It was hard getting out of bed the next day. Seeing as I, and the rest of the house for that matter, had stayed up late celebrating our victory. In fact, some of the sixth years had stayed up all night, and were now passed out on the couches.
Much to Penelope's frustration.
"UP!" We heard Penelope shouting at her year mates as we all tiredly entered the common room. "NOW!"
"Ugh, Penelope, please just five more minutes..." A sixth year boy I had barely spoken to replied.
"No, it's not my fault you three partied all night, after I deliberately told you to get some sleep." The prefect responded, folding her arms in anger.
"You're just like my mum Clearwater..." A sixth year girl replied, and Penelope growled.
"If that's how you want to play it." Penelope stated, pulling out her wand and pointing it at the unaware sixth years. "Aguamenti." Penelope said, as the sixth years were quickly doused, and scrambled to their feet.
"All right enough." The boy said.
"We're up." The girl added, and Penelope smirked.
"Good, now go get yourself cleaned up. You have ten minutes before I expect you down in the great hall for breakfast."
The soaked sixth years quickly scurried off, leaving the couch they were all on soaked. Penelope quickly noticed and with a wave of her wand, incanted something under her breath, and the water quickly disappeared.
"Those idiots..." Penelope muttered, turning away until she noticed me, Anthony, and Lisa watching. "Oh, good morning you three." Penelope said, whos mood shifted.
"Morning." Anthony replied, clearly exhausted.
"Hmm." Penelope replied, looking at our exhausted faces with amusement. "Do you three need some help like they did?" She asked, and we all instantly shook our head.
"That won't be necessary." Lisa replied, trying to sound more energetic.
"Good." Penelope replied, before turning her full attention to me. "By the way, I never got the chance last night. Good flying yesterday."
"Thanks Penelope." I replied.
"You've actually moved us into second place only behind Gryffindor." Penelope continued. "Just promise me one thing."
"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't let your Quidditch skills distract you from your studies. I know Quidditch is fun, but you are far to talented to be defined by it, do you understand?"
I tilted my head, then nodded. "I think so."
"Good, now I best be off. Though be warned, you three fall asleep I won't hesitate to a spray you as well." And with that Penelope strolled out of the Common Room, as we all shared a look.
"I really don't want to get sprayed." Lisa said, messing with her hair. "Getting this straight again would be a nightmare."
I chuckled. "That makes two of us."
The three of us made our way down to the great hall, and sat down for breakfast. The three of us noticed Smith's furious glares across the hall, and I was reminded that we had potions this afternoon.
"Smith's going to be fun today." Lisa said smirking, and I nodded.
"Oh he will, I mean, anytime he's upset is fun."
The rest of breakfast passed without much incident, then we made our way to History of Magic. As usual the class was boring, with Binns monotony going over Goblin Rebellion's and so on, the next class of the day was Transfiguration. Like always I struggled, but in the end I was able to turn my pillow to a to a pocket watch, though it was greatly deformed.
Finally, after lunch and a quick study session in the library, potions arrived. As always me, Lisa, and Anthony made our way down to the dungeons, and like always, Smith, and the other Hufflepuff's were waiting for Snape to open the door.
"I can't believe you weaseled your way onto your Quidditch team." Smith roared as soon as he noticed me, his face contorting in rage.
"Really?" I asked raising an eyebrow. "Because if I'm everything you claim I am, then I'm Heir of Slytherin, a stuck up git, and so forth. Then weaseling my way onto the Quidditch team seems right up my alley."
My words only made Smith more angry, while I noticed a few annoyed glances from the other Hufflepuff's. Ernie MacMillan was looking at me annoyed, while both Susan Bone and Hannah Abbot were whispering to each other, however Justin, for the first time since he accused Harry of being the Heir, no longer was hiding behind his house mates.
"Come on Zacharias." Susan Bones said, placing a hand on Smith's shoulder. "We've already lost enough point because of...well all this." She finished, motioning to me, and Smith.
"All this?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "You mean the whole, Smith verbally assaults me on a daily basis for no reason thing, right?" I asked, and Smith growled.
"No reason, I have plenty of reason you..."
"Enough Zacharias." Susan interjected, pulling Smith into the group of Hufflepuff's before he could say anything else, as me and Lisa shared a smirk.
"She's got to keep him on a leash." Lisa whispered, causing us both to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Hannah Abbott asked suddenly, and I turned back to the grouped up badgers.
"Smith being an idiot." I replied, Smith tried to charge forward, but was held back by Bones, while Hannah frowned.
"I mean, usually I don't get Zacharias dislike of you, but today I don't blame him, after all you did cheat..."
"What did you just say?" Lisa roared, trying to walk towards Hannah. But before she could I placed a hand on her shoulder, and shook my head.
"Let me handle this." I assured her, she gave me an uncertain look, then backed down. As I turned my attention back to Hannah. "Cheat?" I asked, in all honesty offended at the accusation. "At what?"
"Quidditch." Hannah replied firmly. "I mean, no one knew you were on the Quidditch team, so how was our team supposed to prepare properly?"
"You weren't, that was the point us keeping it a secret." I replied, and this seemed to make Hannah angrier.
"And that's fair?" Hannah asked in annoyance. "I mean, we didn't keep any of our new players a secret. Then all of a sudden Lee Jordan is, in shock, announcing you as a Chaser. Not to mention you all supposedly used the notice me not charm to hide your practices. So I ask again, is that fair?"
I rolled my eyes. "Your team could have done the same thing." I responded, and Hannah huffed in frustration.
"We could, but we didn't because it isn't right." Hannah said, crossing her arms. "It wouldn't be fair, and what you didn't definitely wasn't."
