Chapter 13

When the holiday ended, even Isaya didn't want me to leave.

I had grown quite familiar with my elm wand, diligently practicing household spells from a book I'd specifically purchased for that purpose. The summer provided plenty of opportunities to practice, and I became rather proficient. Practicing household spells at home was convenient, though it did cause some minor chaos, which I managed to resolve. The spells I mastered most were Reparo and various cleaning charms. I even enchanted a broom to clean automatically and kept it locked in a cupboard when not in use, repeatedly stressing that it must not be discovered, as it is illegal to modify Muggle objects.

After receiving the booklist for the second year, the three of us went to Diagon Alley. At Flourish and Blotts, I bought the complete set of "Standard Book of Spells." Last year was the beginner's level, and this year was the second level, so it seemed we needed a new one each year. I decided to buy the entire set at once to study at home. Most of them were everyday spells, which were quite fun. Transfiguration was another interesting subject; there were only three textbooks, but they exceeded my budget.

Lily, after visiting the apothecary, had been enthusiastic about making high-quality potions to sell. She excelled in Potions, and Professor Slughorn, who appreciated her despite her Muggle-born status, frequently praised her. In Potions class, I usually paired with Lily, handling preparations and minor tasks. Even spending so much time with Severus didn't enhance my potion-making skills. So, I could only watch enviously as the two potion prodigies discussed earning extra money with their skills.

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When the school term started, I finally had my vine wood wand back in hand. No matter how comfortable the elm wand was, it was still just a spare. Testing the spells I had learned over the summer with my vine wand, I found they worked even better.

I had just sent a letter home with my owl, James. I rarely kept him in his cage, so he was often out of sight, only returning at night to see if I had any tasks for him.

Lying on my bed, my thoughts wandered, and I recalled this year's Sorting Hat song:

"Gryffindor values the bravest,

Ravenclaw prizes the cleverest minds,

Hufflepuff esteems the most diligent,

And Slytherin admires those with ambition."

This seemed like another version of the hat's song. I didn't think the Sorting Hat would write new lyrics just because of my comments. It had supposedly existed for over a thousand years, observing countless minds, and likely many have complained about perceived unfairness toward Slytherin. Perhaps I was one of the few Gryffindors who thought this way? Quite possible.

Why was I sorted into Gryffindor? It was a bit of a headache. I initially had no preference; the courses and professors are the same in every house. Although Ravenclaw supposedly has its own library, I was not particularly passionate about books and research. I preferred the thrill of wielding my wand and feeling the magic flow through me. To me, Slytherin was elegant, Ravenclaw was scholarly, Hufflepuff was pure, and Gryffindor was lively—though I'd come to realize they could be excessively so. I was glad Severus had been sorted into his desired Slytherin, and Lily fitted well in Gryffindor. It was nice to be in the same house as Lily. But why must these two houses be such bitter rivals? It was a persistent problem for me, making it difficult to navigate Gryffindor.

Our friendship had drawn criticism from both houses. I was less worried about Severus; Slytherin valued strength, and I had confidence in his abilities. He was not one to be trifled with. Lily, being pretty, charming, and academically successful, with Potter looking out for her, seemed in a fairly good position. The problem laid with me—average in studies, looks, and popularity, and with a tomboyish demeanor. Gryffindors thought I fraternized with the "evil" Slytherins, while others saw me as betraying my house. Oh, how unpopular I was.

This couldn't continue. With six years left, I needed a plan. I had to find a way to gain Gryffindor's approval without compromising my friendship with Severus. Sigh, one step at a time...

As the second-year classes commenced, I focused on earning points for Gryffindor. Except for Potions, where no amount of preparation seemed to help, I excelled in other subjects, especially Charms and Transfiguration, thanks to my summer practice. This diligent effort to earn points yielded good results, though the four members of Potter's group, minus the inconspicuous Pettigrew, often earned points as well, they lost just as many for their nighttime escapades. My relentless efforts showed in the rising number of house points, with gratifying results.

Gryffindors' attitude toward me finally softened; no one could accuse me of betraying the house now. The two fifth-year prefects even encouraged me to continue striving for Gryffindor's honor.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Gryffindors were easy to please. After all, I was still a Gryffindor and had never done anything to tarnish its honor. Now, they had no reason to deny my contributions to the house.

I started doing my homework in the common room at night, bringing along some reference books I had studied in the library earlier. Among the second-years struggling with their essays, I quickly finished mine, exceeding the required length. Patting the reference books, I gave a naive, innocent smile, "These books were really helpful. I've bookmarked the sections that can aid understanding. I hope they help you too." Then, pretending to be shy, I left.

As expected, some second-years began to treat me more kindly. I almost wanted to laugh out loud with triumph.

One afternoon after lunch, the three of us gathered at our usual spot by the lake.

I was practicing the Aguamenti charm, which we would learn in the afternoon Charms class. I had already mastered it during the summer.

"Sawyer, you learn spells so quickly! You're always the first to finish in Charms class, earning us many points. That's amazing!" Lily praised, holding a book and watching as I successfully filled a cup with water.

"That's because I enjoy practical magic. My theory isn't as good as yours." I shrugged, emptying the cup into the lake and continuing to practice. "Aguamenti! And Potions, I've tried hard, but it's clear my talents don't lie there. That's where you and Severus excel." I shrugged again. "But at least I can earn points in Charms for Gryffindor. As a Gryffindor, I have to strive for 'Gryffindor's honor,' right?" I made a funny face.

Severus looked up from his book and gave me a deep look. I think he understood that I was trying to gain acceptance from my house. He seemed to know my situation in Gryffindor quite well. So perceptive.