The Curse of Time (Harry Potter Fanfic)

Since we gave the diadem to Dumbledore, nothing remarkable has happened, aside from the occasional moments of embarrassment when I had to confront the teacher and my little brother.

The school year started again, and it took two weeks for the effects of Hermione's failed potion to wear off. She was extremely stressed about missing so many classes, acting as though exams were right around the corner.

Honestly, Hermione is nice and smart, but she's insufferable during exam season. All we want is for her to stay quiet and leave us alone. What's even worse is how she behaves after the exams—she fixates on the mistakes she thinks she's made, stressing everyone else out because she's convinced she didn't put the right answer, even though she usually has.

Since the last attack, there haven't been any others, and Lockhart has taken credit, claiming it's thanks to him that things have calmed down. Meanwhile, I've been gathering real evidence of the incidents. Although I still have no concrete updates, the witnesses and others involved seem confused about what happened, as if their memories of the events are hazy or incomplete.

It seems that Lockhart's story of a heroic incident is nothing but a lie, even though I had already suspected it. The worst part is that he probably stole someone else's work.

He could have simply asked the real hero for permission to write a more fanciful version of the story rather than taking credit for their achievements. He's more suited to writing books than being a hero, and his so-called "victory" for the most beautiful smile is only because he's popular among women.

"Just wait until I destroy your career, and we'll see if you can still boast about having the best smile."

"Honestly, Evelyn, your dark aura is a little scary," Marie said, looking a bit concerned about my mood but showing no sympathy for Lockhart.

Finally, Valentine's Day arrived, and it was one of the worst days imaginable. The Great Hall was completely redecorated in pink, and Lockhart was posing as the main character of the day. He was dressed in bright pink, loudly proclaiming that he had hired dwarves to act as cupids and messengers for the occasion.

"I promise you, if you use their service, I'll ask for a divorce."

"But we're not even married, Evelyn—except in my heart."

I couldn't imagine the shame some students would feel by the end of the day. One of the most talked-about incidents on February 14th was when a dwarf delivered a message to Harry. He was clearly embarrassed and full of resentment toward whoever had sent him that poem.

I felt really sorry for Ginny, who still couldn't overcome her shyness. Ever since the opening of the Chamber of Secrets, she had been feeling awful and struggling to sleep.

It's true that it's stressful to arrive at Hogwarts only to face multiple attacks in your first year—one of which was against a friend.

Finally, the day of the match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor arrived. (Yes, I know it's supposed to be against Hufflepuff, but I don't care.) Both houses were fired up for victory.

Luna was, as usual, very eccentric in her outfit. But since we were close to her, we made sure no one laughed at her openly.

Marie was particularly motivated today because she was going to implement her body-strengthening training.

According to estimates, she had gained enough resistance that a bump would hardly hurt her anymore, and her strength had improved to the point where she could throw the Quaffle across the field with ease.

She was also ecstatic about facing the team with the best Seeker. It was only a matter of time and performance for Ravenclaw to shine.

As we headed to the Quidditch pitch:

"Hermione?"

"Did you say something, Marie?"

"No, nothing. I just remembered I forgot something. Go on without me."