's plans—but why would Lucius want to keep the muggle- borns out, if he had plans against them?
"You know they were lying." Snape said discreetly to Dumbledore as they sat at the high table. "According to the letters, the barrier should have let all three of them through."
Dumbledore nodded. "I know they were lying. Somebody else was with them—and I suspect it was Miss Granger."
"And why would they lie for Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Two Slytherins at that?"
"It seems as if they lied as a means to protect her." Dumbledore said slowly, gathering his thoughts. "You heard Mister Weasley—they thought we were going to expel them."
Snape snorted. "A noble gesture then. But we still don't know why the barrier isn't letting any of the muggle- born students through."
"Neither do we know what terrible things are supposedly about happening at the school." McGonagall said lowly. "Well maybe some of us do."
"Distrust is not a good look on you, Minerva." Snape drawled.
Professor McGonagall scoffed. "Neither is dishonesty."
When Ron entered the common room, he came in contact with a worried and angry Hermione. She ran into his arms, hugging him tightly around the neck.
"Hermione." Ron choked out. "Can't…..breathe."
"Oh sorry." She said quickly, but just as quickly smacked him on the arm, causing Ron to yell out a loud "Ow."
"What was that for?"
"Where have you been?" She snapped. "You weren't at the platform. You weren't at the feast—you missed the sorting!"
"I know I know." Ron groaned. "By the way, Ginny—"
"She's in Gryffindor." Hermione answered his question before he even got it out. She then smacked him again.
"Hermione!"
"That's for changing the subject." She snapped again. "Now where were you? I was worried—about all three of you. I thought you all had died."
Ron sighed, flopping down on the common room couch. "We almost did." He grumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing." He said quickly. "Look, we're fine Hermione. Tobias and Theodore are in Snape's office—"
"Snape's office?!" Hermione gasped. "What are they doing in there? Wait. Why aren't you in there? Ronald Weasley, if I find out you had anything—"
"Calm down, Hermione." Ron laughed. "They're fine. Dumbledore said they're just going to write to our parents and we've got detention."
"That's all?"
"Mm-hm." Ron nodded. "But really—you and Malfoy should be thanking us."
Hermione furrowed her brow. "For what?!"
"We took the wrap for you two!" Ron exclaimed. "Theodore even lied and said it was he and Tobias that was with me when we couldn't get through the barrier this morning. We thought we were going to be expelled."
The bushy- haired witch hands dropped to her side. She looked completely flabbergasted. "Theodore and Tobias lied for me?"
"Yup." Ron said, taking off his shoes. "Couldn't let you get expelled, now could we?"
Hermione bit her lip, not knowing what to say. Tobias and Theodore had lied for her. Hermione Granger. A Gryffindor. Slytherins never took the blame for something they didn't do. But what was she expecting—Theo and Tobias were her friends. It was extremely thoughtful and noble of them to take the blame for her. She couldn't imagine how she would've felt if they had gotten expelled for it.
"Hermione?"
"Hm?" She was brought back to reality, not even realizing that she was caught up in a daze. She stared at Ron, who was now removing his sweater.
"I asked what's the new password. I don't particularly fancy singing with the fat lady every time I need to get inside the common room.
"Oh." Hermione replied. "It's wattlebird."
"Thanks." Ron said. He then got up from the couch, walking towards the boys' dormitories. "Goodnight, Hermione."
"Night, Ron."
"Tobias is it, true?!"
"Did you all really arrive in a flying car?"
"What was it like?"
Tobias and Theodore walked into the Slytherin common room and were immediately surrounded by a group of excited first and second years. Draco was sitting on a couch, smiling guiltily at the other two heirs.
"Oh, Theodore!" Daphne Greengrass squealed, running through the crowd to hug Theo. "You must've been so scared!"
Theodore tried to push her off, but the girl only held on tighter. "Daphne. Let go of me!"
Tobias pushed through the crowd, making his way over to the black leather couch his cousin was sitting on.
"Enjoying the fame, are we?"
"What?" Draco said lazily, putting his hands behind his back. "Don't tell me you don't love it."
