"I can't believe you have detention tonight." Lisa said as we made our way to lunch the next morning. "You're were literally a minute late."
"At least Lockhart saved me from the worst of it." I replied as we entered the great hall. "It would have been much worse if Filch had gotten to decide my punishment. At least now, I get to spend Detention with Lockhart." I said the last part grinning.
Was detention with Lockhart really a punishment?
"I still don't like it." Anthony interjected, and I turned to him with a frown. "It seems he always knows where you and Harry are, not to mention wanting both of you for Detention."
"He saved me from Filch, and Harry does deserve Detention for what he did." I replied surely. "Clearly he's just trying to be a good mentor."
"Mentor?" Anthony asked raising an eyebrow. "Sarah, you've known him for less than a week! If this was Professor Flitwick I'd understand, but Lockhart? The teacher who was just hired."
I rolled my eyes. "Lockhart, the hero who's saved multiple people's lives, who's combated the dark forces for years? Come on Anthony, just admit you're wrong about him."
Anthony sighed in defeat. "Whatever Sarah, I just hope he doesn't turn out like Quirrell."
I froze at the memory of Quirrell, how he'd had become my favorite Professor only to stab me in the back, how he had tried to steal the Sorcerer's Stone to bring You-Know-Who back, how he tried to murder Harry.
"Lockhart's nothing like Quirrell." I said after brief hesitation. "I mean, we knew nothing about Quirrell before he was a Professor. While Lockhart, on the other hand, has a long history of fighting evil. They are nothing alike." I finished, nodding my head confidently. Anthony shrugged.
"I hope you're right." He said in a tone that said he didn't believe it. "Just...be careful. You, and Harry aren't just normal students."
"Harry isn't." I retorted, and Anthony sighed.
"So..." Lisa interjected, and we both turned to her. "Were going to Hagrid's." She said, changing the subject.
"Yeah, he wanted to see how our first week was." I explained, and Lisa nodded.
"Well, as long as their are no dragons involved." She said, and I smirked.
"None that I know of." I admitted.
We ate the rest of our breakfast, then started making our way towards the entrance hall...
"Miss Potter?" We all froze, and turned to see the small form of Professor Flitwick walking over to us. He had a large, green, boil in between his eyes, and I remembered Harry telling me how Ron's wand had backfired in Charm's, causing the wand to hit right where Flitwick boil was.
"Yes Sir?" I replied as he walked up to us, trying not to stare at the boil.
"Might I have quick word, if you please." He told me. Anthony and Lisa both gave me confused looks, and I shrugged. "Don't worry, you're not in any trouble." Flitwick assured us.
"Of course sir." I replied, as Flitwick motioned for me to follow.
"We'll wait for you on the road to Hagrid's." Lisa called out to me. I turned and nodded at her, then continued after Professor Flitwick. Eventually we arrived in his office, and he closed the door behind me.
"Sit." He said, motioning to a chair opposite his. I sat down, as he did the same. "I know you're wondering why I wanted to speak with you."
"I am sir."
"Like I said, you're not in any trouble, I just wanted to speak with you about your Quidditch tryout."
I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Oh, that. What did you want to know?"
"I just wanted to make sure you're joining the team because you wanted to, not because of Mr. Davies, and Miss Chang's pressure."
"Well, at first it seemed like they were pressuring me. But after last night's tryout, and seeing how good I could be, I want to play."
Flitwick gave me a warm nod. "Good, I just wanted to be sure. Mr. Davies, and Miss Chang can be quite...competitive when it comes to the game. After they came to me this morning, I wanted to be sure."
"I'm sure Professor." I assured him, and he nodded.
"Good, do you have a broom?" He asked, and I shook my head.
"Not yet, I was planning to look into options soon."
"And during tomorrow night's practice?" Flitwick asked raising an eyebrow. "Even the best delivery owl's need three day's notice."
"Cho and Roger both said that the school broom's would be fine for practice." I assured him, and Flitwick nodded.
"You don't want my help in procuring one? If I remember, Professor McGonagall was instrumental in obtaining your brother's Nimbus 2000 last year. It would only be fair if I did the same."
I was taken aback, Professor Flitwick had just offered to buy me a broom...the fact that that was how Harry had gotten his hadn't even crossed my mind. After regaining myself I thought...then shook my head.
"No thank you sir." I replied, and the short Professor looked at me confused. "I just...want this to be my own, besides, Harry made the team after McGonagall saw him catch Neville's Remembrall. I, on the other hand, agreed to join the team of my own free will. Harry's choise, even if he would have made it himself eventually, wasn't his. Mine was. Does that make sense?"
Professor Flitwick's confused face slowly turned to a smile. "It does Miss Potter." He told me fondly. "I'll let you get your own broom."
"Thank you sir, is that all?"
"It is, I'll let you enjoy the rest or your Saturday, you're dismissed."
