Chapter 27- Unexpected Discoveries
November 1993
"What's going on," the students muttered as they entered an empty classroom, the desks and chains completely absent.
"In light of recent events, I have been asked to teach you how to fight," Professor Lockhart said.
"Don't you mean duel Professor," Draco said.
"No," Lockhart replied, stunning the more pureblood members of class. "A duel implies a formalized setting with agreed upon rules presided over by judges. As much as some you might protest you will find that outside of the dueling circuit you will face very few duels in the real world. What I am instead going to do is teach you how to fight and survive the encounters you will find yourself in."
"I think you are dismissing dueling far too easily Professor," Serverus said entering the room.
"Would you care to demonstrate, Professor Snape?" Lockhart asked.
"It would be my pleasure," Severus said.
"In thanks for helping me with this demonstration, would you care to set the rules of our engagement," Lockhart said.
"No illegal magic," Serverus said.
"Based on which laws," Lockhart said.
"British," Serverus sneered.
"Works for me," Lockhart said as they moved to opposite sides of the room setting up a few protective barriers. "Now in a formal engagement we bow, and then begin on a count of three," Lockhart said as they bowed to each other. "One, two, three," Lockhart said as the battle began in a flash of light. A dark spell shot out from Snape's wand only to be deflected into the ceiling by Lockhart.
"He's not doing anything," Pansy said.
"Lame," Ron groaned as Lockhart continued to deflect spells.
"Go Professor Snape," Draco cheered.
"Kick his but," Vincent and Greggory added as Lockhart had yet to get a spell off.
"Professor Snape is going to lose," Harry said as he continued to dodge.
"... You're right," Hermione asked, taking a closer look with each spell he deflected he moved another step closer. "Lockhart is going to win."
"Care to make a wager on that runt," Pansy said.
"Sure," Hermione said.
"Good when Professor Snape win's, I want you to be my personal slave for the day," Pansy said.
"Then if Professor Lockhart wins I want you to do Millie's maid work for the day," Hermione said.
"I'll act as the witness," Tracy said.
"I will as well," Neville said, pulling Millie along.
"It seems we have a bet then," Pansy said as everyone turned to watch the match.
"Do you yield," Snape said, blasting Lockhart with a torrent of flame who ducked behind his cloak a few feet from Severus. The only response he got was Lockhart dashing out of the flames punching across the jaw sending him reeling back. He quickly followed up with several body blows grabbing Snape's wand before sweeping his legs out from under him.
"That's cheating," more than a few student's cried.
"That's not dueling," Draco cried.
"Sorry if I went a bit rough on you Severus," Lockhart said offering him a hand up.
"Kindly return my wand," Snape hissed slowly standing up.
"Certainly," Lockhart said, returning the man's wand. "Now what did Professor Snape do wrong?"
"Nothing," Draco said. "You cheated by not using magic."
"But that only applies to a formal duel, and was this a formal duel," Lockhart said. Harry's hand slowly raised among the protesting students. "Harry,"
"No sire you called it an engagement, or demonstration never a duel, and Professor Snape said that the only rule was no illegal spells," Harry said.
"Potter," Severus growled.
"Thus were my actions illegal," Lockhart said while looking at Draco.
"No," Draco and Serverus both growled.
"Now what did Professor Snape do wrong," Lockhart asked. "Hermione."
"He let his opponent get to close," Hermione said.
"Correct, just because you are on the defensive does not mean you can't try and put yourself into an advantageous position," Lockhart said. "And always have a backup plan, now I want you to pair off and alternate attacking and defending or dodging," Lockhart explained.
"I guess this means you are doing Millie's work for the day," Hermione said.
"Not a chance," Pansy said.
"A bet is a bet Pansy," Tracy said.
"I don't have to listen to a baronet," Pansy hissed.
"But you do have to listen to a countess," Daphne said. "How would your family feel if they found out you did not live up to a wager.."
"Fine, but you are going to pay for this," Pansy growled glaring at Hermione.
"I always do," Hermione said.
"Come on fat ass," Pansy said, pulling a shocked Millie along.
"Hermione do you want to….." Harry said as Ron pulled him along.
"Come on Harry," Ron said.
