The rest of the weekend passed in a blur. Between finishing up the rest of my homework, reading thick tomes on long defeated dark wizards ideologies, and catching up on well needed sleep that weekday's couldn't provide.
When Monday morning arrived, we walked down to breakfast. Michael and Terry slumped their way through breakfast, while Padma talked excitedly about her Charm's work. I, on the other hand, was listening to an intense debate between Anthony and Lisa...
"You cheated." Lisa said as she pointed an accusing finger at Anthony, who only smirked in return.
"It's not cheating if I know the rules better than you Lisa, you should let Sarah help you."
"It's not my fault you have a eleven year head start when it comes to wizard's chest." Lisa spat back as she folded her arms." Besides, That's beside the point, you clearly said that..."
"Sarah, can we talk?"
I turned away from my arguing friends, and saw Cho looking at my eagerly. By the look in her eyes, I knew what this was about.
"Sure Cho." I replied nodding. "What time?"
"Entrance Hall, before lunch." She told me in a whisper, I nodded and she smiled as she noticed Lisa confused expression, while Anthony looked down at the ground. "You should do fine."
"Thanks for the advice." I replied as she then turned away. I turned back to Lisa and Anthony.
"What'd was that about?" Lisa asked, and I shrugged.
"I just asked her for some tips on Transfiguration." I replied, feeling my stomach once again churn as I lied. Lisa tilted her head, for a second I saw the doubt on her face, then she nodded.
"Well, you sure could need them." She said, causing me to chuckle.
"I sure do."
The rest of breakfast passed, and soon enough we made our way to our first class of the day, which was Charms.
"Good morning second years." Professor Flitwick said as he walked into class and shut the door behind him.
"Good morning Professor Flitwick." The class replied as the short Professor climbed onto the stack of books on his desk.
"Now, after that fine review session to start off term, I had decided that we shall instantly dive into new material."
At Professor Flitwick's words the whole class seemed to wake up. Michael and Terry's heads both shot up from their desks, and the class was filled with excited chatter.
"...today we shall be learning the Tickling Charm." Flitwick said as soon as everyone was once again paying attention. "As the name suggests, use this spell on any living tissue and it will begin to itch uncontrollably. Heck, I even used it in a few duels when I was younger, it worked every time."
"How'd does tickling help in duels, Professor?" Padma asked curiously.
"Because it's hard for someone to duel when they are bent over laughing, Miss Patil." Professor Flitwick replied with a smile. Padma nodded, as Professor Flitwick turned his attention back to the full class.
"Now, before we begin, I need a volunteer to pass out today's test subjects." Flitwick said motioning to a stack of boxes in the corner of the room. All of us glanced at each other curiously, then turned to back to the Professor.
"What are we going to be practicing with?" Mandy asked.
"Professor McGonagall was kind enough to lend me the mice she uses for her lesson on Mice into Snuffboxes lesson, one I'm sure you all remember well."
I did, it was last year's Transfiguration final, and I had barely passed. I noticed that their were some squeaking from some of the boxes. I noticed Lisa grimace and Morag, animal lover that she was, instantly raise her hand.
"I'll hand them out, Professor." She said, excitement in her voice. Professor Flitwick chuckled lightly.
"Then go right ahead Miss Macdonald." He said, as Morag walked to the front of the room, Flitwick turned to all of us. "No one open their box until I tell you to."
As Morag placed a squeaking box on each of our desks, Professor Flitwick began to write on the blackboard behind him.
"Now, no one open up their box yet." Flitwick reminded us, giving Michael and Terry a look as both had begun cracking open their boxes.
"Sorry sir." Michael said, quickly closing his box.
"Just...excited." Terry added.
Professor Flitwick gave the boys a final glance, as Morag sat down, Flitwick motioned to the blackboard, as everyone was on the edge of their seats.
"Now, before we begin let's go over the incantation. Everyone repeat after me, Rictusempra."
"Rictusempra." The class repeated, and Professor Flitwick nodded in approval.
"Good, now lets remember, to cast any charm you must focus. I shall demonstrate."
Professor Flitwick pulled a box our from under his desk, opened it, and pulled out a small, white, field mouse. He gently placed it onto his desk, then pulled out his wand.
