A/N: New chapter, as promised! This story will be clipping along far more quickly now. I wanted to give everyone a real good idea of her life at Hogwarts before I begin skipping weeks and such. If I didn't skip some time, this story would be impossibly long. I mean, look at it already: 20 chapters and it's only been a week since Kellyn arrived at Hogwarts! But don't worry, I hope the story will still be funny. And on the bright side, we can start getting a little further into the plot.

CHAPTER 20: Character

Glen and Sam sat with her, talking for a half hour before they finally got bored of waiting for James to reemerge with the blanket. When he did not, the two said good-night to Kellyn and returned to their rooms. Kellyn reread Laurel's letter a few times when James burst through the door to the Ravenclaw Common Room.

"It's about time," Kellyn scolded. "I'm freezing." James trotted over and sat down, resting his shaggy head on her shoulder with a dejected sigh. "You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Liar. Girl trouble?"

"How did you know?"

"That's the only reason why guys sigh like that. Unless they are gay. Then I would assume boy trouble."

"Naturally," he quipped.

"Of course. Can I guess the girl?"

"Sure, I'll give you three chances."

"How generous, but I only need one: Stella Lovegood-Thomas."

"How did you know?"

"Okay, you are beginning to sound like a broken record. Seriously, James, it's kind of obvious."

"Really?"

"Well, not really. Obvious in a subtle way."

"How does that work?"

"It just does. I know you. I've seen the way you are around her. So, who else knows?"

"Just Sam and Glen. And you. And I wouldn't be surprised if Shaylee found out."

"That girl does have connections and an unending appetite for gossip. But if she knew for certain, everyone would know. So I'm guessing she only has her suspicions."

"And Jay-Jay?"

"Clueless. That girl is about as dense when it comes to this stuff as you blokes are. So, what's your plan of attack?"

"Plan of attack?"

"How are you going to make her yours?"

"She's not a conquest, Kellyn," James said, sobering up. Kellyn melted.

"You really like her, don't you?" James rolled his eyes.

"Only since, well, forever."

"Then why haven't you asked her out?!?!?"

"Because the timing isn't right! It has to be perfect."

"You're a Potter, your timing is either perfect—"

"—or completely off."

"James, we are getting out of this place in ten months. The timing is now or never."

"I know," he grumbled. "I've just screwed up this up so many times. I use to be so mean to her when we were younger. I liked her even then. And then I finally fixed that up and we've been friends. And then when she went on her first date, I knew that I should've been the one taking her. I tried to move on, go on dates, be in relationships of my own, but they never lasted long. How could I date any other girl when the most perfect girl ever is right under my nose?"

"You are so whipped."

"I know," he said, half-proud of this fact.

"And now you are waiting for the right moment to come along?"

"Yep."

"Well, don't wait too long."

"I know. I just need her to stop picturing me as a guy friend and more as a boyfriend."

"And that's where I come in."

"Huh?"

"I am your super-sneaky completely subtle and inconspicuous under-cover spy. I provide top secret information on all that is Stella and I drop hints to aid your cause."

"Convenient."

"Oh yes, my friend, very convenient." Kellyn patted James on the head. "Now be a good boy and go back to bed before you get in trouble. Good-night!"

"Good-night!"

"Jaaaaaaaaames," Kellyn said with a warning tone as James tiptoed away. "Leave the blanket." He whined and protested but eventually tossed the blanket back to her and scurried into the corridor. Kellyn rolled her eyes and headed back up the stairs. She would have to be awake and functioning for classes the next morning.

Jay-Jay shoved Kellyn out of bed at the usual time. Morning Transfiguration was a blur, but Kellyn attempted to take as good notes as possible.

"So there's an old classroom two doors down we could work in," said Andrew to her as they were walking out of class.

"Why?" asked Kellyn, still in her morning daze.

"Tutoring… remember?"

"Oh yeah. That's fine. I have an open 7th, so do you just want to meet then?"

"Sounds good to me. I'll um, see you then," he said with a nod before heading off to her next class. Stella, Shaylee, and Jay-Jay grabbed her and dragged her down to the dungeon.

"Was that really necessary?" Kellyn asked sleepily.

"You were not moving fast enough," said Shaylee. "You need to get with the program in the morning."

"What program?" Shaylee rolled her eyes as Jay-Jay and Stella sniggered before Professor Sharp barked that they would begin their test then. Everyone in the class shrunk a foot as the professor passed out the multiple-page test.

"You have until the end of the period."

"That's only 45 minutes," whined a bold Slytherin.

"So glad you can tell time and count," drawled Professor Sharp. "You may begin." Kellyn flipped over the test and hurriedly began to answer the questions, finishing the last one as the bell rang. "Quills down, pass the test forward." Groans echoed the dungeon as tests made their way to the front on the classroom and were tossed with disgust on the professor's desk.

"Mr. Malfoy, you will accompany Miss Wood to the Dueling Club meeting tonight?"

