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Chapter 15: Time to Duel
Collin walked into the charms classroom and took his seat. The class was going to review Lumos today, as some of the students hadn’t managed it yet. Flitwick took his stance on top of a stack of books. “Good day, class! Today we will be reviewing the wand-lighting charm, Lumos. Hopefully you’ll find this class as enlightening as the spell itself.” Collin snickered at the pun, to which the teacher seemed happy about. “Let’s take a moment to review what we previously learned about Lumos.” The class studied for a good portion of the class before Flitwick spoke up again. “Who can tell me the answer to this question…” The class all turned to him. “What language is the root of many spells?”
Collin was the first to raise his hand, unsurprisingly. Rowan was quickly behind him. Flitwick called upon Collin. “Much like with science chemicals and such for muggles, the Latin language is the root of many spell terms and phrases.”
“Very good, Mr. Hedgehog!” Flitwick was pleased. “Now, let’s take a moment to review some key points related to the wand-lighting charm.”
The students went back to their studies with no problem. Those that were muggle-born were happy that Collin had pointed out a similarity between their lives and the magical world’s lives. After a few more minutes of independent studying, Flitwick announced that it was time for practical applications.
“Show me how far you’ve come with Lumos since our first lesson.” Each of the students were required to demonstrate their Lumos spell. When it got to Collin’s turn, he took a deep breathe, and cast the spell, only for it to accidently light up the entire room. “A bit too strong, there, Mr. Hedgehog.”
“S…sorry Sir….” Collin mumbled as he waited for the spell to finish.
Flitwick noticed that while Collin was a brilliant student, he had low self confidence. “Collin Hedgehog, would you kindly help tutor the other students in the Wand-Lighting Charm?”
Collin blinked in surprise, but agreed. He and a few of the students who were having trouble went to the back area near a chalkboard, where Collin helped them out by breaking it down and slowing each step down for them. After a bit, he demonstrated, though managed to make it more milder so that it didn’t blind the entire room again. It was just right this time.
When class ended, Collin and Rowan made their way over to the courtyard where Angelica was waiting for them. Angelica smiled at the two boys as they arrived. “There you two are. Did you learn a dueling spell?”
Collin nodded slowly. “Rictusempra and Expelliarmus…”
Angelica smiled. “The ticking charm and the disarming charm? I’m impressed. The best way to teach you both how to duel is to have you duel each other.”
Collin looked upset. “I don’t want to hurt Rowan… I don’t want to hurt anyone…”
“I don’t want to get hurt…” Rowan grimaced in agreement.
Angelica looked at them kindly. “I don’t want either of you to get hurt, but that’s part of learning how to duel. Now, let’s get started…”
Collin sighed as he and Rowan got into the dueling positions. The bowed, as was proper, before the two of them got into fighting stances. Collin’s was more firm and confident looking than Rowan’s, despite that he wanted nothing to do with fighting. Collin chose an aggressive stance to counter Rowan’s sneaky one. Whatever spell that Rowan had been about to do was quickly stopped by an “Expelliarmus!” being shouted by Collin. Rowan’s wand flew out of his hand, but he managed to catch it, much to his own surprise. Collin just looked relieved that he hadn’t hurt his friend. He had however startled the boy and their prefect. He chose to be defensive this time while Rowan did another try at the sneaky stance. Rowan threw a potion, which distracted Collin, spraying a light acid on him. “What was that?”
“I…um… it was my failed Wiggenweld…”
Collin merely nodded as he tried for his own sneaky spell. This time he cast “Rictusempra!” Rowan was quickly reduced to a giggling fit, but eventually managed to control himself quicker than the first time. Collin went defensive again and threw his own vial of bad potion, causing Angelica to call it.
“What was that?” Angelica asked as they came upon the remnants of the vial that Collin had thrown.
He grimaced. “Um… I might know what makes Gobstones stink so much, hehe.” He then turned to Rowan with concern. “Are you all right, Rowan? I didn’t hurt you badly, did I?”
Rowan just chuckled. “I’ll be fine, Collin. I’ll happily trade a few bruises for learning how to duel.”
Angelica was proud. “Well done. Now you’ll both be able to defend yourselves, and properly represent Gryffindor.”
Collin nodded. “And if I keep training, I’ll be able to put an end to Merula’s bullying…” he muttered to himself.
The next day, Collin received a note at breakfast from Merula, challenging him to a fight. He had Charms first, but after that, during the break, he had a feeling he’d have no choice. He sighed as he went to Flitwick’s class to learn a new spell.
“Today we will be learning Wingardium Leviosa. The levitation charm is used to make objects fly or levitate, and is an excellent test of your wand control and patience.” Flitwick smiled at top of his large stack of books while the students sat. “Let’s begin. One of the wizard’s most rudimentary skills is levitation, or the ability to make objects fly. Don’t forget the nice wrist movements we’ve been practicing. Swish and flick.” Flitwick brought out his own wand. “Allow me to demonstrate. And remember – Wingardium Leviosa!” He called out as he made a large feather in front of him float in the air. Collin looked at it with child like wonder, as did some of the muggle born students. Charles and the wizards of Knothole didn’t usually use magic, save for emergencies or if it was helpful. They liked the idea of being able to do things without magic in case they needed to hide again. Each of the students had their own feather in front of them, but Flitwick took his students over to the chalkboard. “Over here is a list of how many things you can levitate, and you should practice this. It will be very important.” Between Collin and Rowan, their quills were flying across their journals so quick it was almost impossible to tell how they were doing it! After that, the students were sent to their desks to study the incantation and wand wave from their books. Some time nearing the end of class, Flitwick stood in the center of the room. “Proper stance and posture are essential to casting charms. Watch me.” He showed his casting stance to the students; how to hold the wand, how to stand, and how to waive it properly for the spell in question. Collin took note of every motion and stance, and when Rowan peeked over into his notebook, he was surprised to find Collin was actually drawing out each stance and movement as the teacher repeated it over and over for them all.
