"Daddy, how can I earn your trust back?" Tirza asked very seriously as they flew around. "You need to be as honest as you can with me from now on," Severus replied. "As long as you tell me the truth things will work out." "I will. I almost lied last night, but I didn't," she told him truthfully. "Well I'm glad you didn't," Severus replied. "It would have made things worse." "Wanna race?" "Sure" Severus agreed and they raced for a while.
She got close to the ground and jumped right off her broom. "Where you going?" Severus called out as he landed. "I'm hungry!" she giggled. "Sounds good to me," Severus commented opening the basket to find turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes with gravy, fruit and pudding for dessert. "This looks good," Severus commented, grabbing a sandwich. Tirza nodded and started eating, pulling out a coke "Have you got any homework to finish?" Severus asked not knowing where to begin. "Nope, I got it all done." "Even my 2 parchment length essay?" Severus asked quiet surprised. "Yep, writing about Potions is easy, it's making them that's hard," she commented. "I know," Severus replied. "There are many like you."
Tirza smiled. "At least I'm not the only one that blows things up. Am I as bad as Neville? He's a nice guy, I like him." "You two could take lessons from each other," Severus said simply. "But I think you do better on the written stuff than he does." "Maybe," she said. "I'll ask him sometime." She dished up some pudding. "Want some dad?" she offered him a bowl. "Please," Severus replied. "How are your other classes coming along?" "Really good. I like all the others, except Go………I mean Professor Lockhart's. And my grades are good. What's my grade in your class?" she asked. "A D at the moment but your latest essay could pull that up," Severus admitted. "As long as you do well on your essays it will bring your potion mixing grade up." She smiled. "I think I did good on my essay. Hermione said she'll check it over for spelling errors and such for me."
"That was very nice of her," Severus agreed. "She really is the best student Hogwarts has had in a long time." "Really? Can I tell her you said that?" Tirza asked, looking pleased. "I guess so," Severus said. "But I think she probably figured that out already when she gets all the top marks." "But you've never told her," Tirza pointed out. "I rarely tell any students how I think they do," Severus replied quietly. "It's just not in my nature to do so." "How come?" Tirza asked softly. "You tell me stuff like that." "It's different with you," Severus commented. "I feel I can tell you anything almost since you are my daughter whereas the students are totally different." "True," she agreed.
She went over to sit on his lap. "I'm glad you're not mad at me anymore." "I really hate being mad at you but sometimes things happen," Severus sighed. "I'll try to be more listening from now on." "You're a good dad," Tirza decided. "I try," Severus replied she smiled and kissed his cheek. "Dad is there a story behind your name?" she asked. "You know," Severus commented. "I never thought to ask my parents about that." She giggled. "Not to be mean, but it sounds like one of those names that people who were hippies named their kids. Like Flower or Sunshine or something. But it's cool I like it. Maybe I'll have a little boy and name him Severus."
"Please no," Severus said quietly. "That can be his middle name but give him a sensible first name like Michael or something." She giggled. "Why?" "I have always been teased with my unusual name," Severus replied. "I would hate for one of your children to go through that." "True. Very true," she mused. "We'll see, maybe I'll only have little girls." "That could happen," Severus agreed. "But I'll be happy with whatever you give me as grandchildren." "Are you going to be a cool grandpa and give them lots of chocolate and really neat presents?" Tirza asked seriously. "We shall see," Severus said with a wink "but that's a good many years off just yet."
'Of course, but those are the rules you know," she stated firmly. "Says who?" Severus asked. "I don't know, but that's what all the grandpas I know do," she said. "Well I won't know what I'll do until I get grandchildren," Severus replied. "But that won't be for a long time so I don't have to worry." She giggled. "Kids are millions of years away." She told him. "I hope at least till you get out of Hogwarts," Severus amended. "Well, like yeah dad," she said, giving him a funny look. "I'll be something famous when I have kids." She reached for another sandwich. "Are you done with the potatoes?" she asked "Sure," Severus said handing them over. "No, I don't want the potatoes, I want the gravy." She took the gravy and dunked the turkey sandwich into it.
Severus just shook his head. She giggled. "It's really good, honest!" "Whatever you say," Severus replied still not sure. "Come on, try it!" she urged. "You'll love it!" "Thanks but no thanks," Severus replied. "I'm full." She finished her sandwich, and then lay on her back. "Its pretty here," she told him. "I love it." "I couldn't agree more," Severus said. "I wanna get married here some day," she commented. "It would be a perfect place," Severus agreed she smiled. "Too bad Trelawney is a fraud, she could tell me who I'm gonna marry if she was real." "Just remember never to say that to her face," Severus stated. "She's a little touchy about that."