I nodded, stood up, exited the office, and began to make my way back to the entrance hall, and out onto the grounds. I saw Anthony and Lisa waiting on the path to Hagrid's and walked over to them. As soon as they noticed me they gave me curious looks.
"What happened?" Lisa asked worriedly. "You're not in trouble, are you?"
I waved off the notion. "Nothing like that." I assured her, as we again started towards Hagrid's.
"What'd he want?" Anthony asked, and I gave him a subtle nod towards the Quidditch pitch, his eyes widened in realization and he nodded.
"Yeah, what did he want?" Lisa added, not having noticed my nod, or Anthony's look.
"He just wanted to talk about why I was late last night." I replied, feeling my stomach churn as I lied.
For what felt like a entirety she looked at me confused, until she nodded, and I felt able to breathe again. "That make's sense. What did you tell him?"
"That I happened across Luna's shoes, and that was why I was late." I replied, again Lisa nodded in understanding.
"I still can't believe Lockhart gave you detention." She said as we began down the path towards Hagrid's hut. I gave her a small smile, and she sighed. "Still, has to be better than last year's mess." She added, motioning to the forest.
"No doubt." I replied, shuttering at the memory.
As we walked, I noticed the Quidditch pitch slowly fill with students, all of whom were Gryffindor's. Intrigued I looked over, and saw scarlet robed figures racing around on brooms.
"Gryffindor's already practicing." I said, looking over at the pitch, and putting it into the back of my mind to tell Roger later.
"We noticed." Anthony replied as we all shared a glance at the pitch. "They must have been up really early." Anthony face shifted to a smirk. "Bet Harry loved that."
"Harry does say Wood is...obsessive." I replied smiling and shaking my head. "Though I don't really blame him, with Slytherin winning seven years in a row."
"You think our team will be that committed this year?" Lisa asked, me and Anthony both shared another subtle glance, then I shrugged.
"Hopefully." I replied.
Finally we reached Hagrid's cabin, and I knocked on the front door. I heard the sound Feng at the door, as Hagrid call out to us.
"Who is it?" He asked, as I heard him hold Feng back.
"It's us." I replied, and the door swung open. Hagrid looking at us with a warm smile.
"Their yeh three are, come in, jus started makin' some tea." Hagrid said, motioning for us to come inside. We all walked in and sat down as Hagrid closed the door and released Feng, who bolted over to me, got in my lap, and started to slobber all over me. "Feng's bin wanting ter see yeh too." Hagrid added with a laugh, as I grimaced at the drool on my arm.
"I can see that." I replied, as I started to pet Feng.
"Anyways, how was all your summers?" Hagrid asked pleasantly, I let Anthony and Lisa explain their exciting trips to Brazil and Norway. When he turned to me, I shrugged.
"You know how the Dursley's are." I replied, causing Hagrid to frown, and Lisa and Anthony to look at me in pity.
"Prunes all o' 'em." Hagrid replied angerly. "Can' believe your mum sister is so..." Hagrid started, then took a deep breath before he started yelling.
"Unpleasant." I finished for him, and he nodded, then sighed.
"I wish yeh an' Harry never had ter live there." He told me, and I softly smiled at him.
"I do too."
Before anyone could respond their was a loud knock at the door. The unpleasant tone of my home life was quickly forgotten has Hagrid stood up. "Hold Feng, will yeh? Don' wan' ter have ter fight with 'im a the door."
"Of course." I replied, wrapping my arms around Feng who started to lick me everywhere, much toe the amusement of Hagrid, and the disgust of Anthony and Lisa.
"You're getting slobber everywhere on you." Lisa whispered to me in a grimace as as Hagrid made his way over to the door.
"I'll clean myself with a spell." I replied, scratching Feng behind the ears. Lisa shuttered as Hagrid approached the door.
"Should be your brother, must be done with Quidditch practice." Hagrid told me merrily as he opened the door. "Their yeh three ar..."
"Indeed it is I, Gilderoy Lockhart, order of Merlin third class, honorary member of the..."
I went from smiling, to looking at my slobber covered hands and face in terror. Lockhart was here, and if he saw me like this...
"Off Feng, off." I said, the dog wined by obeyed as I quickly stood up, hid behind my chair, and pulled out my wand.
"Yeh already told me all tha' stuff at the beginning o' term staff meeting." I heard Hagrid reply in a annoyed tone as I fumbled with my wand. Lisa and Anthony were looking back and forth between me and Hagrid. Lisa looked amused, Anthony a mix of pity for me and annoyance at Lockhart.
"Never can say it enough my dear man." I heard Lockhart reply from the doorway. "May I come in?"
"What was the charm again." I said to myself frantically.
I heard Lisa chuckle, while Anthony looked at me and whispered. "Ego Purgatio."
"I'm busy." I heard Hagrid reply, but Lockhart simply brushed past him.
