Pansy Parkinson dashed through the corridors of Hogwarts with no destination in mind, her face covered by her arm. Her footsteps echoed off the stone walls as she made turns whenever she saw someone. She didn't know where she was heading; she only knew she needed to escape.

As she rounded a corner, her breaths ragged, Pansy stumbled upon the second-floor girl's bathroom. It was quiet and secluded, the perfect sanctuary for her troubled mind. Pushing open the door, she stepped inside and leaned against the cool tiled wall, her chest heaving with emotion.

She took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. Her face was drenched with sweat and a semblance of fear. Her skin was pale, and she felt sick at her own reflection. She frowned, 'The image of an ugly girl. I knew already', thought Pansy. Not wanting to see more of it, she turned and tried to calm herself.

But as she tried to gather her thoughts, her gaze fell upon an old, tattered book lying on the sink. Curiosity piqued, and Pansy approached the book cautiously. It was a curious thing, as she could see that the appearance was rather simplistic and tedious, but there was something around it that made it unique, its cover worn and faded, yet strangely alluring.

Before she could resist, her trembling fingers reached out and traced the ornate lettering on the cover: "Tom Marvolo Riddle." The name was not familiar to her, but her curiosity was bigger.

Just as she was about to open the diary, a ghostly voice echoed through the bathroom. Pansy jumped in surprise as Moaning Myrtle materialized from one of the cubicles, her ethereal form hovering in the air.

Myrtle's mournful eyes fixed on Pansy accusingly. "What do you think you're doing here, huh? Coming here to make fun of me, don't you?"

Pansy recoiled, her heart pounding in her chest. "Wha-What?"

Myrtle's expression hardened slightly when she saw the book in Pansy's hands, "Oh, I see. You came here to throw something else at me?"

Feeling a pang of frustration at Myrtle's cryptic words, Pansy's emotions boiled over. "The world does not revolve around you, or any ghost for that matter! All of you are the same, not caring about anything else but yourselves."

Myrtle let out a wail of indignation, but Pansy paid her no heed. Turning back, she put the diary in the pockets of her cloak and left the bathroom. As she left the bathroom, her steps went faster and faster.

Pansy couldn't shake the lingering sting of Ron's remarks. She knew he was right, in one way. Harry was with her because of his family, and her so-called friends quickly ditched her for the same reason. She wanted to lie to herself and think she wouldn't do that, but that was impossible; she knew she would have done the same as them.

Lost in thought, Pansy's guilt grew when she realized that she had run from Weasley and Moaning Myrtle, of all people. "What am I? A Longbottom? Argh!"

/

Harry, Hermione, and Pansy were at the library studying. Later, Susan Bones and Ernest MacMillan sat at the same desk. Harry was reading a book Hermione did not know where it came from. Pansy was writing an essay in silence. Susan and Ernest were the loudest group working on their herbology homework. Meanwhile, Hermione was reading another book about transfiguration.

Hermione was reading with her frown eyes, not because she couldn't understand something from the book, but because she was getting convinced even further that the transfiguration of animals, or any living forms, should be banned entirely.

She huffed and put her book down, "I still can't quite understand why we have to practice Transfiguration spells on animals. It seems unnecessary and even cruel, considering the risks involved."

Harry looked at her and raised his eyebrow, "you know that you don't need to sell it to me, right?"

"I know, I know, it's just." Hermione then turned her book to show it to Harry. "According to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, the object in question retains its initial properties. So, even if we transfigure an object into food, for example, it will taste and provide the same nutrients as the original object."

Harry took the book and read the page in question.

Hermione continued, "It's one thing to practice transfiguration on inanimate objects, but using live animals just seems unnecessary. There must be other ways to learn and test our magical abilities without endangering creatures."

Harry gave the book back to Hermione and sighed a little, "I get it, but at this point, I know the reason. Well, my parents gave me the answer".

Hermione's eyes lit up. "Really, what did they tell you?" Susan and Ernest were intrigued, while Pansy did not pay attention to the conversation.

"You are not going to like it," answered Harry.

"Of course not. But I rather want to know the excuse so we can change it", explained Hermione, a little eager.

Harry chuckled and shook his head, "well, they said, 'What did you expect?'" Hermione frowned, and Harry explained further, "Hermione, this society does not train owls to deliver mail, unlike the one my family has; the wizards here prefer to enchant the owls to do their bidding, kind of an imperious curse."

Susan frowned, "That's not true."

Ernest thought for a moment, "I mean, it would make sense why not everyone can enchant an owl. I know that they need a license to do it. It makes sense to have a license so the Ministry can check on them".

The Gryffindor girl's eyes opened widely to the revelation, "but that's just cruel."

"Really?" asked Harry, "then you haven't met any house elves. They are practically slaves. Granted, they do it themselves. It's like having a dog that can do magic and speak... an ugly, oversized chihuahua dog, to be more precise. But yeah, they are like pets who devote completely to their owners, but dogs have better protection than the house elves".

Ernest laughed at the description.

