Spending nearly a month at the Burrow had been one of the most enjoyable things the Harry and Rose being had ever experienced. They wished they could spend every summer vacation there, but knew they would likely be returning to the Dursley's next summer. The only other thing they were looking forward to was there return to Hogwarts. The magical school was the best place they'd ever received an education, and though it was sad to think such things, it was there they'd made their true friends. In fact, they were the only people who accepted them for who they were.
The night before their return to Hogwarts was filled with a fabulous evening. Mrs. Weasley cooked a meal with all of the Harry and Rose being's favorite items, ending with a delectable treacle pudding that they thoroughly enjoyed. Afterward, Fred and George displayed some Filibuster fireworks that sent red and blue stars bouncing from the ceiling to the walls for about a half hour. A last mug of hot chocolate ended the evening, then it was time for bed.
The Harry and Rose being had already packed their items the day before, so when they woke on September 1, there was nothing for them to do in that regard. The other Weasley's ran around in their typically chaotic fashion, getting things ready, colliding with each other as they tried to eat breakfast, and in Mr. Weasley's case, tripped over a stray chicken as he carried Ginny's trunk to the car. It was the same car that the Harry and Rose being had been rescued in by Ron, though they didn't see how all the Weasley's and their luggage were going to fit inside.
"Not a word to Molly." Mr. Weasley said as he showed the Harry and Rose being how the trunk had been magically expanded to hold everything.
It didn't surprise the Harry and Rose being that Mrs. Weasley was ignorant. She thought the Muggles had somehow invented a vehicle that had more room on the inside than it seemed to contain by looking at the outside. The Harry and Rose being sat next to each other, with Fred, George, and Ron next to them. Ginny and Percy sat in the front seat, which resembled a bench.
Mr. Weasley started the vehicle and they were off, heading toward King's Cross. The Harry and Rose being wondered when they'd next see the house, turning back for a last look. As it turned out, forgetting things was also something the Weasley's were prone to doing, perhaps, as they were back soon enough with George having forgotten an item of his. They left again, but again, returned when Ginny shouted she'd forgotten her diary. At last, they left, Mr. Weasley glancing at his watch and attempting to convince Mrs. Weasley they could fly to the station in no time with the invisibility booster Mr. Weasley had installed. Mrs. Weasley was adamant in her refusal of the plan, though. As a result, they arrived at King's Cross at a quarter to eleven.
Percy, Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, then Ginny and Mrs. Weasley all went through the Barrier separating the platform. Finally, Ron went through leaving only the Harry and Rose being behind. They began their walk toward the Barrier confidently, gazing up at the clock that indicated they only had about thirty seconds left. They broke into a run as the Barrier loomed closer, then smashed directly into the solid metal and flew backward, Hedwig's cage flying and rolling on the ground. She shrieked and a guard shouted, "What in blazes d'you think you're doing?"
"Lost control of the trolley." The Harry half gasped as the Rose half pulled him to his feet, both of them trembling.
Last year, the Barrier had let them through seamlessly. In fact, it had let them through in both directions without a problem. As the Rose half quickly picked up Hedwig's cage and gently stroked her feathers, crooning reassuringly to her, the Harry half stared up at the clock as it chimed eleven. Again, they attempted to go through the Barrier without success. Sighing, the Harry and Rose being thought deeply about what they were going to do as they started back toward the car. When they arrived next to it, they stared at it in a contemplating manner. Ron had flown the car, so surely, they could do the same. The option was immediately rejected. They didn't know how to fly a car, let alone get inside without the keys. And aside from that, they'd already received one warning from the magic Dobby performed at the Dursley's house. It wouldn't due to receive another. Sighing, the Harry and Rose being leaned against the car, staring around them and waiting.
It didn't take long for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to return. Within about five minutes, they were hurrying over frantically.
"Harry, Rose!" Mrs. Weasley called as she approached, then grabbed them both in an embrace. "We're glad you're all right, dears. What happened?"
"Dunno." The Harry and Rose being replied. "The Barrier malfunctioned, it was pretty solid. We couldn't get through."
"We'll have to find you another way to Hogwarts." Mr. Weasley indicated. "Looks like you'll be using Floo powder again."
"We've apparated with Professor McGonagall before, couldn't we do the same here?" The Harry and Rose being asked.
"Goodness me, I've not apparated with someone else in ages." Mrs. Weasley said. "I wouldn't want to splinch us by mistake."
