Look at me, rolling on into the next chapter. Don't you love it when your writer's block decides to go on vacation, and you can actually transfer the words in your head onto paper (or the digital equivalent)?
Alright, if my math checks out - which it rarely does - this chapter would be chapters 5 and 6 of Chamber of Secrets.
As always, I only claim my OC. I hope you enjoy this update!
ALSO: It never made sense to me that rumors would already be flying (heh) around about Harry's and Ron's adventure, so the rest of the school don't find out what happened until the next morning.
The end of summer break came too quickly for either Harry's or Susanna's liking. As much as Susanna had missed Hogwarts and being able to actually use magic, the Burrow had become the home she always wanted, even when she was the apple of her parents' eyes. She could run around, explore, do whatever she wanted - eat what she wanted, though that was something she was still getting used to doing - without fear of being punished or told she was a disappointment.
Their last night at the Weasley home, Mrs. Weasley presented them with a dinner that could rival any at Hogwarts. Ron and Harry took turns checking on Susanna, discreetly offering her more food when she hesitated to reach for a second helping. It ended with an amazing display of Filibuster fireworks put on by the twins, and a round of hot chocolate.
Susanna climbed into her bed first - Ginny's desk had been transfigured into one at the start of the Dursley girl's stay at the Burrow - and went over the list in her mind of all she had needed to pack. Ginny dove onto hers soon after, whispering "goodnight" before checking if she could shut off the lamp on the table between their beds.
"Susanna?" The younger redhead mumbled, and Susanna rolled over to look at her. "Do you ever worry you're living in Harry's shadow?"
"What do you mean? Hang on." Susanna reached over to switch on the bedside lamp so she could better see the Weasley girl.
Ginny's lips were twisted into a slight frown, her brown eyes wide. "He's the Boy Who Lived. He killed You Know Who as a baby. Doesn't it… are you ever compared to him, because of it? Do people expect the same… I don't know."
"Greatness?" Susanna offered, then hummed. "I'm not sure. Maybe people do, but no one's said it to my face. Well, Draco, but that was to get a rise out of me. He thinks we're equally terrible, the smarmy git." Ginny laughed. "I spent eleven years only knowing him as my cousin. Neither of us knew how special he was until last year. He was just 'Harry' to me. Still is, of course. Besides, being like Harry isn't something I want. I just want to be better."
"Better than what?" The young redhead asked quietly.
"Better than who I used to be." Susanna smiled softly at Ginny. "Why do you ask?"
Ginny sat up, staring at her fingernails. "I'm the youngest of seven. The only girl. What will people at Hogwarts expect of me? Should I be like the twins? Percy? As focused as Bill was when he was a student? Curious about magical creatures like Charlie? Or do they want me to be like Ron, going on adventures and helping to save the school - the world, really."
Susanna climbed out of bed, urging Ginny to shift. Hades purred, curling up into a ball on his human's pillow. The younger girl lifted the sheets so Susanna could get under them with her, but still wouldn't look up from her hands. "You know, your brother had the same fears when Harry and I first met him. He didn't know who he should be, either, but hopefully by now he's figured out that all he ever needed to be was Ron, or at least is starting to. You're not your brothers. I'm not Harry. We can only really be ourselves."
"But what if I don't know who I am?" Ginny asked, brown eyes filling with unshed tears as she finally met Susanna's gaze.
The older redhead wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tucking Ginny into her side. "You'll figure it out. Can I tell you what I see right now?" The other girl nodded shyly. "I see someone who's stronger than she knows. I imagine you have to be, having six brothers. You're funny, but it's different than the twins. It's a subtle humor, but you still make me laugh. And you're more confident than you let on - you told Draco off without hesitation. Start from there, okay?"
"Alright."
"And I'm here for you. So're the twins, Percy when he can get his head out of his arse and his attention off of Penelope Clearwater." Both gingers giggled. "Not to mention Ron, Hermione, and Harry." She caught Ginny's flushed cheeks, but was tactful enough to know it wasn't the time to comment on the girl's obvious crush on her cousin. "You're not going into this alone."
"Thank you."
"Of course." Susanna cleared her throat, then smiled. "Now, tell me about what you're most looking forward to."
Everyone was slow-moving the next morning, the girls exhausted from their late night chat and the boys - excluding Percy - still packing their trunks. Mrs. Weasley was in a particularly bad mood as she looked for spare socks and missing quills, everyone kept colliding on the stairs, and Mr. Weasley nearly broke his neck when he tripped over a chicken while carrying Ginny's trunk to the car.
Susanna frowned at the Ford Anglia, then did a headcount of all who'd be riding in it. How would eight people, six trunks, two owls, a rat, and a cat fit inside? Mr. Weasley was quick to show both the girl and her cousin the magically expanded interior of both the car and the boot, whispering, "Not a word to Molly." They nodded in agreement, then loaded their belongings inside.
Susanna climbed into the car after Harry, smoothing out her uniform skirt, deciding against changing on the train. Her robe was packed neatly in her messenger bag, along with her copies of Advanced Potion-Making, Asiatic Anti-Venoms, her wand, and a pen - she wasn't confident she wouldn't spill the entirety of her ink if she were to use a quill on the Express. Hades was curled comfortably in his carrier, the cat now roughly the length of a standard sleeping pillow. Hedwig's cage was resting next to the feline, the two animals hooting and meowing to each other as if holding a quiet conversation.
Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were the last to enter the Ford Anglia, the matriarch humming in awe at how the cousins, Ron, Percy, and her twin sons were all sitting comfortably side-by-side in the backseat. "Muggles do know more than we give them credit for, don't they?" Mr. Weasley hummed in agreement, winking at the passengers in the back through the rearview mirror while his wife was distracted helping Ginny buckle up.
The man started the engine, and they spluttered their way out of the yard. The cousins both took one last look at the Burrow, Susanna wondering when they'd be back next - in just a month, it felt like home. Her unasked question was answered only a few minutes later, when they had to return for George's box of Filibuster fireworks. Another five minutes passed before the Ford Anglia was parking in the yard again, Fred having realized he'd left his broom. They nearly reached the motorway when Ginny cried out that she'd forgotten her diary - a black leather journal that Susanna had occasionally seen her buried in. Tempers were high by the time everyone was certain they had all their belongings, running late for the Express.
"Molly, dear -" Mr. Weasley started as he checked his watch.
Mrs. Weasley glowered back at him. "No, Arthur -"
"No one would see. This little button here is an Invisibility Booster I installed, that'd get us up in the air. Then we fly above the clouds. We'd be there in ten minutes and no one would be any the wiser -"
"I said no, Arthur, not in broad daylight." Susanna, Ron, and Harry all pouted at each other while the twins groaned at their mother's words.
