ON MY WAY {HP X SHADOWHUNTERS} [DISCONTINUED]

THE ROGUE BLUDGER

Since the disastrous episode of the pixies, Professor Lockhart had not brought live creatures to class. Instead, he read passages from his books to them, and sometimes reenacted some of the more dramatic bits. He usually picked Hayley to help him with these reconstructions; so far, Hayley had been forced to play a simple Transylvanian villager whom Lockhart had cured of a Babbling Curse, a yeti with a head cold, and a vampire who had been unable to eat anything except lettuce since Lockhart had dealt with him. Hayley was hauled to the front of the class during their very next Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, this time acting a werewolf. If she hadn't had a very good reason for keeping Lockhart in a good mood, she would have refused to do it. "Nice loud howl, Hayley — exactly — and then, if you'll believe it, I pounced — like this — slammed him to the floor — thus — with one hand, I managed to hold him down — with my other, I put my wand to his throat — I then screwed up my remaining strength and performed the immensely complex Homorphus Charm — he let out a piteous moan — the fur vanished — the fangs shrank — and he turned back into a man. Simple, yet effective — and another village will remember me forever as the hero who delivered them from the monthly terror of werewolf attacks."

"He had clearly never been near a werewolf" Sirius scoffed, as James, and Rose tried not to burst out with laughter and Remus had a small smile playing on his lips. Others, except FG and those who knew, gave them a confused look, but didn't questioned it. 

The Golden Quartet shared a look and suppressed a giggle.   

The bell rang and Lockhart got to his feet. "Homework — compose a poem about my defeat of the Wagga Wagga Werewolf! Signed copies of Magical Me to the author of the best one!" The class began to leave. Hayley returned to the back of the room, where Raphael, Draco, and Teddy were waiting. "Ready?" Teddy muttered. "Wait till everyone's gone," said Hayley nervously. "All right . . ." She approached Lockhart's desk, a piece of paper clutched tightly in her hand, Teddy, Draco, and Raphael right behind her. "Er — Professor Lockhart?" Hayley said. "I wanted to — to get this book out of the library. Just for background reading." She held out the piece of paper, her hand shaking slightly. "But the thing is, it's in the Restricted Section of the library, so I need a teacher to sign for it — I'm sure it would help me understand what you say in Gadding with Ghouls about slow-acting venoms" Hayley repeated the information she had pried out of Hermione, without her realizing they were up to something. 

"I still can't believe I didn't suspect why you were so interested in Lockhart and his books all of a sudden" Hermione shook her head, 

"Well that's because you were obsessed with Lockhart and were ready to yap about him and books to whoever would listen" Hayley replied, giving Hermione a cheeky smile.

"Rude," 

"The truth is always bitter, young lady" Hayley replied, dramatically, making Hermione roll her eyes at Hayley, though there was a smile on her lips. 

"Ah, Gadding with Ghouls!" said Lockhart, taking the note from Hayley and smiling widely at her. "Possibly my very favorite book. You enjoyed it?" Hayley's eyes widened but she composed herself, "Oh, yes, of course" Hayley answered, hoping she sounded convincing. "Well, I'm sure no one will mind me giving the best student of the year a little extra help," said Lockhart warmly, and he pulled out an enormous peacock quill. "Yes, nice, isn't it?" he said, misreading the revolted look on Raphael's face. "I usually save it for book signings." He scrawled an enormous loopy signature on the note and handed it back to Hayley, who passed it to Teddy. "So, Hayley," said Lockhart, while Teddy folded the note and slipped it into his bag. "Tomorrow's the first Quidditch match of the season, I believe? Gryffindor against Slytherin, is it not? I hear you're a useful player. I was a Seeker, too. I was asked to try for the National Squad, but preferred to dedicate my life to the eradication of the Dark Forces. Still, if ever you feel the need for a little private training, don't hesitate to ask. Always happy to pass on my expertise to less able players. . . ."