Some Interesting Matches

Chapter 6: A Strange Visitor

Disclaimer: Nah… still don't own Harry Potter.

Neville sat by himself in the Great Hall, waiting for the meeting to start. When the seats were finally filled up, Dumbledore stood up and began to speak.

"Hello, everyone, and thank you for attending our meeting. I assure you it will be quick, so you may return to your classes as I am sure you wholly desire to. As a few of you know, our old Professor Lockhart executed a faulty memory charm about 4 or 5 years ago. When the charm backfired, he had to be sent to St. Mungo's wonderful facility because of the disastrous results. With the help of St. Mungo's doctors and nurses, he slowly regained his memory. After a year or so of this, his memory was completely restored and he was able to leave the wizarding hospital."

Neville noticed Harry, Hermione, and Ron exchange looks.

"Then he publicly admitted that he, in essence, 'stole' other people's accomplishments and made them his own. The year he confessed, witches and wizards everywhere despised him for what he had done. But as the next year progressed and he continued righting his wrongs, not to mention doing numerous other good deeds, the public began to accept him again. Soon he became just as popular as he was before – but this time it was truthfully. Years have passed in this same manner, continuing right up until today. Now you are probably wondering why I have just told you this story."

Several heads nodded.

"Well, may I introduce to you with utmost respect, our returning Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lockhart."

Instead of wild applause, there was only dumbfounded silence. Neville wasn't sure what to think. Lockhart had always made Neville feel inferior, with his white white teeth and perfect gold hair.

But as a few of the female students and teachers began to clap, Lockhart himself entered the Great Hall. Neville noticed Snape scowling as Lockhart took the seat beside him.

"Now, you may return to your classes," continued Dumbledore. "Because some of you had Defense Against The Dark Arts next period, I felt I would re-introduce Professor Lockhart to you, as a changed man. You are dismissed."

Students and teachers alike stood at Dumbledore's words. Neville watched Lockhart take his own sweet time fixing his perfect golden hair and deep blue robes.

Snape noticeably grimaced beside him. Neville guessed it was because yet another fool, and for the second time notwithstanding, had stolen his job right out from under his crooked nose.

If it was a pixie it would have bit him, as Neville's grandmother always said.

Neville jumped as his name was called through the crowd of students. Turning around, he peered around heads and bodies until he found the person calling his name.

But… it couldn't be, Neville thought confusedly. Cho Chang, one of the prettiest and most popular girls in school, calling my name?

A/N: Sorry it was another short/crummy chapter. It was hard for me to figure out how to introduce Lockhart. And yes, I know, another cliffie. But I figured out the answerto whoever asked me why everybody loves to leave cliffies: we do it so you keep reading AND review. So why don't we try this out? Leave a review telling me what you think Cho wants, who is going to go out, basically what's going to happen. Thanks toeveryone for reviewing and Happy Holidays!

OneQuick Reviewer Comment

Augurey Song (formerly luvsirius) : Yes, every Gryffindor had a lock of hair in the potion. But -- because of the way the potion worked, a 7th year's current (not life long) "perfect match" wouldnot be a 1st year's. Get what I'm saying?