"She's my partner, Vicent said. "This is going to be fun."
"Yes, I am looking forward to some real practice as well," Hermione said.
"Sermo," Vincent said, his shot wide as Hermione spun to the side.
"He could have at least told me he was starting," Hermione muttered as she continued to doge, her reinforcement magic not needed as the spells were slow and poorly aimed. "I don't even need reinforcement to dodge this."
"Stand still," Vicent called out as his breathing became labored.
"How about we switch," Hermione said.
"Fine," he relented, lowering his wand.
"Let me know when you're ready," Herimone said.
"Get on with it," Vincent yelled.
"Frigus," Hermione said pointing her wand at Vincent catching the outside of his arm.
"Cold," he squeaked, grabbing his arm.
"Frigus," Hermione said, snapping off another spell this time hitting his foot.
"Bloody hell what kind of a spell are you using," Vincent yelped.
"Frigus is a low-level German spell that can be used to cool food and beverages," Hermione said.
"Bollocks," Vincent said as Hermione hit him with another spell, this time his hair freezing a few of the strands.
"Dodge Vincent," Lockhart said as Hermione sent off a few more spells.
"Time," Lockhart called out, silencing the class with a blast from his wand.
With a sigh of relief Millie collapsed to the ground her hair a wild mess, and her clothes more than the worse for wear as she rolled over sweating a bit. "Get up hippo," Pansy said.
"Give me a minute," Millie groaned.
"You don't have a minute now get up," Pansy growled, kicking her in the side as the bell rang.
"50 points from Syltherin and detention with me for your behavior Miss Parkinson," Lockhart said.
"..." Pansy's mouth hung open in shock. "You…" Pansy said balling her fists.
"I can, and I will," Lockhart said. "Now get moving before I take off more points." He added watching as she left the room with the rest of the surprised students.
"It's ok Millie take your time," Lockhart said.
"I have herbology next," Millie said slowly standing up.
"Alright," he said, sending off a quick message to Professor Sprout.
"Take your time, I let her know that you Hermione, Neville and Harry will be running late," Lockhart said.
"What," the kids said.
"I know you're hiding in the hallway Hermione, and Harry your invisibility cloak is the worst kept secret in the school not to mention I can still hear you, even if I can't see you," Lockhart said.
"Millie," Hermione said coming into the room.
"This is all your fault," Millie yelled.
"My fault," Hermione gasped.
"If you hadn't gotten held back and lost weight, I wouldn't be the fat girl. I wouldn't be the maid or their personal punching bag. Do you know what Pansy is going to do to me, because of your bet?" Millie yelled.
"Millie… I…" Hermione stammered eyes watering a bit as Millie barged out.
"Don't worry Hermione I'll talk to her," Neville said, running after her.
"Neville," Hermione called out, digging through her bag.
"Yes," he said, skidding to a stop.
"Can you give this to Millie," Hermione said, handing him a small green emerald.
"What's this," Neville said, placing the stone in his hand.
"Emeralds are gemstones with healing powers," Hermione said. "Say the word heilen while holding the stone out to Millie. It will activate the stones' powers helping her recover."
"Got it," Neville said.
Break
"Millie, wait up," Neville said.
"What," Millie said, quickly stuffing a ratty old notebook in her bag before spinning around her eyes puffy and red from crying.
"I know Pansy was rough on you during Defense and I just learned a new healing spell I would like to try out," Neville said holding out the emerald.
"Did Hermione give it to you because I doubt…" Millie pressed.
"Heilen," Neville said.
"That her spells…" Millie said as a green glow encompassed her body, energizing her as her bruises began to fade. "Do anything," she said, grabbing her head.
"Millie are you ok," Neville said.
"Neville, how could I say those things to Hermione," Millie said. "She's my friend."
"It will be alright," Neville said.
"But what if she doesn't like me now," Millie said.
"She wouldn't have given me the stone or told me how to use it if she did," Neville said, showing her the emerald.
"Would it be alright," Millie said, reaching for the emerald.
"I don't see why not," Neville said, handing her the stone.
"Thanks," Millie said, placing it in her pocket.
