In Which I Prove Sirius Right (I am stupid)
It’s been a few days since I sent the letter, and let me tell you, shit went down this morning in the Great Hall. To my excitement, I sat down for breakfast just as the large brown owl I’d used to send the letter soared in, a package tied to its leg. I almost jumped for joy.
The owl then flew over the Gryffindor table and landed on the Ravenclaw table, in front of Gilderoy Lockhart himself.
It was then that I realized the catastrophic mistake I’d made. Of course Gilderoy’s mum would send the cologne to him, the letter was signed with his name! The owl took off once Lockhart had freed the package from its leg. I swear it was laughing at me. I watched while Gilderoy glanced at the letter, looking confused, and then tore open the package. Still looking confused but also pleased, he lifted the bottle, then glanced right at the Gryffindor table, where I quickly tried to act busy. It didn’t work, however, because Gilderoy made direct eye contact with me.
He brought his hand up to cover the bottle before spraying it.
There is no denying that this is intentional, right?
I pointed it out to Sirius, in an attempt to prove that I’m not stupid, but he told me I was seeing things. Now he thinks I’m stupid and hallucinating? Hurray. In Sirius Black’s eyes I am a stupid, hallucinating rat.
I went to class, having achieved nothing so far in the day besides making myself look more stupid in Sirius’ eyes and hand Lockhart another bottle of the cologne he’s hiding from me.
When Charms class rolled around, I was ready. Dropping my bags next to Gilderoy, I struck up a casual conversation.
“What was the present?”
“The what?”
“The present you got this morning? The package that massive brown owl was carrying. I wouldn’t trust that owl by the way. He’s unreliable.”
Yes, I am mad that the owl didn't remember me. It should be smart enough to spot the letter sender and deliver the letter response.
“Oh, it was nothing. Just something my mum sent me from home.”
Alright, this is how it’s going to be then.
“Did you ever get the chance to ask her what cologne she gave you?”
The little shit actually rolled his eyes at me.
“You didn’t ask me to. But she hates being bothered with questions like that anyway. I doubt she even remembers either. She bought it a while ago.”
I made a decision then. I needed to play it cool, get closer to the boy. Mention the cologne less. Get him comfortable around me. It would be slow, but obviously it was the only way. I implemented this plan immediately.
“Alright mate, thanks for telling me. I’d hate to bother her.”
Gilderoy nodded, turning back to the lesson.
Later, I asked James for advice. Everyone’s so comfortable around him, so I figured he might have some pointers. After I explained the cologne situation, James nodded and immediately offered some advice like the kind soul he is. He doesn’t judge people for wanting to know what scent someone wears, unlike some of my friends.
“To avoid suspicion, I’d start talking to him in class every day. Come up with some topics that aren’t the cologne, get him to like you. He’ll open up eventually, I’m sure of it.”
Based on the way things have been going, I’m not so sure of it, but maybe James is right. Maybe I’ve been slightly annoying.
At least I know one thing about Gilderoy Lockhart; he will eat a compliment right up. After informing James of my plan of action, I hurried to my dorm to record the events of the day. Tomorrow we begin operation Butter Up the Cologne Owner.