human again / hp.

Chapter 9

The atmosphere in Professor Flitwick's classroom was abuzz with excitement as the students prepared for their first lesson on levitation. I slid into my seat beside Hermione, who was I was getting really close with over the last week, eyeing the white feathers neatly placed before each of them. Harry and Ron sat just ahead, whispering to each other about something they'd seen.

Professor Flitwick stood on his stack of books, his wand in hand. His small frame was animated, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he addressed the class. "One of a wizard's most rudimentary skills is levitation, or the ability to make objects fly. Do you have your feathers?"

Hermione immediately raised hers, looking eager. "Good," Flitwick continued, "Now, don't forget the nice wrist movement we've been practicing. Hmm? The swish and flick. Everyone, together now."

The class repeated after him in unison, "The swish and flick."

"And enunciate," Flitwick added, drawing out the word. "It's Wingardium Leviosa. Off you go, then."

The room erupted in murmurs as the students began practicing. Feathers quivered and spun as wands waved furiously. Draco Malfoy's voice rose above the noise, drawling, "Wingardium Levio-saaa," in a mocking tone that made a few Slytherins snicker. I rolled her eyes, focusing on her own feather.

I have also gotten very distant with Draco over the last week.

In front of me, Ron was growing increasingly frustrated. "Wingardrium Leviosar!" he said, jabbing his wand repeatedly. The feather stubbornly refused to budge.

"Stop, stop, stop!" Hermione's voice cut through the din. She turned to Ron, her expression exasperated. "You're going to take someone's eye out! Besides, you're saying it wrong. It's Levi-o-sa, not Leviosar."

Ron scowled. "You do it, then, if you're so clever. Go on, go on."

Hermione straightened, her face set with determination. She swished her wand in a smooth, practiced motion. "Wingardium Leviosa."

The feather before her began to glow softly, then floated gracefully into the air. The entire class turned to watch, their murmurs fading to astonished silence.

Flitwick clapped his hands. "Oh, well done! See here, everyone—Miss Granger's done it! Splendid work!"

Hermione beamed, but Ron slumped forward onto his desk, looking thoroughly dejected.

Nearby, Seamus was muttering under his breath, his wand jabbing at his feather. "Wingard Leviosa. Wingar—"

An almighty explosion rocked the room, sending students ducking. Smoke billowed up from Seamus's desk, and when it cleared, he sat there, charred and coughing, his feather reduced to ashes. Professor Flitwick gasped, his arms flailing as he stepped back.

"Whoooaaa!" he exclaimed, recovering his composure. Harry chuckled, calling out, "I think we're going to need another feather over here, Professor."

The lesson ended shortly after, and the students spilled into the courtyard, chatting and laughing. Neville trailed along with Harry, Ron, and Seamus, the latter still brushing soot from his robes.

Ron, however, was still fuming. "It's Levioooosa, not Leviosaaaar," he mimicked in a high-pitched voice, making Harry laugh. "She's a nightmare, honestly! No wonder she hasn't got any friends exept Malfoy."

Just as the words left his mouth, Hermione rushed past them, clutching her books tightly to her chest. Her face was flushed, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.

I froze, her heart sinking as she felt Hermione brush past her and disappear into the crowd. Harry stopped as well, nudging Ron sharply. "I think she heard you."

Ron winced, his face reddening with embarrassment. "I didn't mean it like that," he muttered, but I didn't even really hear it because I was already moving after Hermione.

"Hermione, wait!" I called, weaving through the throng of students.

I found Hermione in girl's bathroom, her back turned and shoulders shaking. Celeste approached hesitantly, her voice soft. "Hermione?"

Hermione wiped at her face quickly, trying to compose herself. "What do you want?" she snapped, though her voice trembled.

"I just wanted to check on you," Celeste said, her tone gentle. "What Ron said—he didn't mean it. He's an idiot , he doesn't think before he talks."

Hermione sniffled, turning to face her. "Why do they have to be so mean? I was just trying to help!"

"Because they don't understand you," Celeste replied simply. "But that doesn't mean you should stop being who you are. You're brilliant, Hermione. Don't let them make you think otherwise."

Hermione blinked at her, surprised by the kind words. Slowly, a small smile crept onto her face. "Thanks, Celeste."