Chapter 3-Transfiguration Trouble
Their first class the next day was Flying Lessons.
Everyone was looking forward to it, because this year they would be learning pro Quidditch stratigies. At breakfast, Dumbledore stood up again.
"I am sorry to say that Madam Hooch has retired and someone else will be teaching flying lessons this year." he said
"He will arrive at the time of his first class, which happens to be an advanced class. Thank you."
The five of them hurried through breakfast because they wanted to see who the new teacher was. "I hope it's not Krum." said Ron.
They were the first to finish and the first to head toward the feild where this class took place.
As they strode across the grounds they could see someone leaning over the box of Quidditch balls. As they drew closer...
"Oliver!" shouted Rose and started running toward him.
"You're the new flying teacher?"
"Yep!" said Oliver Wood.
"You deserve the job!" said Rose.
"Did you get my last letter?" Oliver asked Rose.
"Yeah." said Rose.
"This is the surprise I was telling you about."
"Cool!" said Rose.
"Aww now you two can be closer" siad Melanie sweetly.
"How yah doing Harry?" asked Oliver.
"Quidditch Coach now aren't you?
"Yep." said Harry.
"And Melanie here got my place. Glad she did too."
"Aaah I see." said Oliver slyly.
"Its great to be back at old Hogwarts. Is Malfoy still seeking for Slytherin?"
"Nope." said Harry "He quit after we creamed him last year. Thats how I became coach."
"Good for you Harry!" said Oliver.
"Yeah you should have seen him Oliver" said Ron "he was awesome. You would have been proud."
"Well" said Oliver, "lets get started."
After Flying lessons they said bye to Oliver.
Transfiguration was their next class. Rose remembered something.
"Hey Oliver, what year in Hogwarts do they teach Human Transfiguration?"
"Well Rose, Seeing it is the beginning of your 5th year...very soon. Why?" replied Oliver.
"Oh, no reason, I'll come visit you later." said Rose.
On their way to Transfiguration, they were all so excited.
"McGonagall better start soon, I need to learn how to do a mouse." said Melanie.
When they got to Transfiguration, there was a message on the board. -HUMAN TRANSFIGURATION LESSONS BEGIN TOMORROW-"Wow we were just talking about this yesterday!
This is so cool we get to start learning how to turn Malfoy into a rat tomorrow!" cried Avril.
"Oh yeah!" said Ron and gave Avril a high five(which made her go red). Soon after Professor McGonagall came in.
"Well she said looking at the five of us it's a surprise to see you all on time" she spoke looking at each one of them.
We shrunk back a little but then realized it and sat back up straight.Transfiuration was more energetic than usual.
Everyone seemed to be at the edge of their seats listening to instructions on what tomorrow will be like.
She even asked for a volunteer (Rose bravely agreed) so McGonagall could demonstrate.
"Now the first thing we will learn to transfigure humans into is a bug" said McGonagall. "Then we will do rats, then cats, and so on and so forth."
"Hey Melanie," whispered Harry.
"If you need to practice on anyone to make sure you got the rat down, I'm here for you." said Harry.
After class, Ron pulled Avril aside. "Will you meet me in the gardens after dinner? I need to ask you something."
This came somewhat as a shock to Avril, but she agreed blushing.
During lunch, the 5 of them couldn't keep their eyes off Malfoy. Fortunatley this time, Malfoy noticed.
"I know I am extremely attractive, but what is your problem?" asked Malfoy. "Oh, nothing." said Rose. "We were just daydreaming."
"What about?" asked Malfoy.
"Well, we were just thinking about..." trailed off Melanie.
"Oh I see, you don't want to tell me do you." replied Malfoy.
"Then daydreams somewhere else." and he walked away.
"Too bad he didn't stick around, I was going to finish my sentence." said Melanie. She held in a laugh.
"We were just thinking about how well you'll look as a rat."
Everyone broke out in laughter. Avril fidgeted in her seat and kept shooting nervous glances at Ron wondering what could be so important they would have meet after dinner.
Could it be she thought...no that would never happen she shook her head and went back to her meal.
The five friends became inseperable throughout the day. They finished their classes together and headed down to dinner.
"Hey did you notice that we haven't run into Malfoy all day" spoke up Harry. "I guess he must have learned his lesson last night" said Rose laughing.
We all agreed and sat down at the table and began to eat dinner.
As dinner neared Avril began to get nervous it was getting closer to when they would be meeting out in the gardens. When dinner was over...Avril exited the Great Hall and saw Ron stadning by the doors.
He motioned for her to come over. Melanie Rose and Harry didn't notice, they were talking about how they would trap Malfoy. Ron and Avril started walking around the lake, it was quiet so Avril started.
"Sooo...there was something you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked.
"Oh, yes." said Ron. " I was just wondering if... if you..."