Break
"How the bloody hell did it miss," Pansy groaned, trying failing to get the sap out of her hair and clothes. "The Mimbulus mimbletonia should have given her a face full of stinksap."
"No clue," Tracy said while keeping her distance.
"Hey Pansy you smell worse than Ron," Lavender yelled from across the path as they headed back to the castle.
"Shut your trap," Pansy snapped.
"Neville did you see that," Millie giggled a little.
"Saw it, can't believe it, but it happened," Neville said.
"I didn't know the Mimbulus mimbletonia could move and selectively fire it's sap," Millie said.
"I didn't either," Neville said.
"That is because it can't," Professor Sprout said walking towards them.
"Professor Sprout," the pair yelped.
"I do not take kindly to pranks in my greenhouses," she said.
"It wasn't a prank," the pair said.
"May I check your wands then," she asked.
"Certainly," they said, handing them over for Sprout to check the last spell they used.
"It seems I was mistaken," she said, not finding any evidence of a spell used since their defense class. "That still doesn't explain the magic I detected being used on the plant," she muttered.
"I think that plants just really like Millie," Hermione chimed in.
"They do," Millie said.
"Yes, because you are a nice girl," Hermione giggled before running off.
Break
"And where do you think you are going," Daphne said as Pansy was about to exit the common room.
"Nowhere," Pansy said.
"Aren't you forgetting something," Tracy said.
"No," Pansy gulped.
"Need I remind you about a certain bet," Daphne said holding up a maid uniform.
"I hate you so much right now," Pansy hissed.
"Consider it payback for the train," Daphne said.
"Fine," Pansy grumbled, ripping the uniform out of Daphne's hand.
"I must be dreaming," Millie said as Pansy walked by in a maid outfit.
"Unlike you, I make this look good," Pansy said posing cutely for a moment.
"We're waiting," Liz barked from the common room.
"Yeah, yeah, keep your pants on," Pansy grumbled leaving the dorms.
"Yes, Liz," Pansy said.
"A maid does not address her mistress in such a fashion," Liz snapped glaring at Pansy.
Pansy tried and failed to match her glare nervously shifting her feet for a moment. "Yes, Mistress, she finally ground out through clenched teeth.
"I do not like your tone, but it is an improvement," Liz said. "Now we would like some tea."
"Yes, mistress," Pansy said, heading to the kitchen.
"Here Liz this is Liz's favorite," Hermione said, pushing a trolley towards her laden with tea, and snacks.
"I will get even," Pansy growled.
"Of course you will," Hermione said with a smirk.
"Stupid runt," Pansy said pushing the trolley out to the common room.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm a runt now, but just you wait Pansy," Hermione said before exiting the kitchen with her own trolley.
"She's only catering to the students from rich or influential families," Hermione muttered as she watched Pansy hover over some students and ignore others.
"Hermione can I have some more cookies," Astoria asked from across the room.
"Merlin girl don't you have any self control, look at yourself," Tracy whispered in her ear. "Do you see your sister stuffing her face and don't think I don't know that your only barely passing your classes stupid."
"I am not…." Astoria protested.
"Yes you are," Tracy said. "Frankly Hermione would make a better pureblood than you at this point. At least she tries to improve herself, unlike you….." Tracy said before leaving.
Astoria turned watching Hermione move around the room serving everyone with a smile, perfectly pouring tea, leaving everyone happy. "Stupid Tracy, stupid Hermione," Astoria growled before stomping off.
"I thought Astoria wanted cookies," Hermione said, walking over as Astoria marched off.
"She did, but then Tracy said something to her and she marched off," Anna said.
"Probably not something nice," Hermione said to herself. "Excuse me girls," Hermione said, putting the tray of cookies down.
"No problem," they said.
Break
"Astoria," Hermione said entering the first year dorms.
"Go away," Astoria cried from the bathroom.
"I can't do that," Hermione said.
"Hermione…" Astoria muttered.
"Yes, now can you tell me what's wrong," Hermione asked.
"A true Greengrass does not need the help of others, they use others," the voice of her mother said. "Get it together runt," the voice of her sister said. "Pathetic are you even a Greengrass," Tracy's voice said.