Tobias rolled his eyes. He kicked Draco in the leg, causing the blonde Slytherin to growl in annoyance.
"We thought we were going to be expelled!" He said in an angry whisper.
Draco frowned. "Expelled?"
"Yes, expelled." Tobias seethed. "Me, Theo, and Ron took the blame for you guys and here you are flaunting about like it's some kind of accomplishment."
Draco was about to say something, but thought better of it as Vincent Crabbe, Millicent Bulstrode, and some first-year girl walked over.
"That was bloody brilliant what you did LeStrange." Crabbe said, patting the dark- haired Slytherin on the shoulder.
Millicent nodded excitedly. "Awesome."
The first year smiled. "Really cool."
Tobias didn't know what was happening—but all the anger he had towards Draco went away. He felt his mouth twitch into a smile. He shouldn't be enjoying this—seeing as they risked the exposure of the wizarding world to the muggles. But he had to admit—what they had done was pretty cool.
"Thanks." Said Tobias and the other three Slytherins walked away. He turned back towards Draco, who had a devious smirk on his face.
"What?"
"You know what." Draco said. "You like it."
Tobias sat down on the couch next to him. "I know I shouldn't but—"
"Save it, LeStrange." Draco chuckled. He looked towards a group of first-year girls, who were staring at them both. Once of the girls waved, and Draco waved back, causing the rest of them to giggle girlishly.
"I could get used to this."
Tobias nodded. He closed his eyes, trying to get himself together. Tonight had been chaotic. He almost died twice and escaped expulsion. He had had enough for one day. Or so he thought.
He soon felt a sharp tug on his robes, and before he could fathom what was happening, Tobias was standing face to face with none other than Pansy Parkinson.
"Pansy—"
"Where have you been?" She hissed. Tobias was surprised by the seriousness in her tone.
"I—uhh—"
"You weren't on the train or at the feast. And there's been rumors going around that you showed up here in a flying car?" She had her hands on her hips and her eyebrows were raised.
Tobias smirked. "Well, they're not technically rumors. Ow!" Pansy had thumped him.
"You flew to Hogwarts?" Pansy snapped, and Tobias could've sworn he was feeling a wrath close to Professor McGonagall's.
"Well yes, and no." Tobias smiled weakly. "I did ride the train half the way. Ow! Okay sorry, yes—I flew to Hogwarts. What's the big deal?"
Pansy narrowed her eyes at him. He wasn't serious, was he? She looked into his green eyes—of course he was serious. She sighed heavily.
"Nothing. I was just worried that's all."
Tobias chuckled. "Caring for me now, Parkinson?"
Pansy blushed, but quickly shook her head to hide it. "Don't flatter yourself, LeStrange."
He winked. "Don't need flattery." He then walked away, returning to the couch where Draco, and now Theodore, was sitting.
She wasn't entirely sure why she had reacted that way towards Tobias. She frowned—that was a lie. She knew exactly why she had reacted that way. She had a crush on the dark- haired bloke, but he had a crush on the Weasley girl. She knew that Tobias only liked her as a friend, and she couldn't risk everyone knowing that she liked him more than that. It would be completely embarrassing—it would ruin her and Tobias's friendship.
On the other side of the common room, instead of falling back into the peaceful bliss he was just in, Tobias had to listen to Theo's rant about Daphne.
"She's bloody annoying!" Theodore complained. "I just almost died….twice! And escaped possible expulsion. Can a guy get a break?"
Tobias laughed. "What happened to letting the women slither to the Slytherins?"
"Oh, that still stands." Theo replied. "Just not this Slytherin in particular." He looked towards Draco, who was still smirking at the group of first-year girls. "That blonde one on the other hand."
Draco shrugged cockily. "What? I can't help that. Besides, half those girls over there aren't even my type."
"You have a type?" Tobias snorted, raising an eyebrow.
Draco frowned. "Of course I do. They have to be smart, daring—"
"—bushy- haired—" Theo coughed.
"Theo!"
Tobias furrowed his brow. "Bushy- haired?" He then looked at Draco. "Are we talking about—"
"No!"