"What's splinching?" The Harry and Rose being asked.
"It's when you arrive at your destination, but with one or more of your body parts missing." Mr. Weasley said. "It's not very pleasant, but usually reversible."
The Harry and Rose being flinched, imagining their arms or eyes left behind on the street while the rest of them was at Hogwarts.
"Definitely Floo powder over that." They indicated.
"Come, then. We'll get you back to the Burrow." Mrs. Weasley said.
Meanwhile, on the Hogwart's express, Ron and Hermione were in a compartment on their own, speculating on the Harry and Rose being's lack of arrival.
"Where do you think they are?" Hermione asked. "I've never heard of the Barrier failing before."
"I dunno." Ron responded. "But if I know them, they've gone back to the car. I think they'll be fine, Mum and Dad will find them and get them to Hogwarts soon enough."
"Really, Weasley?" The sliding door was shoved open the rest of the way, as it had already been open a small amount, revealing Malfoy with his familiar body guards, Crabbe and Goyle.
"So, Saint Potter and the scarlet woman Rose have yet to arrive on the Hogwarts express. No doubt, they're trying to collect more money for your family to pay their way. After all, that's really why you keep the Potter's around, isn't it, Weasley? Lucky, really, or you'd have already starved to death from all those Lockhart books." Malfoy's voice was board and drawling, and after he spoke, he sneered contemptuously.
"Ron, no!" Hermione warned as Ron yanked out his wand and stood up, stepping into the doorway.
"Say that again, Malfoy, I dare you." Ron growled.
Malfoy smirked, then said, "Watch your back, Weasley, lest any more of your, friends, disappear." Malfoy shoved the door closed and Ron stepped back, but wasn't quick enough to stop his wand from being hit. It flew from his hand and was slammed into the door, cracking.
"Oops." Malfoy said with a smirk as Ron shoved the door open and retrieved his broken wand, his face red. He then stepped into the compartment and slammed the door.
"I swear I'm going to kill him." Ron said, then groaned as he looked down at his wand.
"Let me see." Hermione said comfortingly, gazing at it, the tip dangling by only a few splinters.
"I guess I could just tape it together." Ron said.
"I don't know..." Hermione replied nervously. "I don't think that'll work."
At Hogwarts, the Harry and Rose being came tumbling through the fire place in Professor McGonagall's office. She and Professor Dumbledore were there, having been notified of their arrival ahead of time by the Weasley's. As they stood and brushed each other off, Dumbledore looked at them with a smile, blue eyes twinkling.
"I must say, it's not often that students of ours go quite this far for preferential treatment." Professor Dumbledore said.
The Harry and Rose being smiled, then quipped, "We're just that special, Professor."
Professor Dumbledore chuckled.
"Please, sit down." Professor McGonagall indicated two chairs in front of her desk.
The Harry and Rose being did so, gazing across the desk at the two professors.
"I am most intrigued." Professor Dumbledore said. "It would take powerful and advanced magic to disrupt the Barrier leading to platform nine and three quarters."
"There's one possibility I can think of." The Harry and Rose being indicated. "A house-elf by the name of Dobby was trying to prevent me from returning to Hogwarts, presumably hoping the warning from the ministry would cause the Dursley's to lock me up and prevent me from returning. It almost worked, too. If Ron, Fred and George hadn't rescued me, and the Weasley's hadn't been planning on arriving, I wouldn't be here. Could a house-elf block the Barrier?"
"Possibly." Professor Dumbledore said pensively. "However, the Barrier seems to be operating normally again, from what I understand. Mr. Weasley was generous enough to apparate back to the platform and test it for me before your arrival."
"We heard." The Harry and Rose being replied. "Professor Dumbledore, should we wait here for everyone to arrive?"
Professor Dumbledore looked over at Professor McGonagall, who leveled her gaze on them.
"You are free to walk about the school until the train arrives. At that point, meet with the other students in the entrance hall." Professor McGonagall said.
"In case you are wondering, your luggage has already been transported to the room between the boys and girls staircases that I indicated to you at the end of term last school year." Professor Dumbledore said. "While you are recognized as occupying the room by Hogwarts, it will become visible to all. If, of course, you are able to occupy it, this should begin when you open the door. You are able to lock the room, of course, and prevent anyone but the staff from gaining entry, should you wish to do so. Once again, I wish to impress upon you the seriousness of the responsibility given to you. The use of such a room is not given lightly, and is only given to you due to your unique circumstances."