In the end, the students were each called upon to show what they could do. Collin calmed himself down and concentrated on how high he wanted the feather to fly, and that he only wanted the feather to fly. He soon had the feather flying above his head, much to the approval of his teacher, and his own relief. He had mastered the levitation spell.
Now he had to deal with Merula…
Collin knew he didn’t want to start a fight. Hell, he wanted nothing to do with fighting at all. He concentrated on checking his shield that he always had on him. ‘I… need you to go away for now… I… I’ll be fine…’ He willed it. As soon as he did that, he felt a shudder run down his spine. His shield was gone… for now… it always returned eventually though, so he wasn’t afraid.
Collin made it to the courtyard and saw a group gathered. He spotted Rowan and went over. “What’s going on, Rowan?” He saw Ben was in the center of the circle with Merula, and he looked petrified.
Rowan was anxious as well as concerned. “Merula is threatening Ben Copper! He keeps trying to walk away, but she won’t let him.”
“You’re an embarrassment to everyone in our year!” Merula snapped at the muggle born lion cub.
Tears were streaming down his face. “Just leave me alone!” He roared back, wanting out.
“Disgusting mudbloods like you shouldn’t even be allowed in Hogwarts!” Collin’s eyes flared. He concentrated on his shield, knowing it never went far and willed it to protect Ben. “Leave the magic to real witches and wizards.”
Collin stepped forward. “It will be okay, Merula.” He muttered as he stood in front of Ben.
“What are you talking about, you little freak?”
Collin took a deep breath and just continued talking calmly, as though he knew the truth of the girl’s temper tantrum. “I’m sure your parents will eventually be released from Azkaban.” Everyone’s eyes widened as they looked at him. His brown spiky hair rustling in the wind. “Either way, just because they chose evil, doesn’t mean you have to be evil too. I certainly didn’t…” He muttered the last sentence, but his words were still heard.
Merula stomped her feet, her purple eyes blazing with anger. “Who told you about my parents?”
Truthfully, Collin had known for years, not that he’d ever tell his dad that he had found the newspapers with the names of the prisoners of Azkaban who were Death-Eaters. “A friend…” He said calmly. “You should try getting a friend of your own. You might not be so miserable.” He stood in front of Ben, though smaller, in a protective stance.
“You never learn, do you, Kintobor?”
“Name’s Hedgehog for a reason, dear. I do learn. Do you?”
Merula growled as Ben scurried to the side of what looked to be a duel. “Why don’t you be more like your mad sister, and go missing?”
Collin gave a grimace. “Tried that once, someone found me… I’m better off now. Besides, I’m afraid you’re the person everyone is wishing would just go away for the moment.”
“Make me, Hedgehog.”
Collin took a deep breath. “I’ll duel you if I have to…”
Merula stomped her feet. “Try it. You’ll lose again like the loser you are.”
This time tears were coming from Collin, much to the group’s surprise. “I won’t let you hurt anyone else…”
Merula quickly broke out her wand and cast a spell. “Flipendo!”
Collin was knocked to the ground, and due to his small height, quite harshly too. He looked up with a slightly bloody nose, bruises on his elbows, and sadness in his eyes, though it looked more like pity.
“Wrong again, Kintobor.”
Collin merely sighed and stood up as their classmates gathered in a circle. “I don’t like doing this, Merula. Last chance.”
“No.” Merula cast another spell, causing him distraction, but he quickly got over it.
“Then… you leave me no choice.” He used his wand and cast “Rictusempra!” with no true heart behind it. It still did it’s affect and caused her to go into a laughing fit for a minute. Collin was about to walk away with that when he noticed her about to cast another spell at him. He didn’t even have time to think before his own voice called his next spell; “Expelliarmus!” successfully disarming the girl.
“How’d you learn that spell already? NO FAIR!” She called out in shock.
Collin’s hand slid to his side as tears fell from his face. Rowan was too impressed to notice. “Wow! That was amazing, Collin!”
“You can’t be better than me!” Merula screeched, causing Collin to look at her with teary eyes and a face that said he was scared. “No one can be better than me!”
Collin wiped some of the blood from her first spell away and stood as tall as he could. “I beat you, Merula.” He was bitter about it. “Now, apologize to Ben Copper, and promise to stop bullying everyone.”
Merula growled. “I’ll never apologize to you losers and Mudbloods!” Collin didn’t want to fight anymore. He just closed his eyes and awaited a punishment from the two teachers that were walking up and taking places behind Merula. “I’m Merula Snyde! Fourth generation Slytherin! The greatest witch at Hogwarts! I do what I want when I want! I run this school! I…”Snape cleared his throat at that time. Merula jolted and backed away from him. “P…Professor Snape!”
Collin just looked more downcast, expecting to be expelled. Snape had warned him, as had Flitwick… he had broken his promise to not duel… to follow rules… “Professor Snape, I…”
Snape snapped at him first, despite looking like the worst off of the two. “I suspect this is your fault, Hedgehog. Are you aware of Hogwarts’ policy on unauthorized dueling?”
Collin nodded slowly. He knew what was coming, nothing could save him now. He was such a disappointment to everyone… “Y…yes, Professor…”
Flitwick then spoke up. “Did you cast the first spell in this duel, Mr. Hedgehog?”
Collin looked up at Professor Flitwick with confusion. What did it matter if he cast the first spell? He participated in it, that was all there was too it, wasn’t there? “N…no… Merula hit me with Flipendo first…” He rubbed his elbow. Being that he was in his normal attire instead of his uniform now, they could see some of his scrapes that he had from years ago, which were faded, but more importantly, they could see the scrapes he had from the fight.
Flitwick nodded and looked up to his co-worker. “Miss Snyde cast the first spell, Professor Snape. Mr. Hedgehog was only defending himself.”
