The Fox, the Fraud, and the Frozen Fool
The rumors reached Gilderoy Lockhart before breakfast.
A majestic, legendary, snow-white fox.
Adored by students.
Approved by professors.
Belonging to Keith Argus Runcandel.
Which, in Lockhart's mind, translated to only one thing:
A perfect accessory.
Lockhart's Brilliant Idea (That Wasn't)
Lockhart approached the Hufflepuff common area wearing his brightest smile and his tightest robes.
"Ahhh, young Keith!" he boomed, striking a pose.
"I hear you have acquired a truly remarkable creature—one that would benefit immensely from being… featured."
Keith looked up from his book.
"No."
Lockhart laughed awkwardly.
"Oh, come now! Merely a short appearance—perhaps posing beside me while I recount my heroic encounter with the Ice Wyrm of the North?"
Ninetales opened one eye.
Lockhart continued, undeterred.
"I could even—"
❄️ FWIP ❄️
A thin layer of frost crept up Lockhart's boots.
He froze mid-step.
"…borrow her for educational—"
The frost climbed to his knees.
Keith didn't even look up.
"She doesn't like liars."
Lockhart cleared his throat nervously.
"Well! No harm done then! Ha! I'll be off—"
Ninetales stood.
Her nine tails unfurled slowly.
Lockhart squeaked.
❄️ SNAP ❄️
His boots were completely encased in ice, gluing him to the floor.
Ninetales tilted her head.
Curious.
Lockhart smiled weakly.
"…Charming temperament."
Professor McGonagall happened to walk by.
She took in the scene.
Paused.
Then said calmly,
"Mr. Lockhart. Detention."
And walked away.
The ice melted just enough for him to flee.
Ron's Attempt (Much Worse)
Ron Weasley watched all this from behind a pillar.
He cracked his knuckles.
"I can do better."
He strutted forward, chest puffed out.
"Oi! Fox! I'm Ronald Weasley! The bloke who defeated—"
Ninetales' ears flicked.
Ron grinned.
"Bet you'd rather hang out with a hero than—"
❄️ CRACK ❄️
A blizzard exploded around Ron.
Five seconds later—
An ice sculpture stood where Ron had been.
Perfect detail.
Mouth open mid-brag.
One finger raised heroically.
Silence.
Neville whispered,
"…Is he… alive?"
The sculpture blinked.
"…Help."
Students burst into laughter.
Ron's New Title
By lunch, the names spread faster than fire whiskey:
Ron the Troll (All Subjects)Ron PisspantsRonald Ice-BlockRonald SnowbrainSir Freezalot of GryffindorRonald "One-Spell Wonder" Weasley
Fred wiped tears from his eyes.
"Brilliant pose."
George nodded.
"Think we can sell replicas?"
Keith passed by, glanced at the statue.
"…Ten out of ten craftsmanship."
Ninetales sat beside him proudly.
The Weasley Twins Make an Offer
Later that afternoon, Fred and George approached Ninetales with exaggerated bows.
"Oh Great Snow Queen," Fred said.
"Would you care to join us in harmless mischief?"
George added,
"We promise only minor chaos."
Ninetales tilted her head.
Left.
Right.
Her tails swayed thoughtfully.
Half the hallway collectively swooned.
"She's deciding," whispered Susan.
Ninetales lifted one paw…
Then gently tapped George's nose with frost.
George yelped.
Fred burst out laughing.
"I think that's a 'maybe.'"
Ninetales sat back down regally.
Keith smirked.
"She doesn't prank," he said.
"She judges."
The twins straightened immediately.
Professor Sprout eventually defrosted Ron.
He stumbled out, teeth chattering.
"I didn't even touch it!"
Ninetales glanced at him.
Ron yelped and ran.