"I'll be quick." Lockhart replied as he came into view, wearing long palest mauve robes, and his trademark smile.
"Ego purgatio." I said frantically, pointing my wand at my face. Instantly I was overcome by a cold, watering feeling as I felt the drool on my face disappear. I did my arms and torso then stood up. Trying to look natural.
"Ah, Miss Potter." Professor Lockhart said with a massive smile. "And Miss Turpin, and Mr. Goldstein, I didn't expect the honor of your presence." Lockhart said looking directly at me.
"The pleasure is all ours sir." I replied, leaning against the chair I had been sitting on, trying to look natural. Lisa gave him a polite smiled, while Anthony was trying not to glare.
"I didn't know already had guests Hagrid." Professor Lockhart then said turning to Hagrid. He looked just like Anthony, he was clearly irritated.
"Well I do, so if yeh wouldn' mind." Hagrid replied, motioning to the door, though Lockhart only smiled brighter.
"I wonder if you've heard Hagrid, but Harry has been signing autographs. Has he given you one? Heck if he keeps this up he may be as famous as me one day." Lockhart said cheerfully.
"I think Harry's already more famous tha' yeh, an' he don' even need ter try" Hagrid replied, and Lockhart looked offended.
"Why my dear man, Harry may have a good start, but as well renowned as me? Surely you must be mistaken."
"I don' think i am, now if yeh'll please leave us ter it." Hagrid replied motioning to the door, but Lockhart just waved him off.
"Come know Hagrid, I'll only be a minute. I just wanted to make sure the school's wells are clear of Kelpies." Lockhart replied, and Hagrid sighed.
"They are." Hagrid replied surely, and Lockhart frowned.
"Are you sure? Kelpies can be quite elusive. Why if you even missed one they could contaminant the whole Black Lake." Lockhart said the last part with a dramatic wave of his arms.
"I'm sure." Hagrid replied, but Lockhart didn't seem to hear him.
"I'll have to bring my concerns up to the headmaster." Lockhart replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully, before turning to us and smiling. "But don't you kids worry. Now that I, Gilderoy Lockhart, protector of all that is good, am on the case. Not one Kelpie shall infect our precious students drinking water!"
I looked at the man in awe, he really was trying to protect everyone. And he was looking right at me, smiling proudly...
It was amazing.
"I already told yeh." Hagrid began in a irritated tone. "I already got rid o' the K..."
"This reminds me of the time I banished the Bandon Banshee." Lockhart continued, his voice dropping as he began his tale. "Their I was, trapped in the corner of this run down shack. The Banshee charging me and wailing, when I pulled our my wand, and shouted BE GONE YOU VILE CREATURE, before casting a mighty charm, silently if I may add. She screamed and fled into the night, and the village was saved."
"That sounds amazing sir." I replied, looking at the man dreamily. Hagrid looked at me, then rolled his eyes. Anthony stared at the ground, clearly trying not to say anything, and Lisa looking half impressed, and half amused at Anthony's expression.
"It was quite easy actually." Lockhart replied, winking at me. "Of course you must have heard all about this my dear man." He continued, turning to Hagrid.
"No, I never have." Hagrid replied, and Lockhart face went from smiling, to alarmed.
"My dear staff mate, you've never read Break with a Banshee" Lockhart asked, seemingly horrified at the thought.
"No, In fact I've never ready any o' your books. " Hagrid replied, clearly wanting Lockhart to leave. Lockhart on the other hand, shook his head and sighed in disappointment.
"We'll have to change that." Lockhart replied. Hagrid eyes lit up in relief as Lockhart began walking towards the door, he then turned back to us. "I'll leave you four to you're tea." He said, smiling at me, before turning back to Hagrid. "I'll talk with the headmaster about the Kelpies in the wells."
"I've already told yeh, there are no kelpies in the wells" Hagrid replied as Lockhart frowned.
"If you say so." Lockhart replied, opening the door. "It's a simple matter if you know what you're doing!" Lockhart told Hagrid loudly. "If you need help, you know where I am! I'll let you have a copy of my book. I'm surprised you haven't already got one — I'll sign one tonight and send it over. Well, good-bye!" Lockhart gave as all one final smile, then exited the door shutting behind him.
"Tha' arrogant, full o' himself..." Hagrid began as soon as the door closed, a grumpy look etched on his face. "I bet yeh everything he jus said is a lie." He continued, walking his way over to the tea pot.
"Come on Hagrid, don't be like that, he's a hero." I said, and Hagrid sighed.
"Sarah, yeh've gotta admit he's full o' himse..."
Before Hagrid could finish a serious of urgent knocks sounded throughout the cabin. Hagrid instantly frowned, as he began to walk over.
"Please don't be Lockhart." Anthony whispered to himself, I crossed my arms and gave him a disapproving glance, he rolled his eyes at me, as Hagrid opened the door.
