Reaper Of The Wizarding World

After handing a few Sickles over to Fred and George we continued random shops now really buying anything. Outside an old shop that sold 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."

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 while Harry and Hermione laugh. "Sorry, let's go get our books, it's best to get the shopping done now."

We went to Flourish and Blotts to get our books stopping at small side places along the way. There were a few small stalls I liked, mainly the sweets, chocolate is still my favorite so far.

The bookstore was crowded with people all making a fuss to get in. Above the big show window of the store was 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 wizard tried to get them orderly. Then possibly the worst words I could possibly hear come out of Hermione's mouth.

"We can actually meet him!" Hermione squealed in joy. "I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!"

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.

The line wound through the isles to the very back so it was squeezing through most of the time. We each grabbed a copy of Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 and snuck to the front of the line where Ron and Hermione's parents were standing.

"Oh, there you are, good, good. We'll be able to see him soon…" She sounded much too excited for this but oh well, not my wife.

Gilderoy Lockhart came 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 was 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.

A short man was hopping from place to place taking photographs with a magical camera that emitted puffs of purple smoke with every flash of light.

"Out of the way." He snarled at Ron trying to shove his way past. I shoved him before he could step on Ron which surprised the short man. "This is for the Daily Prophet, young man." He said in a rude ton.

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 looked like he wanted to talk back but seeing Gilderoy look in our direction he stopped and took more pictures. Gilderoy locked eyes with me then with Harry and blanked out for a second.

"It can't be, is that THE, Harry Potter?" He said in surprise, the crowed parting between the two while whispering loudly.

Lockhart quickly grabbed Harry by the arm and brought him to the front of the crowd. The crowd burst into applause. Harry's face was dyed red like a tomato, I look over and see Ron looks annoyed while Hermione looks infatuated. I chuckle a bit at the absurdity of the moment.

The reporter from the Daily Prophet was madly taking pictures as Harry put on a horrible fake smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said loudly, waving for 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 p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e 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 cheered loudly at his announcement however, ever Mrs. Weasley and Hermione.

As fast as Gilderoy pushes some books onto Harry he also pushes him away making him stumble 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. 'Progress.'