"I understand, Professor." The Harry and Rose being said, then added, "I would like to ask both of you something, though."
The two Professors nodded.
"First year was fairly easy as things go." The Harry and Rose being began. "I can imagine the rest of our schooling being just as easy. Would it be possible for me to learn and study beyond my courses? I'd like to attend class with my friends if I can, but I also want to study and learn more."
"That is certainly possible." Professor McGonagall said. "It isn't often that we have students wishing to learn at an accelerated rate. However, I should warn you that it won't be easy. Furthermore, if you get too far ahead in your studies, you may be asked to assist your classmates in their endeavors rather than learn along side them."
"That's understandable, Professor." The Harry and Rose being responded.
"Because certain areas of magic require knowledge of their previous year before learning the next, I would like to begin by first alerting the professors of your wish, then assigning you double the amount of work you would otherwise receive. If all goes well, you will be tested for your second year half way through such year, and will move on to your third." Professor McGonagall indicated.
"That will be harder, but I'd like to try." The Harry and Rose being responded. "How would this work, anyhow?"
"You will attend classes with your second year classmates. During a scheduled time on Saturday nights, I, and I'm certain some of the other Professors, are willing to work with you on the practical portions of the assignments you will be learning ahead of your class mates. However, it will also be your responsibility to practice such charms, spells, or areas of magic on your own." Professor McGonagall said.
"Also understandable." The Harry and Rose being replied.
"Very well." Professor McGonagall said briskly. "Unless there is anything else, you may go. I shall speak with the other Professors regarding your desire to go through the accelerated learning program, and continue attending classes with your classmates."
"Thank you, Professor." The Harry and Rose being said as they stood. "See you tonight, Professor Dumbledore."
He nodded and the Harry and Rose being left. After the door closed behind them, he turned to face Professor McGonagall.
"It seems they do, indeed, learn things at an accelerated rate, something I had postulated last year." Professor Dumbledore said, pondering. "I will be curious to know if their magic is also more powerful."
"It would also seem they are wise beyond their years." Professor McGonagall said. "They showed a maturity I wouldn't have expected from them regarding their wish to learn more, and their willingness to proceed. They also don't seem quite as reckless as they were the prior year."
"Indeed." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I would imagine that, due to their bond, they will mature faster than an ordinary witch and wizard would."
"Do you want me to report anything unusual to you, Albus?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Not to worry, Minerva. I'll be watching them." Professor Dumbledore said in response.
The Harry and Rose being touched the door knob leading to the room they were to occupy, standing in the Gryffindor common room between the boys and girls staircases. The door glowed for a moment, then a sign appeared on it. They gazed at it and read.
Harry James Potter Rose Marie Potter
The Rose half turned the knob and opened the door, entering the room which seemed larger than it should have been, given the Gryffindor common room itself. As the Harry and Rose being entered, they gazed around at their accommodations. A large, comfortable looking bed dominated one wall with their trunk at the foot, Hedwig's cage on top, the owl likely elsewhere as the cage was empty. A dresser was near its head and a desk sat against the other wall. In the far corner were two doors at right angles to one another. One led to the bathroom, presumably, and the other was likely a closet. A window was along the wall opposite the bed and they sat at the desk, which had two chairs, gazing out over the grounds. The view was almost the same at that from the boys dormitory. As they gazed out at the familiar trees and the forest, they grinned, glad to return to the school they loved.
"Harry, Rose!" Hermione shouted out as she enveloped them in a tight embrace that evening, meeting the students in the entrance hall.
"Where were you, mate? What happened?" Ron asked as they joined him and the others streaming into the great hall.
Once again, it was decorated for the feast, grand in its splendor. The Harry and Rose being grinned, glad to be returning.
"The Barrier stopped me from arriving, so we took some Floo powder at the Burrow and went to Professor McGonagall's office. I've been here ever since." The Harry and Rose being responded.
"You should have taken the car." Ron said.
"No, that would only have gotten us into trouble." The Harry and Rose being said as they sat down.
"Well, you missed the horseless carriages." Ron said with a grin. "Next year, eh?"
"Yes, perhaps." The Harry and Rose being said.
