Huffily Puffily || Golden Trio

The Polyjuice Potion || xxxviii

Although she knew it was coming, Lucy could scarcely believe it was already Christmas Break.

She woke up the first day with nothing to do. Her homework was finished, and while learning was fun and all, she felt like if she had to read one more paragraph about magical theory, she might tear her eyes out of her head. Tom was off in loser-land or whatever he did in the diary and for once, she had to decide what to do all by herself.

This was never a good thing.

"I wonder what Snape's doing," she said to no one in particular. The dormitory was empty along with all of the Hufflepuff common room. She had nothing but her brain and her will, and most importantly, no one to stop her. Her eyes lit up as a brilliant idea came to mind... She was going to perform a prank. A heist, even.

She readied herself for war, putting her diary in her skirt pocket. Learning the Extension Charm was her most brilliant idea yet. She liked her bag and all, but it got to be a bit conspicuous, especially with Dumbledore glaring at her all the time. Plus, there was always the chance that Snape would confiscate it if he caught her. Even though he would not catch her.

She walked carefully through the corridors, keeping an eye out for Filch. It was harder to notice the man since his cat was petrified and everything... Stupid Heir of Slytherin. They just had to petrify a cat— it was the lamest attack ever.

"And then I bested the forest of Whomping Willows... Quick work, you know, all you have to do is give it a little wave—"

Lucy cursed and ducked behind a tapestry. Peeking through, she could see Lockhart pass by with a grumpy looking Professor Sprout beside him.

"I am perfectly capable of tending the Mandrakes on my own, Gilderoy," Professor Sprout didn't even try to hide her disdain. Lucy smirked; it was funny seeing her usually cheerful head of house look ready to hex a man. "I'm sure you have papers to grade."

"Not at all! My students have been doing practical work recently," Lockhart said, beaming.

By 'practical work', he meant that he'd been reenacting his various adventures. Once, Lucy told him that Malfoy's dream was to become an actor, and if the sullen expression on Malfoy's face after he left class meant anything, Lockhart had tried to rope him into it.

Lucy decided to take pity on Professor Sprout. After they passed, she left the tapestry and called after them. "Professor Lockhart, Snape's been looking for you!"

He turned around, pleasantly surprised. "Severus? Oh my, what for?"

"He's been looking for hair care tips," she said with utmost sincerity. "Now, don't let his shyness scare you off— he's been very earnest about it."

Professor Sprout looked like she was debating whether or not to put a stop to Lucy's blatant lies. If she had any doubts, they disappeared once Lockhart changed course and headed toward her. "I'd be glad to help a fellow professor!" He glanced at Professor Sprout. "Terribly sorry, Pomona, but duty calls!"

"It's quite alright." Sprout said hastily. "A point to Hufflepuff for initiative, Lucy."

Somewhere in the castle, Lucy was sure Hermione screamed.

She allowed Lockhart to lead her down the corridor toward Professor Snape's office. "I was surprised to see you stayed behind, Lucy! Not scared of the monster, are you?" he said, winking.

"Not at all, Professor," she said with a grin. "I reckon people are a little more scared of me these days."

"Yes, the Parseltongue has been great fun," he chuckled. While most Professors scolded her for hissing in class, Lockhart was the only one who found the humor in it all, and for that she respected him a little more.