They arrived at King's Cross with fifteen minutes to spare. Mr. Weasley and the twins sprinted across the road to get trolleys for their belongings before they all rushed madly through the station. It was just as crowded as the previous September, Susanna nearly plowing into an important-looking business man before Percy reached over to steer her around him.
Once they reached the barrier between platforms nine and ten, Mrs. Weasley urged Percy to go through first - they only had five minutes to vanish through the solid bricks without being seen by Muggles. Mr. Weasley went next, followed by Fred and George, and then Susanna was urged through after them. She barely managed to avoid running into Fred, stepping out of the way right as Ginny and Mrs. Weasley joined them.
"Where're Harry and Ron?" Susanna asked, peering over Mrs. Weasley's shoulder to stare at the barrier.
"They'll be through any moment." Mrs. Weasley reassured her, then frowned at the bricks. Susanna bit her bottom lip, eyes on the clock hanging above them. Ten seconds… nine… eight… seven… c'mon, boys… five… four… three… any second… one.
Zero.
"Where are they?" Susanna asked, voice barely a whisper.
Mr. Weasley frowned in concern. "They must have been unable to enter, with so many Muggles passing by. Don't you worry, Susanna, I'm sure they know to wait for us. Molly and I will get them to Hogwarts. Let's get you on the train, yeah?"
"Come along." Mrs. Weasley murmured soothingly to Susanna, walking between her and Ginny as they hurried to board the train. "They'll be just fine, Susanna."
"Okay." Susanna inhaled deeply, calming herself. Harry and Ron were smart. They knew to wait. I'm sure they'd just floo themselves to Hogwarts, that had to be a possibility. In a way, Susanna was jealous - it would take only seconds for boys to reach the school, and almost nine for her. But they would be missing the food trolley. Alright, there really was no need to be jealous, the sweets outweighing the length of the journey. Not to mention, she'd be able to catch up with her friends, most of whom she hadn't seen since June.
They boarded the train after hugs and tears from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, most of the attention rightfully on Ginny, the first year still blushing profusely long after they'd gotten onto the Express. Fred and George left the two girls to track down Lee, Angelina Johnson, and Alicia Spinnet while Percy hurried to find Penelope Clearwater.
"Let's find Hermione, yeah? She must be worried. I know I am." Susanna muttered.
"They'll be okay, you heard my mum and dad." Ginny quietly reassured the older redhead. "They're probably already at the car, complaining about missing the train."
"Yeah, the car. The car!" Susanna gasped, eyes wide.
Ginny blinked in confusion. "What?"
"The car… they better not… no, they aren't that stupid -"
"Susanna?"
"I know Fred can drive the Ford Anglia. What about Ron?"
Ginny's brown eyes became wider than an owl's. "I have no idea."
The older girl nodded, then exhaled sharply through her nose. "Right. Yeah, do me a favor, and don't bring any of that up to Hermione. No need to get her all worked up about it, just in case they aren't doing what I think they are." Ginny nodded in agreement, and they continued looking for the bushy-haired girl.
"Where have you been?" Hermione asked nearly fifteen minutes of searching later. She was all the way near the back of the Express, joined by Neville, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones. Susanna refrained from sighing - she'd have to tell Hermione the full story about what happened at Privet Drive another time, not wanting to bring other people into the conversation.
"Sorry. We were running late." Susanna was quick to explain as she hugged Neville and greeted the two Hufflepuffs with friendly waves, having not spent much time with them the year before outside of the classroom.
Hermione pursed her lips, frowning behind the latecomers. "And where are Harry and Ron?"
"They missed the train. Everyone, this is Ginny Weasley, Ginny, this is -"
"They missed the train?" Hermione questioned sharply.
"Uh-huh." Susanna nodded. "But they're fine. Totally fine. Yes." The redhead cleared her throat. "Ginny, this is Neville Longbottom, another Gryffindor. Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott are Hufflepuffs, also second years. This is Ron's younger sister. Don't worry about losing your appetites when the trolley comes by, she's got better manners." Susanna winked at Ginny, who smiled shyly before settling in next to her, Hermione and the two Hufflepuffs levitating their trunks onto the racks above them. Susanna let Hades out of his carrier, the cat stretching before pouncing up onto her lap, purring and demanding scratches. He even bumped his head against Ginny's arm, asking for the same treatment.
The youngest of the students was still shy, but managed to converse with Susan and Hannah with relative ease, Susanna making a note to thank Hermione for her stroke of unwitting genius in sitting with the two Hufflepuffs. More than just being kind, the duo had a way of getting others out of their shells without the overwhelming boldness associated with most Gryffindors. Neville seemed to have become less nervous over the summer break, chiming in on the girl's conversations without stammering or blushing. Ginny, in turn, became more outspoken the more the four spoke, demonstrating her wit and charm by telling stories about growing up in the Burrow.
"This is quite fascinating." Hermione said, breaking Susanna from her observations. She'd leant her best friend Asiatic Anti-Venoms, its margins already scratched with little notes the redhead had made during her late night readings. "I'll admit I haven't read much on the healing properties of Phoenixes."
"I'm sure the library has a whole section on them." Susanna responded. "You can borrow this after, I'm still jotting down questions." She held up her copy of Advanced Potion-Making. "One of the shopkeepers told me the Hogwarts students read this in their sixth and seventh years, but only if they do well on their O.W.L. Do you know what that is?"
"Ordinary Wizarding Level." Susan Bones spoke up, the third redheaded girl in the compartment smiling at Susanna and Hermione. "We take them at the end of our fifth year, for both our core and elective classes." Hermione's eyes flashed, as though she were already planning her and her friends' study schedules. Susanna groaned inwardly, but hummed thoughtfully as she spared a glance at the book in her hands. "O is the highest you can get, for Outstanding."
"What's the lowest?" Neville asked nervously.
"T, for Troll."
"Like Marcus Flint." Susanna snapped her fingers, and the others laughed.
Hannah grinned cheekily. "Or the troll you all went up against last Halloween."
"Maybe we'll get to fight another one this year. Celebrate our best-friendship anniversary." Susanna nudged Hermione, who narrowed her eyes in response.
"I think I'd rather just enjoy the feast, if you don't mind."
"Killjoy."
"I'm sorry for wanting to keep us alive."
"Or worse." Susanna gasped jokingly. "From being expelled."
Susan, Hannah, and Ginny chortled at Hermione's pout, though Neville nodded in agreement as he leaned forward to catch Trevor, the toad making his fifth attempt at an escape.
