I got up early the next morning, excited to see what classes we would have. I made my way into the common room and saw Penelope sitting in a corner writing, when I approached her she instantly hid the parchment.
"Morning." I said, pretending I hadn't noticed.
"Morning." She replied, looking around to see if anyone else was watching. "Sleep well?"
"Wonderfully." I replied, before making my way over, sitting down in an armchair, and pulling out Travels with Trolls. I stated at the cover, before opening the book and skimming through. "I wonder when we'll have him?" I asked dreamily, and Penelope chuckled.
"I remember when I first saw a picture of Lockhart, it was Easter of my second year. My mum bought me his book on hair potions. I looked at the cover for a good ten minutes." She said, and at the mention of his book cover, I felt my cheeks go red.
"It's not just his looks...I mean, he's a hero." I replied, and Penelope nodded.
"Indeed. Still, you'll grow out of it and find someone else."
"Is that who you're writing too?" I asked, and Penelope jaw dropped, and she looked away.
"Don't know what you're talking about." Penelope replied, her cheeks red and now it was my to chuckle.
"Sure Penelope."
Before she could respond the common room started filling up. Penelope stood and walked over to the first years, who had gathered near the notice board. Lisa, Anthony, and the rest of my year mates walked over to me.
"Morning." Michael said excitedly, and I raised an eyebrow.
"You and Terry aren't exhausted." I pointed out and the two of them nodded.
"If we want to make the team, we've got to get plenty of sleep." Terry replied, and I nodded, while Padma groaned.
"So our lessons won't get you two to sleep? But trying out for the Quidditch team will?" She asked, and the two smirked.
"Yes." Michael replied.
"Pretty much." Terry added, as the two looked around. "Best go talk to Cho or Roger, see you all at breakfast." And with that the two boys started looking around the common room for the two Quidditch stars, Padma just rolled her eyes as she Mandy, and Morag walked off, Padma muttering about how big of idiots Michael and Terry were.
"Speaking of which, we best get down to breakfast." Lisa said, then turning to me and smirking. "I'm sure you'll want to see Harry."
I rolled my eyes. "Of course I want to see Harry, more specifically I want him to see how disappointed I am in him."
Lisa laughed as the three of us exited the common room and headed down the spiral staircase and into the castle. We arrived in the Great Hall, and the enchanted sky reminded of my current mood with Harry, a dull, cloudy gray.
We sat down as I made myself a plate of bowl of porridge, and plate of bacon. Seeing as I had spent most of the feast feeling sick over Harry, I was still quite hungry, and dove into my meal. Waiting for Harry, and by extension Ron to arrive.
"I wonder what we will have today? "Anthony asked, and I shrugged.
"No idea, though I wouldn't mind having Lockhart sooner rather than later." I replied, and Anthony shuddered at the thought.
"I wish you weren't so enamored with him, both of you." He said, looking at me and Lisa. I shrugged like Lisa frowned.
"I'm not nearly as enthralled as her." She replied, and Anthony sighed.
"But you still look at his books way too longingly."
"He's handsome, and a hero, of course I'm going to be impressed." She replied, waving her hand dismissively.
At that moment, both Harry Ron both came walking into the rooms, along with Hermione. Student's from every house stared at the two, and it was clear the flying Ford Anglia head spread everywhere last night.
Harry, and Ron did there best to ignore everyone as they sat down. Hermione got out one of Lockhart's book, and I silently applauded the girl for her taste, then turned to Harry. He gave me a little wave, while I crossed my arms, shook my head, and frowned at him. He understood quickly that I was upset, and quickly sat down, avoiding looking in my direction, turning instead to talk with Neville.
"Hermione looks upset with them too." Lisa pointed out and I nodded.
"Yeah, because she also knows how it feels to scour the train, and not be able to enjoy the feast because of there recklessness."
Before I could say anything else, Michael and Terry both came walking over. A look of annoyance on both there faces, followed closely by Cho, and Roger.
"What's wrong?" Anthony asked, and the two looked at each other, and sighed.
"Supposedly the team only has room for once Chaser, but that doesn't make any sense, seeing as Roger's the only one who's back." Michael explained, and I raised an eyebrow.
"What did they say when you pointed that out?" I asked, and the pair shrugged.
"They didn't really explain anything, other than the fact that only one of us could make the team. We both decided not to try out, at least not yet." Terry replied, and Michael nodded.
"Yeah, maybe in a few years, when were big enough to be Beaters."
