That Fan Fiction With No Name

Chapter Three

Chapter Three: The sorting was boring. As usual. I joined in the clapping from the Hufflepuffs around me, simply because I'd be considered rude if I didn't. Only one thing was playing on my mind. Snape. His idea for punishment is everyone else's idea of illegal punishment. No doubt he'd schedule it for during quidditch practice. I groaned, louder than expected, causing my brother to look at me curiously. When the sorting was done, I wolfed down my food as quickly as possible. Glancing up at the teacher's table I saw Snape watching me, with his hands clasped on the table. It seemed like he was waiting me to finish. He stood up when he saw me put my knife and fork down. Looking around, I desperately reached out to grab the spoon that was in the mashed potato, making it look like I was just getting more food. Snape sighed, sat down and looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I picked up my fork and played with a bit of my potatoes before putting it in my mouth. I ate the potatoes as slowly as I could, then got two more platefuls of food. By this time, everyone was looking at me strangely as usually I found it hard to finish even one plate. When I was beyond the point of being able to procrastinate any further, I sat there glumly as Snape and his greasy hair made his way over to where I was sitting.

“Miss. Diggory. If you'd like to come with me thank you.” he said, almost smugly.

I climbed over the bench and followed him silently, ignoring the eyes burning into the back of my head. When we got to Snapes office, he pointed to a spare chair.

“Sit.” he mumbled, rather quick for a change.

I obeyed him, playing with my hands as I blew a strand of hair out of my face. “Diggory, do you understand the severity of your actions tonight?” he asked, strumming his fingers against the desk.

“Yes but, in all fairness, I was provoked.”I said quietly.

His fingers stopped and he lifted his hand up, then brought it down on the desk hard, causing me to wince.

“I do not care whether not you were provoked. I care about the fact I caught you attacking a student. If it were up to me, you would be out quicker than I can say Veritaserum. Unfortunately, it is up to your head of house. Now, I've discussed the matter with Professor Sprout, and she decided you will be allowed to stay here at Hogwarts.”

I sighed in relief and slumped in the chair.

“However,” he continued. “That does not mean that you will be excused from all punishment. You shall receive two months of detention. Every Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, starting this week.” he said, leaning back in his chair, waving his hand at the door, indicating I should leave.

I frowned, stood up and walked out the door, slamming it behind me. Fury was building inside me. The trials for the quidditch team were this Friday. If I didn't make the team I couldn't be captain when Cedric left next year. Oliver and Cedric were leaning against the hall opposite the door, when I emerged they looked at me with sympathetic eyes. I'm not sure why, but it made me even more madder than I already was. I turned away from them, and ran up the hallway, towards the stairs. I started going towards the common room, but I forgot about the moving stairs, and after ten minutes of hopeless running I gave up and just walked into the hallway on the seventh floor. I slid down the wall, opposite the portrait of Barnabus the Barmy, who appeared to be teaching some trolls to dance. I was sat there for Merlin knows how long before Filch came along. He started yelling at me, but I was too busy thinking about my other problems to listen. It was when he was going on about the legal use of stretching racks that I had the brilliant idea. It was absolutely brilliant, but who would do it for me? I went downstairs to the entrance to the Hufflepuff common rooms, which were near the kitchens. I skipped inside, and dropped down onto the beanbag next to the armchair my brother was sitting in.

“Ceeeeeedriiiiiiic?” I sang sweetly, trying to pull off my most innocent smile.

He looked at me cautiously.

“Mm, what do you want?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You have to promise you'll be the best big brother in the world and you'll do it for me anyway, no matter what it is.” I said hopefully.

“No, tell me what it is first.” he said firmly. “Go to my detention with Snape for me. Please.” I begged, giving him my best puppy dog eyes. He just looked at me confused. “Alexis.. there's no way that I can do that. I'm sorry, but there's just not.” he sighed.

I sat there for a minute, watching him pick up a handheld mirror, checking himself out. I slapped the mirror out of his hands and grinned.

“You know, I'm not surprised you failed potions. Give you something that reflects your image and you fall in love. Anyways, I think I have a way. You take some polyjuice potion. Problem solved.” I screwed up my nose and looked in the mirror, before running my fingers through my waist length maroon hair as I waited for his answer. “I'm sorry Lex, but I just can't. I have to go to trials, remember? I'm the captain. Look, I really am sorry, but you're just going to have to go to the detention.” he said, stealing the mirror back.

Oliver walked in. Usually people from other houses didn't come to the others' common rooms, but since Oliver and I had been together for two years, most people just let him in when he was looking for me.

I pouted at Cedric, whilst walking towards Oliver, who just stood still. I frowned, looking between Oliver and Cedric. Neither of them looked at me, it was like I was invisible. Suddenly Cedric shook his head, then Oliver turned and walked swiftly out the door, not even acknowledging my presence. Those two were up to something, and I'd have to find out what. Right after I found someone to go to my detention.