While Susanna's nerves about Ron and Harry had been quelled during the train ride, all bets were off as soon as Hogwarts students flocked onto the Hogsmeade platform. Ginny looked pale as she was led away from Susanna with the rest of the first years, the older redhead smiling as reassuringly as she was capable, putting her own fingers under her chin to model a more confident stature. Ginny copied her, then disappeared in the sea of new students.
"Do you think they're already inside?" Susanna asked Hermione as they got into a horseless carriage, Susan and Hannah having run off to meet with some housemates while Neville was pulled away by Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan.
Hermione nodded. "Of course. If they know what's good for them, they waited for Ron's parents to find them before acting."
"Right." Susanna chose not to remind Hermione that Ron's response to Harry and herself not contacting them for the entirety of July was to get Fred and George to fly the family car all the way to Number 4 Privet Drive.
"Girls!" The two Gryffindors turned towards the source of the noise to see Padma Patil, her twin Pavarti, and Lavender Brown hurrying to their carriage. "May we join you? The others are full-up."
"Come on in." Susanna smiled, welcoming the distraction - even if the conversation ended up mostly devolving into a gossip session.
"How was your summer?" Lavender asked, offering a polite smile to Hermione, both girls still not anything more than acquaintances.
"Alright. I met up with some friends from before Hogwarts, and focused on my schoolwork. And you?" Hermione responded pleasantly. Susanna likened the girls' demeanor to a late night talk show's host and guest.
"Oh, Parvati, Padma, and I spent most of it together. What about you, Susanna? Did you and Harry do anything fun?" Lavender leaned forward eagerly. The Boy Who Lived's cousin always had the distinct impression that the other Gryffindor was only ever truly interested in the stories that involved Harry.
So Susanna hummed, shrugging. "Not very much. We spent the summer with the Weasleys."
"Really? Did you go on any more adventures? I hope it wasn't as extreme as last year, it all sounded so awful." Padma asked. She was the more serious one of the trio - in fact, she was most often seen with the Ravenclaws, having admitted to Susanna privately that the Sorting Hat considered placing her in the other House, but ultimately settled on Gryffindor.
"No, no. Hermione would have killed us." Susanna joked good naturedly, winking at her best friend. The bushy-haired rolled her eyes, then dove into a conversation with Padma, the girls having bonded the previous term during study sessions in the library. Susanna listened in on them, as well as the gossip session Pavarti and Lavender had started up, this time about how attractive some Hufflepuff boy named Cedric had gotten over the summer.
Once the carriage had pulled up to the school, the girls fell silent as they got their first good look at Hogwarts after two months away. Susanna already felt more settled, eager to explore the castle once more. Hermione's hand found hers, and they followed the other three girls inside, flocked by the rest of the students.
The Great Hall was as amazing as Susanna remembered, and she nearly tripped seven times as she looked up at the charmed ceiling, taking in the night sky and floating candles. Hermione pulled her into any empty spot closest to the faculty table, the bushy-haired girl sitting between the redhead and Fred to prevent any potential troublemaking.
Susanna was too distracted by the absence of Ron and Harry to even consider any mischief, because the two boys were nowhere in sight. Before panic could set in, the doors to the Great Hall closed. Professor McGonagall stood on the platform to make an announcement.
"Students, the Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. As always, demonstrate the same respect that was given to you during your Sorting. There will be no rude commentary or distracting conversation as your new classmates are put in their Houses. Thank you." She strode out the staff entrance to the Great Hall, which was once more teeming with energy.
"Dursley. Where's your cousin?" Oliver Wood, the Captain and Keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team leaned around Percy to ask.
"Missed the train." Susanna briefly explained, trying not to be flustered by both the question and the boy asking it. He'd barely spoken to her the year before, if she was with Harry when he needed to talk to her cousin about Quidditch. Was it just her, or did Oliver get even more fit during the summer?
Before he could make any further inquiries, the doors to the Great Hall opened, revealing Professor McGonagall and the first years. Susanna smiled at Ginny as she passed by, but the younger girl was too focused on staring around the Great Hall wide eyed to notice. Just like the previous year, the stool and Sorting Hat were brought to the center of the platform beside the Deputy Headmistress. The old Hat shuddered and straightened, its patches creating eyes while the rip along the brim opened like a mouth. The only difference this year was the song.
Come one, come all,
gather around and listen well.
I might be old and patchy,
but I still have much to tell…
The Hat began, singing about the four Houses and their attributes; Gryffindor, for the brave and bold, Slytherin for the cunning and ambitious, Ravenclaw for the witty and knowledgeable, Hufflepuff for the loyal and hardworking. Susanna half-listened, most of her attention drawn to the faculty table. Something was out of place - probably Gilderoy Lockhart, the new Defense professor sitting beside Hagrid and blinding the whole Hall with his aquamarine robes and pearly-smile. Susanna's eyes flicked over to Professor Snape's usual seat, wondering how disgusted the gloomy man was by Lockhart's loud outfit -
Professor Snape. Where's Professor Snape?
Susanna's eyes widened, and she turned to Hermione. "Snape's not here." She tried to say, but was drowned out by the sound of applause, the Sorting Hat having finished its song.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Snape's missing." Susanna spoke a little louder, her best friend frowning at the faculty table.
"Maybe he's ill?"
The redhead hummed. "Yeah. Maybe. Don't you think it's strange the boys -"
"Shh!" Hermione quickly shushed Susanna, who scowled in offense. "It's starting!"
The redhead huffed but turned back around to face the Sorting, watching as the first years either trembled their way up the stairs to the Hat or put on an air of confidence. Susanna clapped politely for the students who were put in other Houses - yes, even for the Slytherins - but cheered loudly for the new Gryffindors.
Finally, it was Ginny's turn. Susanna watched as the girl scurried up to the stool, her head turning towards her brothers' table as her Sorting began. Susanna smiled reassuringly at the younger redhead, despite being unsure of whether or not Ginny could even see her.
After only a few moments, the old Hat shuddered and cried out, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Weasley twins were standing on the bench, jumping and clapping while Percy eyed them with disdain, but nevertheless stood and cheered for his youngest sibling. Susanna jumped up as well, clapping and shouting with glee as Ginny ran over to the Gryffindor table, hugging the twins first before grabbing Percy's hand and then letting Susanna pull her into a hug. Ginny then sat between Fred and Hermione, thanking the bushy-haired girl when she offered her congratulations.
