The next day I again inwardly congratulated myself for my successful rescue of Penelope. She expressed considerable gratitude, that was quite unnecessary - after all, attacks from Peeves are rather common, and I didn't do anything much, but maybe I am being too modest. Yet I am going on so much about Penelope and forgetting to add what has happened during my three weeks at Hogwarts so far. Well, to begin with, (rather pessimistically, I confess) Ginny, my sister, has been behaving oddly in the last few days - she's been peculiarly perturbed and quiet - I thought she'd be practically bursting with energy and enthusiasm like I was in my first year. But no, she is the complete opposite. I'm rather worried about her, and have considered including her in my weekly letter to Mum and Dad, yet perhaps I mistake her attitude and she's just fine. Though as her older brother I feel a responsibility to look after her, and I am confirming a visit to Madam Pomfrey, despite her many objections when I suggested this to her. However, she does seem to cheer up when in the common room in the evening, writing in a little diary she obtained, I presume, from Diagonally. A smile lights up her face and her red hair seems to glow excitedly. Maybe she's just a little overwhelmed with the homework she's been assigned to do - I sincerely hope Professor Snape hasn't been too hard on her. I recall how last summer Ron was continually going on about how in his first lesson the professor had called his previous class a bunch of 'dunderheads'. He really lacks a good example to his students. I'm surprised no one's informed the headmaster of his terrible attitudes yet. Perhaps they cannot pluck up the courage and can't imagine facing an angry Professor Snape bearing fiercely down on them.
Today a sign was pinned up announcing a duelling club. I attended and whom should be teaching but Professor Gilderoy Lockhart! I suppose I should have expected that, as he is our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. But how frustrated and disheartened I was when I saw him addressing the eager crowd on a platform in the Great Hall! I watched him battling Professor Snape, and studied the minor fight that proceeded. Professor Snape thwarted Professor Lockhart and I couldn't help feeling slightly amused. However, upon noticing Harry and Ron rejoicing he had lost I hastily regained my dignity and calmness. What a terrible example I would inflict upon the students if anyone noticed me laughing at a professor! I am a prefect, and I must live up to the duties set before me. Professor Dumbledore specifically chose me, and he must have known me to be a kind, empathetic, responsible person for the job. If he started having doubts... He can't! He won't! I thought, suddenly frantic and worried. I rubbed the prefect badge on my chest and felt a sudden love for it.
"You're still there," I murmured to it, stroking it fondly. "You're still there."