"Malfoy decided to perform a little surgery on my wand." Ron said angrily, pulling it from his robe sleeve. The Harry and Rose being examined the taped wand critically.
"Are you sure that's going to work?" They asked apprehensively.
"It's all I've got, so it had better." Ron announced. "Malfoy's to blame if it doesn't. Git."
"Hush, Ron, they're bringing out the first years." Hermione indicated.
Indeed, the line of first years was heading from the same room the Harry and Rose being had been in last year. They looked nervous and they remembered the feeling all too well. Professor McGonagall placed the sorting hat on the stool as had been done last year, and just as it had before, sang yet another song before the sorting.
Everyone clapped and cheered at the hat's song and the Harry and Rose being watched as the first years were sorted. When they were all sitting at their seats, Professor Dumbledore stood and silence fell over the hall.
"I should hope for the best of evenings to you all!" Professor Dumbledore began with a beaming smile. "To our new students, welcome! And to our old, welcome back! A new year of magical adventure and teaching awaits, and of course, our magnificently prepared feast. Before we begin, I have a couple words of great important's to say to you all, and here they are. Eliz, Tina, Sensa, Zen! Thank you!"
Some of the students laughed at Professor Dumbledore's brief speech as he sat down, mountains of delicious dishes appearing on the table as they had the prior years.
"I've been waiting for this all summer." The Harry and Rose being said as they served them self, grinning widely. "Not to worry though, Ron, your mother's cooking is excellent."
"I'm glad you noticed." Ron said with a grin, taking a bite of his dinner.
"The two of you might be interested to know where I'm staying." The Harry and Rose being said after swallowing. "There's a room between the boys and girls dormitories in the common room."
"Really?" Hermione asked with excited fascination.
"Wha' that moom?" Ron asked through a mouthful of food, spraying bits of potato on his plate and the table.
"Manners, Ron!" Hermione chided.
At the same time, the Harry and Rose being said, "That's disgusting Ron." Hermione grinned at them as they added in a voice as if speaking to a child, "Chew, swallow, then speak, Ronald Weasley."
"Yeah, yeah, like I don't already know." Ron said. "So what room is that anyway? I've never heard of it?"
"It's only used for married or soul bound couples who can't be apart from one another." Hermione said imperiously. "It's a very rarely used room. I read about it in..."
The Harry and Rose being spoke with her and said, "Hogwarts, A History." Hermione looked surprised.
"Please, Hermione, you read everything about Hogwarts in that book, you've probably got the entire thing memorized by now."
"Well, maybe, just a little." Hermione said, looking proud.
"Yeah, a little indeed." The Harry and Rose being said, then added, "Quick, page eleven, paragraph two!"
"The most notable feature of Hogwarts is it's partially sentient nature, witnessed at various points in the past by..." Hermione began.
"Right, Hermione, right, a little? You know exactly what it says!" The Harry and Rose being laughed along with Hermione, who chuckled a little. "Oh, by the way, we're going through the accelerated learning program, too."
"Oh, really? How wonderful!" Hermione squealed. "You'll have to tell me all about it, I want to learn the things you know, too!"
"In good time, Hermione." The Harry and Rose being said.
The feast ended with desserts as always, then Dumbledore stood to make his speech, beaming at all the students.
"Now that our stomachs are full and you are, no doubt, pleasantly drowsy, your thoughts are likely focused on your beds above. However, I wish only a few moments of your attention, if I may." Professor Dumbledore began. The Harry and Rose being could see some students yawning, they them self feeling tired.
"Our first years should know that the forest in the grounds is forbidden for students to enter without an instructor. Those returning students of ours should know this as well." Professor Dumbledore's eyes briefly glanced at the Weasley twins and a couple of other students at the Slytherin table. "Mr. Filch wishes me to remind you all that magic is not permitted in the corridors between classes, along with a variety of items. The list is, I believe, pinned to Mr. Filch's office door. Due to Professor Quirrell's unexpected death last year, we have a change in staff. Defense Against the Dark Arts is now being taught by Gilderoy Lockhart."
The clapping and cheering was quite loud for him and several witches, including Hermione, blushed at the announcement. Professor Lockhart stood up and flashed the room a brilliant smile, his gleaming white teeth clearly visible from where they were sitting.
"And finally!" Professor Dumbledore added as the clapping died down. "For those interested in playing, Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Notify Madam Hooch if you wish to attend. And remember, first years are not permitted their own broomsticks. And now, off to bed with you all, and rest well for the days ahead!"