Anthony gave the pair a pat on the shoulder. "Better luck next year then."
We didn't have much time to dwell on Michael and Terry's disappointment, as the sound of flapping, and the dropping of packages, signaled that mail had arrived. As usual I didn't get anything, and just fed Uric a couple pieces of Bacon.
"Mum's sent me my book about the effect when Ginger Root is submerged in wate..."
But Anthony couldn't tell us anymore, as a loud exploding sound came from the Gryffindor table, right where Harry and Ron were sitting, and ear piecing screaming filled the hall.
"—STEALING THE CAR, I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED IF THEY'D EXPELLED YOU, YOU WAIT TILL I GET HOLD OF YOU, I DON'T SUPPOSE YOU STOPPED TO THINK WHAT YOUR FATHER AND I WENT THROUGH WHEN WE SAW IT WAS GONE —"
"Is that?" Anthony asked in a low voice, and I nodded.
"Mrs. Weasley." I replied, noticing Ron's head was almost as red as his hair, and he was sinking deep into his seat.
"—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 BOTH HAVE DIED —"
I looked down at my porridge as Harry's name was mentioned, even if I'd had nothing to do with it, it was still embarrassing being even remotely associated with this...
"—ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED — YOUR FATHER'S FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, IT'S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT AND IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE WE'LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT BACK HOME."
And with that the yelling stopped, and the envelope that Ron was holding burst into flames. I saw Draco, and some of the other Slytherin's burst into laughter, but soon enough everyone started talking, and breakfast continued.
"If I may." Lisa said, as I stared down at a piece of bacon. "What was that?"
"A Howler." Anthony replied, and shuddered. "They do...well that. It's not a fun experience."
"I can tell." She replied, looking over a the half under the table form of Ron.
I ate another piece of bacon, as Professor Flitwick started going through the table, handing out schedules. He reached us, and smiled.
"Morning second years." He said cheerfully, handing us each a parchment. "Seems you'll start with me." He added, before continuing down the table.
We all checked our classes, and sure enough our first class was Charms, followed by Herbology, before lunch. Transfiguration made me frown, but my sprits were instantly lifted when I saw we finished the day with defense.
"We have him today!" I squealed excitedly, Lisa shared a excited look, while Anthony rolled his eyes.
"Hurrah."
Breakfast ended, and the hall began to empty. We ran into Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the entrance hall, and I gave him another look which made him wince. They headed out onto the grounds, while we made our way through the corridors to Professor Flitwick's class.
We all filed in and sat down, and a moment later Professor Flitwick came strolling into the room.
"Morning second years." He said pleasantly as he walked up to his desk.
"Good morning Professor Flitwick." The class replied, and he looked around the room, a smile on his face.
"I would like to congratulate all of you on making it through your first years, you should be very proud." He told us, before turning to his chalkboard where a set of notes had already been written down. "For our first lesson, I thought it prudent to review what we learned last year. I want you all to..."
The rest of class was standard review, making sure everybody did there homework, and that we were ready move into true year two material. At the end of class, Professor Flitwick nodded, and confirmed that we were indeed ready, and gave Ravenclaw five points because everyone had completed their homework.
Next we all made our way to the greenhouses, and gathered outside. Soon enough the Slytherin's joined us. Most of them seemed just as grumpy as I remembered, whispering between themselves, and mostly ignoring us. A noticeable exception was Draco, who looked at me, an amused expression on his face.
"So, dearest brother decided to fly a car here? Not only that, but he decided to break the statue of secrecy. Though after last year, it's just another Tuesday for him." Draco said, Crabbe and Goyle both burst into laughter, and I shrugged.
"I don't know what he was thinking." I replied, and Draco smirked.
"Stupidly."
"I have to agree with you there." I replied, giving a long sigh. Draco gave a small chuckle, as the door to the greenhouse opened and we all filed in.
Professor Sprout was standing near a trestle bench in the center of the greenhouse. I noticed her hands were heavily bandaged, and I winced, wondering if that was from where Harry and Ron had hit the Whopping Willow. On a bench to the side were dozens of ear muffs, all different colors. Professor Sprout nodded to them. "Everyone needs a pair. Then gathered around the plotted plants."
We all grabbed a pair of ear muffs, then gathered around the table. I stood between Anthony and Lisa, while Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle stood across from us. Draco looking at the dirt, disgust on his face.
"Everyone got a pair?" Professor Sprout asked looking around, everyone was nodding and she seemed satisfied. "Good, now today we'll be repotting Mandrakes. Before we begin, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?"
