Kemp Hurley
Kemp could not wait for Defense Against the Dark Arts to be over so he could finally go to his first flying class. Defense Against the Dark Arts should have been a cool class, but with the overwhelming smell of garlic and Professor Quirrell's constant stuttering Kemp could not even concentrate.
When they were finally dismissed Kemp waved goodbye to Kristen and Plovert and joined James, Dune, and Neville to the Quidditch field for their first flying lesson.
"I thought that was never going to end," Kemp groaned.
"That class is quite dreadful," James said.
"Its the smell dude. I can't even eat anything with garlic anymore without thinking of that class," Dune said.
"He seems nice enough, but I'm sure I'll never get the hang of anything in Defense Against the Dark Arts," Neville sighed.
Kemp felt bad for Neville. He never knew what it was like to just not be good at everything he did. Kemp was used to being a natural talent at everything he tried. Neville was clumsy and awkward. The only class that he seemed to do well in was Herbology. They have only been in class for a little over a week, but it was already easy to tell who the natural talents were and Kemp was definitely one of them. He wasn't necessarily the best student, but he did not struggle like some.
"Don't be so down on yourself dude," Dune said.
"But it is true and we all know that I am going embarrass myself in our flying class. I have been dreading this since it was announced," Neville groaned.
"Your problem is that you have no confidence," Kemp said.
"Its easy for someone like you to have confidence," Neville said.
Kemp smirked. He was right. Even though Neville was not someone that he would have hung out with back at Aliquam Velit Kemp took him under his wing. Kemp was used to hanging out with people like Derrick Harrington who he always had to compete with. Unfortunately everyone back home preferred Derrick. He never understood why though. Kemp was just as charming and likeable as Derrick Harrington. Kemp thinks that him being put into Gryffindor while Derrick was sent to Hufflepuff despite his entire family being Gryffindors was proof of that. It wasn't that he didn't like Derrick. Derrick was one of his best friend, but things have always been competitive between the two.
"Dude I've known Kemp for years he isn't as cool as he thinks," Dune said.
"Whatever dude," Kemp said imitating Dune.
Kemp was never good friends with Dune back home. They weren't not friends, but Dune usually hung out with a different crowd. All of his friends went to Salem, but Dune's parents wanted him to go to Hogwarts because that is where they went. They were muggleborns from California which is where Dune's surfer mentality comes from. Now they are herbologists in Aliquam Velit.
"Now now don't bicker mates. Today is a good day. Flying is something to be excited about. Don't be nervous Neville," James said.
James was the peacemaker of their dorm room. He was a perfect gentleman...well unless Massie Block was brought up. She just knew how to irk him. Kemp knows that Massie isn't all bad, just a little spoiled.
Neville gave a pathetic sigh, but didn't say anything else. When they got to the Quidditch Field Kemp saw Josh was already there with his Slytherin friends. When Josh saw him he said something to his friends and walked up to Kemp. Kemp's friends began talking amongst themselves.
"I swear I hope that Draco Malfoy falls off his broom. He would not shut-up about how is a natural flyer and how his father lets him fly around their estate. He makes you seem humble," Josh said.
"I must say Josh I'm surprised that you aren't all about Draco. He comes from a very powerful family," Kemp smirked.
"Even I have standards," Josh said. One thing Kemp respected about Josh is that he was not ashamed to admit that he was a social climber.
"So I guess you must wish that you were a Gryffindor," Kemp smirked. Josh rolled his eyes.
"Please. Even with Malfoy the Slytherin House is obviously the best house," Josh said.
"If you say so," Kemp said in a sing-song voice.
"Oh look its Harry Potter," Josh said motioning towards Harry who was entering the field with Alicia, Massie, and Ron. The four of them were inseparable.
"Ah yes the boy who lived," Kemp said rolling his eyes. Harry was a nice enough kid. Kemp didn't have anything against him, but the obsession with him was a little much. If it wasn't for the fact that he was a Potter, nobody would care about him. He was actually pretty normal.
"Why don't you hang out with him more often?" Josh asked.
"You try getting close to him with Massie attached at his hip. Her crush on him is way too obvious. Besides I don't see all the hype. He is actually pretty normal," Kemp shrugged.
"Normal? He defeated you-know-who and survived the killing curse. There is nothing normal about that. Me thinks you might be jealous," Josh said.
"I'm not jealous," Kemp said.
"Whatever you say, but I think Massie and Alicia have the right idea. Harry Potter is not a bad person to be friends with," Josh pointed out.
"Some things never change," Kemp sighed.
"Alright everyone gather around and choose a broom. Gryffindors to my left and Slytherins to my right," said their professor, Madame Hooch.
Kemp stood in between James and Dune and across from Josh. Kemp saw that the brooms were all old and heavily used. They looked like they were old Cleansweeps.
"Now stick out your right hand and say up," she said. Madam Hooch was a stern woman and had eyes like a hawk. She seemed to be stern, but fair. Unlike Professor Snape who showed obvious favoritism towards the Slytherins.