Everyone got up from the tables and headed toward the doors. The rout to the Gryffindor common room was familiar, and as they entered, the Harry and Rose being trudged toward their room. Hermione and Ron looked at the door with interest, and other students stared also. Whispers and pointing followed them and they sighed, entered the room, then locked it behind them and dressed for bed. Despite the new avenue of curiosity the students no doubt had about them, they were still quite proud to be back at Hogwarts. Grinning, they lay down and embraced, quickly drifting to sleep.
The next day was a fairly usual affair. The Harry and Rose being got to eat a wonderful breakfast, something they'd missed a great deal. Hermione greeted them with a grin, reading her copy of Voyages with Vampires. The Harry and Rose being had neglected to read all of Lockhart's books in favor of enjoying their vacation at the Burrow, though imagined it would be better to start sooner rather than later.
Professor McGonagall was moving along the table and handing out the schedules to the Gryffindors, just as she had the year before. Double Herbology was with the Hufflepuff's first, the Harry and Rose being noted. Once they finished eating, they left the school and headed across the grounds toward the green houses. As they approached, they saw Professor Sprout waiting for them.
"Greenhouse three today, chaps!" She called to them.
She led the way and unlocked the door. The Harry and Rose being smelled damp earth as they entered, gazing around eagerly. Several new and interesting plants were there, including a bench with what looked to be earmuffs on. For a few minutes, Professor Sprout spoke about the seriousness of working with the plants they would be dealing with, and fooling around wouldn't be tolerated. She then proceeded with the lesson.
"We'll be repotting Mandrakes today. Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?" She asked.
Unsurprisingly, Hermione rose her hand.
"Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative. It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state." Hermione replied.
The Harry and Rose being grinned a little. They wondered if she had a photographic memory, since she seemed to remember every book she ever read word for word.
"Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor." Professor Sprout responded. "The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also, however, dangerous. Who can tell me why?"
Again, Hermione rose her hand into the air, narrowly missing the Harry half's glasses.
"The cry of the Mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it." Hermione stated promptly.
"Precisely. Take another ten points." Professor Sprout responded with satisfaction. "Now, the Mandrakes we have here are still very young."
She pointed to a row of deep trays and everyone shuffled forward for a better look. A great number of tufty little plants that were purple and green in color were growing there. They didn't seem remarkable in any way.
"Everyone take a pair of earmuffs." Professor Sprout said.
Everyone took some as directed, trying not to get ones that were pink and fluffy.
"When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered. When it is safe to remove them, I will give you the thumbs-up. Right, earmuffs on."
The Harry and Rose being snapped theirs on and noted they shut out sound completely. Not even Muggle earmuffs did that, so they imagined there was magic that helped in that regard. After Professor Sprout snapped on the fluffy pink ones, she rolled up the sleeves of her robe, grabbed one of the tufty plants and pulled hard.
The Harry and Rose being gasped, though no one heard them. Roots didn't come from the ground, but instead, a small, muddy, and extremely ugly baby did. The leaves seemed to be growing right out of his head. They watched on curiously as Professor Sprout took a large plant pot from under the table and plunged the plant into it, burying it in the dark, damp compost until only the leaves were visible. She then dusted off her hands and gave everyone the thumbs up. They removed their earmuffs.
"As our Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won't kill yet." She said as if nothing terribly important had just happened, her voice quite casual. "However, they will knock you out for several hours, and as I'm sure none of you want to miss your first day back, make sure your earmuffs are securely in place while you work. I will attract your attention when it is time to pack up. Four to a tray, there is a large supply of pots here, compost in the sacks over there, and be careful of the Venemous Tentacula, it's teething."
She gave a sharp slap to a red and spiky plant, who's feelers had been sneaking over her shoulder. The Harry and Rose being worked with Ron and Hermione, and next to them was a curly-haired Hufflepuff boy the Harry and Rose being had only seen and never spoken to. They heard him introduce himself as Justin Finch-Fletchley to his partners and speak about Lockhart. Many people seemed excited he was going to be their new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, though the Harry and Rose being privately thought he was full of himself, and not particularly interested in teaching anything differently.