As Hannah spoke, I noticed most of the Hufflepuff's all looking at each other, and nodding. Clearly they were all agreeing with Hannah, while Smith was looking around in apparent shock as everyone was, for once, agreeing with him. While Lisa again looked ready to explode, while I was at a loss for words
I felt a tap on my shoulder, and turned to see Anthony. He pulled me, and Lisa behind the rest of our house mates who had been watching the scene unfold nervously. "Sarah." He began in a whisper, as he pulled me and Lisa into a huddle. "Remember what Hufflepuff house values, Hard Word, Loyalty, Fair play..."
I paused at the realization. "Oh." I whispered.
"Yeah. Most of the time those traits are fine, noble even. But when mixed together like this, their opinion that you cheated and weren't fair, along with their loyalty for each other..."
"It's like oil and water." I summarized.
"Indeed." Lisa replied, while Anthony looked at both of us in confusion.
"What's oil?" He asked, and I patted him on the shoulder.
"I'll tell you later, so how do I deal with this?" I replied, nodding towards the Hufflepuff who were still standing their, most of them looking at me in annoyed expressions.
"Just tell them their entitled to their opinions, and leave it at that. Soon enough they'll all get over it. Well, most of them will..." Anthony finished, as we all gave Smith an annoyed glare.]
"Okay." I replied, while Lisa rolled her eyes.]
"This is so stupid." She murmured.
I couldn't help and chuckle at Lisa's words, then took a deep breath. The three of us broke our mini huddle, before walking past the rest of my house mates, whom watched me worriedly.
"So you don't think I was playing fair?" I asked Hannah, as well as the Hufflepuff's as a whole. Most of whom nodded.
"Yes, it wasn't fair." Hannah answered for the group.
I sighed. "Well, I'm sorry you feel that way." I replied. The annoyance on Hannah's face flickered to regret, but before anyone could say anything more the door l flew open. We all filed in, as me and Anthony sat as for from the Hufflepuff's as we could. Soon enough Professor Snape stood at the front of the class.
"For the next few weeks." Snape began, his voice barely a whisper. "We shall be making Swelling Solution. This potion shall, as the name suggests, cause anything it comes into contact with to swell in size. Today, I shall simply demonstrate making the potion, then you all shall follow. A warning, if the potion touches your skin, you shall swell." Snape finished, a deep grin on his face. "So don't be idiots. Now all eyes to the front of the room..."
And with that class began. Professor Snape showed us how to make the potion, then told us the ingredients we would be needed to take to class. Finally, how showed us what would happen if we got the potion on our skin, which...looked painful.
Finally class let out, and we quickly made our way out of the dungeons, and away from the Hufflepuff's. We arrived in the great hall for dinner, Lisa ranting about the Hufflepuff's the whole way.
"I can't believe Hannah accused you of cheating." Lisa said as we sat down next to Luna. "I mean, she's always been so friendly."
"It's how Hufflepuff's always are." Anthony assured her. "They're usually the friendliest of all the Hogwarts houses, but if they think you've wronged them in any way, they all band together."
"So they have a pack like mentality?" I asked, and Anthony nodded.
"Yes, though the way it looks, just the second years seem bothered by your Quidditch escapades." Anthony said, nodding towards the Hufflepuff table, most of whom seemed completely unbothered when they noticed me.
"So it's just the second years." I replied, relief washing over me.
"So it seems, which makes sense, I mean. Smith has been whispering in all their ears for the past year and a half. Even if they don't believe him at first, over time..."
"Tell a lie enough times and it becomes the truth." I surmised, and Anthony nodded.
"Exactly."
I sighed. "Well, they can think whatever they want." I said, looking over to where the second year Hufflepuff's were sitting.
"That's the spirit." Anthony told me, while Lisa subtly glared at the Hufflepuff's.
"I still don't like it." She added, and I shrugged.
"Neither do I, but their is not much we can do about it."
"True." Lisa replied. "Enough about Hufflepuff's, have either of you two finished Professor Flitwick's essay on..."
With Lisa word's we turned our attention away from the Hufflepuff's and onto school work. Finishing dinner, and making our way to the common room. Where, after finishing my Charm's essay, I plopped into bed. The cumulative effect of not sleeping much last night finally catching up to me.
The next day was the first of December, and the castle began to reflect it. The air cold, the sky cloudy, and the halls freezing. This didn't stop Professor Sprout's continuing Herbology class from continuing.
"The only thing that stops Herbology lessons is snow." Professor Sprout told a complaining Pansy Parkinson as us and the Slytherins began planting Fluxweed in the freezing greenhouse. "Besides Fluxweed grows best in cold environment."
Pansy groaned as we all turned back to our pots. Fluxweed was indeed a usual ingredient, being used in a wide variety of potions. But it was a pain to plant correctly. The roots were thick, and the soil required was immense. Not to mention the thorns on the leaves.
"This sucks." Lisa said, as she tried to cover a particularly thick root on her plant.
"It does." I replied, tightening my blue and bronze scarf.
"Still, not as bad as History of Magic." Interjected trying to lighten the mood. "Besides Fluxweed has a wide variety of uses that include..."
"We know, we know." Lisa replied, rubbing one of her fingers she'd cut on a thorn. "Potion ingredients and such, doesn't mean I have to enjoy planting the things. And that's without even mentioning the cold."
I chuckled. "Oh, Lisa. Just be thankful you don't have to practice in it."
"Oh, I am."
Class continued for another hour, the air only getting colder, until finally Professor Sprout finally let out. Lisa putting everything away as quick as she could, then racing as quick as she could inside.
"Lisa, were supposed to stay together!" Anthony called as she raced across the grounds.
"Then come on." She called, tapping her foot impatiently, Anthony sighed. Looking at his Fluxweed, which was still out.
"You go after her." I told him, and he shook his head.
"No, you go..."
