Harry: What've we got this afternoon?
Hermione: Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Pieck: Oh, joy.
YN: Hermione... why in the world have you outlined all of Lockhart's lessons in little hearts?
Pieck burst out laughing as Hermione snatched the timetable back, flushing furiously. We finished lunch and went outside into the overcast courtyard. Hermione sat down on a stone step and buried her nose in "Voyages with Vampires" again, while Harry and Ron stood talking about Quidditch.
YN: Hey, Pieck. Five sickles says Lockhart starts the class by hyping himself up.
Pieck: Not a chance! I'm not taking a bet we both know I'll lose.
We both laughed, but were cut off by the ferret approaching.
Malfoy: You're giving out signed photos, Potter?
Loud and scathing, Draco Malfoy's voice echoed around the courtyard. He had stopped right behind Colin Creevey, a boy who always carried a camera and had been obsessed with Harry since we got here. Malfoy was flanked, as he always was at Hogwarts, by his large and thuggish cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.
Malfoy: Everyone queue up! Harry Potter's giving out signed photos!
Harry: No, I'm not. Shut up, Malfoy.
Colin: You're just jealous.
Malfoy: Jealous?
Half of the courtyard was now listening in.
Malfoy: Of what? I don't want a foul scar right across my head, thanks. I don't think getting your head cut open makes you that special, myself.
Crabbe and Goyle were sniggering stupidly.
Ron: Eat slugs, Malfoy.
Crabbe stopped laughing and started rubbing his knuckles in a menacing way.
Malfoy: Be careful, Weasley. You don't want to start any trouble or your mummy'll have to come and take you away from school.
He put on a shrill, piercing voice.
Malfoy: If you put another toe out of line...
A bunch of Slytherin fifth years nearby laughed loudly at this.
Malfoy: Bet Weasley would like a signed photo. It'd be worth more than his family's whole house.
Ron whipped out his taped wand, but was cut off.
Lockhart: What's all this, what's all this?
Gilderoy Lockhart was striding towards us, his turquoise robes swirling behind him.
Lockhart: Who's giving out signed photos?
Harry started to speak but he was cut short as Lockhart flung an arm around his shoulders and laughed jovially.
Lockhart: Shouldn't have asked! We meet again, Harry!
Malfoy disappeared smirking back into the crowd.
Lockhart: Come on then, Mr Creevey! A double portrait, can't say fairer than that, and we'll both sign it for you.
Colin fumbled for his camera and took the picture as the bell rang behind us, signaling the start of afternoon classes.
Lockhart: Off you go, move along there.
Lockhart set off back to the castle with Harry, who was probably wishing he knew a good vanishing spell, still clasped to his side. When we reached class, Ron and Hermione sat down on either side of Harry, while Pieck and I sat right behind him.
YOU ARE READING
The War Hammer of Hogwarts - Harry Potter
FantasyYN Tybur. The prodigy son of one of the most influential families in the wizarding world, with a power that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years. Join him as he journeys to Hogwarts and meets friends, foes, and people who will change his life for...