He didn't seem to be able to finish. "Like me." he spat out.
This took Avril by surprise. "Well...yeah." she said keeping her eyes on the ground.
Ron stopped. "You do?" he said happily.
"Oh good, I thought you hated me. You've never said much."
They walked around the lake talking about Malfoy, who seemed to be the topic of the day.
"Its getting late" Ron said. "We'd better get back."
They walked back to the Common Room, and as they were saying good bye, Ron leaned in and kissed Avril on the cheek.
After the kiss Avril's already big smile widened even more. She watched Ron walk up the stairs and when she was sure he was gone she jumped up and said "Yes!".
Ron came running back down "what did you say?" he asked.
"N-n-nothing goodnight" Avril stuttered blew him a kiss then turn and hurried up the stairs.
Ron watched her then he smiled and said "Yes!" and turned and retreated to his dorm.
Before Avril even put her hand on the doorknob the door flew open and she came face to face with Melanie and Rose.
"Where were you" they cried together.
"I was out with Ron" Avril said mysteriously.
"Tell us everything" cried Melanie.
"Well" Avril started and proceeded to tell them everything.
"Whoa go you" said Rose. Avril smiled and they went to bed.
As Ron walked up to his room he was met by Harry.
"Where were you" asked Harry.
"I was out with Avril" he said.
"Well do tell" cried Harry. Ron began to relay the story to Harry.
"Well it's about time" cried Harry as he slapped him on the back.
They climbed into the covers and went to sleep waiting for morning to come.
At breakfast the next morning the five sat together again. After talking a while about how they would be learning human transfiguration soon, Ron said "Hey, maybe I can keep Malfoy as a pet.
I've still got some of Scabbers's old things. He'd be able to see what my life is really like. I've still got some moldy rat food too."
they laughed, then Rose said "Be careful, Ron. Don't let him bite you, he probably has rabies!" they laughed.
"So true." said Avril.
After that they couldn't stop laughing. Malfoy walked past.
They all shut up, stared at him for a moment, then cracked up again.
"What are you laughing at?" he asked coldly.
"Malfoy," said Harry, "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a rat?"
"No." said Malfoy. They started laughing again and he walked away.
Transfiguration was first. Before class Professor McGonagall made an announcment that was not welcome.
"I am afraid I will have to go away for a few weeks." said McGonagall
"My replacement will be someone you all should know. Marcus Flint-" "WAHT?!!!" yelled Rose out loud.
"YOU'LL LET HIM BE A TEACHER! HONESTLY, PROFESSOR!" "Do you have a problem with that, Rose?" she asked, eyebrows raised. "No." said Rose reluctantly, but the other four saw her fingers crossed behind her back and her gritted teeth.
After Transfiguration was Flying Lessons. The five were the first to arrive again.
"Why are you all so mad?" asked Oliver. "Oliver." said Rose, "I think you might kill yourself if you knew the answer to that one."
"Try me." he said. "OK." said Rose "Professor McGonagall isn't going to be here for a few weeks and she's going to have a replacement." she said cautiously.
"So?" said Oliver.
"It's Marcus Flint." said Rose quickly. "WHAT?" shouted Oliver "I THOUGHT MCGONAGALL HAD MORE SENSE THAN TO LET THAT THING BE A TEACHER! HE'S EVIL! HE PROBABLY WORKS FOR YOU-KNOW-WHO!" "I know!" agreed Rose.
"I'M GOING STRAIGHT TO DUMBLEDORE AFTER THIS CLASS TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THIS! You guys have break, do you want to come. The more people the more chance we have of getting an ACTUAL REPLACEMENT!
Not the creature from the black lagoon!" "Maybe we can turn him into a Rat too." suggested Avril. They would have laughed, but they were too mad. "Exactly." said Harry, who was looking very angry, but no one was as angry as Oliver.
After class,with Oliver leading the way, they marched up the steps to Dumbledores Office. "chocolate frog" said Oliver. The gargoyle jumped aside. Still in rage Oliver stomped into the office.
"Dumbledore,"he said rather calmly,"I would like a word." "Yes of course." said Dumbledore. "What are you all doing here?" "I would like to talk to you about Marcus Flint. Why was he appointed McGonagalls replacement for the next few weeks?
Do you have any idea what he will do to these students?" said Oliver firmly, trying to keep cool. "Now now Oliver, I know that Marcus was very poor sport during his years here, so I will make you a deal.
You 5, come here after every class and tell me what Flint has been teaching. I have a copy of Professor McGonagalls plans here, if he is not following orders, he will be replaced."
"Thank You Professor!" said each of the 6 in turn. They then headed out. As they left Professor Dumbledore's office they broke off into pairs. Harry and Melanie, Rose and Oliver, and Ron and Avril.
They all headed into different directions. Ron and Avril headed off towards the lake. "Well" said Ron "How are things" he asked Avril.