"Watch my wand movements carefully." He told us, everyone nodded, as he pointed his wand at the small creature. "Rictusempra."
Instantly the mouse fell onto it's back and began to scratch everywhere, after a couple of seconds Professor Flitwick stopped, and placed the mouse back into it's box.
"We don't want to do it to long, just enough to show you've done it." He explained as he turned back to us. "Did everyone take note of my wand movements?" The class nodded. "Good, you may begin, for the rest of class try and make you're mouse tickle. As soon as you get it break off, and put you're mouse back into it's box. If you have any questions, just ask. You may begin."
As soon as Professor Flitwick lecturing, we all turned to our boxes, took off the lids, and attempted the Charm.
"Rictusempra." I said, pointing my wand at the mouse, immediately the mouse turned over on it's back and began to scratch. Like Professor Flitwick had said I stopped the charm instantly.
"Well done Miss Potter." Professor Flitwick said as he looked down into my box. "I think you deserve five points for getting it so quickly."
"Thank you sir." I replied proudly. As soon as he walked away, Lisa turned to me.
"How'd did you get it so quickly?" She asked, and I shrugged.
"No idea, I'm just good at Charms."
Lisa playfully rolled her eyes, then turned back to her mouse. In the last ten minutes of class she got it, and in the last five so did Anthony. By the time class ended, everyone but Michael had done so, making the boy grumpy.
"Why couldn't I do it?" The annoyed boy asked as we walked towards the greenhouses for Herbology.
"Because not everyone's going to get it on the first day." Padma replied, Michael sighed, as we walked out into the courtyard. I noticed the Slytherin's had already gathered at the door, Draco among them...
My thoughts instantly turned to what had happened over the weekend, what Draco had called Hermione, then how he'd come to my aid against Smith...
"You okay?"
I turned to see Lisa and Anthony looking at me with a concerned expressions.
"Yeah, why?" I asked, tilting my head.
"You started frowning when you saw Malfoy." Anthony explained, and I silently cursed myself for being so obvious.
"I'm just...thinking what he called Hermione, what he thinks about people like..."
"Me." Lisa answered, and I sighed.
"Yeah, I mean, I knew he could be full of himself. But I didn't realize..."
Lisa nodded, giving Draco her own glance which was full of disgust, while Anthony nodded.
"I hope he just leaves us alone." He said, and I nodded.
"Agreed."
As we approached the Greenhouse door I instantly noticed that the Slytherins had gathered around Draco. He was beaming with pride, seemingly giving a speech, while Pansy fawned over him.
"I knew you would make the team Draco." Pansy said, looking at Draco in awe.
"Of course I did." Draco replied smugly.
Once we reached the greenhouse door, and the Slytherins noticed us, the gathering dispersed as they turned towards us...
"Well, well, well Potter..." Pansy began, turning to me. I raised an eyebrow in surprise that the girl was talking to me.
"Yes?" I replied as Padma rolled her eyes, while Anthony and Lisa shared a glance.
"I just wanted to send my condolences on behalf of Slytherin house." Pansy explained, a massive grin on her face. I looked at her totally lost.
"Condolences?" I asked, and Pansy nodded.
"Of course, for your brother's Quidditch career." The pug face girl explained, and I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. "Now that Draco's our seeker, he has no chance."
Instantly I thought back to Hagrid's. How Ron had tried to curse Draco, how Harry and Hermione had to help him, and how Harry on been in his Quidditch robes, and suddenly it clicked. Draco had insulted Hermione on the Quidditch pitch, because Draco was on the Slytherin team...
"Wait, you're on the Slytherin team?" Michael asked suddenly pointing at Draco in shock.
"As the seeker?" Terry added, Draco smugly nodded.
"Of course I am." Draco replied smugly causing Michael and Terry to frown, which only caused Draco's smile to widen further. "What? Did you two not make it?"
I frowned as I remembered how much Michael and Terry wanted to be on the team.
"Shut up Malfoy." Terry snapped, looking away to avoid Draco's grin. Michael did the same, while Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle all laughed.
Before the Slytherins could gloat anymore, the door's to the greenhouse swung open, and the voice of Professor Sprout called us inside.