"It's fine." I assured him. "Besides, best a pureblood accompany her if theirs only two of you."
Anthony looked back and forth between me, his Fluxweed, and the impatient Lisa waiting on the grounds, then nodded. "Fine, but what about you?"
"I'll be fine. "I replied motioning to all the Slytherin who were still packing up. "Nothing's going to come after all of us, especially so many Slytherin's."
"If you're sure." Anthony replied, looking around nervously, before racing after Lisa. "Wait Lisa, you shouldn't wander off like th..."
Anthony's voice faded off into the distance as he chased after Lisa, whom was clearly done with the cold. I couldn't help but chuckle, Anthony had certainly become protective of her, not that I wasn't. I mean she was a Muggleborn, the one who the Heir was after. Still, I did wonder...
I put both mine and Anthony's Fluxweed away, before starting my way towards the castle, only the cold air for company. I stopped at the entrance to the castle, now slightly nervous. I was a Half Blood, but still...
"Potter." I nearly jumped out of my shoes, before turning to see Draco. Crabbe, and Goyle flanking him as always. "You scared?" Draco asked, half amused, half...worried?
"Well their is a monster roaming the corridors." I replied, and Draco nodded.
"True, but said monster is only have the mud...Muggleborns." Draco replied, and I sighed.
"You almost said it."
"But I didn't." Draco replied with a smirk, before motioning Crabbe and Goyle to follow him as the trio began down the corridor. "If you want someone to talk with, we seem to be your last chance."
I paused, looking behind me and saw the courtyard was now empty, and with no other option hurried after Draco.
"Hmm" Draco began as I caught up and began walking beside him. "Seems you have some sense after all Potter."
I sighed. "I just don't want to be attacked."
Draco nodded as we continued down the corridor. It was...awkward, but still better than walking with no one.
"By the way." Draco said breaking the silence. "Good flying the other day."
I looked at him in surprise, then nodded. "Thank you Draco." I replied, unsure if he was being sincere, though he sounded so. "It took a lot of hard work, and I'm glad it paid off."
"I wish mine had." Draco replied bitterly, and I remembered his first game, how he had missed the snitch flying directly next to his ear because he was taunting Harry.
"Um...sorry." I replied awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck.
"It's not your fault. " He replied shaking his head. "It's mine if I had just seen the snitch I...well, no matter, everyone will forget after we win next time."
"Win next time?" I asked, knowing the next match for both of us was against each other, while Draco's usual confident sneer returned.
"Of course, I mean, you don't really think you guys can beat us?"
"Of course I do." I replied. "I mean, you're winless, we're unbeaten."
"After one game Potter, and I won't get distracted this time." Draco assured me, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Don't tell me you want to make another bet? I mean, we're both on our teams now."
"No bets this year Potter." Draco replied shaking his head, as we approached the Great Hall. "Well, we best go in first, wouldn't want your brother or friends to see us together."
I nodded. "That would probably be best." Draco nodded, and began heading inside. "By the way, Draco." I said, as he stopped dead in his tracks. "Thanks for walking with me."
Draco smirked. "No problem Potter."
And with that Draco walked into the hall. I waited a minute or so before heading in myself, then found the seat nearest to Lisa and Anthony, and began to make myself a plate for dinner.
"Sorry I hurried off like that." Lisa said, a guilty expression on her face. "I thought you both would be right behind me."
"It's fine." I assured her as I placed a piece of chicken on my plate.
"The walk alone wasn't to bad?" Anthony asked, and I shook my head, as I took a quick glance over at the Slytherin table and Draco.
"No, it wasn't bad." I assured him, before diving into dinner.
The next couple of weeks passed without incident and we reached mid December. The school was still in a state of suspicion, everyone on the look out for the Heir or the monster. But another attack hadn't happened, though unlike with Mrs. Norris, I didn't let my guard down.
The weather had gotten cold, really cold, which in turn had caused Quidditch practice to become torture. But Roger and Cho's spirit could not be broken, and we continued readying ourselves for Slytherin, who was coming up in January.
Because of the weather, a lot more time was also spent in the common room. We all gathered to work on homework, read books, or just try and keep warm in general.
"I wish we had a fire place." Lisa said on one of these such occasions.
"All the other common rooms have then." Anthony added, not even looking up from his worksheet. "At least, that's what Hogwarts a History says."
"Of course they do." Lisa grumbled, She was working on her Charms essay, Anthony his Herbology homework, while I was reading a book on my favorite subject.
"Sarah." Lisa groaned. "I need help."
"I'm busy Lisa." I replied. "I'm in the middle of a chapter."
Lisa looked up from her essay, and towards my book cover. "Gellert Grindelwald's Acolytes, and the Alliance they Ran." Lisa read, before rolling her eyes. "Sarah, put the book on the mad man down, and help with this Charms Essay." Lisa whined.
"After this chapter Lisa." I replied, turning the page.
"...What's the chapter about?" Lisa asked after a moment of silence.
"Zabini." I replied, and both Anthony and Lisa eye raised.
"The Slytherin boy who was trying to sell us junk?" Lisa asked, and I nodded.
"The same last name, supposedly one of his ancestors served Grindelwald."
"What it and Uncle, or a Cousin? Or a..."
"I have no idea, heck they may not be related at all, but I did find it interesting." I said, marking my place and closing the book. "Now, would you like help on that Charm's Essay?"
"Yes please." Lisa replied, while Anthony turned back to his homework. I got up, and sat down on the couch next the Lisa.
"Now where are you stuck?"
"The part about the Slowing Charm. I explain the effect of the charm but I'm having trouble..."
"ATTENTION!" The familiar voice of Penelope roared through the common room. All of us quickly turned towards the prefect, and noticed Professor Flitwick behind her, with a piece of parchment on hand. "They're all yours sir." Penelope said to Flitwick as soon as everyone was paying attention.