"Bin wonderin' when you'd come ter see me" Hagrid began in a much happier tone, and we saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the doorway. "— come in, come in — thought you mighta bin Professor Lockhart back again —"
The trio entered, Harry and Hermione supporting a sick looking Ron, before I could ask what happened, he puked up a slug.
"What happened?" I asked in disgust as the pair helped Ron across the room.
"He tried to curse somebody, but his wand backfired." Harry explained as they helped Ron into a seat. Lisa grimaced, while Anthony patted Ron on the shoulder. Hagrid didn't seem to bothered, as he picked up a large copper basin from the corner.
"Better out than in," he said cheerfully, putting the basin in front of him. "Get 'em all up, Ron." Ron sprayed a couple more slugs into the basin as I nearly gagged.
"Disgusting." I said.
"Said the one who had dog drool all over her." Lisa said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, on me, not in my mouth." I replied, grimacing as another pair came spewing out of Ron's mouth.
"I don't think there's anything to do except wait for it to stop," Hermione said anxiously as she watched Ron. "That's a difficult curse to work at the best of times, but with a broken wand —"
"The Whopping Willow?" Anthony asked, as Harry nodded, his face going slightly red.
"Yeah..." He replied, as Feng climbed onto him and began to drool, while Hagrid began make everyone a cup of tea.
"What did Lockhart want with you, Hagrid?" asked Harry, as he gave Feng a good scratch behind the ears.
"Professor Lockhart, Harry." I said, Harry just rolled his eyes and turned back to Hagrid who looked slightly grumpy at even the mention of Lockhart.
"Givin' me advice on gettin' kelpies out of a well," Hagrid growled, as he picked up a half plucked rooster that had made his way onto the table and put it on the ground. "Like I don' know. An' bangin' on about some banshee he banished. If one word of it was true, I'll eat my kettle."
I sighed, while I noticed Harry look at Hagrid in surprise.
"I think you're being a bit unfair." Hermione began, and I nodded in agreement while Anthony turned away and rolled his eyes. "Professor Dumbledore obviously thought he was the best man for the job —"
"He was the on'y man for the job," Hagrid replied, as he offered us treacle fudge, and Ron coughed another couple of slugs into the basin. "An' I mean the on'y one. Gettin' very difficult ter find anyone fer the Dark Arts job. People aren't too keen ter take it on, see. They're startin' ter think it's jinxed. No one's lasted long fer a while now. So tell me,"
"Still, he has been a good Professor." I replied, and Hagrid sighed.
"Ter me great surprise, I was sure he was goin' ter be a joke, yet he hasn'... summat's fishy abou' 'im if yeh ask me."
"Fishy?" Hermione asked, and Hagrid waved her off.
"Never yeh mind." He said, then turned to Ron. "Who was he tryin' ter curse?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Malfoy called Hermione something" Harry explained in a confused tone. "It must've been really bad, because everyone went wild."
"It was bad," Ron began, his face pale and sweaty as he finally looked up over table. "Malfoy called her 'Mudblood,' Hagrid —"
Ron instantly turned back to the basin as a fresh wave of slugs hit him. Hagrid, and Anthony faces both turned furious, while me, Lisa, Hermione, and Harry all looked at each other in confusion.
"That swine." Anthony said furiously, looking at Hermione, and Lisa. Whom both looked confused.
"A what?" I whispered to Lisa, who shrugged.
"No idea."
"He didn'!" Hagrid growled, also turning to Hermione.
"It's about the most insulting thing he could think of," Ron gasped, once again looking up from under the table. "Mudblood's a really foul name for someone who is Muggle-born — you know, nonmagic parents. There are some wizards — like Malfoy's family — who think they're better than everyone else because they're what people call pure-blood." Ron burped, and a single slug flew out, he caught it and threw it into the basin, "I mean, the rest of us know it doesn't make any difference at all. Look at Neville Longbottom — he's pure-blood and he can hardly stand a cauldron the right way up."
"An' they haven't invented a spell our Hermione can' do," Hagrid said making Hermione blush before turning to Lisa. "Or our Lisa fer tha' matter."
"It's a disgusting thing to call someone," Ron continued, wiping the sweat off his brow. "Dirty blood, see. Common blood. It's ridiculous. Most wizards these days are half-blood anyway. If we hadn't married Muggles we'd've died out."
He started to gag, and once again ducked.
"It's one of the reasons that Slytherin house has it's reputation." Anthony said, as we turned to him. "One of their founding traits is blood purity, the house has never had a Muggleborn." He continued, and Harry looked at Hagrid expectedly.
"That's why you warned us against Slytherin!" Harry said, and Hagrid nodded.
"Indeed. Most blood purists are from Slytherin." Hagrid explained, a dark look on his face.