Snape looked down at the smaller professor with disapproval. “And I wonder where he learned the disarming charm.” Collin blushed. They had seen his last move… how much had they truly seen? It wasn’t a long duel anyway though. Snape then turned towards Collin once more. “Clean yourself up, and see me in the West Towers to face the consequences of your actions, Hedgehog. TONIGHT.” Collin nodded solemnly, wondering what was going to happen now.
Collin cleaned himself up and then headed to a nearby area just outside the castle. It had all sorts of things nearby, so Collin just went to the Grasslands. He was surprised to find Hagrid was there. “Ah, Collin… what’s wrong?”
Collin wiped away his tears to not worry the friendly half-giant. “N…nothing… what’s up, Hagrid?”
“Oh, I’m just taking care of the magical creatures around here. There’s quite a few after all. Would yeh like ter help?”
Collin didn’t have the heart to tell him he might be expelled that night, so he simply nodded with a weak smile. “Sure…”
Hagrid introduced him to a Niffler. “Here, feed him some of this.”
Collin knelt down on the ground and held his hand out with food, a gentle smile upon his face. “Here ya go…” The Niffler looked at it, sniffed Collin’s hand, and then quickly swiped the food.
“Good job! Yeh could be a Magizoologist!”
“Heh, maybe…” He smiled as the Niffler kept eyeing him. “I’d love to meet more magical creatures.”
“I was hopin’ you’d say that. We’ll need teh be careful…” Hagrid smirked as he looked down at the Niffler that was trying to stare down Collin. “Some o’ these creatures are dangerous.”
Collin thought about it for a moment before laughing. “That happens to be a quality I share apparently…” He laughed bitterly.
“Hehe, I recon it’s no more so than huntin’ for Cursed Vaults.” Collin blushed. Did the staff already know? “Besides, once you spend as much time carin’ fer a creature as I have, yeh’ll get close enough that they’ll be comfortable showin’ their affection.” Hagrid looked down at the tiny human. “I think yeh’ll find puttin’ in the work teh build trust with a creature teh be very rewardin’.”
“I… I think your right.”
“Good. Why don’t yeh go look for some food in the Artefact room? I’ve seen Kettleburn store some food in there for the creatures.”
“Right… thanks…” It was a distraction from what had just happened, and was no doubt going to happen at least.
Collin made his way into the Artefact room and started his search. It didn’t take him long to find some food. He then made his way back to Hagrid and his new Niffler. He gave the Niffler some more food and it started to clap so to speak, even doing a little dance. Collin felt a little better about it. If he didn’t get expelled, he’d at least have a new friend.
On his way up to face the music, he found a Ms. Penny Haywood, a clever witch of their year in Hufflepuff was waiting for him. “Hello, Collin Hedgehog.”
Collin blushed, having only had a few classes with her. She never really payed attention to him before though. “You… know who I am?”
“Does that surprise you?” She asked with a smile.
Collin nodded. “Yeah… I mean… you’re Penny Haywood. You’re the most popular girl in our year, and I’m… well I’m me… I’m not popular…” He started fiddling with his uniform, as he had placed it back on before coming up the stairs.
“I disagree, Collin. Everyone is talking about the hero who was brave enough to stand up to the tyranny of Merula Snyde. Not to mention all the rumors surrounding your sister…” Collin face palmed.
“Did you want something?” He asked now slightly irritated.
Penny just kept smiling a real genuine smile. “I just wanted to say thank you.” Collin looked at her with confusion. “Hogwarts is supposed to be fun, but Merula was making it miserable for everyone. I especially appreciate how you used your wits to make Merula stop bullying Ben Copper.”
Collin sighed, happy that she had commented on his wits rather than skills with a wand. “Well… someone had to do something…”
“I agree, but only you were brave enough. I hope Professor Snape doesn’t punish you for your bravery.” Collin shrugged but smirked. Bravery was a Gryffindor trait. “Let me know if I can ever help you with anything, Collin. I know the gossip around Hogwarts, and I’m pretty good with potions if I say so myself.”
Collin let out his own small smile. “I will. Thank you, Penny.”
“Thank you, Collin. I’ll see you around.” She at least was confident that Snape wasn’t going to kill him. Collin sighed as the blonde walked away. She was nice.
He then made his way to where Merula and Snape were waiting. Snape noticed him with his usual sneer. “Now that Mr. Hedgehog is here, I can discuss your punishment. Expulsion seems to be the most logical option.” Collin agreed, and hung his head, waiting for the word to be given.
Merula immediately got defensive. “I had nothing to do with it, Professor. I only defended myself when this loser attacked me!” She lied, putting on her sweetest and most innocent face.
Snape shook his head, looking at the girl with a sour expression. “Everyone saw you cast the first spell, Miss Snyde. This, however, does not excuse Hedgehog’s behavior.” Collin sighed as he listened to the lecture. “Since you arrived, you have fought in the corridor, made a mess of my classroom, and dueled on school grounds. This, after the damage your sister did to Hogwarts.” This was where Collin didn’t care anymore. Everyone here was comparing him to someone who had been missing for a decade now! “Why shouldn’t you receive the harshest punishment for your actions, Hedgehog?”
Collin looked at the professor with confusion at his question. Why? “I… I did it to protect my friends… I stopped Merula from bullying me and my friends… is… is that so wrong?” He asked, not blubbering as he had been earlier, but stuttering none the less.
Snape snapped at him. “Attacking a student with your wand is against school rules. You quite literally did do something wrong. Twenty points from Gryffindor.” Collin blinked. “As I said, expulsion is the logical punishment for dueling on school grounds. Unfortunately, our Headmaster is illogical, and believes that expulsion is unfair in this case.” Collin blinked again, the surprise evident on his face. “If either of you are ever caught dueling on school grounds again, I can assure you that you will not be so fortunate.” At that point, the caretaker of the school, Mr. Filch showed up. He was an old man with long gray hair that was balding in the center of his scalp, with a shadow of a beard. “What is it, Mr. Filch?”
“Professor Snape, you must come with me right away. It’s about the… vaults.” Collin’s eyes widened as he looked at the caretaker with shock.