"Up and at it second years!" She said as we all filed into the greenhouse. Like last week the plant's were lined up in rows. "We'll be continuing our work with that mandrakes from last week, now who can tell me how we..."
Professor Sprout reminded us how we had planted the Mandrakes, and then explained how this week we would be learning how to care for them. It was a lot easier than last week, seeing as we didn't have to wear earmuffs, or worry about them biting. We learned the correct amounts of water to give them ,and made sure the soil was healthy. However it wasn't the Mandrakes I was worried about.
It was Draco...he wanted to talk.
Like last week, as soon as Professor Sprout had finished, he raced over and joined us at our tray...
"My Mandrake was left with you last week." He explained as he started to water, and continue gloating.
"So Potter, I promise I won't embarrass Harry to bad. Even if he deserves it, I'll make sure he lands on his feet..."
I looked up from watering my mandrake, and turned to Draco. Trying my best to make him see that I didn't want to talk.
"Whatever Draco."
Draco didn't seem to get the message.
"You know, my father bought our whole team Nimbus 2001's. A reward for the teams sound decision making at naming me seeker."
"So your dad bribed the team." Lisa said suddenly, and the so far cocky Draco turned to her, a furious look on his face, which Lisa returned tenfold, while Anthony gave Draco a warning look.
"You shouldn't talk to me like that." Draco spat, and Lisa smirked.
"Why not, I'm just pointing our facts."
Draco's face seemed to turn red. "How dare you, you low class mu..."
"How are we doing over here?" Professor Sprout suddenly asked, making Draco pause midsentence. He tried to his his furious expression, and turned to Professor Sprout with a smile.
"Wonderful, Professor." Draco replied, Sprout nodded, gave us all complements on our Mandrakes, then continued on. As soon as her back was turned, Draco glared at her, then turned to his Mandrake. All the while Lisa grin only grew further.
"What were you saying Malfoy?" She asked, making Draco clinch his fists in rage, knowing that Professor Sprout was in ear shot.
"I-did-not bribe my way onto the team." Draco said sharply, turning back to his Mandrake.
"We know what you were about to say." Lisa said, making Draco look up. "Harry told us that's what you called Hermione, and Ron explained it to us."
Draco was quiet, looking at Lisa in pure rage. "Did they now?"
"It makes me wonder, why would you even work with us, given I'm such a abomination?" Lisa asked, while Draco shook his head.
"No idea." He spat before turning back to his mandrake. Lisa was smirking, while Anthony sighed, shook his head and went back to work. I did the same, as we finished the class in awkward silence.
As soon as class was dismissed Draco stormed off with Crabbe and Goyle. While Anthony looked at her nervously.
"I hope he doesn't start coming after us now." Anthony said as we made our way back into the castle.
Lisa waved her hand defiantly. "I don't care if he does. He hates me because of who my parents are, he should be called out on it."
Anthony nodded. "He should, still, most of the Slytherins in our year look up to him. Look how they Treat Harry, Ron, and Hermione."
"Then let them." Lisa replied as we walked into the entrance hall. As we did, I noticed Cho leaning against the wall in the corner, and I remembered how she asked to talk. When she noticed me, she smiled, and walked over to me.
"Potter." She said, causing Lisa to stop brewing on Malfoy, and Anthony to pretend that the wall was suddenly interesting.
"Hey Cho." I said, trying to seem surprised. "What's up?"
"Remember those old notes I let you borrow the other day?" She asked, and I nodded, realizing what she was doing.
"Yeah." I replied, wondering how much longer I could keep running off with Cho and Lisa not catching on.
"I need them."
"Their in my dorm." I replied, and I could tell Cho was pleased with my ability to make stuff up. "You want me to go get them for you?"
"Please, in fact I'll go with you, I need them as quickly as possible."
"Of course." I said, turning to Lisa and Anthony. "I'll meet you guys at the table." I said, noticing Anthony avoiding eye contact and Lisa's clear annoyance at the disruption of her rant.
"Hurry back." Lisa said, I nodded as the pair entered the Great Hall, while me and Cho took off in the direction of the common room. As soon as we were alone Cho found the nearest empty classroom, and ushered me inside.
"What this about Cho?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "I don't know how much longer I'll be able to fool Lisa."