"Much better since our talk" replied Avril and she grabbed his hand and they began to walk around the lake. "I want to get to know you better" said Ron.
"And I want to get to know you better to" replied Avril smiling. "I meant to tell you something when you said you thought I hated you what gave you that idea?" Avril asked.
"Well just vibes I guess" said Ron sheepishly.
"Well trust me I never hated you I've always always liked you" she said. Then she punched him don't ever get that idea again. He laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
They looked across the lake and saw Melanie and Harry. Melanie and Harry sat down on a rock. Harry put his arm around Melanies shoulder and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"You know, Ron talked about Avril for so long I was starting to block him out." said Harry. They both laughed. "Yeah I know what you mean, they're so adorable." replied Melanie.
"I can't wait for the Quidditch Cup, its going to be so much fun." Harry said. Before Melanie could answer, Malfoy came out of the trees. They sat up straight quickly.
"What do you want now Malfoy?" asked Harry.
"Not that I am happy I caught you two smooching, I'd rather puke, but I thought I'd let you know that Marcus Flint won't be teaching Human Transiguration tomorrow.
I noticed you've been extremely excited about it." said Malfoy. "Shut it Malfoy, we'll be learning Human Transfiguration this week whether Flint want to teach it or not." said Melanie slyly.
"Yeah we'll see about that" said Malfoy in a devilish voice. Harry grabbed Melanies hand, "Come on lets go." he said. Harry lead Melanie behind Hagrids house.
They opened the cave and petted the wild winged horses. "I love them." gasped Melanie. "Yeah they're wonderful aren't they?" said Harry. Then he gave her a kiss. Meanwhile, Rose and Oliver were....walking through the corridor that lead to Gryffindor tower.
"Want to have a flight around the Quidditch feild?" Oliver asked. "All right." said Rose. They entered the Gryffindor Common Room. "I'll go get my brrom."
she ran up the steps to the girls' dormitories and came back down holding her Firebolt Deluxe. "You don't seem surprised that I have such a good broom." she said suspiciously."
"That's because I have the same kind." Rose was stunned. "You said you didn't have much money." she said. "Well, it's been hard not to tell you, but the real surprise is that I tried out for the new team their adding to the Quidditch Leauge, the Scotland Skyskimmers a few weeks ago..." he paused.
"Did you make it?" asked Rose anxiously. "Your looking at the Scotland Skyskimmers' new keeper." he said, grinning broadly. "Oh, Oliver, really? How cool!" she put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.
"I got 500 galleons just for making the team." he said. "Practice starts a week after the World Cup." The next day in Transfiguration, the 5 Gryffindors were anxious to see if Malfoy would live up to the words he told Melanie and Harry, or if he would stick to McGonagalls plans.
"Now today," said Flint "you will not be learning Human Transfiguration..." he got a gleam in his eye. "Professor McGonagall has put it on hold. I will give you all a book, transfigure it into cheese, anyone who cannot will have points taken off." he said.
Melanie looked over to Avril. "Do you believe this?" she asked. "No way." replied Avril. When Flint got to the back of the room with the books, Melanie made sure he wasn't looking, took out her wand and whispered "Accio plans" Professor McGonagalls plans came straight to Melanie.
Rose, Melanie, Avril, Harry, and Ron all put their heads around the plans.
*Mr. Flint,
During the weeks that I am gone, please have the students read the introduction to Human Transfiguration. They may try some of the examples in the book on each other as long as they are supervised.*
"Well, atleast he won't be here tomorrow" whispered Harry. As soon as Transfiguration was over, they headed toward Dumbledores Office. They got in and Dumbledore was sitting in a chair waiting for them.
"Well?" he asked. "Mr. Flint didn't follow a word of the instructions, he had us do things we did 2 years ago." said Ron. "Aah, I see, well I guess I will have to dismiss Mr. Flint if he cannot follow simple orders.
There will be a new replacement tomorrow, and I will be sure they will follow directions." Harry, Ron, Melanie, Rose, and Avril all left particularly happy. Then Malfoy came strutting down the hall.
"Well you look very happy for someone who got their heart broken in Transfiguration today." said Malfoy. "Oh its alright Malfoy, I'm sure we will learn it tomorrow, Mr. Flint won't be here." said Harry.
"Aw Potter, you don't get your way so you go straight to Dumbledore. Well, Dumbledore is a fool too, Marcus knows what hes doing. Since you seem to know everything, let see how you handle....A Wizard Duel?"asked Malfoy.
"You're on." said Harry. "Ron here is my second like 4 years ago. Yours still the same?" "You bet." said Malfoy. "Oh and Malfoy? Don't try getting us into trouble like you have been for the past 4 years, it hasn't been working to well has it. Just show up and act like a man." said Ron.
