The American Enigma

Lockhart Annoyance and Wrath

Y/N POV

We arrived at the Greenhouses, awaiting Professor Sprout. She was covered in bandages, and followed by someone who was very annoying.

Lockhart.

"Greenhouse 3 today chaps!" She bellowed, causing the blonde bastard to look over at us.

"Oh! Hello there!" I cut him off.

"Shut up you pathetic excuse of General Kenobi." Ron and Harry laughed, along with some of the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors. Hell, even Professor Sprout had a smile on her face as he sputtered in response.

Hermione, however, elbowed me in the ribs. Hard.

"Just been showing Professor Sprout the right way to doctor a Whomping Willow! But I don't want you running away with the idea that I'm better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants on my travels." He finally continued, regaining his old posture before noticing Harry and I.

"Shame he wasn't seriously maimed by a few of them." I muttered, only for Hermione to insinuate something that hurt me.

"You're just jealous that he's done some amazing things and has all the girls attention!" Ron and Harry raised an eyebrow, remembering how badly I reacted to her having his lessons outlined in little hearts.

Flashback

"Why" Ron started, looking absolutely disgusted, "do you have all of Lockhart's lessons outlined in little hearts!?" Are you kidding me!? He's nothing! That bastard couldn't tell us the difference between spells!

"He'll be glad to know that he's got the brightest witch bewitched by his lies." I spat, feeling an unknown anger bubbling up in my stomach.

Flashback over

"Perhaps I'm jealous that he's got your attention." I said, barely registering my own words before storming into the greenhouse. Our lesson went well, learning about Mandrakes.

Hermione got Gryffindor ten points when she explained their function. "Mandrakes, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative. It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state. It's also quite dangerous. The Mandrake's cry is fatal to anyone who hears it."

From there, Justin Finch-Fletchley introduced himself, blushing in front of Hermione as he talked about her. It made the same anger bubble in my stomach.

Am I really jealous of Lockhart?

I think I am.

"Uh oh. Longbottom's been neglecting his earmuffs." Sprout stated after we watched him crash to the ground.

"No ma'am. He just fainted." Seamus replied, earning a soft snort from some of the Hufflepuffs. Hermione looked worried, but we were quickly released to do our assignment of replanting the Mandrake seedlings.

When we were done, We went to Charms. Flitwick was teaching us a lot of fun things, but we started with a revisit of the fire making charm.

After that, Transfiguration where we tried to turn a beetle into a button. While Hermione got it after her third try, my anger prevented me from achieving it.

"Mr. Stafford, please stay after class." Professor McGonagall said, surprising everyone. Hermione, for her part, seemed worried about why I'm staying, but I brushed it off.

"Yes, Professor?" I asked, getting a concerned look in return.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat anything: what you dealt with at the end of last year was traumatic. Now, I know that we haven't had time to talk beforehand, but I want you to know that my office is always open if you need it. Or, if you want to vent about your jealousy." I raised an eyebrow, causing her to smile.