Harry enjoyed his time at the Burrow so much that, before he knew it, it was the evening before September first. Though he was eager to return to Hogwarts, he also found his time at the Burrow more enjoyable than anything he'd ever experienced before. He wasn't jealous of Ron, though, only longed for the family he would never have, and was glad the Weasley's were willing to treat him like one of their own.
As usual, the meal Mrs. Weasley made was excellent, and contained all the things Harry liked to eat. Fireworks ended the evening, which Fred and George made, producing the tiny bangs that Harry often heard with them. They sounded louder being inside rather than outside, though Harry endured the sounds, but was glad when they were over. He slept well, and woke the next morning at dawn.
Since Harry knew he wouldn't be remaining at the Weasley's for long, he hadn't unpacked anything, had only used his trunk as he did at the Dursley's. He thought it a smart thing, as he was the only one with very little to do. He shrunk his trunk after getting up and dressing for the day, put it in his pocket, then made his way down the stairs where Mrs. Weasley was hurrying about.
"Harry dear, all packed?" She asked quickly.
"Yep." Harry replied just as fast, as Mrs. Weasley rushed past him.
"Come." Magic announced, and Harry followed her voice, entering the kitchen where he could smell the aroma of food.
Mrs. Weasley, as usual, had made something for he and the others to eat. Harry could feel some type of magic on the platters of toast, and as he reached out and took one, realized it was quite warm and already had butter on it. He guessed it was some type of preservation or warming magic, as the temperature of the toast he took from the platter didn't change at all. After he and Magic had four pieces each, they drank some water, then sat down on the couch, listening to the Weasley's running about and almost tripping over one another.
The only reason all the luggage was able to fit in the car was due to Mr. Weasley's magical additions, and Harry found he was able to identify yet another piece of magic as he helped Mr. Weasley load all the luggage into the vehicle. It was similar to the charm that made larger compartments in his trunk, but it seemed more like something with the ability to extend itself, as Harry had felt much less space in the trunk before they began loading in all the luggage.
"Not a word to Molly." Mr. Weasley said quietly to Harry.
He said nothing, even as Mrs. Weasley made a comment on how Muggles knew more than the wizarding world gave them credit for, and readied himself to enjoy the car ride to Kings Cross, with Magic on his left and Ron on his right. It wasn't long before they had returned, however, George having forgotten his fireworks. Again, they began driving from the house, and again, they returned, Ginny having forgotten her diary. Harry felt something rather strange from the diary when Ginny entered, and through his sensing of magic, could feel that there was a thin, but extremely strong tether of some kind that went from the Diary and toward a specific direction. It also seemed to have an odd awareness about it, like part of a person. He pondered it as he was finally able to enjoy the car ride, listening to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley getting into an argument over using the flight feature of the car.
They finally arrived at a quarter to eleven, clambering to get out of the car. Mr. Weasley went in a direction as Mrs. Weasley and the rest unloaded their trunks from the vehicle, while Harry and Magic stood bye. Soon, Harry heard Mr. Weasley returning with trolleys, loading their trunks on them before they hurried toward the barrier between the platforms.
Harry and Magic hung back with Ron as Percy went through the barrier first. Checking his watch, Harry realized there was about five minutes to go, though knew it would likely take time for each of them to go through the barrier, as Muggles couldn't see them do it, lest the secrecy of the magical world be broken, or, more likely, Obliviators came to wipe the memory of those who saw. Harry had heard of these things from Mr. Weasley, as he'd asked him some questions about the ministry of magic, thinking it only fair, as Mr. Weasley enjoyed asking him about various muggle items.
One by one, the Weasley's went through the barrier until Mrs. Weasley announced she would be taking Ginny, then Harry, Ron and Magic should follow. Once Mrs. Weasley and Ginny vanished through the barrier, Ron led Harry toward it.
"We've only got a minute." He said.
Harry picked up his pace with Ron, Magic sprinting behind them. As they drew closer, Harry felt a mix of something familiar and a magic he didn't know. Moments later, Ron's trolley smashed into the barrier and he bounced back from it as Harry let him go. Magic grabbed Harry and hauled him to a stop, reached out with her free hand, then grasped Ron's and pulled him up.
