"You can sit down here." Hermione whispered, pointing out the empty space beside her.
Lucifer sighed, and moved towards the bushy-haired girl's armchair, sat down on the area beside her, only for Hermione to slide into his lap, with a giggle, not tearing up any more.
"Do you have any problem?" She was even bold enough to make a question like that, with an innocent look on her face.
"N-No....." he said, awkwardly.
She nodded, putting her face onto his chest and hugged Lucifer even harder.
"Harry," Hagrid said suddenly, as though the thought just struck him, "Gotta bone ter pick with yeh. I've heard... yeh've been givin' out signed photos. How come I haven't got one?"
Harry looked ready to explode, "I have not been giving out signed photos! If Lockhart's still spreading that around----"
He calmed down when he saw Hagrid having a great laugh, "I'm on'y jokin'," he said and patted Harry genially on the back, sending him face first into table, which Lucifer found amusing, "I knew yeh hadn't really. I told Lockhart yeh didn' need tae. Yer more famous than him without tryin'."
"Bet he didn't like that," Harry said, sitting up and rubbing his chin.
"Don' think he did," Hagrid said, his eyes twinkling, "An' then I told him I'd never read one o' his books an' he decided to go. Treacle Toffee, Ron?"he offered nicely to him.
"No thanks," he said weakly, "better not risk it."
"So, that's how you get rid of him. I was planning on using Depulso." Hermione said, with a large grin as she leaned back into her pillow.
"Oh, come an' see what I've bin growin"," he said to the three not belching up slugs and they followed him out of the hut to a garden patch, albeit Hermione quite reluctantly though.
Behind his house was about a dozen of the largest pumpkins any of them had ever seen. "Gettin' on well, aren't they?" He said happily, "Fer the Halloween feast.... should be big 'enough by then."
"What have you been feeding them?" Harry asked in awe.
"Babies and cats, I think," Lucifer said, in a joking manner causing Hermione to let out a snort.
Hagrid looked around to make sure they were alone, "Well, I've bin uh... I've bin givin' them... yeh know... a little help."
"An 'Engorgement Charm', I suppose?" Hermione asked between disapproval and amusement.
Hagrid nodded and Harry spoke next, "Awesome. You've done a great job with them, Hagrid."
"That's what Ron's sister," he said nodding back to the hut where Ron was still heaving slugs, incapable of moving at the moment, "Met her jus' yesterday," Hagrid's beard noticeably twitched, "Said she was jus' searchin' the grounds, but I bet she was looking fer someone. If veh ask me, I don' think she'd say no ter a signed photos fr'm both of y---" he winked at Harry and Lucifer.
Lucifer smiled awkwardly. And Granger filled with jealousy at him smiling after what he'd just been told, she decided to slip her hand into his.
"Oh, shut up..." Harry said in an exasperated tone. Ron also snorted, but it caused two slugs burst out of his nostrils.
"Eugh!" Hermione nearly vomited at the sight, "I am heading back to the castle before I throw up. Let's go, Lucifer." She was also curious to know, whether Slytherins' were still floating (practicing) in the air or not?
Not even a second after they were out of sight, still hand in hand, Ron spoke again, "Why is it always me?"
"Oh, 'hat girl has fallen 'rd"
It was nearing lunchtime and they hadn't had a whole lot since early morning, especially Harry who hadn't had any breakfast, and they all barely touched the 'Treacle Toffee' Hagrid made because of how inedible it always was.
xxxxx
At lunch, Professor McGonagall came over to Harry and Ron and handed them respective Detention notes. Ron was stuck cleaning Trophies in the Trophy room, which was a disaster waiting to happen as he was still belching up slugs all over his body.
Harry was unfortunate enough to be requested specifically to help Lockhart answer his fan mail. It was starting to be a long night.
Harry and Ron had just left for their evening of detention, when Lucifer's wait was finally over, and he took his best friend to mawl at long un-edible grass in the field with her nails.
"....." Onto the battle, several minutes later however, she was already on her last legs.
Hermione barely managed to raise a fresh shield before it shattered under a shattering hex. Flames licked dangerously close to her hair, forcing her to retreat in a panic. She dropped her wand entirely---and sure enough....
Her 'Mini-Doll' tool ceased attacking her, it rolled her eyes at the big girl to pick up the wand, and redstart it's wrath toward her.
When Lucifer'd told her this construct was his "masterpiece," it had been no exaggeration. Unlike his usual habit of conserving resources, he had poured everything into creating Granger's mini--version, it's height reaching her knee.