"I know, but it's a little late," Tirza said quietly. "Why?" Severus asked probably already knowing the answer. "Remember the first quidditch game we went too? I told her she was fake like witch McCoy on Scooby doo," Tirza said with a giggle. "Yes I do remember that," Severus admitted. "You really do need to be careful though about saying those things to teachers." "That was when I first came and was little," she decided. "I'm older now." "Good," Severus commented. "You've done a lot of growing up in the last year." She smiled. "I hope so. It's so cool being here, even if school is hard work." Severus smiled and nodded. "I'm just glad your here."
Fred and George spotted them and went over. "Professor? We got something to tell you," Fred said. "I'm listening," Severus said. "We helped Tirza paint that stuff," George told him. "Really?" Severus said. "Is this true?" All three kids nodded. "And it was our idea too," Fred said. "We convinced her we'd get away with it." "Then I think all of you should help Filch clean up the mess," Severus stated. They nodded. "Don't be too hard on her Professor," George asked. "Yeah, she's a good kid," Fred insisted. "I know boys but she did something she knew she shouldn't have done," Severus replied. "Still, it was mostly our fault," George stated. "I'm not letting her off," Severus said. "You three did the crime so you must do the time."
"When do we do that sir?" George asked. Severus looked at his watch. "In about an hour," he commented. "Can we steal her away for a bit?" George asked. "I guess so as long as you show up for the detention," Severus said. Tirza kissed him and bounded away with the boys. "You okay?" they asked. She shrugged. "I guess so."
It was time for detention and filch was waiting. The three of them ran to where they were supposed to meet him. "Alright you three," Filch sneered. "No wands will be used just water and sponges." "I can't use this soap," Tirza stated. "Well then you can use this paint to recolor the door and then the desk and chair," Filch said. She nodded and she and the boys began "Sorry we got in trouble guys," Tirza said. "Well he deserved it really," George said quietly. "He shouldn't even be teaching," Tirza nodded. "We know that. I just wish the adults would figure it out. Look what he did to me last night?" she showed them the hand shaped bruise on her arm. "That should be illegal," Fred said. "It is!" she told them.
"You know, I think he's threatened by her," George said. "Really?" Fred and Tirza asked. "She's cuter then he is and I think that scares him. She's small and cute and not a bit famous, 'cept around here, and she's got tons of people wrapped around her finger!" Tirza laughed. "What's so funny?" Fred asked. "I'm cuter then Lockhart and it scares him!" Tirza said, just as Lockhart walked in. "What was that?" Lockhart demanded, looking at the three of them. Tirza hid behind the boys. "Nothing," the twins said in unison. "Just talking." "Really I could have sworn the brat there said she was cuter then me," Lockhart sneered. "Leave her alone," George growled. "She's just a kid," Fred added. "A kid Lockhart retorted. "Maybe because you hassle her?" Fred countered.
"Well if she wasn't such a know it all," Lockhart snapped. "I wouldn't have to be so rude." "Well, we're finished here," George said, having finished the last coat. Fred picked Tirza up. "We're leaving now." "Filch are you finished with them?" Lockhart asked. "If they're finished painting, then yeah," filch said. "We're finished," Fred said. They got her out the door, where Fred, who was holding her, could feel her relax. "Thanks," she said softly. "Your welcome," Fred and George said. Lockhart was watching them, scowling. "Wish I could have you guys around for class on Monday," she said. "Well you got our sister," Fred offered. "She'll stick up for you."
"True," she said. "You guys didn't have to confess you know." "Well we couldn't let you go down alone," George said. She hugged them both. "You guys are great!" "So are you," They both agreed. They dropped her off at Snape's chambers. "See you later!" she called. "How did the night go?" Severus asked. Tirza sighed. "Lockhart heard us talking and got all icky. But we cleaned everything up." "Good," Severus sighed. "I should warn you though you need to be more careful in his class." "Why?" she asked, going to sit beside him. "He's put Albus in a tough spot," Severus said. "He said that either Albus allow him to give harsher detentions or he'll write to the minister of magic and complain."