"Thanks, Magic." Ron said, staring at confusion at the barrier. "What's happened to it?"
Harry reached out and pushed his hands against the barrier, feeling the magic. He realized, quite suddenly, that the familiar magic was that of Dobby the house elf, who had made the barrier solid to prevent them from getting through. Harry sighed as Ron rearranged everything on the trolley, then Harry heard him say, "Harry, we've only got thirty seconds!"
"Okay." Harry said. "Go."
Magic dispelled the foreign, blocking magic, and before Dobby could reestablish it, Harry jumped through, leaving Magic to make sure Ron got through safely. Harry then heard Mrs. Weasley call frantically, "Harry, where's Ron you're going to be late!"
Ron came through with Magic behind him, and as Magic gripped Harry's hand firmly, they broke into a run, sprinting for all they were worth toward the train. Harry could hear it beginning to move, and as they approached a still open door, Ron shouted, "Jump!"
Harry let Magic go and jumped, hitting the floor of the train, then Magic lifted Ron into the train before grabbing his trunk with ease, leaping inside. The door closed behind her and the train accelerated faster as Harry felt his heart pounding.
"You could have levitated it." Harry gasped.
"Yes." Magic stated.
"Why didn't you?" Harry asked.
"You didn't wish it, and I do as you wish." Magic responded.
"She got you there, huh mate?" Ron asked, he, too, panting from their run.
"Yeah. I guess so." Harry responded. "Come on. Let's find Hermione."
Ron pulled his trunk down the train as he led Harry, who walked with Magic beside him, having taken her elbow so she could lead him, his cane folded in its holder clipped to his belt. They eventually found Hermione in a compartment alone, and Harry heard her greet them as they entered.
"I saw you running to keep up with the train, I didn't think you'd make it aboard." Hermione said.
"We barely did." Harry replied. "Dobby was blocking the barrier from letting us through."
"Who's Dobby?" Ron asked.
"A house elf that came to the Dursley's to warn me not to return to Hogwarts." Harry said. "I guess he decided to take more drastic measures to try and stop me."
"Blocking the barrier would require incredibly advanced magic, so would reversing whatever charm was placed." Hermione said with her usual studiousness.
"You know me." Harry responded. "Advanced magic and I go hand in hand, literally."
"Yeah, I suppose so." Hermione responded, then added breathlessly, "So, are you three excited to see how Professor Lockhart teaches classes?"
"Not particularly." Harry responded. "He tried to drag me up to the front of his line to show me off, like..."
"I know, Harry, I was there." Hermione gently interrupted him.
"Oh. Right." Harry said. "Forgot for a second."
"Well, you are famous, Harry. In fact, judging from how people were staring at you as you got on the platform, you made yourself even more famous with your little speech in the book store." Hermione said.
"Great." Harry sighed. "Just what I wanted."
The compartment door slid open, then Harry heard Malfoy state, "So, Potter. Still no better than the Mudblood?"
"So, Malfoy." Harry responded with a bored calm. "Still narrow minded and prejudice?"
"You just watch your back, Potter. Oh, wait. You can't." Malfoy chuckled in a nasty way, and Harry stretched in his seat.
"Give me a break, Malfoy. Will you?" Harry asked.
"Oh, you bet, Potter. I'll do just that." Malfoy stated in a sinister tone before the compartment door closed.
"What was that about?" Ron asked.
"Malfoy, Davis, and a few others were quite nasty to me last school year, after Davis led me to the dungeon under the pretext of wanting to know my side of everything that had happened to me. She hurt me a little, tried to steal my things, and put me under a body bind before I sent it back at her. I'm expecting they'll probably try something new this year." Harry said, sounding unconcerned.
"Why?" Ron asked.
"Jealousy, a lack of confidence in themselves, all disguised as the desire to pick on me and hurt me." Harry said. "And judging by Malfoy's statement, which I admit I left an opening for him, he'll probably try and break a bone or two."
"I remember you told us about all that last year, Harry, but you should go to a teacher about your thoughts on Malfoy." Hermione said. "Don't let him get away with that."
"If they do something that leaves evidence, I'll do that." Harry said. "Right now, it's just going to be speculation, and I doubt the teachers will do anything with conjecture or circumstantial evidence without proof."
