Harry Potter - Fanfiction

Year 2 - Cornelius Fudge

It has now been nearly four months since Justin and Nearly Headless Nick has been petrified, and nearly everybody seems to think that the attacker, whoever it is, has retired for good.

In March several of the Mandrakes decide to throw a raucous party in greenhouse three, which has made Professor Sprout very happy. Soon everyone which has been petrified will be revived.

During the Easter holidays the second years have been given something new to think about. The time has come to choose our subjects for the third year which is steadily approaching.

"I suppose you will want to take all the subjects you can?" Tracey asks me one afternoon as we sit down by the lake.

"I would like to, but not all the subjects sound very interesting though," I respond.

"I'm thinking of taking Care of Magical Creatures. I'm not sure what else to take."

"I'm already set on that and Ancient Runes."

Tracey looks at me curiously. "Not taking Divination? That seems to be right up your alley of studying stars and whatnot."

"Oh heavens no. That's something completely different and sounds utterly boring. I prefer just studying the stars and planets and their alignment," I snort.

Tracey sighs as she lays down on the grass, "I was also thinking Arithmancy, but I'm not sure I'll be cut out for that."

"I have a slight interest in that, but it just feels like people are putting way too much faith on those numbers."

Tracey and I giggle when a voice interjects from behind.

"Mind if I join?"

I turn around to see George standing behind us, with his hands in his pockets.

I respond with a smile spread across my face, "of course. Where's Fred?"

George sits down in front of us as Tracey sits up giving me a knowing look to which I ignore.

"Oh, his off with Lee. They are planning our next big prank."

"Aren't you joining in on it?" I ask quizzically.

"I told them to fill me in with the details later. Thought I'd come looking for you instead." George looks on between Tracey and I, his eyes averting ours.

He clears his throat before speaking again, "so, uh, what were you guys discussing?"

"Oh, what subjects we're taking next year."

"I'm glad we still get to keep our other subjects!" Tracey says beaming.

"Oh please, you're just saying that because of Lockhart," I smirk at Tracey.

"Hey, he is a good teacher!" she defends, smacking me on the arm.

"I've learnt more about the Dark Arts by myself than anything he has taught us."

"Oh?" Tracey and George chorus. This has piqued their interests.

"Is that what you have been reading all this time?" she asks.

"Among other things. Professor Snape has also helped me a lot on some things I have been uncertain about."

"Professor Snape? That's surprising. What has he helped you with?" George asks, leaning in.

"Lately I've been reading up a lot on expelling Dementors and Legilimency," I shrug, not making a big deal out of it.

"What!" Tracey exclaims.

"That's way above your year," George says proudly.

"Well, I've already learnt everything for this year. And not from Lockhart of course."