Several hands shot up, and Professor Sprout called on Mandy.
"Mandrake, also known as the Mandragora, can be used as a powerful restorative. In other words, used to heal people who have been transfigured or cursed." Mandy explained, and Professor Sprout gave a nod.
"Well done, Ten points to Ravenclaw." Professor Sprout said, then turned to her mandrake. " Now, the Mandrake is essential for most antidotes. However, also extremely dangerous. Why?"
This time Draco's hand shot up. "Anyone who hears a Mandrake's scream, dies." He explained, a massive smirk on his face.
"Correct, Mr. Malfoy. Ten points to Slytherin." Professor Sprout replied, and Draco's smirk grew even larger.
"Now, the Mandrakes we will be working with are still infants." Professor Sprout told us, motioning to the plotted plant before us. One row was empty, while the other was filled with tiny plants, half purple, half green.
"Everyone Have a pair of Earmuffs?" Professor Sprout asked, and there was another rounds of nods. "Good, when I tell you, put them on. Make sure your ears are totally covered, or else you'll spend the rest of the day unconscious in the hospital wing. I will give you the thumbs up when you can take them off again, understood?"
"Yes Professor." We all chorused.
"Good, now put them on."
I placed my earmuffs over my ears, and couldn't hear anything. Professor Sprout took one last glance around the class, then put on her own pink, and fluffy pair of earmuffs. She rolled up her sleeves, grabbed the top of the mandrake, and pulled hard.
I couldn't help but stare, I didn't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. What Professor Sprout had pulled out didn't look like a plant, it looked like a baby. Its skin was pale green, and it was clearly balling as loud as it could.
Professor Sprout waisted no time in burying the Mandrake in an empty pot, covering it with the compost until all the only thing left showing were the tufted leaves. She dusted her hands off, and gave us all a thumbs up.
"As I've said, these Mandrake's cries won't kill you, but they will knock you out for several hours, and being in the Hospital Wing on your first day back doesn't sound pleasant." She scanned us with a serious expression before continuing. "Now seeing as you're my second class, everything you need should be in front of you, I'll let you know when it's time to pack. Have at it.
The pots were arranged in groups of four, and before anyone else could say anything Draco rushed over, shooed away Crabbe, and Goyle, and turned to us.
"You're working with us?" Anthony asked in an annoyed tone, and Draco turned to glare at him.
"Only because of what transpired yesterday." He replied, looking at Anthony in annoyance, before turning to me. "Did you know about the car?" Draco asked, and I looked down at my plant. "You did."
"What if I did? I didn't fly the thing here." I replied, turning and looking Draco in the eyes, he looked amused.
"But you knew about it, and seeing as how it was illegal..."
"Are you threating her?" Lisa asked, and Draco turned to her. The look changed from one of amusement, to...something else.
"What's your name?" He asked suddenly, and Lisa went from angry, to confused.
"Lisa Turpin..." She answered, and Draco looked down at his plant, a look of disgust appearing on his face.
"I don't recognize your surname...are your parents muggles?" He asked, scowling at the last word, and Lisa slowly nodded.
"Yeah." She replied, clearly confused, and Draco muttered something under his breath that I couldn't understand. Anthony looked at Draco, looking more serious than I'd ever seen him.
"Don't you dare Malfoy." He said sternly, and Draco smirked, while me and Lisa looked at each other totally lost...
"Wouldn't dream of it Goldstein." He replied before turning to me. "You're brother's already made his bed, you still have time to climb out of yours."
And with that Draco turned to his Mandrake, clearing not in the mood to talk, while Anthony glared at him darkly for a few more seconds, before sighing and turning back to us.
"What was that all about?" I whispered to Anthony, but he waved it off.
"Stupid, Pureblood, beliefs." He muttered, looking distant before shaking his head. "Let's get going, these Mandrake's aren't going to re plant themselves."
With that we turned to our plants, and got to work. Soon enough we all put our ear muffs back on, and pulled the Mandrake's out of the dirt. It was much harder than it looked, seeing as they struggled to stay under. When we did finally get the buggers our, they didn't want to go back in either, squirming, and trying to bite our fingers.
By the end of class, everyone was sweaty, aching, dirt covered, and ready for lunch. I stopped by the loo to wash my hands, then made my way over to the Ravenclaw table, and my already foul mood was made worse...
"I can't believe we have to share a table with you Lovegood."