"Thank you Miss Clearwater." Professor Flitwick replied, before turning to the room as a whole. "As I do every year, I've come to collect signatures of everyone staying for the Christmas Holidays. If you intend to stay, please raise your hand."
My hand instantly shot up, as did some older years. Again I was the only second year to raise my hand, and again I felt a twinge of sadness, while both Anthony and Lisa gave me guilty looks.
"Sorry Sarah." Lisa said.
"We really are." Anthony added.
"I know you guys are." I replied as Professor Flitwick handed me the parchment, and I signed my name. Professor Flitwick gave me a comforting look, before heading off and getting the rest of the signatures.
"You'll be careful while were away?" Anthony asked, and I nodded.
"Oh, I will don't worry. You two have fun with your families." I assured them, they both gave me looks that they didn't believe me.
"Is that everyone?" Professor Flitwick called from the common room entrance. "Anyone else?" He scanned the room, and there was no one, and he nodded. "Okay, I've kept you all long enough, back to your studies." And with that Flitwick left, while the quiet chatting around the common room resumed.
"Anyways." I said, ignoring Anthony and Lisa's worried faced. "Let's get back to this Essay."
"We'll send you presents again this year." Anthony said, and I sighed.
"Guys, it's fine, really. Harry will be here, and I'm used to it." I again tried to assure them, but they both didn't look convinced.
"Are you sure?" Lisa asked, and I nodded.
"One hundred percent, now please, let's do this essay and I can get back to my book."
Finally both relented, Anthony returned to his homework while I helped Lisa through her essay. Every few moments I noticed the pairs worried looked, but they thankfully didn't say anything. Soon enough Lisa finished her essay, and I returned to my book. The whole ordeal over with.
Another week passed, and again their were no attacks. The only noticeable thing that happened was a supposed sabotage of Goyle's Swelling Solution in the Gryffindor, Slytherin, second year potions class. Luckily Harry wasn't affected, but Draco was, and he was furious, as was Snape.
"Do you think Harry had something to do with it?" Anthony asked, and I shrugged.
"No idea." I replied. And really, I didn't know, but in the back of my mine I remembered Harry's secret...something. Did the sabotage have something to do with it, not to mention the fact that both Ron, and Hermione were staying for the holidays. "But those three are definitely up to something."
Still, I had no idea what, and deep down, I didn't what to know. If Harry was up to something, and I was questioned, better I have no idea
Sure enough as entered the Entrance Hall we ran into Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Hey guys" I said, nodding to each of them, they all nodded back.
"Hey, what's going on with you?" Harry asked, and Lisa snickered.
"We were just talking about the explosion in potions class." Lisa said, causing the trio to go stiff, especially Harry.
"Really?" Harry asked, leaning against the railing and trying to act normal. "What about it?"
"We were just wondering what happ..."
"Guys!"
We all turned and saw Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, dorm mates of Harry and Ron, motioning us over to the notice board, which a lot of people were huddled around.
We all looked at each other curiously, then walked over to Seamus and Dean.
"What's going on?" Harry asked the pair, whom both motioned to a newly pinned piece of parchment.
"They're starting a Dueling Club!" Seamus Finnigan explained to the assembled group. "First meetings tonight! I wouldn't mind dueling lessons; they might come in handy one of these days…"
"What, you reckon Slytherin's monster can duel?" Ron asked skeptically. Then, like the rest of us, read the sign with interest.
"Eight o'clock tonight." Lisa read, as the six of us walked away from the group.
"You think it'd be useful?" I asked, Ron shrugged, while Anthony stroked his chin.
"Maybe." Anthony replied. "Really depends on the Professor."
At that moment the bell rang to signal the beginning of dinner. The six of us made our way towards the Great hall, debating if we should go.
"Could be useful," Harry said to the group. "Shall we go?"
"Why not." I replied. "What's the worse that can happen?"
So at eight, after putting our book bags back in the common room, we all descended back into the great hall, which was looking quite different. The four long tables had all vanished, replaced by a long golden stage had appeared along the far wall. The room, as always, was lit with thousands of candles floating overhead, lighting the pitch black ceiling. Most of the school seemed to have gotten word of the club, and everyone was gripping their wands in anticipation.
"I wonder who'll be teaching us?" Hermione asked as we entered the eager crowd. "Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young — maybe it'll be him."
"Maybe." Anthony replied stroking his chin. "I've also heard McGonagall is good in a duel. Heck, with the current situation maybe Dumbledore himself will teach us."
"As long as it's not —"Harry began, but stopped himself and groaned, his question answered as Professor Lockhart, adorned in plume robes, followed closely by Professor Snape, who was wearing his usual black.
"Yay." I whispered, as me and Hermione shared a look of excitement. Harry, Ron, and Anthony all rolled their eyes, while Lisa was snickered in amusement at the whole situation.
"Not him." Harry said in a defeated tone. Ron nodded in agreement, while Anthony sighed.
"At least's he's a good duelist." Anthony admitted.
Ron scoffed. "Yeah, but it doesn't make him any less annoying."
"You guys are just jealous." I said, as Hermione nodded.
"Absolutely."
Before any of the boys could respond, Professor Lockhart made his way onto the stage, and motioned for everyone to come closer.
"Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me?" The crowd answered in the affinitive. "Excellent!"
"Now, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club, to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions — for full details, see my published works."
Lockhart then took off his cape, and threw it into the crowd towards girls on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, who caught it eagerly.
"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," Lockhart began, flashing Snape a wide smile. "He tells me he knows a tiny little bit about dueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration before we begin. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters to worry — you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with him, never fear!"
