Strange Beginnings

Chapter V.II

Almost a month had past and Y/N had yet to see the terrible events to take place at the school which Dobby the house elf had foretold. To their knowledge, no one else had been attacked but Madam Pomfrey still worked tirelessly to find a cure for the poor Creevey boy and Filch's cat. Classes were proceeding as expected and with the lack of many distractions Y/N was doing quite well in each. Defense against the dark arts, however, was impossibly boring and unhelpful. They felt as though the material Lockhart was teaching them (if one could call it teaching) actually made them progress in the opposite direction. 

In a letter home to Mr. and Mrs. Diggory, Y/N wrote on their frustrations of how positively drab the class was and that perhaps they should be homeschooled instead. This hopeful suggestion  was dismissed on the grounds that both Amos and Beth were not home often enough to give Y/N a proper education. Beth though added that the school library has a sizable collection of books and scrolls on the materials where Lockhart might be lacking in demonstrating. Y/N groaned at how skilled she was with coming up with solutions to all of their problems. The young student didn't feel like finishing the rest of the letter, it would usually consist of "Keep eating your breakfast", "make sure you study", or "don't hesitate to write home" but this time it the post script really sank Y/N's anticipation for the holidays.

Y/N abruptly stood from the breakfast table, nearly knocking over Alexander's goblet, and marched to the Hufflepuff section. Dropping the letter on top of Cedric's freshly cleaned plate they jabbed the parchment where it read, "We're sorry but Amos has business in the Netherlands for the Ministry over the holiday break and we can't bring you and Cedric along. We'll send your gifts before we leave!"

"Are you bloody kidding me?" Y/N's expression was not one of mild annoyance.

"Whoa Y/N, it's alright. We'll just stay here for Christmas!" Cedric tried to lull the young student's temper.

"That's the issue Ced, I don't want to stay here for the holiday. I was very much looking forward to leaving." 

"I know Y/N, but you know Dad. His work at the ministry is very important to him."

Y/N rolled their eye's with a groan. This can't be happening, they thought to themselves.

"Tell ya what though, I'll ask mum to send an extra batch of your favorite cookies!"

Cedric was always one to offer condolences wrapped with a bow. Though it didn't cheer up their spirits much this time, they were grateful for his go-lucky attitude. The first bell rung and the remaining students in the great hall began to gather their book bags and walk to class. Y/N sauntered back to where their own sack lay under the bench and stuffed the disappointing letter in between their textbooks. 

Being of the last few to get to class, Y/N sat on the row almost in the middle of the room where unfortunately the three Gryffindor trouble makers were also seated. Ron didn't attempt to hide the grimace that appeared on his face while Harry gave a half smile that looked more like he was judging their choice of tie that day. Hermione, whom sat next to the empty seat, turned the corners of her mouth with a disapproving curve but made no comment. Even though Y/N had already caught wind of the three's less than inviting glances, they tried to ignore them. Shortly after, Snape and McGonagall walked into the drafty old classroom.

"Professor McGonagall has an announcement to make, so shut your mouths and listen so that she can be on her way." Snape addressed the class bluntly.

"Thank you, Severus," the older professor adjusted her glasses to sit higher on her nose, "All those who are planning to stay over the holiday break will you please raise your hands so I can write your names down."