Snape snapped back at the two students. “Return to your common rooms.”
As the two teachers walked away, Merula smirked deviously, having pretty much gotten off scot free. “They must be talking about the cursed vaults!” She went after them.
Collin looked at her as though she was crazy. “Why does Merula care about the Cursed Vaults? Doesn’t she think that they drive people mad? I’d better follow them…” Collin snuck over quickly and quietly, wondering what the hubbub was about. He hid behind Merula with no problem, but she noticed him.
“Get out of here!” She hissed.
“Shh! You’ll get us both caught, woman. Who is Snape talking to?” Collin had yet to meet Mr. Filch yet.
“You’re such an idiot. That’s the caretaker, Mr. Filch. He wanders the corridors trying to catch students breaking school rules.”
Collin leaned forward, trying to hear better. “Are they talking about the Cursed Vaults?”
“I can’t tell because you won’t shut up.” Merula hissed again.
Snape held his usual face as he talked to the Caretaker. “Who else knows about this?”
“Only me and Mrs. Norris saw the ice, sir.” Ms. Norris was a cat in his arms that had red eyes that seemed to see everything. “Was going to report the incident to the Headmaster, I was.”
Snape nodded. “I will inform Professor Dumbledore. This may have to do with the Kintobor situation.”
Filch then asked a dumb question that made Collin want to face palm. “Is it true that the vaults are filled with gold and powerful prophecies and artefacts from before Hogwarts existed? And that’s why the Kintobor girl lost her mind trying to find them?”
Snape snapped at him. “Don’t worry about what’s inside the vaults. Worry about keeping everyone out. Lock this door, and keep it guarded.”
Collin actually felt stupid and asked Merula a question. “What the blazes is the Kintobor Situation?” He felt bitter just saying that name.
Merula sneered. “Who cares? This is another clue to the Cursed Vaults.”
Collin looked and saw that the teachers had left the hall through the other side’s door. Then he looked at the witch in front of him. “You think the Cursed Vaults are real? And you’re trying to find them? You always call my sister mad for trying to do that, you hypocrite!”
“I’m not a hippogriff!”
“Hyp-o-crite! It means someone who says bad things about something and then turns around and does just that.” Collin deadpanned.
Merula rolled her eyes. “Even if I cared to explain myself to an idiot, I wouldn’t do it here, and risk getting caught by the two meanest people at Hogwarts.” For once, Merula had a point. With that, she left.
Collin sighed and went back to the dorms. He had to tell Rowan. Unfortunately, Rowan wasn’t there by the time he got back. Rowan had apparently fallen asleep studying in the library again. Collin didn’t’ see him until Charms the next morning. They couldn’t talk there, that was for certain! In Charms, they reviewed Wingardium Leviosa again. Collin just counted his lucky stars he hadn’t been expelled yet. Collin helped the other students, quickly proving to be an adept teacher’s assistant before going to the Great Hall.
He found Rowan quickly enough. Collin sighed in relief as he saw his friend. “Rowan!” Rowan looked up from his books and smiled back at Collin. “You alright? I was worried there when Merula hit you with the Knockback Jinx.”
Rowan touched his friend’s head gently. “You sure you’re okay? You were the one who was hit with the jinx.”
Collin paused and then gave out a weak laugh. “Oh…yeah… Well I’m still glad you’re okay.” Then he sat down and got serious. “You aren’t going to believe what happened…”
Rowan chuckled. “I can’t even believe you’re here, Collin. Snape and Flitwick looked so angry after you dueled Merula.” Collin looked downcast again. “Thanks again for stopping her from bullying all of us. You’re a hero.”
Collin shook his head. “I don’t feel like a hero. In fact, I think I might be cursed…”
“What do you mean?”
Collin sighed and explained. “I followed Snape and Mr. Filch to a corridor. They mentioned ice and vaults…”
Rowan’s eyes widened. “Just like your vision…”
Collin then looked bitter. “They said it had something to do with The Kintobor Situation…”
Rowan then frowned. “I don’t understand, and I pride myself on understanding things…”
“I don’t understand either… but… I’m hoping we can work it out together…” Rowan nodded. Collin smiled again. “I’ll tell you everything that happened…”
“I always want to help you, Collin, but I’m worried about Filch and Snape…” Rowan muttered as he bit into his sandwich. “What if we get caught?”
Collin’s eyes seemed to sharpen. “We won’t. We’ll be prepared.”
Rowan was surprised, but continued with his next question. “I’m worried about your vision…”
“We’ll work it out together…” He said hopingly.
Rowan nodded with a smirk. “I feel a little better, but there are still so many things that could go wrong…”
“Everything will be fine. Just let me explain my plan…”
“What about Snape?”
“We’ll try to avoid him…”
Rowan nodded. “I’m feeling a lot better about this, but there are still a couple of things that have me worried…”
“I’ll answer all of your questions, Rowan. Everything will work out…”
“What about the cursed vaults?”
Collin sighed. “We’ll have to break the curse, I suppose.” Collin was a bit bitter about that.
“I’m still not sure, Collin…”
Collin looked at him with pleading eyes. “I need your help, Rowan.”
Rowan sighed and nodded. “You’re right, Collin. I’ll help you investigate that corridor.”
“Thank you…” Collin smiled a small smile. He had hope.
“What do you think it all means?”
“I’m not sure, but it has something to do with me, the Cursed Vaults, and possibly my sister. Though why is beyond me!” He sighed again. “I have to investigate the Upstairs corridor.”
“You mean we have to investigate the Upstairs Corridor. Let’s head there tomorrow night after everyone goes to sleep.”
“Why tomorrow night?”
“I… need time to finish up a paper.” Collin chuckled.
“I understand. I need to finish up as well, and tomorrow we’re supposed to be learning a new spell that might help us; Nox.”
“OH, yeah, we should wait for that.”
“Then it’s decided.”
The two smirked and shook hands. They had a plan.

