Harry wasn't looking for trouble, he wasn't, really, he was just taking some extra precautions. A few books checked out concerning magical creatures, some notes scribbled down about various spells that might come in handy if he couldn't see, a couple of requests that his sisters keep an eye on Ginny Weasley and any other young students that might be acting unusual. No, it was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing at all.
The results of his research, unfortunately, were far from helpful. Basilisks were rare creatures for a reason, and not much was written regarding dealing with them aside from the occasional warnings and theories. He did learn, however, that their scales were prized as armor for centuries and made the creature incredibly resistant to all forms of Magic.
"Perfect…" he muttered, shaking his head with a sigh. "No Fawkes, no sword, and even small ones take groups to defeat." There remained the possibility of a rooster, but since his own world had them all slaughtered it would be safe to assume the same would happen should events repeat themselves.
Still, there was the hope that they wouldn't. Ginny Weasley was fine, he had even taken to keeping an eye on her during meals when possible, and no cursed books had been discovered. Without Riddle being a mass murdering sociopath, it was likely that no one else would follow in the same footsteps.
Maybe his first year had just been a fluke?
Still, it wouldn't hurt to spend some time looking at Magic that might be able to damage a creature's eyes.
****
It had taken less than a week for her to notice. Something had changed, something for the better. The boy seemed happier, his smiles wider, his laughter a bit more carefree. When he spoke to his friends, he was more animated, he would look at them with just a bit more warmth than she recalled from the previous year.
Even more telling was the fact she had yet to catch one of his 'moments', those brief periods that he would stare off into space, remembering something only he knew, of a place that didn't exist and a time that hadn't yet occurred.
All in all, Harry Potter was happier, and healthier, than his entire previous school year… so why was it that she found herself frowning at this revelation.
She shouldn't be, as his Head of House it was her duty to put his wellbeing before her own, doubly so now that she would be taking him under her wing. Instead, she found herself annoyed, envious even, at the sudden shift and the thought that she might not be the cause of it.
Why did Granger earn his full attention when she spoke? When his literal twin pointed something out in a book, did he need to lean in so close to her? Why did he allow his redheaded sister to rest against him so casually? Why were his smiles towards the Ravenclaw named Luna always brighter than the ones she had ever seen? Why did his attention shift to the youngest Weasley girl when no one else was looking?
Clearly, it was healthy for him to form relationships with those his own age, with those he might have known from his previous life. It certainly was better for him to be friends with those in other Houses than stuck dealing with the arrogant Slytherins who ignored him at best, despite her best efforts.
Still
Still
She wanted his attention in the same way that they had it, and that single admission bothered her more than the Headmistress' insistence on keeping a red stone in the castle a year prior.
****
Harry Potter wasn't quite sure if he had ever seen anyone so joyous before. Amy was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement as she made her announcement to their small group. She was to be the next Gryffindor Seeker on the Quidditch team.
Her sister had, naturally be incredibly happy for her and even Hermione had given her congratulations. As for the boy himself? Well, he had initially thought there might be some ugly jealousy in his gut, the idea of her taking the position that had been his for so long, but instead there was nothing but happiness.
"Congratulations Amy, you earned it." He praised, earning a beaming smile from the girl, and she had. Even after showing her some of what he had learned over the years she spent at least an hour every day during the summer practicing, sometimes with him sometimes with James, sometimes just by herself.
Naturally, he agreed to watch her first game, and as many as he could attend.
****
Her job stunk, and not in the 'bad enough to use such a word' way. No, it literally smelt like mangey creatures, mostly because her position was to care for and teach children about said animals.
This meant interacting with the disgusting things, and Gordana Lockhart was not a fan. It was why she had originally declined the position. She was better suited for teaching the intricacies of spellwork, the art of Dueling, the skills required for Defense.
Still, she had accepted the role, mostly for one reason in particular, Harry Potter. Even from her short conversation she had known he was talented, at least this was what she told herself, and he only needed a guide to truly bring his potential into the spotlight.
She was such a guide, someone who had knowledge of exactly what he needed, who had experience in the fields that would help him thrive. In return his success would make her famous. They would go on tours, seeing the sights of the world, experiencing the 'good life', and in the distant future the Lockhart name would become one associated with fame and fortune with their children and grandchildren.
But first steps had to be taken. She had barely spoken with the boy, and with the Headmistress refusing to allow him admission into her class earlier than normal it had effectively locked her out of the normal means to build a relationship.
It might be better to start with his parents. She couldn't recall if the Potters were a more traditional or progressive family, which would dictate the letter written to them.
Moderates, such as the Malfoy's, would want something more official sounding, a business proposal more or less. In such a case Lockhart would need to research legal jargon and figure out the value of his time and her own against what would change with her proposed training. More importantly any marriage contracts or inquiries would need addressed.
On the other hand, the more 'up-and-coming' type wouldn't appreciate such a thing, and not only would it make inquiries about any arranged marriages unnecessary, but it would also make her own task of convincing them to trust their son with a potential stranger alone that much more complicated.
Still, if they had considered Riddle as a mentor there should be no reason that they would not consider her for the position as well. Second year students still had quite a bit of free time, surely there was ample time for both.
****
"Potter!"
Harry wasn't sure he was ever going to get used to hearing a female Malfoy shout at him. Turning around, he held back the sigh as he watched the girl, and a few of her friends march up to where he stood.
"Malfoy." He replied, voice flat with just the slightest hint of irritation.
"I heard your sister is Seeker of Gryffindor. So, did she buy her way in or were they just that desperate?"
Pansy laughed, along with the others within earshot. Harry, on the other hand, merely stared back. "You know Malfoy, I heard you tried out for the Quidditch team too, how did that go for you?"
It sounded like an innocent question, but they both knew she hadn't been accepted and the sneer in response was obvious. As the group stormed off another familiar face approached the boy, this one without hostility.
"In case I don't run into her, please give Amaryllis my congratulations."
Harry smiled back at the older Slytherin, "I will do that Marie."
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