"But not all." Anthony said. "Their are some good Slytherin's." Anthony said, and Harry looked at him skeptically.
"Who?"
"Merlin for instance." Anthony replied. "And From what my parent's say, Professor Slughorn, the potions master before Snape, wasn't bad."
"Not all Slytherins go dark, but most who do are Slytherins." Hagrid explained, and my mind flashed to Professor Quirrell, a Ravenclaw.
"Well, anyways, I don' blame yeh fer tryin' ter curse him, Ron, "Hagrid said loudly as more slugs hit the basin. "Bu' maybe it was a good thing yer wand backfired. 'Spect Lucius Malfoy would've come marchin' up ter school if yeh'd cursed his son. Least yer not in trouble."
Their was a quick silence, as I thought about everything I just learned. Draco was against Hermione and Lisa because of how they were born...I thought back to Herbology, how Draco had looked at Lisa. How Anthony always warned me to stay away from Draco...it all made much more sense now.
"Harry," Hagrid said suddenly "Gotta bone ter pick with yeh. I've heard you've bin givin' out signed photos. How come I haven't got one?"
I had to hold back a laugh at Harry's expression, whom looked furious and was grinding his teeth.
"I have not been giving out signed photos," said Harry hotly. "If Lockhart's still spreading that around —"
Harry stopped as he noticed Hagrid laughing. "I'm on'y jokin'," he said, patting Harry the back and accidently knocking him into the table, making me grimace. "I knew yeh hadn't really. I told Lockhart yeh didn' need teh. Yer more famous than him without tryin'."
"Bet he didn't like that," Harry replied, as he looked up and rubbed his chin.
"Don' think he did," Hagrid replied, his eyes twinkling "An' then I told him I'd never read one o' his books an' he decided ter go." . I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, as me and Hermione shared a quick, disapproving, glance.
"They're just jealous." She mouthed, as I nodded in agreement. Lisa snickered, as Anthony rolled his eyes.
"Lockhart's an idiot." He whispered to us.
"Treacle fudge, Ron?" Hagrid added as Ron reappeared.
"No thanks," Ron replied weakly. "Better not risk it."
"Come an' see what I've bin growin'," Hagrid said as we all finished the last of our tea, we followed him to his back window, and gazed out into his vegetable patch, where twelve bolder size pumpkins sat.
"Gettin' on well, aren't they?" Hagrid said happily. "Fer the Halloween feast… should be big enough by then."
"What've you been feeding them?" Harry asked.
Hagrid looked over his shoulder, as if to check that no one else was listening.
"Well, I've bin givin' them — you know — a bit o' help —"
Me and Harry both looked around and found the pink umbrella leaning against the back wall, the umbrella that surely contained Hagrid's wand fragments.
"An Engorgement Charm, I suppose?" Hermione said, a mix of disapproval and amusement. "Well, you've done a good job on them."
"Very." Lisa agreed.
"That's what yer little sister said," Hagrid said, nodding towards Ron. "Met her jus' yesterday." Hagrid turned to Harry, an amused look on his face. "Said she was jus' lookin' round the grounds, but I reckon she was hopin' she might run inter someone else at my house." He winked at Harry. "If yeh ask me, she wouldn' say no ter a signed —"
"Oh, shut up," Harry said, causing Ron to laugh and spray slugs towards the pumpkins.
"Watch it!" Hagrid roared, pulling Ron back.
We spent another couple of minutes at Hagrid's until lunchtime rolled around. We all said our goodbyes, and made our way back towards the castle. Ron only puked up two small slugs.
"I love Hagrid." I said as we entered the castle. "But his cooking could use some work..."
"There you are, Potters — Weasley." Professor McGonagall voice called out as she walked towards us, a stern look on her face. "The three of you will do your detentions this evening."
Harry, and Ron looked at me confused, I just shrugged. "I was out a minute after curfew last night." I explained, Harry looked outraged on my behalf. "It's fine." I said, as we turned to Professor McGonagall.
"A minute." Harry said, and for a split second Professor McGonagall looked amused.
"The rules are the rules Mr. Potter." She replied, though by the tone in her voice even she knew it was a bit ridiculous.
"What're we doing, Professor?" Ron asked nervously, trying to suppress a burp.
"You will be polishing the silver in the trophy room with Mr. Filch," she told Ron. "And no magic, Weasley — elbow grease."
Ron gulped, while Anthony patted him on the shoulder.
"And you, Potters, will be helping Professor Lockhart answer his fan mail," she explained, and I had to struggle to no smile. Answering fan mail with Lockhart...
"Oh n — Professor, can't I go and do the trophy room, too?" Harry said desperately.
"Certainly not," said Professor McGonagall, raising her eyebrows. "Professor Lockhart requested you particularly. Eight o'clock sharp, both of you."
McGonagall strode away, and as soon as she was out of ear shot I smiled. "That's a punishment?" I asked myself.
