Chapter Six: When a Rumor Runs Wild
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. But I am learning to type without looking at the keys. Thats my biggest accomplishment thus far.
Author Note: So hello everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone for reviewing. It really is nice to read what you all think. And for those of you who read and DON'T review, well you may meet your death sooner than you planned, but who am I to judge, I'm not Trelawney. So you could believe me or not, but I would review if I were you......
The next week started off to be normal and uneventful. Reagan and Josie were busy with Quidditch practice; Darenn was determined to work them to the bone. Wednesday morning at breakfast, Reagan and Josie were dragging their feet. Darenn had gotten them up at six in the morning for a six thirty practice. After an hour and a half on the Quidditch pitch, Reagan and Josie had to race back to Gryffindor Tower, shower, get ready for classes and hurry to catch the last ten minutes of breakfast. Reagan hated early morning practices, but she did like how they made her very awake for her Transfiguration lesson.
Professor Lupin had them reading chapter after chapter about Animagi and Cross-Species Switching Spells. He promised that within a week or so they would be able to actually practice the Species Switching spell on small animals, but they had to learn the theory of it first. However, it was boring them to death.
"I don't like Wednesdays," Cal announced as the three left Transfiguration. "Its the boring day of our week."
"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts after lunch," Reagan said positively.
"But its a double," Cal replied.
"And its with Slytherin," Josie added.
"It would be fine without the Slytherins and the double. Its too long," Cal finished. Reagan shrugged and turned with Josie towards the West Tower for Arithmancy, Cal hurried off to make it to Divination.
"Cal's right about Wednesdays," Josie said as they sat down in the warm and bright Arithmancy room. "Early morning Quidditch practice, followed by three boring classes in a row, and Astronomy at midnight; it makes Wednesdays horrible. And they're in the middle of the week. It just brings down the entire week."
Reagan laughed at her friend. "Lets see, something good on Wednesdays... lunch and dinner, we have those to look forward to. And also sleep and study time. With no Quidditch practice we can take a nap between Defense Against the Dark Arts, and dinner, and then again between dinner and Astronomy."
"Sleep sounds good," Josie said, propping her head in her hand. Reagan shook her head and took out parchment and a quill, ready to take notes. She glanced at her parchment, quickly reading over her notes from their last class period. She was good at Arithmancy, fact she was good at a lot of things. But being good at things brought unwanted attention to her. Reagan had talked to her brother about this, and he had laughed at her.
"Reagan, your a Potter," he had kindly explained. "Unwanted attention comes with the name. Dad had it at school because he was the Harry Potter. James had it because he was the first born and good at, well, everything. I have it because I'm good at Quidditch, and you're like James. You're good at everything. They should put Potter in the dictionary, with the definition of 'unwanted attention'."
Reagan knew her brother was right. She was good at everything. Everything came extremely naturally to her and she was one of the top students in her year. She always felt competition from Caitlin and Ethan, mainly because they all had Weasley blood in them, and it was a family thing to do well in school. The lessons came easy to Reagan and she was even asked to help some of the younger students.
"Darenn," Reagan had asked. "Do you think my being good at everything has anything to do with the Connection?"
Darenn had thought for a moment. "No, I don't. I mean, James was good at everything and he didn't have a Connection or anything. You're probably good for the same reasons we're all good. We have Potter and Weasley blood in us. And we learned what happens when you mix two old and powerful bloodlines. Remember Kelsey Potter? You get very powerful offspring. James is amazing at Transfiguration and Charms, I mean come on, he became an Animagus while still is school. I could probably do better in my studies, but I like Quidditch more. And you, well you're something Reagan. You seem to take after James more than me."
Reagan was glad to hear that her brother didn't think her magical power had anything to do with her Connection. It also flattered her that she thought she was like James. She looked up to both her brothers, but to be compared to one of them as an equal was a very hearty compliment.
"Reagan," Josie said and Reagan snapped out of her thoughts. Reagan looked up and saw Josie standing up, her bag slung over her shoulder.
"Is it time to go?" Reagan asked. She had vaguely been paying attention, but she didn't realize how the time had flown by.
"Yeah, the rest of the class has already left," Josie replied. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Reagan replied as she packed her bag, noticing that she had in fact taken notes during the class period. She just didn't remember doing it.
"You look a little dazed," Josie commented.
Reagan paused as she stood up. She was dazed, and a bit confused, and she had a hunch that it had something to do with the Connection. Should I mention it? Reagan thought. Its an opportune time, tell her everything, explain it all to her.
"No, I'm fine," Reagan replied and followed her friend out the door. The two girls fell into the mob of people on their way to lunch.
"Reagan, please don't loose me!" Josie whispered from behind her. Reagan smiled and nodded at her, knowing she would never do such a thing. She felt her friend grab onto her bag and Reagan lead their way towards the stairs. The crowd moved slowly, making it hard for anyone to move at all. Someone behind them mooed and everyone laughed. Another student thought it would be entertaining to start a pushing the students in front of them, and soon many students took up this new game as well.
