ch 46. Building a Reputation 2

Sept 4, 1991 Wednesday, Charms class 9:15 am

"Wingardium Leviosa" softly spoke the spell and, with a flick of my wand, levitated the white feather in front of me. I even made it hover around the room.

"Very good Mr. Witcherly! ...and you cast it on your first try.. 10 pts for Hufflepuff!" Professor Flitwick complimented me and gave points to my house.

I could sense the hostile looks coming from the Slytherin students. I even saw Nott vigorously waving his wand out of frustration.

"A little help here, Marshall." Wayne was not shy when asking for help. I observed how they were casting the spells.

"Guys, try holding the feather in your hand. Familiarize yourself with its weight. Remember, it's just a feather. You don't have to exert that much will in casting the spell. And properly pronounce the spell. It's wing-GAR-dee-um leh-vee-OH-sa. I hear some of you saying wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the 'gar' nice and long." I'm giving tips and pointing out what they're doing wrong.

After a few more tries, Susan and Ernie were able to make their feathers float. Daphne was able to do it after them.

A little more coaching and all my fellow Hufflepuffs have a floating feather in front of them. I could see the jealous and hostile looks of some of the Slytherins.

Well, seeing even the muggle borns of our group be able to accomplish the task first really pissed them off. 

Good thing the Puffs had a habit of being in groups when roaming around the castle. I'm afraid the snakes might target my friends for such petty reasons.

The class ended with all the badgers smiling. Outside, we were on our way to the first floor for our History of Magic class.

I sense some hostility coming our way. I smiled and just erected an invisible wall cutting the space between my group and the snakes following us. I don't want to ruin the happy mood of my group by confronting the snakes.

When I turned the corner, I saw the gits stop in place and trying to pass through the wall. 

I did spend a lot of time practicing using my contracted beasts' abilities. With my memories of animes, I can be very creative. I have plenty of ways to mess with my enemies. I'm just lying low b'cuz I would rather not spook Dumbledore, the rat and the parasite in Quirrell's head.

The rat and Voldy might do something drastic if they felt threatened by me. I even played with the rat when I visited the Burrow just for the guy to let his guard down around me.

All they know is that I'm a Scamander wannabe with unique pets.

We were able to reach H of M classroom in peace and meet Harry's group. By now, I can say that our groups get along. Hermione was the only one who isolated herself. I tried to have a conversation with her, but she's just ignoring me.

I found it odd. I thought she had a favorable impression of me since she ate the donut yesterday and even made a request for water.

Ron saw me looking puzzled and whispered, "She's mental, mate. She found out that you were able to turn a match into a needle on the first try, and now she sees you as a rival."

'Damn, how competitive can one be? I'm not even with her for Transfiguration.' I sigh. I will not force others to like me. And I would not hold back my performance just to protect someone's ego.

I read about this side of Hermoine and I know she'll eventually change for the better. I'll just let things happen naturally.

I whispered back to Ron, "How mad do you think she'll be when she finds out I did the same in Charms?" Ron just gave me a wry smile.

We finally had our first lesson with Professor Binns. It was boring. He just went on and on without even saying hello. I just spent my time inside my mindscape and playing with Grace and the others.

Justin nudged me and pulled me out of my minscape. He said, "Wake up, Marshall. Class is over."

We actually don't have any class for the whole afternoon. But we do have Astronomy at midnight. The schedule is a bit tricky and annoying as we need to be in school attire for dinner.

While having lunch, I asked the group, "What are you planning to do for the afternoon? Sleep?"

The girls actually nodded and Megan said, "Might as well. We can't really help it. We will have trouble waking up if we sleep after dinner or be groggy for Professor Sinistra's class."

I then looked at Ernie and the other boys. Wayne answer, "Library first... then snooze a bit before dinner."

I said, "OK, see you guys at dinner then. I'll explore the castle a bit." I stood up but remembered something and reminded them, "... do watch your back. The Slytherins are a bit hostile after Charms class." They gave me a nod of understanding.