Hermione looked scandalized, and then Harry continued, "And it seems that you haven't paid attention to history classes. Professor Binn's curriculum is trying to engrave how cruel the wizards can be, with the multiple wars with Goblins, because Wizards don't want to recognize them as equals and have banned them from different things, such as wands or any other objects that can be used to focus their magic."

Hermione frowned at that, and Harry shrugged, "With that in mind, do you think that the whole blood purity is a coincidence?"

"And you agree with it?" asked Hermione, looking at the other three.

Pansy did not pay attention to the whole conversation.

"Of course not." Harry answered while taking the book he was reading before but continued his answer, "But I can't do much to change it as right now. Once I am old enough, I may attempt to do something. And if it is plain impossible, I can always just stay in the non-wizarding world, like my parents".

Hermione's eyes lit up for a moment. Her mind answered a question she had for a while, 'Why would a pure-blood family who is that rich, such as the Suzukis, turn their back to the wizarding world?'

Ernest chuckled, "And that's why pure-blood supremacists keep winning. Because you keep ditching your world".

Hermione then turned to see him, "what do you expect us to do? Keep living in a place that makes us miserable?"

"The place has been that way for centuries. Why change it? Besides, if you remove the owls, how would you communicate with someone who is not at his house? Floo powder can be used only in people's fireplaces. The owls can help you with that." said Ernest.

Harry put his book down and smiled, "using an AOG's cell phone of course. You can either call them or send a text message".

Pansy and Hermione rolled their eyes. Meanwhile, the Hufflepuffs frowned, not knowing what he was talking about.

Harry saw their expression and shook his head, "I gather that you defend the side of the world you know of, but in order to have a fair picture, you need to see the other side, too. The cell phone is a device you can carry anywhere and can be used to make or receive calls and text messages. No animals or magic are involved; it's just good new technology. You should ask your friends close to the non-wizarding side". Susan chuckled, and Ernest shook his head.

Susan then stood up, "I'll need another book to finish this. Say, Harry, which book you used for the essay on Mistletoe? My essay is rather short, but I don't know what else I should talk about".

Harry shrugged and stood up, "Sure." He walked towards the bookshelves with Susan behind him.

Ernest stood up and walked behind them, "Wait, I also need help with that essay."

Once they left, Hermione took a book she had on her lap and walked to sit next to Pansy in the same chair where Harry was. She opened the book and showed Pansy a specific page.

"I read already about it. It seems that Lun-a was correct at some things but let something important out. That only those who have witnessed death can see thestrals", explained Hermione.

"I knew that already," Pansy said almost monotonically.

"You knew? And what about bad omen you said?" Hermione said, a little angry.

"I recently learned it."

Harry arrived with the other two and decided to sit in Hermione's chair. As soon as he sat, Hermione automatically asked Harry with concerned eyes, "Harry, did something happen at your home?"

"What?" asked Harry, not expecting that question, "What do you mean?"

Hermione was about to ask again but saw Ernest and Susan also looking at her and thought that it may not be a good idea to ask things like that at that moment.

Unfortunately, Pansy was there, and as if she was talking about the weather, she explained, "Granger wants to know if you have witnessed someone die, which is something obvious you did."

Hermione's eyes were wide open, just like the Hufflepuffs.

"Ah, yes, I did witness people dying," said Harry. The same expressions but with pale faces turned to see Harry.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Harry," said Hermione. Susan did not know what to say, but Ernest was the one who asked what they wanted to hear.

"How? What happened?"

Harry scratched his cheek as he remembered the incident with a small smile, "Well, I was about seven years old. I was in this private school. The students of that school are from either rich or influential families. And well, the school was targeted by some criminals that wanted to kidnap kids."

Pansy's eyes also went as wide as the others, while Hermione covered her mouth while gasping for what was about to come in Harry's little tale.

"And, well, as you can imagine, I was kidnapped. It seems that their group was stopped on different occasions by our security brand. My parents worked with the local police to free me. But it was Lupusregina, my personal maid, who entered and rescued me. But..." Harry stopped himself as he saw the expression of horror. He remembered everything as a good memory because Lupusregina became better friends with him after that day. Neither would he tell them that the real first time he saw people dying was the day he decided to visit Demiurge's farm.

"But?" asked Ernest, and Susan elbowed him.

"Well, she burst into the room alone, taking on the kidnappers, buying enough time for backup to arrive. But when she saw me, she ran towards me and free me. The kidnappers were armed with guns that they shot as soon as they saw her. Then I saw that someone was shooting at the kidnappers from outside, and well, I saw some of the kidnappers dying right there." Harry did not specify that it was CZ and not a police officer. He still remembered watching CZ giving him the thumb up outside a window.

"Ah, sorry Harry. I didn't know..." said Hermione.

"Really? It was on the news. Kind of weird that Pansy knew about it and not you", Harry replied.

Pansy was a little embarrassed, "I was referring to the death of your parents when I said that. "

"My parents are alive," said Harry as a matter of fact.

"Your birth parents," specified Pansy.

"Oh," Harry frowned for a moment, "I have no memories of them. I mean, they died when I was too young, so".