"Come on now!" Reagan heard her brother's voice. She saw Darenn push his way towards her section of the crowd.
"Arden Lumbard!" Darenn cried, stopping beside his sister. He pulled a dark haired Slytherin from behind her.
"I didnÕt do it!" the boy cried.
"Ten points from Slytherin," Darenn said to him. "And if anyone else thinks its funny to push students in the corridor, they might want to think of a way of earning back the house points that WILL be taken from them!" Darenn glared at the crowd, turned and walked the other way.
"Wow, your brother is tough," Josie giggled to Reagan. Arden Lumbard, the dark haired Slytherin, heard her and turned towards Reagan.
"Potter is your brother?" he sneered.
Reagan nodded her head, feeling brave. "His name is Darenn."
"So that makes you Reagan Potter," Arden said. A few people turned and looked at her.
"What does it matter?" she asked.
"I'd watch it, little Potter," Arden said. "Your brother won't always be here to protect you."
"I don't need my brother to protect me," Reagan told him. "I can take care of myself."
"Don't be so sure of yourself," Arden sneered. "You're only a third year. Your knowledge of magic is two years behind mine."
"I'm a fourth year, and most likely know more about magic than you do. So don't be so sure of yourself," Reagan said to him. "And don't underestimate me."
"Arden!" a boy cried, coming up to him. It was Trevor Daniels. "Drop it!"
"Why should I?" Arden challenged. "She's just a Gryffindor!"
"I said to drop it!" Trevor said again. "Don't think I won't take points away from my own house."
"A true Slytherin wouldn't stand up for a Gryffindor, Trevor!" Arden spat at him.
"A true Slytherin wouldn't go looking for and making trouble. A true Slytherin wouldn't give a Gryffindor reason to take points away from them," Trevor spat back.
"Its Potter's sister," Arden said.
"Yeah, its Darenn Potter's sister. Meaning she's Reagan Potter. And if that isn't enough for you, then you need to be reminded that she's also Harry Potter's daughter," Trevor said.
Arden glared at at Trevor. "You should not have been made a Prefect."
"Maybe not. But I am one," Trevor retorted. "And don't think I'll take points away from my own house."
Arden glared again but dropped the argument. He pushed his way up the stairs and out of sight.
Turning to Reagan, Trevor said, "Be careful who you stand up to. You may be a Potter, but not everyone here respects that name."
"I know," Reagan said. "But thanks anyway."
"No problem," Trevor said.
"Why do you?" Reagan asked.
"Excuse me?" Trevor asked.
"Why do you respect the Potter name?"
Trevor shrugged. "I have no reason not to."
Reagan nodded and Josie pulled her towards the stairs, away from Trevor. They both ran down the stairs and met Cal in the front hall. On the way to lunch, they quickly told him what had just happened.
"Brilliant!" he exclaimed as they sat down at the Gryffindor table. "I wish I could have been there!"
"It really wasn't all that interesting," Reagan replied and took a sip of her soup.
"Hey Reagan," Lane called and sat down next to her. "Awesome job back there."
"Thanks," Reagan replied, a bit shyly. "I didn't really do anything." But Lane didn't seem to hear her.
"Reagan!" Caitlin squealed and ran over to her, with Nick Fitch-Fletchley behind her. "Nicky just old me what happened! I can't believe you said that to that Slytherin!"
"Said what?" Reagan asked. "I didn't really say anything extraordinary."
"Way to go," Ethan said from down the table. "I heard the fight was awesome!"
"What fight?" Reagan asked, confused
Apparently her little run in with Arden had made it around the school. For the rest of the day, and onto the next, random people were coming up to her, congratulating her. Some asked who threw the first punch, others asked where she had learned curses like that. Reagan tried explaining to everyone that there had been no punches, no curses and no fight, but no one would hear of it. People stopping her in the halls made her late to classes, and even earned her detention in Potions. Friday, things had quieted down a bit, but only a bit. Exhausted from Quidditch practice the night before, Reagan huddled between Cal and Josie, and tried to get to Transfiguration without any run ins with congratulators. They made it, though it was a close call, and sat down quickly in their seats.
"Ah, Miss Potter," Professor Lupin said to her as he came into the room.
"Hello Professor," she replied.
"Miss Potter, I'd like to have a word with you, after class if you don't mind," he said sternly, the twinkle gone from his eyes. Reagan nodded and sank in her seat.
The entire lesson she was distant and didn't participate in the discussions, even though she knew the answers. As class ended, Reagan slowly put her parchment back into her bag and slung it over her shoulder.
"We'll save you a seat at lunch," Josie said to her as she and Call left the room. Reagan nodded and walked to her uncle's desk.