"Up!" Kemp said with the rest of the class.
The broom went right into Kemp's hand, but he was only one of the few that it went up for right away. James, Harry, Josh, Massie,and Malfoy were the only ones that the broom went right too. Neville was struggling the most. His broom wasn't even budging. His cheeks were turning red with embarrassment as everyone else finally got their broom and he was the last one to get the broom to even move. When he finally got the broom up, Madam Hooch told them all how to mount their broom and went down the line correcting all of them.
"Very good Mr. Hurley," she said as she passed him. Kemp smirked. Plovert's father had given them all tips before leaving for Hogwarts which gave them a slight advantage. Kemp smirked even more when he saw that Malfoy had the most corrections to make. You could tell that he was livid that he had been doing it wrong all this time.
"Alright now when I blow my whistle you are going to kick off the ground, stay steady, rise a few feet, then you will lean forward slightly and come back down," she said.
They all nodded in understanding.
"Now in three, two..." and before could blow her whistle Neville pushed himself off the ground out of nerves and began to rise.
"Come back down Mr. Longbottom!" she commanded, but instead Neville shot up about 20 feet. He was screaming out in fear. He had no idea what he was doing. Everyone was gasping. Well everyone except for Malfoy and his cronies who were holding in their laughter.
Kemp shot them a mean look before looking back up at Neville who looked down in fear and then fell off his broom. He hit the ground with a loud thud. Kemp could hear a loud crack and Neville yelled out in pain as his broom continued to go higher and farther away. Madam Hooch rushed over to Neville's side making everyone back up.
"Broken wrist," she muttered.
Kemp felt bad for his clumsy friend. This had to be his worst nightmare. Madam Hooch stood up and helped Neville up along the way.
"I am going to take him to the hospital wing. None of you do anything while I'm gone. Stay off those brooms or your time at Hogwarts will be over," she threatened. As soon as the two of them were out of earshot Kemp heard Malfoy and the majority of the Slytherins began to crack up laughing.
"What a worthless lump," Malfoy cackled.
"Shut it Malfoy!" Kemp said standing up for his friend.
"Yeah Malfoy it isn't funny," said Dylan Marvil. Kemp was shocked when Dylan stood behind Kemp. She barely says anything anymore. Kemp was worried about her. She looks terrible. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and the bags under her eyes were almost black on his almost pure white skin. Kemp tried a few times to reach out to her, but she blows him off every time. James said that sometimes people need to be alone when they are depressed, but that he should be there when she is ready. Josh is the only person that Dylan will talk to and Josh assures him that Dylan is going to be fine, but to give her a little space. So Kemp is doing just that.
"Aw your mother must be so proud that you are sticking up for the chubby crybaby. Just like she is so proud of her little Gryffindor," Nina Callas said in a sarcastic voice. Dylan's eyes grew wide like she wanted to cry.
"Oh look what Longbottom left here," Draco said walking over to where Neville fell. He picked up a small Remembrall and held it up for all to see. Neville's grandmother sent it to him this morning.
"Give that here," Harry Potter said getting involved.
Malfoy gave an evil smile.
"I think I'll leave it somewhere to hide. Maybe on the roof," he cackled.
"He said to give it!" Kemp said standing nose to nose with Malfoy. Kemp was ready to hit this pompous wanker.
He felt someone grab his shoulder and pull him back.
"He isn't worth it," Josh said.
"Aw it seems Joshy doesn't want his Gryffindor loser of a mate to get beat. How does it feel to be such a traitor Hotz?" Malfoy asked.
Josh rolled his eyes and ignored him. Malfoy then leaped onto a broomstick and began to fly. Kemp was pissed to see that he actually was a good flyer like he bragged to be.
"Come and get it," he yelled out to them. Kemp knew that if they got caught on their broom that they would be expelled which just wasn't worth it. He just hoped that Madam Hooch would walk out soon. Harry however didn't seem to care. He grabbed a broom.
"Don't listen to him Harry! You heard Madam Hooch. We will all get in trouble if you fall for Malfoy's tricks!" yelled Hermione Granger. Although Kemp found this girl to be a more annoying version of know it all Kristen she was right.
"She is right Harry. Let Malfoy get the Slytherins in trouble. This doesn't concern you," Massie begged.
While everyone's focus was on Harry Kemp noticed someone else shoot into the air. It was Dylan. She went after Malfoy who flew away. Was she crazy?
Now that the focus was off of Harry he then went up and followed the two.
"They must be absolutely bonkers," James said.
"But you have to admit that they are totally naturals on a broomstick. Wicked," Dune said.
Kemp watched the three fly around. They really were good.
"Catch it if you can!" they heard Malfoy yell out. He threw the Remembrall into the air and then checked Harry in the air causing him to almost fall off of his broom. Draco seemed to ignore Dylan though who zoomed past him and grabbed the Remembrall. Harry cheered out loud and then quickly flew down with Malfoy as Dylan followed them.