When the Sorting Ceremony had finished, the stool and Hat were removed from the platform. Professor Dumbledore rose from his seat, holding up his hands to silence the Hall. He smiled around, seeming to make eye contact with each and every student. "Welcome, all! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. First, join me in greeting our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the esteemed author and extraordinary wizard, Gilderoy Lockhart!" Applause filled the Hall once more, and Hermione giggled beside Susanna, who stared at her in disbelief. Indeed, the majority of the celebrators were girls, though the redhead noted that quite a few boys were equally enthusiastic - Susanna likened it to pictures she'd seen of the Beatles' fans. "I will also remind you that the Forbidden Forest is just that - forbidden for all students."
Susanna snorted. "I guess it's only a forbidden forest when convenient to the school." She whispered to Hermione, who huffed out a little laugh.
"Now, I am sure there will be more for me to say later, but I sense most of us are eagerly awaiting the banquet. Let the feast begin!" The Headmaster declared, and food and drinks appeared on the table. It smelled as amazing as Susanna remembered, and she quickly grabbed two chicken legs, some roasted potatoes, and corn. She eyed the salad and then the large, empty space on her gold plate. Exhaling, Susanna filled the rest of her plate with a heaping pile of greens.
"Where's Professor McGonagall off to?" Susanna heard Fred ask.
"With Snape, too." George added, and the second year girl looked back at the faculty table to see both professors leaving through the staff entrance. Susanna hummed, absentmindedly washing down her mouthful of food with some water. Moments later, Professor Dumbledore was leaving as well, though it seemed only a few other students noticed his absence before being distracted by the feast and conversations. Susanna frowned, then reluctantly returned to eating, wondering what warranted three professors - including the Headmaster - leaving the Great Hall at the same time. Did something terrible happen? She gasped, a little excited. Maybe Harry and Ron finally made it, and are discussing why and how they missed the train?
She was momentarily distracted by the arrival of the school ghosts, greeting Nearly Headless Nick politely while the first years gaped in a mixture of awe and fear at the phantoms.
Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore returned to the feast before pudding was served, the former looking the most miserable Susanna had ever seen him. Indeed, when he caught her staring, the sneer he sent back was so frightening that the redhead nearly knocked over her goblet and plate in her haste to turn away from the faculty table.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, frowning at Susanna with concern.
"I don't know." She murmured back. Harry's and Ron's absence was worrying enough that she lost her appetite, not even the sweet scent of eclairs enticed her. Susanna only drank her water, wondering whether or not it'd be appropriate for her to run up to the faculty table and demand answers. She was just starting to rise - telling herself "to hell with decorum" - when Professor McGonagall entered the Hall. The professor's eyes went straight for the Gryffindor table, and Susanna was certain they landed on her. The redhead sat back down, wondering whether or not she was in trouble. It's not like she could've been, the term hadn't even started.
Once the food had disappeared and the Hogwarts song had been sung, the students were instructed to go straight to their dormitories. Percy gathered the Gryffindor first years and guided them out of the Hall after ensuring the most responsible of their Housemates had the password - Susanna must have left some kind of positive impression on him during her time at the Burrow, because she was included.
"Do you think Ron and Harry have arrived yet? It's odd that they haven't." Hermione said to Susanna as they followed Lavender and the Patil twins, weaving through the sea of students as they hurried to the Grand Staircase.
"Yeah. It is." Susanna murmured absentmindedly. "Something's going on, though. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape all disappeared during the feast. Unless another troll broke in, I have no idea why they would've all left."
Hermione hummed, eyebrows furrowed in contemplation. "Perhaps there was a situation that needed attending to."
"Like what?"
"No idea." Hermione frowned as they reached the seventh landing, where a few older Gryffindors were already giving the Fat Lady the password - wattlebird - and waiting for the portrait to swing open. The two second years followed them in through the hole in the wall.
"Oi, Dursley, look who decided to show up!" Lee Jordan shouted as soon as Susanna was in view, pointing towards the armchairs where two guilty looking boys were sitting. The red-haired girl followed his finger, squealing when she realized it was Harry and Ron.
"Where have you been? What took you so long?" Susanna asked after forcing both boys to stand and hug her. Hermione only stared at the boys, clearly suspicious.
"You look guilty. Why do you look guilty?" The bushy-haired girl asked.
Susanna tilted her head as Harry and Ron looked at each other, then motioned for the girls to come closer. They sat in a small circle in front of the fireplace, the boys checking to make sure the rest of their housemates were otherwise distracted. "We, uh, we decided to take dad's car to Hogwarts." Ron admitted in a whisper.
Hermione frowned. "But that's such a long drive. Weren't there other ways for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to bring you here?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Weasley didn't drive them." Susanna spoke in a tone cold enough to freeze the Black Lake.
Hermione turned to her, confused, while the boys winced. "What do you mean?"
"Tell me you didn't." Susanna glowered at Harry and Ron, ignoring Hermione. "Tell me you both weren't collectively stupid enough to think that was a good idea."
"We -"
"What?" Susanna hissed at Ron, who flushed with anger. "You couldn't wait longer than five minutes for your parents to get you?"
"Piss off, you're just upset you didn't get to come with us!" The red-haired boy huffed back, Harry shaking his head at him in an effort to keep the boy from digging their graves. Hermione could feel the shift in the air, too, and began to shuffle away from Susanna, who was positively fuming.
"What. Did you just say?" Susanna raised her eyebrows, green eyes burning. "Hmm?"
"I don't understand, how did you get here by car if you weren't with Ron's mum and dad?" Hermione was quick to ask, wanting to prevent an explosion. Susanna rarely seemed to lose her temper or get truly angry, but that didn't mean she wasn't capable of doing so.
"It flies." Harry informed her. "Mr. Weasley charmed it. Along with an Invisibility Booster, but it was faulty, otherwise we wouldn't have been seen -"
"You were seen?" Hermione gasped while Susanna grew even more frustrated.
Ron coughed. "That's the least of our troubles. We -"
"'We'?" Harry asked, affronted.
The second-youngest Weasley sighed. "Alright, 'I'. I crashed us into the Whomping Willow. Bloody car drove into the Forbidden Forest, so there's no way dad's ever getting it back. Not to mention I broke my wand, but it's nothing some Spellotape can't fix. Snape found out, then he told McGonagall and Dumbledore -"
"Are you kidding me? You could've died, the Whomping Willow's dangerous!" Hermione scolded them, barely managing not to raise her voice. "And you broke your wand?"
"At least we weren't threatened with expulsion." Ron grinned. "You should've seen Snape's face when Dumbledore told him that it was up to McGonagall to punish us. We have detention and they're also writing home about what we did, which doesn't bode well for me, but at least we didn't lose any points!"