"Yes." Theodore smirked. "Our little blonde friend has a crush on the bushy- haired witch of Gryffindor."
Draco huffed. "I do not."
Theodore's smirk grew wider. "Oh really? So that wasn't you glaring daggers at Gilderoy Lockhart once you noticed Hermione making goo-goo eyes at him?"
"Goo- goo eyes?" Tobias asked.
Draco went red. "I wasn't glaring daggers."
Tobias and Theodore laughed, causing Draco to turn redder with annoyance.
"Fine!" He spat. "So I like Granger. So what?"
"Sooo" said Tobias, pushing Draco's shoulder lightly. "Why don't you tell her?"
"And completely embarrass myself like you did with Ginny?" Draco retorted. "No, thanks."
Theodore shook his head. "You two are hopeless."
Ron had expected the first day of school to be chaotic, but he didn't expect it to be this chaotic. The houses tables were covered in everything—porridge, bacon, eggs. Ron knew what they were having for breakfast before he even got to his seat. Owls were flying in and out of the great hall and Head of Houses were walking up and down the aisle, passing out schedules. And to make the day even more chaotic, there were several students that were just now arriving at Hogwarts. There were students in traveling cloaks sitting at the table, their trunks beside them. As Ron walked to his seat, he was able to hear someone of their conversations.
"I'm telling the truth!" A third- year Ravenclaw said to a group of her friends. "The barrier to the platform wouldn't let me through! I had to floo to Dumbledore's office this morning!"
Ron raised an eyebrow as he walked passed the group of Ravenclaws. So Hermione wasn't the only one who couldn't get through the barrier yesterday. Maybe the just arriving students were muggle- borns as well. And if that was true, somebody was trying to keep the muggle- borns out of Hogwarts. But who?
"Are you just going to stand there Weasley, or are you going to sit down?"
Ron blinked and found himself standing in front of his five friends. It was Draco who had brought him out of his thoughts. He looked to see that they were all comparing schedules. Ron sat down, sliding his schedule to Theo.
"Same classes." Theodore confirmed. "Just like last term."
"I really think somebody's tampering with these schedules." Draco grumbled.
Ron looked down at his schedule. It was true—once again all his classes were with the Slytherins. They had herbology first, then transfiguration, and finally Defense Against the Dark Arts—with Gilderoy Lockhart. He wanted to let out a groan, but the current issue was still bothering him.
"Have you all noticed that some people are just now arriving at Hogwarts?" He said at a whisper.
Tobias nodded, taking a sip of his orange juice. "We've noticed."
"They're all muggle- borns, too." Theodore said.
Ron furrowed his brow. "How do you know?"
"I asked."
"It's not many of them either." Hermione added in. "I overheard some girls saying that there have been withdrawals."
Neville gulped. "You don't think—"
"It has to be." Draco interrupted. "You remember what Hermione said. Dobby visited all the muggle- born students—some of them probably got scared and left."
"But that doesn't explain why the barrier wouldn't allow the ones who didn't withdrawal through to the platform." Ron said, grabbing a plate and topping it with bacon.
Theo shrugged. "Maybe it was Dobby."
"But we would have seen him at the station." Hermione bit her lip. "Wouldn't we?"
Draco shook his head. "A house- elf's magic is different from a wizard's. They don't actually have to be there to conduct the magic."
"It would make sense." Tobias agreed. "If Dobby was warning all the muggle- borns, he would've probably tried to stop them from getting to Hogwarts."
Ron pondered this thought, but something still didn't make sense. "But that doesn't explain why me and Malfoy weren't able to get through the barrier. We're both purebloods."
The six all looked at each other, trying to find a reason to Ron's statement. Their thoughts were interrupted as a band of owls—at least a hundred—came rushing through the great hall. They all carried packages and letters, dropping them in front of their respective owners. A big, lumpy package fell in front of Neville and a red envelope dropped in front of Theo. Next, a giant gray owl fell into Tobias's jug of orange juice, causing juice and feathers to spray everywhere.
"Errol!" Ron said through gritted teeth. He pulled the bird out of the juice jug, untying the letter from its leg. He felt his heart drop as he stared at the red envelope.