"Then I'll make it quick, how's your search for a broom?" She asked, a desperate expression on her face.
"I haven't started." I replied, and Cho sighed.
"Well you need too, as quickly as possible."
I tilted my head in confusion. "Why the sudden sense of urgency. Our first game is still over a month away, and you and Roger said the school's broom's will be good enough for practice."
"The circumstances have changed..." Cho began rubbing the back of her neck. "Have you heard about the Slytherin team, how Draco Malfoy's is their new Seeker?"
"Yeah." I replied, thinking bitterly about my last class. "I also overheard him bragging about his dad buying the entire Slytherin team Nimbus 2001s."
"Then you know how hard of a test we'll have beating them." Cho explained, and I shrugged.
"I haven't really thought of it." I admitted. "I thought our first game was Hufflepuff, and that we didn't even play Slytherin until after Christmas."
"That doesn't matter." Cho replied with a wave of her hand. "What does matter is being well prepared when we face them, which is why I'm asking about your broom. You need one as soon as possible. If we have any chance at the cup this year we need you to pop instantly, and that means you need practice, on your broom."
I nodded, looking at Cho's stern expression. I remembered last year how she'd felt when we lost to Slytherin, how our Chaser's had been...horrible. How depressed she'd been for several week's afterwards, and I realized that she was deadly serious about this.
"I'll get one as soon as possible...how do I buy one?"
Cho looked at me with a confused expression. "With Money?"
"No, I mean, how would I order one. I don't have money on me?" And even If I did, I wouldn't want them to deliver it to the Great Hall."
Cho nodded thoughtfully. "That is true...but you're getting a head of yourself. What kind of broom do you want?"
"No idea." I replied, and Cho sighed.
"Get a broom catalog, look through the the types of brooms, decide what you want and see how much it is, then write Gringotts and and place your order."
"Gringotts will get me the broom?"
"As long as you're signature matches their records, they should. You'll need the exact amount. As for a broom catalog, I'll make sure to slip one into your trunk tonight."
"Thanks."
"No problem, I hope you have it by practice."
"Cho..." I began rubbing the back of my neck. "Even if I ordered one today, it probably won't be here by Sunday. Harry's took a couple of weeks."
"As long as it's on it's way, it's fine." Cho assured me, and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Speaking of practice, meet me in the courtyard Sunday after classes."
"I will, though like I said, I don't know how i'll be able to keep Lisa in the dark. You talking to me every day is getting...suspicious. Heck, I have no idea what to tell her where I'm going every Sunday for the next month."
"Don't worry about practice." Cho said as she patted me on the shoulder. "No one will wonder where we our Sunday nights." Cho said, a grin on her face, and I tilted me head in confusion."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see Sunday, just focus on getting a broom as Quickly as possible." Cho said, and I nodded.
"I will." I promised, as Cho opened the door and scanned the hall.
"Good. From now until Sunday I won't ask to talk to you. Like I said, meet me Sunday evening. Now we better head to lunch."
I nodded as we exited the classroom and started down the corridor. I was about to ask Cho what type of broom I should get when she took a sharp right turn, and I looked at her in confusion.
"The great hall's this way?" I said, motioning straight ahead.
"Can never be to safe." Cho explained, continuing without even looking back. "I'll see you later Potter." She said, turning the corner and out of sight.
I shook my head. A mix of amusement at the girls paranoia, and admiration of her dedication to keeping me a secret. I wondered what she meant about no one wondering where we'd be on Sunday...
"I guess I was wrong about you Potter."
I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to see Draco leaning against the wall. His face wore a dark expression, the same expression he wore last year when he'd first come after me after Herbology. I was surprised to see no Crabbe or Goyle sight.
"What do you want Draco?" I asked, tired of the whole dilemma that he had brewed.
"I just wanted to confirm, that you're really fine with the Mudblood's?" Draco asked, and the tired look on my face instantly turned to anger...It seemed Draco was finally showing his true colors.
"Don't say that word." I replied in disgust, causing Draco to look even more furious. "Ron and Anthony explained what it means, and it's disgusting."
"I should have known." Draco said, striding over to me, a look of disgust on his face. "When I first met your brother, you constantly hanging with Mudblood's and Blood Traitors...you're already a lost cause."