I went outside to feed my pets. 

-Viaduct bridge-

While watching my pets eat their lunch, I sense a group making their way towards me. I turned around to see 4 older Slytherins with their wands out. I smiled and thought, 'Oh, this will be good.'

"Hoo?" Naji heard them coming.

I just said, "Don't mind them. You guys just continue eating."

I cast a shield around my pets. I then manipulate the surrounding moisture in the air to create a thick fog to welcome the gits.

-Third-person POV -

"Lucian, did Nott really promise t--" The 4th year Slytherin was unable to finish his question as they met with a thick fog.

The leader of the group, Lucian Bole, was also surprised to see the fog. He exclaimed, "What's this!? Fog at noon?"

They hear someone running from their left. Lucian yelled, "Who's there!?!"

Then they hear footsteps at their backs. His Slytherin friend got spooked. He quickly pointed his wand and yelled, "Stupify!"

Then they saw a glimpse of a silhouette to their right. Lucian quickly cast, "Petrificus Totalus!". 

"Ah!" They heard a yell and quickly ran toward the voice. After a few moments, they realize there was nobody in that direction. All they can see is the thick fog surrounding their group. They can't even see their feet.

Lucian asked, "Where's the person I hit? I'm sure I struck someone!"

"There! Quick! He's running away!" Another Slytherin points at a visible shadow running from them.

Lucian commanded," After him!". 

They chase the shadow and even cast some spell to stop him, but they always miss. 

Then the shadow suddenly vanished. They lost the person again because of the thick fog.

Out of frustration, Lucian waved his wand and yelled, "VENTUS!" A strong wind blew the fog away. They immediately saw the clear sky again and... the massive lake below their feet!!

""""Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh""""" 💧💧💦💦💦💦

They plunged straight down into the lake. Their faces full of terror and questions..' What happened?!'

~Marshall's POV~

"Crrooak!??" Bunta asks if the gits will be alright.

I smile and pointed at the lake, "They're fine. Look...." As I said those words, we saw the Slytherin guys entangled by large tentacles and being dragged toward the boathouse.

"Hoo!Hoo!ho!" Naji was excited by the lard tentacles.

"No, you foodie. We can't eat the big Calamari." I just laughed at his suggestion. There was a time we got so into eating seafood, so my owl had a fondness for eating squid and octopus dishes.

"You know... I already told you three that you're free to roam around. Just be careful about interacting with the other beasts and people." I reminded the three. 

They just nodded and promised to think about it.

Seeing they're done eating, I suggested, "We haven't done any practice since Harry stayed with us. Come! We need to let out some steam."

"Croaak!!" 🔔"Ting!ting!ting!🔔 "HOO!!" They became excited and perched on my shoulders and head. I then bent the light and turned me and my pets invisible.

- Hogwarts Castle, 7th floor, left corridor-

I stare at the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy's attempt to train trolls as ballet dancers. 

I checked to 'see' if any detection spells or charms were in place. I've been tracking Quirrell's soul signature for the past two days and found the guy had been visiting the 7th floor during the night. So I can only come here when he has class.

I began walking to pass by the tapestry three times while thinking, 'Large open space for target practice.' After the third time, a door appeared behind the tapestry.

My pets and I then went in to see a large open space as big as a football field. I then said to the room, "100 bludgers that are moving at random!"

I then took off my robe and tie, rolled up my sleeves, and removed my enchanted bracelets. Furthermore, I instructed my pets, "Tania, shield up! Bunta, you are not allowed to manipulate gravity and space. Naji, watch the twins' backs, but you are not allowed to steal their kills!"

We distance ourselves from each other. The bludgers suddenly flew in different directions, and some were already heading our way.

One bludger is aiming for my waist, and I quickly perform a front kick, pulverizing it. A few more followed, coming from different directions, and were met by my kicks.

