9 Friday

"Today, we will be learning about apparition. In this class we will discuss the dangers and rules of such. But we will not be performing apparition and it should be known that none of you should apparate on school grounds or without a license."

"They want us to know about apparition because Voldemort and his followers use it, but they refuse to teach it because no one acknowledges he's back. Not only that, but it's illegal in the wizarding world to use it without a license. I doubt Voldemort cares if we have a license or not." Noelle tried to look for the source of who she heard talking but could find no one speaking other than the professor. "Dumbledore had us apparate in order to find Horace. Pretty impressive when you consider how hard it is." She saw Harry Potter roll his eyes. Was he the one saying all that?

A floating piece of chalk directed by the professor scratched key words into the board as she spoke. "Apparation is a wizard's transport system. It is a popular form of travel but has its downsides, as most things do." The chalk paused as she took a breath. "As such, many witches and wizards alike prefer brooms, floo-powder, or portkeys in order to travel by magical means. Its dangers are many but the most commonly known is splinting. I shall now show you some examples."

Brooke shuddered and looked at Noelle. "That was pretty graphic huh?"

Noelle nodded. "They're trying to scare us so we won't use the same tricks as the enemy."

She looked confused. "You mean HIM?"

Noelle nodded again. "And his followers."

"I hope you're wrong about him being back. I value my life too much for that kind of stress." She looked away, clearly distressed.

Noelle put a hand on her shoulder. "We're here at Hogwarts learning ways to protect ourselves. Besides, worst comes to worse? I'll protect you."

Paul walked up and fell into step with the two girls. "Awww… You two are so cute."

They both laughed and Noelle walked forwards to join Kade. They were all on the dirt and stone path that led down to Hagrid's hut on the grounds. From there he would take them somewhere to learn about the magical creatures of the world.

Someone at the head of the group knocked on his door and the half-giant answered a moment later, looking them all over with a skeptical eye. "Alright, all of ye take anything shiny or valuable off your person and leave it here in my cabin and then we'll be goin."

There were some confused mutters but the students did as they were told, taking off jewelry and putting coins on his tables, each in individual piles. Once they'd each finished they went back outside. Hagrid counted heads and then turned around and began walking to the woods.

"Let's be on our way then."

Kade leaned over to Noelle. "What do you suppose he's showing us today?"

Noelle shrugged. "Not sure. But it'll be fun I'm sure. Though, nothing beats when Buckbeak knocked Malfoy backwards and he landed on his bum." She laughed and looked around to make sure she hadn't been overheard.

"Malfoy knocked backwards." Kade laughed and repeated her words. "That was pretty awesome."

Hagrid stopped in the trees with a stone wall at his back that only went up to his waist. He reached over the wall and whistled and everyone saw him grab around bit before straightening and turning back to them. In his hands he held a small black creature with fur and a long snout, and little clawed hands. It sniffed the air experimentally.

"This here's a niffler! A friendly little creature which likes anything shiny or considered to be valuable."

"To be fair Hagrid, don't you consider all creatures to be friendly?" Ronald Weasley spoke up laughingly.

"Ha ha Ron." He reached over and ruffled his hair. "Now then, who'd like to hold him?"

A dozen girls shot their hands in the air. But while they were all loving on the Niffler, Noelle couldn't help but notice from her spot in line that two very different individuals looked preoccupied with something else.

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy stood to the sides, both seemingly staring at nothing, deep in thought. Noelle was sure something was up between the two of them but not sure what. Kade spoke up from behind her.

"I overheard in the Gryffindor common room the other night that Malfoy broke Harry's nose the night we arrived. Luna Lovegood fixed it for him."

Noelle turned to look at him. "Why were they fighting? Besides the normal obvious reasons of course."

Kade shrugged. "I don't know anymore than that. It's juicy I'm sure."

She turned back as the Niffler was passed into her arms, its fluffy fur soft in her hands. She held it close. It likely was interesting, she wanted to know more.