Author's note: It is necessary to know that in reality Mary should not even exist. I wanted to focus on the friendship between Evelyn and the other Ravenclaw but in the end I added Marie because it was to show you what would happen if we missed the Hogwarts Express. In the end, I decided that Marie would be a lover and I ended up forgetting the existence of the other Ravenclaw.
Since Marie and I became a couple, we've been going on dates every other day at least. Sometimes we'd visit romantic places, spend time in the library, or simply enjoy each other's presence.
I can tell that Marie has become even more affectionate than usual, which occasionally bothers me.
Today, we're at Hermione's because I promised to tell her a bit about the second-year courses and what they'll be studying.
"In Herbology, you'll first go to greenhouse number 3, which houses much more dangerous plants."
Before I finish talking about the courses, an owl arrives with three letters addressed to us.
"I wonder how they find us even when we're not at home."
"Actually, owls are magical creatures with passive, rather than active, magic. They can understand humans well and know the location of the letter recipients they're tasked with finding. They also have much more endurance than regular birds."
After answering Marie, I opened my letter to read its contents. There was a list of supplies, as well as the permission slip that a parent or guardian must sign for students to visit Hogsmeade.
"What on earth? Why are they asking us to buy the entire Gilderoy Lockhart collection?"
Looking at the list, more than half of the books required are by this author. I've read some of them already—they're interesting, each one describing an adventure. But if you look closely, each book includes methods for defeating creatures like trolls, vampires, or others.
"These aren't really bad books because they provide effective methods against magical creatures, so I assume the new teacher plans to base the lessons on these techniques."
"Still, he could have made a single book with all the methods. Those who don't have much money will struggle."
"Indeed."
I looked at Hermione's list and saw that she also had to buy the complete collection.
"The Weasleys are really going to struggle with this."
Hermione was all excited because the books were written by someone she admired—it was like having a hero to look up to.
Marie, on the other hand, didn't like Lockhart, as she thought he was too boastful and that too many people admired him just because he talked about his exploits.
As for me, I agreed with Marie; he does overdo it a bit. But I understand that his goal is to help others find safe methods to defeat their opponents. Even if he didn't actually perform those heroic acts, the books still hold their value.
"When are you going to Diagon Alley?"
"I think at the same time as Harry and the Weasley family. And you?"
"We'll go when it's less crowded."
I know Lockhart will show up at the bookstore one day, so I won't go then because I already know there will be too many people.
After that, I continued talking about the second-year curriculum before leaving with Marie, as it was getting late.
"Evelyn, let's go to a hotel."
"No."
I know Marie very well, and she's tried this trick several times. The "hotel" she's referring to is actually a love hotel.
Seriously, what does she want with someone who looks like a ten-year-old?
I managed to go home without Marie, which wasn't easy.
I handed the permission slip to my grandmother, who signed it right away. I've been to Hogsmeade a few times before; it's a great place for a date, and it's definitely better than staying in the castle all the time.