"So what did Grandpa do?" "Grandpa gave him some leeway," Severus replied. "But there are limitations that he cannot cross." "Like what's changed?" she asked softly. "He can now give detentions for any kind of slander remark," Severus said. "He can also assign up to a month's detention without anyone's permission and can also assign extra work but he cannot use any kind of corporal punishment which is really what he wanted." "He wanted what?" Tirza asked. "Spankings to be legal in his classroom," Severus sighed. "But Albus vetoed that quickly." Tirza whimpered at that thought. "Good," she said. "None of the other teachers wanted it, did they?" "None whatsoever," Severus replied. "Filch wasn't all that opposed but his opinion doesn't weigh into this and anyway he wasn't invited to the meeting." Tirza giggled. "Is he ever invited to the meetings?" "Not unless it involves his area of expertise," Severus replied.
"Am I allowed to sleep in the dorm tonight if I want too?" Tirza asked. "Of course," Severus replied. "Good, I wanna go stay with the girls." she kissed Snape, and then ran off to her room to grab molly. "Goodnight daddy!" "Goodnight Tirza I love you," Severus said as he gave her a kiss.
Tirza was getting more and more nervous to be in Lockhart's class and Severus began to insist on her carrying her anxiety potion with her, just in case. She always hid it inside her robes in a container with a non-breakable spell on. She hoped she wouldn't have to get bad enough to use it, but with Lockhart, nothing was certain. Especially today; she was going to be late and she knew it. A Slytherin had dumped her book bag all over in the hallway and she had had to clean it up. She reached the door of the classroom just as the bell rang and cringed, trying to sneak to her seat. "Ms Snape you are late," Lockhart commented harshly. "Sorry," Tirza mumbled, quickly sitting down.
"Today we will be working on engorgement spells," Lockhart said. "Instructions are on the board." Tirza pointed her wand at the button and said the spell; nothing happened. "Engorgo" Ginny said and her button grew to twice its size. After three tries, maddie's grew as well. Tirza's button kept doing nothing. "I swear I'm cursed," she whispered to Maddie. "Ms. Snape can you not do anything right today?" Lockhart sneered, knowing he had given her a dud button on purpose. "I'm trying, ok?" she snapped. Again, the button did nothing. "Gee the perfect Ms. Snape isn't so perfect," Lockhart shot back.
"Leave her alone Professor please," Ginny pleaded. Tirza threw her button on the floor and crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't make me give you detention Ms. Snape, try again," Lockhart stated. "No, just leave me alone," she stated. "No sorry, I won't until you produce the correct reaction with your button," Lockhart replied. "Look, so maybe I am stupid, okay? Are you happy now? Just go away!" "No I'm not please pick up your button and try again," Lockhart snapped. "10 pts from Gryffindor." Tirza just sat there, trying to take a few deep breaths.
"Ms. Weasley, please retrieve Ms. Snape's button as she seems to be incapable of doing so herself," Lockhart said. "Yes professor," Ginny said weakly. Ginny picked up the button and placed it on the desk. Tirza tried one last time and still nothing. "I just can't do it," she protested to Lockhart. "Stop picking on me!" "Ms. Snape come to the front of the class with your button," Lockhart snapped. Tirza, starting to tremble slightly, picked up the button, and went to the front of the class. "Class Ms, Snape will now demonstrate how NOT to engorge a button," Lockhart stated. Tirza blushed a brick red. "Please, just stop," she begged, her stomach beginning to churn. "Do as I ask or you will be very sorry," Lockhart sneered, not noticing another presence in the room.
She didn't answer, but reached into her robe and pulled out the small vial of her potion. "What is this?" Lockhart said as he snatched away the vial. "It's mine, give it back!" Tirza insisted. "Not until you tell me what it is," Lockhart sneered. "No, I won't tell you! Give it back, please!" "I will pocket this for safe keeping," Lockhart stated. "Now do as you were asked." "Please, I need it, give it back!" she begged, sounding close to tears. "Not until class is over," Lockhart snapped back. Tirza's face began to get pale and she broke out in a sweat. "Please professor," she begged. "Please, I really need it."
"I said no and I meant it," Lockhart replied. "Now take your seat because you seem to be incapable of doing a simple spell." A wave of nausea swept over her and she threw up. "What the hell are you doing?" Lockhart snapped. She threw up again. "Professor what are you doing?" The Bloody Baron said, appearing right beside him. She fell to her knees, clutching her stomach. "Class dismissed," Lockhart said, as he knew there was no way he could get anything else done. "Let's find Professor Snape," Ginny said. "Luna please find Professor McGonagall." "I'll get Dumbledore," Colin offered.