When they started working, the Harry and Rose being realized that repotting the Mandrakes was much harder than they thought it would be. Professor Sprout had made it look easy, but it was rather difficult. The plants didn't want to come from the earth, but didn't seem to want to go back in, either. They squirmed and flailed, hitting and biting. The Harry half had spent ten minutes trying to shove a rather fat one into a pot, and the Rose half had similar difficulties with hers. She had an easier time dealing with them, though, as she was stronger than the Harry half. It would have made it easier if they'd been able to work together.
At the end of class, Professor Sprout had the Harry and Rose being stay behind, who like everyone else, was tired and sweating a little. She led them from the green house, though, and they breathed in the fresh air.
"I understand you want to enter the accelerated learning program." She stated.
"Yes, Professor." The Harry and Rose being replied.
"We might not have time to do much practical with you, but I expect you to thoroughly study the assignments I give you. You'll be tested on your knowledge, and if you study hard enough, I expect you'll handle any practical I give you sufficiently enough to pass an exam. Since time will be a little more limited to you out of class, I'll test you on one thing a week during any free period you may have which I'm available for." She said.
"Understood, Professor. And thanks." The Harry and Rose being responded.
"You're welcome, but remember, it's up to you to learn what you wish to know." Professor Sprout said in reply.
Before she dismissed them, she ran her wand over both of them, cleaning them of the dirt and grime that was on them. They then proceeded to the castle and headed for transfiguration. As usual, Professor McGonagall's classes were challenging, though it was easier for the Harry and Rose being than it was for most of the other students. They were able to turn their Beatles into buttons without much of a problem. Ron, on the other hand, seemed unable to use his wand. It crackled and sparked at odd moments, and whenever he tried to transfigure his Beatle, it engulfed him in thick gray smoke that smelled like rotten eggs. Since he wasn't able to see what he was doing, he accidentally crushed his Beatle with his elbow and had to ask for a new one. Predictably, Professor McGonagall wasn't pleased at this.
When the lunch bell rang, Ron was left behind with the Harry and Rose being, whacking his wand on the desk.
"Stupid useless thing." Ron grumbled irritably.
"Write home for another, and meanwhile, don't hit the desk with it. That's not going to help." The Harry and Rose being called over the sounds the wand was making, almost like firecrackers.
"They are correct, Mr. Weasley. I suggest you head to lunch." Professor McGonagall said.
Ron grumbled as he left the class room and Professor McGonagall turned to them with a strict look.
"This is what will be the next assignment." She said, handing them a packet of papers. "Study this thoroughly. I shall be testing you next class."
"I will." The Harry and Rose being said, then left for lunch.
Defense Against the Dark Arts was after lunch. When they finished eating, they went to the overcast courtyard for a small break before classes, Hermione reading Lockhart's book again, and apparently having outlined all his lessons in little hearts. The Harry and Rose being thought it was rather foolish and silly to do, and hadn't done anything of the sort. After a few minutes of talking with Ron about Quidditch, the Harry and Rose being realized someone was staring at them. They turned and spotted a small, mousy-haired boy who had been sorted into Gryffindor. He looked transfixed as he stared at the Harry and Rose being, clutching what looked like a Muggle camera. When they looked at him, he turned bright red.
"All right, Harry and Rose? I'm-I'm Colin Creevey." He said in a breathless voice, taking a tentative step toward them. "I'm in Gryffindor, too. D'you think, would it be all right if, can I have a picture?"
"A picture." The Harry and Rose being repeated flatly.
"So I can prove I've met you." Colin replied eagerly, moving even closer to them. "I know all about you. Everyone's told me. About how you survived when You-Know-Who tried to kill you and how he disappeared and everything and how you've still got a lightning scar on your forehead Harry..." His eyes raked over the Harry half's forehead and he continued in an excited voice. "And they've told me about how you're his soul mate and everything too and how you used to be related to the Black's. And a boy in my dormitory said if I develop the film in the right potion, the pictures will move." Colin took a deep, shuttering breath, excited. As he made to start speaking again, the Harry and Rose being put up a hand and interrupted.
"Colin, no photos." They stated.
"But Harry please?" Colin begged. "My dad's a milkman, he couldn't believe it either. So I'm taking loads of pictures to send home to him. And it'd be really good if I had one of you," He looked at them imploringly. "maybe your soul mate could stand next to you and your friend could take it and I could stand next to you too? And then, could you sign it?"
"Signed photos? You're giving out signed photos, Potter's?" Draco Malfoy drawled, his voice loud and scathing as he stood behind Colin. As usual, Crabbe and Goyle were on either side of him.