The compartment door opened after a few moments, then Harry heard Hermione and Ron gasp.
"Daphne, what happened!" Hermione frantically called, Harry hearing her stand and move to the other girl.
"Evidently, my choice in friends disagrees with more of the Slytherins than I thought." Daphne responded as Harry heard her stumbling toward a seat, slumping down across from him with a sigh and a bit of a grunt of pain.
"Are you hurt?" Harry asked.
"Yes, a great deal." Daphne responded.
Harry heard Magic stand and step toward her due to his desire to help Daphne, then her placid voice said, "You have the following injuries. Two broken ribs, a fractured wrist, twisted ankle, bruised knee, and a dislocated shoulder."
"I'll go get help." Hermione said frantically. "If I'd known it was that bad..."
"Stop." Magic stated as Hermione was about to open the door.
"But she needs medical help!" Hermione responded.
"I've done this before." Harry said. "Healed people."
Harry felt his flame of Magic's healing touch sweep over Daphne, heard a few quiet, but audible cracks, then Daphne sighed, far more comfortable than she'd been before.
"Thanks, Magic." Daphne said.
"You're welcome." Magic stated in reply as she sat next to Harry again.
"Thanks, Magic." Harry said as he turned toward her, then felt the soothing closeness of his flame as he and Magic's link grew deeper.
"Who did this to you?" Hermione asked.
"Flint and his crowd." Daphne replied after a moment. "I fear if I don't do something soon, the violence will only escalate."
"Take it to Professor Snape." Harry said.
"That git?" Ron asked.
"He's not as bad as he was when I first met him." Harry responded. "Trust me."
"Even if I did, I don't have any evidence." Daphne said. "I'm glad you healed me, Magic, but in doing so, I've lost the evidence I'd have against them."
"Then the next time something like that happens, let whatever professor know what's happened." Harry said. "I doubt they'd let bullying like that go, and if they did, I'd find a new school."
"I'll attempt that." Daphne responded thoughtfully. "But perhaps, Harry, you should take your own advice."
"I suppose I should." Harry said. "And I still agree with your talk to me about standing my ground."
"Good." Daphne said.
The rest of the train ride consisted of talking, eating sweets that Harry purchased for them, and playing a game known as exploding snap, though Magic was the only one who could play since the cards weren't brailed. Harry didn't mind, though, listening to his friends laughing and hearing their good natured ripping when Magic lost. She didn't understand the jokes, and it was only through Harry's interpretation of the world that she knew they meant the things they said in good fun. She responded in her direct way as usual, though, only stating that she'd need to learn the game better before she could win.
By the time they got to Hogwarts, it was cold outside, which surprised Harry as he hadn't felt any temperature changes in the train, and identified another possible piece of magic that it used, to keep the temperature at a comfortable one for everyone, despite any weather conditions they went through. Exiting on to the small platform, they followed the rest of the students, and Harry heard Hagrid's familiar booming voice calling the first years. The rest of the students went off in another direction, though, and Hermione said, "We're going by horseless carriage this time."
"That's odd." Harry said. "The magic almost feels like some kind of invisibility magic."
"How do you know what that feels like?" Ron asked.
"Because I've been invisible with Magic before, and I have the invisibility cloak, so I know how that type of magic feels, even in a general sort of way." Harry stated.
"Oh." Ron said sheepishly.
Harry entered the carriage with Ron, Hermione and Magic. It wasn't long before they began moving. It didn't take long to get up to the school, and once they were stopped, Harry got out of the carriage, Hermione leading him into the entrance hall. Harry grinned at the familiar Magic Hogwarts possessed, letting Hermione lead him to the great hall, with Magic and Ron following. They sat, and gradually, the great hall became more crowded as students entered.