"Yes." Harry replied turning to me. "It is."
We all made our way to the great hall and split. Harry, and Ron both looking depressed at the Gryffindor table, while me, Anthony, and Lisa sat down and listened to Michael and Terry debate over who's Quidditch team was better.
After lunch we returned to the common room, which was mostly empty. I began to struggle through the last of my transfiguration homework, while Lisa and Anthony worked on their potions essay.
"Anthony?"
I looked up at the sound of Lisa's voice. She had a nervous, worried expression, and was looking around the room to see that no one else was listening.
"Yes Lisa?" Anthony replied without even looking up from his parchment.
"I just...wanted to talk more about what Malfoy said." She said after a long pause, at that Anthony froze, took a deep breath, placed his parchment on the table, then looked up.
"What else do you want to know?" Anthony asked in a quiet voice.
"Just...I'm one of them?"
"A what?" Anthony replied in a low whisper.
"What Malfoy hates." Lisa replied, and Anthony took a deep breath.
"Yes. Why?"
"I was just thinking, remember the other day when he rushed over to join us in Herbology, and he looked at me weirdly... was that because."
I remembered back to the other day. Draco had been asking about the Ford Angelia, Lisa had said something to him, his eager expression had faded, and he didn't say anything else the rest of class.
"Yes, it's also why I was so stern with him." Anthony answered, and Lisa nodded.
"I figured." Lisa replied, turning back to her parchment.
"Like me and Ron said, most of us know it doesn't matter." Anthony assured her, and she glanced at him with a smirk.
"Like I care what Malfoy thinks about me." She assured him, and Anthony nodded.
"What am I?" I asked suddenly, and Anthony turned to me and raised an eyebrow, then thought.
"Why do you ask?" He replied, and I shrugged.
"Just curious." I replied, and Anthony nodded, then seemed to think for a moment.
"Let's see...if I remember correctly, your father was a pureblood, and mother Muggleborn. At least that's what the textbook's say, if correct it mean's you're a Halfblood." He answered, and I nodded...lost in thought.
"So, Draco would have hated my mother?" I asked suddenly, and Anthony sighed, then nodded.
"Most likely." He replied in a soft tone.
I nodded, and began to think for a long moment. Draco Malfoy, the boy who always wanted to talk to me for no good reason, hated my mother because of who she was born to. The mother who had tried to say mine and Harry's life, the mother who I supposedly looked just like, who I supposedly acted just like...
And because she was Muggleborn, Draco would have hated her...
I took a deep breath, then stood up. Both Lisa, and Anthony turned to me curiously.
"Where are you going?" Lisa asked, and I showed her my finished essay page.
"I'm finished." I explained. The pair nodded as I put the parchment away, I looked out the window and saw it was still only around mid afternoon. "Either of you want to go to the library? I have to turn a book in."
"No thanks." Anthony replied, turning back to his potions essay.
"Still have to get this done." Lisa explained, holding up her own essay.
I nodded. "Okay, I'll see later."
I made my way out of the common room, down the spiral staircase, through the corridors, and to the mostly empty library. After turning in Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration, which I had been using to help on my homework, I began to peruse the library.
I went through every Charm book, but none jumped out that I hadn't already read. After finding nothing in the potions section, and skipping over Transfiguration, I made my way to the History of Magic section. I started going through the books in alphabetical order, when I finally saw a book that jumped out to me.
The book was slightly dusty, and had a light brown spine. However it wasn't the color of the spine, or the dust that caught my attention, it was the title of the book...
"The Greater Good: A Thesis by Gellert Grindelwald." I read aloud, and instantly I was intrigued. The man had wrote a book? And it was just sitting in the Hogwarts student library? Now this was interesting.
I flipped the book over and started to read the back.
This book contains a comprehensive overview of Gellert Grindelwald's ideology, explained by the man himself. Learn why the man torn most of Europe apart, with excerpts on why his points are not only wrong, but dangerous...
"What do we have here?"
Before I could even react the book was snatched out of my hands, I turned and instantly frowned at the sight of Smith. He was looking at the book cover, and wide grin.
"Grindelwald's ideology?" He asked me as he looked up. "I mean, I always knew you were dark Potter, but this is even worse that I thought."
"It's a book from the library." I replied rolling my eyes. "If you would please give it back." I continued in an annoyed tone. Smith only shook his head.
"Of course I can't, can't have you getting any ideas. In fact I should probably report you to Professor Flitwick...no Professor Dumbledore, see what he thinks." Smith told me, holding the book behind his back, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.
"Smith, if they didn't want students to be able to read it, then they would have taken it out of the library, or put it in the restricted section." I said slowly, like one would talk to a young child.
"Clearly they forgot this one." Smith growled back. "Besides, why would a second year be reading about Grindelwald's ideology anyways."