I looked over to see Sandra, glaring at Luna, the other first years all gathered around and nodding. Luna for her part didn't seem fazed, she simply continued reading her magazine, the Quibbler if I remembered correctly. This only seemed to make Sandra more angry.
"Look at me when I'm talking!" The girl demanded, and Luna calmly looked up from her magazine, while Sandra looked down at it in disgust.
"Would you like to read?" Luna asked, while Sandra scowled.
"Read that rubbish and become insane like you? No thank you, in fact I think it would be best for everyone if you stopped reading it. Having it read at our table is embarrassing."
For the first time Sandra seemed to get at score a tiny hit against Luna, who frowned. "My father's the editor."
At that Sandra smirked. "That explains a lot, apple didn't fall to far from the tree."
Luna stared at Sandra for a moment, and I wondered if she'd finally retaliate, but after a moment she shrugged. "Suit yourself." Then turned back to her reading.
"I already told you, that rubbish doesn't belong here." And before Luna could react, Sandra snatched to Quibbler and through it to the ground, Luna again stared at her, while Sandra smirked, and the rest of the first years laughed. I finally turned away from the first years, and looked down at the magazine laying at my feet.
I bent down and picked it up, getting a good look at it for the first time. Quibbler was written in large, red letters. The rest of the cover had many different headlines for stories inside, including the how the Ministry was hiding a Wrackspurts break out at Gringotts, and the end of the Nargles, summer migration.
"Look what you've done now Lovegood." I heard Sandra say, I looked up to see most of the first years looking at me in horror and embarrassment, while Sandra was glaring at Luna. For her part Luna was looking at me, a curious expression on her face. "Now she, and by extension her brother, will think we're all crazy like you. You're a stain on our year and..."
Sandra stopped as I walked over to the first years, Quibbler in hand. As I approached Sandra stopped yelling at Luna, and turned to me pleading look in her eye, while Luna, who had been staring at me since I picked up the Quibbler, tilted her head.
"Merlin Potter, I'm sorry you had to read such trash." Sandra told me in a pleading voice. "I'll make sure Luna never has it out aga..."
"Is this yours?" I asked, looking directly at Luna. She nodded, while Sandra smirked, clearly thinking I was about to scold her. "Here." I said holding it out, and Luna took it with no hesitation. While Sandra and the other first years were stunned silent.
"Thank you." Luna said, looking at her magazine happily. I gave the girl a curt nod, looked at the rest of the first years with a stern expression, then turned back to Luna.
"No problem." And without another word I walked over to where the rest of the second years were, and sat down.
"You okay Sarah?" Lisa asked me, struggling to get the rest of the dirt out of her nails.
"Fine." I replied, as I made myself a plate. "What do we have next?"
"Transfiguration." Anthony replied, and I had to suppress a groan.
"At least we have Lockhart after that..." I replied. Lisa smirked, Anthony rolled his eyes, and with that we started a debate about Lockhart, though every once in a while I subtly looked down at the first years. Luna was once again happily reading, while Sandra and the rest looked stunned.
As lunch wrapped up, I noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione stand from the Gryffindor table. I noticed that Harry hadn't looked my way since I had glared at him this morning, and I decided now was a good time to tell him how stupid he and Ron were being, and then move on.
"Time to talk with Harry?" Lisa asked me with a smirk, and I gave a tired smile.
"Yeah, I think I've given him the cold shoulder long enough." I replied, Lisa and Anthony both nodded, then looked at me curiously.
"Want us to come?" Anthony asked, and I shook my head.
"No, I think yelling at Harry is better done with fewer people." I replied, and both nodded understandingly. "I'll meet you at Transfiguration."
With that I turned, and rushed out of the hall. I followed Harry, and the other to the overcast courtyard. Hermione sat down on the stone step, pulling out Voyages with Vampire, while Ron and Harry stood and started talking. I took a deep breath, and walked up behind the trio, and tapping Harry on the shoulder.
"Wha..." He began turning around. When he noticed me he jumped, and went pale. "S...Sarah." He stuttered. Ron went red, while Hermione looked up, gave me a nod, then kept reading.
"Already trying to give me a heart attack this year brother, a little early don't you think?" I said, raising an eyebrow. He looked at the ground guiltily, while I crossed my arms.
"It was my ide..." Ron tried to interject, but I held out my hand to cut him off.
"You've already been scolded." I replied, and Ron went even redder. "Harry, not as much." replied, then looked straight at Harry. "Well."