Description
Chapter 15: Time to Duel
Collin walked into the charms classroom and took his seat. The class was going to review Lumos today, as some of the students hadn’t managed it yet. Flitwick took his stance on top of a stack of books. “Good day, class! Today we will be reviewing the wand-lighting charm, Lumos. Hopefully you’ll find this class as enlightening as the spell itself.” Collin snickered at the pun, to which the teacher seemed happy about. “Let’s take a moment to review what we previously learned about Lumos.” The class studied for a good portion of the class before Flitwick spoke up again. “Who can tell me the answer to this question…” The class all turned to him. “What language is the root of many spells?”
Collin was the first to raise his hand, unsurprisingly. Rowan was quickly behind him. Flitwick called upon Collin. “Much like with science chemicals and such for muggles, the Latin language is the root of many spell terms and phrases.”
“Very good, Mr. Hedgehog!” Flitwick was pleased. “Now, let’s take a moment to review some key points related to the wand-lighting charm.”
The students went back to their studies with no problem. Those that were muggle-born were happy that Collin had pointed out a similarity between their lives and the magical world’s lives. After a few more minutes of independent studying, Flitwick announced that it was time for practical applications.
“Show me how far you’ve come with Lumos since our first lesson.” Each of the students were required to demonstrate their Lumos spell. When it got to Collin’s turn, he took a deep breathe, and cast the spell, only for it to accidently light up the entire room. “A bit too strong, there, Mr. Hedgehog.”
“S…sorry Sir….” Collin mumbled as he waited for the spell to finish.
Flitwick noticed that while Collin was a brilliant student, he had low self confidence. “Collin Hedgehog, would you kindly help tutor the other students in the Wand-Lighting Charm?”
Collin blinked in surprise, but agreed. He and a few of the students who were having trouble went to the back area near a chalkboard, where Collin helped them out by breaking it down and slowing each step down for them. After a bit, he demonstrated, though managed to make it more milder so that it didn’t blind the entire room again. It was just right this time.
When class ended, Collin and Rowan made their way over to the courtyard where Angelica was waiting for them. Angelica smiled at the two boys as they arrived. “There you two are. Did you learn a dueling spell?”
Collin nodded slowly. “Rictusempra and Expelliarmus…”
Angelica smiled. “The ticking charm and the disarming charm? I’m impressed. The best way to teach you both how to duel is to have you duel each other.”
Collin looked upset. “I don’t want to hurt Rowan… I don’t want to hurt anyone…”
“I don’t want to get hurt…” Rowan grimaced in agreement.
Angelica looked at them kindly. “I don’t want either of you to get hurt, but that’s part of learning how to duel. Now, let’s get started…”
Collin sighed as he and Rowan got into the dueling positions. The bowed, as was proper, before the two of them got into fighting stances. Collin’s was more firm and confident looking than Rowan’s, despite that he wanted nothing to do with fighting. Collin chose an aggressive stance to counter Rowan’s sneaky one. Whatever spell that Rowan had been about to do was quickly stopped by an “Expelliarmus!” being shouted by Collin. Rowan’s wand flew out of his hand, but he managed to catch it, much to his own surprise. Collin just looked relieved that he hadn’t hurt his friend. He had however startled the boy and their prefect. He chose to be defensive this time while Rowan did another try at the sneaky stance. Rowan threw a potion, which distracted Collin, spraying a light acid on him. “What was that?”
“I…um… it was my failed Wiggenweld…”
Collin merely nodded as he tried for his own sneaky spell. This time he cast “Rictusempra!” Rowan was quickly reduced to a giggling fit, but eventually managed to control himself quicker than the first time. Collin went defensive again and threw his own vial of bad potion, causing Angelica to call it.
“What was that?” Angelica asked as they came upon the remnants of the vial that Collin had thrown.
He grimaced. “Um… I might know what makes Gobstones stink so much, hehe.” He then turned to Rowan with concern. “Are you all right, Rowan? I didn’t hurt you badly, did I?”
Rowan just chuckled. “I’ll be fine, Collin. I’ll happily trade a few bruises for learning how to duel.”
Angelica was proud. “Well done. Now you’ll both be able to defend yourselves, and properly represent Gryffindor.”
Collin nodded. “And if I keep training, I’ll be able to put an end to Merula’s bullying…” he muttered to himself.
The next day, Collin received a note at breakfast from Merula, challenging him to a fight. He had Charms first, but after that, during the break, he had a feeling he’d have no choice. He sighed as he went to Flitwick’s class to learn a new spell.
“Today we will be learning Wingardium Leviosa. The levitation charm is used to make objects fly or levitate, and is an excellent test of your wand control and patience.” Flitwick smiled at top of his large stack of books while the students sat. “Let’s begin. One of the wizard’s most rudimentary skills is levitation, or the ability to make objects fly. Don’t forget the nice wrist movements we’ve been practicing. Swish and flick.” Flitwick brought out his own wand. “Allow me to demonstrate. And remember – Wingardium Leviosa!” He called out as he made a large feather in front of him float in the air. Collin looked at it with child like wonder, as did some of the muggle born students. Charles and the wizards of Knothole didn’t usually use magic, save for emergencies or if it was helpful. They liked the idea of being able to do things without magic in case they needed to hide again. Each of the students had their own feather in front of them, but Flitwick took his students over to the chalkboard. “Over here is a list of how many things you can levitate, and you should practice this. It will be very important.” Between Collin and Rowan, their quills were flying across their journals so quick it was almost impossible to tell how they were doing it! After that, the students were sent to their desks to study the incantation and wand wave from their books. Some time nearing the end of class, Flitwick stood in the center of the room. “Proper stance and posture are essential to casting charms. Watch me.” He showed his casting stance to the students; how to hold the wand, how to stand, and how to waive it properly for the spell in question. Collin took note of every motion and stance, and when Rowan peeked over into his notebook, he was surprised to find Collin was actually drawing out each stance and movement as the teacher repeated it over and over for them all.
