1.6 Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Lorna found classes exciting, often seeking extra information regarding the topics they learned. If the teachers thought she was a studious student it had more to with the letters she wrote home. Although her father had attended Hogwarts, Lorna found the information learned in classes something she enjoyed sharing.
She and Vivian always sat together and although Lorna had not gained the courage to talk with her again, Vivian's presence brought comfort. Her wild appearance was the talk of all the first year girls but Vivian paid them no mind and most seemed too scared of her to do or say anything to her face. This gave Lorna some protection and given her timid demeanour and her ability to hind behind her hair, most of the first years left them alone. It was Regina and Bree whom seemed to draw most of the attention and they gave as good as they got. It paid Lorna and Vivian to not be involved with them.
In their fifth week, during their Defence Against the Dark Arts class, Professor Norefault chose that lesson to discuss cursed items. Lorna's delight in the subject soon turned to horror when Professor Norefault called her out. All eyes fell on Lorna as she shifted in her seat to allow her hair to cover much of her face. Unsure the reason for the attention, Lorna soon realised it had nothing to do with her but her father. Something Lorna had continued to avoid; any recognition of her family business, yet Professor Norefault was delighted to have her there.
Unlike the other Slytherin students to return, none had parents who were so deeply involved with dark arts items as as her father. With all eyes on Lorna, she felt her cheeks flush, uncomfortable with the attention.
"Your father would know a thing or two about cursed items."
Professor Norefault boosted about her father's trade.
"No only a shop for antiques and fine art but your father's reputation for counter cursing any item is legendary."
"And killing innocent people." The whispered response came from Lorna's right. A small Hufflepuff girl with a piercing gaze glared at Lorna. Lorna ignored the slander, as Professor Norefault, oblivious to the comment, continued.
"Tell me Ms Borgin, are you as skilled as your father? Do you know what to do if you encountered a cursed item?"
The silence within the classroom compounded Lorna's dread and momentarily she thought to lie. Yet guilt and pride welled within and Lorna had nothing to be ashamed off.
"My father taught me several counter curses to protect from cursed items. Although, some curses cannot be avoided. He also taught me not to touch and treat any item given as a threat."
"Yes. Good sound advice. Today we'll learn a simple revealing spell that will identify if items are cursed. Not until fourth year will you learn counter curses."
Professor Norefault moved over to a table to the side of the classroom. Placed there, four items. A sapphire necklace, a teacup, cutlery and a silver sickle.
"Using the spell I'm about to teach you please step forward and identify which of these items is cursed. I would ask you don't touch them, much less steal them. Although the curse I have used today is non life threatening nevertheless, you will receive a nasty case of splatter grout should these items leave me office without my permission."
Once they mastered the spell required, the students were instructed to line up. Lorna didn't immediately rise, watching the Hufflepuff students move forward first. Beside Lorna, Bree rose and as she passed Lorna, knocked into Lorna's arm. What Lorna assumed was an accident went unacknowledged by Bree. Lorna rubbed the top of her arm as Regina moved past. It was likely nothing and Lorna stood to join the end of the line.
For the remainder of the class Lorna felt more isolated than before. She couldn't pinpoint what had changed, however she suspected the mention of her father might have something to do with it. Lorna couldn't blame Professor Norefault, it wasn't like she was hiding who her parents were. But it had occurred to Lorna early it was best to keep their association with the Death Eaters low key. That had now changed.
At the end of Defence Against the Dark Arts Lorna took her time packing away her books. Vivian looked to wait until something behind Lorna drew her attention. Lorna glanced around, fearful of Vivian's change in posture. There was no one behind her but movement against the wall caught her eye. The portrait of Professor Lupin no longer stood empty. The image of an weathered man looked around the room, took note the students leaving and settle with his arms crossed over his chest. When Lorna turned around, Vivian had left the classroom.
Lorna left the classroom, concerned about making her way to her next class alone when beyond the door she found a first year Hufflepuff boy leaning against the wall. Slightly taller than Lorna, yet gangly thin, his strawberry blond hair hung around his face, one side tucked behind a large ear. His bright green eyes and button nose reminded Lorna of a rabbit.
He faced Lorna as she approached him and she grew fearful at him being there. Lorna considered herself fortunate not to have dealt with too much bullying or harassment. The silent treatment she could deal with. An uneasy feeling grew and Lorna folded her arms around her waist fearful of what might happen next.
"Hello."
His voice had an unusual cheer to it and he appeared harmless enough and his greeting didn't sound malice.
"Hello." Lorna replied. Caution evident in her voice.
"You don't mind if we become friends?"
Lorna's brow creased, taken back by the forwardness of the question, unsure if it was genuine. Jasper stared at Lorna, waiting for her response.
"I guess."
Lorna was unsure of the right answer.
"Great. I'm Jasper Radage, from Hufflepuff."
Jasper held out his hand towards Lorna and Lorna stared at it.
"It's not cursed," Jasper said, humour in his voice.
"You can't curse your own hand?" Lorna informed him.
Jasper's smile grew and slowly Lorna unfolded her arms and shook Jasper's hand, introducing herself.
"Nice to meet you, Lorna Borgin."
"Same," Lorna replied.
They shook awkwardly, Lorna dragging her hand from Jasper's who seemed reluctant to let go.
"We should go to class?" Lorna informed Jasper.
"I have History of Magic next. What do you have?"
"Transfiguration."
Lorna made down the corridor towards the stairs, Jasper walked beside her.
"What do you think of the new professor? I like him."
"He's seems nice enough. I'm learning so that can't be bad."
Jasper laughed and Lorna threw a side-glance his way. Was he genuinely being friendly with her or was there another motive for his conversation?
As they reached the entrance hall, Lorna asked, "Jasper is there a reason for wanting to be my friend? Because, in case you haven't noticed, Slytherin's are not welcomed here."
Jasper's smile dropped and Lorna felt a small spike of guilt hit her. What if he was being genuine with his friendship? It didn't matter, Lorna told herself, even if he wanted to be friends with her, no one would allow it.
"I thought you could do with a friend. You're always alone."
"It's not like I planned it to be like this. If I or the other Slytherin's had our way we wouldn't be here."
"You don't mean that." Jasper appeared sincere in his concern.
"The Ministry of Magic threatened our parents in to attending. What does that tell you?
Lorna didn't give Jasper time to reply as she turned her back on him and headed towards her class. She was already late and the last thing Lorna wanted was to be caught in the corridors on her own.
.
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Unless end note: I originally planned approx. 1000 words per chapter and nine chapter for each book. All was going well until Book 6 with doubled in chapters. And then I started editing Book 1 and that plan went out the window real quick.