Clubs! -Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery

The Dancing Dragons

The next day, clubs were all anyone would talk about. Rowan was delighted to have been voted Vice President of the Sphinx club.

"All of the clubs were interesting, but the Sphinx club seems to be the most academically focused by far. I've decided to stick with them. The clubhouse is amazing. There's rows and rows of bookshelves filled with some books you can't even find in the library, and they've got a working model of the solar system, and beautiful stained glass windows..."

"The Dragon clubhouse is amazing, too," said Charlie. "Great view of the quidditch pitch," he said with a laugh.

Rowan looked annoyed. "Imagine getting any work done in that drafty place."

Penny was impressed with the Hippogriff clubhouse as well. "They've got every ingredient you could ever need for brewing potions," she told Sarah during a free period. "And most of them are growing fresh in the beautiful garden. There's a gorgeous tree growing in the center, and everything's so warm and welcoming. You'd love it."

"Yeah, maybe." Part of her was upset that she hadn't gotten into any clubs, but Sarah admitted to herself it was probably for the best. With studying for OWLs, quidditch practice, and looking for the cursed vaults, she didn't really have time to commit to another activity. Plus, as she and Barnaby were the only ones in their friend group who didn't have a club, they spent club evenings together. They snuck into the forbidden forest to look after creatures, into Hogsmeade for butterbeers, and played tag on their brooms over the lake. She doubted the clubs could offer her as much joy.

Penny interpreted her silence as disappointment. "I'm sure you'll get into one soon. I mean, all your grades are outstanding."

"It's okay, Penny. Really," she said. "I've got enough on my plate anyway."

Still, it became harder to hide her disappointment as fewer owls carrying purple envelopes arrived each day, and still none came for her.

After classes one day, Sarah spent some time in the courtyard with her friends, trying not to show her dejection. Not a single invitation had been delivered that day.

"You're probably too good at everything to be allowed in," Charlie told her. "You'd make everyone else feel ashamed of themselves."

"That makes sense," said Barnaby. "It wouldn't be fair to let you in."

"I guess that explains why you weren't invited to the Dragon club, Barnaby," she said. "After all, you're probably the best dueler at Hogwarts."

"Did somebody say 'best dueler at Hogwarts?'"

"Hullo, Diego," said Sarah tiredly, as Diego wedged his way on to the bench in between her and Barnaby and put an arm around her.

"Sarah, my love, what a coincidence. I was just looking for you and discover you were talking about me."

"What do you want?" asked Barnaby.

Diego glanced over at him. "Good to see you as always, Lee. I wanted to ask the lovely Sarah here if she would finally consent to being my date this weekend?"

"I've told you Diego, I'm already seeing someone."

He pouted at her. "And where is this prince Charming I've heard so much about but never seen? Darling, you'd be better off ditching that loafer and being with someone who will give you the devotion you deserve. Like Diego."

"Cut it out, Diego, or I'll tell him how much you've been flirting with me. He's the jealous type."

He smiled. "Alright then. What I really wanted to know is why I haven't been seeing you at Dragon Club meetings. You are my best sparring partner and you've yet to show up. Don't tell me you've settled on the Hippogriff club or some nonsense."

"Hey, the Hippogriff club is great," said Penny.

"Of course it is, Penny dear, especially for such a caring potioneer as yourself. But Sarah is a dueler, it cannot be denied. No other club would do for her."

"Maybe the dueling club," Charlie mumbled, causing Sarah to giggle.

"I'm not holding out on you Diego," she said. "I haven't been invited to a club."

"What?" He looked like he might faint. "There must be a mistake."

"That's what I think!" sad Barnaby, leaning around Diego to be seen.

"You must go speak to your head of house at once," said Diego.

"No," said Sarah. "The teachers know what they're doing."

"Then I will go for you," said Diego, standing up. Barnaby took the opportunity to steal his seat back. "If a club for exceptional students will not let in the second most exceptional student at Hogwarts in, then there is no point of having a club at all!"

Sarah smiled. "The first exceptional being you?"

"Of course. Sarah, you must join the club. I've been explaining to my fellow dragons that to be a good dueler, you must be a good dancer. I've been giving dancing lessons."

Charlie groaned. "It's the only bad thing about being a dragon."

"You won't be saying so when all the beautiful ladies line up to dance with you," said Diego.

"Look Diego, if I get into the Dragon club, I'll let you know," said Sarah.

Charlie stood up and clapped his hands together. "Dinner time."

They all headed into the great hall. Sarah hung back, letting Diego go ahead of her. She liked him, but she'd had enough for a bit.

Barnaby waited for her. "If I ever do get in a club, I hope it's not the one he's in," he said, staring at Diego's retreating back.

"Barnaby, be nice. Diego's a good friend."

Barnaby's snarl lessened. "I guess so. I just don't like how he flirts with you all the time."

"He's that way with everyone."

"But especially you," he said, as they started for the great hall. "Who are you seeing?"

"Hmm?"

"You told Diego you were seeing someone."

"Oh. I'm not really, that's just the only thing I can tell him that will keep him at bay."

"Oh," he said. "Because I was kind of hoping that you—"

"Hey, Sarah!" Bill stood in the entryway. "Grab Charlie and meet me in the Prefect's bathroom. I've thought of a way to get the portrait from Peeves."

"Got it!" she shouted back. She was already hurrying after him as she called "See you later, Barnaby!"