SABAISM | H. POTTER

SEVEN. | FULL OF HIMSELF

Gemini was in an unexpectedly buoyant and exhilarated mood as she skipped her way down the cobbled path towards the imposing entrance of Hogwarts, her heart brimming with an infectious energy that seemed to radiate from her very core. The autumn sun streamed through the trees, casting golden rays that danced playfully around her, while the leaves fluttered down like confetti, reacting eagerly to the approaching winds. She was a whirlwind of motion and brightness, and as she gleefully propelled herself forward, her fellow students instinctively steered clear of the lively girl, wary of the mischief that often danced in her wake.

"We generally have to haul you into any classroom...are you okay?" Ron inquired, curiosity etched across his freckled face as he fell back behind her. His tone was laced with genuine concern, which fueled a mix of admiration and disbelief at her unusual glee.

They filed into the dimly lit classroom of Defense Against the Dark Arts, positioning themselves in desks that created a near-circle around their beloved friend Harry and the buoyant Gemini, who was drumming her fingers excitedly on the wooden surface in front of her. With a swift movement, Harry slid eagerly into the seat beside Gemini, much to the reluctant annoyance of Hermione, who resigned herself to sit beside Ron, her brow furrowed in concentration as she adjusted her books. Ron cast a scowl at the pair, clearly annoyed by the poised, charming presence of Harry.

"Leave it, Ronald. She is probably eager to learn from a professor who actually knows what he's doing," Hermione retorted, annoyance threading through her voice while her eyes were fixated on their new teacher entering the room. Gilderoy Lockhart, their new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, stood tall in the doorway, a perfectly coiffed man whose perpetually bright smile seemed permanently etched on his face like a mask.

Ron grimaced, the discontent evident in his expression as he muttered under his breath, "That man is a snobbish fraud." His words were barely concealed annoyance, yet Gemini couldn't help but stifle a chuckle, even as the tension in the room began to crackle.

Gemini cleared her throat with theatrical flair after stifling laughter from Ron's jibe, wanting to quell the brewing argument. "No, Hermione. I'm in high spirits because my prankster notoriety has been wholly established," she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I am quite pleased with people knowing about my adventurousness and am looking forward to carrying out my usual tricks this semester."

Her declaration hung in the air, sparking an eyebrow raise from Hermione, who looked ready to launch a reprimand. Just then, Lockhart entered the room with a flourish, claiming the attention of everyone present.

"Let me introduce you to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Me. Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five times winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award—But, I don't talk about that. I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!" Lockhart proclaimed, his voice booming through the classroom like a grand announcement. A few of the girls in the class practically swooned, leaning forward bathed in admiration, while Ron and Gemini rolled their eyes in tandem.

Hermione's eyes sparkled with reverence; she, too, seemed taken in by his charm, while the boys exchanged incredulous glances between them, mouthing exasperated remarks.

Lockhart strutted about, inspecting the startled students with an air of authority, before he continued, "I see you've all bought a complete set of my books. Well done! I thought we'd start today off with a little quiz. Nothing to worry about. Just to check how well you've read them... how much you've taken in."

A groan rippled through the classroom; an entire quiz about himself? Were they to be subjected to this level of narcissism for an entire year?

Lockhart began circulating the papers.