"Fine," said Malfoy. "Next Saturday, Midnight, in the Quidditch Stadium. No one will be there." "You got it." said Harry. Malfoy left. "Harry, Ron, I hope you aren't proud of yourselves." said Melanie.
"All of us are a lot older, wiser, and more dangerous than we were in 1st year." said Melanie. "Don't worry about it, I got it covered. Just learn the transfiguration by next Saturday, and we'll win." he said.
"Oh I see." said Avril. "A trap. Clever." The next class was Flying Lessons. They were learning pro stratigies for seekers. Oliver had Harry demonstrate. After class they all left for lunch together. Harry, Ron, Avril, Melanie and Rose told Oliver about how they had gotten Marcus fired.
"Great!" said Oliver happily. "I wonder who will be the new replacement." when they got into the Great Hall, Malfoy came up to them. He was grinning broadly. "Prepare to have your dreams shattered." he said to all six, and he went to sit at the Slytherin table, still grinning.
"What's he so happy about?" asked Harry. The five sat together (Oliver had to sit at the staff table.) Once again, Dumbledore stood up. "We are going to have a new replacement for Transfiguration, but I only found one suitable person for the job. Lucius Malfoy."
It looked as though Harry, Ron, Melanie, Avril, and Rose could ave died on the spot. Up at the staff table, Oliver's mouth was hanging open in a silent scream. Snape was smirking evily and Malfoy was beaming.
"We're going to have to go and see Dumbledore again." said Rose weakly. "He'll probably teach the right stuff to the Slytherins and thats it." sadi Ron. "Well, lets just go see." said Harry. "There has to be a reasonable explantation."
So during afternoon break, everyone (even Oliver) went to see Dumbledore. "Mr. Malfoy has promised to teach the correct stuff to his class. He gave me word." said Dumbledore. There was no arguing it. If Malfoy gave Dumbledore his word, then there was just no changing his mind.
"Wait, I have an idea!" said Melanie. "Tomorrow, we have Flying again at the same time the Slytherins have Transfiguration. Oliver, will you let me out of class for a few minutes about halfway through so I can check on the Slytherins? Harry will catch me up later." "Sure." said Oliver.
So the next morning during Flying, Melanie left the field and headed up to the school. She slowly walked by the Tranfiguration room. As Mr. Malfoy had said, he was teaching Human Transfiguration. Malfoy was changing Crabbe into a bug. When Melanie got back to Transfiguration, she told everyone what she saw.
They couldn't believe it. "Wait a minute," said Avril "Dumbledore said Malfoy gave him word that he would teach the correct plans to HIS class. He was in Slytherin, that was HIS house. So we were probably right, he is only teaching it to the Slytherins." she said.
"Ok," said Oliver, "but if Malfoy doesn't teach you guys Human Transfiguration tomorrow, we will need to find SOMEONE to replace before another Slytherin turns up." "I KNOW!" said Harry. "Send an owl Angelina Johnson, Oliver, she was always good at Transfiguration. She used to show it off in the Common Room."
Oliver agreed to do this and sent an owl to Angelina. "If he doesn't keep his word, and I wouldn't put anything past a Malfoy.." he paused and stared off in the direction of the castle "I wouldn't trust ANY Slytherin, come to think of it."
Later in Transfiguration, Mr. Malfoy was teaching Human Transfiguration. The five were stunned. "I will need a volunteer to help me demonstrate what we will be doing tomorrow." he said. "You there!" he snapped at Rose. "Come up here." Rose hesitated.
"Come on!" said Mr. Malfoy. Rose went up reluctantly. As the five knew, Mr. Malfoy was a Death Eater, as were Rose's parents, and he would probably try something if he had a chance, that would capture Rose, because Rose wanted to stop Voldemort, and Voldemort had learned never to underestimate a Hogwarts student.
Mr. Malfoy turned Rose into a rat. He didn't turn her back for a while and Avril said. "Okay, um, PROFESSOR, how do you change them back?"
"Oh, yes. I forgot." said Mr. Malfoy lazily. Rose the Rat then sunk her teeth into his hand. "Ouch!" he said. "Change her back!" yelled Harry, pulling out his wand.
"We can get you fired!" "Yeah?" said Mr. Malfoy lazily. "Mobilicorpus!" yelled Harry, pointing his wand at Mr. Malfoy. He Rose into the air.
"Change her back, or Harry will drop you!" shouted Melanie. "All right, all right." said Mr. Malfoy. He changed Rose back and Harry dropped him anyway.
"Twenty Points from Gryffindor!" he shouted. "and detention for Harry, Rose, and Melanie."
"While they were walking out of class Ron said "Can you believe him?" Avril said "What was it like being a rat?"
"I'd didn't like it, but Draco's already so much like one..." she let her voice fade away, then she said "I won't be able to get this taste out of my mouth for a week. He tastes horrible." they all laughed.