"No, I'm not." The Harry and Rose being stated coolly, glaring at Malfoy.
"Everyone line up!" Malfoy roared to the crowd. "Harry and Rose Potter are giving out signed photos!"
"As I said, I'm not." The Harry and Rose being stated again.
"You're just jealous." Colin interjected, his body about as thick as Crabbe's neck.
"Jealous? Of what? I don't want a foul scar right across my head, thanks. I don't think getting your head cut open makes you that special, myself." Malfoy responded, who was no longer shouting. Half the people in the courtyard were listening.
"Eat slugs, Malfoy." Ron said angrily. Crabbe, who had been laughing along with Goyle, stopped and started rubbing his knuckles in a menacing way.
"Be careful, Weasley. You don't want to start any trouble or your Mommy will have to come and take you away from school. Of course, with that shoddy tape job you did on your wand, she may be taking you in a tiny little match box. But perhaps, Potter's, Weasley would like one of those signed photos. It would be worth more than his family's whole house..."
Ron whipped out his taped wand and Hermione shut her book with a snap, whispering, "Look out!"
"What's all this, what's all this?" Professor Lockhart was striding toward them, the turquoise robes he wore swirling behind him. "Who's giving out signed photos?"
The Harry and Rose being were about to speak, but before they could, Lockhart flung his arms around their shoulders.
"Shouldn't have asked! We meet again, Harry and Rose!" Lockhart said cheerfully, smiling widely.
The Harry and Rose being spotted Malfoy slip back into the crowd, smirking as they blushed, pinned to his sides.
"Come on then, Mr. Creevey." He said, beaming at Colin. "A double portrait, can't do better than that, and we'll both sign it for you."
Colin fumbled for his camera as the Harry and Rose being struggled to escape. Just as he took the picture, the Rose half twisted free and pulled the Harry half away from Lockhart.
"Come, come now, Rose." Lockhart said as he reached to touch her.
"Don't." The Rose half said, stepping closer to the Harry half and pulling him away for appearances sake only. Lockhart looked a little disappointed, but smiled brilliantly after a moment.
"Right then, I'm sure it'll turn out just fine! Off you go, then!" He said cheerfully to the crowd, then said, "Come, follow me Harry and Rose."
They followed him across the grounds, sighing with resignation, though did so quietly. Listening to Professor Lockhart was the last thing they wanted to do.
"A word to the wise, Harry and Rose." Lockhart said as they entered Hogwarts through a side door. "I covered up for you back there with young Creevey, if he was photographing me, too, your schoolmates won't think you're setting yourself up so much..."
"But I'm not trying..." The Harry and Rose being began, but Lockhart didn't seem to be listening to them.
"Let me just say that handing out signed pictures at this stage of your careers isn't sensible, looks a tad bigheaded, Harry and Rose, to be frank. There may well come a time when, like me, you'll need to keep a stack handy wherever you go, but," He chortled a little. "I don't think you're quite there yet."
As they entered the class room, the Harry and Rose being found seats in the back, staring down at their desk and remaining silent. As the rest of the class entered, Ron and Hermione came over and sat down on either side of the Harry and Rose being.
"You could've fried an egg on your faces." Ron said. ""You'd better hope Creevey doesn't meet Ginny, or they'll be starting a Potter's fan club."
"Don't." The Harry and Rose being said quietly but quickly. "The last thing I need is for Professor Lockhart to hear that."
"Professor, you kidding?" Ron asked in a mutter. "Seems a bit full of himself to me."
"Agreed." The Harry and Rose being responded with a sigh.
When everyone was seated, Professor Lockhart cleared his throat loudly, causing everyone to go silent. Reaching forward, he picked up Neville's copy of Travels with Trolls, then held it up to show his own winking portrait on the front.
"Me." He pointed at the picture and winked along with it. "Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award, but I don't talk about that. I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!"
He waited for them to laugh. A few smiled weakly and the Harry and Rose being frowned. That didn't sound like anything to do with defense, looked like yet another teacher that didn't know what they were talking about.
"I see you've all bought a complete set of my books, well done. I thought we'd start today with a little quiz. Nothing to worry about, just to check how well you've read them, how much you've taken in." He passed out the test papers, then sat at the front of the class. "You have thirty minutes, start now."
