Harry Potter and the Order Of the Phoenix [115]
“I would like to talk about the election that was held yesterday.”
Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
“I have been asked, and I’m sure many teachers have been asked, who the new Minister of Magic is. I would just like to remind you all that we will not know the results of the election for several months… possibly not until the last few days of school. But, rest assured, I will make an announcement on who the winner is when the time comes.
“Also, it has come to my attention that there is a rumor of a dance spreading around this school. While, at first, I knew of no such thing, I consulted the teachers, and they think it would be a great thing to have one… especially in light of current situations.” He waited a few seconds for people to think about what he had just said. He was talking about Voldemort’s return, Azkaban being taken over, and the resignation of the Minister of Magic. “So, we have decided that on Christmas day, we will have another Yule Ball. Only this time, students of all ages are invited. I ask you all to come, and enjoy yourselves. Now, I’m sure you all have much more important things to do today instead of hearing me blab, so… go ahead!” He sat down, and all the people that were turned toward him suddenly shot in all directions, to do homework, to ask people to the dance or,
“Animagus lessons,” said Hermione. “Professor McGonagall told me yesterday, when she came to watch the end of your duel.”
Harry groaned. Even though it was fun learning how to transform, he still had many other things he would prefer to have been doing, like talking to Cho. But, he dragged himself to the Transfiguration room, alongside Ron and Hermione.
The lesson took almost the entire day, but it was worth it. By the time Professor McGonagall announced it was finally over, Ron could transform the head, the body, and the tail of a chameleon… but not the legs or the arms yet. He looked very funny, a chameleon with human arms and legs.
Hermione was also doing very well. She was able to become the dimensions of a medium-sized unicorn, and she could transform her legs and back into a horse’s. When she was fully transformed like that, she looked like a female centaur, only she had a horn coming out of the top of her head.
Harry was moving along too. He could now transform the body and tail of the gryffin. The only thing he couldn’t do yet was the face, the hardest part, since it was extremely detailed, and required much concentration.
Malfoy had still never turned up for a single lesson. By the end of class, Harry’s curiosity about him was almost overwhelming. What animal had he chosen? Had he done more than one? He approached Professor McGonagall.
“Professor?” he asked shyly.
“Yes, Potter?” she asked.
“Well, I was just wondering… about Malfoy. What animal, or animals, did he choose?” Professor McGonagall looked up from her work.
“I would like to tell you Potter, and I feel as though I should… but I cannot.”
“Why?”
“Because Mr. Malfoy has asked me to keep his lessons private, his transformations private, and what animals he has chosen private. He will show you what he has done in good time.”
“But, why does he want to keep it a secret?” asked Harry.
“I’m sure Mr. Malfoy has his reasons, Mr. Potter,” she said. “Now please, this lesson has taken most of my time for today, and I have to get all this done, and more, before vacation starts.”
“Yes, Professor,” said Harry, leaving, feeling slightly disappointed. He ran out after Ron and Hermione, not knowing any more about Malfoy than he had when he first came into the lesson this morning.
The next week