The Spark {Book 5 in the Star of Gryffindor Series}

Chapter 6 - Quidditch Trials and Regular Trials

The Daily Prophet
Issue No. 101,830
3 September, 2021

Astra Attacks!

It seems the summer has done nothing to cool down Hogwarts' young hothead, Astra Lestrange. According to students, she tackled a prefect after the Welcome Feast two nights ago. Daily Prophet reporter Kieran Morgue was able to talk to the girl who was attacked. Eris Prince, a sixth year Ravenclaw prefect, says she was simply walking out of the Great Hall, talking with her friends, when Astra jumped on her.

"I don't even know what set her off. I mean, I know she's not really stable, anyone can see that who's been in school with her for this long. But I remember she used to fight with people a lot, and normally they would say or do something that would make her mad. I guess she's just steadily getting worse."

This is certainly an alarming development. If it was up to this reporter, such a dangerous and unstable student wouldn't be allowed to attend Hogwarts, for everyone's safety. We can only hope Hogwarts' two new Headmasters have the students' wellbeing at heart...

~~~~

"Damn. We dont have Charms till Wednesday," Albus said, frowning at his schedule. Mr. Potter raised an eyebrow at him as he passed a schedule to Colette, but didn't comment.

"That's great," I said, glancing at Mr. Potter. He would definitely not approve of our plan. "Two days of peace, right?"

Albus looked confused, then seemed to catch my line of thinking. "Yeah. I just wish we never had to go to that class again."

"One more year," Colette said, stuffing her schedule in her bag. "Then you can choose whatever classes you want." Mr. Potter seemed content with this direction for the conversation, and continued down the Gryffindor table.

"Albus, what the heck is wrong with you?" I whispered as soon as his dad was out of earshot.

"Sorry..."

"Now he's going to write to Mum that you're using 'terrible, uncouth language', too," James said. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not; he'd been in a nasty mood since we'd decided to try this during our Charms class.

"Well, since you curse enough for both of us," Albus was saying. He seemed slightly bothered by James's comment, but shook it off.

"Oh, shut up," I said, rolling my eyes. "Both of you."

"We have History of Magic and Potions this morning," Wren said.

James peeked up slightly. "Oh, gosh, I'm sorry."

"Why?" Wren asked, looking confused. Albus and I both rolled out eyes.

"History of Magic sucks, that's why," Albus answered. "Come on, you can't seriously enjoy Binns."

"It's interesting!" Wren said, frowning. They squabbled for most of the rest of breakfast, and throughout History of Magic, Albus made a point to loudly yawn throughout the lecture, just to annoy Wren. James threatened to punch him when he heard about it later.

Potions was next. We walked into the dungeon classroom to see Professor Lockley writing names on the board in groups of four. "Just seating arrangements," he explained pleasantly. "How good to see you, Lestrange."