Written for QL
Round 12 - Holyhead Harpies - BEATER 1: Write about Ron's relationship with a teacher at Hogwarts.
Prompts: (word) potential, (dialogue) "Is that the amulet he/she gave you?"
Consequences of Fame
Ron should have really seen it coming. Harry was actively avoiding Gilderoy Lockhart these days and the man was becoming increasingly frustrating, his eyes darting to Harry's empty seat countless times throughout the lesson because Harry had decided it was better to risk detention than go to class.
"Mr Weasley, a word?" Professor Lockhart called, as the students began to gather their belongings at the end of class. Ron debated for a long moment if he could pretend not to have heard the man, but as he started towards the doors, Hermione gave him a nudge in the side.
"Professor Lockhart called your name," she insisted, grabbing his arm to halt him. "Do you want me to wait outside?"
Ron let out a small sigh, before shaking his head. He knew that the professor would have seen the exchange and now he wouldn't be able to leave without it being obvious.
"No, I'll meet you back in the common room," he replied instead, knowing that Lockhart could potentially keep him there for hours with his inane babbling.
Ron didn't care so much when it was in class, because it meant he could pass notes or do something else and copy Hermione's notes later - but he wasn't pleased that it was cutting into his own time.
Hermione left and Ron walked to Lockhart's desk, his eyes on the professor's colourful robes. He clearly shopped in the same places as Dumbledore. "You wanted to talk to me?" he asked, already trying to think of a reason to rush out of the meeting early. If only he was as quick at these things as the twins, then he'd have already thought of three plans. But Ron had nothing yet.
"Yes, Mr Weasley—I'm curious as to the whereabouts of Harry," Lockhart said, smiling widely at him, clearly expecting an explanation.
Ron grimaced. "He's not feeling too well," he lied, knowing that any girl in the class would have given Harry up immediately when faced with that phony smile. "He said to tell you he's sorry to miss your class."
"Unfortunate," Lockhart responded. "Perhaps the fame is overwhelming for him? Not may can handle this lifestyle as well as I."
"What lifestyle?"
"The lifestyle of the rich and famous, of course," Lockhart answered swiftly. "Perhaps the pressures of it have started to get to him." He looked at Ron sympathetically. "I did assume that's why he surrounds himself with such ordinary friends."
Ron wasn't sure if this was meant to be an insult, so chose not to answer. It was clear Lockhart wasn't interested in hearing anything more, however, merely seeking someone to listen to him talk.
Hermione would have been delighted to be held back by her idol and listen to him. Ron frowned. Why didn't Professor Lockhart call her to stay behind instead? That way everyone would have been happy. But if that had happened, he would have had to listen to Hermione recount every detail and that might have actually been worse.
"I myself have ordinary friends," Lockhart bragged. "The papers love it, of course. Seeing me rubbing shoulders with people who work in shops and even one who works in a Muggle hospital. How wild." He focused on Ron once more. "You have the potential to be a good 'friend' to Harry. It's very good for his image to befriend a Weasley. I should have thought of that myself."
Ron held back a comment that Harry didn't choose him for his name or because of an image thing. The last thing he wanted was to be at odds with a professor. Professor Snape already despised him because of his dislike of Harry and his feelings towards Gryffindors in general. He wanted to stay on Lockhart's good side. He decided to let the comments slide.
"My mum is a massive fan of yours," he offered, wanting to change the subject.
Immediately Lockhart's smile widened. "I don't doubt that. Which is her favourite? 'Break with a Banshee'? 'Holidays with Hags'?" he asked. "Your mother has great taste in books."
"The vampire one," Ron said, recalling a second-hand copy of the book on the table over the summer. It had been falling to pieces, but his mother had been riveted by it.
"How simply wonderful. The things I learnt about vampires in my travels. Wait here a moment, you're in for a treat!" He stood up from his desk and headed to the winding stairs that led up to his quarters.
Ron resisted the urge to run from the room. He could lie and make up an emergency, but something told him that whatever Lockhart had gone upstairs for, he'd see one way or another, so he stayed put.
Seconds later, Lockhart descended the stairs, pausing to fix his hair in the mirror before sitting back in his chair. He lifted his chin, trying to draw attention to an amulet hanging around his neck on a delicate gold chain. "When I was working with Klaus—a close vampire friend of mine—he gifted me with a rare amulet."
"Is that the amulet he gave you?" Ron asked, trying to look impressed at the sight of it, though he was sure he had seen more valuable trinkets in the jewellery shop windows in Diagon Alley. "It's amazing."
"It is. It's a symbol of our friendship," Lockhart said, his finger running over the scarlet stone in the centre of the amulet. "Perhaps a story to tell your mother, that you got to see the gift that's mentioned in the pages of my book."
"She'll be thrilled," Ron replied truthfully. "In fact, she'd be upset if I didn't tell her about it immediately."
"You must go then," Lockhart insisted, as though he expected Ron to run to the Owlery and send a letter that moment. "And please tell Harry to come and see me tomorrow. He must feel very alone, unsure how to handle his status and I'm always here to give advice. I have years of experience in dealing with fame and fans."
"I'll pass the message on," Ron confirmed. "I'll see you in class, Professor." He walked as fast as he could to the door, leaving before Lockhart could call him back.
1035 words
Also written for:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Games and Sports - Croquet - Write about someone who seems to think highly of themselves
Seasonal:
Days of the year - 5th October - World Teachers Day - Write about a canon Professor
Autumn - (word) break
Characters - Gilderoy Lockhart
Astronomy - (emotion) frustration
Writing Club
Character Appreciation - 20 - Trait: Arrogant
Lo's Lowdown - 8 - Write about someone who really hates something popular
Gris Gris Event - Colour 9 - Scarlet
Autumn Festival - Costume Party - 49. Bumblebee Wings - Colour: Gold, 106: Black tutu - Mirror