"Wouldn't it be good if they finished each other off?" Ron muttered under his breath, while I glared at him.
"Ron." I replied in a whisper, which caused Ron to shrug.
"Sorry, I don't like either of them."
Speaking of dislike, that was the look on Professor Snape's face. His upper lip had curled, which was usually reserved for Smith, while Lockhart smile finally faded.
"Before we begin, I want to point something out." Lockhart paused, motioning towards Professor Snape. "As you can see Professor Snape is sneering at me, even maybe looking murderously at me." Lockhart continued, which only caused Snape lip to curl further, making him look even angrier. "This is the first step in a duel, intimidation! For if you're opponent is already scared of you, then you have the advantage." Lockhart finished, and turned back to Snape. "Of course such a trick wont work on me, Gilderoy Lockhart, but I thank you for demonstrating that Professor."
"Don't mention it, Professor." Snape replied, his words filled with deep malice.
Lockhart only smiled at Snape's words, clearly not intimidated. "Now, let us begin."
The two Professors turned to face each other, their backs straight, before bowing, well at least Lockhart was, Snape simply inclined his head. Then the two raised their wands as if they were swords.
"As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position," Lockhart instructed the silent room. "On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course."
"I wouldn't bet on that," Harry whispered, pointing at Snape who was gritting his teeth.
"Who do you thinks going to win?" I asked.
"Who knows." Harry replied.
"Hopefully neither." Ron added.
Before I could scold Ron, Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other, as Lockhart began to count down. "One — two — three —"
At the same time both Professors swung their wands, then pointed them at each other.
"Expelliarmus!" Snape roared, as a beam of scarlet light emanated from his wand, and flew at Lockhart.
"Protego!" Lockhart shouted, blocking the light as a shield of light surrounded Lockhart. I looked to Professor Snape, who raised an eyebrow in surprise, then to Lockhart who, like always, wore a large smile.
Their was a loud cheer throughout the hall as Snape light disappeared.
"Stupefy!" Lockhart roared back. This time a bright red light emerged from Lockhart's wand, and flew at Professor Snape.
"Protego!" Snape shouted, and like Lockhart, a shield appeared around the potions master, which caught the spell, and dispelled it.
Both Snape and Lockhart stared each other down. Snape, for a moment looked confused, before the murderous expression returned and he pointed his wand at Lockhart.
"Reducto!" The potions master shouted, and this time a orange beam roared towards Lockhart. Lockhart, still confidently smiling,
"Evanesco!" Lockhart replied, causing Snape's beam to vanish in mid air. And once again the Professor's stared at each other. Snape glaring at Lockhart with hatred, Lockhart smiling wildly.
Then, without a word, Snape sent a dark beam at Lockhart, who quickly dodged out of the way and sent a yellow spell. Back and forth the two went, dodging, blasting, and casting. The pair not even bothering to block anymore, as each other spells flew past, and into a magical shield that had been erected around the stage, which absorbed the magic.
"Non verbal magic." Anthony said in awe as the two Professors Dueled. "Amazing."
"It is." I added, and even Harry and Ron agreed.
"I may hate both of them, but they are both really powerful." Harry admitted.
For another couple of minutes the pair went back and forth, no longer seeming to notice the students gathered around, watching in awe. Both Professors had started sweating, and even Lockhart's perfect hair had fallen out of place. Finally, after Lockhart had summoned an orb or water above Snape, and Snape a raging fire above Lockhart. The pair looked around, took deep breaths, lowered their wands, and the spells disappeared.
"Well, there you have it!" Lockhart said to the crowd, who were staring at both Professors in amazement. "That was a true duel. Thank you Professor Snape for participating, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious I would have won if we weren't in a room full of students." Lockhart said confidently, which only made Snape look even more murderous.
"If-you-say-so-Gilderoy." Snape replied, very slowly, each word laced with venom.
Lockhart didn't flinch, returning Snape glare with a confident smile of his own. Before, finally, Lockhart broke eye contact.
"Enough demonstrating!" Lockhart began. "I'm going to come amongst you now and put you all into pairs. Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me —"
Lockhart and Snape began to make their way through the crowd, matching up different pairs. Snape reached us first, much to Harry, Ron, and Hermione's annoyance.
"Time to split up the dream team, I think," Snape told the Gryffindor's in a sneering tone. "Weasley, you can partner Finnigan. Mr. Potter —"
Harry tried to move towards Hermione.
"I don't think so," Snape ordered, a cold smile on his face. "Mr. Malfoy, come over here. Let's see what you make of the famous Harry Potter. And you, Miss Granger — you can partner Miss Bulstrode."
Draco walked over, smirking wickedly at Harry. A girl followed him that I'd never spoken to. She was large and bulky. Hermione gave her a quick wave and smile, which she did not return.
"As for you three." Snape said, turning to us. "Greengrass! Nott!"
From the same direction that Draco and Bulstrode had come from walked two other Slytherin's. The first one was a beautiful girl, with long, silver hair. Beside her was a tall, thin, boy with black hair.
"Greengrass, you're with Miss Turpin. Nott with Mr. Goldstein." Snape explained. Nott Shrugged.
"If you say so, Professor." He said, a dangerous undertone in his voice.
"Hmm. Very well Professor" Greengrass added, looking disinterested as she inspected her nails.
"Good." Snape replied then turned to me. "As for you Miss Potter, Smith!" Snape roared. From where the Hufflepuff's were standing Smith jumped then marched over to the Professor nervously.
"Yes Professor?" He asked, and Snape sneered at him.
"You are Miss Potter partner." Snape replied. Smith eyes widened as he noticed me. But before he could protest he saw Harry behind me, and he slumped. "Of course Professor."
So he still wouldn't say anything in front of Harry.
This could be fun...