"Sarah, listen. I know you don't think I've been scolded, but I've already been yelled at by Snape..."
"Professor Snape." I corrected him, he rolled his eyes before continuing.
"Professor's Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. Hermione, and by extension Mrs. Weasley. I already know what we did was stupid, and I don't need another lecture." Harry said in a weary voice, and I sighed.
"Fine." I conceded tiredly. "Only because you clearly know how stupid it was."
Harry let out a sigh of relief, as did Ron. "Thanks Sarah."
"But." I continued, Harry tried to interject, but I held out my hand. "Can you at least tell my why you did it?"
Harry, and Ron shared a nervous look. While Hermione kept reading intently. I looked back and forth between the boys, until Ron finally spoke.
"The barrier was blocked." He explained, and I raised an eyebrow. "After everyone else got through, me and Harry only ran into the wall. As Harry's and so many more have pointed out, we didn't think...well I didn't think, like I said, it was my idea to use the car."
"Hmm." I replied, before sighing then nodding. "Only you brother." I said, giving him a small smile, which he returned clearly relieved. I then turned to Hermione. "Have you had Lockhart yet?" I asked.
"Not yet." Hermione replied, looking up from the book excitedly. "We have him next period. You?"
"Right after you." I replied, and we both shared a excited look. "I can't wait to see him in acti..."
"Alright, we get it, he's handsome." Harry interrupted, and I noticed both he and Ron looked annoyed at the mention of Lockhart.
"What's your problem?" I asked, and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Just that he's a pompous, prat." Harry replied, and I looked at him stunned.
"But you haven't even had his class yet?" I asked, and Harry shook his head.
"Don't need to." Ron interjected. "You should have seem him before Herbology earlier, he acted like he was better than Professor Sprout, then pulled Harry aside to tell him how he inspired us to fly the car. Like we give two thoughts about Mr. Perfect hair."
"Ron." Hermione said, sounding offended. "He's a hero, show some respect."
"Not to mention he's one of our Professor's." I added, both me and Hermione looking at each other and nodding.
"If only you two weren't so obsessed with his hairline, you would see..."
FLASH.
Harry was interrupted by a bright flash. He stood disoriented for a moment, after regaining himself, we all turned to see a boy that I recognized from the train staring at Harry in awe.
"All right, Harry? I'm — I'm Colin Creevey," Colin said, hardly able to breathe, and taking a careful step closer to Harry. Me, Ron, and Hermione all glanced at each other, it was a though we didn't exist to Colin...
And I couldn't help but feel the slightest bit jealous.
"I'm in Gryffindor, too." Colin continued. "D'you think — would it be all right if — can I have a picture?"
"A picture?" Harry replied, a blank expression on his face.
"So I can prove I've met you," Colin explained eagerly, taking another careful step forward. "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 a lightning scar on your forehead" Colin looked at where Harry's scar was, before quickly looking away. "and a boy in my dormitory said if I develop the film in the right potion, the pictures'll move." Colin took a deep breath, trying to contain his obvious excitement. "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" He looked at Harry, a pleading look on his face, before finally noticing Ron. "maybe your friend could take it and I could stand next to you? And then, could you sign it?"
As Colin spoke, I got more and more upset. I knew people cared about Harry way more than me, but to have some random first year beg for his photo, and not even acknowledge me, was...infuriating. Not to mention the famous act the kid was referring to resulted in our parents death.
"Signed photos? You're giving out signed photos, Potter?" The sudden voice of Draco appeared, as he walked up behind Colin, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. As he spoke, more and more people in the courtyard looked at us...at Harry.
"Everyone line up!" Draco continued yelling at the crowd. "Harry Potter's giving out signed photos!"
"No, I'm not," Harry replied angerly, clenching his fists in rage. "Shut up, Malfoy."
"You're just jealous," Colin interjected, and at that I almost snapped, my anger only held back by the crowed of people now watching.
Still, why would Draco be jealous, he had a home, a family, parents...
"Jealous?" Asked Draco, not even needing to shout anymore as most of the Courtyard was watching. "Of what? I don't want a foul scar right across my head, thanks. I don't think getting your head cut open makes you that special, myself."
Crabbe and Goyle burst into laughter, while Ron stepped forward.
"Eat slugs, Malfoy," He threated, causing Crabbe to stop laughing, and start rubbing his knuckles in a threating manor.