"Explain yourself professor," Bloody Baron asked again. Tirza, still hunched over, continued to throw up, finding no ease from her panic attack, because the cause of it was still there, screaming at her. "I do not answer to you baron! And you better stop that right now miss Snape!" Lockhart yelled. "You'll answer to me or you'll have one hell of a problem," Severus said as he raced into the classroom with Ginny and Maddie on his heels. "How dare you two bring him here?" Lockhart shouted. "And get up you stupid girl!" "You will not speak to my daughter in that manner no matter what she did," Snape said picking up Tirza before Lockhart reached her. "Ladies, please excuse us because this could get ugly."
"Yes professor," Ginny and Maddie said as they raced from the room, only to almost run Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore over in the process. "What is going on?" McGonagall asked. "When I arrived, I found Tirza on the floor very sick and Lockhart yelling at her," Snape said. "Baron do you know anything about this?" Tirza's breathing had gotten unnormally fast, but she had ceased throwing up for the moment. She shivered, drenched in sweat. Snape handed her to Dumbledore for a minute, took off his outer robe and wrapped her in it, rocking her gently while listening.
"Professor Snape had asked me to come check on his daughter today," The Bloody Baron began. "I entered the classroom just after the class had started. Professor Lockhart was handing out buttons for them to engorge and when he got to Ms. Snape's desk, he reached into his other pocket and pulled out one," Bloody Baron continued. "When Tirza tried to change her button it wouldn't work and I had a suspicion that it was a trick of some kind." Tirza's breathing was still fast and shallow, and Severus continued to rock her, listening to the Baron, but also concerned for Tirza. "When Ms Snape was unable to make it change, Professor Lockhart became enraged and demanded she do it. When she threw it off her desk in frustration Lockhart lost it."
"He demanded that she come to the front of the room. She did as he asked but refused to do the spell. She fiddled in her pocket for a vial," the Baron continued. Tirza suddenly gagged and threw up again. "When Lockhart saw the vial he took it from her and demanded to know exactly what it was and Tirza refused so he decided to pocket it." "VIAL NOW" Snape growled dangerously. Lockhart laughed. "What makes this vial so important?" "Give me the damn vial Lockhart or you will regret the day your sorry ass landed in this school!" Snape said as he finished cleaning Tirza up. Lockhart handed it over, waiting curiously to see what it was all about.
"Continue Baron," Albus prodded. "Many of the students tried to no avail to get Lockhart to quit but he was completely enraged. I made my presence known just as she began throwing up. He dismissed the class and a few students went after the three of you," The Baron finished. "I would suggest Professor Lockhart you clear out of here immediately," Albus said quite dangerously. "Why? Because I attempted to teach a frustrating student a lesson?" Lockhart snapped back. "Because you have stepped over the line as a teacher," Albus said. "NO teacher in this school is allowed to torment a student to the point of them being sick nor are they allowed to make them an example over and over again in their classroom."
"You wouldn't say this if it wasn't Snape's daughter and your precious pet!" Lockhart shouted. "Oh yes I would!" Albus now shouted; a thing any knew was bad. "Any student no matter their parentage has the right to be protected from pompous, self-centered people like you!" "I am way too spectacular to be treated this way! You can't fire me! I QUIT!" Lockhart yelled and stormed to his office and began packing. Severus was still trying to get Tirza to calm down and asked the baron to please retrieve Madam Pompfrey. "Your fired Lockhart and that is what your record will show," Albus said now quieting down. "If you ever show your face in my school again you will seriously regret it."
Tirza was crying hysterically, shaking, and breathing rather funny, as white as a sheet. "Severus lets get out of here," Albus suggested, leading them both from the room to be met by a very flustered Madam Pompfrey. "Oh Merlin, baron wasn't exaggerating," poppy said coming over to Severus, who was holding Tirza. "How long has she been like this?" "About 30 minutes right Baron?" Albus said. "Yes Professor may I go back to our dorm now so I can keep the peace while professor Snape is unavailable?" "Of course," Albus said dismissing him. Poppy used her wand and muttered a spell that made Tirza's breathing slow down. "Let's get her to the hospital wing Severus, and quickly"
As they ran through the halls the students scattered, most knowing what had happened in Lockhart's classroom. Upon seeing Nick, Albus said, "Nick please go find Hermione Granger and let her know that Tirza Snape is being taken to the hospital wing. She will let those who need to know this be told." "Yes headmaster," Nick said and hurried off in search of Hermione. "Put her there Severus," poppy said pointing to a bed and hurrying to her medicine cabinet. "If you can get her to drink this, it will calm her stomach for the other potions," she handed Severus a vial with a thick liquid inside.