"Lost cause?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "You're the only who hates people just because of how they're born, you're the one who constantly bullies people like Neville, and Hermione, and Harry. You're the one who attacking me because I don't believe in some sort of sick, twisted concept about, quote on quote, "blood purity".
Draco just smirked, and shook his head. "My Father said you were a lost cause, that I shouldn't get my hopes up to save you. I should have listened, whatever, don't worry Potter. I'll make sure to treat you like the rest from now on."
With that Draco began to storm off, while I shook my head in disgust. "Why do you even think I would ever even prescribe to such beliefs? For god's sake my mother was a Muggleborn."
At that Draco froze, turned back to me, and tilted his head. "What?"
"My mother was a Muggleborn. You know, the person who died trying to protect me, the person who I closely resemble, she was a Muggleborn."
Draco just stared at me, seemingly startled at this information, while I just sighed.
"Draco, I don't want to fight with you,. But if you honestly think I could ever think like that..."
"I get the message Potter." He replied, looking down towards the ground, deep in thought.
I looked at him for a long moment, then sighed.
"Good, now I need to get to lunch." I replied, quickly striding past him. Leaving him staring at the floor behind me, and me worried sick that I had just made another enemy.
I continued through the empty corridors until I arrived in the Great Hall, and sat down next to Lisa, who could clearly tell something was bothering me.
"What's wrong? Smith do something?" She asked casting a glance at the Hufflepuff table.
"No...it's nothing." I said waving her concern off. "Just...not looking forward to Transfiguration."
"Speaking of which, did Cho get her notes back?" Anthony asked, clearly trying to cover for me.
"Yeah, she did." I replied, taking a bite of some porkchop, and pushing Draco our of my mind.
"Well, I hope those notes help you." Lisa said giving me a pat on the shoulder, and smirking. "You sure can use it."
"Shut up." I replied swatting her arm away, as she laughed.
The rest of Lunch passed normally and soon enough we were on our way to Transfiguration. Unfortunately, I hadn't actually borrowed notes from Cho, and I was once again subjected to a difficult and frustrating class. Luckily for me, the last class of the day was Defense...
"Greetings Second Years!" Lockhart said looking at us with a huge grin as we entered his classroom. I noticed Anthony groan, while I gawked.
"Greetings Professor Lockhart." We all replied, some more enthusiastic than others.
"Now, let's continue what we started last week." He began, ignoring Anthony clear glare. "Can any of you remember what A.B.C stands for?" Lockhart looked around the room, and when no one raised their hand he turned to me "Miss Potter, surely you remember?"
After the initial surprise of being called on, and taking a deep breath, I spoke. "Articulate, Belief, Calmness." I answered, and Lockhart nodded.
"Well done Miss Potter, Ten points." He said, giving me a wink, causing me to blush, and Anthony to gag. "Now that Miss Potter has reminded you, let us build off these core principles that one uses to fight the Dark Arts. In fact I, Gilderoy Lockhart, Terror of Trolls, have used these principles so often that they are second nature. That should be your goals...not that you'll be as good as me anytime soon, probably never, I am that talented."
I leaned closer as he gave the class another grin, then began to delve into different defense techniques and how one would employ them. He went over different spells that could deflect a jinx, and how to avoid one if you couldn't block them. He dove all over the room in demonstration, it was simply amazing.
Unfortunately class had to end eventually. As soon as the bell rang Anthony quickly stood, making his way to the door.
"Miss Potter." Lockhart said as I put my books away.
"Sir?" I asked.
"May we...talk." He asked, and I nodded eagerly.
"Of course sir."
Lockhart flashed me a grin, while Anthony rolled his eyes as he and everyone else filed out. When they were out Lockhart flicked his wand and the door slammed shut.
"Please sit." Lockhart said motioning to the chair opposite his desk
"What did you need sir?" I asked as I sat down.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on making the Quidditch team." I froze, and Lockhart laughed. "Don't worry Miss Potter, the secret is save with me."
"Sorry sir." I said as I relaxed. "It's just weird talking about it with anyone outside of Cho."
"Oh I understand, Quidditch players can be quite competitive. Why you should have seen me before my games, I was seeker of course, I would give the team a fiery speech and behold. We won every game."