"Let's have a good duel Zacharias." I said cheerfully. Smith jumped, and wanted to retort, but then again noticed Harry who was watching us with interest.
"Of...course." Smith replied.
I noticed Snape seemed immensely pleased with his choices, as he strode off. Anthony and Lisa gave me entertained look, before turning to their respective partners.
"Nott." Anthony said in a unfriendly tone, which caused Nott to smirk.
"Goldstein, good to see you." Nott replied, a sarcastic tone in his voice.
Clearly the two knew each other, while Greengrass gave Lisa a simple nod, which Lisa returned.
"Face your partners!" Lockhart called from the platform "And bow!"
I noticed Anthony and Nott both take deep bows, clearly both had seen duels before. Greengrass barely dipped her head, her face still looking bored, while Lisa followed Anthony as closely as possibly, and bowed deeply. Harry and Draco both barely inclined their heads.
As for me and Smith, we both bowed, though both of us were stiff, and I made sure my eyes were on Smith the whole time. I noticed Snape had taken and intense interest in our whole group, and was watching us intently.
"Wands at the ready!" Lockhart shouted, as we all moved our wands into position. Smith was clearly nervous, his arm shaking, while I simply smiled, wondering what spell to use. "When I count to three, cast your charms to disarm your opponents — only to disarm them — we don't want any accidents — one… two… three —
"Flipendo!" I shouted as quick as I could. Smith eyes widened as he realized he had lost, as the orange light from my wand hit him square in the chest, sending him flying backwards.
It was satisfying.
"I said disarm only!" Lockhart shouted, causing me to look around at my surroundings. Sure enough most, like me, hadn't just disarmed their opponents. Ron was currently attending to Seamus, who'd clearly been subjected to one of Ron's wands crazy explosions. Hermione and Millicent were fighting on the ground. Anthony arm, while Nott's leg were bleeding. The only pair who seemed to have followed the rules had been Lisa and Greengrass, whom had Lisa launch a spell, and Greengrass block it.
The worst were Draco and Harry, whom were still flinging spells at each other. Harry had just hit Draco in the stomach with the tickling charm, Rictusempra. Harry seemed to be done, clearly thinking Draco couldn't cast a spell from the ground.
That was a mistake.
"Tarantallegra!" Draco shouted, pointing his wand at Harry's knees. Sure enough Harry's legs began to dance in what looked like quickstep.
"Enough!" Lockhart sighed, as both Professors pulled out their wands. Lockhart pointed his at Harry, Snape at Draco.
"Finite Incantatem!" Both Professors shouted, which caused Harry to stop dancing, and Draco to stop laughing.
Finally, I took in the whole scene around us. A greenish smoke was spread throughout the hall. Both Neville and Justin, whom had been teamed up, were laying on the ground panting. While Hermione and Millicent had still not stopped fighting, Millicent holding Hermione in a headlock. Harry rushed forward and pulled the Slytherin off. Finally Lockhart began walking through, and observing the damage.
"Dear, dear," Lockhart said as he made his way through the aftermath of the duels. "Up you go, Macmillan…Careful there, Miss Fawcett… Pinch it hard, it'll stop bleeding in a second, Boot-"
"I think I'd better teach you how to block unfriendly spells," Lockhart said, clearly disappointment in his voice. "My apologies, I thought more of you would know how to."
"Let's have a volunteer pair —" Lockhart said, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on Neville and Justin. "Longbottom and Finch-Fletchley, how about you —"
"A bad idea, Professor Lockhart," Snape interjected, walking towards us and giving Neville a sneering look. "Longbottom causes devastation with the simplest spells. We'll be sending what's left of Finch-Fletchley up to the hospital wing in a matchbox."
Neville's face turned a dark shade pink, before the boy looked away from Snape and towards the ground.
"How about Malfoy and Mr. Potter?" Snape suggested, giving Harry a wicked smile, while Lockhart frowned.
"Oh, come now Professor Snape. Sure, Neville may have his struggles in your class." Lockhart replied, placing both hands on Neville's shoulders. "But in my class he's brilliant. Of course that's a given, as I, Gilderoy Lockhart, expert teacher of defense, am his Professor."
Neville's face seemed to light up at Lockhart's encouragement, while Snape scoffed at the thought.
"I'm not convinced, Professor." Snape replied venomously and finally Lockhart relented.
"Very well, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, if you would?" Lockhart said, gesturing Harry and Draco into the middle of the hall, while the crowd backed up to give them room.
"This will be interesting." Anthony said.
"I hope Harry blast's Malfoy into the far wall." Lisa added, while I started nervously twitching my fingers.
"I just hope Harry isn't hurt."
The pair were quickly joined by a Professor, Snape with Draco, Lockhart with Harry.
"Now, Harry," said Lockhart. "When Draco points his wand at you, you do this."
Lockhart pulled out his wand, and performed a simple circling motion. "Protego!" And again a shield formed around the pair, "Simple shield charm, should block whatever Mr. Malfoy throws at you."
Meanwhile Snape had leaned down and whispered something in Draco's ear, causing the pair to smirk. I twitched nervously, wondering what Snape had told Draco, as was Harry, who looked up nervously at Lockhart.
"Professor, could you show me that shield charm again?" Harry asked Lockhart.
"Scared?" Draco asked smirking, while Harry scowled.
"You wish," Harry replied, while Lockhart sighed.
"Come now boys, you both are perfectly safe. As for your question Mr. Potter, a simple circle motion with your wand, then the incantation Protego." Lockhart explained, giving Harry a pat on the shoulder. "You both ready?"
Both Draco, and Harry nodded confidently.
"Good. Three — two — one — go!"