Their first class the next day was Flying Lessons.
Everyone was looking forward to it, because this year they would be learning pro Quidditch stratigies. At breakfast, Dumbledore stood up again.
"I am sorry to say that Madam Hooch has retired and someone else will be teaching flying lessons this year." he said
"He will arrive at the time of his first class, which happens to be an advanced class. Thank you."
The five of them hurried through breakfast because they wanted to see who the new teacher was. "I hope it's not Krum." said Ron.
They were the first to finish and the first to head toward the feild where this class took place.
As they strode across the grounds they could see someone leaning over the box of Quidditch balls. As they drew closer...
"Oliver!" shouted Rose and started running toward him.
"You're the new flying teacher?"
"Yep!" said Oliver Wood.
"You deserve the job!" said Rose.
"Did you get my last letter?" Oliver asked Rose.
"Yeah." said Rose.
"This is the surprise I was telling you about."
"Cool!" said Rose.
"Aww now you two can be closer" siad Melanie sweetly.
"How yah doing Harry?" asked Oliver.
"Quidditch Coach now aren't you?
"Yep." said Harry.
"And Melanie here got my place. Glad she did too."
"Aaah I see." said Oliver slyly.
"Its great to be back at old Hogwarts. Is Malfoy still seeking for Slytherin?"
"Nope." said Harry "He quit after we creamed him last year. Thats how I became coach."
"Good for you Harry!" said Oliver.
"Yeah you should have seen him Oliver" said Ron "he was awesome. You would have been proud."
"Well" said Oliver, "lets get started."
After Flying lessons they said bye to Oliver.
Transfiguration was their next class. Rose remembered something.
"Hey Oliver, what year in Hogwarts do they teach Human Transfiguration?"
"Well Rose, Seeing it is the beginning of your 5th year...very soon. Why?" replied Oliver.
"Oh, no reason, I'll come visit you later." said Rose.
On their way to Transfiguration, they were all so excited.
"McGonagall better start soon, I need to learn how to do a mouse." said Melanie.
When they got to Transfiguration, there was a message on the board. -HUMAN TRANSFIGURATION LESSONS BEGIN TOMORROW-"Wow we were just talking about this yesterday!
This is so cool we get to start learning how to turn Malfoy into a rat tomorrow!" cried Avril.
"Oh yeah!" said Ron and gave Avril a high five(which made her go red). Soon after Professor McGonagall came in.
"Well she said looking at the five of us it's a surprise to see you all on time" she spoke looking at each one of them.
We shrunk back a little but then realized it and sat back up straight.Transfiuration was more energetic than usual.
Everyone seemed to be at the edge of their seats listening to instructions on what tomorrow will be like.
She even asked for a volunteer (Rose bravely agreed) so McGonagall could demonstrate.
"Now the first thing we will learn to transfigure humans into is a bug" said McGonagall. "Then we will do rats, then cats, and so on and so forth."
"Hey Melanie," whispered Harry.
"If you need to practice on anyone to make sure you got the rat down, I'm here for you." said Harry.
After class, Ron pulled Avril aside. "Will you meet me in the gardens after dinner? I need to ask you something."
This came somewhat as a shock to Avril, but she agreed blushing.
During lunch, the 5 of them couldn't keep their eyes off Malfoy. Fortunatley this time, Malfoy noticed.
"I know I am extremely attractive, but what is your problem?" asked Malfoy. "Oh, nothing." said Rose. "We were just daydreaming."
"What about?" asked Malfoy.
"Well, we were just thinking about..." trailed off Melanie.
"Oh I see, you don't want to tell me do you." replied Malfoy.
"Then daydreams somewhere else." and he walked away.
"Too bad he didn't stick around, I was going to finish my sentence." said Melanie. She held in a laugh.
"We were just thinking about how well you'll look as a rat."
Everyone broke out in laughter. Avril fidgeted in her seat and kept shooting nervous glances at Ron wondering what could be so important they would have meet after dinner.
Could it be she thought...no that would never happen she shook her head and went back to her meal.
The five friends became inseperable throughout the day. They finished their classes together and headed down to dinner.
"Hey did you notice that we haven't run into Malfoy all day" spoke up Harry. "I guess he must have learned his lesson last night" said Rose laughing.
We all agreed and sat down at the table and began to eat dinner.
As dinner neared Avril began to get nervous it was getting closer to when they would be meeting out in the gardens. When dinner was over...Avril exited the Great Hall and saw Ron stadning by the doors.
He motioned for her to come over. Melanie Rose and Harry didn't notice, they were talking about how they would trap Malfoy. Ron and Avril started walking around the lake, it was quiet so Avril started.
"Sooo...there was something you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked.
"Oh, yes." said Ron. " I was just wondering if... if you..."
He didn't seem to be able to finish. "Like me." he spat out.