Susanna snarled. "What, that's supposed to be a good thing?"
"Well, yeah. I seriously think you're overreacting -"
"Ron!" Harry whisper-yelled why Hermione closed her eyes and exhaled in acceptance.
"Overreacting?!" Susanna shouted, the look on her face warding off their curious housemates. In a quieter tone, she turned back to her cousin and other best friend, nostrils flaring and nearly spitting fire. "You both could have died, and you're acting like we're supposed to be impressed by your stunt!"
"We're sorry, Suze." Harry apologized. "We both just got caught up in the excitement."
"It's not like we haven't done anything dangerous before." Ron grumbled. "But we're sorry."
Susanna shook her head, shaking off Hermione's hand when she tried to comfort her. "There's a difference between risking your life to save the world, and stealing a flying car to get to school when you didn't have to. I can't believe I was stupid enough to think you'd wait for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The idea of you taking the Ford Anglia passed my mind, yes, but I told myself, 'There's no way. They're smart. They know to wait.' You could've died." She repeated, this time with tears building in her eyes. "Did either of you even stop to think about that?"
"No." Ron finally admitted. "I'm sorry, Susie."
"I expect both of you to write an apology to Ron's parents." Her eyes flicked between the boys, who sagged, relieved her rage seemed to have dissipated. "I'm so angry and disappointed with you right now." Hermione nodded, scowling in agreement. "You're both grounded. I'm grounding you!" Susanna hissed.
Ron's jaw dropped while Harry frowned. "You can't!" Her cousin argued.
"Of course I can, I'm older than you!"
Ron snorted. "We'll, I'm older than you."
Susanna glowered. "Yeah, but I'm scarier. Bed! Now!"
"Right, yeah." Harry nodded instantly, then tugged her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry, Suze, really."
"I know." The redhead sniffed. "I love you too much to lose you, Freak."
"Love you too, Freak." Harry pulled away.
Ron hugged her next. "Sorry, Susie."
"Yeah. Just use that brain of yours next time. Not that there'll be a next time!" She poked him warningly as they broke apart. "I'm sure somebody's got some Spellotape lying around here."
"Hopefully. Don't know what I'll do if they don't." Ron grumbled.
The boys then turned to Hermione, who was still scowling. She scoffed. "Yes, I'm glad you're alright. You heard Susanna, bed."
Ron sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah. We'll need all the rest we can get, before Percy finds out." He nodded in the direction of his older brother, who was busy directing the first years.
As soon as they were out of sight, Susanna sagged against Hermione, groaning as she hid her head in her hands. Her best friend only hummed in understanding.
Susanna had woken up the next day less angry than the night before, but still not happy with her cousin and their best friend - she credited Hades and his cuddles for calming her down. Hermione had still made sure to stare disapprovingly at the boys during breakfast, but the bushy-haired girl was nonetheless calmer as well. Or perhaps she was simply distracted by Voyages with Vampires, which was propped against a milk jug.
"How many times have you read that?" Susanna asked, lightly teasing her best friend.
Hermione huffed. "Only three times. It's quite fascinating, really, all that Professor Lockhart has accomplished in such little time!"
"How old is he again?"
"Twenty-eight. He's so impressive!" Hermione gushed. The boys snorted while Susanna shrugged.
"Good morning!" Neville greeted them cheerfully, on Ron's other side. "Mail's due any minute - I think Gran's sending a few things I forgot."
Susanna caught Harry and Ron looking at each other with fear. "What?" She asked after swallowing her spoonful of porridge.
"Daily Prophet. The… you know… it's probably being reported on. Again." Ron's cheeks flushed.
Susanna hummed nonchalantly before reaching for a honeycrisp apple. "Well. Should've thought of the consequences." Ron sneered in response. "Don't be upset 'cause I'm right."
His retort was cut off by the thunderous sound of beating wings as hundreds of owls filled the Great Hall, dropping letters and packages to the students below. Susanna had just noticed Seamus receiving the day's news - a familiar flying car on the front page - when something crashed into Hermione's jug, spraying the four Gryffindors with milk and feathers. Susanna spluttered, wiping at her lips in disgust as a few people laughed at the group's misfortune.
"Errol!" Ron cried out, checking on the Weasley family's owl. He was unconscious, legs up in the air with a damp red envelope in his beak. "Oh, no." The redhead gasped.
Hermione spared him a half-smile as she gently prodded the knocked-out bird. "It's alright, he's still alive."
"It's not that. It's that!" Ron pointed to the red envelope, Neville joining him in staring at it like it was the scariest thing they'd ever seen.
Harry frowned at Susanna and Hermione - the girls as confused as he was - before the Boy Who Lived turned to Ron. "What's the matter?"
"She's-she's sent me a Howler." Ron replied.
"What's a Howler?" Susanna asked, but she went ignored.
"You'd better open it, Ron." Neville said, voice nothing more than a timid whisper. "It'll be worse if you don't. My gran sent me one once, and I ignored it. It was horrible." He gulped, then urged Ron on. "Open it. It'll all be over in a few minutes -"
Ron reached a shaking hand out for Errol's beak, easing it out before sliding his knife under the wax seal. Susanna frowned at Neville as the round-faced boy stuffed his fingers in her ear, and moments later regretted not taking the hint. The envelope opened, shaping itself into a mouth as it roared at Ron, rising so it was level with his face. It was loud enough to shake dust from the Hall's ceiling.
"RONALD WEASLEY!" Mrs. Weasley's voice came screeching out of the envelope. "HOW DARE YOU STEAL THE CAR! I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED IF THEY EXPELLED YOU, YOU WAIT TILL I GET A HOLD OF YOU! I DON'T SUPPOSE YOU STOPPED TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOUR FATHER AND I WENT THROUGH WHEN WE SAW IT GONE!" The woman yelled, the plates, goblets, and cutlery rattling from the volume. Her screams echoed through the Hall, everyone turning to see who'd gotten the Howler. Ron sank low in his seat so only his flushed forehead could be seen. "WHEN WE RECEIVED THE LETTER FROM DUMBLEDORE LAST NIGHT, I THOUGHT YOUR FATHER WOULD DIE OF SHAME, WE DIDN'T BRING YOU UP TO BEHAVE LIKE THIS! YOU AND HARRY COULD HAVE BOTH DIED!" Susanna saw her cousin look down in shame, and nudged his foot with hers. "I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED! YOUR FATHER'S FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT! IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!" Silence fell, and the envelope blew a raspberry before bursting into flames. People laughed as the burnt curls of paper dropped to the table, a few pointing between Ron, Harry, and their copies of the Daily Prophet.
