What a Riddle

The good, the bad, and the ugly

Getting back to Hogwarts was a breath of fresh air. No Lucius looking over your shoulder, no attending parties I did not want to attend (I adore Aunt Cissy but since she has deemed me old enough to attend parties not so much), and most importantly I had my fatherly figure to look out for me at school as the head of my house.

Draco and I were ecstatic for tomorrow as we were having a private early tryout for the quidditch team. I was trying out for chaser and him seeker.

Riding the carriage with the 'royals' to the castle was enjoyable as to catch up with school rumors and who would be the DA teacher. I had hoped Uncle Sev would get the post as he has always wanted. He after all taught me and Draco quite a bit over summers and when I would live with him at Spinner's End. instead, the self-centered Lockhart had gotten the job and I had to hide my annoyance because everyone was smitten with the man. If you could even call him a man. 

Draco and the boys (Zambini, Nott, Crabbe, and Goyle) seemed annoyed as well. Only the girls (Parkinson, Greengrass, and Bulstrode) were obsessed with Lockhart. 

~~~

"Let me introduce you to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Me. Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five times winner of Witch Weekly's Most- Charming-Smile Award -- But I don't talk about that. I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!" I roll my eyes as I focus on petting Medusa who kept making threats about biting Lockhart's arse and letting him die the slow death of her poison. "I see you've all bought a complete set of my books. Well done. I thought we'd start today with a little quiz. Nothing to worry about. Just to check how well you've read them, how much you've taken in..." 

Like I'd touch your self-centered books. I have too much respect for books to ruin them like that.

I got the paper and I share a 'seriously' look with Draco as I read the questions. 

Starting to write random sarcastic remarks. I didn't care I was technically more advanced in DADA than most and this test was not about DADA it was about himself with silly questions on favorite colors and secret dreams. I'M NOT HERE TO BECOME YOUR BEST FRIEND.

"Tut, tut" Lockhart spoke as he gathered the quizzes "seems only Ms. Riddle knew my secret ambitions to start my own hair product line"

Draco looks at me shocked and I look at him mortified that my sarcastic answer was correct.

"I was joking" I hissed quietly "what straight man wants to start a hair product line"

"That one apparently" Draco now looks amused.

"Not helping" I growl lowly.

Lockhart ever so oblivious continues talking about facing our worst fears and Cornish Pixies.

Later he was released into the classroom. It took seconds for students to get swarmed as they were ducked and covering using the desk with little success.

My hair was being pulled in multiple directions and Draco used a textbook to get them off of me.

"Thanks. Bloody hell these things are the worst" I yell over the chaos. I wrack my brain for a spell "Immobulus!" the Cornish Pixies freeze and float around the class unable to disturb my classmates.

"Let's get out of here" Draco speaks as he grabs my hand and we hurry out of the class. Followed closely by the others.

~~~

An hour after classes ended I got dressed for quidditch. Wearing the khaki pants, green shirt, green, silver knit sweater, the sports robe with the number 07, brown leather boots going to my shins, and the leather armor on my arms.

Medusa wasn't happy to be kicked off my arm but she didn't complain when I told her we were going to be speeding around the pitch. She had decided to use the time to hunt for snacks.

I simply braided my hair and walked out of the girl's dorms.

"Here you go, Flor" Draco handed me our brand new black sparkling broom.

"Thank you" I admired the broom and saw my initials engraved in silver.

We headed out soon joined by the rest of the team. Them surrounding us like a herd protecting their young. I looked over the team, most were male and bulky the two girls on the team were no different, and in all their hands Nimbus 2001's the same broom Lucius had gotten me and Draco.

Draco seemed to have seen my confusion "Father made a donation to the team" he whispered

"Isn't that buying our way onto the team?" I asked

"We are both practically on the team already. You know how most of the team took us under their wing last year" 

"Yes" I sigh "it just-" 

"Clear out, Flint! I booked the pitch for Gryffindor today." I heard the Gryffindor Captain yell cutting me off from what I was saying. Giving Draco a stern look before composing myself. Draco doing the same.

"Easy, Wood. I've got a note." I could hear Flint's smile. Why does there have to be a large rivalry?

"'I, Professor Severus Snape, do hereby give the Slytherin team permission to practice today, owing to the need to train their new Seeker and Chaser.'" Wood reads off "You've got a new Seeker and Chaser? Who?"

The team splits and Draco and I are revealed. We move forward confidently looking over Potter who is dressed in a red quidditch uniform. Weasley and Granger are off to the side.

"It's... Malfoy and Riddle" Wood said shocked.

"Draco... Florence" Potter speaks slowly us being on the team sinking.

"That's right. And that's not allthat's new this year..." he and the rest of the team turn the brooms for everyone to see but me.

"Those are Nimbus Two ThousandOnes," Weasley said his eyes wide

"A generous gift from Draco'sfather." Flint boasts and I roll my eyes glad that everyone on the Slytherin team was focused on the Gryffindor's.

"That's right, Weasley. You see,unlike some, my father can affordto buy the best." Draco's chest puffs up. I know he's jealous of the Weasleys despite him not admitting it, not even to me. He wants a loving family like that.

"At least no one on the Gryffindorteam had to buy their way in.They got in on pure talent." Granger butts in and my eyes narrow. I worked too hard over the summer to be insulted like that. I choose not to say anything but to prove it on the pitch.

"No one asked your opinion, youfilthy little Mudblood." Draco spits. My eyes wide I look over at him, I never like that use of the word therefore I don't use it but choose to use muggle-born if I have to. 

the Weasley twins lung and Wood and one other hold them back "Save it for the match." 

"You'll pay for that one, Malfoy!" Weasley moves forward and before anyone can stop him. He pulls out his broken wand "Eat slugs!" the spell however backfired and hit Weasley instead. He flew backward a few feet Granger ran to him.

"Ron! Say something!" Weasley belched and a large slimy slug fell out of his mouth. 

I gag as I see it and the rest of the Slytherins howl in laughter. A first-year Gryffindor runs up "Wow! Can you hold him still,Harry?!" as he raises his camera in an attempt to get a photo. 

"Get out of the way, Colin!" Potter lifts Weasley slinging an arm around his shoulder. "Let's take him to Hagrid. He'llknow what to do." the trio leaves towards Hagrid's hut.

Still laughing we go to practice and I could tell Flint was impressed with my flying once I got into the air. I was dodging and shooting around the pitch like a bullet. Successfully stealing the quaffle, dodging 'opposing players', and working with the other two chasers.