"First the rat, now the owl," Draco scowled. "You Weasleys need to keep your bloody pets in line."
But Ron wasn't listening—his eyes glued to the envelope in front of him. He felt all the color drain from his face—he was frozen, he felt dizzy. He felt like he was in a trance—everyone's words echoing around him. He turned his head to face Theo, who also had the same expression on his face.
They had received howlers.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked.
Theodore swallowed. "We're about to have our arses chewed out, that's what." He said dryly.
"What?"
"We've gotten howlers." Ron said faintly.
Draco leaned forward, a smirk on his face. "This should be good."
Hermione still seemed confused. "What's a howler?"
"You'll soon find out." Neville said a timid whisper. "You guys better open it—it'll be worse if you don't."
Ron and Theodore looked at each other—both equally petrified.
"We'll open them together, okay?" Ron said.
Theodore nodded. "Yeah, together."
"Any day now would be nice." Draco snapped. "It's not like it will last long. How bad can it be anyway?"
Draco spoke too soon as Theodore and Ron slit open their envelopes at the same time. Neville and Tobias took the proper precautions and put their fingers in their ears. Hermione wasn't sure what to do, and Draco's smirked soon fell away as both the voices of Mrs. Weasley and Madam Nott filled the room.
"RONALD WEASLEY—"
"THEODORE DION NOTT—"
The great hall went silent. Ron never knew his mother could yell so loudly—her voice shaking the forks and spoons on the table. Each word echoed through the great hall—everyone turned in their seats to see who had received the howler. Ron sank slowly in his seat and Theodore had crawled under the table.
"HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT CAR? I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED!"
"YOU FLEW A CAR TO HOGWARTS?! FIRST DIAGON ALLEY, NOW THIS!"
"YOUR FATHER'S NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT!"
"TOBIAS'S GRANDFATHER SPECIFICALLY TOLD YOU TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND NOW YOU'RE ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE EVENING PROPHET!"
"IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE—"
"—IF YOU EVEN BREATHE AT THE WRONG MOMENT—"
"WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!"
The howlers then fell silent, burning into flames and curling up into a burnt, crumpled ball. There were a few laughs from other houses and then the great hall was bustling with chatter once more.
"Is it over?" Theodore said feebly as he gradually rose from under the table.
Ron nodded. "It's over, mate."
"Bloody hell." Draco said stunned. "Theo, I never knew your mother could yell like that."
Theodore laughed faintly. "It's just one of my many talents."
"You should keep that one hidden." Tobias said, cleaning out his ear. Neville nodded in agreement as he did the same.
Hermione looked absolutely guilt- stricken. Theodore had received a howler, and he wasn't even the reason the car had been used in the first place. She couldn't even concentrate on her book—she didn't even feel her face turning pale.
"Uh Hermione," Theodore said. "Your face is doing that pale thing again."
"This is all my fault." She croaked.
"Granger." Draco said sternly.
"This isn't your fault." Ron said.
Hermione shook her head. "I'm the reason you had to use the car—I'm the reason Ron's dad is facing an inquiry at work. Theodore got a howler and he wasn't even fully involved!"
Ron sighed. "It's alright, Hermione. Well- not exactly—"
"Really Weasley?" Draco sneered.
Theodore sighed as well. "What Ronald is trying to say is, this isn't your fault. We couldn't let you get in trouble—so we did what we had to do. It's over now, okay?"
"Okay." Hermione said. There were threatening tears in her eyes, but she managed to pull herself together.
The six then made their way to the greenhouses for Herbology. They noticed that the whole class was waiting outside the greenhouse, waiting for Professor Sprout. As the six joined the rest of the class, they were able to see Professor Sprout walking across the lawn—Gilderoy Lockhart at her side.
"Don't tell me he teaches Herbology too." Draco grumbled.
Tobias noticed that Professor's sprouts arms were covered in bandages and with a quick look to the other side of the field, he was able to see the cause of her bandages. The Whomping Willow was sitting in the distance, many of its branches in slings.
"Now honestly," Theodore whispered. "That bloody tree did more damage to us than we did it." He scoffed. "Bandages."