I smiled back nervously. "I hope I can be as good as you sir."
"I have no doubt you will Miss Potter. So, what broom do you plan on using?" Lockhart asked, and I shrugged.
"No idea sir, I was going to start looking through the catalog when I got back to the Common Room."
"Perfect!" Lockhart exclaimed, opening his desk and pulling out a thick looking pamphlet. "I just happen to have the most recent copy of Best Quidditch Brooms of 1992." He exclaimed, pushing the pamphlet across the desk to me.
"Thank you sir." I replied looking at the cover wide eyed. "But Cho already gave me a copy."
"Do you have it on you?" Lockhart asked raising an eyebrow. I shook my head. "Then why wait? Better now than when your friends can walk in on you. I'll tell them I was just going over some homework." Lockhart finished with a smile, and I nodded.
"I guess it couldn't hurt." I replied taking the pamphlet and opening it, realizing how lucky...and how odd it was that he had just the pamphlet I needed.
"Why do you have this sir?" I asked curiously, and Lockhart shrugged.
"My Nephew wants a broom for Christmas." Lockhart replied with a wave of his hand. "Now, you best get reading."
I nodded, then turned back to the pamphlet. Every page consisted of a different broom with a moving photo, the brooms top speed and movement stats, and price.
I began to flip through the catalog from the cheapest brooms, towards the most expensive. While I did Professor Lockhart began to pace behind me, giving me different pieces of advice.
"I remember when I was a Seeker. I had both Beaters chasing me around the yard, trying to knock me off, one almost got me, but that's when I jumped off my broom, spun around in mid air, and caught the snitch!"
"The sound wonderful sir." I replied, flipping towards the back of the catalog.
"Then their was this time we were down one hundred and twenty points. The other teams seeker had a Silver Arrow, best broom in those days. Anyways I saw the snitch at the same time as the other seeker. We raced and he was taking the lead, when the Snitch suddenly dove downwards. That's when I dropped off my broom, and caught the Snitch mid air, of course I landed on my feet. Carried off the pitch."
"Amazing." I replied while flipping the catalog to the page on the Nimbus 2000, figuring if Harry had one I should too.
"So, have you found what you wanted?" Lockhart asked leaning over my shoulder.
"I have sir." I said, writing down the price of One Hundred Galleons, then placing the pamphlet on his desk. "Thank you sir." I said standing up, and starting towards the door.
"Of course Miss Potter, anytime." Lockhart said. "One final word of wisdom, all the wonderful feats I've just told you about, don't try them anytime soon. Only I, Gilderoy Lockhart, Quidditch expert, have pulled off these maneuvers in the last hundred or so years."
I tilted my head. "Of course not sir."
"Good, don't want you getting hurt because of my brilliance. Now off with you." He said, finishing with a grin.
"Of course sir, good day." I said, then turned and raced from the office. As Quickly as I could I raced to the top of the west tower where the Owl's were. I found Uric, then pulled out a piece of parchment, and began to write.
Gringotts Bank
I formally request the withdrawal of 100 Galleons from vault 687, and used to purchase a Nimbus 2000 Broomstick. Any delivery expenses may also be taken from the vault.
Sarah Potter.
As soon as I was finished with the letter I rolled it up and attached it to Uric, who quickly flew off into the evening air. I felt a sense of relief as I made my way down the owlery stairs, and into the corridors.
"Everything finally starting to look up." I told myself joyfully as I turned the corner on my way to the great hall...
"How did you do it?"
I stopped dead in my tracks and I took in the scene before me. Sandra, had cornered Luna, and pinned her against the wall. While Tyler, and David watched nervously. Luna seemed totally disinterested, more focused on the...unique glasses she was wearing, while Sandra stared at her with a mix of anger and confusion.
"Well I used these spectrespecs to see the Wrackspurts..."
"Not your stupid, make believe creatures." Sandra spat angerly. "How did you get to Potter?" She demanded, while Luna simply tilted her head in confusion.
"Which Potter, their are two, though Harry has far more Wrackspurts than Sarah..."
"Shut up!"
"...You though are worse than both of them. I can practically see them coming out of your ears." Luna finished, not acknowledging Sandra's rage.