It was the first time Harry had observed the sorting, and no matter the house, he clapped for the students. Ginny Weasley ended up in Gryffindor, and Professor Dumbledore's few words before the feast were different, though no less strange. The meal was superb, as usual, though Harry noted the strange Magic from Ginny's diary, which she presumably had with her. He pondered it quietly and said very little as he ate, trying to figure out exactly what it was. Whatever it might be, Ginny seemed well enough, talking to others, and embarrassed to talk with Harry as usual. He decided to put it from his mind, reasoning that, if it was harmful, he'd notice something. He decided on a small test, though, and after Professor Dumbledore's speech for the beginning of the year, which was practically the same as last year without the inclusion of the third floor corridor being forbidden, he left the great hall with Magic bumping Ginny on the way out, her hand brushing hers so she could feel her magic deeper, their magic lightly touching. No adverse reaction happened, though, and Ginny only glanced at her. Satisfied that everything was all right, Harry put the strange magic from his mind, thinking that there was probably something about magical diaries he didn't know. Maybe it was intelligent, something that could give advice and input to the person writing in it. Harry had no idea how close he actually was to the truth, and wouldn't realize it until much later.
The next day, Harry enjoyed some of his favorite dishes, porridge, toast, and bacon. As usual for Hogwarts, the post arrived with owls flapping their way to the recipients of letters and packages. It was comfortingly familiar, and when Professor McGonagall passed out their schedules, Harry read through his brailed schedule. The first class of the day was Herbology for two periods, so Harry imagined they'd be working with plants that required more work than the previous year.
Harry made his way to the greenhouses with Magic, Ron and Hermione. Professor Sprout was waiting for them there, ushering all of them into greenhouse three. Harry set it as a location for the map function of his watch before he entered, and as a result, he was one of the last to enter. The students were murmuring in excitement, though, and Harry didn't blame them. Greenhouse three was known to house more of the dangerous plants, which confirmed Harry's thinking that he'd be dealing with plants that were more dangerous than the previous year's had been.
"Welcome to second year Herbology." Professor Sprout called to them after she closed the door, Harry smelling the damp earth and what was doubtless a variety of different plants. "As some of you have already guessed, this year, you'll be learning about some of the more dangerous magical plants. Some of them can seriously injure you if you aren't paying attention to what you're doing, so pay attention, and don't fool around in this class."
No one spoke.
"We'll be repotting Mandrakes today. Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?" Moments later, Professor Sprout called on Hermione, who Harry guessed had raised her hand.
"Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative." Hermione stated, sounding as if she'd memorized the text book. "It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state."
"Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor. The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also, however, dangerous. Who can tell me why?" Professor Sprout asked.
Harry heard the wind from the air next to his ear as Hermione rose her hand again, but Professor Sprout didn't call on her.
"Longbottom." She said.
"It's cry is deadly." Neville Longbottom responded, and Harry noticed his voice was more confident than he remembered, perhaps due to his being in a class that he was good at.
"Precisely." Professor Sprout responded. "Another ten points to Gryffindor. Now, the Mandrakes we have here are still very young. Everyone take a pair of earmuffs."
Harry heard the class moving about, followed them, and grabbed a pair of large earmuffs from the bench where they'd been placed. He wasn't sure exactly how he'd perform this assignment, unable to hear or see. He decided to wait and find out what would happen, though, and beside him, Magic grasped her earmuffs.
"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." Professor Sprout said.
Harry put the earmuffs over his ears and heard complete silence. He sent a thought to Magic to tap him when he could remove his earmuffs, standing and waiting for what felt like about fifteen or so seconds. Magic tapped him firmly on the shoulder and Harry removed his earmuffs.
"When we begin, Mr. Potter, I will be showing you what to do." Professor Sprout stated, her voice calm. "Now, as the Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won't kill yet. 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."
Harry heard what sounded like a branch of something being hit, then the rest of the class began to group together. Magic joined Ron, Hermione, and a Hufflepuff named Justin Finch-Fletchley, while Harry went over to where Professor Sprout was.
"Right, Potter." She said. "Fill these pots with this compost."
Harry scooped it from the bags and filled the pots with the compost as Professor Sprout directed him to do, wondering exactly how working with her would go, as he'd never actually worked directly with the professor before. Usually, it was with another student. When he finished, the class had also.
"Right, everyone, earmuffs on!" Professor Sprout indicated, and Harry snapped the earmuffs over his ears.