As professor sprout walked closer, the six could tell she was not enjoying the company of Lockhart. Her face was tight, a look of annoyance on her face. No doubt that the cause of her annoyance was Lockhart himself. He had that toothy grin of his on his face as he walked closer to the students.
"Sorry, we're late!" He beamed. "I was just showing Professor Sprout the correct way to doctor a Whomping Willow. Very fragile plants—must be handled with serious care. But don't go running off with the idea that I'm better than Herbology than she is!"
"Oh trust me," Theo said under his breath. "We won't."
Professor Sprout pulled out her wand, unlocking the third greenhouse. "We'll be using greenhouse three today, everyone. Please find you a spot—"
"Actually Pomona," Lockhart said, and the students could've sworn they heard the herbology professor curse under her breath. "I was wondering if I could have a quick chat with Tobias and Theodore?" But before Professor Sprout could answer, Lockhart had already swung his arms around the two Slytherin boys, leading them away from the greenhouse.
"Boys. Boys. Boys." He shook his head. "Oh you poor boys."
Theodore removed himself from Lockhart's grip. "What are you on about?"
Lockhart the smiled. "I heard you know—about your little flying car stunt, and I have come to apologize."
It was then Tobias's turn to release himself from Lockhart. "Apologize?"
"Of course! It was my fault!"
Theodore looked at Tobias, who was completely confused about what Lockhart was going on about. What happened with the car had absolutely nothing to do with Lockhart. Yet here he was, apologizing about it.
"I gave you all a taste of publicity. The fame—the bug." Lockhart went on. "I gave you all the front page of the Daily Prophet and you were thirsty for more."
Theodore's mouth fell opened. "Are you mad?!"
Tobias shook his head. "No, professor, that isn't exactly what we—"
"Tobias, Tobias, Tobias." Said Lockhart, shaking his head once more. "It's alright. I understand. It's completely natural to want a bit more once you've gotten a taste for it. And it's my fault—I should've known it would have gone to your heads."
"Somebody needs to check the inside of yours." Theodore mumbled.
"But boys, you all can't start flying cars to try and get yourself noticed. You'll have plenty time for that when you get older. Just look at me." He then flashed another toothy smile, and Theodore snorted.
"That's really…. Nice, Professor Lockhart." Tobias said quickly. "But we have to be going. We have class."
"Of course! Of course!" Lockhart said back. "I was probably about to bore you with some facts you already knew, seeing as you've read my books. Classics, aren't they?"
"Yeah," Theodore sneered sarcastically. "You should receive an award."
Lockhart smiled even bigger, and Tobias rolled his eyes. "I should, shouldn't I?"
"I was joking."
Lockhart then stalked away, saying something about writing to Flourish and Blotts about a book award. Tobias and Theodore then slipped inside the greenhouse. They found Professor Sprout standing behind a wood bench with twenty or so earmuffs lying on top of it. The two boys has just reached their spot beside Draco when she began speaking.
"Today," she said loud enough for everyone to hear. "We will be potting Mandrakes. Now who can tell me what the properties of a Mandrake are?"
No one had time to ponder the question as Hermione's hand shot up in the air.
"Yes, Miss Granger."
"Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative." She said knowingly. Tobias smirked as she said exactly what was written in their Herbology textbook. Typical Hermione.
"It is used to return people who have been transfigured to their normal state."
"Excellent!" Professor Sprout said cheerfully. "Ten points to Gryffindor." She then waved her wand, and a row of deep trays appeared in front of the students. Tobias looked down and noticed the purple-lish green plants growing in the rows.
"The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It can also be very dangerous—can anybody tell me why?"
As everyone one was expecting Hermione's hand to shoot up again, they were shocked to see Neville's hand shoot up first. Tobias smiled and Theodore held up a fist in encouragement.
"The cry of the Mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it." He said confidently
"Precisely," the professor nodded. "Another ten points. Now, in front of you are Mandrakes, but this batch is still very young."
Theodore looked at his Mandrake. "Aw look at it Tobias. I'm going to name you Dalton."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Dalton?"
