Hogwarts: The Next Generation

Chapter 8: Harper

As the months go by the students seemed restless about the tournament so much that before they knew it the seasons went by and its time for..

"Ok class good afternoon, this is your last class this week until after the Yule ball" Kayden said as the class cheered "So let's make it count. Does anyone know what a niffler is?"

One Ravenclaw named Harper raised her hand.

"Anyone else, So you guys are telling me that only one person in this room knows what a niffler is! Well ok they are a mix between a beaver, platypus and a echidnas. They are attracted to... anyone..." One person in the back of the room quietly said "Shiny things" Everyone turned around and surprised to hear that voice.

"Very good Cedric! You have been paying attention! Cedric than placed his head on his desk and covered his face with a book to hide his red face from all the unwanted stares.  Has anyone seen one before? No, well Hagrid and I have a surprise for you. Hagrid found a niffler and we are going to look at one in real life. While that is happening, write down notes you find interesting." As the whole class got up to see the niffler in action,  two  kids lagged behind the group.

"Annabel have you seen a niffler before?" Cedric asked quietly

"Yes he shows me all the animals before class and sometimes lets me play with the friendlier ones. But other than that no. At home he never showed interested in animals, the only animal he ever brought home was an Owl." she whispered to Cedric that way no one could possibly hear. "He has never been so into animals until he was offered the job."

"It must be in his blood I guess" Cedric replied. "Do you think one day you can take me with you to see some of the animals?"

"Only if you are not studying." Annabel joke around. The two then preceded to where the group was standing around the niffler. Just as the two approached the group the bell rang  "That's all for today and since the ball is coming up your only assignment is to have fun" The kids all rushed out of the room chatting loudly.

"Annabel please stay behind."

"Yes sir" she replied. Annabel and Cedric both stayed if one of them was called back they both stayed back. It was the friend code

"Annabel I noticed you haven't been very active in my class lately, am I become boring? Am I doing something wrong, Am I not good enough to teach?" Kayden asked before starting to ramble on .

"Cedric cover me please." as Cedric stood behind Annabel back to back watching making sure no one could see what she was about to do.

"Am I failing you as a teacher...?" Annabel gave her father a kiss on the cheek "How come you all know how to make me shut up." Kayden giggled

"Dad, it's not you it just I don't want everyone to know we are related not cause I don't love you but I feel like they would judge me for not being a Hufflepuff like Mum or Great Great Grandpa plus I don't want to be teases or called  daddy's girl or worse zoo girl... I've already messed up by my house I don't want to be a bigger mistake."

"Honey," Kayden said as he hugged Annabel, "I love you and you did not mess up," He encouraged, looking at his daughter fondly. "Your Aunt Trin was a Slytherin and we are proud of you for who you are! Now I think it's time we go pick out some outfits for the ball. Mum sent her dress in case you want it."

"Thanks Dad but I think Cedric and I got this covered we just need some galleons."

"Here take this but I want change back."

"Thank you Professor" they both said as they were walking out both grins on their face until, a girl blocked there path.

"Why did Professor wanted to see you Annabel? I thought you are passing his class."

"Cedric I thought you were covering me." Annabel whispered softly to Cedric.  "It's ok he's just concerned about participation that's all." The two tried to move around her but she blocked them again."

"I think it was much more than that, don't you agree Cedric?"

"Why are you bring me into this?" The boy ducked his head quickly.

"Please move, Harper." Annabel said, not wanting trouble.

"I heard you to talking about the Professor during class and you mention "At home" anything you want to tell me before I jump to conclusions?" Annabel paused. All she could think about was what Cedric was thinking.

We are done, goners she caught us

"No she didn't, Cedric." Annabel said, looking at the boy. Harper looked confused on why Annabel said this. Annabel then realized what she just did. Cedric knows about her mind reading ability and realized what she said.

"Annabel you must not be feeling good, I'll take her to the hospital wig and get her check out." Cedric said while pulling Annabel away from Harper. "Have a good day!"

"But! You didn't answer my question!! Is the professor related to you?" Harper started chasing them.

"If we say yes will you leave us alone" Cedric said.

"We? I thought it was just Annabel who is related to the professor?" 

"Uhmm nope, I said she not we." Cedric starts to panic and Annabel could hear Cedric freaking out

"Cedric calm down you giving me a headache, sure, I'm related to the professor are you happy now can we please go now." The two started for the common room.