"CrOOOk!" Bunta shot high-pressure jets of water. Upon contact, the bludgers were trapped in a block of ice.

Tania is covered by a light yellow transparent shield. She waved her hands and tens of butterflies made of flames appeared around her. The butterflies run to the bludgers and explode.

"HOoooooooo!" Naji flew around with outstretched wings. His wings glimmered with gold shine. A bludgers met the shimmering wings and the next thing they were cut in half. 

In no time, all our targets had been destroyed or immobilized. I yelled, "250 bludgers!" We repeated the process again.

"500 bludgers!" I yelled out. By now, I'm even using my fists to punch. Naji increased his speed and began shooting fireballs. Tania added some sharp daggers made of light to her army of butterflies. And Bunta releases bolts of lightning from his body.

"Ha..ha..haa..." I try to catch my breath after finishing the round. I then said,"Guys, no restrictions this time." I then looked up and said, "1000 bludgers!"

1000 bludgers appeared and began assaulting us.

I immediately flew to avoid some and created a lightsaber to fight off the bludgers.

Bunta manipulated gravity around him, making the bludgers fall to the ground, where there is a puddle of water. He began electrocuting them until smokes came from inside them.

The shield protecting Tania glows brightly and flames surround her. Instantly, she became a miniature sun that melted the bludgers that attacked her.

Bolts of lightning and flames surround Naji's body. His speed increased again and the bludgers that met him were either cut in half, burned to ash or shocked still.

When the assault was over, we had a short break. We repeat the process over and over again.

By 5:45 pm , we left the Room of Requirements and made our way down to the Great hall.

At the Hufflepuff table, I sat next to my fellow firsties and waited for the food.

"Where have you been, Marshall?" Ernie asked. 

I simply answered, "I just played around with these three. So will you sleep again after dinner?"

They all nodded. Our schedule is actually very lax for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. For Thursday, we also have no class in the afternoon. We don't have class on Friday morning and only have a flying lessons in the afternoon. But since flying lesson start next week, we actually have nothing to do for this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I thought, 'Oh, I can do my modules around that time. Perfect!'

I then remembered something and asked the group, "Guys, do you want some hot chocolate later in Astronomy class?"

The group looked at me, then Adeline asked, "Le Chocolat Chaud?" (Fr. Hot chocolate?)

I smiled at her and replied with, "Oui. J'ajouterai même des churros." (Fr. Yes. I'll even add some churros.)

"Cela semble fantastique!", Adeline exclaimed with glee. (Fr. That sounds fantastic!)

Wayne immediately pinched his nose and frantically mumbled, "Nose bleed.... nose..bleed...". I just laughed at him.

The food then arrived on time and we quickly ate dinner. My house was actually very welcoming to my pets and didn't mind when they ate at the table.

Back in our dormitory, I took a quick shower and slept on my bed. Even with the self-cleaning enchantments on my clothes and casting 'Scourgify' on myself, I still felt a bit sticky all over after my practice. Good thing I don't have to worry about doing laundry.

I didn't forget to ask for churros and hot chocolates from my elf before snoozing off.

10:45 pm

I woke up and quickly freshened up and put on a clean set of school uniform. I also nudged everyone of my roommates awake and told them to follow me in the common room area.

I wrote something on a piece of paper and said to Tania, "Tania, can you go check on Susan's group and hand this letter to anyone awake in their dorm. Thanks."

🔔"Ting!"🔔 Tania quickly flew out our room's small window. My fairy inherited the soul sensing ability of Reza, so I'm confident she won't get lost.

I quickly went down in my suitcase to give off the illusion that was where I prepared my food. A moment later, I came out, followed by floating trays with 100 cups of hot chocolates and 20 big plates filled with churros.

In front of my roommates, I opened my pouch and all the food and drinks were sucked in.

