After handing a few Sickles over to Fred and George we continued random shops now really buying anything. Outside an old shop that sells used and stained robes, we found Percy sitting down reading a book called Prefects Who Gained Power.
He looks over his book at Ron scanning us as well. "Go away please." He mutters returning his eyes to his book.
Ron scoffs and I just smile "Why are you all alone reading a book on a day out with your family? Even Hermione doesn't do that and she was the second-best first-year." I say the last sentence while grinning at Hermione who is already glaring at me. Ron openly chuckles while I see Harry hide his laugh.
Percy rolls his eyes and I hear him say 'childish' under his breath. He sighs "I can not be distracted from my goal… even for a moment." He goes back to his book ignoring us.
I shrug and Ron's face twitches as he ushers us away. "Course, he's very ambitious, Percy, he's got it all planned out… he wants to be Minister of Magic…" He says in a spiteful tone under his breath.
A wry smile shows on my face "It sounds like you don't want him to succeed."
Ron sighs "I want him to succeed, but it feels like he is pushing away from us. His family. Because we will harm his chances."
I put my hand on his shoulder "Wow Ron, that's probably the most insightful thing you've ever said. And very out of character."
He shoves me away a bit "Oh, bugger off."
Harry and Hermione laugh before Ron smirks "Sorry, let's go get our books, it's best to get the shopping done now."
"Give me a sec, I have to make a quick purchase," I say thinking about the summer.
Before heading to the book shop we head to Wiseacres and I buy ten more sets of Seeker's Coins. I plan to give them to the people I think may need help in the future. They are quite handy after all.
After that, we head to Flourish and Blotts to get our books, but we do stop at small side stalls along the way. There were a few small stalls I liked, mainly the sweets, chocolate is still my favorite so far.
The bookstore is crowded with people all making a fuss to get in. Above the big show window of the store is a sign.
GILDEROY LOCKHART
Will be signing copies of his autobiography
MAGICAL ME
Today 1230-430
My shoulders droop seeing how annoying it will be to get our books today… why today? I just watch the middle-aged witches clamoring to get in while a tired-looking old wizard tries to get them orderly.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"We can actually meet him!" Hermione squealed in joy. "I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!" As the words leave her mouth I feel as if my day has been ruined instantly. Fan's of anything annoy me, learning my friend is a fan? A tragic event has just taken place.
I roll my eyes "Ah, yes all of those overpriced books, how fantastic." I say sarcastically. Hermione gives me a hmph as she pushes through the crowd of witches so we can get our books. I follow close behind since I need my books even if I don't like it.
The line winds through the isles to the very back so we had to squeeze through the raving middle-aged witches. We each grab a copy of Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2, and sneak to the front of the line where Ron and Hermione's parents are standing. I sigh in relief as there is a bit of room to breathe.
"Oh, there you are, good, good. We'll be able to see him soon…" She sounds far too excited for this but oh well, not my wife.
Gilderoy Lockhart comes slowly into view, seated at a table surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzlingly white teeth at the crowd. The real Lockhart is wearing robes of forget me not blue that exactly matched his eyes; his pointed wizard's hat was set at a jaunty angle on his wavy hair.
His appearance made me want to sigh from exhaustion, how much effort does that take every morning? Not a single wrinkle could be found on his robes and his hair perfectly stayed. He must be very good at hygiene charms, perhaps I should work on them.
A short man near us is hopping from place to place taking photographs with a magical camera that emitted puffs of purple smoke with every flash of light. I send a glare his way but he doesn't seem bothered as he continues his 'work'.
"Out of the way." He snarls at Ron trying to shove his way past but I shove him before he can step on Ron's feet.
The short man looks up at me surprised, "This is for the Daily Prophet, young man." He says in a rude tone.
I step in front of Ron with a cold glare "Does it look like I care at all? Go. Around." I speak the last words slowly.
The short man looks like he wants to talk back but seeing Gilderoy gaze in our direction he stops and takes more pictures. Gilderoy locks eyes with me then with Harry and blanks out for a second.
"It can't be, is that THE, Harry Potter?" He says in surprise, the crowd parts between the two while whispering loudly. I roll my eyes at his use of a boy for publicity.
Lockhart quickly grabs Harry by the arm and brings him to the front of the crowd. The crowd bursts into applause. Harry's face is dyed red like a tomato, no, redder than a tomato. I look over and see Ron who looks annoyed while Hermione looks infatuated. I chuckle a bit at the absurdity of the moment.
The reporter from the Daily Prophet is madly taking pictures as Harry puts on a horrible fake smile. His face is twitching a bit and I think he may even be sweating.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he says loudly, waving for the crowd to quiet. "What an extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for some time!"
"When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography—which I shall be happy to present him now, free of charge—" The crowd applauded again. "He had no idea," He shakes Harry aggressively as he smiles at him.
"that he would shortly be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me. He and his schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
It clicks in my head, 'No wonder we have so many books written by him in the curriculum, he is the teacher and the books are all for one class. Wow, how narcissistic and greedy to make your own students buy your own book.' The crowd cheers loudly at his announcement far louder than before. even Mrs. Weasley and Hermione join them.
As fast as Gilderoy pushed the books onto Harry he also pushes Harry away, Harry stumbles a bit over near Ginny. It's too loud to hear him but I see him mumble something and put the books he got into her cauldron with a blushed face.
My eyebrows raise as my grin turns a bit devilish. 'Progress.'