It wasn't long before he felt Professor Sprout take his hands and show him one of the Mandrakes. It looked unremarkable, until Professor Sprout led him to feel her hands as she pulled it from the earth. It felt like a human baby, and it was very likely crying. He could feel it kicking and squirming as Professor Sprout put it in the pot, burying it until only the leaves could be felt. Harry was then guided to another of the plants, and digging his hands into the soil, he pulled it from the earth with Professor Sprout guiding his hands for the first couple of plants. The work wasn't at all easy, and having the earmuffs on made Harry quite nervous, as his world was gone. By the end of class, Professor Sprout grasped his wrists to stop him after he'd finished putting a Mandrake in its pot, then she pulled the earmuffs from his ears. Harry sighed with relief, brushing the dirt from his hands.
After washing up quickly from their work, they headed to transfiguration, where Professor McGonagall assigned them to turn a beetle into a button. Harry managed to do this easily, and he and Hermione had a contest between who could make the best button, as Hermione was able to perform the transfiguration with about as much ease as Harry. They had a good natured discussion about it as they worked, and by the end of class, Professor McGonagall gave them both points and smiles for their work.
It was Defense Against the Dark Arts after lunch, something Harry wasn't looking forward to. Professor Lockhart's books read like fantastic stories rather than any useful defense skills, though the things he allegedly performed were possible within Harry's scope of magic, he was sure. How Professor Lockhart would actually teach was another thing entirely, though he didn't expect much. Ron and Hermione had a bit of discussion about Hermione outlining Professor Lockhart's lesson periods in hearts, and after they finished eating, they went out into the courtyard. Judging by the feeling that there was little or no sun on his neck or face, Harry guessed it was cloudy. He could hear Hermione reading, and other students chatting around them as they waited for the time of the Defense Against the Dark Arts to get closer.
"What do you think his class is going to be like?" Ron asked, trying to find something to talk about with Harry.
"I'm not expecting much." Harry said. "Professor Quirrell's class wasn't too much last year, either, was it?"
"Not really." Ron responded. "You know, Harry, with Magic watching you, I bet you could play some pretty good Quidditch."
"Maybe so." Harry said. "But I don't want to rely on Magic's knowledge for that if I don't have to. So, unless there's a way for me to play without relying on her, I won't try out."
"Do you think that magic place would have anything?" Ron asked.
"Special magic needs?" Harry asked.
"Specialty Magical Needs." Hermione corrected him.
"Thanks." Harry said, then added, "They might. I'll have to ask them next time I go there."
"Yeah." Ron responded. "I think it'd be cool if you could play, don't you?"
"I'd like flying, and the challenge of catching the snitch would be fun, too." Harry said. "I enjoyed our little Quidditch matches at the Burrow."
"You looked like you did." Ron responded. "Think you'll watch more games now that you've played some?"
"No, I'm still not a fan of being in the crowd like that. But flying, especially if I could dampen the sound of the crowd somehow, I could enjoy playing it." Harry said.
"Harry?" He heard a breathless voice say.
Harry turned, then said, "Who are you?"
"C-Colin Creevey." He announced, sounding a bit nervous, but also determined. "I'm in Gryffindor, too. Do you think, would it be all right if, can I have a picture?" He sounded hopeful.
"For what?" Harry asked, though already decided to say no, as he wasn't a big fan of pictures. To him, they weren't worth all that much.
"So I can prove I've met you." Colin's voice was eager, and he was moving a little closer to Harry as he spoke. "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. A boy in my dormitory said if I develop the film in the right potion, the pictures'll move." Colin took a deep breath. "It's amazing here, isn't it? I never knew all the odd stuff I could do was magic till I got the letter from Hogwarts. 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, maybe your friend could take it and I could stand next to you? And then, could you sign it? You can sign right, even though you're blind and all?"
"I can sign my name on things, yes, but..." Harry began.
"Now isn't this grand." Malfoy's drawling voice stated. "Now you're giving out signed photos, Potter? Everyone line up!" His voice shouted to the rest of the people in the courtyard. "Harry Potter's giving out signed photos!"
"You wish I were so you'd have something to be angry about." Harry stated, also raising his voice a little. "But you won't get that this time, Malfoy, sorry. You're only letting out your jealousy."
"Jealousy?" Malfoy chuckled. "And what would I have to be jealous about? I don't consider having sightless eyes worth it, thanks. Being blind makes a person nothing as far as I'm concerned."
"Then you shouldn't even hear or see me, or even know I'm here." Harry replied. "If I'm nothing, I shouldn't even exist, but clearly I do. So maybe there's something to me after all."