Hermione sighed, having finished cleaning her copy of Voyages with Vampires. "Well, I don't what you expected, Ron, but you -"
"Don't tell me I deserved it." Ron cut her off with a scowl. Susanna made a face, and he exhaled through his nose before bitterly finishing his breakfast. Harry pushed away his plate guiltily, and the glum expressions and Mrs. Weasley's letter was enough for the girls to move on from their disappointment - what's done was done, and they'd been punished enough.
Once Professor McGonagall had handed out their course schedules, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Susanna hurried off to the greenhouses for double Herbology with the Hufflepuffs. "At least it isn't with the Slytherins." Susanna pointed out as she threw her arms around the boys' shoulders, ruffling their hair.
As they got closer to the greenhouses, they saw the rest of the class waiting outside. Professor Sprout - a usually cheery witch who always wore a patched hat over her flyaway hair, her clothes covered in dirt - walked towards them from across the lawn. Her arms were full of bandages, and Susanna looked over her shoulder to see the Whomping Willow, its branches in slings.
The closer she got, the more noticeably irritable Professor Sprout appeared to be. The source of her frustration could only be Gilderoy Lockhart, his turquoise robes and hat dirt-free. "Oh, hello there!" He greeted the second years, beaming at them brighter than the sun. "Just been showing Professor Sprout the right way to doctor a Whomping Willow! But I don't want you running away with the idea that I'm better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants on my travels -"
"Greenhouse three today, chaps!" Professor Sprout called out, disgruntled. The class murmured with interest - they'd only ever used greenhouse one. Greenhouse three housed the more dangerous plants - ones more terrifying than Devil's Snare, which Susanna still wasn't a fan of.
Professor Sprout pulled out a large key from her belt to unlock the door. They were immediately hit with the scent of damp earth and fertilizer, as well an intense perfume wafting from some giant, umbrella-shaped flowers dangling from the ceiling.
Susanna was walking inside with Harry when she heard her cousin gasp in surprise. She turned to see Professor Lockhart grabbing him by the shoulder and tugging him back. "Harry! I've been wanting a word - you don't mind if he's a couple of minutes late, do you, Professor Sprout?" Professor Sprout scowled, but the man paid her expression no mind. "That's the ticket!" He closed the door in her face.
Susanna kept her eye on Harry and the new Defense professor through the glass walls, Hermione nudging her to pay attention so she didn't walk into any plants as they made their way to the table at the center of the greenhouse. Thankfully her cousin was able to join them sooner rather than later, taking his place beside Susanna.
"I'll tell you later." He was quick to whisper, and she nodded.
Professor Sprout stood at the end of the table, and gestured to the twenty pairs of earmuffs in front of the students. "Good morning, everyone, and welcome back. We're running late, so we might as well get started. We'll be repotting Mandrakes today. Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?"
Both Hemione's and Susanna's hands shot up, the latter gesturing to her best friend to answer, having been slower. Professor Sprout smiled, nodding at Hermione. "Mandrake, or Mandragora," The bushy-haired girl began, sounding as though she was reading straight from the book, "is a powerful restorative. It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state."
"Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor." The Gryffindors all smiled at Hermione. "The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also, however, dangerous. Who can tell me why?" This time, Susanna was the quicker of the two Muggle-borns, nearly knocking Harry's glasses off his face. "Ah, Ms. Dursley."
"A fully grown Mandrake's cry is fatal to anyone who hears it." Susanna answered, and Professor Sprout grinned.
"Precisely! Another ten points to Gryffindor. Now, the Mandrakes we have here are still very young." Professor Sprout pointed to the deep trays lined up along the center of the table. Over a hundred little plants, purplish-green with thick stems branching out of their tops. "Everyone grab some earmuffs." There was a mad scramble as the students tried to grab a pair that wasn't pink. Susanna - used to the color after years of ballet - simply shrugged and picked up a pink one. "When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered." Professor Sprout instructed. "When it is safe to remove them, I will give you the thumbs up. Right, earmuffs on."
Susanna shoved her pair onto her head, sure she'd messed up her plait while doing so. She couldn't hear a thing, and turned to her cousin and best friends to make sure they'd done the same. Once they'd nodded to her, she looked back at Professor Sprout. The Herbology professor pushed up the sleeves of her robes and grasped one of the plants firmly by their thick stems, pulling up hard.
They looked the same as the sketches in their books - instead of being roots, Mandrakes looked like ugly babies. This one in particular had molting pale green skin, its mouth open to release loud crying - which thankfully no one could hear.
Professor Sprout grabbed a large pot from under the table and plunged the Mandrake inside, burying him with dark and damp compost until only the top of its leaves could be seen. She dusted off her hands and gave the class the signal to remove their earmuffs. "As our Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won't kill you 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 you 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 Venomous Tentacula, it's teething."
Because of their positions around the table, Susanna was grouped with Neville, Padma, and Dean. A Hufflepuff named Justin Finch-Fletchley had joined her cousin and their best friends. She was familiar enough with him, the two having been paired together in previous Herbology lessons. Another Muggle-born, they bonded over the differences between Hogwarts and their previous Muggle schools. He was friendly and extremely talkative. Unfortunately for him, though, the rest of the class was spent in total silence, everyone deafened by their earmuffs.
While Professor Sprout had made it look easy, there was nothing simple about repotting Mandrakes. They both hated coming out of the soil as well as being put back in, kicking and flailing their sharp fists like Dudley did whenever something didn't go his way. Susanna paused momentarily, wondering - not for the first time since she left her family, but definitely not a constant question - what her twin was doing at that moment. Probably beating up some unsuspecting classmate, she surmised, then returned to the task at hand.
By the end of class, everyone was sweating, sore, and covered in dirt. They hurried back to the castle to quickly wash up, and then the Gryffindors were sprinting to Transfiguration, sharing the class with Ravenclaw. Susanna had both missed Transfiguration, as well as been glad for the break. Professor McGonagall was an incredible teacher, but her classes were always difficult. Still, Susanna was surprised by how much she'd actually retained from the previous year, turning her beetle into a button with more ease than she could ever remember doing. Hermione's, of course, came out perfect, but Susanna was just pleased to have earned a proud smile from her Head of House.
At the desk beside them, her cousin and other best friend were having far less luck. Harry's beetle was dancing around, doing its best to avoid Harry's wand. Ron's broken wand - patched up thanks to Seamus's Spellotape - had truly been damaged beyond repair. It crackled and sparked, engulfing Ron in a thick plume of smoke that smelled of rotten eggs whenever he tried to transfigure his beetle. He eventually squashed the poor insect with his elbow and had to ask Professor McGonagall for a new one.