This took Avril by surprise. "Well...yeah." she said keeping her eyes on the ground.
Ron stopped. "You do?" he said happily.
"Oh good, I thought you hated me. You've never said much."
They walked around the lake talking about Malfoy, who seemed to be the topic of the day.
"Its getting late" Ron said. "We'd better get back."
They walked back to the Common Room, and as they were saying good bye, Ron leaned in and kissed Avril on the cheek.
After the kiss Avril's already big smile widened even more. She watched Ron walk up the stairs and when she was sure he was gone she jumped up and said "Yes!".
Ron came running back down "what did you say?" he asked.
"N-n-nothing goodnight" Avril stuttered blew him a kiss then turn and hurried up the stairs.
Ron watched her then he smiled and said "Yes!" and turned and retreated to his dorm.
Before Avril even put her hand on the doorknob the door flew open and she came face to face with Melanie and Rose.
"Where were you" they cried together.
"I was out with Ron" Avril said mysteriously.
"Tell us everything" cried Melanie.
"Well" Avril started and proceeded to tell them everything.
"Whoa go you" said Rose. Avril smiled and they went to bed.
As Ron walked up to his room he was met by Harry.
"Where were you" asked Harry.
"I was out with Avril" he said.
"Well do tell" cried Harry. Ron began to relay the story to Harry.
"Well it's about time" cried Harry as he slapped him on the back.
They climbed into the covers and went to sleep waiting for morning to come.
At breakfast the next morning the five sat together again. After talking a while about how they would be learning human transfiguration soon, Ron said "Hey, maybe I can keep Malfoy as a pet.
I've still got some of Scabbers's old things. He'd be able to see what my life is really like. I've still got some moldy rat food too."
they laughed, then Rose said "Be careful, Ron. Don't let him bite you, he probably has rabies!" they laughed.
"So true." said Avril.
After that they couldn't stop laughing. Malfoy walked past.
They all shut up, stared at him for a moment, then cracked up again.
"What are you laughing at?" he asked coldly.
"Malfoy," said Harry, "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a rat?"
"No." said Malfoy. They started laughing again and he walked away.
Transfiguration was first. Before class Professor McGonagall made an announcment that was not welcome.
"I am afraid I will have to go away for a few weeks." said McGonagall
"My replacement will be someone you all should know. Marcus Flint-" "WAHT?!!!" yelled Rose out loud.
"YOU'LL LET HIM BE A TEACHER! HONESTLY, PROFESSOR!" "Do you have a problem with that, Rose?" she asked, eyebrows raised. "No." said Rose reluctantly, but the other four saw her fingers crossed behind her back and her gritted teeth.
After Transfiguration was Flying Lessons. The five were the first to arrive again.
"Why are you all so mad?" asked Oliver. "Oliver." said Rose, "I think you might kill yourself if you knew the answer to that one."
"Try me." he said. "OK." said Rose "Professor McGonagall isn't going to be here for a few weeks and she's going to have a replacement." she said cautiously.
"So?" said Oliver.
"It's Marcus Flint." said Rose quickly. "WHAT?" shouted Oliver "I THOUGHT MCGONAGALL HAD MORE SENSE THAN TO LET THAT THING BE A TEACHER! HE'S EVIL! HE PROBABLY WORKS FOR YOU-KNOW-WHO!" "I know!" agreed Rose.
"I'M GOING STRAIGHT TO DUMBLEDORE AFTER THIS CLASS TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THIS! You guys have break, do you want to come. The more people the more chance we have of getting an ACTUAL REPLACEMENT!
Not the creature from the black lagoon!" "Maybe we can turn him into a Rat too." suggested Avril. They would have laughed, but they were too mad. "Exactly." said Harry, who was looking very angry, but no one was as angry as Oliver.
After class,with Oliver leading the way, they marched up the steps to Dumbledores Office. "chocolate frog" said Oliver. The gargoyle jumped aside. Still in rage Oliver stomped into the office.
"Dumbledore,"he said rather calmly,"I would like a word." "Yes of course." said Dumbledore. "What are you all doing here?" "I would like to talk to you about Marcus Flint. Why was he appointed McGonagalls replacement for the next few weeks?
Do you have any idea what he will do to these students?" said Oliver firmly, trying to keep cool. "Now now Oliver, I know that Marcus was very poor sport during his years here, so I will make you a deal.
You 5, come here after every class and tell me what Flint has been teaching. I have a copy of Professor McGonagalls plans here, if he is not following orders, he will be replaced."
"Thank You Professor!" said each of the 6 in turn. They then headed out. As they left Professor Dumbledore's office they broke off into pairs. Harry and Melanie, Rose and Oliver, and Ron and Avril.
They all headed into different directions. Ron and Avril headed off towards the lake. "Well" said Ron "How are things" he asked Avril.
