Fixing the past (Sirry)

Chapter 13

The next day Harry grinned more than once. He was really happy for that day, he wasn't going to get a damn howler. Although the ceiling of the Great Hall didn't suit his mood, as it was a sad grey colour, the fourth tables corresponding to the four houses were laden with tureens with porridge, platters of smoked herring, heaps of toast and plates with eggs and bacon.

Harry and Ron sat down at the Gryffindor table next to Hermione, who had her copy of Voyages with Vampires propped open against a milk jug. She mostly ignored them apart from the "'Morning," Neville Longbottom, on the other hand, greeted them cheerfully. Neville was around-faced and accident-prone boy with the worst memory of anyone Harry had ever met. Even though they tried to correct that, they still had a long way to go.

"Mail's due any minute — I think Gran's sending a few things I forgot."

Harry had only just started his porridge when, sure enough, there was a rushing sound overhead and a hundred or so owls streamed in, circling the hall and dropping letters and packages into the chattering crowd. A big,lumpy package bounced off Neville's head.

He could tell that the three of them looked expectantly at Errol's arrival despite knowing that he wouldn't come, but there was nothing wrong with wanting to make sure. They breathed easier when nothing happened, enjoying their breakfast with relief in their hearts.

Soon Professor McGonagall was moving along the Gryffindor table, handing out course schedules. Harry took his and saw that they had double Herbology with the Hufflepuffs first. Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the castle together —Neville walked away saying something that neither understood— crossed the vegetable patch, and made for the greenhouses, where the magical plants were kept.

As they neared the greenhouses they saw the rest of the class standing outside, waiting for Professor Sprout. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had only just joined them when she came striding into view across the lawn,accompanied by Gilderoy Lockhart. Harry groaned, he had forgotten about that tick, he had no real reason to be there, they hadn't done anything to the willow.

Professor Sprout was a squat little witch who wore a patched hat over her flyaway hair; there was usually a large amount of earth on her clothes and her fingernails would have made Aunt Petunia faint. Gilderoy Lockhart,however, was immaculate in sweeping robes of turquoise, his golden hair shining under a perfectly positioned turquoise hat with gold trimming.

"Oh, hello there!" he called, beaming around at the assembled students."Just been showing Professor Sprout the right way to doctor a Whomping Willow! But I don't want you running away with the idea that I'm better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants on my travels..."

"Greenhouse three today, chaps!" said Professor Sprout, who was looking distinctly disgruntled, not at all her usual cheerful self.

There was a murmur of interest. They had only ever worked in greenhouse one before — greenhouse three housed far more interesting and dangerous plants. Professor Sprout took a large key from her belt and unlocked the door.Harry caught a whiff of damp earth and fertilizer mingling with the heavy perfume of some giant, umbrella-sized flowers dangling from the ceiling. He was about to follow Ron and Hermione inside when Lockhart's hand shot out.

He would kill him, he would let the basilisk killed him instead of leaving him without memory.

"Harry! I've been wanting a word — you don't mind if he's a couple of minutes late, do you, Professor Sprout?"

Judging by Professor Sprout's scowl, she did mind, but Lockhart said, "That's the ticket," and closed the greenhouse door in her face.

"Harry," said Lockhart, his large white teeth gleaming in the sunlight as he shook his head. "Harry, Harry, Harry."