"Have you ever heard the saying, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it?" I asked him, and he tilted his head in confusion.
"No."
"Of course you haven't, it's a muggle saying, now give me back the book." I demanded, trying to reach for it.
"I already said no, and if you try and grab it again I'll..."
"What's going on here?"
Both me and Smith paused at the new voice, Smith looked frozen in fear at being caught heckling me. We both turned, and were surprised to see Draco, flanked by only Goyle, looking at us amused.
"Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw drama, entertaining." Draco said smugly. Smith growled, while I remembered what Draco had supposedly said to Hermione.
"Malfoy." Smith spat back. "Hoping to join the Dark Art's fan club Potter is forming?"
"Dark Art's fan club led by her?" Draco asked, clearly realizing how much of a stupid statement that was. Draco then burst into laughter, which only made Smith fume more. "Led by her?"
"Whatever, I have the proof in my hands, and when I show Professor Dumbledore..."
"Now Crabbe!" Draco said suddenly, and from behind Smith the brutish boy appeared, tore the book out of his arms, and handed it to Draco. Smith face went red with fury.
"Why you..." He began, looked around at the two large forms of Crabbe and Goyle then turned to me. "One day Potter." He said, then stormed off, leaving me with the trio of Slytherins.
"What an idiot." Draco said, looking at the book cover in curiosity. "Interesting choise Potter."
"It's a book." I replied in an annoyed tone, Draco smirked.
"Oh, I'm not judging." He replied, handing me the book. "Though you might want only read it when you're alone."
"Noted." I replied, a mix of relief Smith was gone and that I had the book back, yet also a mix of emotion that Draco had helped me, yet he heated people like Lisa and my mother..."Bye."
I started to walk away, and I noticed Draco frown. "Woah Potter, why are you in such a hurry?" He asked, and I turned back to him...
Because you hate people because of how they are born you little...
"I have detention tonight." I replied. "I want to get some reading done before."
"Oh, what you do?" Draco asked smirking.
"Was out after curfew by a minute." I replied, and Draco smirked.
"Of course you were." He replied, then motioned for Crabbe and Goyle. "Come on, I need that book for my potions essay..." The trio strode off deeper into the library and I sighed, totally confused on what to think of Draco. He was a blood purist, but he had helped me against Smith...
"What is that boy's deal?"
I checked the book out, then made my way back to the mostly empty Common Room. I found Lisa and Anthony were playing wizard chess in the corner. I sat near them, then propped open the book, when the pair saw the title, Lisa shook her head and Anthony raised an eyebrow.
"You're still on about him?" Anthony asked, and I shrugged.
"He's interesting." I replied.
"Like you're one to talk Mr. Chimaera Tears." Lisa added, and Anthony sighed in defeat.
"Touché...still, just don't believe that stuff." He warned me, and I nodded.
"Of course not, it's just interesting, that all." I assured him, then turned back to the book.
For the next several hours I dove into the mind and ideas of Gellert Grindelwald. He explained why he thought why the Muggle's were no longer fit to rule, why the statue of secrecy needed to be broken, and why wizard kind needed to, as he put it, rise up and take our rightful place. I only got a couple chapters in when Lisa tapped me on the shoulder.
"It's fifteen minutes until eight." She told me, as I looked up. I sighed, not wanting to put the book away, then stood up and stretched. I raced to my room and put the book in my trunk, bid farewell to my housemates, Lisa was still furious I had detention, then began to make my way to Lockhart's classroom.
I arrived around five minutes until eight and ran into Harry, who looked miserable and was dragging his feet.
"Come on Harry, it won't be that bad." I assured him with a smile, he gave me a blank expression, then knocked on Lockhart's door.
The door instantly flew open, as Lockhart looked at both of us with a wide smile.
"Ah, here's the scalawag!" he told Harry, then turned to me. "And his accomplice." He told me with a wink, I felt my cheeks go red, and out of the corner of my eye Harry looked disgusted. "Come in, Harry, Sarah, come in —"
Lockhart motioned us inside as we both stepped into his classroom. As we entered our eyes were drew to the countless, framed, photos of Lockhart. Some which were even signed. All smiling brightly at us. On his desk was another large stack of photographs, some of which were also sighed.
"You two can address the envelopes!" Lockhart said, I nodded excitedly, while Harry dully. We all sat down, as Harry and me both took an envelope.
"Harry's first one's to Gladys Gudgeon, bless her — huge fan of mine —"
We began to reply to Lockhart's fan mail, while Lockhart started to talk.
"So Mr. Potter, if I may ask, what made you take the Ford Angelia to school anyways?" Lockhart asked, and Harry looked at him trying to hide his discontent.
"Stuff happens." He replied quickly, and Lockhart nodded.
"Of course, still, I would advice you against doing so in the future. Until you are as skilled as I, Gilderoy Lockhart savior of many souls, you may wish to be more careful." Lockhart advised.