"Yes, I can do this, I am a Greengrass," Astoria said softly to herself. "No, it's a family matter," Astoria said to Hermione. "Thank you for asking though."
"Alright, but remember you can ask me for help anytime," Hermione said before leaving.
"Ok," Astoria said, drying her eyes.
Break
Astoria,
Saw you squinting in class the other day and thought maybe these would help.
Hermione
"Glasses," Astoria said, looking down at one of Hermione's spare pairs, her vision a bit blurry as of late. After putting them on she found her vision clearing somewhat. "Tracy's gonna mock me for these, but I can at least use them during class," she said, pocketing the large square framed glasses.
Break
"Ugh it is freezing today," the girls grumbled as they walked to class.
"It's not that bad," Hermione said.
"Not that bad are you crazy," Elizabeth said.
"Nope, and today is going to be a guter Tag ," Hermione giggled.
"We have a test today, I don't see how that makes it a good day," Anna said.
"Es ist ein guter Tag, weil es endlich fertig ist," Hermione said looking out the window at the newly frozen Hogwarts lake.
"I hardly see what is so good about that. It just means that it's going to be a long winter," one of the girls said.
"Ja," Hermione cheered, jumping in the air. "Ein langer Winter bedeutet mehr Skaten," Hermione said as she danced down the hallway.
"Do you think maybe she's taking the German a little too far," one of the girls asked Astoria.
"Maybe, but it's cute, and all the first years think Johanna is a German student," Astoria said.
"Ok, but how does she handle the cold," Anna said.
"I dunno, it's not like she has any padding," Elizabeth said nodding her head towards Astoria.
"I told you I'm not fat, I'm big boned," Astoria grumbled.
"And what did I say about being mean to people," Hermione said, placing an icy hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that, I was just saying that…" Elizabeth stammered.
"The kalt just doesn't really bother me," Hermione said, her German accent having gotten heavier since the start of school. "And I can't wait to get back on the eis," she giggled.
Break
"Skating, skaten, skating, skaten," Hermione giggled as she skipped down to the frozen lake. "I know you're not that thick yet, but that's why I have these," Hermione said, pulling out a handful of Sapphires. "Wingardium Leviosa," she said, flicking her wand at the stones, smiling as they floated into the air. Carefully she floated the stones out onto the thin ice in the shape of a large oval 30m by 60m. "Now comes the hard part," Hermione said while checking the position of the gemstones. "Edelstein verbesserte Eisbahnumwandlung," she said pointing her wand at the ice. The five gemstones giving off a brilliant icy blue glow, the sound of crackling ice rippling across the lake as the inches of ice grew underneath the previously periously thin ice covering the lake. The surface of the ice inside the sapphires smoothed looking like glass.
"Erfolg!" Hermione cheered. "It worked, it actually worked," she exclaimed, jumping onto the ice the slick surface sending her sprawling. "Schlittschuhe," a red faced Hermione said carefully making her way back to the grass.
Ice skates now on Hermione began her practice working through everything she'd learned from Ria and the few things she picked up while rollerblading over the summer. "It's so much faster on ice," Hermione said as she did laps around the rink, tentatively adding in a few leg lifts gliding on a single skate. "And I can keep speed if I use crossover strokes on the turn," she muttered, smiling at her discovery before stumbling smashing into the ice. "Toe pick," she grumbled. "What am I supposed to use this for anyway," she grumbled looking at the tiny sharp spikes at the end of her skates. "I can't use them to stop, and I don't need them for balance, all it does is dig into the ice," Hermione said. "Wait Ria goes up on her skates when she spins…. Hehehe," Hermione giggled excitedly standing up.
"That's not it," Hermione muttered barely able to stand up on the front edge of the skate. "When Daphne did it last year, she entered the spin while skating," Hermone said, building up some speed before entering a tight turn. Continued to practice she finally managed to figure out how to do the semblance of a spin before falling down. "Dizzy," she groaned, eyes swirling as she landed on the ice.
"Are you crazy what do you think you are doing, get off the ice" Professor Sprout yelled, racing down to the lake from the greenhouses.
"What," Hermione said standing up.
"Get off the ice, it's only just frozen, it's not strong enough to stand on," Sprout said.
