Harry Potter: The Vanishing Student
Chapter 6 of my Harry Potter story, enjoy.
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Boris Yeltsin: Thanks, yeah well, it's working that's the main thing.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.
Chapter 6
"Ah, come now Jeff, you're so much better than this, I know you are."
Jeff grimaced at that, trying to stay focused on his potion which wasn't looking quite right according to the instructions. Not far off, but not quite there.
Professor Slughorn shook his head. "Come now, I remember your mother and her work so well. It's only natural that you'd be just as talented."
Jeff said nothing, merely continued to try and focus on his potion. He knew that, despite Slughorn's words, that wouldn't be the case. He wasn't skilled at Potions at all, not at all like his mother. Herbology on the other hand, that was a different matter. Professor Sprout was always so delightfully pleased with his work in her class.
'I should maybe ask Jamie if he can help me out...he's amazing at Potions.' Jeff reflected.
Finally the lesson was over and Jeff packed everything away when something bounced off his side. He turned and saw it was a note and that it was Henry Yates and Thomas Barnett. He rolled his eyes but picked it up anyway. He knew already what it contained, more mockery towards him for being a 'half-blood in more ways than one'. A taunt at him not only being half-blood but half-American too. Something he was mocked for by a few of his fellow Slytherins.
He couldn't believe this was still happening after a month at Hogwarts, it was October now and still people were acting like this.
'I honestly expected better.'
It was then he became aware of someone coming up next to him, he tensed but relaxed when he looked up and saw it was Amara Jackson.
"Oh, hey." He greeted her, friendly.
"Are you doing okay?" She asked carefully. "It's not fair of Professor Slughorn to put such pressure on you."
Jeff sighed. "I'm alright, thanks. I just-"
"Oh you've got to be kidding me." A nasal voice interrupted. "Look how low you've sunk Jackson."
Amara flushed as red as someone of her dark complexion could go as she glared at the speaker. Jeff followed her gaze and saw it was the girl who had already become the worst bully amongst the First Years, Pixie Masters.
"Sorry, I didn't realize you were involved in this conversation." Amara sniffed.
Pixie shook her head and smirked. "I had to intervene after all, considering you're making such a horrific mistake."
"Mistake?"
"Fraternizing with those...snakes." Pixie sneered. "You know Slytherin's are nothing but trouble. Evil little beasts."
She was now sneering not only at Jeff, but his fellow housemates as well, all of whom were glaring and muttering.
Amara however stepped up and spoke firmly. "You are such an idiot, Masters. If anyone is nothing but trouble and evil here, it's you. A disgrace to Gryffindor. Hogwarts is about unity after all, only you are promoting division."
With that Amara stalked off, leaving Pixie shocked and angry and the other Gryffindors and even the Slytherins watcher her go, impressed.
Later emerging into the Clock-tower Courtyard with Carla, Amara was telling her about the confrontation, they both spotted Jeff already there, talking to Jamie while other students were hanging around.
"I just couldn't believe she'd say something like that." Amara was saying.
Carla nodded. "I know...Slytherin did have that dark reputation, but still, that's a gross overgeneralisation and Pixie herself is proof that it doesn't matter what House you're in, if you're a horrible person, you're a horrible person."
Amara nodded at that, smiling. But then, suddenly, she yelped and stumbled as she was hit in the back by a spell. She turned sharply to see Pixie with her wand out, smirking.
"Oops, is Jackson all helpless."
"Shut up, Masters, you coward." Amara snapped.
That changed Pixie's expression, she growled, her face twisted with anger. "Don't you dare call me a coward!"
Carla shook her head. "Attacking someone from behind, pretty cowardly if you ask me."
By now all eyes in the courtyard were on them and Pixie flushed, not able to take this insult to her character.
"Oh please, we all know Jackson is the coward here. A Gryffindor who is scared of duelling." She taunted.
Amara rolled her eyes. "As if I'd ever be scared of you, Masters."
"Prove it."
Pixie quickly regretted those words as Amara suddenly had her wand out and launched her own spell, hitting Pixie squarely and making her stumble.
Being First Years they didn't know all that many spells, at least not many that could be used in Duelling, but that didn't stop them from casting at each other, trying to avoid each others spells and such. Finally, Amara hit a spell directly on Pixie, squarely in the stomach, causing her to double over and drop to her knees, dropping her wand. That counted as a win for Amara it seemed as the others cheered. But the cheering quickly stopped and then a new voice cut in.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Amara turned in dismay to see a very angry Professor McGonagall standing there, glaring at both of them.
"Miss Jackson, Miss Masters, how dare you."
"She attacked me, Professor!" Pixie immediately burst out, trying to pass blame.
But she was in for a nasty shock. "Do not be ridiculous, Miss Masters, I saw the both of you duelling, you are both to blame for this."
Pixie froze, eyes wide and fearful. "But, but-"
"Please Professor, Pixie started-" Carla began to explain.
"That will do, Miss Altobello." McGonagall said firmly. "Now as for you two, this is a disgrace to your house, ten points from Gryffindor, each. I will expect both of you in my office on Friday after class for Detention."
With that she left, leaving Amara frustrated and Pixie looking outraged, storming off while Carla hurried over to try and comfort her, the other students dispersing.
XXXXX
Amara was surprised, and fearful, as she made her way up the stairs, having been brought by Professor McGonagall, she had been called to Professor Dumbledore's office of all places. She wondered if word of the duel had got out, or some twisted version that made Pixie into some helpless victim. Reaching the office she bit her lip and nervously knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Hand trembling she opened the door and entered the office, she was amazed at the sight of it but even that didn't assuage her fears. Her gaze moving to Professor Dumbledore who sat at his desk, he was reading a letter and seemed concerned by its contents. However he soon put it aside and looked up to her, a kind smile forming on his face.
"Ah Miss Jackson, please come, sit down." He said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.
Amara did so, still nervous, but trying not to tremble.
"So, you've been busy, a detention already?" He remarked. "Professor McGonagall has informed me of the unfortunate circumstances regarding you and Miss Masters."
Amara bowed her head, but nodded. "Yes Professor."
Dumbledore however did not let his smile falter. "Despite my best efforts when talking to her, Miss Masters it seems is determined to continue this enmity against you. But you need not despair, I have warned the Professors to keep an eye on her for that reason."
Amara began to calm down as she seemed to realise, she wasn't in trouble.
Finally, she couldn't help but ask.
"Professor, I thought, I mean...am I-?"
Professor Dumbledore smiled softly. "No, Professor McGonagall has already dealt with your punishment. I simply wanted to offer you some help. Contrary to belief, the values of Gryffindor do not necessarily mean you should fight at any opportunity. Rather you should know when it's better to walk away. Sometimes it takes more courage to walk away than it does to fight. I think the real problem is simply your frustrations building up, am I right?"
"I...yes Professor." Amara admitted, ashamed.
Dumbledore nodded. "I see...what you need is an outlet I think, is there anything that you like, something that calms you when you are troubled?"
Amara was hesitant to admit it, but in the end she admitted. "I...I really like music, I'm still learning but I'm kinda good at playing piano."
"Ah, music, one of the most wondrous things in the world in my humble opinion. I think that is something that can be useful to you." He remarked. "I'll be in touch Miss Jackson, in the meanwhile, do try to keep your head down for now and remember what I said."
"Yes Professor." Amara replied at once.
With that she left the office, feeling lighter and certainly more hopeful than she ever had before.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