"You wanted to see me, Professor," Reagan said and Professor Lupin looked up.
"Ah, yes," he replied. "Lately I've been hearing the strangest things in that halls. Now I don't want to remind you that fighting in the halls is not permitted, and the punishment is detention, and..."
"But Professor, I didn't get into a fight!" Reagan cried. "Arden Lumbard was pushing people and Darenn came and stopped him and then Arden was taunting me because I'm a Potter but I didn't hit him and he didn't hit me even though I do know how to throw a punch, I grew up with Darenn and James for Merlin's sake but then Trevor came and made him stop and that was it. Then I went to lunch and this whole thing got blown out of proportion." Reagan stopped and breathed and slumped into the nearest chair.
"Reagan, I never thought you got into a fight," Professor Lupin chuckled. "The thought of you swinging at Arden Lumbard is quite humorous and I find it amazing that anyone actually believes that story."
"You do?" Reagan asked and sighed. "I was afraid that you were actually going to give me detention for it."
"Well, I am," he continued. "Professor McGonagall got wind of the incident and insisted that something be done. So you and Arden are to get detention because the students think you got into a fight."
"But Professor!" she cried. "Thats not fair. I didn't do anything!"
"Reagan, if you'd let me finish!" he exclaimed. "Now, you have to have detention, though you're not loosing points. You are to serve your detention with me, tomorrow from two to five o'clock, meet me in here."
Reagan sighed. "Yes sir."
"Oh cheer up, Reagan," he said to her, the twinkle returning to his eyes. "Remember that thing we started last semester?"
Reagan perked up. "Yeah."
"Well, there is a place in the Forbidden Forest where we can practice. Your grandfather and Sirius used to go there to practice. Thats how you will serve your detention."
"Really?" Reagan asked, her eyes lighting up. "You mean I can try some more?"
"Yes of course," he replied. "You almost had it before. Three hours tomorrow and maybe another scheduled detention after that and you'll have it. We might even be able to get it before the next full moon."
"And then I can go with you?" she asked.
"Well, Harry or James might have to go with us the first time, but after that, probably. I'm sure your father won't want to keep Apparating to Hogsmeade and walking up here every month. James is too busy to do it anymore."
"Oh thank you!" she cried. Jumping up, she threw her arms around her uncle and hugged him. He laughed and hugged her back.
"But first, you need to go to lunch. Pay attention in Charms today to make up for your tardiness. And don't exhaust yourself during Quidditch practice tomorrow morning."
"I won't," she replied.
"Off to lunch with you, and I'll see you tomorrow, two o'clock, right here." Professor Lupin pointed straight down at his desk.
"All right," she replied and left the classroom in a much better mood. She didn't even notice the group of first years gawking at her as she passed them in the hall.
"Well, you seem in a better mood," Josie observed as Reagan sat down.
"I got detention for not fighting with Arden in the hall," Reagan replied. "Tomorrow at two."
"And that made you happy?" Cal asked. Reagan shrugged and dished some roast beef onto her plate.
"Reagan, look!" Josie exclaimed and pointed towards the ceiling. Four extremely large owls had just entered the Great Hall, two owls to each large and long package.
"I wonder who those are for," Reagan said. She glanced around and everyone in the Great Hall was watching the owls, waiting to see who they went to. Reagan watched as they flew straight down the Gryffindor table, one landing in front of Darenn and the second in front of her.
Reagan stared at the package with wide eyes.
"Darenn?" she said and looked at her brother. Darenn was staring at his package with the same expression as his sister and glanced up at her.
"Well, open it," Josie insisted. Slowly she and Darenn began to tear off the brown paper wrapping.
"Its a broom," Reagan whispered as the paper came off. "Its one of the those Nimbus 4000's we saw in Diagon Alley."
"Here's the card," Cal said, handing her a white envelope from beneath the wrapping.
Reagan,
Have a great season, and beat Slytherin to a pulp!
Love,
Daddy
"They're from Dad," Darenn said as he read his card.
"I can't believe he bought you one," Josie commented. A small crowd had gathered around Reagan and Darenn and everyone was ogling at the two exquisite brooms.
"Yeah, I can't believe it either," Reagan replied. She ran her hand along the smooth handle and traced the word 'Nimbus' with her finger.
"Oh no!" Cal cried. "We have Charms next!"
"We can take it out afterwards!" Josie exclaimed. Reagan nodded and picked up the broom. It was light and yet it felt strong.
"Lets take it up to Gryffindor Tower," Reagan said. "I don't want anything to happen to it."
Josie and Cal agreed. Darenn and Paul came with them, carrying Darenn's new broom very delicately. Reagan placed her broom on her bed and stared at it for a brief moment.
She turned towards her book bag, pulled out some parchment and wrote a thank you letter to her father, stating that he out did himself, yet again.
A/N: I like this chapter. I'm the author, I can be biased. ~EE