"Why you little..." Sandra said, then quickly grabbing the Spectrespecs and looking at them in disgust. "These are ridiculous."
"If you would please hand those back." Luna replied, more firm than I'd ever heard her. "My Mum made me those."
Luna held out her hand, but Sandra just smirked.
"Of course you can have them back." Sandra replied, before quickly hurling them in my direction without looking. "Oops, hope they don't smash."
Before I could even think of what I was doing I acted, putting my hand out and catching the Spectrespecs. I looked down at my arm...maybe Cho knew more than she was letting on.
I turned back, and saw Tyler and David finally notice me as their eyes widened. Sandra, on the other hand, had her eyes closed and arms folded, seemingly waiting for the Spectrespecs to hit the ground.
"Uh..."
"Sandra."
"Shh!" The girl replied. "I want to hear them shatter."
The two boys looked at each other, then sped off. Sandra looked at their backs in confusion, then finally turned towards me. After a moment of realization her eyes widened, and her confident demeanor changed as she struggled to speak.
"Potter...this isn't what it looks like. I just wanted to help Luna hear..."
I ignored the girls frantic ramblings and turned towards Luna. The girls silver eyes looked at me, at her Spectrespecs, with a look of relief.
"...that makes sense right? I mean...no reason to get any Professor involved..."
I strode past Sandra, and handed Luna her Spectrespecs. "Hear you go."
"Thanks." Luna replied softly, finally making Sandra shut up.
"No problem, lets get to dinner." I replied, motioning for Luna to follow. She tilted her head, then did so, as we left the now silent Sandra behind.
"I'm sorry you have such...unenjoyable year mates." I said as soon as we were out of earshot.
"Oh, it's no problem, most all of them have so many Wrackspurts, it's just natural."
I nodded, not sure how to really respond to...well whatever a Wrackspurt was. "Still, I hope they...get better."
"Oh, I'm sure they will as soon as it get's cold. Wrackspurts hate the cold weather."
I coughed, still not sure how to respond, then motioned to the Spectrespecs. "Your mum made those for you?"
"Yeah, last thing she gave me before she died."
At that I turned to the girl in utter sorrow. "...I'm so sorry."
"Yeah, she was quite experimental." Luna continued while rotating the Spectrespecs with her hands. " A potion backfired when I was nine, it was rather horrible, but I still got dad." She finished giving me a sad smile.
I patted the girl on the shoulder. "Well, I know how you feel."
The girl nodded, obviously having heard Harry's, and by extension my, story. "Anyways, thanks for saving my Spectrespecs, they do mean quite a lot."
"Don't mention it." I replied as we walked into the great hall.
I noticed Harry struggling to stay awake at the Gryffindor table, no doubt Woods doing. At our table I saw Tyler and David whispering frantically to the other first years, undoubtedly about what had just happened in the corridors. When they noticed me they went pale, then turned to their dinner, leaving the rest of the first years looking weary.
"I hope theirs pudding." Luna said casually as we walked up to the table.
"Should be." I replied, making my way to my usual spot next to Lisa. When she noticed me she rolled her eyes.
"Where have you been?" She asked, causing me to sigh.
"Everywhere." I replied, tilting my head towards Luna who seemed to have lost interest in my completely and was staring intently as the starry sky ceiling. Lisa looked at Luna as her eyes widened in realization, then cast a quick dirty look down the table at the rest of the first years. While Anthony nodded in understanding.
"Stupid gits..." She muttered loud enough for the first years to hear, causing them to sink into their seats, and me to chuckle.
"So true." I agreed softly, as I turned to sit down. Before I did, I put another hand on Luna's shoulder, who stopped walking and looked at me curiously.
"Hm?"
"Why don't you sit with us?"
At the offer the rest of my year mates turned to me curiously. Both Lisa and Anthony nodded, while the rest of our years gave me a mix of confused, and concerned stares, which I promptly ignored.
"Sit with you?" Luna confirmed, I nodded with a smile, and the dreamy looking girl looked down at the rest of her year, then back to me, and nodded. "If you're sure."
"Of course I am." I replied. Mandy and Morag shared a look, while Luna smiled thankfully.
"Well thank you." She said, sitting down next to me, on the edge of my group. The rest of my year was awkward silent, until Michael finally spoke up.