"Be careful, Weasley," Draco sneered. "You don't want to start any trouble or your Mommy'll have to come and take you away from school." Draco changed his voice, and started to mimic Mrs. Weasley. 'If you put another toe out of line'—"
A group of older Slytherin started laughing, while I just sighed.
"Why do I always get stuck in these situations?" I asked myself under my breath.
"Weasley would like a signed photo, Potter," Draco told Harry, smirking. "It'd be worth more than his family's whole house —"
Ron started to get out his wand, and I noticed it was damaged and taped. My eyes widened, and I thought about taking a step back.
"Look out!" Hermione warned, as she snapped Voyages with Vampires closed. I looked where she was, and saw the brilliant, smiling, face of Professor Lockhart.
"What's all this, what's all this?" He asked, his robes billowing behind him, as he walked over towards us. "Who's giving out signed photos?"
Harry tried to respond, but as soon as Lockhart saw him his grinned widened, as he flung his arm around Harry. "Shouldn't have asked! We meet again, Harry!" Lockhart said enthusiastically, and once again he didn't even notice me...and once again my bad mood returned. This time worse than ever.
Still, the way Harry's face a burning made me realize he wasn't enjoying this either...pinned to Lockhart's side, glaring at Draco as he slid into the crowd.
"Come on then, Mr. Creevey," said Lockhart, beaming at Colin. "A double portrait, can't do better than that, and we'll both sign it for you."
Colin fumbled with his camera and took the picture just as the bell rang, and I remembered that after all this I had Transfiguration...
"Off you go, move along there," He told the crowd, the started back towards the castle, Harry still pinned to his side. I watched as they disappeared, then sighed as I began walking to class.
"Potter?" I looked back and saw Draco, followed by Crabbe and Goyle, rush up behind me. "Where you headed?"
"Transfiguration." I replied, and Draco smirked.
"Charms." He explained, and I nodded, knowing full well that the way to both classes was mostly the same.
I continued in silence for several minutes. Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle all laughing about what had just happened, while I brood over the entire situation, from Colin, to Lockhart...even if he was handsome
"Potter?" Draco suddenly asked, and I turned to him.
"What?"
"Don't tell me your upset?" Draco asked, and I was surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "It was just some fun at your brother expense, nothing compared to what he actually does to himself."
"It's not that..."I replied, and Draco shared a look with Crabbe and Goyle, who both looked lost.
"What is it then?" He asked, and I sighed.
"It's...not a big deal." I lied. Draco tilted his head, then smirked.
"Whatever you say Potter."
We walked to rest of the way in silence, until I Finally split off and entered McGonagall's classroom. I sat down next to Lisa, who looked at me and frowned.
"What's wrong?" She asked, and I waved her off.
"Nothing, just...want to get this class done with." I replied. She, like Draco, didn't seem convinced, but nodded as Professor McGonagall walked into the room.
She sat at her desk, took role, then stood and looked at us seriously.
"Welcome to second year Transfiguration." She began, scanning over us with serious eyes. "I trust you all had a good summer, and are ready to begin another difficult, but fulfilling year. Before we begin a reminder, I will not tolerate tomfoolery. If you mess around, you will leave and not come back. Any questions?"
She looked around the room, no one had any, then nodded.
"Good. We shall be starting by turning beetles, into buttons." She explained picking up a box off her desk. "If you need a refresher, ask or check your notes."
With that she went around with and took a beetle out of the box, and placed one on each of our desks. "Get to it." She said, and I took out my wand and began my struggle.
The rest of class consisted of me pointing my wand at the beetle, saying the incantation, nothing happening, repeat. By the time Professor McGonagall told us it was time to pack up, my arm was aching from the wand movement, and I was even more upset.
"Well, that was fun." Anthony said as we walked to Defense, I just sighed.
"Yeah, fun." I replied, as we approached Lockhart's classroom. As we entered I was instantly reminded of Quirrell and frowned, then shook my head. That traitor was no longer our Professor, Lockhart was, a hero who'd been around the world and now had no reason to ignore me.
We entered, and my focus was instantly drawn to a cage with a tarp over it. I sat down in between Anthony and Lisa, took out his books, and waited for Professor Lockhart's lesson. Soon enough Lockhart came strolling in, smiled at all of us confidently, and picked up my copy of Break with a Banshee.
"Me," He began, showing the room the cover, then giving it back to me, and winking. I felt my cheeks go red...finally he noticed me.
"Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award but I don't talk about that. I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!"
