Chapter 8: Signed Photos (1/2)

Chris and Ginny were about to leave the Great Hall after breakfast when a blonde-haired girl came in front of them.

”Good morning.”

”Morning,” Ginny replied with a smile.

”Morning Luna.” Chris smiled. ”So how is your Ravenclaw house?”

”It's beautiful. We have to solve a riddle to enter. It's a nice way to learn. What about Gryffindor?” Luna asked.

”Oh. We just give a password.” Chris replied.

Chris looked at her schedule again and said, ”Well we have Transfiguration with Ravenclaws this afternoon. So we can meet at Lunch, then go together.”

”That will be great,” Luna answered happily.

”Then see you at Lunch, Luna.” Ginny smiled.

”See you,” Luna said as they parted their ways.

Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, was a tiny little wizard who had to stand on a pile of books to see over his desk. At the start of their first lesson, he took the attendance register. Then he started the class. ”Now the most important things of using a wand, your wrist movements and saying the magic words properly.” Said Professor Flitwick. ”Practice swish and flick.” They practised a few times. ”Let's start with a simple spell 'Lumos'.” as he said a blue light came out from his tip of the wand. Everyone started doing it. Chris took a deep breath and cast the spell. She was successful on her first attempt.

Professor Flitwick also told her the jinx spell ”Nox” to turn the light off. She successfully cast that too in the first attempt.

Professor Flitwick excitedly said, ”Well done Miss Norton. 10 points to Gryffindor for casting both spells properly.”

Chris smiled but just then, someone snorted from behind ”Show off.”

Chris turned around and found a Slytherin boy sitting behind her. Chris saw, he was lighting his wand and turning it off continuously. But he was covering the light with his palm so that no one could see it.

He looked up at Chris, ”What? These are very simple spells. Anyone can do it. What so special?”

”So why don't you show this to Professor Flitwick? I think he will be impressed.”

”Really. Not. Interested.” He said as he turned away.

”Ookkaayy,” Chris said it very slowly then turned back to Ginny.

After class Chris noticed the same boy leaving alone.

They had Herbology with Hufflepuffs, next. Herbology was taught by Professor Sprout, a dumpy little witch.

After Herbology they went to Great Hall for Lunch. Ginny and Chris sat on the Gryffindor table and after some time, Luna joined them.

”It's so good that you two are roommates. My all roommates think that I am crazy.” Luna said with a flat tone.

”Trust me, Luna, our other two roommates are not very great,” Ginny answered.

”Well, I think they are missing out. You two will be great friends. That's why I chose you.” Chris said with a serious face and next second they all burst into laughter.

They were talking about their first classes when Chris noticed a boy beside Ginny, was looking at something with an awestruck expression. She followed his gaze and saw he was staring at Harry who was eating his lunch with Ron and Hermione.

Chris chuckled.

'He really is a celebrity.' She thought.

”You want to talk to him. Just go ahead. Don't stare. It's a bad manner.” Chris said loudly.

The boy heard her. He looked at Chris with a surprised face only to her looking at him.

”Ummm... Me?” He asked uncertainly.

Chris nodded.

”Oh.. Ummm... I wasn't staring... You see...” He tried to explain but Chris raised an eyebrow and he sighed, ”Do you think he will talk to me? I mean he's so famous.”

”I think Yes. Just remember the difference between talking and going full-on fanboy on him.” Chris replied.

”Is he talking about Professor Lockhart?” Ginny asked curiously.

”No. No. I was talking about Harry Potter.” He corrected.

As Ginny heard the name Harry Potter she looked down and went red.

Chris looked at her but before she can say anything the boy said, ”Well... I am a muggle-born. My father is a milkman. He is the famous Harry Potter. I just want a picture with him. I have heard everything about him. About his scar, and because of him you-know-who disappeared. He..”

”Ok. Stop. Stop. Stop. You can't say this to him.” Chris said.

”I can't? Why?” He asked dumb folded.

”Because it actually is his bad memory,” Luna answered.

”Yes. He became orphan the same day he became famous. Have you never thought this?” Chris asked the boy.

Ginny was looking at Chris and Luna with the same expression as the boy. Realisation.

”No. I never. Oh lord. I was just going to hurt him and after that, he was going to hate me.” He looked terrified.

”Yes. You were.” Said Luna flatly.

The boy has about had an emotional breakdown.

Chris sighed.

”Relax. He will not hate you.”

”Really? Will you all.... help me to.... talk to him? I just want to... send a picture to... my father.” He requested.

Chris looked at Luna and Ginny. Luna said she doesn't have any problem and Ginny just nodded.