The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

113. Proud

By lunchtime, the entire school knew.

Not most of the school. Not half the school. The entire school.

News travelled through Hogwarts with frightening efficiency. A dragon could land in the courtyard and somehow students would hear about it before the dragon itself knew it had arrived.

So the story of Sloane Sage grabbing a seventh-year Gryffindor by the family jewels in a crowded corridor had spread like wildfire.

Unfortunately, every retelling became more dramatic.

According to one first year, she had lifted Charles off the floor with one hand.

According to a group of Ravenclaws, she'd threatened to turn him into a ferret.

According to a particularly enthusiastic Hufflepuff, she'd ripped off his trousers and chased him down the corridor.

That version had made Draco laugh so hard he'd nearly fallen off his chair.

The truth was ridiculous enough without embellishment.

As Sloane entered the Great Hall for lunch, she immediately noticed people staring.

Again.

Wonderful.

She could feel the curiosity, the fear, the intrigue and from some she could feel a sense of pride. 

But all eyes on her made her feel uncomfortable.

"Can I transfer schools?" she asked hopefully.

"Nope," Draco replied.

"Fake my death?"

"Already checked."

"You checked?"

"Several times."

Sloane sighed.

Across the table, Ginny looked entirely too pleased with herself. "I heard he still hasn't stopped crying."

Several people laughed.

"Honestly, Ginny," Hermione shook her head. "You sound proud."

"I am proud."

"Of what?" Ron asked. 

"Of Sloane." Ginny pointed across the table. "She did what every girl in this school has wanted to do at least once."

Several girls at nearby tables immediately nodded in agreement.

"See?"

Hermione buried her face in her hands.

Daphne arrived at that moment with Theo, both carrying lunch trays.

The couple had practically become permanent fixtures at the table now. Neither seemed particularly interested in sitting anywhere else.

Daphne slid into the seat beside Ginny.

Theo dropped into the chair opposite Draco.

"According to Madam Pomfrey," Daphne said, barely containing her laughter, "he had to be sedated this morning."

The entire table exploded.

"No!"

"You're joking!"

"Absolutely not."

Daphne grinned. "Apparently he wouldn't stop crying for his mummy. Pomfrey told him to grow up."

Even Luna laughed.

Ron nearly inhaled his pumpkin juice.

Harry was wiping tears from his eyes.

Meanwhile, Sloane looked horrified. "Oh, Merlin."