Douglas stood at the lectern,
staring blankly at the young witch before him and the young wizards who had formed a long line behind her without being asked.
Hermione said excitedly,
"Professor... Professor, could you sign these books for me?
I love your books so much, both the Muggle editions and the Wizarding World editions.
And... and I wanted to ask, according to the system in your books, what magic rank would you be?"
Douglas finally came to his senses and looked at Hermione Granger.
Heh, I finally found the person responsible.
That nearly scared me to death in the Headmaster's Office...
Still, he could not help sincerely admiring them.
They really are Gryffindor's lions. Much bolder than the Ravenclaw students.
Charging straight up to the lectern, no less. Tsk, tsk!
Then Douglas spoke with the kindest smile and tone he could muster.
"Miss Granger, no rush. Put your books here first.
And everyone behind her, put the books you're holding on the lectern too."
After a flurry of excited jostling, Douglas looked at the desk piled high with novels.
Hmm?
A few textbooks too?
Then these students, only in their second year, quickly learned just how devious people could be.
Professor Holmes, who had been so warm and friendly a moment earlier, suddenly began chuckling coldly.
Their smiles instinctively faded, and they felt a chill down their spines.
"Heh, what do you think my class is?
A book signing?
Charging straight up to the lectern like that.
Miss Granger! Ten points from Gryffindor!
And although the rest of you weren't..."
Before Douglas could finish, Harry shot to his feet and said,
"Professor, you can't blame Hermione!
An older Ravenclaw student told us to do this..."
Douglas raised an eyebrow.
"Mr. Potter, I believe I told you to raise