Born to Rule: The Story of the Slytherin Princess (paused)

Chapter 17

"I'm not rude, but I'm honest.
about things you don't
want to hear."

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As the bell rang out signaling the start of lunchtime, a group of students made their way towards the dining hall. However, the atmosphere was far from tranquil, with the guys attempting to placate the girls who were locked in a heated argument.

"If you ask me, Gilderoy Lockhart is nothing but a fraud. If he truly accomplished all those remarkable feats, why didn't he photograph them?" Clarissa stated with a hint of doubt in her voice.

Daphne let out a frustrated sigh. "How can you say that, Clarissa? He's won numerous awards and written an entire autobiography chronicling his adventures."

"But don't you think it's all a bit narcissistic? He even has an award for his smile, for Merlin's sake," Clarissa said with a chuckle, incredulous that people believed in such nonsense.

Daphne's expression grew stern. "If that's all you see, you're not paying attention. Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of our time, wouldn't have hired him if he wasn't worthy."

"Please, Dumbledore could have hired him to expose him for the fraud he really is," Clarissa countered with a scowl.

Daphne had had enough of the argument and whipped out her wand, ready to cast a spell. "Since when did you become so judgmental, Clarissa?" she asked, her eyes blazing.

Clarissa dodged the spell and shot back, "When did you lose your brain cells, Daphne?"

Frustrated by Clarissa's attitude, Daphne lashed out with a hex. Clarissa quickly blocked it, and the two girls were on the verge of throwing more curses when Blaise stepped in.

"Why don't you two take a break and get some fresh air?" Blaise suggested, holding his hands up in a placating gesture.

Theo nodded in agreement. "Seriously, guys. You're acting like children."

Clarissa huffed, clearly still upset, but Daphne seemed to deflate a little. "Fine," she said. "I need some space anyway."

Clarissa shot her a dirty look as she, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle made their way out of the courtyard. "This isn't over," she muttered under her breath.

Blaise and Theo watched them go, shaking their heads. "I hope they sort things out," Blaise said with a sigh.

Theo nodded. "Me too. They're both great friends, but they need to learn to control their tempers."

Clarissa, Draco, Goyle, and Crabbe made their way towards the Hogwarts grounds. Meanwhile, the boy who lived, Harry Potter, was surrounded by a group of students. Among them was a young boy named Colin, eagerly requesting Harry's autograph.

"Maybe your friend could take it and I could stand next to you? And then, you could sign it," Colin suggested.

Draco sneered from a distance. "Signed photos? You're giving out autographs now, Potter? Always the center of attention, I see."

"Congratulations Potter! You and Gilderoy Lockhart will definitely get along. Maybe you guys should collaborate and write a book together," Clarissa chimed in with a wicked grin.

Harry glared at the Slytherin students. "Oh, shut it White and Malfoy! I'm certainly not giving anyone my photo. This was just a coincidence."

"You two are just jealous that everyone is a fan of Harry Potter," Colin interjected. "The boy who lived, and how he got the lightning scar on his forehead. If anything, I'd say you guys are obsessed with him."