The Harry and Rose being looked down at their papers and read some of the questions. They had nothing to do with defense what so ever. Instead, they all had to do with Professor Lockhart, such as his favorite color, what they thought his favorite achievement might be, and when his birthday was. There were fifty-four questions in total. The Harry and Rose being knew nothing, but went through the questions anyway. By each one, they wrote, has nothing to do with defense. With a smirk, they sat back and waited for everyone else to finish their tests. When Professor Lockhart gathered the papers, he went through them in front of the class.
"Tut, tut, hardly any of you remembered that my favorite color is lilac. I say so in Year with the Yeti. And a few of you need to read Wanderings with Werewolves more carefully. I clearly state in chapter twelve that my ideal birthday gift would be harmony between all magic and non-magic peoples, though I wouldn't say no to a large bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky!"
He winked yet again. Ron was staring at Professor Lockhart with an expression of disbelief on his face. The Harry and Rose being were frowning in a resigned sort of way. Some people around the class were shaking with silent laughter. As usual, Hermione's attention was completely on Professor Lockhart and she paid complete attention to him, jumping a little when her name was mentioned.
"But Miss Hermione Granger knew my secret ambition is to rid the world of evil and market my own range of hair-care potions, good girl! In fact," He flipped the paper over. "Full marks! Where is Miss Hermione Granger?"
Hermione rose a trembling hand and Professor Lockhart beamed.
"Excellent! Quite excellent! Take ten points for Gryffindor! And so, to business!" Professor Lockhart said.
Bending down behind his desk, he lifted a large, covered cage on to it and began speaking in a dramatic way.
"Now-be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizard kind! You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room. Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. All I ask is that you remain calm."
The Harry and Rose being stared on as Professor Lockhart put a hand on the cover of the cage. Everyone who had been silently laughing had stopped. Neville was cowering in his seat.
"I must ask you not to scream. It might provoke them." Professor Lockhart said in a low voice before whipping off the cover.
Whatever was inside were about eight inches high and quite blue in color, with pointed faces and shrill voices. They were all moving around the cage and making faces at the people closest to them.
"Yes. Freshly caught Cornish pixies." Seamus Finnigan let out a snort of laughter at that and Professor Lockhart asked, "Yes?"
"Well, they're not, they're not very- dangerous, are they?" Seamus asked through his laughter.
"Don't be so sure!" Professor Lockhart said, wagging a finger at Seamus. "Devilish tricky little blighters they can be! "Right, then. Let's see what you make of them!"
Professor Lockhart opened the cage and the pixies shot in all directions. Two of them grabbed Neville by the ears and lifted him into the air. Several more shot straight through the window, showering the back row with broken glass, the Harry and Rose being sweeping their wands toward it and sending it harmlessly in another direction. The rest of the pixies proceeded to cause even more chaos throughout the class, causing everyone that was able to take shelter to do so.
"Come on now, round them up, round them up, they're only pixies!" Professor Lockhart shouted.
"You didn't show us anything!" The Rose half shouted in reply as Professor Lockhart got out his wand.
"Peskipiksi Pesternomi!" He shouted, brandishing his wand.
Nothing happened and one of the pixies grabbed his wand, throwing it out the window. Professor Lockhart gulped and dove under his desk, narrowly avoiding Neville slamming into him as he fell from the ceiling, the chandelier unable to support his weight. As the bell rang, people madly rushed for the exit and Professor Lockhart straightened up, things a little calmer now that most people were gone. He caught sight of the Harry and Rose being, Ron, and Hermione and said, "Well, I'll ask you three to just nip the rest of them back into their cage." He then left and closed the door quickly behind him.
"Some defense teacher, eh?" The Harry and Rose being called, freezing three pixies with the same charm Hermione was using.
"Can you believe him?" Ron shouted painfully as one of the pixies bit him on the ear.
"He just wants to give us some hands-on experience!" Hermione called.
"Oh please!" The Harry and Rose being shouted as some of the pixies flung shredded paper at them. "He has no clue what he's doing!"
"Rubbish." Hermione said. "You've read his books, look at all those amazing things he's done..."
"Says he's done." Ron muttered.
The Harry and Rose being were in complete agreement with Ron. Once the rest of the pixies were back in their cage, they left the room with Ron and Hermione, who were still arguing about Professor Lockhart and his teaching style. Well, the Harry and Rose being thought, there was always self study.