"Why don't you go back to your Muggle home and pine over your dead Mudblood mother, Potter." Malfoy stated.
"Say that again, Malfoy, I dare you!" Ron growled furiously.
"Ron, stop." Harry moved to him and grabbed his arm. "He's not worth it, he's only trying to get a reaction."
"Bet Weasley would like a signed photo, Potter." Malfoy stated. "It'd be worth more than his family's whole house."
"There's something worth more than your house, Malfoy, and that's a real family that shows you love and kindness, not one that gives you everything you want, turning you into nothing more than a bully and an angry, jealous child." Harry stated.
"What's all this, what's all this?" Professor Lockhart's voice was heading toward them and Harry heard his footsteps. "Who's giving out signed photos?" No one had time to speak, and within moments, Professor Lockhart's arm wrapped around Harry's shoulders and he jovially said, "Shouldn't have asked, we meet again, Harry!"
"With all due respect, Professor, let me go." Harry stated as he struggled.
"Oh, come now, Harry." Professor Lockhart said cheerfully. "It's only one photo. A double portrait, Mr. Creevey. Can't do better than that, and we'll both sign it for you."
"No, thanks." Harry said as he pushed away from Professor Lockhart, his heart pounding. "And in the future, Professor, don't touch me uninvited. Thanks."
"Harry, Harry, Harry." Professor Lockhart's voice was patronizing. "Sometimes, fame comes with things we don't like, but it's also got many advantages."
"That I don't want." Harry stated.
"Why don't you follow me, Harry, and I'll take you on up to the Defense classroom. We'll have a little talk about it." Professor Lockhart said.
Harry sighed, and seeing no way out of this one, did as he was told. He didn't listen to Professor Lockhart's chat as he led him to the Defense Against the Dark Art's classroom, though couldn't help but hear him going on about how, at times, fame could be important and, regardless of how he may dislike it, it was important to cultivate it. By the time they entered the classroom, Harry went to his seat and sat down with relief, glad to be away from him.
Everyone else soon entered the classroom, Magic sitting next to him as she usually did. Hermione was on his other side, and Ron sat behind them. They didn't mention anything about the incident, and Harry was glad for that.
After Professor Lockhart cleared his throat, the class went silent and he began to speak, sounding quite self-important.
"Me. 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!"
Harry quietly sighed to himself. This class was going to be more of a joke than Professor Quirrell's had been.
"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."
Professor Lockhart passed out the test papers, and Harry was unsurprised that his wasn't in braille. After they were given thirty minutes, Harry sat quietly as the rest of the class began their work. Magic leaned toward him and whispered quietly into his ear, "This is not about defense, it's about Professor Lockhart. Question one. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color?"
Harry didn't remember, as he hadn't actually read Professor Lockhart's books, only tried to quickly go through them to find anything useful.
"Next one." Harry quietly whispered.
"Question two. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's secret ambition?" Magic whispered.
Grinning to himself a little, Harry whispered back so only she could hear, "To be famous enough to attract the entire world."
He heard Magic write his answer as he spoke it, then she whispered into his ear, "Question three. What, in your opinion, is Gilderoy Lockhart's greatest achievement to date?"
"Being self-important." Harry whispered in reply.
He continued to answer the questions in this manner, thinking up cheeky responses for questions that seemed like they warranted them, and leaving others blank. He'd likely get a zero on the quiz, but didn't care. Thirty minutes later, Professor Lockhart was going through the test papers 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!"
"Give me a break." Harry said so quietly that he doubted anyone heard him, but he did hear Hermione gasp beside him when Professor Lockhart mentioned her name.
"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,"Harry heard paper being flipped. "Full marks! And Magic, full marks as well, excellent! Where are the two of you?"
Harry heard them raise their hands on either side of him.
"Excellent! Quite excellent! Take ten points for Gryffindor each!" Professor Lockhart sounded quite cheerful, then added, "And so, to business!"
Here we go, Harry thought to himself as he heard Professor Lockhart put something on his desk. He'd sensed the magic of the creatures before he'd even revealed them for everyone to see, but as Harry listened, he realized Professor Lockhart hadn't yet revealed them, and was saying things for dramatic effect.