In the end, the students were each called upon to show what they could do. Collin calmed himself down and concentrated on how high he wanted the feather to fly, and that he only wanted the feather to fly. He soon had the feather flying above his head, much to the approval of his teacher, and his own relief. He had mastered the levitation spell.
Now he had to deal with Merula…
Collin knew he didn’t want to start a fight. Hell, he wanted nothing to do with fighting at all. He concentrated on checking his shield that he always had on him. ‘I… need you to go away for now… I… I’ll be fine…’ He willed it. As soon as he did that, he felt a shudder run down his spine. His shield was gone… for now… it always returned eventually though, so he wasn’t afraid.
Collin made it to the courtyard and saw a group gathered. He spotted Rowan and went over. “What’s going on, Rowan?” He saw Ben was in the center of the circle with Merula, and he looked petrified.
Rowan was anxious as well as concerned. “Merula is threatening Ben Copper! He keeps trying to walk away, but she won’t let him.”
“You’re an embarrassment to everyone in our year!” Merula snapped at the muggle born lion cub.
Tears were streaming down his face. “Just leave me alone!” He roared back, wanting out.
“Disgusting mudbloods like you shouldn’t even be allowed in Hogwarts!” Collin’s eyes flared. He concentrated on his shield, knowing it never went far and willed it to protect Ben. “Leave the magic to real witches and wizards.”
Collin stepped forward. “It will be okay, Merula.” He muttered as he stood in front of Ben.
“What are you talking about, you little freak?”
Collin took a deep breath and just continued talking calmly, as though he knew the truth of the girl’s temper tantrum. “I’m sure your parents will eventually be released from Azkaban.” Everyone’s eyes widened as they looked at him. His brown spiky hair rustling in the wind. “Either way, just because they chose evil, doesn’t mean you have to be evil too. I certainly didn’t…” He muttered the last sentence, but his words were still heard.
Merula stomped her feet, her purple eyes blazing with anger. “Who told you about my parents?”
Truthfully, Collin had known for years, not that he’d ever tell his dad that he had found the newspapers with the names of the prisoners of Azkaban who were Death-Eaters. “A friend…” He said calmly. “You should try getting a friend of your own. You might not be so miserable.” He stood in front of Ben, though smaller, in a protective stance.
“You never learn, do you, Kintobor?”
“Name’s Hedgehog for a reason, dear. I do learn. Do you?”
Merula growled as Ben scurried to the side of what looked to be a duel. “Why don’t you be more like your mad sister, and go missing?”
Collin gave a grimace. “Tried that once, someone found me… I’m better off now. Besides, I’m afraid you’re the person everyone is wishing would just go away for the moment.”
“Make me, Hedgehog.”
Collin took a deep breath. “I’ll duel you if I have to…”
Merula stomped her feet. “Try it. You’ll lose again like the loser you are.”
This time tears were coming from Collin, much to the group’s surprise. “I won’t let you hurt anyone else…”
Merula quickly broke out her wand and cast a spell. “Flipendo!”
Collin was knocked to the ground, and due to his small height, quite harshly too. He looked up with a slightly bloody nose, bruises on his elbows, and sadness in his eyes, though it looked more like pity.
“Wrong again, Kintobor.”
Collin merely sighed and stood up as their classmates gathered in a circle. “I don’t like doing this, Merula. Last chance.”
“No.” Merula cast another spell, causing him distraction, but he quickly got over it.
“Then… you leave me no choice.” He used his wand and cast “Rictusempra!” with no true heart behind it. It still did it’s affect and caused her to go into a laughing fit for a minute. Collin was about to walk away with that when he noticed her about to cast another spell at him. He didn’t even have time to think before his own voice called his next spell; “Expelliarmus!” successfully disarming the girl.
“How’d you learn that spell already? NO FAIR!” She called out in shock.
Collin’s hand slid to his side as tears fell from his face. Rowan was too impressed to notice. “Wow! That was amazing, Collin!”
“You can’t be better than me!” Merula screeched, causing Collin to look at her with teary eyes and a face that said he was scared. “No one can be better than me!”
Collin wiped some of the blood from her first spell away and stood as tall as he could. “I beat you, Merula.” He was bitter about it. “Now, apologize to Ben Copper, and promise to stop bullying everyone.”
Merula growled. “I’ll never apologize to you losers and Mudbloods!” Collin didn’t want to fight anymore. He just closed his eyes and awaited a punishment from the two teachers that were walking up and taking places behind Merula. “I’m Merula Snyde! Fourth generation Slytherin! The greatest witch at Hogwarts! I do what I want when I want! I run this school! I…”Snape cleared his throat at that time. Merula jolted and backed away from him. “P…Professor Snape!”
Collin just looked more downcast, expecting to be expelled. Snape had warned him, as had Flitwick… he had broken his promise to not duel… to follow rules… “Professor Snape, I…”
Snape snapped at him first, despite looking like the worst off of the two. “I suspect this is your fault, Hedgehog. Are you aware of Hogwarts’ policy on unauthorized dueling?”
Collin nodded slowly. He knew what was coming, nothing could save him now. He was such a disappointment to everyone… “Y…yes, Professor…”
Flitwick then spoke up. “Did you cast the first spell in this duel, Mr. Hedgehog?”
Collin looked up at Professor Flitwick with confusion. What did it matter if he cast the first spell? He participated in it, that was all there was too it, wasn’t there? “N…no… Merula hit me with Flipendo first…” He rubbed his elbow. Being that he was in his normal attire instead of his uniform now, they could see some of his scrapes that he had from years ago, which were faded, but more importantly, they could see the scrapes he had from the fight.
Flitwick nodded and looked up to his co-worker. “Miss Snyde cast the first spell, Professor Snape. Mr. Hedgehog was only defending himself.”
