Chapter 17: More Problems

While Calem and I were not able to spend Christmas Day with our families, we were able to go home for about a week before making our way back to Hogwarts for the start of the next term. We managed to stock up on supplies, discuss our class with Professor Sycamore, in addition to learning of more Mega Evolutions, and watch a Pokémon Contest.

In our conversations with Professor Sycamore, we expressed our concerns about the students' lack of participation in gym battles. However, Sycamore seemed more impressed with the fact that some of students seem to be reacting how a trainer would as opposed to thinking about their house or blood status. Ultimately, Calem and I would continue to encourage them to battle the other professors.

Once classes resumed, we handed the rest of the students the same package that we had given to the Weasley's, Harry, and Hermione over Christmas. The students, particularly those that are battling their professors, were thankful for the gift.

Over the first month after break ended, many of the students managed to collect a few badges.

The next thing that we would plan would be the Contests. While these wouldn't be as difficult to set up as the gym battles, we would still need to find people to judge the contests. Professor Flitwick seemed fascinated with the idea of these Contests and volunteered to be a judge.

It was determined that a contest would be held at least once a month, so that by the end of the year, those that had collected five ribbons would be able to compete in a makeshift Grand Festival by the end of the academic year.

While the first contest was a good introduction for the students, as well of the rest of the school, but I would be lying if I said it was the most organized contest. While all of the students that wished to participate were able to, and it was organized pretty well considering it was a last minute job, I made a mental note to plan the next contest further in advance than the first one.

Which was exactly what I was doing when Calem walked into our office.

"Serena, you're gonna miss class if you don't watch the time."

My head snapped toward Calem before turning to look at my Holo Caster. I grabbed the bag beside my desk and headed toward the door. "We can't have that, now can we," I said, turning to face Calem with a smile.

I should have said I was sick and let Calem handle class.

"Guys, calm down," I sighed, "I know Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and I know there aren't any tests in this class, but try to focus please."

Grumbling fell across the class as Calem and I tried to finish the lesson we had planned. After another five minutes of no success, we decided to call it quits. The students then broke off into groups, having various conversations, but most of them revolved around Valentine's Day. Calem and I decided to take the time to take the time to work through the logistics of the next contest.

"Um, Professor Bellamy?"

I glanced up to find Lavender Brown raising her hand. "Need something," I asked as she lowered her hand.

"Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day?"

Calem seemed to choke on the breath he was taking and the classroom fell silent, all of a sudden interested to know my response.

Clearing my throat, I glanced back toward the fifth-year Gryffindor. "Lavender, I know that I am close in age to everyone in class, but I am still your professor and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't ask questions about my personal life."

Lavender turned away and the class seemed to go back to their conversations.

"But since you asked," I sighed, "I plan on working on Valentine's Day."

A set of red-haired twins glanced toward me before turning back toward each other.

Before I knew it, I was wondering the snowy streets of Hogsmeade on Valentine's Day. Couples wandered through the streets, holding hands and laughing. I noticed Harry and Cho walk past Draco and Pansy, the later girl making a comment to the former. I shook my head and the interaction between the houses.

Just another problem to fix.

Calem walked past them, glancing at both pairs before making his way toward me, a grin spread across his face.

"Where's the Lake Trio?"

I smiled, "when I left, they were asleep on my bed. I left my other Pokémon to keep an eye on them. By the time I get back, they should be awake."

Calem nodded, "anything in particular you were gonna do?"

"Nope," I responded, shaking my head, "but I kinda feel like getting a Butterbeer."

Calem grinned again before bending his elbow, "then shall we go and retrieve some Butterbeer?"

Laughing, I linked my elbow with his and nodded. "We shall, sir."

We walked arms in arm toward the Three Broomsticks, receiving stares from some of our students that we ended up passing. We ended up laughing for the next half an hour. Neither of us had expected to stay that long, so we decided to head back toward Hogwarts.

On our way back, I glanced out of the corner of my eye to find the Weasley twins watching us walk toward the castle, with uncharacteristically stoic faces.

Walking down the hall toward our room we noticed Umbridge lurking around.

"Umbridge, what are you doing here?"

Her head shot up, giving us a dirty look in the process.

"Just making sure that the beasts are not causing trouble."

"They're Pokémon, for one. Second, they are behaving accordingly. While three of them are young, they are fairly well behaved."

"These children are not safe with such creatures around the school," Umbridge huffed, puffing out her chest.

"I can assure you, Professor Umbridge, the students are perfectly safe," Calem calmly responded, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Umbridge opened her mouth as if to say something, but paused before speaking again. "You should leave these children alone and take your beasts with you."

Umbridge had stormed halfway down the hall before I turned to look at Calem. "She's not gonna get any easier to deal with, is she?"

"Nope," Calem said simply, opening the door to our office, "but I have no intention of leaving before the end of the year."

I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while! :'( I'm hoping to be able to post at least once a week. Anyway, I hope you guys like this chapter!