The American Enigma

Snake Whisperers and Flying Frauds and Interrogation

Y/N POV

I returned to Hogwarts after successfully trying out for the Under 18 US National team. Which meant that I would be able to participate in the qualifying stages of the tourney at the end of next school year. Hermione was the happiest, kissing my cheek and saying that she was proud of me.

It was nice hearing that from her. She informed me of everything that went on, including the polyjuice potion being ready during Christmas. Which meant she'd have to stay here for the holidays instead of going home.

While I was happy she'd be here, I'd be lying if I said that this was the way I wanted it to happen. Her being in danger, and still trying to make sure nobody else was hurt. Truly amazing.

Sadly, my enjoyment ended around the second week of December. A dueling club was announced, and everyone was speculating over who'd be teaching it. With Hermione hoping it was Lockhart, while I was hoping for someone more competent.

Like Binns or Filch.

But Defence Against the Dark Arts is all about dueling, so it was obviously going to be him.

"Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent!" He grinned, pacing up and down the stage. "In light of the dark events of recent weeks, 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."

He removed his cape and tossed it to a bundle of girls who gasped and took it, looking ready to fight over it if one didn't take a firm hold.

"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," Lockhart said, the man himself stepping up onto the stage looking less than pleased. "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!"

I couldn't resist such an easy taunt. "I'm glad we'll have our Potions teacher, but what will we do for Defence!?" Lockhart glared, but said nothing as I felt almost all of the girls glaring at me. Hermione was one of the few who didn't, as she was concerned.

"As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position," Lockhart explained, as they moved to opposite ends of the stage. "On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course. One, two, three!"

Snape was quick, wand snapping out. "Expelliarmus!"

Lockhart hadn't been prepared and was knocked clean off his feet, hitting a wall and sliding down it to lay sprawled on the floor. I laughed at the sight.

"Do you think he's okay!?" Hermione squeaked, peering through her fingers.

"Sadly. Snape should've tried for the window. That would've been better."

"An excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you it would have been only too easy."

"Perhaps," Snape drawled, looking ready to jinx him again, "it would be prudent to first teach the students to block unfriendly spells, professor. The brainless one seemed to recognize that Snape had zero patience left.

"Good idea! Let's have a volunteer pair. Stafford, Weasley! How about you?" All five Weasley's walked towards the stage until Snape spoke up.

"I don't think so. Mr. Malfoy should face Stafford." Ferret boy walked up to the stage with his smug grin as Snape paired Hermione with Millicent Bulstrode. It was obvious that Bulstrode was enjoying the fear that permeated from Mione.