He scanned the room, and I couldn't help by stare, he was so handsome. Again when he noticed me, he winked. "Thank you for allowing me to use your book Miss. Potter." He said, and I nearly squealed, he knew who I was!
He walked around the room confidently. Michael, Terry, and Anthony all tried not to roll their eyes, while Padma, Mandy, Lisa, and I all smiled at him, Morag looked back, her face completely indifferent.
"I see you've all bought a complete set of my books — well done." He said as he scanned our desks, then picked up a stack of papers from his desk. "I thought we'd start today with a little quiz. Nothing to worry about — just to check how well you know the subject." He explained, and at this Anthony raised an eyebrow.
Clearly he was going to be a great teacher.
He handed out the tests face down. When he had passed them all out, he scanned the room, his smile faded, and serious expression replaced it.
"You have thirty minutes — start —now!"
The sound of papers flipping filled the room, as we all looked at the quiz.
1. What are the the key's to performing Defensive magic?
2. Explain how Charm's can be applied to combating the Dark Arts?
3. Explain how Transfiguration can be applied to combating the Dark Arts?
The quiz went on and on. It was incredibly difficult. But after last year's joke of a class, even when I liked Quirrell, deep down, knew it was a joke. I was happy that someone knew what they were talking about. I answered each question as best as I could, until finally making it to the last one.
54. What is the purpose of Non Verbal magic, and how can it assist in defeating the Dark Arts?
I looked wide eyes at the question, not even knowing such magic existed. I answered it to the best of my abilities. As Soon as I finished, the time ran out, and Lockhart went around the room, smiling at everyone, and picking up the quizzes, and heading to the head of the classroom.
"Tut, tut — Hardly any of you know the basics of Defense." He began looking around the class, still smiling. "Other than, Mr. Goldstein here." Lockhart said winking at Anthony. Who only seemed more upset by the action. "Could you please inform your classmates Mr. Goldstein?"
"Articulate, Belief, Calmness." Anthony said, and Lockhart grinned at him.
"Ten points to Ravenclaw Mr. Goldstein." Lockhart said, then turned to the rest of us.
"Some of you are surely wondering why I gave you a quiz you had no chance of passing." Anthony and Terry both nodded. "I did it because I needed to see where you stood...year's of change at this post have made it difficult, it's even worse for the N.E.W.T students. But I assure all of you that I, Gilderoy Lockhart, great defender of light, will give you the education you deserve." He explained, and I looked at the man in awe.
He really was amazing.
Lockhart then took out his wand, walked behind his desk, and pulled out a cage covered by a cloak.
"Now — be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizard kind! You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room. Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. All I ask is that you remain calm."
I leaned forward, wondering what was in the cage. Lockhart once again scanned the room.
"I must ask you not to scream," Lockhart said in a dramatic voice, and I noticed even Anthony was intrigued. "It might provoke them."
The whole class seemed to be holding its breath as Lockhart whipped away the covering, revealing the cage filled with electric blue creatures. They were tiny, not more than eight inches tall. They had high pitched voice, and the moment the cover was removed, started moving around the cage, and hitting the bars. Screaming to let them out.
"Yes," Lockhart said dramatically. "Freshly caught Cornish pixies."
At that Anthony rolled started to laugh, which caused to Lockhart to look at him and raise an eyebrow.
"What is so funny Mr. Goldstein?" Lockhart asked, and Anthony took a deep breath, trying no control himself.
"Cornish pixies are not dangerous." Anthony said, and Lockhart just continued to smile.
"Let's see if they are." Lockhart said, still smiling. "Wands out." He ordered. Everyone looked at him with wide eyes, he was going to let them out? After realizing the Lockhart was indeed serious, we scurried to get our wands out.
"Three...two...one."
Lockhart opened the cage and the pixies soared out. It was chaos, the little buggers flew everywhere. Knocking over bookbags, ink bottles, and desks. We all stood up and tried firing spells at them, while they pulled our hood over our heads, pulled hair, and flew crazily throughout the room. Lockhart smiled as we fought them off, but when a pair grabbed Michael by the ears, and tried to pull him off the ground, he shook his head and sighed.
"Immobulus." Lockhart shouted, and all the pixies froze in place, and Michael fell a few inches onto the floor. Lockhart waved his wand and all the pixies were sucked by into the cage, and with another wave the damage they'd done was revered. As we all stared at him in awe...
"Just Cornish pixies." He said, turning to Anthony smiling. "Just imagine if you had to fight a Werewolf or Vampire. I have, which you can read about in my published works."