Theodore shrugged. "First thing that came to mind."
Professor Sprout then gestured to the bench in front of her. "Everyone take a pair of earmuffs."
At heard words, everyone hurried to the front, hoping to grab a pair of ear muffs that weren't fluffy and pink. When everyone returned to their seat, there were sounds of students out of breath and sounds of others scowling as they were now wearing pink earmuffs. Theodore had a pair, but he didn't seem to mind.
"Once you've had your hair dyed pink, it's not so bad." He said smiling.
"When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered." Professor Sprout instructed. "When it is safe to remove them, I will give you a thumbs up. Now, earmuffs on."
Tobias pulled on his earmuffs, and was amazed by he was immediately shut off from all the sounds in the room. He could see Theodore yelling at Draco, and Draco shaking his head smirking—it was obvious that Theo was testing out the earmuffs. The Slytherin then turned his view back to his professor, who was now arm deep in one of the rows, pulling out one of the Mandrakes.
Tobias couldn't hear anyone's reaction as Professor Sprout pulled out a small, muddy and extremely ugly looking baby out of the dirt. There were leaves growing out of his head, and Tobias could've sworn he saw Draco mouthed "bloody disgusting. Professor Sprout then summoned a large pot plant from a nearby table and shoved the young Mandrake inside of it. She quickly covered it with dirt, burying it until its leaves were the only thing visible. Once she was finished, she gave everyone the thumbs up.
Everyone took their earmuffs off, and were startled by Theodore's voice.
"Professor!" He shouted, pointing to something on the ground. "Dalton killed Neville!"
Everyone gathered around Theodore to find Neville lying on the ground—he had on his earmuffs, but he was knocked out cold. Professor Sprout pushed through the crowd, tutting at the sight of the dumpy Gryffindor.
"It seems as if Mister Longbottom was neglecting his earmuffs." She pointed to a very small opening where part of Neville's ear wasn't covered. "However, as our Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won't kill yet."
"But. They can knock you out for several hours—an example being Mister Longbottom here." She then waved her wand and Neville's body hovered above the ground.
"While I take Mister Longbottom to the hospital wing, you all will extract and plant your Mandrakes in the plant pots under your table. Make sure that your earmuffs are securely in place while you work. I will attract your attention when it is time to leave."
With that being said, she left, leaving the students alone to work.
The remaining five gathered at one of the tables, seeing as everyone had split off to stand next to their friends. They were joined by Pansy, who greeted everyone in her normal voice, but gave Tobias a tight "Hello." Draco and Theodore smirked as Tobias went red—Pansy was still upset with him from yesterday.
Transfiguration was hectic as ever—everyone was tired and sore from the Mandrakes. Tobias literally had to wrestle with his to get it inside the pot. Theodore stared blankly at the chalkboard—it was as if he had forgotten everything from first year. Today's assignment was to transfigure small animals into everyday items.
Their first task was turning a beetle into a button.
Tobias, Draco, and Hermione did theirs with no problem—earning their houses ten points each. Theodore became distracted by the beetle. He had named it Francis and became entranced by the way it scurried across his table when he aimed his wand at it. Instead of turning Francis into a button, he snuck the beetle into his pocket and asked McGonagall for another one—saying that he lost his.
Neville successfully turned his beetle into a button, but shrieked as his button began to crawl. Everyone laughed at Neville's half- beetle, half button. McGonagall sighed as she fixed Neville's mistake, turning his creation into the instructed button.
Ron's attempt had to be the worse. That morning he had patched up his wand with Spellotape, hoping that his wand would still be okay to use. But that theory proved wrong as it kept crackling and sparking at random moments. He pointed his wand at the beetle and mutter the spell, only to be surrounded by a cloud of grey smoke that smelled like rotten eggs. As he tried to find a way to clear the smoke, he accidently squashed his bug, receiving a look worse than Theodore did when he went to ask McGonagall for another one.
At lunch, the topic of discussion was Ron's wand. He couldn't perform with it—the wand was now unpredictable, making it dangerous. They had to admit that they were all lucky for the results that happened in Transfiguration.