"If she will let me," Sam said with a coy smile, eyeing Kellyn. Kellyn nodded, refraining from punching him in front of the teacher.

"Good. I expect to see you here at 5:30, Miss Wood."

"Yes, Professor," Kellyn said, exiting the room to go to lunch.

"Monday's are so cruel," concluded Kellyn as the crew sat on the dock during tea break.

"You are just bitter because the Alihotsy plant was finicky," said Glen.

"At least I didn't eat it!" Kellyn gloated over her small triumph.

"That would have been hysterical," said Glen. "Literally."

"Why?"

"Because it makes you go into hysterics. Did you do the reading?"

"Yes, the information is just hiding in the back of my brain."

"You mean you have a brain?" gasped Jay-Jay.

"Oh, shut your gob," Kellyn playfully snarled. Soon enough, it was time to head back to Hogwarts for sixth period, Kellyn linking arms with Helen to Ancient Ruins. Professor Tancertia pulled Kellyn aside upon entering the room.

"Congratulations on making the Quidditch Team," said Professor Tancertia with a warm smile.

"Thanks Professor."

"Now I know it can be difficult to juggle classes and Quidditch, but remember to uphold the Ravenclaw responsibilities. You are a student-athlete, student coming before athlete. Well, that is the speech I am required to give you as your House Head. I am actually very competitive and would like to see Ravenclaw engraved on the House Cup this year, so if you need any extensions on work, I'm sure we can work something out," the Professor said with a wink.

"Oh, don't worry, Professor," said Kellyn rather loudly, "I will be sure to stay on top of my school work at all times."

"As you should," the Professor added dramatically.

"What was that about?" asked Helen.

"She just reminded me that I was a Ravenclaw and Ravenclaw's are supposed to be smart and that I shouldn't put Quidditch before my studies."

"As if that's going to happen," whispered Helen, knowing Kellyn's priorities all too well. Class passed by with a breeze and Kellyn exchanged secretive smiles with Professor Tancertia before heading out the door. Kellyn narrowly avoided bumping into Andrew in the doorway.

"Hello Mr. Indovinello. How are you?"

"I'm well, Professor Tancertia."

"I have heard that we should be expecting great things from the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team this year."

"I sure do hope so, Professor."

"If you need anything, my door is always open."

"Of course. Thank you very much, Professor Tancertia."

"No problem. Mr. Indovinello. Miss Wood," she said with a nod before rearranging the classroom.

"I assume she's has given you the 'Ravenclaw Responsibility' speech," said Andrew, walking down the hall with Kellyn.

"Oh, she did," said Kellyn with a coy smile.

"I really think this is the team that will finally bring home the Cup," said Andrew.

"That would be bloody brilliant."

"Right in here," he said, opening the door for her. Kellyn plopped herself on one of the deserted tables. "I brought some of my old Transfig books. They might help you," Andrew said, digging through his book bag. Kellyn eyed the stitched up bottom with a smile. Andrew caught what she was looking.

"It certainly adds character to the bag," he said dryly. Kellyn nodded, stifling her giggles. "Okay, so let's go over the notes you took in class today."

"Um, I'm not really a morning person, so I took notes on what he was saying, but everything went right over my head."

"I had the feeling you were a night owl," he said. "It's a wonder that you and Shaylee get along."

"I have learned to control my homicidal urges in the morning," she said with a laugh. Suddenly, she felt weird. She should not be having fun with Andrew. He was the downfall of her pride, after all. "So, Transfiguration."

"Oh, yes. So, we went over Hantiblin's Law. What do you think is the basic idea?"

"Uh… is that the law that says you… uh…" Kellyn flipped through her notes. "Oh! 'An object cannot be synthesized unless its essential components are in existence.'"

"But what does that mean?"

"That you can't make stuff unless you already have the stuff you need to make it?"

"Sort of. That's really only the first part of the law."

"There's more?!?!?!"

"Yeah, it's a five part law. The second and third parts expand on the law and the fourth and fifth parts include the exceptions." Kellyn stared at him, dumbstruck. "But don't worry," he quickly assured her, "once you know this law, pretty much everything will make sense. So what's the first part of the law again? In proper English please."

"Um… an object cannot be made unless you have the parts of whatever you are trying to make?"

"Close enough."

"But why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you need the parts?"

"Well, you can't just pull it out of thin air."

"That's the whole point of magic," Kellyn said, as if talking to a two-year-old.

"But magical theory completely goes against that," Andrew said, her tone of voice creeping into his own.

"What theory?"

"Antergam's Theorem of Magic."

"What does it say?"

"It would take forever to explain it."

"But I don't understand Hanterbam's Law and Antiblin's Theorem will help me understand it."

"Now you're getting them confused. It's Hantiblin's Law and Antergam's Theorem."

"That's what I said."

"No, you said 'Hanterbam's Law and Antiblin's Theorem.'"

"So what does Antiblin's Theorem theorize?"

