My Secret Life

chapter 5

Every wizard and witch in the hall turned to gaze at Grover at the same time. At the time, he appeared to be any other average adolescent male. Before anybody could say anything, the Demigods sternly said, "Look aside. Now." The only reason Daria didn't join them was that she had passed out her head resting firmly on James Potter's shoulder as she had passed out in the middle of the reading. Her body, as always, gave no hint of vulnerability, no outward sign of anything but absolute control. Even in sleep, she carried herself with a certain unyielding composure.

So, astonished by the hostility in their voice, the entire Hogwarts populace slowly turned away.

Regulus gently turned his head to find Professor McGonagall among the professors in the center of the hall. He covered Daria's nearest ear, knowing she is a light sleeper, and said, "Can we all go to bed after this chapter? Daria is already sleeping, and I'm sure the first and second years are exhausted as well." Everyone looked around and noticed that the boy's assessment was correct. The younger pupils were softly beginning to yawn and wipe their eyes. McGonagall nodded to herself as she returned her attention to Regulus. "It appears you're accurate, Mr. Black. So, like you indicated, we will go to bed when we finish reading this chapter." Regulus nodded curtly.

"Thank you,Professor." And cast a silencing charm around Daria to let her sleep.

MY MOTHER TEACHES ME BULLFIGHTING

We tore through the night along dark country roads. Wind slammed against the Camaro. Rain lashed the windshield. I didn't know how my mom could see anything, but she kept her foot on the gas.

Every time there was a flash of lightning, I looked at Grover sitting next to me in the backseat and I wondered how what I was seeing was real. It may have looked like he was wearing some kind of shag-carpet pants, but no. The smell was one I remembered from kindergarten field trips to the petting zoo-- lanolin, like from wool. The smell of a wet barnyard animal.

Grover seemed insulted by younger Daria's comments. When he turned to make a statement, his emotions immediately subsided. He saw Daria fast asleep, reclining on top of James and Regulus, her head resting in the crook of his neck. He groaned to himself before deciding to let the girl rest. She obviously needs it.

I tried to ignore it, so all I could say was, "You and my mom know each other." It was a statement on purpose. I knew my mother would never just jump in the car and start driving like a maniac if he was a stranger.

Grover's eyes flitted to the rearview mirror, though there were no cars behind us. "Not exactly, he said. "I mean, we've never met in person.

But she knew I was watching you."

said. "I mean, we've never met in person. But she knew I was watching you."

My head whipped to the side as I stared holes into the side of Grover's head. As stern as I could be in my panicked state I said, "Watching me?"

"Keeping tabs on you. Making sure you were okay. But I wasn't faking being your friend," he added hastily. "I am your friend."

"Doesn't make it any less weird." The mumbled comment came from Regulus. His friends all nodded in agreement.

I shook my head and mumbled, "Doesn't make it any less weird."

I took yet another glance at Grover's bottom half. I couldn't hold it back anymore as I said, "You're... a satyr."

Grover was extremely surprised by my deduction. He quickly looked between me, my mom, and then back at me before saying, "You know?!"

"I mean, it's pretty obvious."