The rest accepted that question, but they turned away from him. Harry saw their expressions, and, thinking they did not believe him, he said, "If you want to confirm it, you should check the newspaper archive at the National Library in London; they should have information about the incident."

After that talk, they continued their own tasks until lunchtime. After that, Hermione, Harry, and Pansy went to their first class of DADA after the winter break.

"Good day to you all. Please maintain the order and stand next to your seats; do not sit, please!" said the Professor in a rather dramatic way.

Once the students arrive, they remain standing at one side of their seats. In a dramatic way, the Professor flung his arm to make his cape move. "Weeelcome back, my dear pupils. I do hope you had rest yourselves at the break BECAUSE TODAAAAY!" The Professor made a dramatic pause and looked at the student's expressions, "The practical side of the class begins."

The students smiled all around, and the Professor smirked. "Save the books, please, save them, AND move to the end of the class."

The students obeyed quickly and stood in front of the wall behind them, looking at the Professor with expectations. The older wizard looked at them. "I hope you have read the books completely." Most students looked guilty at that comment, and others did not care much.

"NOW, have any of you assist to the dueling club?" Some hands were up, and the Professor nodded.

"Good. Now, do you remember any of the spells used at the club?"

Harry and Hermione raised their hands eagerly. So eager that Pansy looked at Harry with a disbelieving look.

"Oh! Mr Suzuki, Miss Granger. Students like you are hard to come across. But, I would have to ask you to remain aside... because, well, you need to let your classmates earn points, too." The older wizard smirked and winked at them. Hermione's face was red while she nodded. Harry just lowered his arm but kept smiling.

The Professor then turned to the other students while posing, caressing his chin with his hand. "Mr WEASLEY, please stand in the middle of the classroom!" the Professor dramatically announces. Pansy flinched a little, and Hermione noticed it.

Ron stood up with a smile. He was proud to be selected. The Professor then turned and pointed with his wand behind him in a rather flashy way, with his face looking down and his left hand mimicking a maks. Behind him, something hanging from the ceiling was covered by a blanket. Then, a simple spell flew from the Professor's wand to the blanket, revealing a giant clock.

"Misteeer Weasley. YOU will have five minutes to land a spell on me. After that, I will have a minute to do the same. Understood?" asked the Professor, and Ron nodded.

Dean got close to Hermione, Harry, and Pansy, "don't you think that Lockhart is a little... over the top today?"

Hermione chiited him, "is Professor Lockhart".

"The exercise will start... NOW!" yelled the Professor, and Ron started to cast spell after spell.

"Expelliarmus! Rictusempra! Petrificus Totalus!" yelled Ron over and over again. Sometimes, the spell was directed to the Professor; other times, the aim was way off.

The Professor moved gracefully to one side or the other, dodging each attack. And some students could hear him say "Aus... wei... chen" each time he moved away. They did not know if that was a spell they hadn't heard of. Hermione thought for a moment, and she concluded that it was an original spell created by the Professor. But what all the students could concur was that the Professor was trying to make a show as each time he dodged, he made a pose.

The five minutes passed, and Ron was still casting spells. Still, the Professor took his wand and gracefully aimed at hand, "Expeliarmus."

Ron's wand flew from his hand. Hermione smirked at Harry, "That's the proper way to cast the spell." She tried to taunt him because how Professor Snape cast the spell in the dueling club, but surprisingly, Harry smiled back.

"Exactly", said Harry.

"Now, class," the Professor took everyone's attention. "I want you to tell me what he did wrong?"

Harry and Hermione raised their hands. The older wizard smiled, "Very well. You two come and tell me your answers in my ear. Then we can lead your classmates to answer too".

Hermione walked slowly, and once she was next to the Professor, he bent down to lend his ear and listen to her. Hermione's face went redder as she got closer to his face and gave her answer. The Professor smiled and nodded. Next was Harry, who had just walked in and given his answer right away.

"Very good, both of you. FIVE points to both of you, Gryffindor and Slytherin. Very well done!" said the Professor. Then he turned to see the rest of the class. "Now, any of you have an idea?"

Dean raised his arm, "he did not move."

"Very well! In professional dueling, it is necessary to work in a line. But this was not a duel. Those rules do not apply to the cruel and real world. IF you had read my books, you would remember my ideas on how a Yeti, although tall and strong, is slow. Any other idea?"

No one answered until Neville raised his hand.

"Yes, Mr Longbottom!"

Neville gulped and nervously answered, "he did not take cover."

"Very well! Take cover, but more importantly, use your environment in your favor. Mr Weasley was standing between your seats. He could have used them to cover himself." The Professor then shook his head, smiling with his hands on his hips, "Oh, I remember when fighting the vampires. They were not reflected by the mirrors I posted around, but their clothes were visible."

"Now! Form two lines, one at the left line between the chairs and the other at the right".

The students obeyed. The Professor saw that everyone had someone as a pair. "You will attack the classmate in front of you. YOU will use ONLY rictumsempra. IF I see you casting another thing, you will lose 50 points".

"Sehr gut, Begin!" yelled the Professor, and the students started to cast the spell, moving down to use the chairs and tables as cover.