"It's fine, I used magic to strengthen it," Hermione said.
"What," Sprout yelled, reaching the edge of the ice.
Slowly Hermione skated over coming to a stop in front of the professor. "I used an elemental transfiguration to make the ice thicker," Hermione said. "Scan it if you'd like."
"Alright," a surprised professor said, waving her wand at the ice before dropping it in shock. "Impossible," Sprout gasped.
"You dropped this professor," Hermione said, handing the professor her wand.
"Thank you, but how did you do this? The ice is over 4 inches thick in the surrounding area." Sprout asked.
"Sapphires are more attuned to ice and cold than other gems so I used 5 of them to boost the spell," Hermione said.
"What sapphires," Sprout asked.
"Einberufung saphir," Hermione said pointing her wand at the ice as 5 sapphires came towards her.
"Why are you retaking first year transfiguration," Sprout asked.
"I dunno, some stuff is really hard, but anything involving the cold and ice are easy," Hermione said.
"I don't think I can help you with that, but I will let the others know that this area is safe to skate on," Professor Sprout said.
"We should probably mark it so people don't wander off by accident," Hermione said.
"Good idea, I will have someone put a temporary railing around it. Enjoy your skating," the Professor said heading towards Hagrid's hut.
"Afternoon Professor Sprout," Hagrid said coming around the side of his hut followed by what she could only describe as a giant walking turd in the shape of a mushroom with too large eyes, and a pair of tiny feet as it shuffled along.
"Hagrid, what in the world is that thing," Sprout said.
"It's a goomba," Hagrid said. "I'm surprised you don't know about these little fellas."
"Why," Ponma said.
"Because they are part fungus," Hagrid said.
"It's walking Hagrid," Ponma said.
"So do Triffids and their plants," Hagrid said.
"Hagrid Triffids are man-eating monster plants that can only be destroyed by salt water," Ponma said as the goomba ran into her leg before bouncing off.
"Awe they're not that bad," Hagrid replied, picking up the Goomba looking it in the eyes "I told you not to do that."
"Hagrid are Goomba's consider to be a violent species," Ponma said holding up a finger as Hagrid opened his mouth. "As determined by the ministry.
"Yes, they can be slightly annoying but a good bop on the head knocks them out," he said.
"Now Hagrid I need you to put a railing around the area of the lake that I have marked off. That area is thick enough to skate on while the rest of the lake is still dangerous," Ponma said, pointing to where Hermione was skating.
"Goomba, goomba, goomba," the little creatures seemed to say as they marched out onto the ice as Hermione slammed into a hockey stop covering Hagrid in a spray of ice.
"Was in aller Welt sind diese Dinge?" Hermione exclaimed pointing at the creatures who stood at the edge of her rink.
"The goombas are marking the edge between the safe and unsafe ice, in case anyone comes down to the lake," Hagrid said.
"Wow, you're really tall mister," Hermione said looking up at Hagrid who seemed taller than she remembered.
"I never really thought about it," Hargrid said.
"You're like way taller than my dad," Hermione said.
"Well I am half-giant," Hagrid said.
"Genial, are you like super strong and stuff," Hermione asked.
"You could say that," Hagrid said looking down at Hermione.
"Oh, I've been meaning to ask how fluffy is doing," Hermione asked. "I didn't mean to hit him so hard, but he was being a meanie."
"Why don't you see for yourself," Hagrid said before letting out a whistle before the cerberus came bounding out from behind Hagrid's hut running at full speed until it caught the sight of Hermione. A look of shock came over the three heads as it tried to stop crashing into the thin ice outside the rink. As quick as he crashed into the water he was out shaking himself dry soaking Hagrid and Hermione.
"Kalt," Hermione shivered.
"Fluffy," Hagrid scolded.
"It's alright he was just scared of me," Hermione said shivering.
"Come on let's get you warmed up," Hagrid said wrapping his massive scarf around her before putting her on his shoulder.
"Danke," Hermione said they headed to his hut. "You don't live in the castle?"
"The castle is too cramped for me," Hagrid replied as he opened the door.
