"So what happened? Did Draco show?" Padma asks, concern evident on her face. Hermione had entirely refused to speak the previous night before she managed to force herself to sleep.
"No, the coward sent Filch to report us for sneaking out after curfew. We almost got caught before we hid in the room that is forbidden. Turns out there was a cerberus in there and it nearly ate us." Harry says bitterly, angrily shoving his fork into his bacon.
"Figures. Well, at least you made it out okay." Stephen says, looking sheepish. "I'm really sorry I put you up to it, I never thought it'd be that bad."
"You couldn't have known, and I'd love more than anything to properly put Malfoy in his place. It just wasn't in the cards last night. We need to talk to Professor Flitwick though, if that cerberus got out it could do a lot more damage than that troll did." Harry says.
"Even then, I feel bad. You need anything you let me and the guys know. We Claws gotta stick together right? Good idea about talking to Flitwick about it though." Stephen says.
"Professor Flitwick, Stephen." Hermione corrects, although her heart doesn't seem to be in it.
"Right, Professor Flitwick. He's getting up from his seat now, probably a good time to catch him. You might want to see if he'll listen to you in his office, less likely to have someone else overhear you that way," Stephen says, pointing at the diminutive professor getting up and leaving the head table.
"Good idea Stephen, thanks for that. Come on Hermione." Harry says, standing up and helping his friend up. She's obviously still shaken from the experience, and barely makes a noise as Harry pulls her along.
The pair catch up with Professor Flitwick in the stairwell moving up to his office. "Ah! Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, what do I owe the pleasure of this morning meeting?" The short professor says, looking at the pair.
"Could we speak in your office Professor? It's important." Harry says, looking at his head of house.
"Certainly, come along then." Flitwick says, eyes suddenly filled with concern.
The trio arrive in Flitwick's office and he takes his seat in his custom chair opposite HArry and Hermione. "Now then, care to clue me in as to what seems to be the problem? Ms. Granger looks as though she's seen a ghost! Although I believe that even our Bloody Baron wouldn't be such a surprise to her anymore."
"Sir, we found a cerberus in the school last night. I don't know much about them, but after our experience with the troll I'm incredibly wary of how it might have come to be here. Hermione is scared of normal dogs, so one roughly the size of a bus isn't exactly comforting for her." Harry says, holding onto Hermione's hand, trying to offer her some level of comfort.
"While I'm certainly glad you are okay, I am very disappointed in the pair of you. Headmaster Dumbledore made it very clear during the opening feast that entering that corridor would get you killed in a manner most gruesome. The cerberus is intended to be there as Hogwarts is currently holding a number of powerful magical artifacts for safekeeping and the cerberus is one of many security measures in place to keep one of them safe. Why were you even in that corridor in the first place?" Flitwick asks, his demeanor calm.
"Draco Malfoy had been insulting me and challenged me to a duel. Another student accepted on my behalf because Malfoy had been bullying a large portion of the first year class, and they hoped that by him losing a duel he would ease off because his ego would be bruised. I had no intention of accepting the duel, but I certainly can't stand by and allow my friends and classmates to be bullied." Harry says, his eyes focused.
"I see. Normally I would be required to report you for suspension for breaking school rules in such a way. However, given how frightened you are of this encounter, I believe that will suffice as a sufficient punishment, although that will be fifteen points apiece from Ravenclaw. I however, highly doubt that it will take you long to make those up." Flitwick says.
"Thank you for your leniency Professor." Harry says, bowing his head down.
"I wouldn't give it if you didn't deserve it. Your Sphinx club has been proving to be a boon to the entire school Mr. Potter. Your drive to succeed has sparked a joy in learning I haven't seen in years. Your first year class is the highest scoring in over a decade, in no small part to you. Now then, unless you have anything else to discuss with me, I believe you should get going, classes will be starting soon. Here is a note in case you happen to be late." Professor Flitwick says, handing them a small piece of parchment.
Harry felt that he was very lucky that he did not receive a harsher punishment, but feeling how frightened Hermione is in his arms even still has redoubled his resolve, and he has finally reached his decision. "Professor Flitwick, I would also like to say that I am interested in receiving your dueling lessons. While I hope I will never have to use them, I couldn't stand if someone or something were trying to hurt my friends and I was unable to stop them."
"I'm glad you feel that way Mr. Potter. We'll start your training at the beginning of the new year, while you may not need to worry too much about your exams, I need to worry about grading them. In the mean-time you could work on getting some proper exercise. I expect to put you through your paces!" The short professor says, looking at Harry with a sparkle in his eyes.
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