Louanne Delacour

The Animagus

September 2nd, 1993

Packing my bag up and starting for the professor, I looked back and saw Hermione and Ron waiting for me at the back of the classroom talking to each other. I decided it would be rude to leave, and turned around.

"Hey, where's Harry?" I asked.

"He decided it was probably best to leave fast. Doesn't want any more attention with the...Death Omen," Ron answered. Hermione and I rolled our eyes. This whole Grim thing was so ridiculous.

"Yeah, okay fine. I've actually got to ask Professor McGonagall something really fast. Meet you there?" They nodded and were off. I paced back to my desk and hesitated. "Professor?" I said nervously. She was sitting at her desk in the front of the room sorting through what looked to be a pop quiz the fifth years had.

"Miss Delacour. Enjoying your time at Hogwarts?" the Witch questioned. She always looked so serious with those spectacles. I wonder if she ever smiled.

"Yeah, um it's fine. Great, actually," I brushed off the question and adjusted my satchel. I never talk to teachers one-on-one, and when I do it gets really nerve-wracking. "I was actually wondering something about the lesson?" She looked up from her papers. I guess she was just surprised somebody was paying attention. "I wanted to know how somebody does become an animagus?"

She tilted her head downward, "That is seriously advanced magic, and if done incorrectly it could cause unimaginable half-human hybrids. Don't tell me you're planning on becoming one?" Her voice was stern and demanding and honestly a little scary.

Stuttering, I tried my best to answer her question. "I-I mean, I was, but not really after hearing that. But could I still get the process? It's quite an interesting subject." The stern expression held on her face softened. I smiled meekly as she got up and strode over to a bookshelf on the right wall of the classroom.

"I have a book on animagi that I think would be of some help considering there will also be a test next wednesday that none of the others students know about." I murmured a thank you just before she found what she was looking for. A beautiful blue book was pulled from the shelf and handed to me. "If you're anything like some of my past students, you'll try the transformation despite my warning." I opened my mouth to protest, but she put a hand up to stop me. "If you do attempt the long and dangerous process, I would like to be consulted. I have helped many people in the subject and could be of some assistance," she said, standing a tad bit taller at the sound of her accomplishments.

"Thank you so much professor."

"Oh, and one more thing. If you've learned the Patronus charm, that would be the best indicator on what animal you would become," she informed.

I thanked her again and nodded. Grinning, I turned to leave the classroom and was greeted at the door my none other than Draco.

"What Draco?" I said annoyed. I brushed past him and made my way through the long corridor to the Great Hall.

"Hey, Lou, I said I was sorry. How are you still mad at me?" I guess I wasn't actually mad, just more disappointed. So he didn't write back? So what?

"So you were sorry, but you aren't anymore?" I turned around and smiled. I figured it was better not to let this continue. Relief replaced the defensive expression on his face. "Did you really expect me to stay mad at you for long? You know I've never been good at that." It doesn't do me any good to stay mad at my best friend. Although it doesn't help that he and my other friends hate each other's guts.

"Finally you've come to your senses," he said. I gave him a hug and we continued to the Great Hall.

"Was Ilvermorny as bad as you said?" Draco inquired. I had been bullied the majority of my time at Ilvermorny -for my, let's just say, anger issues- and had written to Draco about it a few times throughout the last semester.

"Yeah, well I could have handled the situation better. But for the most part it was horrible. The teachers were nice, I got sorted into a cool house, but the people just weren't so accepting, that's all," I shrugged. We entered the archway of the Great Hall and I waved a goodbye to him. He waved back as I sat down next to Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Harry, and a few kids I didn't recognize.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" Hermione asked. By the looks of it, most people from my classes hadn't eaten. Probably because of that stupid Grim. It's just an ill prediction, is all. I nodded and decided against eating. Just because I am a particularly picky eater.

"Yeah, I did actually. Look at this." The pretty blue book was easy to spot in my bag and I took it out for everyone to see. Ron and Harry just looked at me weird, but Ginny grabbed it to take a closer look.

"It's a book on Animagus. Is this what you guys are learning about? Witches and Wizards who can turn into animals?" Ginny asked with a hint of longing and jealousy. I felt bad, for her not being in the same class as all her friends.

"Yeah. McGonagall said there would be a test next Wednesday on them also, so I suggest you start studying boys," I said, giving a stern look to Harry and Ron.

"Whatever..." Ron whispered.

Since none of us really ate anything, we all decided to take it as a free period, but I just stayed at the table reading my book. So far, a future Animagus would have to hold a mandrake leaf in his/her mouth for a whole moon cycle before putting it into a vial. I decided to stop there. If I did decide to do this, It would take a long time. And not to mention willpower. A whole month!

I shut the book and looked at my watch. I was nearly going to be late for Hagrid's class!

Author's Note: Sorry the Draco make-up scene didn't flow very smoothly. I just figured she should have never gotten mad at him in the first place and didn't want to go back and fix it. Actually, the whole chapter was a bust. I have a better game plan for the next one though. Thanks for reading it!