"Right" Harry replied, as Lockhart turned to me.
"As for you Miss Potter, I would normally have let you off for being a minute or so late, but seeing as you're brother would already be spending the evening with me, I thought it would be an opportunity for you to learn these same lessons as well." Lockhart explained, and I nodded.
"Of course sir." I replied as he once again winked, I noticed Harry nearly gag.
"Now, as two of the best that this school has to offer, I was wondering if I may...invite you somewhere?" Lockhart asked, and both me and Harry shared a look. His of annoyance, mine of glee.
"Invite us to what sir?" I asked as I placed another envelope on the finished pile.
"Well, I have a book signing in Hogsmeade next weekend. I was wondering if the two of you would like to attend?"
"Mmm" Harry replied, while I nearly jumped out of my seat.
"Sir, it would be an honor..." I began, but Harry shook his head.
"Sorry sir, but it's against the rules, we can't leave school grounds, not even with a Professor." Harry interjected, and my face instantly fell...
"Oh yeah, I forgot..." I said in despair, and I noticed Lockhart's usual frown totally gone.
"Oh come now Mr. Potter." Lockhart said in a pleading voice. "You've already flown a car to school, surely a afternoon at the Three Broomsticks shouldn't be to difficult." Lockhart suggested, and Harry shook his head.
"I'm already on thin ice...Professor." Harry replied, clearly not wanting to go even if he could. Lockhart looked...desperate.
"Fame's a fickle friend, Harry," Lockhart replied, and Harry looked at him confused.
"Yeah." Harry replied, turning back to his envelope.
"What that means is, sometimes fame can be fickle, and sometimes you must break the rules to advance your career. Why when I was in school, I carved my face into the Quidditch pitch. Did I get in trouble? Yes. But was it worth it? Absolutely."
"Sure." Harry replied.
"Sounds amazing sir." I interjected imagining Lockhart's dreamy face carved into the pitch. "Still, to break the rules..."
"I, of course, would vouch for both of you." Lockhart assured us, but Harry shook his head.
"No thanks, I've got plans next weekend." Harry said, and Lockhart looked deflated.
"Of...course." Lockhart said in a defeated tone. I gave him a regretful look, while Harry just kept answering his fan mail. "But if you change you're mind, remember, celebrity is as celebrity does, remember that." Lockhart advised, his smile returning.
"Right." Harry replied.
"Of course sir." I added.
We continued for several more hours, and even I had to admit I was getting tired. Lockhart's stories were at least entertaining, though I could tell Harry wasn't listening, I took in every word...
"...and that's how I defeated the dreaded Mould-on-the-Wold Troll. The best part was that my book on the subject, Travels with Troll, was number one on best seller list for six solid months. Broke every record!"
"Amazing sir." I replied cheerfully.
"What?" Harry said suddenly, the first sign that he was paying attention.
"I know!" Lockhart repeated proudly. "Six solid months at the top of the best-seller list! Broke all records!"
"No," Harry replied frantically. "That voice!"
"Sorry?" Lockhart replied, a confused expression. "What voice?"
"That — that voice that said — didn't you hear it?" Harry asked, and both me and Lockhart looked at each other confused, then back to Harry.
"Their was no voice Harry." I replied, giving him a confused look.
What are you talking about, Harry?" Lockhart asked, he looked at me and I shrugged, then out the window. "Perhaps you're getting a little drowsy? Great Scott— look at the time! We've been here nearly four hours! I'd never have believed it — the time's flown, hasn't it?"
"It really has sir." I replied, though Harry seemed to be trying to listen. I gave him a worried look, while Lockhart smiled at us.
"Now both of you shouldn't expect a treat like this every time you get Detention." Lockhart told us, I nodded while Harry still seemed to be listening. "If you change your minds on the book signing you know where to find me, best be off." Lockhart told us, I gave him a smile, then me and Harry walked out of his office. As soon as we were out of ear shot Harry turned to me.
"You didn't hear it?" Harry asked me, and I looked at him worriedly.
"No Harry, I didn't hear any voice other than Lockhart's." I replied and Harry looked around.
"It said it wanted to rip, tear, and kill." Harry told me, and my eyes widened in worry.
"Harry...do you need to go to the hospital wing?" I asked, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Harry shook me off, and shook his head.
"I know what I heard Sarah." He assured me, I sighed.
"Maybe you're just tired." I tried to tell him, and Harry shook his head.
"I don't...never mind. See you tomorrow." I nodded, and watched as Harry strode off. I wondered what he could be hearing, and decided he was probably just tired.
I made my way back to the common room to find everyone asleep. As quietly as I could I climbed into bed. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought back to all that had happened today. From Smith, to Draco, to Harry hearing voices...
"It has been a long day." l thought as I finally drifted off into a deep sleep.