Herbology Homework and Gazing at the Stars
Barty knocked on Slughorn's door at exactly 7. He didn’t want to be a moment early. Binns told him that he was to bring the homework that was set from all of his classes with him to his detention, which was that he had to complete all his homework in Slughorn’s office, in silence. Barty tried not to smirk when Professor Binns told him his punishment; he got off easy, and he knew it. He didn't even have to clean anything!
“You may enter,” came the reply. Barty opened the office door, where there was already another student there, scribbling away at his homework. Barty assumed he was a fifth- or sixth-year who was caught outside of curfew. He sighed, inwardly, and made his way over to Slughorn’s desk.
“Good evening, Mr. Crouch,” Slughorn said, looking up from a paper he was marking. “Please set your things up on the free desk, and get to work.” Slughorn indicated toward an empty desk next to the other student.
“Yes, Professor Slughorn,” Barty muttered, monotone, and strolled over to the desk. He took out his things, slouching as he worked. I really need to start doing my own homework. When did we learn all of this?
Barty had the forethought to bring his History textbook, as well as ‘One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi’; but now he was regretting his earlier reaction. He did not get off easy. He would much rather be polishing trophies or cleaning cauldrons or literally anything than have to sit still. Barty bounced his leg in an attempt to get rid of some of his extra energy. The older student was muttering as he worked, which annoyed Barty to no end. The clock hanging off the wall was ticking every fucking second, counting the time that Barty had spent decidedly not doing his homework dutifully. He took a breath, trying to quiet the raging in his brain, and picked up his quill.
Barty finished his History homework, trying his best to answer the questions correctly, and started on his Herbology homework. It was actually overdue, but he had asked Professor Mullein for an extension. He answered the required questions, reading up on the background and double-checking his answers before writing them down.
He spent the rest of his detention simply copying diagrams from his textbook into his own notes. Barty found that he actually really liked drawing, even though he was shit at it. When the clock behind Slughorn’s desk struck nine, he clapped his hands, implying that the detention was over. Barty quickly packed his things, hoping to run out before Slughorn tried to talk to him, but no such luck.
“Mr. Crouch! A word, please.” Barty grimaced, stepping out of the doorway so the older student could pass. He moved so he was in the middle of the office; he didn’t want to stand too close to the door, lest Slughorn take offence. “I have noticed that whenever there is homework set, your answers are strikingly similar to Mr. Rosier’s. Your other teachers have given me similar reports, and as your Head of House, I must ask you about this.” Slughorn spoke crisply, but his tone wasn’t cold. Barty wanted to run back to his dorm, to his friends, but he stayed put, nervously shifting his weight from one foot to another.
“Um… well, we do get set the same homework, so is it such a shock that we get the same answers?” Barty shrugged. Slughorn raised a suspicious eyebrow.
“Mr. Crouch, this will be your first and final warning. If you copy off of Mr. Rosier again, you will both be in trouble. Is that clear?” Horror bloomed in Barty’s chest. He couldn't get Evan in trouble like that. Barty nodded, sullen.
Slughorns’ voice softened, and Barty looked up at his teacher. “Mr. Crouch, if you are having trouble with your schoolwork, we have programs at this school to help you. We want you to succeed,” he explained. Barty shook his head immediately - he didn't need help! He could do everything all on his own.
“No thanks, Professor. I’ve got it covered.” Barty repositioned his book bag where it was slipping off his shoulder, and hurried out of the office.
***
Barty heard laughter coming from his dorm, and he smiled subconsciously at the sound of his friends. As he entered, Evan yelled, “Snap!” and the entire deck exploded. Barty jumped, hitting the doorframe with his shoulder.
“Ouch, fuck!” Barty exclaimed, but he was smiling. He rubbed his sore shoulder absentmindedly.
“Hello, Barty. Are you done already?” Regulus asked, hopeful.
“Yeah, I am. I can join Game Night now!” Barty exclaimed, sitting down next to Evan.
“Great! But I can only play one more round, I want to have a quick nap before our Astronomy lesson at eleven,” Regulus said, shuffling the deck and handing out the cards for another round.
“Isn’t it funny how we’re allowed to have lessons so late?” Barty wondered.
“Well, how else are you supposed to see the fucking stars, Bee?” Evan sniped. Barty flipped him the finger.
“Shut up. I just think it's nice to go outside at night.” Evan hummed, setting a card down.
“I think Astronomy is my favourite subject. Or Herbology,” Evan said, tilting his head to one side.
“Astronomy is quite interesting. I like Transfiguration, and Charms.” Regulus added a card to the pile, sighing with relief when the deck didn't explode. Barty chewed the inside of his cheek in thought. I definitely don’t like subjects heavy in theory. Certainly not History of Magic…
“I like Defence Against the Dark Arts,” Barty voiced without thinking. Both Evan and Regulus turned to look at him strangely. Barty registered what he had said - and the implications he had suggested. Oh no, not like that, I didn't mean it like that!
“Oh, no, not - not like that,” Barty shook his head. “It’s just interesting to learn about curses and being able to use them in class. I like using magic.” Barty swallowed.
Evan accepted this, putting a card down and flinching when it exploded.
“Ah! Shit!” He yelled. Evan began to collect all the cards and put them back into their carton. But Regulus had gone quiet. He shifted uncomfortably.
“Ok… will one of you wake me up at 10:30, please?” Regulus asked. Evan nodded, heading downstairs to return the Exploding Snap. Regulus didn’t bother to get changed, rather, just fell straight into bed and drew the curtains. Barty nodded to an empty room, picking himself up to put his books away.
***
“Are you guys thinking of joining the Quidditch team next year?” Barty asked, puffing as he jogged up the stairs to reach the Astronomy tower. As they entered the open classroom, the teacher instructed them to set up a telescope and continue on the star chart they were given last week.
“Yes, I would like to join the team. My bro-Sirius and I always used to play in our backyard,” Regulus said, setting up the telescope he was at and pulling out his chart onto the table beside him. He quickly became absorbed in his work, effectively removing himself from the conversation. “If you guys need any help, ask me,” Regulus said distractedly, looking into the lens of the telescope. “I've been studying this since I was seven.”
Barty turned to face Evan. “What about you, Ev?” He fumbled with the scope of his telescope, almost breaking it off the tripod. Evan watched with amusement.
“Nah, I’m good. I can fly faster than you, and that’s all that matters,” Evan joked, corners of his eyes crinkling with laughter.
“Sod off. I reckon I'll go for beater. I would love to just hit stuff all game.” Barty mimicked hitting a Bludger in slow motion. Evan laughed, shaking his head and adding the name of a star to the corner of his chart.
“Of course, you want to be a beater. You’re too slow to be anything else!” Barty shoved Evan, sending his quill flying across the classroom. Their teacher pursed her lips, unimpressed. Barty had to stuff his fist into his mouth in an attempt to stifle his laughter when Evan went to retrieve his quill.
"Sorry!" Barty said, still giggling. Evan rolled his eyes, but a smile was playing in the corner of his mouth.
"Yeah, yeah... just help me with this bloody thing."