"Baby you have drink this," Severus urged gently as Tirza refused to take a drink. "This will help you feel better." Holding his hand tightly, she allowed him to help her drink it. Within seconds, her stomach was calmed. Poppy rushed back over with four vials and a large bar of chocolate. "Help her to drink these," poppy instructed. "Drink the chocolate Poppy?" Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. "Here baby drink these then you can EAT the chocolate," Severus said. Poppy chuckled at Albus and sat at Tirza's side, patting her other hand. "You poor little dear," she murmured. "What happened?" she asked Albus.
"Lockhart made a fatal mistake today by taking away her potion and she ended up in this state." "Bumbling idiot," poppy snapped. "I ought to wring his neck! How anyone would want to hurt this little lamb is beyond me!" "Don't worry Poppy he won't be hurting anyone anymore," Severus replied. "Well I should hope not!" poppy replied. Tirza shook her head at the chocolate. "Daddy, ill throw it up," she said softly. "I believe the medicines Madam Pompfrey gave you will keep you from throwing this up and besides, 'chocolate is the best cure for anything that ails you" Severus mimicked. "Or so Poppy tells us." Tirza gave a weak smile and slowly began nibbling on the chocolate. Her eyes began to droop from the combined effects of the potions.
"Somebody's sleepy," Albus commented quietly. "Must she stay here tonight?" Severus questioned. Poppy shook her head no. "She'll be alright now that the symptoms are under control. Just keep an eye on her and make sure she eats a decent supper. I would suggest that she stay with you tonight." "Of course," Severus said in agreement as they left the infirmary. "Daddy," Tirza whispered, her eyes still closed. "I sorry." "This is NOT your fault baby," Severus said rubbing her back. "Your dad is right sunshine," Albus agreed. "Professor Lockhart had no right to do what he did." "Tired," she mumbled.
"We need to eat something first then you can sleep," Severus said quietly. "Have to?" she mumbled. "I'll have the house-elf's send up her favorite foods," Albus replied. "I'll also head off Ms. Weasley and crew." "Yes baby you do," Severus said. She nodded, her eyes still closed, some color finally returning her her cheeks. When they arrived in their quarters they found a table spread with all her favorite foods and her favorite drink. "Let's get you changed first then we'll eat," Severus said.
After she had been changed and got some food in her, they were cuddling on the couch when there was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" Severus asked. "Ginny and Maddie!" Maddie called. "Can we come in?" Maddie asked. "Of course ladies, but we must be quiet because Tirza still isn't feeling well," Severus replied. "Thank you," they both said in unison. Tirza gave them a weak smile as they entered. "Hi," she said softly. "How fast did it spread?" "By the time we got to the common room everyone knew," Ginny admitted. "Everyone though thinks Lockhart is a git who needed to be fired" Maddie put in for effort.
Tirza gave a soft giggle "did I scare everybody?" "Yes but they were also very concerned," Ginny told her. "Bet I put on a real great show," Tirza said sarcastically. "Not as bad as what Draco did in the great hall," Ginny told her. "What'd he do?" she asked, curiously. "He was bragging about how he could juggle a whole bunch of mugs," Maddie started. "Well he could for about a minute but then he began dropping them and somebody jinxed em so when dropped they would pour pumpkin juice all over him." "He was SOAKED in pumpkin juice!" Ginny said laughing very hard. Tirza giggled hard for a moment, then stopped and rubbed her stomach. It was sore from all the throwing up.
"Time for bed," Severus said. "Can't they stay longer?" Tirza asked. "No Tirza they cannot, but they may come and visit you tomorrow," Severus stated. She nodded, and then yawned. "I'll see you tomorrow, k?" she said. "Yep you will," Ginny said as she waved goodnight and walked out the door. "Goodnight Tirza, see you tomorrow," Maddie called as she followed Ginny. "Get better!"
"Let's get you settled," Severus said he carried her toward his room. "I'm sorry," she said again. "It isn't your fault and do NOT ever think it was," Severus said. "Now put it out of your mind and take this," he said handing her the dreamless sleep potion. She took the potion and curled up in the blankets. "Love you daddy." "Goodnight baby I love you very very much," Severus said as he tucked the blankets around her. When he knew she was asleep, he got changed and curled up beside her and just stared at her for a while and finally feel asleep.