"Why don't you ask for another one, Weasley?" Draco suggested. "I'm pretty sure there are some old wands lying around in box somewhere."
Theodore nodded, watching as Francis crawled up his arm. "Yeah, just write to your parents. I'm sure they'll send you one."
Ron scoffed. "And get another Howler back? I'll pass." He was wrapping his wand in more Spellotape.
"Ron, putting more tape on it isn't going to fix it." Tobias said.
The Weasley boy groaned. "I know." He then began banging his wand on the table. "Stupid—useless—thing—"
As he banged it against the table, a shot of green sparks emitted from the tip of his wand. Tobias moved just in time as the sparks missed him by an inch and hit a fifth year Hufflepuff boy in the back.
"Oi!" The boy screamed, turning around to face the now pale Ron.
"Sorry." He said, putting on a nervous smile.
"He'll be fine." Theodore waved him off. "In other news, what class do we have next?"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts." Hermione said immediately, not even looking up from her schedule.
Draco looked over at here schedule and frowned. "Granger?"
"Hm?"
"Why do you have all of Lockhart's lessons outlined with little hearts?"
Hermione quickly flipped her schedule over, she blushed furiously as the blonde Slytherin continued to stare at her. She bit her lip trying to find the right thing to say, and was saved as a curly- haired Hufflepuff walked to their table.
"Tobias." He said brightly, sticking out his hand. "I don't think we've been properly introduced."
Tobias looked at him, his eyebrow raised. "And you are?"
"Justin Finch- Fletchley." He said quickly, his hand still stuck out for Tobias to take.
"Tobias LeStrange."
Justin then turned towards the rest of the table. "And you're Ron Weasley, you're Theodore Nott, Neville Longbottom." He smiled a bit bigger when he came to Hermione. "You of course are Hermione Granger—always top in everything." He then turned to Draco. "And you are—"
"Draco Lucius Malfoy." Draco said slowly, standing up to shake Justin's hand. By the way Justin winced slightly, Tobias could tell that Draco was holding his hand tighter than he should have.
"The second of the heirs and Slytherin Prince." He said casually, there was not a sign of strain in his voice. He let go of Justin's hand, causing the boy to mouth the word "ouch" as he shook his hand frantically, as if trying to regain the feeling in his fingers.
"Right." The boy said, he then turned back to Tobias. "I saw Lockhart talking to you. That guy's really something, isn't he?"
Tobias sighed. He had really been hoping nobody saw the exchange they had with the new Defense Against the Arts teacher. "You must be a fan?"
Justin nodded eagerly. "One of many! I mean how can you not be—his books? I would have died had I been cornered in a telephone booth by a werewolf—and look at Lockhart, he lived to tell the story! Fantastic."
"Why would a werewolf be prowling around a telephone booth?" Theodore asked.
"I don't know." Justin said. "Lockhart didn't put it in the book."
"Of course he didn't." Theodore said under his breath.
"Well, I'll see you guys around. And Granger, maybe we can share notes sometime."
"Absolutely not." Draco said quickly, and by the look on Justin's face as he made eye contact with the blonde Slytherin—his message got across.
"Of course. Of course." Justin said quickly. "You already have a study group. Completely forgot."
Theodore chuckled. "Oh Justin."
As the Hufflepuff boy walked away, Hermione took no time to round on Draco.
"What was that about?" She snapped.
Draco took a sip of his pumpkin juice. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Draco!" She hissed. "That little—stunt—with Justin."
Draco shrugged. "It's not my fault he has bad memory." The rest of the boys laughed at that.
Hermione crossed her arms. "That isn't funny."
"It kind of is, Hermione." Ron said through his laughter.
There was then a flash of light, and the six felt as if they had lost their sight.
Theodore was blinking frantically. "I think I've just gone blind."
"Perfect, just perfect." They heard a tiny voice say. The six then came in contact with a small mousy- haired boy holding a red camera. Tobias remembered seeing the boy get sorted into Gryffindor last night.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" Ron said, wiping his eyes. "You nearly took our eyes out."
"Sorry." The boy said quickly, he held out his hand. "I'm Colin Creevy. I'm in Gryffindor."