"So, uh, what Professor Lockhart want Sarah?" He asked.
"Oh you know, the usual, he wanted to go over the basics of..."
The rest of dinner was...entertaining to say the least. While my year mates weren't cruel to Luna, they were obviously not prepared for some of her...theories. Every time Luna proposed that Snape was a vampire, or that the a conspiracy to take down the Ministry with a combination of Dark Magic and gum disease was imminent, the others would nod, then turn to me and stare. I would just shrug and continue eating.
The best part however, was when Sandra finally arrived and saw Luna sitting next to me. Words couldn't begin to describe the absolute horror on her face...it was glorious.
Finally dinner ended and we made our way to our common room, Luna quickly called it an evening and skipped to her dorm, and as soon as she was out of earshot...
"I don't want to sound rude..." Padma asked, folding her arms. "But why was she sitting with us?"
"Yeah." Michael added. "Listen, I'm not a bully, but that girl is..."
"Interesting." Terry finished for him.
With that the entire group turned to me. Even Anthony and Lisa, both of whom understood more than the rest, looked curious.
I took a deep breath. "Is Luna a little...interesting, yes. Our some of her theories far fetched...yes. But I'll be dammed if I stand by and let her all her class mates, bully her." I said, taking another breath as I noticed most of the faces soften.
"What happened?" Padma asked, this time with more concern.
"Let's just say I ran into Sandra and Luna in the corridor." I replied. Padma frowned at the name.
"I've heard of her." She said, giving the first year a quick glance from across the room. "Not very pleasant."
"No, she isn't."
"Still, why take her in?" Mandy asked. "Surely Professor Flitwick could handle the situation."
"Because it's the right thing to do..."I replied, causing the rest of the group to slowly nod. "Besides, all I'm asking is that she sit with us during meals. Is that really so much to ask?"
Everyone looked at each other, then nodded.
"Fine Sarah." Michael agreed. "But don't expect us to suddenly start talking about Nargles or whatever she was on about."
I gave the group a smile. "Thank you."
With that, we split. Michael and Terry went to their dorm, as did Mandy, Morag, and Padma. Anthony and Lisa sat at a nearby table and worked on homework, while I found a empty armchair, pulled out the most recent book I had been reading, The Greater Good: A Thesis by Gellert Grindelwald, and began to stare blankly at page, and think...
"You okay?"
I jumped then turned to see Lisa, and Anthony looking at me worriedly.
"Sorry." I replied, shutting the book.
"What are you doing?" Anthony asked, and I sighed.
"Just...thinking." I replied, rubbing my eyelids.
"About?" Lisa asked, and I shrugged.
"You name it, Harry heroics, Malfoy blood purity, our own first years being relentless bullies, Smith's constant...badgering." I said the last part with a smirk, while both of them groaned.
"Sarah, that is the worst pun I've ever heard." Lisa said facepalming.
"Agreed." Anthony said nodding.
"Still. It's just been...a lot of things. A lot of annoying things." I continued, not even mentioning the fact I was now on the Quidditch team, still needed a broom, and had to keep it a secret to everyone but Anthony. "I guess I'm just tired."
Both Anthony and Lisa nodded in understanding.
"I understand." Anthony said with a nod. "Heck, you didn't even mention all the school work we've been getting."
"Don't get me started on Transfiguration." I replied, grimacing at the thought.
"Hey, look at the bright side." Lisa began, and I turned to her with a raised eyebrow. "No crazy conspiracy this year." She said, and I let out a chuckle.
"True that." I replied with a nod before standing up. "Hopefully Harry doesn't cause any more...excitement."
"I wouldn't get my hopes up." Anthony joked, and I sighed.
"You're probably right..." I acknowledged, looking out the tower window and into the night sky. "I'm off to bed."
"What, you don't want to just stare at your book for another half hour?" Lisa asked, and I snorted.
"No."
Lisa chucked as she and Anthony began packing up their homework, while I made my way to the dorms. When I arrived I saw Padma and Mandy whispering to each other, while Mandy had already pulled her curtain shut.
"She's the smart one." I whispered to myself, as I changed into my pajamas, crawled into bed, and quickly drifted off into a good night's sleep.