Fighting a baby doll, which had her own face, body, and 'personality....'
Hermione glared at the doll, and wanted to kick her bum raw, but she knew her Transfiguration should be superior, and her magical reserves deeper. Huffing loudly to get back her dignity, she conjured thick earthen walls with 'Molding Charms', forcing Doll Granger's spells to erupt in craters across the ground.
But brute force triumphed over ingenuity---Doll Granger charged and smashed through her constructs with her tiny fists, each blow pulverizing stone into dust.
The big girl froze, dumbstruck for a second. Then she wailed aloud, throwing her wand aside.
"I quit! Lucifer, this is cheating! What kind of witch fights with fists? That's definitely not me, you're 'bullying me!"
Her outburst came into a fit of giggles, and soon the whole crowd followed.
"Don't blame me," Lucifer raised his hands innocently, "Blame your own self, sure you do not use 'fists."
Still pouting, Hermione stormed up to her best friend, landing playful 'punches' against his arm.
A whole crowd of students from other Houses had gathered around Lucifer, eagerly asking questions. And he, instead of showing even a trace of impatience, answered them with patience and 'humor'. The students often burst into laughter, their joy infectious--Dumbledore himself couldn't help but smile as he watched from the tower.
"I want to try too! Transfiguration should work best, right?"
"No, no, 'Corrosion Hex' would eat through that armor for sure!"
Dozens of students clamored, their voices tumbling over one another, desperate to prove themselves.
Lucifer considered, then nodded slowly, "All right. Groups of five. That way, I can properly test her performance. 'Finch-Fletchley, pick your team. The rest of you, form a line...."
"Yes, sir!" Justin's fist pumped in triumph. Instantly, he was swarmed by volunteers. He selected two fellow Hufflepuffs and two Ravenclaws, marching proudly to face the looming 'Granger's Doll.'
Even when they broke school rules, Dumbledore often considered it a necessary stage of growth. Young people always brimmed with restless energy, and mistakes, in his eyes, were 'forgivable.'
What he was best at was spotting the 'spark' within each child.
Lucifer's alchemic conjuring had stunned him. What he built was beyond impressive--something even he, Dumbledore, would struggle to replicate after so many years of 'neglecting' the field. But what surprised him more was the boy's attitude.
Yet this harmony didn't last.
An unwelcome guest arrived. Just as the Justin's group of students were about to step forward to experience the wrath of a 'Golem Doll', Gilderoy Lockhart wandered over, attracted by the lively commotion.
"An 'alchemical golem?' Morningstar, is this your creation?"
He squinted at the construct with his signature gleam, before announcing grandly, "Not bad! It bears a hint of my own brilliance. Why, I too was once obsessed with alchemy, and created works far stronger than this little toy. Of course, none could match the power of 'my own hands', so eventually I lost interest in them altogether."
He puffed up his chest. "Would you like me to 'advise' you on how to improve it?"
The pompous voice drowned out the laughter and cheers of the other students. Lucifer only felt a wave of irritation.
"Professor Lockhart, if you wish to guide me," he said with deliberate politeness, "then by all means--try."
With a flick of his wand, Doll Granger's eyes flared--turning crimson. From its back unfolded several 'massive cannons', humming with terrifying magical energy, each barrel swiveling until they locked on Lockhart.
The smile on Lockhart's face froze instantly.
"I-I think... that won't be necessary," he stammered, his voice dry. "I'd hate to... 'losecontrol' of my immense power and accidentally destroy your hard work. But...if you'd like to know more, feel free to 'stop by my office'. I could share... some proper techniques..."
The way students looked at him shifted immediately--admiration turned into thinly veiled 'contempt.'
By this point, a week had passed. Every student in Hogwarts had taken at least one of Lockhart's classes. And all had seen the chasm between the "hero" in his books and the reality before them.
His lessons were nothing more than meaningless digressions about his favorite flowers, or dramatic recitations from his own works.
Now, given a golden chance to prove himself, he had shrunk away yet again. Their suspicions grew darker--'was Lockhart nothing more than a fraud?'
Lucifer said nothing. He only glanced at Lockhart--a 'glance' dripping with cold, mocking disdain. The kind of look that sent chills down Lockhart's spine.
In the heavy silence, Doll Granger' transformed into a 'fighter jet' and folded itself neatly back into its case.
"Someone decided to spoil the fun today," Lucifer announced calmly. "I'll let you know when the next 'test session will be or ever be..."