"That seems obvious." Draco snorted, looking at the Gryffindor house tie hanging down the boy's shirt.
"Okay," Ron said irritably. "But what are you doing?"
"Oh," Colin said, his voice never losing its pep. "I took a picture." He handed Ron a flimsy piece of paper. Everyone gathered around him, wanting to see the picture that Colin took.
"Aw man," Theodore whined. "My eyes were closed."
"Nevermind you." Draco laughed. "Look at Weasley."
"What do we have here?" They heard a voice sneer.
The six and Colin looked up to see Blaise standing before them, Crabbe and Goyle at his side. He walked closer, that nasty smirk on his face.
"Still hanging with the mutt, are we Draco?" He laughed. "And Weasley? You have taken on a new level of low."
"Shut it, Zabini." Draco said lowly. He then smirked. "Or should we take you back to the forest?"
Zabini stood shocked for a moment, but then regained his composure. He then turned to Colin. "Taking pictures are we, Creevy?"
Colin nodded. "I wanted Tobias and the rest to sign it."
Blaise frowned. "Signing photos are we now, LeStrange? First the Daily Prophet, then the flying car stunt, next your little heart to heart with Gilderoy Lockhart—now you're signing photos?!" Tobias gritted his teeth as Blaise's voice grew louder and louder, echoing around the great hall.
Blaise scoffed. "Being the top heir must have its perks. Seeing as you can't even eat without someone hanging all over you."
"You're just jealous." Colin squeaked furiously. "I've heard about you, Blaise Zabini. You're the last of the heirs—all because Crabbe and Goyle were too stupid to be one!"
Draco, Theodore, and Tobias laughed at this, while Blaise face turned into a something that reminded them of Fluffy. His jaw was clenched and everyone could see the vein emerging from his temple.
"Jealous?" He spat, and now everyone was listening.
Theodore tucked his beetle away. "This is not for faint ears Francis."
"Jealous of what?! Three pathetic excuses for heirs! Two of them who rarely even see their own parents—and it shows. No real pureblood heir would be caught dead around a bushy- haired freak, a blood- traitor, and an oaf like Longbottom."
At that moment Draco and Ron stood up from the table, their wands aimed at Zabini. Zabini smiled again, seeing as he successfully hit a nerve.
"Be careful Weasley," He taunted. "Don't want to cause any more trouble, do you? I heard your father might be getting the sack from the Ministry."
Ron growled. "Eat Slugs, Zabini."
Blaise laughed. "I'm sure they would taste better than the slop you eat at home."
Ron then lunged for Blaise, but Theodore grabbed him just in time. Ron struggled in Theo's arms, trying to break free, but Theo had a strong grip on him.
"Easy there, tiger." Theodore whispered trying to calm the Gryffindor down.
"What's all this, what's all this?" said a voice.
The second years and Colin turned to see Lockhart striding towards their table. He looked at the picture that was now in Hermione's hands and a quill in Colin's. He then smiled.
"I should have known. Signing photos, Tobias? You should've told me."
"Is he serious right now?" Ron said through gritted teeth.
Theodore nodded. "Unfortunately, yes."
"Well come on then, Mister Creevy." Lockhart said as he grabbing Tobias. "A double portrait, can't do better than that, and we'll both sign it. How about that Colin?"
Colin nodded eagerly as he fumbled with his camera. He quickly took the picture and hurried off to class as the school bell rung.
Blaise smirked. "See you around, oh chosen one." He then walked away, Crabbe and Goyle sniggering behind him.
The six stood there, Theodore still holding on to Ron.
"You can let go of me now, Theo." Ron grumbled, annoyed.
Theo shook his head. "Nope, not gonna happen."
Ron huffed in frustration as he and Theodore had to walk to class stuck together. The rest soon followed, pushing through the crowd of students that had gathered around their table.
Author's Note: If you haven't noticed already, I changed the chapter names so you all could see which chapters belonged to which book. SS is of course Sorceror's Stone and COS is Chamber of Secrets. So Follow, Fav, and Review!
~TheeStoryTeller