A Mysterious Pocket Watch

-Your POV-

They had continued to practice the spell, although Draco seemed a bit more hesitant in his approach, probably worried that the object might be too exposing. 

In the end, they both managed to materialize flowers inside vases. For Y/N it was the same yellow tulip again whereas Draco created a black rose.

"If we asked Longbottom, he'd know what these mean," Draco joked.

"I'm sure we'd find the answer in a book if we wanted to."

The time frame for lunch was nearing its end and Y/N felt her stomach growling. "Let's go eat before I pass out."

"Wait, one more thing."

Draco pulled out a small package which he'd been hiding behind one of the cushions. A blue ribbon was wrapped around it.

"I got this at Scrivenshaft's when you were talking to…your friends."

Y/N's eyes widened. A gift?

She untied the ribbon. "What is it?"

"My secret to how I've been able to keep up with Snape's speed talking."

Y/N opened the box. A quill was lying on a piece of purple velvet cloth. The feather was brown with gray streaks.

"A quill?"

"It's a Self-Writing quill. It basically does the work for you, you just have to make sure you don't get caught. Some teachers don't mind but Snape is not one of them."

Her mouth dropped open. 

"Wow, I didn't know something like this even existed!"

She looked up at Draco. Their eyes met.

"Thank you. That's very thoughtful."

He weighed his head. "I just don't want you to copy my notes again."

The grinning showed her that he was joking. But apparently he was as bad at accepting a thank you as he was at saying sorry.

"Very smart move. I can't wait to give it a try tomorrow."

They kept looking at each other and Y/N really hoped that Draco would kiss her to complete this perfect moment. But instead, he got up from the couch. 

"Let's go eat before we have to beg for leftovers again."

*****

Y/N had spent the rest of the day sitting at the lake together with Helena and some of her Ravenclaw friends. It was nice talking to new people and the girl learned a lot about everything that had happened at Hogwarts in the past few years.

Almost every story included Harry Potter and the more she found out, the more Y/N realized how critical the current situation was. She thought about telling them from Harry's plan to teach students himself in case they wanted to join but the risk was too high. After all, she had promised to keep it a secret.

When they talked about a Confundus charm that had backfired on a teacher back in the Chamber of Secrets, she asked to know every single detail. 

What if this was what happened to her as well? Or what if it wasn't Confundus at all? 

The only way to find out was to brew that potion and see what happens. 

And before she knew it, the weekend was over and she sat in her first Monday class. 

Professor Flitwick was walking up and down the row of tables, asking students to repair broken objects. 

Y/N looked at the pocket watch in front of her. The glass had shattered and the hands were stuck at 2:34 am. 

Draco was sitting next to her, bored as ever. Usually this spot would have been taken by Helena but she was too busy running after Blaise. This morning she had said: "Please don't be mad, bestie. Him and I really have a connection. We can still sit together for lunch, okay?" 

Y/N really didn't care but if she had worded it like that, Helena would have definitely gotten upset. 

"It's alright, I hope you guys have fun together." 

And they did seem to have fun. They were giggling. GIGGLING! 

Draco noticed how bamboozled Y/N seemed, watching the two lovebirds across the room. He leaned closer and whispered. 

"Did you hex him or what is happening right now?"

She shook her head. "I have no idea. But good for her." 

Draco raised an eyebrow. "It's Blaise. He's a notorious heart breaker, it never ends well for the girl." 

"Should I warn her?" 

He shrugged, obviously not caring whether Helena might or might not get hurt. 

Professor Flitwick must have noticed them whispering as he now came over. 

"Mr. Malfoy? May I see?"

Draco rolled his eyes and Y/N wondered if all that eye-rolling caused headaches.

"Reparo."

The jar put itself back together, shard by shard. At the end, the small glass lid put itself on top.

Professor Flitwick seemed slightly disappointed by the fact that this boy who gave him such an attitude, succeeded effortlessly.

He cleared his throat. "Very good. Now everyone please practice for the last few remaining minutes of this class."

Y/N looked at the pocket watch. 'This shouldn't be too hard.'

"Reparo."

But nothing happened. The hands were still stuck at 2:34 am.

"Reparo." Again, nothing. Not even the glass got fixed.

"Am I doing it wrong?" she asked Draco.

"It looked right to me. Let me try."

He pointed his wand at the watch. "Reparo."

They both looked at the broken watch, highly confused.

"Did we both just turn into muggles or what is happening?" Draco joked.

"No, I think the pocket watch is the problem. Not us."

Y/N kept brooding over the problem until the lesson ended.

Everyone got up quickly in order to enjoy the little free time between classes.

"Do you want to go outside?" Draco asked.

"No, I'll talk to Flitwick. Meet you at Potions, okay?"

"Nerd," Draco muttered and then left, catching up with Crabbe and Goyle.

Y/N packed her things together and then went up to her teacher. "Professor Flitwick?"

When he saw her, his face lit up. Y/N must have left a good impression. "Yes?"

She put the pocket watch down onto the table next to her.

"I wasn't able to mend it for some reason. Draco tried as well but nothing changed, not even the cracked glass."

"Really?"

He took a look at the object. Then he tried the spell himself but again, it was unsuccessful.

"I don't understand," he muttered. He thought for a bit, then his expression changed.

"There is one possible explanation but it seems quite far-fetched…"

"What is it?"

Professor Flitwick looked at her. "There are certain cases in which Reparo doesn't work."

"Living beings and complex magical objects," she recited unfamiliar knowledge. He nodded.

"But…it's just a pocket watch. Right?"

The short professor shook his head. "Apparently it is not. But if it is a magical object, then I'm unfamiliar with it."

"Where did you get it from? If you don't mind me asking."

He picked up the pocket watch to take a closer look. "Most objects I brought today were from the lost wands room. As the name states, it stores lost wands and other property. Let me think."

Hee rubbed his temples, trying to recall.

"Actually, I think I saw two of these but the other one was not damaged so I left it in the box."

Y/N's eyes lit up. "Really? Maybe I can find an explanation for these watchs in a book and-"

"No, no, no." He put the object down again. "That sounds a tad bit dangerous. I'll confiscate this one and you concentrate on your studies. Have you settled in well? I saw you already made friends with Mr. Malfoy? It's surprising."

He was clearly trying to change the topic but Y/N decided to go along. "How is that surprising?"

"Well, you're just a bit…different. Very warm and bright."

"Different is a good thing, right?"

Professor Flitwick's eyes widened. "Certainly! It's just an odd pairing."

"I think society is too partisan at times. Draco is a good friend," she said.

"And I'm not questioning that." His face had turned red as he probably was fearing that Y/N might start an argument. But she just smiled.

"I know. Thank you for checking in on me. If you'll excuse me now…"

"Oh yes, yes. Of course. Enjoy your break. I'll see what I can do with this watch."