Snape looked down at the smaller professor with disapproval. “And I wonder where he learned the disarming charm.” Collin blushed. They had seen his last move… how much had they truly seen? It wasn’t a long duel anyway though. Snape then turned towards Collin once more. “Clean yourself up, and see me in the West Towers to face the consequences of your actions, Hedgehog. TONIGHT.” Collin nodded solemnly, wondering what was going to happen now.
Collin cleaned himself up and then headed to a nearby area just outside the castle. It had all sorts of things nearby, so Collin just went to the Grasslands. He was surprised to find Hagrid was there. “Ah, Collin… what’s wrong?”
Collin wiped away his tears to not worry the friendly half-giant. “N…nothing… what’s up, Hagrid?”
“Oh, I’m just taking care of the magical creatures around here. There’s quite a few after all. Would yeh like ter help?”
Collin didn’t have the heart to tell him he might be expelled that night, so he simply nodded with a weak smile. “Sure…”
Hagrid introduced him to a Niffler. “Here, feed him some of this.”
Collin knelt down on the ground and held his hand out with food, a gentle smile upon his face. “Here ya go…” The Niffler looked at it, sniffed Collin’s hand, and then quickly swiped the food.
“Good job! Yeh could be a Magizoologist!”
“Heh, maybe…” He smiled as the Niffler kept eyeing him. “I’d love to meet more magical creatures.”
“I was hopin’ you’d say that. We’ll need teh be careful…” Hagrid smirked as he looked down at the Niffler that was trying to stare down Collin. “Some o’ these creatures are dangerous.”
Collin thought about it for a moment before laughing. “That happens to be a quality I share apparently…” He laughed bitterly.
“Hehe, I recon it’s no more so than huntin’ for Cursed Vaults.” Collin blushed. Did the staff already know? “Besides, once you spend as much time carin’ fer a creature as I have, yeh’ll get close enough that they’ll be comfortable showin’ their affection.” Hagrid looked down at the tiny human. “I think yeh’ll find puttin’ in the work teh build trust with a creature teh be very rewardin’.”
“I… I think your right.”
“Good. Why don’t yeh go look for some food in the Artefact room? I’ve seen Kettleburn store some food in there for the creatures.”
“Right… thanks…” It was a distraction from what had just happened, and was no doubt going to happen at least.
Collin made his way into the Artefact room and started his search. It didn’t take him long to find some food. He then made his way back to Hagrid and his new Niffler. He gave the Niffler some more food and it started to clap so to speak, even doing a little dance. Collin felt a little better about it. If he didn’t get expelled, he’d at least have a new friend.
On his way up to face the music, he found a Ms. Penny Haywood, a clever witch of their year in Hufflepuff was waiting for him. “Hello, Collin Hedgehog.”
Collin blushed, having only had a few classes with her. She never really payed attention to him before though. “You… know who I am?”
“Does that surprise you?” She asked with a smile.
Collin nodded. “Yeah… I mean… you’re Penny Haywood. You’re the most popular girl in our year, and I’m… well I’m me… I’m not popular…” He started fiddling with his uniform, as he had placed it back on before coming up the stairs.
“I disagree, Collin. Everyone is talking about the hero who was brave enough to stand up to the tyranny of Merula Snyde. Not to mention all the rumors surrounding your sister…” Collin face palmed.
“Did you want something?” He asked now slightly irritated.
Penny just kept smiling a real genuine smile. “I just wanted to say thank you.” Collin looked at her with confusion. “Hogwarts is supposed to be fun, but Merula was making it miserable for everyone. I especially appreciate how you used your wits to make Merula stop bullying Ben Copper.”
Collin sighed, happy that she had commented on his wits rather than skills with a wand. “Well… someone had to do something…”
“I agree, but only you were brave enough. I hope Professor Snape doesn’t punish you for your bravery.” Collin shrugged but smirked. Bravery was a Gryffindor trait. “Let me know if I can ever help you with anything, Collin. I know the gossip around Hogwarts, and I’m pretty good with potions if I say so myself.”
Collin let out his own small smile. “I will. Thank you, Penny.”
“Thank you, Collin. I’ll see you around.” She at least was confident that Snape wasn’t going to kill him. Collin sighed as the blonde walked away. She was nice.
He then made his way to where Merula and Snape were waiting. Snape noticed him with his usual sneer. “Now that Mr. Hedgehog is here, I can discuss your punishment. Expulsion seems to be the most logical option.” Collin agreed, and hung his head, waiting for the word to be given.
Merula immediately got defensive. “I had nothing to do with it, Professor. I only defended myself when this loser attacked me!” She lied, putting on her sweetest and most innocent face.
Snape shook his head, looking at the girl with a sour expression. “Everyone saw you cast the first spell, Miss Snyde. This, however, does not excuse Hedgehog’s behavior.” Collin sighed as he listened to the lecture. “Since you arrived, you have fought in the corridor, made a mess of my classroom, and dueled on school grounds. This, after the damage your sister did to Hogwarts.” This was where Collin didn’t care anymore. Everyone here was comparing him to someone who had been missing for a decade now! “Why shouldn’t you receive the harshest punishment for your actions, Hedgehog?”
Collin looked at the professor with confusion at his question. Why? “I… I did it to protect my friends… I stopped Merula from bullying me and my friends… is… is that so wrong?” He asked, not blubbering as he had been earlier, but stuttering none the less.
Snape snapped at him. “Attacking a student with your wand is against school rules. You quite literally did do something wrong. Twenty points from Gryffindor.” Collin blinked. “As I said, expulsion is the logical punishment for dueling on school grounds. Unfortunately, our Headmaster is illogical, and believes that expulsion is unfair in this case.” Collin blinked again, the surprise evident on his face. “If either of you are ever caught dueling on school grounds again, I can assure you that you will not be so fortunate.” At that point, the caretaker of the school, Mr. Filch showed up. He was an old man with long gray hair that was balding in the center of his scalp, with a shadow of a beard. “What is it, Mr. Filch?”
“Professor Snape, you must come with me right away. It’s about the… vaults.” Collin’s eyes widened as he looked at the caretaker with shock.