"Much better since our talk" replied Avril and she grabbed his hand and they began to walk around the lake. "I want to get to know you better" said Ron.
"And I want to get to know you better to" replied Avril smiling. "I meant to tell you something when you said you thought I hated you what gave you that idea?" Avril asked.
"Well just vibes I guess" said Ron sheepishly.
"Well trust me I never hated you I've always always liked you" she said. Then she punched him don't ever get that idea again. He laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
They looked across the lake and saw Melanie and Harry. Melanie and Harry sat down on a rock. Harry put his arm around Melanies shoulder and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"You know, Ron talked about Avril for so long I was starting to block him out." said Harry. They both laughed. "Yeah I know what you mean, they're so adorable." replied Melanie.
"I can't wait for the Quidditch Cup, its going to be so much fun." Harry said. Before Melanie could answer, Malfoy came out of the trees. They sat up straight quickly.
"What do you want now Malfoy?" asked Harry.
"Not that I am happy I caught you two smooching, I'd rather puke, but I thought I'd let you know that Marcus Flint won't be teaching Human Transiguration tomorrow.
I noticed you've been extremely excited about it." said Malfoy. "Shut it Malfoy, we'll be learning Human Transfiguration this week whether Flint want to teach it or not." said Melanie slyly.
"Yeah we'll see about that" said Malfoy in a devilish voice. Harry grabbed Melanies hand, "Come on lets go." he said. Harry lead Melanie behind Hagrids house.
They opened the cave and petted the wild winged horses. "I love them." gasped Melanie. "Yeah they're wonderful aren't they?" said Harry. Then he gave her a kiss. Meanwhile, Rose and Oliver were....walking through the corridor that lead to Gryffindor tower.
"Want to have a flight around the Quidditch feild?" Oliver asked. "All right." said Rose. They entered the Gryffindor Common Room. "I'll go get my brrom."
she ran up the steps to the girls' dormitories and came back down holding her Firebolt Deluxe. "You don't seem surprised that I have such a good broom." she said suspiciously."
"That's because I have the same kind." Rose was stunned. "You said you didn't have much money." she said. "Well, it's been hard not to tell you, but the real surprise is that I tried out for the new team their adding to the Quidditch Leauge, the Scotland Skyskimmers a few weeks ago..." he paused.
"Did you make it?" asked Rose anxiously. "Your looking at the Scotland Skyskimmers' new keeper." he said, grinning broadly. "Oh, Oliver, really? How cool!" she put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.
"I got 500 galleons just for making the team." he said. "Practice starts a week after the World Cup." The next day in Transfiguration, the 5 Gryffindors were anxious to see if Malfoy would live up to the words he told Melanie and Harry, or if he would stick to McGonagalls plans.
"Now today," said Flint "you will not be learning Human Transfiguration..." he got a gleam in his eye. "Professor McGonagall has put it on hold. I will give you all a book, transfigure it into cheese, anyone who cannot will have points taken off." he said.
Melanie looked over to Avril. "Do you believe this?" she asked. "No way." replied Avril. When Flint got to the back of the room with the books, Melanie made sure he wasn't looking, took out her wand and whispered "Accio plans" Professor McGonagalls plans came straight to Melanie.
Rose, Melanie, Avril, Harry, and Ron all put their heads around the plans.
*Mr. Flint,
During the weeks that I am gone, please have the students read the introduction to Human Transfiguration. They may try some of the examples in the book on each other as long as they are supervised.*
"Well, atleast he won't be here tomorrow" whispered Harry. As soon as Transfiguration was over, they headed toward Dumbledores Office. They got in and Dumbledore was sitting in a chair waiting for them.
"Well?" he asked. "Mr. Flint didn't follow a word of the instructions, he had us do things we did 2 years ago." said Ron. "Aah, I see, well I guess I will have to dismiss Mr. Flint if he cannot follow simple orders.
There will be a new replacement tomorrow, and I will be sure they will follow directions." Harry, Ron, Melanie, Rose, and Avril all left particularly happy. Then Malfoy came strutting down the hall.
"Well you look very happy for someone who got their heart broken in Transfiguration today." said Malfoy. "Oh its alright Malfoy, I'm sure we will learn it tomorrow, Mr. Flint won't be here." said Harry.
"Aw Potter, you don't get your way so you go straight to Dumbledore. Well, Dumbledore is a fool too, Marcus knows what hes doing. Since you seem to know everything, let see how you handle....A Wizard Duel?"asked Malfoy.
"You're on." said Harry. "Ron here is my second like 4 years ago. Yours still the same?" "You bet." said Malfoy. "Oh and Malfoy? Don't try getting us into trouble like you have been for the past 4 years, it hasn't been working to well has it. Just show up and act like a man." said Ron.