"I guess it would be," Hermione said as the half giant did stand 11 and half feet tall. "I feel like Alice in Wonderland," Hermione said as Hagrid sat her down by the large fireplace with a gentle fire burning. Everything inside the hut was at least 50% to 100% bigger than she expected it to be, the counters standing above her head.
"Hot Chocolate," Hagrid said, handing her a massive mug that was more like a beer stein than a mug.
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking a sip as a knock sounded on the door.
"Afternoon Harry, Ron," Hagrid said.
"Why are you here," Ron pressed looking at Hermione.
"Fluffy fell in the lake and used her as a towel, so I brought her here to warm up," Hagrid said.
"But she's a….." Ron said.
"Nice girl," Harry said.
"She's one of them…." Ron hissed.
"If by them you mean a rich stuck up pureblood then no I am not, if you mean a Slytherin then yes," Hermione replied.
"See I told you," Ron said.
Harry pinched the bridge of his nose adjusting his glasses. "Ron, we didn't come here for a fight."
"But what she's in on it," Ron said.
"In on a plan by some crazy person that wants to kill all of the muggleborns," Hermione said.
"Yes," Ron snapped.
"Oh wait, I'm a muggleborn you dummkopf, why would I hilfe someone who wants to töte mich," Hermione hissed.
"See she's even talking….." Ron said.
"It's German Ron," Harry said.
"And Germans are evil, Grindewald was…." Ron said.
"English, now sit down and drink your cocoa," Hagrid said, ending the discussion.
"So, what brings you here Harry," Hagrid asked.
"We wanted to ask you about the Chamber of Secrets," Ron said
"Oh…. that…." Hagrid said, his smile fading.
"Do you know something about the chamber," Hermione asked.
"Yes," Hagrid said looking out the window.
"Sweet what can you," Ron said.
"Ron!" Hermione hissed
"It's not the first time it has been opened," Hagrid said.
"You don't need to tell us about it, if you don't want to," Hermione said.
"What are you doing you stupid girl," Ron pressed. "We need Hagrid to tell us what he knows."
"And you are an insensitive jerk," Hermione said.
"It's alright it was bound to come out sooner or later," Hagrid said.
"Yes, the chamber was opened once before when I attended Hogwarts," Hagrid said.
"When was that," Harry asked.
"1943," Hagrid said as the kid's eye bugged out in amazement. "Most giants live to be several hundred years old," he said.
"Like whales," Hermione said.
"Sort of, but not as gentle I am afraid," Hagrid said. "Giants live close to nature, and do not take kindly to it being destroyed."
"So, what happened in 1943," Ron pressed as Harry elbowed him in the ribs.
"The chamber was opened and all of the spiders were scared out of the castle, and a student died," Hagrid said.
"Hagrid I'm sorry," Harry said.
"It's alright, Professor Dumbledore helped me out, allowing me to stay on as a gamekeeper now a Professor," Hagrid said.
"You were kicked out," Ron said.
"Yes, Tom thought Aragog was the culprit and reported me, and after I was kicked out, the chamber closed," Hagrid said.
"Aragog was your pet," Harry said.
"That sp...i….d...er is your pet," Ron said.
"Who or what is Aragog," Hermione asked.
"An acromantula, but they don't petrify people," Hagrid said.
"Why am I not surprised," Hermione said, thinking Fluffy. "Thank you for telling us this Hagrid, and thank you for the cocoa, but I need to be getting back," Hermione said.
"Right you've got your maid thing, sucks to be you," Ron said. "Hey what would it take to get you to come and do the Gryffindor dorms?"
"Ron," Harry said, punching him in the gut. "She's not your personal maid, what the heck is wrong with you." He growled turning towards Hermione. "Please excuse my friend, he is a bit of an idiot."
"Thanks," Hermione giggled before leaving.
Break
"Come in," Minverva said as a knock sounded on her office door.
"Minerva, do you have a minute," Ponma said, opening the door.
"Ponma, certainly what do you need," Minerva said.
"Minerva I am going to be blunt; I just saw Hermione Granger create an ice-skating rink on the lake. How is that girl still in 1st year transfiguration," Ponma said.
"She did what!" Minerva yelled leaping to her feet.
