Wish Upon A Star

Rogue Bludger

They had planned to get Lockhart's sign after their next class with him. After the disastrous pixie incident, Lockhart had stuck with the theory part. He had started giving live action on how he had defeated the creatures. He usually, actually always picked Harry for this. Poor Harry had to play a werewolf, a vampire, a villager, and many other roles. Harry would pass any acting test easily if he gave his all. The reluctance was very easy to see on his face. Only Lockhart seemed to not notice. 

In all his classes, Ashlyn would pull some other book and read. Once the class was over, Ashlyn walked out immediately, letting the others get his sign.

"I don't believe it," Harry said when the trio rushed out of the classroom. "He didn't even look at the book we wanted."

"That's because he's a brainless git," said Ron. "But who cares, we've got what we needed —"

"He is not a brainless git," said Hermione shrilly as they half-ran toward the library.

"Just because he said you were the best student of the year —"

They dropped their voices as they entered the muffled stillness of the library. Madam Pince, the librarian, was a thin, irritable woman who looked like an underfed vulture.

"Moste Potente Potions?" she repeated suspiciously, trying to take the note from Hermione; but Hermione wouldn't let go.

"I was wondering if I could keep it," she said breathlessly.

"Oh, come on," said Ron, wrenching it from her grasp and thrusting it at Madam Pince. "We'll get you another autograph. Lockhart'll sign anything if it stands still long enough."

Madam Pince held the note up to the light, as though determined to detect a forgery, but it passed the test. She stalked away between the lofty shelves and returned several minutes later carrying a large and mouldy-looking book. Hermione put it carefully into her bag and they left, trying not to walk too quickly or look too guilty.

Five minutes later, they were barricaded in Moaning Myrtle's out-of-order bathroom once again. Hermione had overridden Ron's objections by pointing out that it was the last place, anyone, in their right minds would go, so they were guaranteed some privacy. Moaning Myrtle was crying noisily in her stall, but they were ignoring her, and she, them.

Hermione opened Moste Potente Potions carefully, and the four of them bent over the damp-spotted pages. It was clear from a glance why it belonged in the Restricted Section. Some of the potions had effects almost too gruesome to think about, and there were some very unpleasant illustrations.

The trio was arguing about the potion, but Ashlyn was focused all on Ginny. She had to get the diary from her. Ashlyn did sigh every time she caught Malfoy's name. This was just like last year. If they would just take her word for it. Idiots. Also, Ashlyn had stated clearly that she would not have any hand in stealing the ingredients from Snape's private storage.

On Saturday morning, Ashyn woke up slightly dazed. She had to wake up early because they had their first match of the season. Gryffindor vs Slytherin. The previous night she had spent her time talking to Ginny, trying to make her feel better. Ashlyn who already had a taste of how teenagers would have behaved was glad that Ginny was just eleven. 

She walked into the Great Hall with a small smile. "Good Morning!" she said as brightly as possible, but her face fell on noticing the other team members. They all very quiet and looked grave. Ashlyn sighed.

"This is not about the brooms is it?" she said incredulously. The silence proved her right.

Annoyed, she threw herself on the empty seat beside Geroge and didn't speak for fifty seconds until she decided that the negative vibe was too much. They were spoiling the beautiful vibe of the day...It was raining... So what? The rain is beautiful.