"Fine," said Malfoy. "Next Saturday, Midnight, in the Quidditch Stadium. No one will be there." "You got it." said Harry. Malfoy left. "Harry, Ron, I hope you aren't proud of yourselves." said Melanie.
"All of us are a lot older, wiser, and more dangerous than we were in 1st year." said Melanie. "Don't worry about it, I got it covered. Just learn the transfiguration by next Saturday, and we'll win." he said.
"Oh I see." said Avril. "A trap. Clever." The next class was Flying Lessons. They were learning pro stratigies for seekers. Oliver had Harry demonstrate. After class they all left for lunch together. Harry, Ron, Avril, Melanie and Rose told Oliver about how they had gotten Marcus fired.
"Great!" said Oliver happily. "I wonder who will be the new replacement." when they got into the Great Hall, Malfoy came up to them. He was grinning broadly. "Prepare to have your dreams shattered." he said to all six, and he went to sit at the Slytherin table, still grinning.
"What's he so happy about?" asked Harry. The five sat together (Oliver had to sit at the staff table.) Once again, Dumbledore stood up. "We are going to have a new replacement for Transfiguration, but I only found one suitable person for the job. Lucius Malfoy."
It looked as though Harry, Ron, Melanie, Avril, and Rose could ave died on the spot. Up at the staff table, Oliver's mouth was hanging open in a silent scream. Snape was smirking evily and Malfoy was beaming.
"We're going to have to go and see Dumbledore again." said Rose weakly. "He'll probably teach the right stuff to the Slytherins and thats it." sadi Ron. "Well, lets just go see." said Harry. "There has to be a reasonable explantation."
So during afternoon break, everyone (even Oliver) went to see Dumbledore. "Mr. Malfoy has promised to teach the correct stuff to his class. He gave me word." said Dumbledore. There was no arguing it. If Malfoy gave Dumbledore his word, then there was just no changing his mind.
"Wait, I have an idea!" said Melanie. "Tomorrow, we have Flying again at the same time the Slytherins have Transfiguration. Oliver, will you let me out of class for a few minutes about halfway through so I can check on the Slytherins? Harry will catch me up later." "Sure." said Oliver.
So the next morning during Flying, Melanie left the field and headed up to the school. She slowly walked by the Tranfiguration room. As Mr. Malfoy had said, he was teaching Human Transfiguration. Malfoy was changing Crabbe into a bug. When Melanie got back to Transfiguration, she told everyone what she saw.
They couldn't believe it. "Wait a minute," said Avril "Dumbledore said Malfoy gave him word that he would teach the correct plans to HIS class. He was in Slytherin, that was HIS house. So we were probably right, he is only teaching it to the Slytherins." she said.
"Ok," said Oliver, "but if Malfoy doesn't teach you guys Human Transfiguration tomorrow, we will need to find SOMEONE to replace before another Slytherin turns up." "I KNOW!" said Harry. "Send an owl Angelina Johnson, Oliver, she was always good at Transfiguration. She used to show it off in the Common Room."
Oliver agreed to do this and sent an owl to Angelina. "If he doesn't keep his word, and I wouldn't put anything past a Malfoy.." he paused and stared off in the direction of the castle "I wouldn't trust ANY Slytherin, come to think of it."
Later in Transfiguration, Mr. Malfoy was teaching Human Transfiguration. The five were stunned. "I will need a volunteer to help me demonstrate what we will be doing tomorrow." he said. "You there!" he snapped at Rose. "Come up here." Rose hesitated.
"Come on!" said Mr. Malfoy. Rose went up reluctantly. As the five knew, Mr. Malfoy was a Death Eater, as were Rose's parents, and he would probably try something if he had a chance, that would capture Rose, because Rose wanted to stop Voldemort, and Voldemort had learned never to underestimate a Hogwarts student.
Mr. Malfoy turned Rose into a rat. He didn't turn her back for a while and Avril said. "Okay, um, PROFESSOR, how do you change them back?"
"Oh, yes. I forgot." said Mr. Malfoy lazily. Rose the Rat then sunk her teeth into his hand. "Ouch!" he said. "Change her back!" yelled Harry, pulling out his wand.
"We can get you fired!" "Yeah?" said Mr. Malfoy lazily. "Mobilicorpus!" yelled Harry, pointing his wand at Mr. Malfoy. He Rose into the air.
"Change her back, or Harry will drop you!" shouted Melanie. "All right, all right." said Mr. Malfoy. He changed Rose back and Harry dropped him anyway.
"Twenty Points from Gryffindor!" he shouted. "and detention for Harry, Rose, and Melanie."
"While they were walking out of class Ron said "Can you believe him?" Avril said "What was it like being a rat?"
"I'd didn't like it, but Draco's already so much like one..." she let her voice fade away, then she said "I won't be able to get this taste out of my mouth for a week. He tastes horrible." they all laughed.