"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."
Harry heard some of the class, who had been laughing, stop. Complete silence fell on the room.
"I must ask you not to scream. It might provoke them." Professor Lockhart's voice was low and dramatic, then Harry heard something pulled off what he'd presumably placed on the desk. "Yes." He still sounded dramatic. "Freshly caught Cornish pixies."
Harry heard Seamus let out a snort of laughter, and could hear the shrill voices of the Pixies. The thing they were in was either shaking a bit or being rattled by them, and Harry could feel their magic, it seeming more restless than any person's magic was.
"Yes?" He sounded as if he was inviting Seamus to speak.
"Well, they're not... Not very dangerous, are they?" Seamus asked through his laughter.
"Don't be so sure! Devilish tricky little blighters they can be!" Professor Lockhart chided, then added loudly, "Right, then! Let's see what you make of them!"
Harry heard the pixies shooting from the cage in all different directions and heard shattering glass, feeling some of it land on him. Magic repaired the broken window at his thought, then he felt the soothing magic of his flame washing over the pixies. Gradually, their chattering, shrill voices faded to quiet.
"Go back to the cage." Magic stated placidly.
Harry heard them faintly chattering to each other as the soothing flame of his magic continued to move through the pixies. They returned to the cage, and Professor Lockhart closed it.
"Well done, well done!" He said cheerfully. "Excellent work, Magic, fabulous! Couldn't have done it better myself!"
"Really?" Harry asked with curious sarcasm. "Why don't you open the cage again, and we'll find out? My magic's not traditional, so couldn't the class do with a real demonstration on how to subdue pixies, something they can follow?"
"Right you are, Harry, I knew you were intelligent!" Professor Lockhart said. "You don't do anything, then, Harry or Magic, and I'll demonstrate just how to contain them!" The cage door opened again. The calming magic was released from the pixies, which shot out of the cage in all directions, and Professor Lockhart waved his wand and shouted, "Peskipiksi Pesternomi!"
The only thing that happened was the pixies continuing to rampage around the classroom. Harry and Magic had shielded their desks, but other people's items were being thrown around the room, and Harry heard something heavy smash through the repaired window, breaking it again.
"This is ridiculous!" Harry shouted loudly over the sounds of the pixies, then heard something crash to the ground. The bell ending class rang and he heard everyone rushing to leave, he included as he picked up his bag, Magic still shielding them both as she took his hand and led him quickly from the room. Once outside, Harry sighed with relief and said to himself, "Well. That was unique, and I wonder how that professor even got hired, he doesn't seem to know anything."
No one but Magic was in the corridor to hear him, but only moments after, Professor Lockhart quickly walked from the classroom and down the corridor without saying a word to him.
"Harry, Magic!" He heard Ron's voice call.
"Magic, go in there, help them, will you?" Harry asked.
Magic obediently turned around, stepped into the room, then calmed the pixies and sent them back into the cage as she had before. In only about half a minute, Ron and Hermione had left the class, as Magic had also tidied everything up and repaired broken items.
"Thanks, Magic." Ron said as Harry unfolded his cane and followed her, Ron and Hermione.
"Harry told me to help." Magic stated.
"Still, you're the only one who knew about how to deal with all that. Our Professor certainly doesn't know." Ron scoffed.
"Sure he does." Hermione replied smartly. "He just wanted to give us some practical experience."
"Yeah, and a practical demonstration on how he doesn't know anything and can't perform what was doubtless a basic charm." Harry said.
"Basic charm? That wasn't a basic charm!" Hermione shouted indignantly. "It's incredibly advanced and complex magic! He probably didn't have enough time to prepare for it!"
"Okay, Hermione. Rationalize and justify his incompetents to yourself if you want. But the only thing that class is good for now is a good grade, not a good professor, or any practical teaching. If I wasn't so good at defense myself in a natural way, and could actually use a wand, I'd teach the class." Harry said.
"Well, Professor Lockhart's done more than any wizard, and knows more magic than anyone but Professor Dumbledore ever has." Hermione stated in a tone that seemed to indicate that was that. Harry sighed, decided not to pursue the topic any further, and followed his friends, listening to Ron and Hermione bickering all the way down the corridors until they reached the entrance hall.