"Way to go Dylan!" Kemp exclaimed as she hit the ground and handed him the Remembrall.
"Tell your friend to pay more attention to his belongings," she said in a deadpan voice.
That is when Kemp realized that she wasn't doing it to be a hero, but because she didn't care if she got expelled. It was as if she had nothing to lose. That her family has already declared her to be a failure.
"Dylan Marvil!" yelled out a familiar, stern voice.
Everyone grew quiet as they saw Professor McGonagall running towards them.
The expression on Dylan's face did not change.
"I have never...in all my time..." she said in shock. It was as if she was at loss for words.
"Professor it wasn't her fault," Kemp said.
"Be quiet!" she commanded.
"But Malfoy..." Alicia started.
"I said that is enough. Now Marvil follow me," she said.
Kemp looked over at Josh who looked like he wanted to say something, but probably pissed off his friends at the Slytherin House enough for seemingly taking Kemp's side in his argument with a fellow Slytherin. Hermione had a "told you so" look on her face and Harry had a look of guilt. He was flying too, but it seems that McGonagall only saw Dylan.
"You must feel pathetic letting a girl take all of the blame Potter," Malfoy said with a smirk.
"You did too Malfoy," Massie shot back.
"This is all your fault," Ron said.
"I have to do something," Harry said.
"You will be expelled Harry if you turn yourself in," said Hermione.
"I can't let her take all the blame," Harry said.
"Getting yourself expelled won't do you any good. It won't save Dylan," Kemp said even though he was a little bitter than Dylan was caught and the other two were not.
"You are all pathetic," Draco said. All of the Gryffindors shot Draco a mean look. Kemp really could not stand that guy.
Draco and Harry seemed to be having a stare-off and did not leave.
"Hey guys I'll be right back," said to his dorm mates as he turned back.
"You really think you could take me. Then prove it," Malfoy said.
"Anytime, any place," Harry said.
"Then lets have a Wizard's Duel tonight at midnight. Wands only. In the trophy room. Do you even know what a Wizard's Duel is?" Draco asked. Kemp could tell that Harry did not, but Kemp could not give Malfoy the satisfaction. That boy needs to get beat. Even though he knows that they would get in a world of trouble Kemp could not let him have the satisfaction. He could not let Dylan be expelled in vain.
"Harry don't let this buffoon get you into trouble," Massie said.
"Listen to your blood traitor girlfriend Potter," Draco said.
"He's in Malfoy. I'll be his second," Kemp said.
"Look who decided to join the party. I will take much pleasure in this. Crabbe will be my second. I will see you both there," Malfoy smirked as his posse and he walked away.
"Why did you have to get involved Kemp?" Massie spat.
"We can't let Dylan get in trouble for nothing. Despite your little spat with her she is our friend and she is a Gryffindor. We have to show Malfoy who is boss," Kemp said.
"If my father finds out that I snuck out of my dorm to go to a wizard's duel I will be sent to Salem for sure," Massie said.
"Then don't go. Only Harry and I need to go anyways," Kemp said.
"I don't think so. I need to go to make sure nobody gets caught," Massie said.
"And I'm not missing this," Ron said.
"What is a wizard's duel anyways? And what is a second?" Harry asked.
"It is just as it sounds and a second is someone to step in just in case someone dies," Kemp explained.
"Dies?" Harry asked with wide eyes.
"Nobody will die. You and Malfoy are no where near strong enough yet to do any real damage," Kemp said.
"What is this I am hearing about a Wizard's Duel?" said a young British voice. Kemp turned and saw Hermione standing there. Great. She would turn them in for sure.
"What are you doing here Granger?" Massie asked.
"I left my bag on the field and I over heard. You can't do it. Think of all the points Gryffindor will lose if you are caught. I'm sure Dylan has lost enough for us as it is," she said.
"It is none of your business," Ron said.
"Don't be a nark Granger. I am not someone who's bad side you want to be on," Massie threatened. Kemp knew that was not an empty threat. Massie had the power to make someone's life a living hell.
"I don't want Gryffindor to lose anymore points, but you can't go," she said.
"Try and stop us," Massie smirked and walked off. The rest followed.
"Maybe she is right. Maybe this isn't a good idea," Alicia said.
"You don't have to come Alicia. It might be good for you to stay anyways to cover for us if McGonagall does a room check," Massie said.
Kemp could see that Alicia was sighing in relief. Massie however had a look of stress behind her calm demeanor.
Kemp knew that it was a risk, but it would be worth it to knock that arrogant jerk down a few pegs.
It seems that Kemp got himself involved with Harry Potter's mess despite not being a part of his group. Kemp may be a bit full of himself, but that doesn't mean he doesn't stand for what he thinks is right.
Next we are going to check in with Nina who will be gossiping with her Slytherin friends about the flying class and Malfoy's plan to get the Gryffindors into trouble. Then after that we check back into Dylan and find out what happened with her discussion with McGonagall.