Anthony just glared at Lockhart, who continued smiling before turning to the rest of us. "Back to your seats, if you please." He said, we all sat back down, as Lockhart began to pace around the room.
"Earlier, I had Mr. Goldstein tell you the three key's to defense." He began, walking up to the chalkboard and writing down ABC. "Articulate, Belief, Calmness. Articulate the spell you wish to use correctly, or it could go horribly wrong, a belief in yourself to cast said spell, and a calm head as not to do something unadvisable. A, B, C. And just then, against supposed jokes of creatures, you employed none of them."
We all looked at each other, then back to Lockhart. "We're sorry sir." Lisa said, and Lockhart waved her off.
"Not your fault that last year's course, not to mention the last decade, has been a joke. But now that I ,Gilderoy Lockhart, famed defender of the light, am your Professor, you shall be taught well." He assured us, giving the class a wink. "Now, let's begin with what you did wrong, the pixies..."
Lockhart spent the rest of class going over how we failed. How we'd been surrounded, how we needed to work better as a team, and how none of us even tried to apply ABC. By the end of class we had taken several pages of notes, and the whole time Lockhart was smiling.
It was a blessing.
Finally class ended, but before I could go Lockhart turned to me.
"A word, if I may, Miss Potter?" He asked, and I enthusiastically nodded. Anthony rolled his eyes, as he, Lisa, and everyone else walked out. With a wave of his wand, Lockhart shut the door, then motioned for me to sit down. "I insist." He told me with a wink.
"Th...Thank you sir." I replied, trying not to blush. "What did you want to talk about?"
"I just wanted to apologize." Lockhart began, and I looked at him confused.
"For what sir?"
"For ignoring you twice now. First at Flourish and Blotts, and then earlier in the courtyard. I feel as though I owe you an explanation." He offered, and I shook my head frantically.
"Oh sir, it's nothing, I'm sure..."
"Don't be modest Miss Potter, I know jealousy when I see it. Frankly half this school looks at me like that all the time." He said, and I took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry sir, they shouldn't treat you like that, you're a hero."
"Be that as It may, I still haven't explained my action, and I wish to now..." He said, I nodded, and he smiled. "At the book store, I truly did not see you. I was so honored to meet the famed Boy-Who-Lived, that I failed to notice you. My fault entirely." He explained, and I nodded.
"Thank you sir..." I said, but he held up his hand.
"As for the courtyard, obviously Mr. Creevey wasn't interested in you." He began, I frowned, and Lockhart looked at me sympathetically. "He should have been, but he wasn't. Anyways, I did my best to diffuse the situation, even if it didn't include you. Does that make since?" He asked, and I slowly nodded.
"I guess." I answered, after a brief moment of hesitation.
"Good. I didn't want you to think that I favored your brother over you, it's actually quite the opposite. Seeing as you're in my old house..."
"You were a Ravenclaw?" I asked in awe, and he smirked.
"Of course, can't be fighting against the dark forces without brains, though all of the houses fitted me...anyways seeing as you're much more...appreciative of my crusade against the dark forces, and given Harry and I have gotten off on the wrong foot. I just want you to know I'll try not to overlook you again."
"...Thank you sir." I said, barely able to stop my self from blushing.
"Good, now that this situation is resolved, you best be on your way." He said, waving his wand and opening the door. I stood, and began to walk out. "If you ever need anything Miss Potter, my door's always open." Lockhart finished. I turned around and quickly nodded, then nearly skipped out of the room.
"Lockhart likes me more than Harry." I hummed to myself, nearly skipping to dinner...besides, Harry doesn't like him anyway.
When I arrived in the great hall Lisa looked at me with a raised eyebrow, while Anthony read a book, clearly still upset with Lockhart.
"What'd he want?" Lisa asked, and I smiled.
"Oh nothing." I replied dreamily as I sat down. "Though I will say that today ended on a good note."
"I know, even if his methods are...different, Lockhart really seems to know what he's doing." Lisa replied, which caused Anthony to "hmph" without looking up from his book.
"Come on Anthony. Even you have to admit that he was impressive." I said, and Anthony shut his book and looked up.
"If by impressive, you mean full of himself, then yeah." Anthony spat. Me and Lisa both shook our heads.
"Whatever Anthony, not our fault you couldn't fight pixies." Lisa said, causing us both to chuckle.
"I mean...you couldn't either." He replied, the smallest smile on his face.
"Touché."