With that, he turned and walked away with the big Hermione who stared at the case, there was a mini her sleeping inside, she felt a lot of emotions about it---leaving Lockhart stranded in the field, 'his dignity in tatters.'
xxxxxx
Once Lucifer left, the rest of the crowd soon dispersed too, but not without muttered complaints. If not for Lockhart barging in, they could have had their turn to have a battle with annoying 'Hermione Granger!'
Later that evening, after 'tea' with Hermione, also with Hannah and Susan, who commented on her biscuits she had baked, Lucifer made his way to Professor McGonagall's office.
'Knock, knock.'
"Enter," came her firm, resonant voice.
Lucifer stepped inside. McGonagall looked up, her expression stiffening slightly when she saw who it was.
That morning, Gryffindor had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Slytherin, and now, in the very same day, here was Morningstar standing in her office.
Of course, McGonagall wasn't one to misplace her frustrations on students. It wasn't Lucifer's fault her team had been trounced--it was Gryffindor's own failings. But still... there was no denying this boy had been fanning the 'flames all along.'
"Mr. Morningstar," she said coolly, adjusting her glasses. "What brings you here?"
Lucifer gave a sly chuckle. "Professor McGonagall, I came about what happened this morning."
Her face darkened.
What did he mean by that? Was he here to rub salt in the wound? Gryffindor had already been humiliated--did 'he really need to gloat face-to-face?'
"Professor, don't misunderstand," Lucifer quickly added, noticing the spark in her eyes. "I'm not here to boast. I just wanted to say--you don't need to feel so disheartened. The gap between Gryffindor and Slytherin isn't as great as it seems."
McGonagall gave the faintest sniff, "Mr. Morningstar, I don't need your comfort. I know very well this was a matter of experience. But losing is losing---'noexcuses'. If my students ever faced true danger, do you think a Dark wizard would show mercy because they are 'just students'?"
Her eyes flashed. "Tell me, Morningstar---why is it that Slytherin students face 'combat so 'fearlessly,' while mine collapse in disarray?"
"Ah..."
Lucifer sighed, long and heavy, and tried to summon the shadow of old wounds. He wanted to look pained, burdened with bitter memories. But...
The truth was, he'd never been the victim. From the start, he had been the one bullying others. Still, for the sake of the performance, he played the part.
"Professor, I think you know the traditions of Slytherin," he said softly, "You can probably imagine what sort of treatment I endured when I got placed in their House first."
McGonagall's sharp eyes softened ever so slightly. Everyone knew what Slytherin was like. It wasn't just Muggle-borns, even half-bloods were often sneered at.
"In those first weeks," Lucifer continued, his tone laced with sorrow he didn't feel, "not a soul would speak to me even from Gryffindor'. Only Hermione or maybe sometimes Neville did. Later, Malfoy even---"
He sketched out the story of his supposed hardships. By the end of it, McGonagall's face was flushed with indignation. She slammed her palm against her desk.
"Outrageous! 'Using family name' as an excuse to bully a classmate--Mr. Morningtar, why didn't you come to me earlier?"
"Professor..." Lucifer forced a bitter smile, "Even if I had, you could only protect me for so long. Could you shield me for all seven years? It's Slytherin's who hated me for insulting their house for 'me being sorted."
McGonagall fell silent.
At last, her expression hardened with resolve. "I'll summon young Malfoy immediately. If he dares target you again for your bloodline, I'll show him what 'realtargeting' feels like."
Lucifer quickly raised his hands in mock alarm. "No need, Professor. I've... already handled it myself. That 'very night', in fact..."
As he recounted his plan, McGonagall's expression grew more and more complicated.
"Now you understand, don't you, Professor?" Lucifer said with a faint smile, "The real difference lies in ambition and competition. Once students feel motivated, they'll naturally push... themselves to study harder and train harder."
"The Prefects, under constant pressure of being challenged for their position, feel the urgency to improve..... Meanwhile, the ordinary students---driven by pride and unwillingness to lose--work just as hard. Together, it creates a 'perfect cycle."
"This is far more effective than a few 'extratraining sessions' you might sneak in, Professor."
McGonagall's face flushed ever so slightly. She had considered secretly giving Gryffindor extra lessons to avoid future embarrassment, but she hadn't acted on it yet-and now Lucifer had already called her out.
Still, after so many years as a professor, she understood Gryffindor well enough.
"Morningstar, I'll admit that kind of Prefect system may work in Slytherin, but that doesn't mean it applies to the other three Houses."