Snape snapped back at the two students. “Return to your common rooms.”
As the two teachers walked away, Merula smirked deviously, having pretty much gotten off scot free. “They must be talking about the cursed vaults!” She went after them.
Collin looked at her as though she was crazy. “Why does Merula care about the Cursed Vaults? Doesn’t she think that they drive people mad? I’d better follow them…” Collin snuck over quickly and quietly, wondering what the hubbub was about. He hid behind Merula with no problem, but she noticed him.
“Get out of here!” She hissed.
“Shh! You’ll get us both caught, woman. Who is Snape talking to?” Collin had yet to meet Mr. Filch yet.
“You’re such an idiot. That’s the caretaker, Mr. Filch. He wanders the corridors trying to catch students breaking school rules.”
Collin leaned forward, trying to hear better. “Are they talking about the Cursed Vaults?”
“I can’t tell because you won’t shut up.” Merula hissed again.
Snape held his usual face as he talked to the Caretaker. “Who else knows about this?”
“Only me and Mrs. Norris saw the ice, sir.” Ms. Norris was a cat in his arms that had red eyes that seemed to see everything. “Was going to report the incident to the Headmaster, I was.”
Snape nodded. “I will inform Professor Dumbledore. This may have to do with the Kintobor situation.”
Filch then asked a dumb question that made Collin want to face palm. “Is it true that the vaults are filled with gold and powerful prophecies and artefacts from before Hogwarts existed? And that’s why the Kintobor girl lost her mind trying to find them?”
Snape snapped at him. “Don’t worry about what’s inside the vaults. Worry about keeping everyone out. Lock this door, and keep it guarded.”
Collin actually felt stupid and asked Merula a question. “What the blazes is the Kintobor Situation?” He felt bitter just saying that name.
Merula sneered. “Who cares? This is another clue to the Cursed Vaults.”
Collin looked and saw that the teachers had left the hall through the other side’s door. Then he looked at the witch in front of him. “You think the Cursed Vaults are real? And you’re trying to find them? You always call my sister mad for trying to do that, you hypocrite!”
“I’m not a hippogriff!”
“Hyp-o-crite! It means someone who says bad things about something and then turns around and does just that.” Collin deadpanned.
Merula rolled her eyes. “Even if I cared to explain myself to an idiot, I wouldn’t do it here, and risk getting caught by the two meanest people at Hogwarts.” For once, Merula had a point. With that, she left.
Collin sighed and went back to the dorms. He had to tell Rowan. Unfortunately, Rowan wasn’t there by the time he got back. Rowan had apparently fallen asleep studying in the library again. Collin didn’t’ see him until Charms the next morning. They couldn’t talk there, that was for certain! In Charms, they reviewed Wingardium Leviosa again. Collin just counted his lucky stars he hadn’t been expelled yet. Collin helped the other students, quickly proving to be an adept teacher’s assistant before going to the Great Hall.
He found Rowan quickly enough. Collin sighed in relief as he saw his friend. “Rowan!” Rowan looked up from his books and smiled back at Collin. “You alright? I was worried there when Merula hit you with the Knockback Jinx.”
Rowan touched his friend’s head gently. “You sure you’re okay? You were the one who was hit with the jinx.”
Collin paused and then gave out a weak laugh. “Oh…yeah… Well I’m still glad you’re okay.” Then he sat down and got serious. “You aren’t going to believe what happened…”
Rowan chuckled. “I can’t even believe you’re here, Collin. Snape and Flitwick looked so angry after you dueled Merula.” Collin looked downcast again. “Thanks again for stopping her from bullying all of us. You’re a hero.”
Collin shook his head. “I don’t feel like a hero. In fact, I think I might be cursed…”
“What do you mean?”
Collin sighed and explained. “I followed Snape and Mr. Filch to a corridor. They mentioned ice and vaults…”
Rowan’s eyes widened. “Just like your vision…”
Collin then looked bitter. “They said it had something to do with The Kintobor Situation…”
Rowan then frowned. “I don’t understand, and I pride myself on understanding things…”
“I don’t understand either… but… I’m hoping we can work it out together…” Rowan nodded. Collin smiled again. “I’ll tell you everything that happened…”
“I always want to help you, Collin, but I’m worried about Filch and Snape…” Rowan muttered as he bit into his sandwich. “What if we get caught?”
Collin’s eyes seemed to sharpen. “We won’t. We’ll be prepared.”
Rowan was surprised, but continued with his next question. “I’m worried about your vision…”
“We’ll work it out together…” He said hopingly.
Rowan nodded with a smirk. “I feel a little better, but there are still so many things that could go wrong…”
“Everything will be fine. Just let me explain my plan…”
“What about Snape?”
“We’ll try to avoid him…”
Rowan nodded. “I’m feeling a lot better about this, but there are still a couple of things that have me worried…”
“I’ll answer all of your questions, Rowan. Everything will work out…”
“What about the cursed vaults?”
Collin sighed. “We’ll have to break the curse, I suppose.” Collin was a bit bitter about that.
“I’m still not sure, Collin…”
Collin looked at him with pleading eyes. “I need your help, Rowan.”
Rowan sighed and nodded. “You’re right, Collin. I’ll help you investigate that corridor.”
“Thank you…” Collin smiled a small smile. He had hope.
“What do you think it all means?”
“I’m not sure, but it has something to do with me, the Cursed Vaults, and possibly my sister. Though why is beyond me!” He sighed again. “I have to investigate the Upstairs corridor.”
“You mean we have to investigate the Upstairs Corridor. Let’s head there tomorrow night after everyone goes to sleep.”
“Why tomorrow night?”
“I… need time to finish up a paper.” Collin chuckled.
“I understand. I need to finish up as well, and tomorrow we’re supposed to be learning a new spell that might help us; Nox.”
“OH, yeah, we should wait for that.”
“Then it’s decided.”
The two smirked and shook hands. They had a plan.