We then went out to meet the girls in the common room. I saw Tania floating above them. I said,"Let's get a move on, then." Our common room is actually the furthest from the Astronomy tower.

We passed the kitchen area, the reception hall and arrived quickly at the lower grand staircase. I sensed something and immediately frowned.

"Why did you stop, Marshall?" Kevin asked. The group also want to ask, but their questions are interrupted by the appearance of the pesky poltergeist, Peeves.

"Oh, badgers... badgers.. Where are you all going?!... hehehe! Are the badgers up for a little fun tonight?" Peeves playfully said while dancing around making the bells on his hat jingle.

"Just our luck, It's Peeves!" Ernie yelled.

"Don't worry, I have my pets." I then said to them, "Just scare this guy!"

Naji and Bunta covered their bodies with lighting, and Tania glowed brightly. They began chasing Peeves around.

Peeves yelled, "Not fair! Not-- Aahhh!" He was struck by a weak bolt of lightning.

"Let's go!" I motioned my group to continue walking forward. We saw peeves phasing through a wall to escape Naji's bolt.

"Let's go!" I motioned my group to continue walking forward. We saw peeves phasing through a wall to escape Naji's bolt.

"Merlin's Sagging Beard! Your pets are strong!" Wayne yelled excitedly. There were some murmurs in the group, but it was all harmless comments.

We passed Quad Courtyard , then the suspension bridge to finally arrive at the Astronomy Wing. We were able to see the group of Slytherin students making their way up the Astronomy Tower.

I immediately went forward and prepared an invisible shield just in case. I see the snakes taking a glance at us. I'm surprised they didn't do anything mischievous, and we arrive at the top of the tower, where the group of lions and eagles are waiting for the class to start.

We immediately went to the Gryffindor groups. I greeted, "Hi guys!"

"Marshalllllllll!!!! Do you have any food?!" Immediately, Ron made a scene by asking me in an exaggerated manner. I pushed his face away from me while saying ,"Jeez.. Ron, calm down... Yes, yes, I have food. Just shut up first!"

Harry helped me hold the guy back as I took out the tray of hot chocolates and plates of churros. I just said ,"Guys, dig in. I made plenty!"

The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors grabbed a mug and churros and started eating. Even Hermione didn't hesitate to get some. 

I called out to the Ravenclaws and Slytherins to get some if they liked.

The Ravenclaws were still hesitant, but Parvati called out her twin, Padma. The rest of the eagles followed. Tracy gleefully dragged Daphne to get a mug and some churros.

I could see the unwillingness in Daphne's face. Another plump Slytherin girl followed the two and thanked me while blushing. She introduced herself as Millicent Bulstrode.

I saw the other gits were giving me disdainful looks, so I manipulated the air, so they got constant whiffs of the hot chocolates. I laughed when I saw Crabbe and Goyle drooling.

Professor Sinistra came early and looked around the group. She was surprised to see us eating and smell the strong aroma of chocolate in the air. She made her way toward the hot chocolates and churros and nodded.

She then asked, "Who's brought these?" I just raised my hand. She smiled and said ,"I appreciate your generosity, Mr. Witcherly. Just this once, 5 pts for Hufflepuff!"

The professor then took a mug and savor the aroma before taking a sip. She announced, "Quickly eat if you are hungry and feeling sleepy. I would rather not see anyone snoozing in my class."

With her approval, even the gits went forward to grab a mug and a bite to eat.

The class started with a bit of history regarding telescopes and comparing the knowledge of Astronomy between magicals and muggles. The rest of the time was spent looking at the moon through our telescope.

When I look at the moon, I remember Penny and Nick. They always have that magical vortex around this time of the month on their roof. I suddenly remembered the Philosopher's stone. 

I check to see where Voldy is at. I'm not surprised to sense him roaming around the castle. I'm surprised to sense other professors with him this time. Even Hagrid is with them. A thought came to mind, 'Oh they're planning to make a safe for the stone! 

~end chapter ~