"Serpensortia!" Draco quickly shouted. And out of the tip of his wand flew a long, black snake. With a thud it landed between them, before raising itself and looked ready to strike Harry. I gasped, and the crowd backed up. While Harry simply stared the snake in the eyes.
"Don't move, Potter," Snape said, clearly amused at the scene. "I'll get rid of it…"
"Wait a moment Professor Snape." Lockhart interjected, holding out his hand. "This still presents an opportunity to teach the students how to defend against creatures summoned during combat."
Snape gave Lockhart another venomous stare, while Lockhart turned to the student body as a whole.
"Now, the first thing about summoned creatures such as this, is they are naturally aggressive, and want to strike..."
Sure enough the snake didn't just sit their. Soon enough it started slithering towards the crowd, and right towards Justin Finch-Fletchley. His fangs clearly ready to strike.
"...Quickly Mr. Potter." Lockhart commanded. "Use the spell Vipera Evanesca, the snake vanishing charm and..."
But Harry didn't seem to be listening to Lockhart. Instead Harry was still staring intently at the snake. Without warning, Harry walked forwards, and started talking...
"Sya- hassa- she." Harry muttered, and everyone stared in shock. Justin looked terrified, while Anthony leaned over.
"Your brother's Parselmouth?" He asked in a whisper, fear etched in his voice.
"A what?" I replied, but before I could respond Harry looked towards Justin, a grin on his face.
"What do you think you're playing at?" Justin asked Harry in horror, before forcing his way through the crowd and out of the hall.
Snape quickly stepped forward, and vanished the snake with a wave of his wand. Both he and Lockhart were looking at Harry with odd expressions. Snape's shrewd and calculating, Lockhart's shocked and nervous. All throughout the hall people began to whisper, and give Harry weary looks. Finally Ron stepped forwards, and tugged the back of Harry's robes.
"Come on," Ron told him. "Move — come on —"
Ron quickly guided Harry from the hall, Hermione hurrying to catch up with them, while the crowd backed away from the trio nervously until they left the hall. As soon as they exited, everyone stared looking at me.
"Everyone!" Lockhart called, causing everyone to turn towards him. "You're all dismissed." Lockhart proclaimed, before rushing out of the hall himself. Snape gave me one last look, before leaving as well.
"Well Potter?" I turned to see Sandra looking at me, a mix of worry, curiosity, and terror. "Are you one?" She asked.
"Am I what?" I replied.
"A Parselmouth." A seventh year Hufflepuff I'd never spoken to added, and I noticed that the entire student body was looking at me. Some nervous, some scared, but all of them curious.
"What is a Parselmouth?" I asked, and the entire hall looked at me skeptically.
"It means you can talk to snakes." Anthony finally answered. "Like Harry just did."
"Well, I don't..."
"Did you understand what Harry was saying to the snake?" Susan Bones asked, and I shook my head.
"No." I replied firmly, though most of the hall didn't look convinced.
"Do you really think we believe that." Smith interjected. Pointing an accusing finger at me. "Clearly you know exactly what Harry was saying."
"No, I didn't." I replied firmly, making sure to keep my calm, knowing Smith wasn't alone this time. "I have no idea what Harry was saying to that snake, though from the way it reacted it seems he was telling it to stand down."
"I don't believe you." Smith replied.
"Neither do I." Ernie Macmillan added.
The rumblings of people arguing whether I was telling the truth sounded throughout the hall. All of my house mates, minus Sandra and some of the other first years, believed me. While most of the other houses seemed to think I was lying...
"I have an idea on how to solve this issue." Draco's voice boomed through the hall as he, Crabbe, and Goyle pushed through the crowd towards me.
"What's your idea Malfoy?" An older Slytherin asked, and Draco smirked.
"I just summon another snake, and she tries to talk to it." Draco suggested. Instantly I felt myself get goosebumps at the suggestion, while around the hall most seemed to agree with Draco.
"Wait, I don't...what if it attacks me?" I demanded.
"Well seeing as your a Parselmouth, it won't." Smith interjected confidently.
I noticed most of the crowd seemed to be agreeing with Smith, while Roger pushed forwards through crowd, before turning to me.
"If you're not a Parselmouth, and the snake tries to strike you, I'll vanish it." Roger promised, and with one last look to both Anthony, and Lisa, I nodded.
"Fine, Draco, go ahead." I said, Draco nodded, as everyone once again backed away, and Draco readied his wand.
"Serpensortia." Draco shouted, and once again a long, black snake came spewing from his wand. The snake looked around, and saw I was the closest target.
"Well, try and talk to it!" A fifth year Hufflepuff shouted.
I locked eyes with the snake, which was now quickly slithering over towards me.
"Stop!" I shouted, nothing happened. "Don't attack." I again tried and nothing happened. "Please, don't." The snake was now just a few feet away from me, and my eyes widened in fear. "Get away!" I demanded, yet the snake did the opposite, and lunged towards me, it's fangs sharp, as I raised my arms in front of my face, bracing for the worst.
"Vipera Evanesca!" Roger said, pointing his wand at the snake, and right before the snake struck me it disappeared in a flash of light, as I took a deep breath.
"Their, see." I told the crowd. Most nodded, seemingly accepting I was not a Parselmouth.
"So you're not one." Ernie admitted, looking confused. "But, why is your brother one, and not you?"
"I think she faked it." Smith interjected.
"No she didn't." Cho said, coming up behind me and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She just proved she's not."
"Yeah." Padma interjected. "You saw how the snake reacted, and given the fact we could all understand her despite looking directly at the snake."
"She can't be one." Roger asserted.
"Fine, you're not one." Ernie admitted. "But I'm still weary of your brother."
For a moment their was a tense silence, until finally, I turned towards the door and began to storm off. "Where are you going Potter?" Ernie asked suspiciously.