"Antergam. Anyway, magical theory is a whole different branch from Transfiguration."

"So why do you need the stuff to make the stuff?"

"What?"

"Hantergam's Law!"

"Hantiblin's!"

"Whatever!" At this point, the two engaged in a staring contest, both fuming with exasperation. "Ha! You blinked first!"

"Is this a game to you?"

"If it is, it's not fun! I just want to get my grade and move on."

"Then when I say that it will take too long to explain Antergam's Theorem, let alone all magical theory, you are just going to need to trust me on it. You can't make stuff unless you have the stuff because how else would you be able to make it?"

"Well, that's all you had to say. That makes perfect sense!"

"Are you serious?" Andrew asked incredulously.

"Damn right I am."

"Then I guess we can move onto part two…"

By the time the hour was up, the two sat in the room looking tired and disheveled.

"I feel like a text book threw up on me," said Kellyn.

"That doesn't make any sense."

"If you used your imagination, it would," said Kellyn, clearly out of patience.

"We'll meet Wednesday during 7th, then?"

"Yeah, sure." Andrew opened the door for her. "Are you heading back to the common room?"

"Yeah, I have to drop off some stuff before the Dueling Club meeting."

"You got invited? Congratulations."

"Thanks." The two walked in awkward silence until they reached the door.

"What is the poisonous plant whose name in Spanish means 'pretty lady?'" asked the door.

"El planto slutty-o?" snapped Kellyn. If a door could frown, the door was doing so at that very moment. Andrew rolled his eyes.

"Belladonna."

"That was my next guess," Kellyn said.

"See you Wednesday," Andrew simply stated, jogging up the stairs. Kellyn flopped down on the couch, tossing Andrew's books aside.

"Wow, you are such a nerd," exclaimed James, plopping down next to her on the couch.

"You really need to get outside more often," advised Sam, doing the same.

"I really need to pass Transfig," retorted Kellyn. "Why are you here anyway? Other than the obvious: to bother me, of course."

"Dueling Club meeting begins in fifteen minutes."

"Well, I've been studying Transfig for the past hour, so my brain is fried."

"That sucks. Let's go!"

"Five more minutes! Please?" she begged, curling up in a warm ball between them. Kellyn batted her eyes for good measure.

"Fine," the boys muttered. Kellyn closed her eyes and let her body relax until James transformed one of the books into an alarm clock and made it ring.

"All you had to do was say, 'Wake up, Kellyn,'" she fumed, marching down the hallway.

"But what fun would that be?" asked James.

"You are thirty seconds early," said Professor Sharp as the three walked into the room. "A new record. Take a seat." They hid there smiles and sat down. "Welcome everyone to the first Dueling Club of the year. For returning members, glad to see you have come back. For new potential members, this is Rose Weasely, club president. Miss Weasely?"

"Thank you Professor. It's good to see everyone back and so many new faces. Once again, I'm Rose, the new president of this club. Dueling Club is the most prestigious club at Hogwarts. We are a world-ranked team and have attended the International Dueling Tournament every year since it was founded. Members of this club have gone on to be Aurors, professors, doctors, etcetera; it is a bragging right and something you would not want to leave off a résumé. Of course, for those who are new, you are but potential members. We can only accept the best of the best, the cream of the crop, and thus we can only keep some of you.

"Each week we will have one-hour meetings on Mondays in which you will learn new dueling concepts. It is a bit of an extension from your Defense Against the Dark Arts class except you are not here to get a good grade—you are here to be the best you can be and honor Hogwarts and those who fought against the Dark Lord. You will not have homework, but you will be expected to master anything and everything that comes your way. Some of you will not make it through the year, as this is extremely demanding and time consuming.

"New members, you will be tested on what you have learned at the end of the month. Should you pass this test, you will be initiated into the Hogwarts Dueling Club. There will be a few competitions and qualifiers before the International Dueling Tournament in May. The competitions will be against various schools, while your performance in the qualifiers will determine if you go to the IDT in May. Last year we were so fortunate as to have four members qualify. Well, that's enough talk for now, I'll let Professor Sharp take it away."

"Everyone take out your wands. We will be discussing positioning and the mental game today," said Professor Sharp, pacing the dungeon in his usual fashion.

"Does he realize how scary it is when he walks like that? I feel like he is a lion who is trying to eat me," whispered Kellyn to Sam.

"Is there something you wish to announce to the class, Miss Wood?" asked Professor Sharp with a swish of his wand.

"No, Professor," Kellyn went to respond, but the words did not come out.

"What was that?" asked the professor jeeringly. Kellyn glared icily at him. "And don't even think of using the counter spell. You will survive for an hour without talking." Kellyn somehow doubted that.

A/N: Please review! That would seriously make my day!!! And the next chapter will hopefully be published within the next two weeks. I am trying to move this story along because I want it finished before I go off to college. That would be monumental, considering I've never finished a story before. REVIEW PLEASE!!!