Here We Go Around Again
Chapter 6
-McGonnagall said WHAT?!
The two of them were rushing down the hallway toward Charms, and Isabel had just told him about her conversation with the teacher.
The girl shot Robin an annoyed look as they rounded a corner.
-You heard me.,-she snapped.,-she apologized for unintentionally making you say I was an animagus, which I have yet to forgive you for.
Robin whined as they thundered up one flight of stairs.
-Come on, Iz!!! That wasn't my fault!!!,-he complained.
-You could have made something up.,-she said, moodily.,-you're great at making up excuses. Would have spared me a lot of trouble, as everyone's going to be asking me about it. And now we're late, too!
Robin whined again.
-I'm sorry already!
The pair burst through the door of the Charms classroom, both breathless, and every face turned to stare at them; the twins, who had gone on ahead before, were sitting up front, waving at them to sit next to them and Hermione, who was leaning back against her desk, arms crossed over her chest, frowned upon their arrival.
-Five points each, Miss Potter and Mr. Weasley, for being late and interrumping the lesson.,-she reprimanded, and Robin whined for the third time in the last five minutes.
-But, aunt Hermione!!!
A few sniggers ran through the students as Isabel elbowed him in the stomach and turned to face her mother, who had an eyebrow raised.
-I'm sorry, professor,-she said, eyes twinkling.,-we were delayed by Professor McGonnagall after class, but it won't happen again.
Hermione smiled lightly and nodded.
-Well, you may both take your seats, then.
As they rushed to sit down, Isabel caught Anya Malfoy's glare, and rolled her eyes in disgust.
-That was close...,-whispered Nick, giving her a little smile.
She smiled back, and then turned to face her mother.
-As I was saying,-she continued,-this year we will be developing a course concerning Defense and Attack Spells, to train you into facing any danger that you may come upon. This course will be, of course, followed closely by your Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons which, as you know, will be led by Professor Potter, and-yes, Miss Taylor?
Bess put her hand down shyly.
-About that, professor, I was wondering, how should we call you? It would be kind of... confusing, with the two of you being 'Professor Potter' and so...
Hermione was nodding slowly.
-Of course; I understand that, and you may call me 'Professor Granger' if you wish. I am okay with that. Now, in April we will hold a duelling club, to test-,-she was cut off by the Gryffindors' loud cheering, and even the Slytherins, who had stayed silent just to spite, couldn't seem to hide their excitment.
Isabel and Robin were chuckling to themselves; both of them had witnessed the sparring duels between the 'Dream Team'-which usually ended in disaster as the three would always go all out on each other-and even participated in some of them. Isabel knew a great deal about spells, and was quite good at it; she had often paired up with Robin, though, and so he was usually able to hold himself well-at least until she blew up on him, and that happened a lot.
Hermione cleared her throat.
-To test how far you've improved.,-she continued.,- The course will be divided in two parts, the first of which will be focused on defense. I expect you to put a lot effort and concentration in this class, for these are extremely difficult spells and, without them, any powerful witch or wizard can break through and get the better of you during battle. The first spell you'll be learning is a simple Shielding Charm, which will allow you to deflect weak spells, casting a sort of... bubble, if you'll have it, around your body. Miss Potter, Mr. Weasley,-she called, grinning, and making them both jump.,-since you were both late today, will you please come up for demonstration?
The twins gave them sympathetic looks; Isabel was frozen in place, and Robin's mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
-Well?,-she prompted.
Nicholas placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a gentle shove.
-Go, it's fine...,-he encouraged.,-you know this stuff, right? You'll do great...
Isabel sent him a nervous glance, then nodded; taking a deep breath, she turned to the boy next to her and pushed him, not so gently, on the seat.
-Robin! Move!
The red-head jumped up suddenly, and walked up to the professor, Isabel following close behind.
The older woman was smiling smugly at them; when they were both standing next to her-Isabel was shifting nervously from one foot to the other-she turned back to the class.
-The spell is rather simple: raise your wand arm and shout "Corporis Arma", and that alone should do it. Now,-she looked at her two 'victims'.,-Mr. Weasley will cast-a simple charm, mind you-and Miss Potter will deflect.
Isabel was very nervous; the Shielding Charm was piece of cake for her, but everyone was staring... catching Anya's sneer, she was suddenly filled with confidence.
She turned to Robin and waited for the attack, face set with determination; finally, her best friend raised his wand, shouted "Stupefy!", and then a jet of red light was rushing toward her.
Isabel raised her arm, calmly said "Corporis Arma", and suddenly a blue shield/bubble surrounded her, just in time to deflect the stunning spell that sailed over the students' head to hit the stone wall on the opposite side of the room.
The Gryffindors 'ohh-ed' and 'ahh-ed', the Slytherins scowled, and both Hermione and Robin grinned proudly at Isabel.
-That was great, kids, ten points each,-Mrs. Potter said, and turned to Robin.,-though I didn't ask you to cast that kind of spell, Robin.
The boy smiled mischiefully at their teacher.
-Oh, I know,-he said, sending a gleeful look at Isabel.,-but I also knew Izzy was going to do it perfectly.
The grin that drew itself in Isabel's face was enough to send warmth flowing through her mother's heart.