Tirza rolled over in the bed, leaning her head on Severus' chest, her curls tickling his skin. "Are you awake?" Severus whispered. "Wake up baby," Severus said shaking her lightly. "You don't want to miss your last day of term." Tirza yawned and opened her eyes. "Have to go?" "Yes and it's your favorite subjects," Severus said with a laugh. "My head hurts," she whispered. "I can fix that," Severus said extracting himself from the bed and heading for the bathroom. While he went to the bathroom, she fell asleep again. "You have to get up or grandpa and your friends will kill me," Severus sighed as he shook her awake again.
She smiled. "Why would they kill you?" "Cause you didn't show up and they would think I was holding you prisoner," Severus growled as he lunged at her and began tickling her. Tirza giggled as he tickled her. "Time we got going," Severus said 20 minutes later, after finally getting her to agree to go since her friends would be with her. Tirza trudged out in her school uniform, looking tired, but looking better then she did yesterday.
"There you are!" Ginny cried as she rounded on Tirza. Tirza smiled and sat down at the table. "Thanks for getting Lockhart canned," George said as he joined her at the table Tirza giggled. "My pleasure," she said with a wink. "You're such a tattle tale," Veronica said as she sat down some ways away from them. "What do you mean?" Tirza asked. "Stuff it Veronica," Maddie shot back. "Always telling on teachers and now you got one fired," Veronica stated. "I didn't tell on him," Tirza said. "I wasn't trying to get him fired, but he was being a brat." "Whatever but most everyone thinks you are a snitch and won't ever trust you," Veronica huffed and turned her back to her.
"Do people really think that? I couldn't help it that he made me sick," Tirza asked Ginny and Maddie. "Some who are as close minded as her think so but most are like us and think it was a cool thing you did," Ginny said. "Well it didn't feel so cool," Tirza told her "it was really scary actually." "I bet it was but get that old meanie moe out of your mind and let's enjoy our last day of term," Maddie said happily. Tirza nodded and picked at her breakfast, not wanting to eat a lot and set her stomach off. Soon there was heard lots of rustling above and owl mail had arrived.
Two letters dropped in front of Tirza. Tirza grabbed one and opened it; it was from Mrs. Weasley and it read: "Dear Tirza, Ginny wrote yesterday to say how dreadful of a day you had. I wanted to write and tell you that I'm so proud of the way you stood up to Professor Lockhart. I know you got sick but you were brave enough not to let that jerk win. Please get well soon and you can come visit us over holidays if your dad will let you. Much love and hugs, Molly Weasley." Tirza smiled. "You know, I just love your mom," she said to Ginny.
"Archimedes!" Tirza yelped as her owl almost fell off the table with the weight of his letter and parcel. "I bet it's from your dad," Maddie said. She stopped the owl from falling off and feed him part of her breakfast. "You poor sweetie," she said to the owl, and then looked at the letter. "Dear Tirza, I hope you know how proud of you I am. Professor Lockhart had no right to treat you in that manner and I am so glad you are alright. We will leave tomorrow afternoon for Snape manor to spend the holidays but I thought you would like one of your presents first. Love, Dad." Tirza giggled and looked over at her dad and blew him a kiss.
"What is it?" Ginny asked as Tirza shook the package. Tirza carefully opened the package to find... "Cool!" Both girls exclaimed as Tirza pulled out the newest edition of teen witch and on the cover was a picture of Lockhart with a big X over his face and the words Lockhart fired for yelling at kids. "We have got to save that to read to the common room tonight!" Maddie said. Tirza nodded happily. "How did your dad get it so quickly?" Ginny wondered as they walked toward their first class. "He's got connections I guess...I bet your dad has lots of connections too, working at the ministry." "Most of the time but he and the minister don't agree on things," Ginny sighed remembering some fights she had overheard coming from the fireplace. "Fudge isn't a nice man sometimes."
"Dad says fudge is an idiot and that grandpa should be minister," Tirza told her. "My parents agree with your dad," Maddie added.
They entered their first class and Tirza stuffed the magazine into her bag for later. "Most agree with your dad," Ginny whispered quietly. "Alright everyone settles down," Professor Sprout called out as she came from behind a huge plant. "Today we will be working with our snap dragons so please get your equipment out."