Their professor was less than pleased.
As soon as the lunch bell rang, the rest of the students were clearing out of the classroom. Hermione and Susanna lingered with the boys, having been attempting to help them complete their assignment. Ron was furiously banging his wand against the desk. "Stupid-useless-thing -"
"Write home for another one." Harry suggested as it let off a volley of bangs, and Susanna's mind flashed back to the Weasleys' vault.
Ron huffed. "Oh, yeah, and get another Howler back." He shoved the wand into his bag as the quartet left the classroom. "'It's your own fault your wand got snapped!'" He mimicked his mother, nearly plowing over a couple of first years.
"What've we got this afternoon?" Harry asked as they hurried to the Great Hall.
Hermione hummed and pulled out her schedule, Susanna and Ron both going wide-eyed when they saw the state of it - she was never one to doodle. "Oh, Defense Against the Dark Arts." She said, a light blush on her cheeks.
"Why," Ron began, snatching the schedule from her hands, "have you outlined all of Lockhart's lessons in little hearts?"
Hermione was quick to seize it back. "Shut up." Was all she said, sending Susanna a warning look as snickers escaped the red-haired girl. She held up her hands in surrender, but that didn't stop her from exchanging smirks with Ron when Hermione wasn't looking.
After lunch, the four Gryffindors went to the courtyard, the sky overcast and mood dreary. Susanna normally would have preferred to be in bed with Hades, reading a book, but she'd missed hanging out between classes with her cousin and best friends. Hermione had sat down on a stone step, nose once more buried in Voyages with Vampires. Susanna was studying the differences between hers and the other girl's buttons to figure out what she'd done wrong. She occasionally jumped into the boys' Quidditch conversation, her time at the Burrow having given her a deeper appreciation and fondness of the sport - she'd even signed up that morning for tryouts that upcoming Saturday. She'd spent nearly a month playing with the Weasleys as Chaser, all that time in the air dodging the twins' attacks hopefully preparing her for the position as much as they'd told her it would.
Suddenly, Harry froze. Susanna frowned at him, then followed his line of sight to see the excitable Gryffindor first year from the night before, this time holding up what looked like just an ordinary camera. The boy went bright red. "Alright, Harry?" He asked, stepping forward. "I'm-I'm Colin Creevey. I'm in Gryffindor, too. D'you think… would it be alright if… can I have a picture?"
Susanna was both amused and irritated for her cousin, simply looking at him to see how he'd react. "A picture?" Harry finally asked.
Colin nodded. "So I can prove I've met you. 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 the lightning scar on your forehead!" His blue eyes flicked up to the mark on Harry's forehead, then back down. "A boy in my dormitory said if I develop the film with the right potion, the pictures'll move!" There was something endearing about Colin's excitement - it was an innocent joy, so different from the two interactions Susanna had witnessed between Harry and Gilderoy Lockhart. "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 one of your friends could take it and I could stand next to you? And then, you could sign it?"
Harry looked to Susanna, who shrugged. "If it's alright with Harry, I could -"
"Signed photos?" The redheaded girl closed her eyes briefly, now wishing Colin had just waited until they were all in the Gryffindor common room to ask Harry for a picture. "You're giving out signed photos, Potter?" Draco asked as loudly as possible as he stalked towards the Gryffindors, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. "Everyone line up!" Draco shouted to the gathering crowd. "Harry Potter's giving out signed photos!"
"You could have the first." Susanna was quick to quip, noticing Harry clenching his fists. She moved to stand in front of her cousin. "He'll sign it, 'for the lamest prat Hogwarts has ever seen.' Seriously, haven't you got anything better to do."
"You're just jealous!" Colin added.
Draco snorted. "Jealous? Of what? I don't want a foul scar across my head, thanks. I don't think getting your head cut open makes you that special, myself." Crabbe and Goyle sniggered.
"Eat slugs, Malfoy." Ron shot back. Crabbed stopped laughing, rubbing his knuckles in a menacing way while Goyle cracked his neck.
"Be careful, Weasley." Draco sneered at the red-haired boy. "You don't want to start any trouble or your mummy'll have to come and take you away from school. 'If you put another toe out of line -'" Some older Slytherins chortled nearby at their housemate's impression of Ron's mother. "Weasley would like a signed photo, Potter." Draco sent Harry a smug smile. "It'd be worth more than his family's whole house!"
Ron whipped out his broken wand, Susanna drawing hers as well, but jumped when Hermione slammed her book shut and whispered, "Look out!"
"What's all this, what's all this?" Professor Lockhart called, striding across the courtyard with his turquoise-and-gold robes flowing around him. "Who's giving out signed photos?" Susanna groaned as Harry tried to explain the situation, only for the man to fling an arm around his shoulders. "Shouldn't have asked! We meet again, Harry!" Susanna saw Draco disappearing into the crowd, and was about to chase him down when Hermione grabbed her elbow, shaking her head. "Come on then, Mr. Creevey!" Professor Lockhart beamed at Colin. "A double portrait, can't do better than that, and we'll both sign it for you." Susanna felt her own fists clenching when she saw how uncomfortable Harry was, wondering what the punishment would be for attacking a teacher for being a tactless git.
Colin managed to snap a picture just as the bell rang, and Professor Lockhart jovially ordered the crowd to disperse before whisking Harry away. "I don't like him." Susanna said to Ron and Hermione as they packed up to follow them to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Her fellow redhead nodded in agreement, but the bushy-haired girl only sighed.
"Oh, honestly, Anna. He's well versed in being a celebrity, I'm sure he's only giving Harry advice on how to get out of those kinds of situations."
Ron stared at her in disbelief. "Right. Because Lockhart seems like the type of bloke to avoid a camera."
Hermione rolled her eyes and stomped ahead, grabbing Susanna's hand at the last minute. Ron poked his tongue out at the brunette Muggle-born as he sat next to an embarrassed Harry, Susanna sitting with Hermione at the desk beside them. The latter muttered unhappily about the fact they were sitting at the very back of the classroom.
"You could've fried an egg on your face." She heard Ron joke. "You'd better hope he doesn't meet Ginny, or they'll be starting a Harry Potter fan club."
"Be nice!" Susanna was quick to scold him.
"Shut up, Ron, that's the last thing I need Lockhart to hear." Harry snapped at his best friend.
Lockhart - Susanna's respect for the man, if it ever truly existed, fading with each interaction - stood at the front of the class. She grinned as Harry set up all seven of his books so his view of the professor was blocked, and attempted to do the same when Hermione stopped her with a single glare.
