Reality Bites Harry Potter

Asking for a Favor

Reading these books on top of my normal studies hasn't been easy, but I expected that. After and in between classes, I'm focusing on reading these medical books. The material is kind of hard to read through, but I've done a lot of research to help me understand what I'm reading. I think Snape doesn't think I have what it takes. Or I'm being dumb and the books he recommended were listed from easiest to hardest. Either way, I'm going to prove him wrong. I just don't know how it's going to be with Quidditch thrown into the mix, but that's what I signed up for. "Pyper, how have you not fallen over yet?" Pansy asked me during lunch on Wednesday.

"What do you mean?" I asked her, as I tried to eat my food quickly without causing myself to throw up.

"You've been studying those books nonstop on top of your class work." Pansy said in exasperation. "I'm surprised you get any sleep."

"I do take care of myself, Pansy." I said rolling my eyes. "I'm not Hermione."

"I know, but with you reading those books and doing extra research on the side. It just seems like you're pushing yourself really hard." Pansy said frowning. "I don't know how you're going to manage once Quidditch season starts."

"Relax, Pansy." I told her. "I think I can manage. If it becomes too much, I'll talk to Professor Snape about it." Even though I don't want to do that.

"You better." She said sternly.

"Okay, I'm heading off to the library." I told her, standing up.

"I'll see you later." She told me. I ran into Shay on the way there.

"Hey, sis." I greeted her. "What are you up to?"

"I'm looking into the creatures Hagrid has been teaching me about some more." She said smiling. "Also, I'm having trouble with one of the new Gingerpuff initiates."

"How so?" I asked her.

"His name is Luca Russo." She said sighing. "He looks rough around the edges, but I can tell there's a good person underneath it all. He's putting up a wall, but I just want to help him."

"I'm sure you'll get through to him, if you just give him some time." I told her. "We don't know what kind of situation he comes from, so it's best not to rush it."

"I know," She said rolling her eyes. "I just want it to work out."

"And it will," I assured her. "Just take your time." She nodded.

"Thanks, Pyper." She said smiling. "What are you up to?"

"Doing more research on healing magic." I said shrugging. "These books are pretty dense, so I have to look up references to understand what I'm reading."

"Sounds rough." Shay said with a grimace.

"It's fine though." I said smiling. "I expected it to be difficult. But I'm going to prove that I can do it."

"I know you can." Shay said beaming at me. We went into the library and found a table to spread our books out.

"Hey, Shay? I know we've got a lot going on this year, but I have a favor to ask." I told her.

"You know I'll always help you." Shay said rolling her eyes. "What's up?"

"So, you know how Hermione starts S.P.E.W next year?" I whispered to her.

"Yeah, what about it?" Shay asked confused.

"Well, I was thinking of doing the same thing, but for wrongly accused prisoners instead." I said thoughtfully. "I've been looking into it while I've been looking into becoming a Healer."