What if...

Scared, Potter?

After a few seconds of self-understanding, Harry decided that he needed to tell Hermione what he had learned, and that they needed to research a snake that can petrify people, only to find that she was already awake.

"Just because my eyes are closed, does not mean that I'm asleep, Mister Potter." Hermione admonished tiredly.
"Oh, shush, go to bed, you." Harry ruffled her already dishevelled hair gently.
"Fine." She huffed, though it was muffled as her face was currently buried into the covers where his lower chest would be. Harry wondered if she even knew where she was lying.

"Uh... Hermione?" He asked nervously.
"Mm?" Came the reply.
"You're kind of... using me as a pillow." Harry elaborated.
"Oh! Sorry!" Hermione hastily climbed into a different bed, her deep blush concealed by the darkness.

"It's ok." Harry chuckled lightly, though he felt slightly put out that she had moved, even if he had mentioned it. "Good night, Hermione." He reached out and squeezed her hand.
"Good night, Harry." Hermione smiled with rosy cheeks, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, before reluctantly releasing it and once again attempting to fall asleep.

Until the next petrified victim made his appearance.

................................................................

The Great Hall, which was usually full of students in the middle of the day, was instead covered by one long table surrounded by lots of space.

The not-so-esteemed Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher professed constantly about the new duelling club he had set up, throwing his cloak lazily into the crowd, which was immediately claimed by multiple admirers. Fred summoned it away, before passing it to George with a bow and his arm outstretched. George held a hand to his chest and gasped, fainting dramatically.

Foolishly, Lockhart, trying to show off, challenged Snape to a duel, who- though Harry would never say- was actually a decent wizard.

"-but don't worry! You'll still have your potions master when I'm through with him." Lockhart drawled.
"Oh, we know." Neville muttered.

"Three... two... one-" Lockhart announced.
"Expelliarmus!" Snape said immediately, causing the blond buffoon to fly backwards and hit the floor with a groan.

"And that is what not to do in a professional duel!" Lockhart tried to save his reputation. "Though, if you don't mind me saying, it was pretty obvious what he was going to do." He boasted, ignoring the fact that he lost the duel.

"Now, for an example using the students. Potter, Weasley, positions." Lockhart ordered. Snape, who had observed the increasing animosity of the Gryffindor pair towards each other, did not intervene, intrigued of the outcome of this particular matchup.

Both students marched towards each other, their wands in their hands. Ron was trying to look as big as possible, while Harry was fueled by all those times Ron had insulted Hermione and Neville and his parents.

"Scared, Potter?" Ron gloated.
"You wish." Harry growled. The surrounding second years watched in awe and anticipation.

In their postions, Harry and Ron waited eagerly for the signal to attack. Since Ron had recently received a new wand through lies and slander, stealing money from innocent first years, he was excited to test out his amazing power. Though, Harry wanted to have a little fun with Ron first. Time to put all that practice dodging Dudley and his friends into action.

"Expelliarmus!" Ron called, a tiny, thin beam of light shooting toward Harry, who simply sidestepped. Annoyed, Ron shot the weak spell again, only for Harry to block it with a perfect shield charm. Professor Flitwick's eyes bulged as he anticipated a potential new duelling student. McGonagall swelled with pride.