"But it's perfect for Gryffindor," Lucifer said with certainty, "Those competitive little lions would never admit they're 'worse' than anyone else. The ones who slack off, we can't control. But the ones who still have ambition---this will give them even more drive, more purpose. All you'd need to do... is 'relax the restrictions' on student rivalries, just a little."
McGonagall frowned. "Such an important decision is not mine to make. It would need to be discussed with Dumbledore first."
"You're being modest, Professor," Lucifer replied with a dismissive smile, "Everyone knows your influence at this school. Tell me, when has Headmaster Dumbledore ever rejected 'your suggestions?' In all of Hogwarts, everyone knows--yes,
Dumbledore may be the towering figure, but the weight of a thousand students rests on your shoulders, Professor McGonagall."
"Enough nonsense," McGonagall pursed her lips, glaring at Lucifer with feigned sternness.
He only chuckled, letting the subject drop, "I only say this because I want you to feel better, Professor. After all, this is about long-term development of the school. I might even be chosen for Gryffindor' seeker, so I of course want our house to get better...."
The boy's eyes shone with conviction---he wasn't just looking at Hogwarts, but the future of the entire wizarding world, "The quality of Hogwarts students represents the future of 'British wizardry'. But right now, peace has made the younger generation complacent. If everyone slacks off together, it might not show---but compared to the wizarding schools of other countries?"
"What if, one day, there's a great international tournament? Wouldn't it be a shame if we lost miserably in front of the world?"
McGonagall's heart skipped. Lately, Dumbledore had been reaching out to other schools more frequently, perhaps even considering reviving an ancient competition.
The image flashed in her mind: 'Hogwarts students being utterly humiliated on foreign soil.'
The thought left her uneasy.
"...Very well, Morningstar. I'll consider it carefully. Thank you for bringing your ideas forward. Now, enjoy your 'weekend."
That was a clear dismissal, and Lucifer wisely took his leave.
After all, he hadn't forgotten, he wanted to try if he could change school rules.... Today's little conflict had been carefully guided by him into a duel, all so McGonagall would see the problem firsthand.
From her reaction, it was obvious she was somewhat convinced, majorly that Gryffindor's were a lost cause in dueling, and needed to be remedied.
Still, McGonagall was cautious by nature. She would likely think of ways to adapt a method to increase healthy competitions to fit the other Houses before discussing it with Dumbledore.
And persuading the Headmaster was no easy task--Lucifer knew results would take time.
xxxxxx
That very night, he and Hermione were working on some homework they still had to finish from the week.
She was on Charms while Lucifer on Herbology. She was getting it done slower than usual, because she kept glancing up at him for two reasons. Whatever she felt earlier at the Dueling ground was one reason; her worry for him, the second.
His temper was quick to rise when it involved her being insulted or being in danger. She was observant, though, and noticed that she always brought him back to 'his senses.'
She would try to get him to get his temper under control, but in the event it wasn't possible, because she knows things happen beyond a person's control sometimes, she would bring him back.
Back to her, maybe it was puberty talking, but she was anxious if Lucifer felt the same about her. Hermione knew she wasn't that pretty, and her enlarged front teeth weren't great to look at.
She was always awkward with trying to be social with anyone who didn't share her interests. But, he didn't refuse her that night, or got angry at her, 'maybe Hermione still has a good chance?'
"Hermione," a voice said, and a hand was now being waved in front of her face.
"Huh?" Was all she could manage as she looked over to Lucifer.
"I noticed you barely made any progress on Charms over the past five minutes... you don't need help do you?" He asked in a cheeky tone.
"Of course not!" Hermione huffed loudly.
He simply smiled at her, "Alright, but if you do, I'm right here."
"I know," she said as she got back to work to make up for lost time. In doing so, Hermione finished her Charms work in 'twenty minutes!'
It would've taken an average student an hour to finish without interruptions, but she was no average student.
Like Professor Flitwick once had said, she was the Brightest Witch of their age, which made Lucifer the Brightest Wizard of their age, and Hermione thought that without faltering.
After getting their homework finished, both went up to respective dorm rooms.
She laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if she should go to his dorm tonight or not but ultimately decided that she was too exhausted today.
The girl turned to one side and closed her eyes, trying her best to not think about him so she could actually try and get some sleep.
1 Extra Chapter = 100 Power Stone's!
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Author's Note
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It is also mentioned in the bio.
Bonus Up to Chapter 115 has already been posted there.
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