Once the whole class was seated - Gryffindor was fortunately paired with Ravenclaw this year, and not Slytherin - Lockhart cleared his throat. He reached forward, picking up Neville's copy of Travels with Trolls, and held it up to show his own winking photo on the front cover. "Me." He grinned cheekily, then winked as well. "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 laughter, only receiving a couple of weak smiles and a soft giggle - Susanna shook her head at Hermione. "I see you've all bought a complete set of my books, well done!" The man continued. "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, Susanna wrinkling her nose in distaste - three pages is an exam, not a quiz! "You have thirty minutes. Start… now!"
Susanna blinked down at the paper, grimacing as she read the first few questions:
What is GILDEROY LOCKHART's favorite color?
What is GILDEROY LOCKHART's secret ambition?
What, in your opinion, is GILDEROY LOCKHART's greatest achievement to date?
When is GILDEROY LOCKHART's birthday, and what would his ideal gift be?
How many times has GILDEROY LOCKHART won Witch Weekly's "Most-Charming Smile" Award?
In his book Break with a Banshee, how did GILDEROY LOCKHART bravely banish the Bandon Banshee?
Which is GILDEROY LOCKHART's best side for photographs?
Has GILDEROY LOCKHART ever won the Dunstable Duelling Championship for Wizards or just been pipped at the post?
Which product does GILDEROY LOCKHART clean his teeth with to achieve his famous dazzling white smile?
She glanced over at Harry and Ron, all three of them shaking their heads at each other in disbelief. These have almost nothing to do with his work, just him! What a self-absorbed git!
Hermione was furiously scratching at her test, flying through each question with ease. Susanna huffed and started writing - she wanted to mess around with it, write down the most ridiculous answers, but as she had no clue how big an impact the quiz would have on her grade, she muscled through it.
Once the thirty minutes were up, Lockhart collected the quizzes and rifled through them at the 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 roguishly once more. Susanna muffled her snort behind her hands, ignoring Hermione's disapproving stare. "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," Lockhart flipped her papers over, "full marks! Where is Miss Hermione Granger?" Hermione raised her hand, bashful. "Excellent! Quite excellent! Take ten points for Gryffindor!" The girl squeaked under her breath, thankfully low enough that only Susanna heard.
The red-haired girl nudged her best friend, then held out her cupped hands. "Here, you dropped this."
"Dropped what? There's nothing there!" Hermione frowned in confusion.
Susanna looked at her palms thoughtfully, then hummed. "Huh, you're right. You really did lose your dignity."
"Oh, grow up." Hermione scoffed, quickly turning away from the other girl, who snickered.
"And so, onto business!" Lockhart said, bending down behind his desk to lift a large, covered cage onto it. "Now, be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizardkind! You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room." Susanna became intrigued, leaning forward. "Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. All I ask is that you remain calm." The class had fallen silent, any giggling having been stopped by the professor's warning. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, Susanna catching Neville cowering beside an equally-scared Terry Boot. Lockhart placed a hand on the cover, and continued in a low voice, "I must ask you not to scream. It might provoke them!" He ripped off the tarp, revealing what must've been forty pixies - electric blue and the length of a quill - rattling around in the golden cage. They were jabbering in shrill voices, making funny faces at the people closest to them. "Freshly caught Cornish pixies!"
Seamus began howling with laughter, and it was enough to break most of the class - Ravenclaws and Gryffindors alike struggled to hold it together. Some were glowering at their peers for their disrespect, Hermione glowering at Susanna, Ron, and Harry in hopes her expression would get them to stop.
Even Lockhart couldn't mistake their mirth for screaming. He simply tutted and smiled, but it wasn't nearly as confident or charming as before. "Mr. Finnegan?"
Seamus choked, Dean patting his back. "Well, they're not… they're not very da-dangerous, are they?" He snorted when some of the pixies poked their tongues out, chittering.
"Don't be so sure!" Lockhart wagged a finger at Seamus. "Devilish tricky little blighters they can be! Right, then. Let's see what you make of them!"
The moment he opened the cage, there was pandemonium. The pixies flew out in every direction like rockets. Two seized Neville and lifted him into the air, which had Susanna rushing around her desk with her wand drawn, only to have to dive out of the way when four pixies began throwing Lockhart's books at the back of her head while another scratched her right cheek. A few shot straight through the window, the back of the classroom covered with broken glass. The rest tore the room apart, grabbing ink bottles and spraying the students with them, ripped the portraits from the walls, knocked over the waste basket, and threw bags and books out the window. In minutes, everyone was sheltering under desks, Neville swinging from the iron chandelier.
"Come on now, round them up, round them up - they're only pixies!" Lockhart shouted, then whipped out his wand, brandishing it with a wide smile. "Peskipiksi Pesternomi!"
The spell had no effect. One of the pixies yanked it from the man's hand and tossed it out the window, too. Lockhart gulped and cowered under his desk just before Neville fell to the ground. Susanna started to crawl towards him, but Dean and Seamus were closer. They grabbed their friend and helped him under their own table, flashing Susanna a thumbs up. She returned the gesture, then hissed when a few pixies scratched the back of her legs through her stockings. They weren't deep, but they stung.
The bell rang, and everyone ran out of the classroom. Susanna, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were too slow, Lockhart stopping them before they could hurry out the door. "Well, I'll ask you four to just nip the rest of them back into their cage!" He shoved his way past them and shut the door as quickly as possible.
Susanna cursed, kicking the wood before turning around and angrily batting away some incoming pixies with a book, making sure they struck Lockhart in his stupid, smug face. "Can you believe him?" Ron roared as he was bitten on the ear.
"He just wants to give us some hands-on experience!" Hermione defended their absent professor, using the Freezing Charm to stop two pixies at one, shoving them into the cage. "For goodness sake, Anna, don't just beat them away with a book! The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2! Immobulus!" She reminded the redheaded girl, who huffed.
"Right. Immobulus!" Susanna froze two pixies who blinked back at her in offense, and stuffed them into the cage with their other frozen friends.
"Hands-on?" Harry growled as he tried to grab a pixie that was dancing away from him, the tiny creature's tongue out and eyes crossed. "Hermione, he didn't have a clue what he was doing -"
"Rubbish!" The bushy-haired girl cut him off before freezing some more pixies, tossing them to Susanna to lock away. "You've read his books - look at all those amazing things he's done!"
"He says he's done." Ron snarled back, and Susanna couldn't help but nod in agreement.
It'd be just their luck they ended up with another terrible Defense professor. Here's hoping this one wasn't secretly working for Voldemort.