The first weeks of the second year at Hogwarts passed in a blur of classes, magical experiments, and subtle heroics. Roy attended his lessons with his usual quiet diligence, absorbing knowledge far beyond the standard curriculum. Yet, whenever he had free time, he sought out his friends: Hermione, Cassandra Vole, Daphne, Astoria, Cho Chang, and Penelope Clearwater.
Some days were spent improving spells, guiding the girls through complex charms, or sharing playful banter that left them laughing until their stomachs ached. Other days, he helped the Weasley twins refine their prank props, adding clever touches of alchemy and enchantments that made their inventions far more effective—and far more hilarious.
One evening, Roy, the twins, and Cedric executed a covert operation: a prank on Lockhart. Using the twins' enhanced props and some of Roy's subtle enchantments, Lockhart's fame took an unexpected turn. The result? Lockhart became notorious in a very different sense, his reputation now a mix of chaotic laughter and hushed whispers throughout the castle. Roy, of course, remained unbothered, quietly sipping pumpkin juice in the background as the chaos unfolded.
Roy also found himself helping Hagrid care for magical creatures and occasionally assisting the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. Even though he had resigned as their chaser, his guidance proved invaluable. During a match against Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, under Roy's coaching, won the game. The students were stunned—even without the Shura on the pitch, they had triumphed.
The next day, word spread quickly: Roy had trained the Hufflepuff team, refining their flying, tactics, and coordination. Hufflepuff students were in awe, and whispers of his abilities grew louder across the school.
Cho Chang, curious and competitive, approached him afterward.
"So… you helped Hufflepuff?" she asked, her tone teasing yet serious.
Roy tilted his head.
"And what's in it for me if I teach you?"
Cho's cheeks flushed. Without a word, she kissed him lightly on the cheek.
"If I improve my skills… you'll get another."
Roy smirked, silently agreeing, and began working with her in secret, refining her Chaser techniques, reflexes, and timing.
Their next match was Slytherin versus Ravenclaw. Thanks to Cho's dramatic improvement, she caught the Snitch, leading Ravenclaw to victory. No one knew how she had advanced so quickly—but Roy did, of course.
After the match, Cho sought Roy out in the Forbidden Forest, her expression bright with triumph. She ran into his arms, holding him in a tight, grateful hug. For several minutes, they simply stayed there, wrapped in each other's presence.
Roy gently pressed a kiss to her forehead, a quiet acknowledgment of her effort and trust. Taking her hand, he guided her along the forest path, the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
"You've really improved," Roy said, his tone calm but warm.
Cho smiled, squeezing his hand.
"All thanks to my teacher," she replied softly.
They walked together, sharing laughter and quiet conversation, the forest around them peaceful and private, a rare moment of calm amid the chaos of Hogwarts life.