"She used a transfiguration to increase the thickness of the recently frozen lake to 4 inches over an oval 30m by 60m," Ponma said. "So, tell me why is she still in 1st year transfiguration?"
"She struggles pronouncing the spells, and unless it involves ice or cold, she has trouble forming the spells. I have also caught her using gemstones as magic boosters from time to time," Minerva said.
"Why can't she use German spells, and there is a whole branch of magic based around gemstones. In Herbology what matters is the result not the particular spell they use. Why the other day I saw Millicent Blustrode…." Ponma said as Minerva cut her off.
"I am not so lenient in my classes, Transfiguration is an exact science not growing plants," Minerva said.
"On account of our friendship I am going to let that slide," Ponma said, leaving as she closed the door behind her. "Stupid Scottish pain in the ass."
Break
"Did you hear," Anna said as they enjoyed breakfast.
"Hear what," Astoria asked.
"They found Nearly Headless Nick was found petrified, along with a Justin-Finch Fletchly," Elizabeth chimed in.
"What, how can you petrify a ghost," Belle blurted out.
All eyes turned to Hermione. "I've got no idea," she said.
"Does that mean the heir is back?" Anna said.
"The heir of what….." Astoria asked.
"Syltherin obviously, don't you know anything Astoria," Tracy said. "Honestly you are worse than a muggle sometimes."
"Hello dummy," Tracy said. "You know girls you might not want to hang out with her as the beast might get you by accident when it targets the stupid muggle runt," Tracy said before walking off.
"Meh!," Hermione said, sticking her tongue out at the retreating Tracy. "If and I mean if it is Slytherin's monster, being controlled by his heir then we have nothing to worry about," Hermione said.
"We don't," the girls gasped.
"No," Hermione said.
"Why," Elizabeth asked.
"Because we have the heirs to the Greengrass, and Lestrange families, families I mind you that the heir if he does exist does not want to cross. Plus, I don't think the heir would attack his own house," Hermione explained.
"Oh…. that makes sense," the girls said.
"Hermione, we're going to play Grail Wars, do you want to come," a couple of girls asked.
"Count me in," Hermione said.
"What are you 11," Daphne said.
"Yes," Hermione shot back before racing off with the other first years.
"Weird," Daphne muttered.
Break
"Come on man dodge," Lockhart yelled as Greggory was nailed with another spell as he walked around observing the class as they practiced their aim and dodging. "Vincent, you need to aim, don't just wave your wand, firing off spells at random."
"She's too fast," Vincent said gasping for air.
"Daphne, come here," Lockhart called out.
"Yes, Professor," Daphne said.
"I want you to work with Hermione for now," Lockhart said.
"Yes, Professor," Daphne said, gripping her wand a bit tighter.
"Hello runt," Daphne said.
"Fast," Hermione gasped, leaping out of the way of a jet of red light only to have to move again as soon as her foot touched the ground. "Way faster than Vincent," Hermione muttered as she continued to dodge.
"Stand still you little runt," Daphne yelled as Hermione kept dodging her attacks.
"No," Hermione shot back scrambling around their little arena.
"Take this, Depulso," she said, firing the banishing curse at her feet which Hermione easily leapt over. "Got you," Daphne said, a grin spreading on her face as she took aim at the airborne Hermione. "Missile telum ignis," Daphne yelled with a big sweep of her arm launching a large dart made out of fire straight at Hermione who barely had time to cross her arms before it impacted, throwing her back in a cloud of smoke. Crashing to the ground before rolling to a stop.
"Ouchie," Hermione groaned her hair smoking a bit.
"What the hell Daphne," Pavarti called out. "Are you trying to kill her?"
"No," Daphne snapped a bit of worry on her face.
"I'm ok," Hermione said, hopping up.
"Hermione you got blasted by fire," Pavarti said.
"And I'm more resistant to fire so don't worry," Hermione said, giving Pavarti a wink and cheeky grin even as some of her more wild strands of hair turned to ash.
"It seems you have a strong affinity for fire magic, fire dart was closer to a fire arrow in strength," Lockhart said to Daphne. "And Hermione jumping is a good way to dodge, but it also makes you vulnerable as you can't move in the air," Lockhart said. "Now let's see if Hermione can get some revenge for the fire spell."