"To my common room, seeing as the club is over." I replied, pushing my way through the crowd, Lisa and Anthony following closely behind.
"Where do you think Harry went?" I asked, wanting to speak with him.
"The Gryffindor common room is my bet." Anthony replied. "Ron would want to explain everything to him in private."
"What's their to explain?" Lisa asked. "I mean, it's pretty obvious he can speak to snakes."
Anthony sighed. "It's not just that."
"Then what is it?" I asked.
"Not here, we'll talk in the common room." Anthony finished, both me and Lisa shared puzzled looks, then nodded.
Finally we arrived at the common room, which was empty. We all made our way to our usual corner.
"So why the worried face?" I asked, and Anthony sighed.
"Because, Parseltongue is a rare form of magic. Usually associated with the dark arts." Anthony explained, and I gripped the arms of my chair tightly.
"Oh."
"And that's not the worst of it. The worse part is that Salazar Slytherin himself was a known Parselmouth. And that means..."
"Everyone's going to assume Harry, and by extension me, are related to him. That Harry is the heir." I surmised, and Anthony nodded.
"Yes. They will."
For a moment I just sat their in silence, thinking of what had just happened. Thinking back to the summer before our first year when Harry had spoken to the snake at the zoo. As time passed and more of our house mates returned. As the common room filled up, still talking about Harry and what happened, I couldn't take it any more, and stood.
"I need sleep." I said, both Anthony and Lisa gave me understanding looks, as I made my way to bed.
The next day a blizzard descended upon the castle, and the cold air filled the corridors. With the weather all Herbology classes were canceled for the day, much to Lisa chagrin that we had our last lesson, but both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff had gotten out of it.
As we arrived in the great hall for breakfast I scanned the room and quickly found Harry, who seemed to be sulking, playing with his food. I instantly pulled him up, everyone in the hall watching me, and led him to the nearest empty corridor.
"What did you say to that snake?" I asked in worry.
"I...I told it to leave Justin alone." Harry replied, his voice uncertain. "You believe me, right Sarah?" Harry asked, and I nodded.
"Of course I do, I just, wanted to know." I replied, Harry nodded.
"Good, now lets go before they accuse us of conspiring or something."
Oh, Harry, you're already to late for that...
The pair of us made our way back into the Great Hall, eyes still fixed on both of us. We both split and sat down at our respective tables, where everyone stared at me.
"What did he say?" Terry asked, looking back and forth between me and Harry.
"That he told the snake to back off, and not attack Justin." I told the group, everyone shared looks.
"Hmm, anyways what class do we have first?" Michael asked.
"Transfiguration." Padma answered.
Soon enough we were all sat in McGonagall classroom. Today was a especially hard day, as I had no idea in the slightest how to get my mouse to transform into a water goblet. And I didn't even ask how Terry's hair was now a mix of white and back stripes.
Suddenly the door to the classroom flew open, as we all turned to see Peeves roaring through the corridor.
"ATTACK! ATTACK! ANOTHER ATTACK! NO MORTAL OR GHOST IS SAFE! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! ATTAAAACK!" The poltergeist shouted. Professor McGonagall quickly stood up, and raced from the room, all of us looking at each other in horror.
"What do we do?" Lisa asked.
"Follow her." I replied, hoping to give the Heir a piece of my mind.
Sure enough the entire class, as well as many other classes on this floor, ran out of their classrooms. We all followed Professor McGonagall, and arrived to a horrid sight. Nearly Headless Nick was floating still in mid air, black and smokey. But the worst part was Justin, who was laying on the floor, stiff as a board, his face one of shock.
And right next to the pair stood my brother, pinned against the wall by a crowd.
"Oh no..."
McGonagall, along with Professors Flitwick, and Sinistra spent several seconds trying to regain order, before finally McGonagall caused a loud bang.
"Everyone to their common rooms now!" McGonagall ordered. Most of the students did so. But I stayed put. Mine and Harry's eyes me, his face a mix of worry and fear. He mouthed that he didn't do it.
I know, I mouthed back.
The corridor slowly emptied, me Lisa, and Anthony being some of the few remaining, when most of the second year Hufflepuff's, led by Ernie Macmillan. His eyes first fell on Justin, then on Harry.
"Caught in the act!" Ernie yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Harry.
"That will do, Macmillan!" McGonagall replied sharply.
Those of us who remained watched as the three Professor's looked over Justin and Nick, all the while Peeves flew overhead, his face grinning as he looked at Harry.
"Oh, Potter, you rotter, oh, what have you done, You're killing off' students, you think it's good fun —"
"That's enough Peeves!" McGonagall roared, causing the poltergeist to fly over, his tongue stuck out at Harry as he vanished behind a wall.
Soon enough Justin was laid out on a stretcher, as Professor's Flitwick and Sinistra carried led him away. McGonagall then spent the next several minutes trying to figure our what to do for Nearly Headless Nick, before finally conjuring a large fan, and handing it to Ernie, who she ordered to waft Nick up the stairs.
This left only, me, Harry, Lisa, Anthony, and Professor McGonagall in the corridor.
"This way, Mr. Potter," McGonagall ordered, motioning for him to follow.
"Professor," Harry replied instantly "I swear I didn't —"
"This is out of my hands, Potter," McGonagall replied, as Harry face seemed to sink.
"Professor." I said stepping forward. "Harry didn't do anything, you can't —"
Professor McGonagall cut me off with a wave of her hand. "As I've said Miss Potter, this is our of my hands. You three head to your common room, now." She ordered.
"But Professor —"
"Miss Potter, I assure you, your brother will be treated fairly by the Headmaster. Mr. Potter, come." With that Harry and Professor McGonagall disappeared down the corridor. Leaving me to wonder if that was the last time I would ever see my brother as a fellow student at Hogwarts.