"As if," Daphne said relieved that Hermione wasn't hurt from the spell, but still happy she nailed the agile runt.
"You're on," Hermione said, taking a stance, wand at the ready.
"Give it your best…." Daphne said before she had to spin to the side. "Hey I wasn't ready!"
"Your opponent won't give you a chance to be ready," Lockhart said as Hermione poured on the spells.
"Stechend," Hermione said, firing off the german stinging spell as Daphne danced around them. Unlike Hermione's more athletic and frantic movement, Daphne was composed almost as if she was dancing around the spells Hermione's shots missed her target by mere inches.
"Oh, come on this is too easy," Daphne laughed. "Even with your glasses you are still blind.
"I'll show you easy," Hermione growled, gripping her wand. "Eispfeile," She yelled, firing a cluster of small icicles at Daphne who continued to dance through them.
"Try all you want you will never hit me," Daphne said.
"Eisboden," Hermione said, firing her spell at Daphne's feet.
"Where are you aiming nerd," Daphne laughed.
"Eispfeile," hermione said again.
"Really that spell…. Eeeek," Daphne said before her feet slipped on the ice. It was a rather dramatic fall, her feet flying into the air, her body doing a complete flip before smashing into the floor, skirt flipped up exposing her underwear.
"Einfrieren," Hermione said, hitting Daphne's hair, freezing it solid. "That's for singing my hair.
"I will kill you for this," Daphne growled as students began gawking.
"Sure thing tomato face," Hermione said, pulling Daphne's skirt back down as loud voices drew the attention away from them.
"Serpentia," Draco yelled, summoning a large snake. "Get him," Draco yelled as the snake turned away from Harry, instead, looking at Millie and Neville.
"Stop," Harry yelled as the snake looked ready to pounce. Although the yell came out as a loud hissing noise stunning the crowd.
"Oh, aren't you a cute little grass snake," Millie cried out picking up the snake. "You weren't going to bite me, you're just surprised since you got summoned out of your home by a spell," Millie said, cradling the snake.
"Millie what are you doing," Neville said staring at the snake.
"What it's just a grass snake," Millie said.
"Miss Bulstrode, the Serpentia spell summons the closest snake to the user and grass snakes are not native to Scotland," Lockhart explained.
Millie held up the snake taking a closer look at it's markings. "You're right it's an adder, my mistake," Millie said. "Now don't you worry, I'll make sure you have a good home until winter's over," Millie said softly looking the snake in the eyes.
"Miss Blustrode Adders are poisonous," Lockhart said.
"I know, that's why I'm holding him behind the head, and if he is naughty they may poke him," Millie said pointing to the stem of the flower Neville had given her growing around the tail of the snake. "So, behave ok," Millie said as the snake seemed to nod.
"Oh, and Harry," Millie called out.
"Steve said he wasn't going to bite anyone he was just scared and that you're the first speaker he's ever encountered," Millie said.
"It has a name," the class yelled.
"Yes, why wouldn't he," Millie said.
"And you're a parseltongue," Ron yelled, backing away from Harry.
"Is that bad," Harry said.
"Voldemort was a parseltongue," Ron said.
"Does that make you the heir," Dean asked, sharing a look with Dean.
"No," Harry blurted out.
"Potter a Parsel tongue yeah right," Draco said. "Like a stupid Griffyndor would ever have a skill held by Salazar Slytherin. I think you are mistaken Millicent," Draco said.
"Are you calling Steve a liar," Millie said.
"No, because you can't call an animal a liar, that requires sentience, something which is reserved for humanity," Draco said.
Steve who was now coiled around Millie's neck and shoulders raised its head up hissing at Draco. "What's so funny, Potter," Draco said as Harry chuckled.
"Steve said that he could say the same about you," Harry said.
"Well….." Draco began as Steve bared his fangs at Draco. "Oh who cares what a stupid snake thinks," Draco yelled before marching off.
"Hahahahahahahahaha, well it is true that you learn something new everyday," Lockhart bellowed as the bell rang.
"Come on Steve let's find you… oh my," Millie giggled as Steve coiled around her shoulders and neck, head resting comfortably in her hair.